Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Katsina-Ala Local Government Council says it has started
the construction of rural roads to boost the transportation of farm produce from the council to urban markets .
The Chairman of the council, Mr Martins Agir, made this known during the ongoing accountability briefing for local government councils in the state.
Agir said his administration considered the construction of rural roads a priority, owing to the agrarian nature of the council, and disclosed that an ultra-modern yam market had also been constructed to boost its production in the area.
Agir, who expressed concern over the weak revenue profile of the council, said he dissolved the existing market committees and reconstituted new ones for the purpose of enhancing revenue collection.
Borno
The Borno State Government last Thursday said it planned
to recruit 100 fresh graduates to beef up the state civil service. Governor Kashim Shettima made this known when he received a delegation of past labour leaders in the state at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Shettima explained that the objective was to fill the existing vacancies at the middle cadre level in the service due mainly to retirements and death of civil servants.
A onetime president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ali Chiroma, who led the delegation, commended the governor for his developmental projects in spite of the prevailing security challenges facing the state.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State House of Assembly last Thursday passed
three bills aimed at strengthening the judicial process in the state. The bills were the “Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2014’, “Ekiti State Arbitration Bill 2014’ and “Ekiti State Law Reform Commission Bill 2014.
The Chairman, Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, Mr Segun Erinle, presented the three reports of his committee on the bills before they were considered and passed.
Welcoming the lawmakers to the new year, the Speaker, Adewale Omirin, thanked them for their patriotism which he noted translated to making laws that brought dividends of democracy to Ekiti citizens.
FCT
Senate President, David Mark, has called for the adoption
of a global approach to tackle terrorism in order to end the menace threatening world peace.
Mark said in Abuja when he played host to the British Parliamentary under- Secretary for Justice, Mr Jeremy Wright said that world leaders must come together to work out a blueprint to fight terrorism.
He noted the growing trend and spread of terrorists across the globe and canvassed for collaborative efforts to end the menace.
Gombe
The National Population Commission (NPC) last Thurs
day said it had registered 102,140 births in Gombe State in 2013.
The NPC Commissioner in charge of the state, Alhaji Bala Magaji, said the enlightenment programme of the commission had helped in eliciting positive response as more now registered their newly born babies.
He said the commission was also issuing attestation certificates to support the declaration of age and birth certificates of people above 17 years.
“Attestation certificate is equally universally accepted and it attracts only N2, 000. It is important for everybody to obtain it,” he advised.
Kano
The Harmattan season has brought some measures of ru
ral life to the metropolitan Kano city as many residents now converge at fire hearth to fight cold.
Residents now use firewood and charcoal to make fire to warm themselves and boil water for bath.
In the early morning and evening at Sabongari, Nasarawa and Fagge areas of the Kano State metropolis, people squat in groups around fire at tea shops and courtyards as “Majalisa” and chat heartily.
Commenting on the development, Mohammed Bello, a Nigerien who sells tea at Fagge, Kofar Mata, said that business had improved because some people drink tea (shayi) while warming themselves.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State House of Assembly last Thursday sus
pended its member, Dr Shehu Adamu, for six months over allegation of N180 million bribe levelled against other members.
The decision followed a motion by Alhaji Muhammad Ali, (Kawo – PDP), who drew the attention of members to an interview granted by Adamu, (Maigana-APC), where he made the allegation.
Adamu had in an interview on September 23, 2013 in the electronic media and national dailies, accused members of collecting bribe of N10 million each to remove the former speaker, Usman Gangara and other principal officers.
On November 6, 2013 when the motion was moved by Ali, the assembly mandated its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate.gation.
Kwara
Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara State has consti
tuted a committee on job creation.
Inaugurating the committee last Thursday in Ilorin, the governor said his administration had put ‘necessary machinery in motion’ to create jobs for youths in 2014, and said the committee would work out modalities for the establishment of job intervention initiative tagged “QuickWin’’ programme.
Ahmed said his administration was determined to get more young people into employment this year, noting that government would also facilitate the training of some youths and offer credit facilities to others who might wish to start their own business.
Lagos
Lagos State President of the Environmental Health Offic
ers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Mr Akin Akingbehin, has advised operators of eatery houses to ensure that their staff are medically fit.
