Nation
THE STATES

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi (left) of Oyo State Congratulating Acting Chief Judge of Oyo State, Mr Mukhtair Abimbola, during his swearing-in in Ibadan recently. Photo: NAN
Bauchi
The Bauchi State chapter of the Buhari Cam
paign Organisation has pledged to buy nomination form for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2015 presidential election on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Coordinator of the Nigerian Solution Network Group, Dr Danjuma Dabo, made the disclosure in Bauchi during a solidarity rally in support of Buhari.
Dabo said whether Buhari was willing to contest in the 2015 polls or not, the organisation would source for fund to foot both the campaign bills and purchase the nomination form for him.
The coordinator of the group, who said that the N27 million fee for the purchase of nomination form was too high, added that it was above Buhari’s financial capability.
Borno
The Borno State Government has appealed to
West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) to release the results of its candidates who sat for the 2014 examinations.
The Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Education, Alhaji Mohammed Kauji, made the appeal in Maiduguri while briefing newsmen recently.
Kauji said that the state had cleared all the outstanding registration fees for the candidates who sat for the examinations in the state.
He expressed dismay over the inability of the candidates to access their results since it was released.
“I want to plead with both WAEC and NECO to release the result of Borno candidates who sat for the 2014 examinations.
FCT
The wife of the Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican
Communion), Mrs Nkasiobi Okoh, has said that women of the church will participate fully in the 2015 general elections.
Okoh, who is also the President of the Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild, the women’s organisations of the church said this in Abuja in an interview at the end of a two-day conference of the Abuja Diocese during which the maiden edition of the women’s magazine was launched.
She said that the women had been duly sensitised on the importance of participating in the elections and that they were poised to take active part in the exercise.
She said that the women had also been admonished to also ensure that all members of their families who were of age, exercised their franchise.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State
has expressed satisfaction with his performance in the last three and a half years of administering the state.
Dankwambo stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after his return from Hajj.
He said that his administration had delivered a lot of democracy dividends in the state as it was testified by people in the state.
According to him, at the time of his electioneering campaign in 2011, he did not promise anything to the people of the state.
He said, however, having reviewed his performances so far; he was satisfied with his achievements.
Kabbi
The Kebbi State Government has approved the
release of N144 million for the revival of the state-owned Neem Tree processing and transformer manufacturing companies. Governor Saidu Dakingari stated this when he received a delegation of the state’s elders’ consultative forum, led by Justice Usman Mohammed, in Birnin Kebbi State. Earlier, Mohammed said the body called for the revival of the ailing industries to provide employment, attract investors, generate revenue, and promote industrial development of the state.
He said findings by the forum showed that N90 million was required to revive the transformer manufacturing company while Neem Tree processing industry needed N54 million.
Kwara
An economist, Mr Adekunle Oyinloye, has urged gov
ernment to give more attention to the welfare of teachers to improve learning. Oyinloye told newsmen in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, that adequate incentives would spur the teachers to give their best to improve students’ performance. Oyinloye, also the Managing Director, The Infrastructure Bank, Abuja, said such incentive became necessary so as to give the teachers a sense of belonging to do more. The banker described the teaching profession in the yesteryears as one of the respected within the public service, especially at the grassroots, saying that the contrary was the case nowadays. The issue of improving the capacity of Nigerian teachers to me has become a kind of misnomer priority to both the government and communities.
Niger
Senator Zainab Kure (PDP-Niger South) and other as
pirants have picked expression of forms to contest various positions in the 2015 general election.
Mr Tanko Beji, the state PDP Deputy Chairman, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
Beji said that those interested to run for the polls under the party have purchased their forms, adding “many aspirants are still coming forward.”
“It is a general law that those aspiring for a position either at federal or state level must purchase a form and must meet the requirement for such position ahead the slated date for the election.
“Let this also be a notice to those with ambition to run for any seat either at federal or state level to come and purchase their forms because time is not on their side.
“As you can see, quite a number of people are here to collect their forms, and more are still coming,” he said.
Ogun
The Ogun State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has
commenced screening of candidates for the 2014 Holy Pilgrimage to Israel, Greece and Rome.
The screening took place at the board’s secretariat in Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta.
The Chairman of the board, Bishop Julius Ogunseye, said at the venue of the screeming that the exercise was to ensure a hitch- free pilgrimage.
He explained that the board needed to ascertain the health status of the intending pilgrims so as to prevent any medical challenge.
Sokoto
GovernorAliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, has said
that more than 1,500 students were sponsored by his administration to undergo various training in universities abroad.
Wamakko made the disclosure in Sokoto at the end of the annual national leadership training course of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).
He said his administration had trained more than 20,000 unemployed youths in various vocational skills between 2007 and 2014.
The governor, who was represented by Alhaji Harande Mahe, the Special Adviser to Wamakko on Security Matters, said the students would be part of the human capital for repositioning of the state.
He added that “the more than 20,000 youths were trained in various forms of vocational skills to make them productive to themselves and to the society.
Taraba
Taraba State Acting Governor Garba Umar said that
he never declared ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai missing.
Umar offered the clarification in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kefas Sule, and issued to newsmen in Jalingo.
The statement explained that Umar simply told journalists that he was yet to set his eyes on Suntai since he returned from the medical trip abroad.
“The attention of the acting governor has been drawn to the screaming news headlines purporting that he has declared Suntai missing.
“Umar hereby places on record that at no time did he declare his boss missing, he simply said he was yet to see him since he returned from medical trip to London,” the statement read in part.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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
Nation
TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building
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.
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