Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-East Zone,
has commended the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, for campaigning for peaceful co-existence among the various religious and ethnic groups in the state.
The zonal chairman of the association, Rev. Shuaibu Byel, gave the commendation when he led other leaders of the association on a courtesy visit to the emir.
He said the current campaign for religious tolerance initiated by the emir was commendable, especially now that the country was preparing for the March 28 and April 11 general elections
He recalled that prior to the postponement of the elections several people had relocated to their places of origin for fear of being attacked.
Byel said: “your peace initiative which is aimed at strengthening unity between the Church and the host community is already yielding fruit.
Borno
The Borno State Government has advised Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs) whose communities had been reclaimed by the military to exercise restraint in rushing back home.
This is in view of the fear of dangerous reptiles and landmines planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in such communities.
The Commissioner of Housing and Rural Electrification in the state Dr Haruna Mishelia, gave the advice while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri.
Mishelia said that though it was the wish of the state government for IDPs to return home quickly, a number of measures had to be taken to safeguard their lives after returning home.
“You will agree with me that there is no place like home. It is the wish of government to see the IDPs return home as quickly as possible.
FCT
The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria
(RTEAN) says it will establish more Welding Schools across the country.
National President of the Association, Chief Musa Shehu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Shehu said the idea of opening the schools became necessary due to the need for certified pipe welders who could work in the union’s car workshops across the country.
“We want to open an institute for training pipe welders, not ordinary road side welders. The pipe welders are highly needed in vehicle assembling centres.
“There is already a workshop which the Ministry of Works handed over to us; so the welding training school will be introduced in the workshops located in the six geopolitical zones in the country.
“We want to make sure that there is an Assembly Plant in the workshop, Completely Knocked Down (CKD) plant where vehicle parts will be fixed and assembled,” he said.
Gombe
Governor Kashim Shetima of Borno has commended the gallantry of the Nigerian military in recapturing some of the areas that were taken over by Boko Haram.
Shetima made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Gombe recently.
He said that government would give the military all the moral and logistic support to accomplish the set goals.
“We commend them for the gallantry they have displayed in recovering some of the lost territories. We can only give them all the moral and logistic support for them to accomplish their goals.
“They have families, blood in their veins and are risking their lives for us to have sound sleep.
“I think they deserve to be commended not to be condemned, they need our support’’, he said.
According to the governor, Borno is the largest state in the federation in terms of land mass and the insurgents had a territory of more than 69,000 square kilometres.
Kogi
The President of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop
David Oyedepo, has urged Christians to earnestly pray for God’s choices to emerge at all levels of leadership in the forthcoming elections.
Oyedepo made the call at a monthly programme of the church tagged “One Night with The King” on Saturday morning in Lokoja.
The Bishop, in his sermon titled “Engaging the Prayer of Faith For Fulfillment of Prophecy’’, urged Christians to pray that God’s will should prevail in the elections.
“We must commit the elections to God’s hands for His will to be done and I am sure He will rescue this nation.
Kebbi
The PDP gubernatorial candidate in Kebbi State, Gen.
Bello Sarkin-Yaki (rtd.), has donated 175 metal
detectors to 68 religious organisations and four emirate councils in the state to enhance security.
The Special Adviser to the state governor on Religious Affairs, Malam Zakariya Yeldu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi recently.
Yeldu said that a committee to facilitate the distribution of the donated items had been constituted.
He said the 21 local government councils in the state would receive three metal detectors each while 68 pieces of the detectors would be distributed among the four emirates.
Yeldu said the metal detectors for the 17 registered religious organisations would be deployed to enhance security in mosques and preaching centres across the state.
Kwara
No fewer than one million people are to benefit from
the ongoing Community Health Insurance Scheme in Kwara State.
The Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed on Media and Publicity, Dr Muyideen Akorede, made this known in Ilorin during an interview with newsmen.
Akorede said the development was in line with the government’s commitment to the provision of quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services.
He explained that the development was also a giant step in the government effort to transform the health sector.
He also disclosed plans to renovate additional five hospitals to further move health centres closer to the people.
On education, he said 400 blocks of classrooms had been constructed while 120 were to be refurbished in line with global best standard.
He explained that these plans could only be realised if the people voted massively for the All Progressives Congress and refused being distracted by the antics of opposition who had little or nothing to offer.
Lagos
An Igando Customary Court in Lagos has dissolved a
20-year-old marriage between Olayiwola Ajayi and his wife, Isiwa, over battery by wife.
The President of the court, Mr Rasak Adeyeri, held that both parties were no longer husband and wife and they were free to go their separate ways.
Ajayi, 72, a retired civil servant, had alleged that his wife always threatened his life through beating, among other things.
“My wife is fond of beating me, she beats me on any slight provocation, I am tired of being brutalised.
“A day cannot pass without her laying her hands on me, I am afraid she may kill me one day if I still continue in the marriage,’’ Ajayi said.
Nasarawa
The traditional ruler of Obi community in Nasarawa
State, has appealed to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from his area to come back home as the area is now peaceful.
Orume made the appeal at Obi in an interview with newsmen recently.
The royal father expressed sadness over the unfortunate crisis witnessed in the area, but urged all those who fled for safety to return home.
He said that the area was now safe and peaceful, and urged those who fled to return to their ancestral homes.
He said that their return would facilitate the success and equitable distribution of relief materials to every IDP of the area.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on all Internally Displaced Persons to come back to their homes.
“It has been discovered that many are yet to return maybe out of fear. So I want to assure all those who are yet to return that Obi is now safe and secured.
Sokoto
Former President Shehu Shagari has appealed to Ni
gerians to pray for peace, progress and political stability in the country.
Our correspondent reports that Shagari was speaking while receiving the All Progressive Congress ( APC) Presidential candidate, Gen. Mohammed Buhari, at his resident in Sokoto
He said that only prayers by Nigerians would pave way for meaningful development in the country.
Shagari expressed appreciation for the visit and wished the general well.
Speaking earlier, Gen Mohammed Buhari congratulated Shagari for attaining the age of 90.
He prayed to God to continue to guide , protect and give the former President , good health.
Taraba
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship can
didate in Taraba State, Chief David Kente, has denied the rumour making the rounds that he has stepped down from the race.
“I want to make it clear that I have not and will not step down for anybody,” Kente said in Jalingo at a press conference.
Represented by Mr David Adekoya, his Special Assistant (SA) on Media and Publicity, Kente described the rumour as “the handiwork of mischief makers.’’
“I did not also return to the PDP as being speculated by some mischief makers who are obviously intimidated by my popularity among electorate,” he said.
Kente urged his supporters to ignore the rumour and turnout en masse on April 11 to give him the mandate to make a difference in the governance of the state.
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