Akingbehin said last Thursday in Lagos that it was important to get the potential workers examined, to ascertain their health status before being employed by fast foods operators.
According to him, the potential workers must also meet certain requirements necessary to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases.
He advised eateries’ operators to adhere strictly to the stipulated laws guiding the operation and standard of eatery business and told them to be mindful of the impact of their waste generation on their immediate environment.
Niger
Niger State Government said it spent over N477.6 million
on the settlement of WASCE and NABTEB registration fees for the final year students in public schools in the state last academic session.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Danladi Abdulhameed who, stated this in Minna last Thursday during an interactive session with newsmen said that under the state’s free education policy, the government pays one public examination fees for students in the state, while the parents pay for the other.
He said most parents preferred paying the National Examination Council (NECO) fees while the state government settled WASCE fees and other examinations.
Osun
The Director of the Centre for Distance Learning, Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Bode Asubiojo, has described distance learning education as a viable alternative.
Asubiojo said in an interview last Thursday in Osogbo that distance learning education was the only way to curb the desperation for admission into universities among school leavers.
The don cited the example of some prominent Nigerians who did not have university education through the conventional classrooms but became educated through distance learning.
He, however, stressed the need for operators of distance learning initiatives to adhere to international best practices in the delivery of programmes.
Oyo
Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has
received books worth N5 million from Heinemann publishers to complement her ‘Educate a Rural Child’ (ERC) project.
Senior Special Assistant on Social Welfare, Mrs Sandra Kolade, who received the books on her behalf, said that the books would be distributed to ERC intervention primary schools, as library resource materials.
She reiterated Ajimobi’s commitment to taking qualitative education to children in the rural areas and promised that all the books would get to the right places.
Chairman, Heinemann, Mr Ayo Ojeniyi, noted that books were indispensable tools to education, stating that primary education should be accorded priority as the foundation on which other phases of education rested.
Plateau
The Chairman of Plateau State Independent Electoral Com
mission (PLASIEC), Mr Peter Dalyop, last Thursday announced that six political parties had been cleared to contest the January 30 council elections.
Dalyop hinted the political parties as; All Peoples Grand Alliance (APGA), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and All Progressives Congress (APC).
He told newsmen in Jos that he was satisfied with the screening and clearing of candidates of the political parties, adding that the candidates list would be released on Monday.
Taraba
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
lastThursday donated relief materials to victims of state of emergency in neighbouring Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, taking refuge in Taraba.
The Agency’s Director-General, Alhaji Muhammed Sidi, donated the materials in Jalingo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
Represented by the head of Gombe State Operations Office of the Agency, Mr Appolos Jediel, Sidi said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the victims, adding that the donation was in response to the request for assistance by the Taraba State acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar.
L-R: Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Funso Ibikunle Amosun,Wife of Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government, Mrs Funke Oladipo,Wife of Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs Funmi Adeyemi, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, at the funeral service of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s Daughter, Iyetade, last Friday. Photo: NAN
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.
Stakeholders drawn across the four local government areas of Ogoniland in Rivers State, have expressed delight over the excellent performance of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey within the past two years, describing him as a true patriot, who has been showing leadership in delivering service to the people.
The stakeholders, who gave the indication in their separate goodwill messages during the mid-term stakeholders engagement and scorecard presentation organised by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, scored the Project Coordinator high on the Ogoni cleanup and the overall implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
The President of KAGOTE and Board member of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon Emma Deeyah, particularly commended Zabbey for turning around the fortunes of the Ogoni people, as they are now having value for the money earmarked for the cleanup project, describing the Project Coordinator as “one of our best.”
He noted that Zabbey has done well on the saddle, working very hard, being an administrator and leader with listening ears, striving assiduously to meet the yearnings and expectations of the people.
He said the Ogoni cleanup is a journey that has just begun, stressing that he was happy that the Project Coordinator is not on the saddle to amass wealth but to deliver and achieve results, and appealed to the Ogoni people to continue to give him their support.
On his part, member representing Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, said HYPREP under the watch of Zabbey is working with renewed vigour, and thanked the Project Coordinator for driving the Ogoni cleanup project with passion.
He noted that the funds dedicated and earmarked for the project are running out, disclosing that he was working on an Executive Bill, to facilitate the work of HYPREP.
