Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi, has ordered two
brothers, Mzuaii Uaaku and Terzungwe Uaaku, to be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Makurdi, for alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
Mzuaii, 35, and Terzungwe, 25, both farmers, hail from Mondo village in Logo Local Government Area of Benue.
The police prosecutor, Cpl. Adama Owoicho, told the court that Oragbai Terna of R.C.M Primary School, Oragbai, reported the case at the Oragbai police station on March 28.
He said that the complainant was at home when his son, Terso Terna, reported to him that he had been attacked.
FCT
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says
it has commenced the construction of a transmission bye-pass to temporarily replace the destroyed 132kV transmission line from Tegina to Kotangora, Niger State.
Mr Dave Ifabiyi, TCN Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), disclosed this in a statement in Abuja recently.
The statement said the company had mobilised to the site to construct the transmission line which was destroyed by rain on April 18.
It said that four transmission towers were destroyed as a result of the incident at Corner Mariga after Tegina, Niger state, causing power outage in the area.
Gombe
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists
(NAWOJ) has commended Hajiya Adama Dankwambo, wife of Gombe State governor, for empowering more than 7,000 women in the state.
Mrs Ruth Absolon, the Chairperson of the association in the state, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
She said that the beneficiaries were empowered in the last three years.
“The wife of the governor had empowered more than 7,000 women across the state.
“Honestly, she (Dankwambo) has empowered women, particularly the rural dwellers and less privileged, who were hopeless.”
Jigawa
Poultry farmers in Hadejia, Jigawa State, have la
mented the high prices of chicken feeds in the area.
They also called on the state government to establish a feeds mill to encourage processing and poultry production in the state.
A cross section of the farmers who spoke to our correspondent in Hadejia, said that the measure was necessary to end scarcity and enhance access to the products.
Mrs Halima Ismail, a poultry farmer, said that high cost of feeds was making poultry farming expensive and less attractive.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has commenced the
training of 150 Sharia Courts Judges on advanced Sharia Legal System to enhance dispensation of Islamic Justice in the state.
Addressing the participants in Birnin Kebbi, the Chief Registrar, Sharia Court of Appeal, Alhaji Muhammad Sani, said the training would improve Judges’ practical knowledge and enhance their understanding and memory on Sharia legal system.
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Kaduna
Kaduna State Government said it had paid more than N100 million to the National Examination Council (NECO) as examination fee for its 15,000 candidates.
The Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali, disclosed this in a statement issued in Kaduna, and made available to newsmen.
Ali said the settlement of the fee would alleviate the financial burden on parents and guardians of the students, encourage access to education and improve the status of education in the state.
He however said only students that obtained at least five credits, including mathematics and English language, would benefit from the programme.
Lagos
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-opera
tives in Lagos State, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, has urged Nigerians to exploit the benefits of coconut.
Lawal gave the advice at Badagry during the grand finale of the annual coconut festival, saying that its benefits were under-exploited in the country.
“Coconut is often referred to as the tree of life and a wonder crop because of its versatility as all the parts can be put to economic and social use.
“Every part of the tree including the stem, branch, fruits has significant use; it has economic, environmental, medicinal and ornamental benefits which has been grossly unexploited in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole”, he said.
Ogun
The police have arraigned two women, Remi
Odeyemi, 27, and Aishat Showunmi, 19, in a Magistrates’ Court in Ota, Ogun, for slapping a policeman.
The accused were arraigned on a two-count charge of assault and conspiracy.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Olumide Awoleke, told the court that on April 7 at about 8.00 p.m. at Igbusi village, Ifo in Ota, the accused persons slapped Cpl. Yemi Odeniyi while on duty.
He said that the assault on Odeniyi was unprovoked, adding that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 356(i) and 516 of the Criminal Code Revised Law of Ogun, 2006.
Osun
Dr Muritala Afolabi of Ladoke Akintola Teaching
Hospital (LAUTECH), Osogbo, has advised that malaria should be properly diagnosed before treatment.
Afolabi gave the advice in an interview with newsme in Osogbo.
The medical practitioner said “it is wrong to embark on malaria treatment without proper diagnosis.OyoOyo
Oyo
A professor of Chemical Pathology, Ladoke
Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Prof. Taiwo Adewole, has called for a national policy on DNA-based medical diagnosis of diseases in Nigeria.
Adewole made the call in his inaugural lecture in Oshogbo recently.
“DNA in the medical terms is a popular acronym for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a double-stranded filamentous structure (molecule) found in the nucleus of every cell of higher organisms, including man.
“Every disease is about DNA while DNA is the key to the diagnosis, prognosis (disease outcome) and treatment of diseases, like cancer and malaria,” he said.
Sokoto
A delegate to the ongoing national conference,
Prof. Sambo Wali, says the conference is not only desirable, but timely.
“The conference is a welcome development to all well meaning and patriotic Nigerians who have the interest of the nation at heart,” he said.
Wali, who addressed a news conference in Sokoto, also said that it would allow Nigerians to express themselves freely.
“The conference is a forum to discuss the diverse views and feelings of the citizens about the country which has existed for over a century as a single indivisible entity.
Yobe
A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC)
in Yobe State, Alhaji Sani Fema, says the party’s consensual procedure in the ward and local government congresses had produced most popular and acceptable officials.
Fema said this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu recently .
He said efforts were in place to produce the state executive council of the party by consensus.
“We are all putting heads together under the leadership of the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, to produce, through collective agreement, officials that will lead the party at the state level”, he said.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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