Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB), Bauchi, has distributed items worth N26 million to physically-challenged pupils spread across various schools in the state.
The Executive Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Abdullahi Dabo, said in Bauchi while distributing the items, that the effort would assist the pupils pursue education with little difficulties.
Dabo said 150 wheel chairs, 100 crouches, 20 sewing machines, 20 knitting machines, 20 Perkins brail machines, three brail computers, four desktop computers and sewing materials were distributed.
He said the intervention would help the pupils to learn together with other students in the same environment under the board’s inclusive education programme.
Benue
Wood carvers in Makurdi, Benue State, have decried
incessant attacks on villages in some local government areas of the state by suspected herdsmen.
A cross section of these professionals told newsmen that they no longer felt safe to go into the hinterland to fell trees for their trade.
A 70-year-old wood carver, Mr Solomon Nyamkyor, expressed concern that the herdsmen had occupied the hinterland with their cattle .
Nyamkyor added that the activities of the herdsmen had adversely affected their business as they could no longer access the big trees suitable for their business.
FCT
The Deputy Director, National Identity Management
Commission (NIMC), Mrs Mifor Udoh, says the national identity card scheme is critical to national development drive.
Udoh said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to her, the identity card scheme can be used to collect valuable electronic data, protect them from theft, and facilitate financial payment while it remains a universally acceptable resource for confirming identity.
The deputy director added that the current national exercise would help to actualise the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Gombe
Two policemen are feared dead following a clash be
tween them and some youths in Difa village of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.
A reliable source in the area told our correspondent in Gombe that the incident occurred in the night of February 16.
According to the source, some policemen on routine night patrol from Kwadon division arrested some youths in the village for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs.
The source said that the arrest did not go down well with other youths whose protest led to violent clashes that resulted in the death and burning of the bodies of the two policemen.
Kano
Youths from the Northwest zone of the country have
agreed to table the challenges of employment, poverty and violence confronting them at the upcoming National Conference.
The Vice-Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Alhaji Jamilu Karama, made the disclosure in Kano while addressing journalists on the outcome of the council’s meeting on February 15 in Kano.
“For a long time, youths have been left at the back stage of political development in Nigeria. We appreciate the interventions of various government policies on youths, but we feel more is needed,’’ he said.
Karama, who was nominated to the conference by youths in the zone, attributed failures of the youth to their large population without corresponding resources and facilities to cater for them.
Kebbi
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in
Kebbi State has said it would spend N88.5 million to maintain damaged roads linking Jega-Koko-Yauri and the border with Niger Republic.
Mr Ali Mohammed, the Maintenance Officer of the agency, said this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
He said that N44.2 million would be spent to rehabilitate the Jega-Maiyama and Maiyama-Yauri-Koko road, representing sections two and three of the federal highway in the state.
He explained that the 400km Kontagora-Sokoto road would be rehabilitated.
Lagos
The Lagos State Government has sealed a firm along
Adeniji Jones, Ikeja, for allegedly assaulting an official of the state’s Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
The Head, Distrain Unit of LIRS, Mrs Folasade Coker-Afolayan, was said to have been attacked and wounded when she served a notice of tax default on the firm.
It was learnt that the incident occurred when an official of the firm ordered Coker-Afolayan and others out of the company’s premises.
The firm, it was said, allegedly owed the state government N11.5 million in unremitted personal income taxes of its workers in 2012.
Managing Director of the company, Mr Sam Osunde, however, told reporters that the company’s officials resisted the attempt to seal the company because it also served as his residence.
Nasarawa
A Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, in Mararaba,
Nasarawa State, has ordered former lovers, Rhoda Ndukwe, 34, and Michael Agbor, 39, to steer clear of each other.
The presiding judge, Mr Albert Maga, gave the order at the resumed hearing of the case when Ndukwe told the court that she had agreed to withdraw charges against her former fiancée.
The court was told that Ndukwe, 34, of Kabayi village and Agbor, 39, of same address in Abuja, lived together.
Ndukwe said she decided to withdraw the charges on the ground that the accused had agreed never to intimidate her again.
Maga also ordered the accused to write an undertaking never to intimidate Ndukwe again and that both should steer clear of each other.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has directed the
State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to conduct a referendum on the proposed creation of additional 27 Local Council Development Areas.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, gave the directive during plenary in Osogbo.
It would be recalled that Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had on Dec. 16, 2013, presented a bill to the House for the creation of the councils.
The bill, which had scaled through second reading, would increase the number of local governments and local council development areas to 57 if passed into law.
Oyo
A housewife, Mrs Rachael Adekanmi, has urged an
Oyo State High Court to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage to her husband, John, alleging abandonment.
The complainant said that her husband had abandoned her and their two children in the last five years.
She said that the family had resided at No. 2, Ade Festus Way, Gbodofu area of Osogbo before her husband left.
The complainant, who told the court that she got married to her husband on Feb. 20, 2004, added that her husband had already married another wife.
Plateau
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau, Mr Chris Olakpe,
has set up a joint Police/ Traditional Rulers Security Committee, to curtail violence in the state.
Olakpe announced the formation of the committee during a one-day interactive session with traditional and religious leaders in Jos.
“The committee will be holding security meetings every end of the month, to trash out grey areas, through intelligence information sharing.
Taraba
The Coordinator, Examination Ethics International,
Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed, has described the lingering examination malpractice in the country as “poisonous and a threat to the future of Nigeria”.
Muhammed told newsmen in Jalingo that some parents, teachers and students had “almost legalised the illegal practice” of examination malpractice.
“They say money is the root of all evils, but examination malpractice is the greatest evil we have in Nigeria.
“We have cases of building collapse, bad governance, corruption and other negative acts. These are being perpetrated by products of examination malpractice,” he said.
L-R: Afenifere chieftain, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, during the preliminary meeting of the Yoruba Committee on National Conference in Ijebu last Monday. 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