Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Commandant of the Adamawa State Internally Displaced
Persons Camp, Mr Abdulmumini Jauro, yesterday said about 1,300 people have been registered at the camp.
Jauro said this in an interview with newsmen at the Bajabure refugee camp in Girei Local Government Area.
The commandant, who is a member of Nigerian Red Cross society, said nine pregnant women were among the displaced persons.
“We have so far registered over 1,300 people who escaped from attacks in Madagali, Michika and Mubi North and South Local Government Areas of the state,” Jauro said.
He said among the refugees are 162 students of the federal polytechnic and Adamawa State University, Mubi, who are indigenes of Taraba State.
Benue
A traditional ruler in Benue State, Chief Hillary Ikyima,
has taken over the land which Mbakyaa and Dzev communities of Shangev-ya, have been fighting over.
He also called on the state government to urgently send in surveyors to cordon the disputed area in order to avoid further clashes.
Ikyima made the call yesterday when he led clan heads and other stakeholders of the area to initiate a peace meeting between the people at Imande village.
The traditional ruler, thereafter, directed all parties involved in the crisis which was said to be as a result of the gains of the forest reserve on the land, to immediately vacate the area or be handed over to law enforcement agents.
Secretary of Kwande Local Government Council, Rev. Akpaegh expressed satisfaction with the action of the traditional ruler, while pledging the commitment of the council to work closely with the traditional institution to ensure lasting peace.
FCT
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has dispelled
rumours about his defecting from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor made this known at the end of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday where the national chairman of LP, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu also stated that Mimiko’s attendance at the NEC meeting puts paid to reports that he has dumped the LP. He further said he would step down as the party’s chairman and not seek re-election, having served as chairman since 2004.
At the end of the NEC meeting, Governor Mimiko in a terse response to reporters’ question about his defection said: “It is all rumours and I do not react to rumours.”
Gombe
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar,
has called on people of the state to pray against a re-occurrence of the recent flood disaster.
It was gathered that the flood which followed a heavy rainfall, claimed six lives and destroyed over 100 houses in Gombe metropolis.
He also cautioned them to desist from any action that could block waterways.
The emir spoke yesterday when he went round the town to commiserate with the bereaved families and inspect the damage caused by the flood.
Speaking through the Yeriman Gombe, he advised the people to always keep their environments clean.
Jigawa
Jigawa State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil
Defence Corps(NSCDC) yesterday said it has recovered 196 out of the 202 permanent voters cards stolen in Malam-Madori Local Government Area.
This was disclosed to newsmen by the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr.Muhammad Gidado.
He said after the command issued a statement on the missing cards in Tanukutaru ward, Gandun Sarki polling unit of Malam-Madori Local Government Area, three suspects were arrested.
He added that after investigation, 196 cards were recovered by the detectives. He maintained that the remaining six will soon be recovered.
Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has
called for the suppression of religious extremism of all kinds, saying most reasons given for it ends at achieving personal or group interests, thereby creating division, encouraging violence and retarding development.
Receiving the management team of Darul Iftar, an Egyptian institute led by the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ashraf Salama, in Kaduna, Yero advised Nigerians to understand the true teachings of their religions to enable them promote unity and peaceful co-existence.
Kano
The Kano State chapter of the committee of leaders of
the legacy parties, ACN, ANPP, CPC, which merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denied a resolution to support the aspiration of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for the presidency next year.
A report had last week claimed that the state’s elders committee of the APC was backing the governor to contest for the presidency.
But the leaders of the defunct parties in a statement said they were not aware of any elders’ committee of the APC in the state.
The terse statement signed by Alhaji Musa Umar (ACN), Garba Bala of the defunct CPC and Mallam Muktar Kwaru from the defunct ANPP, said the endorsement was “far from the truth”.
It said the two signatories of the purported communiqué were not members of the legacy parties, but members of the Kwankwasiyya group and therefore could not speak for the legacy parties.
Katsina
Five local government councils in Katsina State have
been dragged before the North-west zonal office of the Tax Appeal Tribunal sitting in Kaduna by the Federal Inland Revenue Service over tax evasion.
The councils were accused of not paying Withholding and Value Added Tax for three years. Counsels representing the FIRS, Barrister Nasambo Mohammed and Barrister Raji Mukhtar, told the tribunal that the five local government councils namely: Mani, Batsari, Dutsi, Daura and Baure, collected tax and refused to remit same to the appropriate authority.
Counsel representing the five local government areas, Barr. A. A. Ibrahim, asked the tribunal for more time to allow the parties negotiate out-of-court settlement.
Chairman of the tribunal, Bashir Abdullahi Albasu, then adjourned the matter to October 15, 2014.
In the same vein, Kaduna Polytechnic and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria have opted for out-of-court settlement in their tax evasion cases brought against them by the Kaduna State government.
Kogi
Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, FMC,
Lokoja, Kogi State, Dr. Gbadebo Eleshin, yesterday, said the centre would appeal the suspension of four of its doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Last week, the Medical and Dental Council suspended Dr. Temitope Gabriel Onile for three months, while Drs Nzurumike Charles Nanna, Danmusa Adamu Ochala and Omotayo Oluwa Damilola were each suspended for six months.
At a briefing, Eleshin said the suspension was carried out “in error by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. The suspension was issued to the four doctors as a result of a pregnant woman whose time of delivery went beyond the Expected Day of Delivery, EDD, which was admitted for observation. When her condition eventually defied normal delivery and induction, and it was discovered that the woman’s uterus had ruptured, the doctors quickly prepared her for caesarean session, to save the mother and the baby, but both gave up the ghost on the way to the theatre as a result of complications.”
Lagos
The Lagos State government says it has not decided on
the recent directive by the federal government that schools across the country should resume on September 22.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said this while addressing newsmen on the Ebola virus.
He said the issue was before the State Executive Council and that government would soon make a pronouncement on whether schools in the state would resume on the date or not.
The federal government recently reversed resumption date of schools nationwide to September 22 from the earlier date of October 13.
The Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, while announcing the reversal in Abuja, said the government shifted the date backwards, because the virus had been significantly contained.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State says the way
the federal government is treating the issue of insurgency is not comforting.
The governor who spoke while commissioning vehicles donated to the state police command by the MTN foundation, said: “Nigerians are tired of excuses; we want to hear good news. We want to hear something positive. If Nigeria can win a civil war and win the war against militants in the Niger Delta, I wonder why it cannot overcome insurgency”.
He accused the government of being soft in its approach to the matter.
“The federal government needs to change its attitude towards insurgency; it needs to give our security agents all that they need to fight the war and win. I believe we have the capacity to win this war and defeat the agents of darkness,” he said.
He lamented that the way the matter was being handled at the moment was causing fear among the populace.
Wamakko also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with prayers and useful information.
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (left), receiving a souvenir from Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 for attending the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni 18th Regular Course Re-Union in Sokoto, recently.
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