Nation
THE STATES

Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State (left) with Catholic Archbishop of Jos Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, at the Funeral Mass in Honour of 2nd Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Bauchi, Late Bishop John Malachy at St. John Catholic Cathedral in Bauchi yesterday.
Adamawa
The Adamawa State command of the Nigeria Immi
gration Service last Wednesday, met with the leaders and representatives of ECOWAS and other African nationals in the state over Saturday’s elections.
Addressing the leaders, the Comptroller, Mr Ubi Nkanu, urged them to warn their members to steer clear of the elections.
Nkanu said any foreigner caught trying to vote or participate in the election would be dealt with, adding that some illegal aliens were recently caught with voters’ cards and had since been deported.
He said that the command had mobilised its men to ensure that no foreigner voted during the elections.
Nkanu said Nigeria’s borders would remain closed during the elections and urged everyone to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.
Benue
The Benue State Police Command has denied ar
resting innocent citizens ahead of the March 28 and April 11 elections.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Austin Ezeani, made the denial in an interview with newsmens in Makurdi.
The spokesman, who was responding to complaints by residents over alleged arbitrary arrest by the police, said the raid was targeted at criminals and not to victimise anybody.
According to him, the raid is based on privileged information and innocent persons would be released after thorough screening.
“The operations has yielded positive results as the police have recovered arms and illicit drugs, especially cannabis sativa, charms and stolen vehicles”.
Borno
Senator Mohammed Ndume has expressed optimism
that the military will liberate Gwoza from Boko Haram insurgents very soon.
Ndume (APC-Borno South) stated this during a chat with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said the military had demonstrated high sense of patriotism in its recent anti-terrorism war.
“In the last five weeks, the military had performed creditably by reclaiming 22 communities from the insurgents.
“I believe that the remaining communities will be reclaimed in the shortest possible time.
“Gwoza, which is the strong hold of the insurgents, will be reclaimed any moment from now, going by recent developments.
“I think that the soldiers deserve commendation for what they are doing’’, Ndume said.
Ekiti
Ahead of the elections, traditional rulers in Ekiti on
Wednesday assured NYSC members to be used as INEC ad-hoc staff of their safety.
The monarchs gave the assurance when a team of the NYSC management led by the State Coordinator, Mr Chidube Ibeh, visited some of the monarchs.
Our correspondent reports that NYSC team visited the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, Oba Adetunji Ajayi, and the Elemure of Emure, Oba Adebowale Adebayo.
Other monarchs visited were the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye, and the Regent of Ikere-Ekiti, Ayooye Adegboye.
Addressing the team in their palaces, all the monarchs visited described Ekiti people as peace-loving who would never do anything that would endanger the lives of the corps members.
FCT
Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency
(NiMet), Dr Anthony Anuforom, said the agency was committed to building climate knowledge required for action through the automation of its climate observatories.
Anuforom said this while addressing newsmen during activities marking the 2015 World Meteorological Day with the theme, ‘Climate Knowledge for Climate Action’ in Abuja, recently.
He said that NiMet had embarked on the automation of its observatories around the country, to enable it to provide climate knowledge for climate action, with six locations currently on the test run.
Anuforom said the theme of the year was timely and apt, following the completion and inauguration of NiMet’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre.
Gombe
The Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, has called
on the electorate in Gombe state to eschew violence in the upcoming elections.
Umar made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Deba, headquarters of Yamaltu/Deba local government area of the state on Wednesday night.
He advised the electorates to conduct themselves orderly to have peaceful polls.
“Well, we thank God, the elections are here on Saturday the 28th of March this year and of course, on the 11th of April of this year.
“My message to the people of Gombe state and Nigeria as a whole is that we should conduct ourselves orderly during the elections so that have peaceful conduct of the elections,” he urged.
Lagos
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, has urged
voters not to make trouble as they wait behind to defend their votes after casting their ballots.
Fashola spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Somolu area of the state.
He emphasised that there was no law prohibiting the electorate from staying behind at the polling units after voting.
“Some people have said that you should not stay near the polling units after voting; that is untrue.
“Let me tell you something, election is governed by law; I am saying this because I am not just a lawyer but a leader in the legal profession.
“There is nothing in the electoral law that stops you or prohibits you from staying at the polling units to defend your votes.
Ogun
A 23-year-old taxi driver, Tosin Olayinka, has been arraigned before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the belongings of his passenger and a tyre.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale told the court that the accused committed the offences on February 26 and on March 4 at 66 Majekodunmi Street, Iberekodo, Abeokuta.
He said the accused stole the handbag of one Felicia Obasa containing N58,000 when she (Obasa) boarded Olayinka’s taxi on her way to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Eigbejiale said the accused also stole the front tyre of a taxi owned by one Dauda Fasasi.
He said the tyre cost N8, 000.
The prosecutor said: “the accused is a habitual criminal who disguises as a taxi driver; he is fond of carrying passengers to different destinations after assessing their belongings.
Plateau
The Pankshin local government council in Plateau said
it had executed projects worth more than N500 million since its inception last year.
The Supervisory Councilor of Works, Mr. Emmanuel Danboyi said this in an interview with newsmen in Pankshin.
“I assure the people of this area that with more funds, the council would execute more projects, “ Danboyi said.
He listed some of the projects to include: a Township Stadium; boreholes/hand Pumps and roads/culverts.
Others are: 23km Mile V-Nyelleng-Wuseli road; 10 km Llankan-Abwor Dyis road and Wuseli and Tal bridges.
Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in
charge of Zone 10, Alhaji Bala Hassan, has said that the police are ready to provide security during Saturday’s presidential election in the zone.
The zone comprises Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Hassan told newsmen in Sokoto that an effective operational order on how to provide security at each of the polling units had since been made and issued to the commissioners of police in the area.
He said that the police commands had embarked on “operation show force” with other security agencies to show their preparedness for the elections.
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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