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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The College of Education, Hong, in Adamawa State,
has been shut down and students directed to go home following alleged threat by members of the Boko Haram sect to attack the school.
The Provost of the college, Dr Johnson Pongri, who confirmed the closure in a news conference in Yola, said the move was based on the advice of the Military Task Force in the area.
Pongri said the school had been receiving threat letters by unknown persons who claimed to be members of the Boko Haram.
In another development, Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has visited Michika and Shuwa towns to sympathise with victims of recent attack by insurgents.

FCT

Vice President Namadi Sambo said every Nigerian
who had contributed or is still contributing to nation-building is a winner in the centenary celebrations.
Sambo stated this in Abuja in a welcome address at the centenary awards and dinner chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Vice President said while 100 people had been selected for the centenary awards, many more Nigerians are deserving of it.
“They are by no means not only the people to be celebrated, there are many more Nigerians.
“But, as the saying goes, many are called, few are chosen, he said.

Jigawa

Residents of Dutse in Jigawa State have expressed
surprise over the first rainfall recorded in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the heavy downfall, which started 6.10 p.m. lasted for one and half hours.
Rabiu Shehu, a resident of the town said that he was surprised when he noticed heavy cloud in the sky and did not believe it would rain.
He said that the state used to record its first rainfall in the month of May.

Kogi

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State said that the
state would intensify efforts toward ensuring
that the state remained polio free.
Wada made the pledge at the launch of the March 2014 National Immunisation Plus Days at Okpo, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, described the immunisation exercise as a critical aspect of government’s effort to reduce communicable diseases.
He expressed delight that the state remained polio free and assured the people that the government’s programmes were designed to put smiles on the faces of vulnerable groups in the state.

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has urged
civil servants to always offer useful advice to politicians in order to attain the laudable goal of transforming the society.
Ahmed made the call at the opening of the 38th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments in Ilorin recently.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Elder Peter Kisira, said the civil service was a veritable tool for attainment of the growth and development of the nation.
Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji, called on heads of service across the country to develop a system which would improve the capacity of civil servants across the nation.
Lagos

The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku,  said
the Federal Government had created an atmosphere of freedom for the media to operate.
Maku spoke at the 30th Memorial of the late Founder of the Punch newspapers, Chief James Aboderin, which held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.
He said the Federal Government would continue to support the media, stressing that there was no reason for any news medium not to prosper.
“If you look at the writings, I believe the Nigerian press is one of the freest in the world today and that is the best the government can do not to suppress other views”, he said.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji
Ibrahim Idris, has advised politicians against “do-or-die politics.’’
The commissioner gave the advice at an interactive session with leaders of the APC and PDP, ahead of the state’s Local Government polls, slated for March 22.
“Politicians must avoid acts that portray them as desperate, they must avoid being selfish.’’
Idris admonished the leadership of the two parties to enlighten their followers on the need to be orderly during the election, vowing to deal decisively with anybody or group, that might want to foment trouble.

Niger

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology
(FUT) Minna, Prof. Musbau Akanji has inaugurated the new management board of the university’s Search FM 92.3 Radio Station.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice Chancellor charged the members to nurture the station and enforce the ethics of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Akanji congratulated them and urged them to keep up the standard of the radio station.
He urged the board members to ensure that the station served as a training medium and provide exposure to students in media-related courses of the institution.

Osun

A group, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and
Harmony in Africa Initiative, has advised Nigerians to use the centenary celebrations to reflect on how to build a better nation.
The group in a statement in Osogbo, urged Nigerians to reflect on the virtues of tolerance, justice and other values that would uphold the status of Nigeria as a leading nation.
The statement, signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Ojomo, challenged Nigerians to reflect and evaluate the past so as to take a better stock of the present.

Plateau

The Sultan of Sokoto, Ahaji Sa’ad Abubukar, has
urged traditional rulers and other Nigerians to unite to collectively fight extremism and terrorism.
Abubakar made the appeal on Saturday in Jos, when he visited the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba.
The sultan said that Nigerians, irrespective of religious leanings, had a common problem in terrorism.
“We have common problems in this country – religious extremism, terrorism, poverty, unemployment, strikes, dearth of basic infrastructure, among others. “These problems have no religious or tribal colour, and we must unite and defeat them so that God Almighty, who created us, will bless us.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government is to establish more
micro-finance banks to promote economic empowerment of the masses.
Governor Aliyu Wamakko announced this in Sokoto State at the 2013 Bankers’ Committee Dinner and Award Night.
According to the governor, micro-finance has proven to be a vibrant tool to improve the living standards of the people, especially those at the grassroots.
“The few ones operating in Gwadabawa, Yabo, Sokoto and Goronyo, among others, are really helping in revamping the rural economies’’, Wamakko said.

Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command said it had
arrested seven suspected cult members.
Addressing newsmen in Jalingo, Mr Joseph Kwaji, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said they were arrested in a forest opposite Federal Government College Wukari on the Jalingo road recently.
He said the suspects would be charged with criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly and unlawful possession of fire arms.
He said that they were nabbed following information provided by members of the vigilance group in Wukari Local Government Area.

L-R:   Lagos State representatives at the National Confab,  Prof. Tunde Samuel,  Prince Rabiu Oluwa,  Chairman,  Alhaji  Femi Okunnu,  Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos,  Mr Supo Sasore (San), Mr Waheed Ayeni and Mrs Olufunmi Oshinowo-Bashorun,  during their meeting with Governor  Fashola  in Lagos last Monday. Photo: NAN

L-R: Lagos State representatives at the National Confab, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Prince Rabiu Oluwa, Chairman, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, Mr Supo Sasore (San), Mr Waheed Ayeni and Mrs Olufunmi Oshinowo-Bashorun, during their meeting with Governor Fashola in Lagos last Monday. Photo: NAN

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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