Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Federal Government said recently that it had put in
place adequate security for all Nigerians before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, the Minister of State for Power, said this in Maduguri at a town hall meeting with different socio-cultural groups who were in support of the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.
This is contained in a statement issued in Maiduguri by Mr Olawale Rasheed, the Special Assistant to Wakil on Media.
It said the minister called on Nigerians living in different parts of the country to remain in their respective places and cast their votes toward the victory of President Jonathan, rather than flee to their home states.
Ekiti
Farmers in Ikole-Ekiti and its environs, have expressed
concern with the indiscriminate logging that is fast degrading forest and destroying their tree crops in the area.
A cross section of the farmers expressed this concern in an interview with newsmen in Ikole-Ekiti, recently.
The farmers said the illegal activities of some timber contractors, who cut down trees indiscriminately in the area, were becoming worrisome.
They urged the Forestry Department in the state to step up efforts to curb the menace, so as to reduce the level of deforestation and save tree crops from total destruction.
A cocoa farmer, Mr Ezekiel Ojo, decried increase in the number of timber contractors indulging in the felling of trees with impunity in the area.
Ojo warned that cocoa, Kola, palm trees and other cash crops in the area might soon go into extinction, if urgent steps were not taken to address the situation.
FCT
The Nigerian Navy last Tuesday disclosed that the country
lost an estimate of N 433 billion annually to crude oil theft due to poor law enforcement presence on the water ways.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, made the disclosure while defending the 2015 Budget Proposal in Abuja.
Jibrin, who was represented by the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral Peter Agba, credited the statistics to recent revelation made by the Chatham House, London.
He said the statistics did not include the amount of oil suspected to have been stolen from export pipelines, cost of oil spillage cleanup, loss of income to fishing communities and environmental degradation.
“The Nigerian Navy is constitutionally tasked with the protection of our maritime assets and recently the Chatham House revealed that Nigerian crude oil is being stolen at an industrial scale.
“It conservatively estimates that about 100,000 barrel per day, valued at N1.18 billion is stolen daily due to poor law enforcement presence, which is translated to N433.62 billion annually,” he said.
Kaduna
Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Alhaji Umar
Usman-Shehu, said the success of the forthcoming elections depended on the level at which politicians would abide by the law.
He stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after the signing of peace accord by candidates of some political parties in Kaduna North Senatorial District at Sabongari.
Usman-Shehu, “we expect to conduct peaceful elections and this can only be achieved if politicians conduct themselves in accordance with the laws of the land.
“We are here to sign a peace accord following similar ones held in Abuja and Kaduna.
“All Police Area Commands are directed to have this kind of gathering for politicians to sign peace accord,” he said.
He said that the police would not spare anybody who contravened the treaty, stressing, “Anybody who goes contrary to it will definitely be arrested and charged to court.
“Nobody is too big to be arrested if he goes contrary to the law; I assure you that there is no body that is untouchable in the state.
“The only person exempted by the law is the governor and his deputy; beside that, nobody is untouchable according to the Constitution,” the police boss said.
Kogi
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, last Tuesday,
said the Federal Government was currently constructing special secondary schools for girls in 27 states.
Jonathan, who spoke at the PDP Women rally in Lokoja, said the project was a fulfillment of part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s social contract with Nigerian women.
She said Jonathan, who is a friend of the women, believed in the capabilities of Nigerian women hence the implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action.
The First Lady said Jonathan’s administration had created various opportunities for women to contribute their quota to nation building.
She urged the women of Kogi to ensure that they collected their Personal Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them vote for Jonathan at the Presidential election in March 28.
Governor Idris Wada lauded the First Lady for inspiring and creating awareness among Nigerian women.
Lagos
The PDP governorship candidate for Lagos State, Mr Jimi
Agbaje, recently promised to build a pedestrian bridge for use by traders in the Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the PDP candidate made the pledge when he took his campaign to markets in Ladipo, Idi-Oro, Oshodi and Ikeja.
A crowd of admirers, including commercial motorcyclists and traders from Mushin and Oshodi converged at the Matori area and blocked the nearby Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
Addressing the crowd of traders at the Ladipo rally, Agbaje also promised to improve sanitation in the market and improve the welfare of the traders.
He said that he would build a pedestrian bridge at the Toyota Bus Stop as well as establish a system for overnight waste management.
Nasarawa
Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has urged Nigerians to vote
only leaders of proven integrity in the interest of peace and rapid development in Nigeria.
Adamu, (APC-Nasarawa West) also appealed to his people to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before closing date.
He made call during his campaign tour to Udeni Magaji community in Udege development area of the Nasarawa State.
Adamu said the importance of PVCs in any election cannot be overemphasised, hence the need for all registered voters to collect their PVCs in order to exercise their franchise.
“I am here to solicit for your support and votes to enable me and other APC candidates of our great party to win during the forthcoming March 28 and April 11 elections in order to ensure continuity in the provision of more dividend of democracy.
Niger
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives
Party (APC) in Niger State have signed a peace pact at the Police Area Command headquarters in Bida.
The event was attended by the PDP and the APC House of Assembly candidates from the zone.
The members representing Lavun and Gbako Local Government Areas in the house, Mr Jacob Majin-Gana and Mohammed Alkali, were present.
The exercise was observed by CSP Umar Ango, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) ‘A’ Division, Bida, who represented the Area Commander, ACP Micheal Gbenga.
Others are DPO of Mokwa, Lavun, Edati, Gbako, Katcha, Doko and ‘B’ divisions, Bida, and all heads of other sister security agencies in the area.
Gbenga, who addressed the politicians, warned youths against any act that would breach the existing peace in the area before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Plateau
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Plateau
Statehas pledged to build two modern staff quarters in two selected Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Pankshin Local Government.
It says another five selected PHCs in the council will be well equipped to serve the people of the council better.
Mr Peter Nyam-Gai, Plateau MDGs’ Project Coordinator, said this yesterday during inauguration of a free medical outreach at Nyelleng town in Pankshin.
“MDG has chosen two medical centres here in Pankshin, where in the next two weeks, we shall start building a modern staff quarters, twin quarters, each with a solar power in the centres.
Sokoto
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has declared that
the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) will continue to rule Nigeria for the next 60 years.
Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, spoke at the party’s women rally in Sokoto recently.
She said that Nigerian women had got their fare share and attention in Jonathan’s administration by holding about 50 per cent of the posts. “The president has fulfilled all the promises he has made to Nigerian women in 2011 and he will do more if re-elected,” she said.
The first lady also said that the president had 13 women in his cabinet, and had empowered women in a myriad of ways.
She further said that the president was also working tirelessly to curb the menace of insurgency.
“We have also picked five PHCs in Pankshin which will be supplied with all the necessary Medical equipment,” he said.
Nyam-Gai said, “We will continue to ensure that the little resources we have will be deployed to help the people, especially the rural dwellers.”
Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Goddy Madueke and others, at the inauguration of the rehabilitated Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section Three, from Enugu To Lokpanta in Enugu State, yesterday.
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