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Benin
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor
Osayuki Oshodi, resumed work Monday after almost three months absence due to ill health.
It would be recalled that Prof Oshodin, until yesterday, was last seen in the institution’s campus in May, fuelling speculations about his health and calls for the appointment of a successor.
Amidst such speculation, Prof Oshodin, who wore a grey suit, yesterday made a surprise appearance at the institution’s Senate building at about 11:00 a.m. to attend a meeting of the appointment and promotion board of the university amidst shouts of joy by senior staff of the university who welcomed him.
Meanwhile, three associations in the university’s branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU) Monday berated calls by some sections in the university for the appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor for the institution because of the absence of Prof Oshodin.
SSANU, NAAT and NASU, who were represented at a press briefing at the institution by Comrade John Osaretin Alile, Comrade S.M. Momoh and Joel Idonije respectively, noted that it smacked of mischief for anyone to claim that the absence of the vice-chancellor had created tension and slowed down activities within the university.

Ekiti
The current wave of policy change across some states
controlled by the All Progress Congress (APC) has been attributed to the defeat suffered by the party in the June 21 governorship election.
The Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye who spoke yesterday, commended the people of Ekiti State for “liberating Yoruba people from bondage”.
Adeyeye, who briefed journalists in his Ise-Ekiti country home, said the reversal of tuition fees from over N300,000 to N25,000 by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and the planned review of the ban on Okada in the state was an “act of deceit propelled by the fear of an impending rejection by the people in 2015.”
The minister said he was proud to be part of the June 21 governorship election, which according to him has forced the APC governors to embark on “desperate review of anti-people policies. Ekiti people can now hold their heads high having liberated the South-west from oppression”.

FCT
An Abuja-based group, Service Integrity Group, has faulted
a news report purportedly insinuating that the new Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Danladi Kifas, was not qualified to be appointed into the exalted position because he was allegedly indicted by a probe panel.
A statement issued by the Coordinator of the group, Mallam Sherrif Abdulahi, said: “Our attention was drawn to a news-report purported to insinuate that the new Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi Kifasi , was indicted by a panel and therefore not qualified to hold public office.
“We affirm that Mr. Kifasi was cleared of any purported indictment as early as March 2006 and was also given clean bill of health by the Attorney General of the Federation in July 2006.

Kano
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy to Governor Rabiu
Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state has broken his silence over his ambition to govern Kano after 2015, saying he is interested in the guber-race.
Ganduje during a meeting with Kano Correspondents Chapel Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said his willingness to subject himself to succeed his boss, if given the chance was borne out of his large wealth of experience and urge to build on the gigantic legacies of Governor Kwankwaso.
Ganduje, however, stated that he would be willing to wait until the Kwankwasiyya political movement of the Kano All Progressive Congress (APC) decides who will carry the flag.
Ours is a party that has just been put in place. The APC it is a merger party. So, I will urge you to wait until the time when there will be news or no news. I am interested, but I have not declared, we are still consulting, Ganduje added.
Kebbi
The office of the Permanent Secretary at the Government
House in Birnin Kebbi was gutted by fire yesterday.
Sources at the Government House told our reporter that the incident which occurred at about 4:40pm affected files and documents inside the permanent secretary’s office. An official said there was no injury or loss of life.
“The Head of Civil Service, Alh Baballe Umar Yauri, just visited the scene and a committee will be set up to investigate the cause of the fire. He will also talk to the press later,” he said. Unconfirmed sources said the fire was caused by an electrical surge.

Kogi
The traditional ruler of Itoduma community in Ibaji Local
Government Area of Kogi State, Ogah Attah, David Ademu Onate, has called on Governor Idris Wada to provide the community with electricity.
Chief Onate made the call yesterday in an interview with newsmen at Itoduma community, shortly after a reception organized in his honour.
Onate said “people of the area had been fighting for an autonomous traditional ruler, and that now that they had gotten one, they would now fight for development.
Onate, who was crowned on October 14, 2013 by Attah Igala, Michael Ameh Oboni 11, called on the people to remain peaceful and united.

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has suspended,
Tanko Tunga, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker for six months.
Our correspondent reports that Tunga was suspended for violating the Assembly’s rules.He was also accused of attempting to snatch the mace and insulting his colleagues.
Tunga has been placed on half salary for the duration of his suspension.
Also, the state house of assembly directed its Clerk, Ego Maikeffi, to write the National Judicial Council (NJC) reporting Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, for violating Section 188.

Niger
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) will
train 8,000 professional welders with a view to replacing expatriates working in similar capacity in the oil and gas industry.
Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr. Femi Ajayi, said this yesterday while flagging off an entrepreneurship development training programme for trainees of the welders in Minna, Niger State.
”The skills gap audit and several reports since 2011 have identified fabrication as the area with the highest potential for Nigerian content development. Yet, it is one in which the least capacity development has been recorded over time.
Ondo
Many more lives in the Niger Delta region would be
touched through the programme and projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) as its funding improves.
The Ondo State Representative on the Governing Board of the Commission, Barrister Benson Amuwa, said this while speaking at the flag- off of the Free Medical Programme in Igbobini, Ese Odo Local Government Area and Igo, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
During the programme, which was organised in collaboration with Universal Medical Foundation and Pro-Health International, over 6,000 residents of the riverine communities of Ondo State received free medical services.
Barr. Amuwa urged the people to cooperate and support the medical teams to work effectively, promising that NDDC is determined to bring healthcare to the doorstep of the people.

Oyo
Former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja,
has decried the omission of his name on the voters’ registration list.
Ladoja expressed his disappointment when he visited Ward 3, Ibadan North Local Government area of the state, where he went to collect his permanent voter card.
Commenting on the development, Publicity Secretary, Accord Party, Dr Nureni Adeniran, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve upon the process, so as not to deny eligible voters their rights.
Adeniran also urged the people yet to register to avail themselves of the opportunity.

Taraba
The Taraba State House of Assembly has resolved to
investigate the N10 billion loan procured in 2012 for the construction of four kilometres roads in each of the 16 local councils of the state.
Charles Maijankai had in a motion told the House that the roads were poorly done and prayed that a committee be set up to investigate utilisation of the funds.
He recalled that the House in 2012 approved the sum of N10 billion for the road projects, which were handled by Taraba State Road Construction Agency (TARCMA) and PW Company.
The motion was seconded by Muhammad Gaayam at a sitting which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Tanko Maikari.
Contributing to debate on the motion, former speaker of the House,  Istifanus Haruna Gbana, said the contractors compromised standards in handling the project, adding that those concerned should be summoned.

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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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