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THE STATES

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 Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2nd right), presenting relief materials to internally displaced persons, during her visit to the refugees camp in Maiduguri last Wednesday. With her are Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State (right) and Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Mohammed Sidi (middle).

Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2nd right), presenting relief materials to internally displaced persons, during her visit to the refugees camp in Maiduguri last Wednesday. With her are Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State (right) and Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Mohammed Sidi (middle).

Adamawa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
in Adamawa State last Tuesday, inaugurated Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on voter education and publicity.
Inaugurating the committee, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Kasim Gaidam, said the main objective of the committee was to assist the commission on general elections awareness.
Gaidam said that members of the committee were drawn from various relevant government agencies and professional bodies.
He also urged the committee to make useful inputs to the commission that would guide it in achieving successful polls in 2015.

FCT
The Supervising Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Darius
Ishaku,  says the ministry is being hampered by many problems ranging from natural to human factors
Ishaku , disclosed this  in Abuja on Tuesday at  the 2014 National Technical Conference of the Nigeria Society of Engineers.
He said that the successes recorded so far by the ministry were as a result of management of  physical infrastructure planning in the Niger Delta region.
The minister said that funding posed a major challenge to development of infrastructure in the region and was further compounded by high population growth.

Jigawa
The Jigawa  State government said it had provided sun
cream worth N1.4 million to 150 albinos in the state in the last one year.
Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Raba-Kaya, revealed this in an interview with newsmen   in Dutse last Tuesday.
Raba-Kaya said that the cream was provided to protect them from the effects of sun rays and reduce risks of skin diseases.
According to him, the gesture is also meant to give albinos in the state, a sense of belonging adding that the board had been providing the cream to the albinos for seven years now.
Raba-Kaya said that the board had identified and registered all persons with albinism across the 27 local government areas of the state.

Kaduna
The Pentecostal Bishops’ Forum has called on religious
and traditional leaders to preach peace in the country.
The Chairman of the forum, Bishop Tinuoye Ademola made the call last Tuesday at a news conference,  after their meeting held in Kaduna.
According to him, religion is a way of life and a personal relationship between the creature and the Creator.
The bishop condoled with the people of Kano State over the death of the late Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and also congratulated the new Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, advising him to have a “large heart”.
Ademola called on Nigerians to change their attitude and return to God, and to support government to move the nation forward.
The bishop promised that the forum would not relent in offering prayers for “lasting and absolute peace to reign in our country”.
Kwara
An agriculturist, Mr Richard Adewoye, has called for
collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve the desired transformation in the agriculture sector of the nation’s economy.
Adewoye,  who made the call in an interview  in Omu-Aran, Kwara last Tuesday blamed the under development of the sector on the wrong mind-set about agriculture of most managers in government, bankers, entrepreneurs and investors.
He said there was an urgent need for the government and the private sector to re-order priorities with a view to boosting food production and ensuring self-reliance.
“Food crisis today is a global concern; most African nations are presently faced with serious food deficiency which needs collective responsibility of all stakeholders to resolve.
Lagos

The Lagos State Government last Tuesday, said
it had concluded plans to create database on  all local emergency responders across the 57 local government and development areas in the state.
General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency(LASEMA), Mr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in Ikeja.
Osanyintolu  said the database  would assist LASEMA  to ensure a better co-ordination  of  local emergency responders  to enhance emergency response structure in the state.
He  said that this would promote interactions and also facilitate information sharing for effective response to emergencies among responders.

Nasarawa

Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has
ap
proved more than N280 million for the payment of the 2013 bursary allowances to students of the state in higher institutions of learning across the country.
Executive Secretary of the state’s Scholarship Board, Alhaji Abdulwahab Sulaiman,  disclosed this to newsmen  in Lafia last Tuesday.
Sulaiman said the disbursement of the allowances would begin on June 30, at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
He explained that a total of 18, 762 of the 19, 678 students who applied for the bursary would benefit from the gesture.
Ogun
The Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr
Rasak Daddah, has called on women to play active roles in politics at all levels in the coming 2015 general elections.
Daddah who made the call  in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State last Tuesday said that the era of relegating women to the background was over and they needed to engage in healthy competition with their male counterparts.
According to him, women are great agents of change who have impacted positively on the history of the nation.
“Nothing should stop our women from participating actively in politics like the men, regardless of our perceived social norms”, he said.
Osun

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun
State has  announced that it has displayed the list of candidates participating in the August 9 gubernatorial election in the state.
The announcement is contained in a statement issued by  the Chief Public Affairs Officer of the electoral body Mrs Nike Tadese, in Osogbo.
The statement quoted Tadese as saying that the public display of the list was in compliance with Section 31,  sub-sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
He said the list was now on display at the state office of INEC and all the 30 local government offices of the commission.

Oyo

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has approved the ap
pointment of five new judges for the State High Court.
This is contained in a statement signed by  Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adebayo Ojo, in Ibadan last Tuesday.
The new judges are: Bolaji Sikeade, Deputy Chief Registrar: Ganiyu Adebayo, Director, Litigation and Advisory Services, Ministry of Justice; Mojisola Sule, Acting Director, Citizens Mediation Centre, Ministry of Justice.
The others are Kamorudeen Olawoyin and Adeyemi Sherifat, who are legal practitioners based in Kano and Ibadan, respectively.
The statement said that the appointment was sequel to the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC), adding that the newly-appointed judges will be sworn in today, Friday, June 20.
Plateau
The suspended Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Haruna Dabin, said last Tuesday that the crisis in the state chapter would soon be resolved by the party’s national secretariat.
Dabin was suspended at an extraordinary meeting of the State Executive Committee held in Jos, last Monday.
A communiqué issued at the meeting claimed that majority of the members of the State Working Committee of the party (SWC) were dissatisfied with the handling of the party by Dabin.
The communiqué accused Dabin of failure to call periodic meetings refusing to render financial accounts to the party and for instigating some members of party to institute a law suit against it.
The communiqué said that Dabin would remain suspended pending the outcome of investigations by the disciplinary committee, whose report was expected in two weeks.

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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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