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THE STATES

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Borno

The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army yesterday reviewed
the curfew in Maiduguri to cover the period from 7pm to 6am daily.
A statement from Colonel Sani Usman said: “It is now to last from 7 pm to 6 am daily. All must comply with this directive. Anyone found flouting this directive will be arrested, dealt with decisively and prosecuted.”
Before the review, the curfew was taking effect from 9pm.
Though no reason was given for the review, sources said the measure may be related to rumours of impending attacks on Maiduguri.
Benue

Benue State Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani has
urged the Tiv people of the state not to panic over power shift to the Benue  South Senatorial District of the state.
Chief Lawani who is aspiring for the governorship seat in the next election made the remark in Kwande local government area of the state during consultation with his Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders and traditional rulers at the weekend.
He noted that, in view of the close affinity between the various groups in the state and for the fact that the people have lived peacefully together for generations, it had become imperative to discard any form of suspicion about power shift to the Idoma speaking area.
“The fears, suspicion and doubts of the people over power shift to Benue south senatorial district are largely unfounded and baseless, as the ethnic groups in the state have lived peacefully together for generations. This is not by accident but by divine act.
“I want to assure that power shift will not affect the inalienable rights of the majority in the state. We will do everything to erase such fears by embracing all groups in the state,” he said.
Ekiti

The Ekiti State government has urged the Peoples Demo
cratic Party (PDP) in the state to focus on ways of ensuring a smooth transition in the state and how to record laudable achievements during the next administration instead of its “campaign of calumny against the present government”.
The Commissioner for Infor-mation and Civic Orientation, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, who gave the advice in Ado-Ekiti, said the PDP in the past couple of weeks has “been churning out lies as part of a sinister plan to generate public disaffection against the Fayemi’s administration”.
The commissioner cited instan-ces of false and misleading reports found to have originated from the PDP camp to include the allegation that the Fayemi administration recruited over 3,000 workers into the state civil service after the June 21 gubernatorial elections.
He said the allegation was far from the truth, adding that 500 mathematics and some core science subjects teachers were recruited in November, 2013, based on existing vacancies while 493 civil servants were recruited in February, 2014, to fill vacant positions.
“In any case, what is wrong in recruiting Ekiti indigenes into the state civil service if there are vacancies and budget provision to take care of such?” he said.

FCT

A female patient on admission in the same hospital with
the late Port Harcourt doctor Sam Enemuo, tested positive to the Ebola virus, bringing the confirmed cases to 16, Health Minister Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu said in Abuja yesterday.
He was speaking at an emergency meeting of the National Health Council.
The minister said the doctor’s wife also showed symptoms of the disease and has since been quarantined.
“It is expected that a few more contacts will develop the disease especially in Rivers State before Nigeria sees the last case of Ebola,” he said.
“While it is encouraging that so far, all confirmed cases of the disease have their roots in the index case, Mr Patrick Sawyer, great vigilance is required particularly at our ports of entry to ensure that we do not have cases of Ebola from other sources other than Sawyer.”

Jigawa

Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido yesterday disowned
the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2015 election by the North West zonal stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday.
Lamido did not personally attend the zonal meeting in Kaduna, but he was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Gumel, who led the state’s delegation that comprised party officials and others.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, which was attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the zone decided to call on Jonathan to declare his re-election bid as he had achieved a lot for the North West and the country.
But Lamido yesterday said Jigawa State was not part of the endorsement as the communiqué was prepared even before the meeting was held.
The governor, who spoke in Dutse through the deputy governor, added that the president had also not fulfilled his campaign promises to Jigawa and therefore the state had no basis to support his re-election bid.

Kano

Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State has
concluded arrangements to formally declare for the presidency in 2015, a reliable source in Kano Government House has confirmed.
The source said Kwankwaso would formally declare his ambition this month.
Our correspondent gathered that the governor who has been at loggerheads with President Goodluck Jonathan is set to contest the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) so as to confront President Jonathan in the general elections.
Kwara

Intending pilgrims from Kwara State have been warned
against taking illicit drugs to the holy land.
Chairman of the state Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Imam Uthman Olosun, told the intending pilgrims that death penalty awaits anyone caught for drug peddling.
He spoke at the enlightenment programme organised by the board where various agencies including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others were invited to sensitize the intending pilgrims.
The chairman specifically warned pilgrims against going to Hajj with Tramadol tablets, saying the drug has been banned by the Saudi authorities.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the board, Hajia Fatimah Abolore Jimoh, said the intending pilgrims are expected to travel in five batches as soon as the inaugural flight takes off on September 6.
Lagos

Mrs Ganiat Fawehinmi, widow of human rights activ
ist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to resign his position if he feels he cannot tackle insurgency in Nigeria.
Mrs Fawehinmi made the call in Lagos, at a press briefing organised by the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) to announce activities marking the fifth anniversary of the lawyer’s death. She said “the apparent helpless-ness of the president in the face of continuous bombing and the kidnap of school girls in Borno are enough to demand his resignation”.
“Look at the case of Chibok girls who were kidnapped; if they were the president’s daughters, wouldn’t he have acted? Look at how he acted when a relative of his in-law was kidnapped? He swung into action immediately and the person was found.
Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly yesterday de
nied reports of a fresh plan for another impeachment notice with additional allegations against Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.
The House Committee Chair-man on Information, Mohammed Baba Ibaku, told newsmenthat the House had no such plan as reported yesterday.
”An impeachment notice is not told, it is done. If we are compiling fresh allegations against the governor, we will do so. It will not be the media that will urge us to do so with speculations. I don’t want to react to speculations, especially as there are no names mentioned in the report,” Ibaku said.
Osun
A lecturer with the Department of History and Interna
tional Studies in the Osun State University, Mr. Wale Farawe, died yesterday from injuries he sustained in an auto crash a fortnight ago.
The lecturer who was receiving treatment at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Osogbo had gone into comma after the crash which occurred during an excursion with students of the university’s Faculty of Humanities and Culture to the Ayinkunnugba waterfalls in Oke. A student, David Binuyo and the driver of the vehicle died in the crash.

Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad
Abubakar, yesterday harped on the importance of education and need for all well-meaning and wealthy Nigerians to complement the efforts of government in the funding of education.
He said the era was gone when funding of the sector and general infrastructural development of schools at all levels were left to government alone.
The Sultan, who made the call when members of the Federal Government College, Sokoto Old Boys Association, visited him, urged former students of schools at all levels to support their alama matar.

Former Minister of Health, Dr Idi Hong, displaying his form of intention to contest for Adamawa governorship bye election  to his supporters,  before presenting it to the Secretary, PDP Adamawa State Branch, Mr Tahir Shehu (left), in Yola, recently.

Former Minister of Health, Dr Idi Hong, displaying his form of intention to contest for Adamawa governorship bye election to his supporters, before presenting it to the Secretary, PDP Adamawa State Branch, Mr Tahir Shehu (left), in Yola, recently.

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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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