While stressing the need for the people to take full responsibility of all the projects sited in their communities, Dekor regretted that some beneficiaries had sold the starter packs presented to them by HYPREP, while the water facility provided in his Bierra community has been vandalised.
The King of Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nnee, said HYPREP under Zabbey as Project Coordinator has been delivering on its mandate, describing him as a square peg in a square hole, who has given hope to the Ogoni people.
The monarch urged the Ogoni people to give the Project Coordinator the necessary support.
The Paramount Ruler of Barako Community and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Mene Kadilo Kabari, said Zabbey has always demonstrated that he is a true patriot by carrying along Ogoni people from all strata of the society, describing him as a performing Project Coordinator.
He noted that the bane of HYPREP before now had been the conflict between the Project Coordinator and the Minister of Environment, saying, under Zabbey, Ogoni people can now see what unity of purpose can achieve.
He expressed delight that the water facility which was the first commissioned by HYPREP in his community is functioning optimally following the solar-powered system installed by the Project.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, King(Dr) Philip Osaro Obelle thanked HYPREP’s management team for all that it is doing in Ogoniland, stressing that the Project was built on the graves, bellies and blood of Ogoni sons and daughters who lost their lives during the Ogoni struggle.
He, therefore, advised HYPREP “not to deviate from the expectations of our heroes but to do those things that would benefit Ogoni people for the betterment of Ogoniland.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon Oji Ngofa said HYPREP has been like the government of Ogoniland, and harped on the sustainability of all the projects.
According to him, Zabbey has been giving HYPREP a human face.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Barineme Fakae applauded Zabbey for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and stressed the need for the implementation of the recommendations of its technical committee which recently submitted its report.
According to him, if the project succeeds, Ogoni people are going to succeed.
Chief Priscillia Vikue, on her part, thanked Zabbey for his outstanding performance, saying, the women of Ogoni are very happy with what he is doing in Ogoniland.
While scoring the Project Coordinator highly on his performance, she said the women are happy because Zabbey knows what he is doing with HYPREP.
“You went to school.You did not cut corners.You are a square peg in a square hole.You have engaged women and the youths. We have seen what you have done. And we give you A1”, she said, and challenged Zabbey to see how more women would participate in the project and also how to sustain it.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the mid-term engagement is important because “it allows us to present tangible evidence of progress in the Ogoni cleanup effort, reinforce accountability, deepen transparency, and most importantly, enables HYPREP to interact directly with the communities and stakeholders who are the heartbeat of this project.”
He noted that the scorecard presentation is designed to show what HYPREP has achieved across key thematic areas, what challenges it is currently grappling with, and what the road ahead looks like, saying, “it is a moment for stocktaking and for re-affirming our shared commitment to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project”.
According to him, HYPREP has recorded commendable progress in the implementation of its core mandates in line with UNEP recommendations and the directives in the official gazette establishing HYPREP.
Donatus Ebi
The South-South representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok, has concluded his one-day official visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Rivers State, with the unveiling of the Mass Communication Department classroom building. The project was executed under the 2021 TETFund intervention project.
During the unveiling of the project, Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rt. Hon. Uduyok commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the educational sector and praised the polytechnic’s management for utilising TETFund resources judiciously.
He noted that the quality of ongoing projects met approved specifications, and expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress.
The TETFund representative stated that his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with beneficiary schools, assess fund utilization, and identify challenges.
He assured the school management that he would convey their requests for constructing engineering works and hostel accommodations to the board and notify them of any approval.
Rt. Hon. Uduyok explained that the TETFund Board is not initiating new projects this year, except where necessary, due to presidential directives. However, he commended the institution for the commendable quality of both completed and ongoing projects.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, thanked the TETFund representative for visiting, and highlighted the institution’s successes and challenges. He requested support for hostel accommodations and engineering works, emphasising that a higher institution without hostels is akin to a glorified secondary school.
Dr. Neebee while briefing the visitor on the institution’s progress, noted that it currently runs 21 National Diploma programme and five Higher National Diploma courses. He disclosed that the school accessed the 2021 TETFund release in full but faced challenges with the 2023 fund due to harsh economic conditions and bid process delays, which increased project costs. The Rector pleaded for assistance in securing additional funds for the 2023 intervention release.
Akujobi Amadi