Nation
THE STATES

L-R: National Secretary of apc, Mr Fidelis Tumza, National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, a party stewart, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, former governor Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State, President-elect, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, at Buhari’s post-election speech in Abuja, recently. Photo: NAN
Bauchi
President-elect Muhammadu Buhari last Wednesday
thanked electorate in Bauchi State for supporting him during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Addressing APC supporters in Bauchi, Buhari also solicited for more votes on behalf of the party candidates in the April 11 gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections.
“I am here to thank you and ask you to elect APC candidates during the exercise.
“This is because you voted for me and members of the National Assembly during the presiderntial elections.
“I urge you to do same during gubernatorial polls on April 11.”
Buhari condoled with the families of those who lost their lives during the polls and called on party supporters to cast and protect their votes.
Borno
The Borno State Government last Wednesday said it
had awarded a N3.6 billion contract for the construction of five faculties and senate building at the proposed state University in Maiduguri.
Gov. Kashim Shettima stated this at an interactive session with stakeholders in Maiduguri.
Shettima said the project was expected to be completed before the end of the year, adding that the aim was to provide world class structure that would enable the university to take off smoothly.
“We are not in a haste to start the university because we believe that certain fundamental issues must be addressed before its take-off.
“Our plan is to establish a world class university that can stand the test of time in all ramifications because anything worth doing is worth doing well.
“We are not interested in establishing a glorified secondary school as the case in most state universities.
Ekiti
An octogenarian, Pa Owoeye Ajayi, has urged politi
cians in Ekiti against creating chaos in the state in the bid to impeach Gov. Ayodele Fayose.
Our correspondent reports that supporters of the governor had on Tuesday disrupted human and vehicular movement in the state while protesting the impeachment bid.
But Ajayi told newsmen in Ikole-Ekiti that many right thinking indigenes of the state were disappointed with the actions and utterances of the politicians irrespective of party affiliation.
“The performances of these politicians, in terms of constituency projects and poverty alleviation programmes since 1999 are not encouraging and is proof that they are not concerned about the welfare of the people.
“Ekiti people should be careful and caution themselves to avoid being used to cause violence by these politicians who might abandon them and stay away from the state when things get out of hand,’’ he said.
FCT
The Federal Government said that reclaiming territo
ries held by insurgents in the North-East and establishment of an atmosphere of peace and safety in them remained its top priority.
Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, stated this while giving update on the security situation in the zone at a news conference.
Omeri said that the successes recorded by troops in regaining control of Boko Haram strongholds in Borno were testimony of the unwavering commitment in defeating the insurgents.
He said recent recapture of Alagarno in Borno, a well-known strategic stronghold of Boko Haram, had dealt a severe blow on their capacity to carry out surprise attacks on communities in the state.
“In a situation such as presently exists in the area, there is a high tendency for the insurgent group to suddenly aim at soft targets to destabilise communities which are regaining normalcy.
Kebbi
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kebbi
State, Alhaji Jibril Zarewa, says the commission has received sensitive materials for Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.
Zarewa told journalists in Birnin-Kebbi last Wednesday that the materials included ballot papers and result sheets.
He said representatives of security agencies and political party officials witnessed the presentation at INEC office.
Zarewa said the commission would ensure timely distribution of the materials as well as early arrival at polling stations on Saturday.
He said non-sensitive materials had been distributed to local government areas while the sensitive materials would be distributed on time.
The INEC boss urged voters to ensure that they voted peacefully as they did during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Lagos
The Managing Director of Kora Farms, Mr Adebola
Adebusuyi, recently advocated for increased investment in tomato processing, to stem post-harvest wastages.
Adebusuyi, who is also a tomato farmer, told newsmen, in Lagos that such investment would also enhance the tomato value chain.
According to him, many tomato farmers incurred losses every year due to wastages that could have been prevented through processing them into tomato puree.
He said that the nation was blessed with abundant capacity to produce tomatoes, but that the demand for it could not be met as a result of wastages.
“Nigeria is the second largest producer of tomatoes in Africa, after Egypt.
“We produce about 1.4 million metric tonnes of tomatoes annually, yet we spend almost N11 billion to import tomatoes and tomato puree every year.
Oyo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA), Oyo State Command, has paraded a 45-year-old unemployed graduate, Sam Oladiti and four others, for document forgery.
The State Commander, Mrs Omolade Faboyede, told newsmen in Ibadan that the individuals had collected the sum of N20,000 from one Kafayat Mustapha under the false pretence of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance for her.
Our correspondent reports that the other suspects included Olawale Lawal (38), Yusuf Kazeem (28), Olusina Adewale (39) and Bolaji Kayode (35).
Faboyede said that the complainant, Mustapha, discovered she was issued a forged document because it was signed with the name of a past NDLEA chairman.
Plateau
Street sweepers in Plateau State have in Jos appealed
to the government to pay their six months’ salary arrears.
The sweepers, who spoke under condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the development had turned them into destitutes.
“We are paid N8, 000 each on monthly basis and we are surprised that our salary was stopped while we are still engaged by the government.
“Since last year September we have not received our monthly stipend that we are entitled to due to the job that we do, “ one of them said.
Another sweeper, while calling on the government to come to their rescue, said the money was her only means of livelihood.
“ I am a widow with three children and this is what I use in feeding and training them, “ she said.
Sokoto
The Independent National Electoral Commission (
INEC) says it has reconfigured over 4,000 Smart Card Readers for use in the April 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections in Sokoto State.
The Head of Voter Education and Publicity Unit of the commission in the state, Alhaji Musa Muhammad, disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto while commenting on the preparations for the polls.
‘’Over 4,000 card readers were deployed to the state for the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly polls, while 3,518 were actually deployed in the 3,035 polling units across the 23 local governments of the state.
‘’ All the 4,000 card readers had, therefore, been totally reconfigured and they are now being charged, while they are perfectly functional.’’
Zamfara
A Magistrates’ Court in Gusau, Zamfara State, has re
manded one Abduljalal Muhammad of Sabuwar Haya Area, Tudun Wada, Gusau, in prison custody over alleged armed robbery.
The prosecutor, Insp. Yakubu Abuga, told the court that sometime in Feburary 2015, the accused boarded a commercial motorcycle of one Shafiu Shehu of Hayin Mallam Sani Area, Tudun Wada, Gusau.
Abuga said that the accused told Shehu to take him to Garajin Mailena, along Magami road, Gusau but at a point behind Water Board, Gusau, he asked the motorcyclist to stop, after which he stabbed him on the back with a sharp knife.
He said that the accused robbed the motorcyclist of all the money he had and a handset, valued at N4,500.00, including his Bajaj motorcycle with registration number EKY090QB, valued at N115,000.00.
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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