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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has an
nounced the suspension of its ongoing registration exercise in Bauchi State due to the death of its chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Jibo.
Speaking to newsmen recently, the National Vice Chairman of the party, Alhaji Muslihu Maigari, said the death came as a shock to the party.
According to him, Jibo’s  death was a serious loss to the party not only in the state but in the country.
Also speaking, the deceased’s brother, Alhaji Umar Jibo, said  Abdullahi died  at the National Hospital, Abuja while on official assignment.

FCT

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC) has advised the warring people of Guari and the Fulani communities in the Bwari Area Council, to learn to live  in peace.
NSCDC commandant in the area, Mr John Efere, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Bwari.
Speaking over the crisis between the Guari and Fulani people residing in Geram community, he said that there was need for the people to live in harmony.
Efere, a Chief Superintendent of NSCDC, also spoke of the necessity of the people to develop the attitude of staying vigilant and to report suspicious movements in the community.

Gombe

Gombe State Government said it had installed 20 fire
hydrant in Gombe, the state capital, to assist fire fighters with water to combat fire outbreaks.
Alhaji Isa Mohammed, General Manager of the state Water Corporation, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen recently.
He said that officials of the ministry would accompany fire fighters round the metropolis to show them the locations of the fire hydrant.
“We will soon take them (fire fighters) round the city to show them the locations of the fire hydrant”.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government said it had placed se
curity agencies on alert to avert any breakdown of law and order in the state. The Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Ben Bako, made the call in a statement in Kaduna.
Bako urged the residents to be vigilant, support security agencies and report suspicious movements around them to relevant authority.
“This call became necessary to assure citizens of government’s continuous vigilance on happenings within the state”.

Katsina

The Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria
(HERFON), an NGO, has urged the Katsina State Government to dedicate 25 per cent of its annual budget for the health sector to malaria control.
Chairman of the foundation in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Kurfi, made the call in Katsina during an advocacy visit to the State House of Assembly. The chairman said “malaria constitute majority of health problems in hospitals in the state, hence the need for allocating 25 per cent of health sector budget to ensure effective malaria control.’’
He urged the lawmakers to support the NGO in its malaria control efforts and always involve health professionals during their oversight visits to health facilities in the state.

Kwara

An expert on  Family Medicine, Dr Esther Bankole,
has warned homosexuals and those practising oral sex of the dangers of contracting hepatitis.
Bankole, a staff of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), gave the warning at  the Lenten season programme organised by the wife of the state’s  governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed.
She said those at risk were  people  with unusual sexual orientation such as  homosexuals, those practising oral sex and the sexually promiscuous.
Bankole, who described hepatitis as the inflammation of the liver tissue, said it  may also be caused by toxins, drugs, radiation or a virus.

Lagos

There was a mild drama at an Oshodi Magistrates’
Court in Lagos as an ex-convict, Segun Olanrewaju, changed his guilty plea as he was being sentenced.
Our correspondent  reports that Olanrewaju had earlier pleaded guilty to the theft of two mobile phones worth N80, 000.
Olanrewaju, 24, who resides at 23, Olufemi St., Yaba, was arraigned on March 4 and remanded him in Kirikiri Prisons after admitting the charge of theft.
The case was scheduled for facts and sentencing on Tuesday.
However, when the Magistrate, Akeem Fashola, was about to sentence him, he changed his plea, saying:“ I earlier pleaded guilty because I did not understand the charge.”
Nasarawa

A Grade One Area Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa
State has discharged a 19-year-old student,  Emmanuel Ebuka, charged with assaulting his colleague, Umoh Kelvin.Our correspondent  reports that Ebuka was arraigned on five counts of criminal conspiracy, trespass, intimidation, mischief and theft.
The presiding judge, Mr Albert Maga, discharged the accused, after the prosecutor, PC Friday Adaji, told the court that both parties had settled their differences “amicably”. Maga therefore struck out the case, and said “it is always good for parties in a matter to iron out their differences.
Ondo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned
in strong terms the  manhandling of two of its members in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, by suspected political thugs.
This is contained in a statement issued in Akure by the Zone ‘B’ Vice-President, Mr Dele Atunbi. The union described the attack on its members covering the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat that was gutted by fire in Ado-Ekiti as debasing and dehumanising. “We at the NUJ frown at a development where thugs have constituted themselves as lords in Ekiti State under a democratically elected government.

Osogbo

The Chairman, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation
(OSBC), Mr Kola Akanji has promised that the corporation would be fair to all political parties ahead of the August 9 governorship election in the state.
Akanji made the promise in Osogbo in an interview with newsmen. He said that both the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) had always been in the vanguard of fair hearing.
“As the governorship election approaches in Osun, the corporation is aware that there would be increased political activities from the parties, individuals and stakeholders.

Ogun

The Principal Dental Officer, Ogun State Dental Clinic,
Ijebu-Ode, Dr David Ogunba,has advised residents to go for regular  dental check-up   to prevent tooth decay and mouth odour.
Ogunba gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ijebu-Ode.
According to him, decay often  set in when  acid by bacterial fermentation of food debris accumulates in the tooth and destroys  its hard tissues. Ogunba said refined sugars found in confectioneries such as candies, chocolates, cakes, ice-cream, jams and peanut butter  were often  responsible for tooth decay.

Taraba

The Taraba Board of Internal Revenue has registered
over 5,000 eligible tax payers in the state from 2009 to date, its Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Galadima, has said.
Galadima told newsmen  in Jalingo that the registration captured both private individuals and civil servants. He said that all the registered persons had been issued Tax Identification Number (TIN) as directed by the National Joint Tax Board.
The chairman said the TIN would enable the board develop a data base that would assist in checking tax evasion.

L-R: District Head of Barnawa, Alhaji Kabir Zubairu, Chairman, TY Danjuma Foundation, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) and President, Civil Rights Congress, Comrade Shehu Sani, at the graduation  of participants of TY Danjuma Foundation vocational skills acquisition  in Kaduna State, last Wednesday. Photo: NAN.

L-R: District Head of Barnawa, Alhaji Kabir Zubairu, Chairman, TY Danjuma Foundation, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) and President, Civil Rights Congress, Comrade Shehu Sani, at the graduation of participants of TY Danjuma Foundation vocational skills acquisition in Kaduna State, last Wednesday. 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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