Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Programme Manager, Bauchi State Agricultural
Development Project, Dr Iliyasu Gital, recently advocated enhanced recruitment, training and deployment of extension workers to boost the country’s agricultural sector.
Gital said in Bauchi that poor agricultural extension service was affecting the national food security and the agricultural transformation agenda of the present administration.
He described the extension service as “very poor and low’’ because the ratio of farmer per extension officer stood at one extension officer to about 10,000 farmers.
The programme manager said that it was only in Bauchi State that the ratio was one extension officer to about 1,000 farmers.
He said those trained were currently training farmers and some agents that were not opportune to attend the training sessions.
Benue
The Principal of Government College, Makurdi, Mr Godfrey
Ugudu, has said the school had received letter from Boko Haram sect threatening to attack the school.
Ugudu, who announced this at a news conference in Makurdi and added that the school received two letters which had the same content on May 14.
“The two letters, which were written in pidgin English, were sighted inside one of the classrooms and the second one was slipped into the staff room’’, he said.
The principal commended the government and security operatives in the state for their prompt response to the issue, adding that he had informed the Principal of Mount Saint Gabriel.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Dan Ezeala, confirmed the report and assured that police were on top of the situation.
Borno
The Borno State Government last Sunday said it had
sponsored 50 students to India on irrigation agriculture.
A statement by Malam Isa Gusau, Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima, stated that it was part of the state government’s approaches to fight the menace of insurgents.
The statement stated that the students left Nigeria for India on Saturday on board an Ethiopian airline in Abuja.
It stated that Governor Kashim Shettima addressed them at Ogbeh farms in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Shettima said the beneficiaries were selected across the 27 local government areas of the state for even spread and disclosed that the trainees were to undergo a three-week train-the-trainers course on irrigation equipment installation, effective utilisation and maintenance.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State last
Saturday appealed to abductors of female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State to release them.
Dankwambo made the appeal in Gombe while speaking at the inauguration of an organisation, ‘Talba-Neighbour-to Neighbour’ to provide poverty alleviation materials to the less privileged persons in the state.
The governor called on the abductors to release the innocent girls to reunite with their families.
“I, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, call on whoever that abducted the Chibok girls to release them. “The girls are innocent; they should be released and the abductors should come out and talk if it is somebody’s fault,” he said.
Jigawa
The Kafinhausa Local Government Council in Jigawa State
last Saturday inaugurated a Special Task Force to mobilise people to participate in polio immunisation.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Balo Tambale, made the announcement at a meeting with the committee members in Kafinhausa, the headquarters of the council.
Tambale, who is also the chairman of the committee, said that membership of the committee was made up of community and religious leaders as well as health workers.
He named other members of the committee to include representatives of the police and non governmental organisations.
Tambale said that the committee was to mobilise people, ensure effective monitoring and supervision of the exercise in the area stating that the council would also reward any community leader who recorded the highest coverage in the next round of immunisation in the area.
Kano
Local councils election holding in Kano State has recorded
low turn out of women in parts of the state. Areas affected include Unguwar Gano and Unguwar Fulani in Tarauni Local Government Area and some parts of Na’ibawa in Kumbotso Local Government.
Some of the residents said they did not allow their wives to come out to vote for fear of violence during the election.
One of them, Malam Saminu Bala, however, said he would “monitor the situation” before allowing his wives to come out to vote.
The situation is similar in Gwale Local Government Area, where the Information Officer of the council, Hajiya Amina Dankadai, confirmed the low turnout of women in polling units across the area.
However, local governments like Gwarzoo and Ungogo had recorded large turn out of women, who were seen patiently waiting in queues, to cast their vote.
Lagos
A new cable television network to “advance the cause of
the Catholic faith in Africa, Europe and parts of Asia is to hit the airwaves on May 22.
The station, known as Lumen Christi, located at Km. 15 on the Lagos-Epe Expressway at Lekki, Lagos, is to transmit free-to-air programmes, produced by various Catholic parishes in Nigeria and other African countries.
The Proprietor of the network, Mr Robert Olagunju, said the station would transmit its programmes in English with sub-titles in French and occasionally in Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili and Pidgin.
Olagunju, a Catholic faithful, said that he built the station to commemorate his 50th birthday and to show gratitude to God and humanity.
Olagunju said that the station would among other programmes, offer religious cartoons for kids as well as faith sessions, to be anchored by priests and other religious people.
Nasarawa
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, last Sunday
donated N8 million to some farmers affected by communal clash in four local government areas of the state.
The governor, who also donated relief materials such as foodstuff, mattresses and ground-nut oil, had visited the victims in Doma.
The communities that benefited included Idada, Abaabu, Tachia and Jangaru, all in Doma, Obi, Keana and Awe Local Government Areas of the state.
Al-Makura said that the donation was to provide relief to the affected persons to enable them resettle, adding that the welfare of the citizens of the state was his priority.
The governor also assured residents of adequate security, saying and stressed the need for residents of the state and all Nigerians to be united and to live in peace with one another.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ogun State
last Saturday, warned motorists to exercise caution and drive carefully during the rainy season to prevent accidents.
Sector Commander, Mr Adegoke Adetunji, gave the advice in an interview in Abeokuta and said that the warning became necessary because the rate of road traffic accidents was always high and worrisome during the rainy season.
“During the rainy season we have a lot of road crashes because drivers, especially the commercial drivers, fail to do those things that they are expected to do to make their vehicle road worthy.
“I want to advise our drivers to always pull off the road for safety when there is poor visibility during down pour,’’ he said.
The sector commander advised the motorists to maintain the normal speed limit stated in the Highway Code.
“It does not mean that when an official of the FRSC tells you that you have a limit of 100 kilometres per hour, you must stick to it; the weather condition should determine your speed. “The Ogun command will continue to sensitise the people at various motor parks and other places across the state to safety tips and the need to drive carefully this period,’’ he said.
Oyo
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed
Indabawa, recently in Ibadan urged various communities in the country to engage in community policing.
Indabawa, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Bisi Clet-Ilobanafor, said this during the 5th Anniversary Lecture on Road Accident Information and Rescue Organisation with the lecture “Developing an Effective National Security.’’
Indabawa said that community policing was the collaboration of the community members with the police to ensure that the society was free of crime.
He said that the police could not achieve any meaningful success in crime prevention without the support of the community.
In his remark, Mr Okanlawon Bamgboye, National Executive Coordinator of the Community Policing, said that the objective of the lecture was to look at the present security challenges in Nigeria and the way forward.
Sokoto
Senator Ahmed Maccido ( PDP-Sokoto), said last Saturday
that he had built five Information, Communications and Technology ( ICT) Centres with N250 million.
Maccido, who represents Sokoto Central Senatorial District, said that the centers were established in Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Kware, Binji and Tangaza local governments to encourage youth in the constituency to be ICT literate.
He said in Sokoto that all the centres had been fully equipped and made operational.
“These centres will help in training the teeming youths from the constituency, as the ICT is now the vogue globally. “ The gesture is aimed at making them employable, while most of them will be transformed into employers of labour,” he added.
L-R: Deputy Director, Department of Security Service (DSS), Mrs Marilyn Ogar, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade and Force Public Relations, Mr Frank Mba, at the news conference on security in Abuja, yesterday.
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