Nation
THE STATES
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the last
Friday assassination of the Emir of Gwoza, Alh Idrissa Timta, by the insurgent group, Boko Haram.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, disclosed this on Saturday, in an interview with the State House correspondents in Abuja.
He said the president had also spoken about those who were willing to renounce terrorism and those who were willing to embrace peace,
According to him opportunities have been created for them through the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolutions of Conflict in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.
Jigawa
A group, the Education Sector Support Programme in
Nigeria (ESSPIN) is to conduct a head count of out-of-school children in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa.
The Coordinator of the programme, Malam Danladi Abubakar, made the disclosure last Saturday during an advocacy visit to Auyo, Jigawa.
ESSPIN is a key education intervention programme, supported by the British Department for International Development (DFID).
The programme is designed to support the development of basic education, nomadic and adult literacy programmes.
Kano
The Kano State Government has commended the
remarkable improvement in the level of compliance to the monthly sanitation exercise in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, who gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen shortly after the exercise in Kano last Saturday. He said that the level of compliance was unprecedented as fewer defaulters were recorded as against the previous exercises.
Ten mobile courts that operated under the state Task Force Committee on Sanitation for the month of May arrested 180 defaulters.
Also, the courts received the sum of N443, 750 being fines received from defaulters to the exercise in various parts of the state during the month.
Katsina
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir last
Saturday urged the populace to always do the right thing for the country to overcome its challenges.
He said in Katsina when he conferred the traditional title of ‘Kaugaman Katsina’ on the Acting Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, that without attitudinal change, the nation’s economic and social challenges would be difficult to surmount.
The emir also urged the populace to continue to pray for peace in the country, and continue to support efforts by government to address the nation’s challenges and also called on religious leaders to avoid utterances capable of bringing about disunity among the people.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has promised that
his administration would ensure that politicking in the state would be devoid of rancour and violence ahead of 2015 general elections.
Wada who gave the promise in a statement issued in Lokoja last Sunday by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Michael Abu, said that the administration would ensure peaceful coexistence among political parties in the state, which he said, had always been the cardinal focus of his administration.
He said that politicking should be development and people oriented and not destructive, he added
Kwara
The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria
(APHPN), in collaboration with the Nigerian Tobacco Control Research Group, last Saturday, urged the Federal Government to increase tax on tobacco products.
The National Chairman of the Association, Prof. Tanimola Akande, made the call during a news conference organised to mark the “World No Tobacco Day’’ in Ilorin.
Akande also urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to “quickly do the needful” in harmonising and passing a comprehensive tobacco control bill.
Niger
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has commended a UK-based NGO, Africa Healthcare Development Trust (AHDT), for offering free medical treatment to over 3000 patients in his domain.
Abubakar who made the commendation Sunday in his Wadata Palace in Bida while receiving members of the NGO said the gesture had helped to improve the health of the less privileged in the society in addition to bringing relief and succour to families of the beneficiaries.
He said the complementary role of NGO was worthy of emulation by other prominent sons and daughters of Nupe land.
A spokesman for the group, Dr Aminu Usman, had earlier commended Niger State Government for funding part of the programme and the Bida Emirate for providing enabling environment for the team to offer the services.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State said that
his administration was using security vote to pay over 1,400 youths engaged by the state government under the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES).
The Governor disclosed this in Lafia on Sunday, while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting some abandoned road projects initiated by the previous administration in Adudu, Keana and Agyaragu.
Al-Makura said that the gesture became necessary following the zero allocation to the scheme in the 2014 budget proposal approved by the PDP controlled Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government said last Saturday that it
had committed N21.6 billion to subvention to its tertiar institutions in the last three years.
Amosun said the government had also purchased 54-seater TATA Buses, Hilux Patrol Vehicles, Ambulances and 18-seater buses for the two state universities and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
He disclosed that the government had also spent N3.25 billion on the purchase of textbooks and instructional materials which were distributed freely to pupils in public primary and secondary schools.
Osun
The Osun State Government said last Saturday that it
would establish an automotive specialist institute to be named Bola Ige Mechatronics Institute (BIMI) at the Osun College of Technology, Esa-Oke.
Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, said in a statement in Osogbo, that the institute, when completed, will be the first of its kind in the country.
He said the institute would specialise in modern technology in vehicles such as combined electro-mechanical system with full automated control known as “Mechatronics.”
Plateau
Coordinator, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
in Plateau State, Mr Peter Gai, said the goals would soon begin free medical service at the grassroots across the state.
In an interview in Jos on Sunday, Gai said the service would provide diagnoses and treatments for various diseases.
He, however, said that the exercise would be done in some selected health centres in the three senatorial districts of the state.
Gai said the exercise was an effort at meeting some key goals of the MDGs, insisting that only patients at the grassroots would benefit from the free medical service.
“It will involve a holistic medical examination, treatment of different ailments and administration of drugs. “Those ailments that are beyond the medical team on the field would be referred to hospitals for proper treatment,” he said.
Sokoto
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
command in Sokoto State has deployed security men in plain-clothes to the border between the state and Niger Republic to prevent arms importation into the country.
The corps Commandant in Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Yemal, said in Sokoto on Saturday that the command was working with other security agencies to check arms importation and ensure those engaged in such acts were arrested.
Yemal said the command was also working with local government chairmen and community leaders that share border with neighbouring Niger Republic in that regard.
The commandant solicited for the support of the people, especially those in rural areas, to cooperate with the officers in
efforts to prevent illegal importation of arms for the good of the country.
Taraba
The Kefas Agbu Foundation, a charitable organisation,
has awarded scholarship to 16 youths from Taraba to study various courses in the U.S., UK, Russia and Italy.
National coordinator of the foundation’s scholarship scheme, Mr Lukas Agbu, disclosed this at a ceremony in honour of the beneficiaries last Saturday in Jalingo.
He said the scheme was initiated by Lt Col Agbu Kefas (rtd), Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure education-for-all in the country.
Agbu said the scholarship which would be offered on a continuous basis would soon extend to other parts of the country.
Also, Alhaji Muhammed Wangara, the chairman of the occasion, advised the beneficiaries to shun anti-social behaviour while pursuing their studies.
L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Governor Adam Oshiomhole of Edo State and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, during the meeting of President Jonathan with governors from oil producing states in Abuja, recently. Photo: NAN
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