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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The District Head of Yola in Adamawa State,
Alhaji  Sa’adu Bawuro, has urged traditional title holders in his domain to  sensitise students in the area on the dangers of violence.
Bawuro made the call when he visited  Yelwa Primary School in Yola South Local Government Area.
He  urged title holders to take the sensitisation campaign to primary and secondary schools in their domains to enlighten students on the dangers of violence.
He said the  move  had  become necessary in view of the prevailing insecurity ravaging the  state and other North Eastern states.

Bauchi
Justice Rabi Umar of the Bauchi State High Court has
ordered the Police Commissioner in Kaduna State and the DPO in Saminaka to pay one Gideon Okoh the sum of N1 million for unlawful detention.
Passing the judgement in Bauchi, Umar said that the arrest and detention of the applicant on the orders of the DPO and on the insistence of the commissioner violated his fundamental human rights.
She therefore ordered that the duo and one Alhaji Sabo Gidan-Dutse to jointly pay the money to the applicant.
The judgment also added that apart from the N1 million, the DPO should refund additional sum of N5,000 taken from the applicant as bail money and N1,000.00 taken unlawfully.

Ekiti
Campaigns for the June 21 governorship election in
Ekiti State will formally begin on March 23, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said recently.
The INEC office in the state disclosed this in a Time Table and Schedule of Activities for the election released in Ado-Ekiti and made available to newsmen.
It also gave April 1 as the date for the collection of forms for the election by political parties.
According to the commission, verification of voters status will hold between March 7  and March 9, while Continuos Voters Registration (CVR) will take place between March 12 and March 17.

FCT

The police have started taking strategic proactive mea
sures to ensure peaceful elections in 2015, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, said recently.
Mba made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Director, Editorial Operations, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Mr Isaac Ighure, in Abuja.
He said that “beyond the internal preparations that we are doing, we are actually taking other proactive measures to ensure that we have hitch-free 2015 elections.
“We are also maintaining very strong surveillance on our campuses.”

Kaduna

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has
restated its commitment to ensure the success of ongoing power sector reforms in the country.
The Chairman, TCN Board, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim gave the pledge while inspecting facilities of Kaduna Transmission Company.
Represented by a member of the board, Prof. Peter Akper, the chairman said the reform was key to achieving national growth and development.
“We must emphasise that the government takes the power reforms very seriously; because it is the only key that we have to achieving our developmental objectives generally,” he said.
Kwara
A university teacher, Prof. Shehu Jimoh, has identified
polluted value system, disfunctional education, corruption and insecurity as some of the challenges facing Nigeria.
Jimoh, a former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of IIorin, made the observation in IIorin while speaking with newsmen.
He noted that the education system was not functional, stressing the need to review and re-engineer the system to restore its lost value
The don called on government to tackle the challenges facing the country for more development to be attained.

Lagos
The police in Lagos State have arraigned a 43-year-old
lawyer, Yinka Oluwole, who allegedly stole N10 million from his client.
Oluwole, who resides at No. 1, Jolaosho St., Obanikoro, Lagos, is standing trial before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court.
He was charged with stealing and obtaining money under pretext.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused and one David Okoro, still at large, stole the sum from Mr Femi Onamusi.
Olatunde said that the theft occurred on October 10, 2013, at No. 5, Obalodun St., Ilupeju, Lagos.

Niger
The management of Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai
in Niger State, has matriculated 2,222 students into its various programmes for  2013/2014 session.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibrahim Kolo, said at the university’s 8th Matriculation ceremony in Lapai that the new students constituted the largest number of students ever matriculated by the university.
He said the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences had 545 matriculating students; Natural Sciences, 470 students; and Education and Arts, 783 students.
Kolo said the Language and Communication Studies had 298 students, Agriculture; 75 students, while Faculty of Applied Science and Technology; 52 students each.

Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command says it has placed one
Bisi Onigogo on its “wanted list’’ for allegedly beating his daughter, Yemi, to death.
This was contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, issued last Tuesday in Abeokuta.
Adejobi said Onigogo allegedly committed the crime on March 3 at Ogbere in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.
He said that Onigogo was annoyed over his daughter’s misbehaviour and allegedly beat her to death, and escaped immediately he noticed she was dead.
Ondo
The Osun State House of Assembly has con
doled with its Ondo State counterpart  over the demise of its Speaker, Samuel Adesina.
The Deputy Speaker of Osun State Assembly, Mr Akintunde Adegboye, who led a delegation to Akure, described the late speaker as a leader,  who contributed to the development of Ondo State.
According to Adegboye, the late speaker must  be immortalised for creating a harmonious relationship between the executive and the lawmakers.
He expressed regrets at the  loss to the people of the state, and urged the lawmakers to maintain the existing peace the deceased had enthroned.

Oyo
A former Chairman of  Odua Investment Com
pany Ltd, Chief Sarafadeen Alli,  has  urged  pharmacists  to  refrain from aiding criminal activities.
Alli  made the observation  at the opening ceremony of the 30th  anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan.
According to him,  pharmacists should refrain from directly or indirectly  abetting criminal activities or  conspiring with drug traffickers.
Alli, who spoke as the guest speaker on  “Pharmacy Practice in Relations to Nigerian Law,’’  said pharmacists had responsibilities to the profession, colleagues,  clients  and the public.

Taraba
The Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) said
it would prosecute motorists with old number plates and drivers licence as from July 1.
Corps Commander, Clement Oladele, who is the Head, Advisory and Planning Unit of the Corps, stated this in Jalingo at a workshop to sensitise motorists on the need to switch over to the new policy.
Oladele noted that the workshop became necessary given the fact that the June deadline to phase out the old system was fast approaching.
“Nigerians are aware that  October 1, 2013  was set as deadline for them to switch over to the new licence and number plate following the launch of the new policy by President Goodluck Jonathan, but for some reasons the deadline was shifted to June, 2014.

Former Secretary to Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi (left), with Governor Aliyu  Wamakko, during an APC stakeholders meeting in Sokoto last Monday.

Former Secretary to Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi (left), with Governor Aliyu Wamakko, during an APC stakeholders meeting in Sokoto last Monday.

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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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