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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Governor-elect of Adamawa State, Bindo Jibrilla,
has solicited the support of the people of the state to enable him fulfil the promises made during campaign.
Bindo made the call when he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and different ethnic groups who paid him a courtesy visit in Yola on Saturday.
According to the governor-elect, running of government is not an individual matter or a matter for a particular group.
“I was elected as a governor but running government affairs is a collective responsibility that needs your intellectual support to deliver.
“I am a governor, you are the governed, and I cannot make it without your collective support’’, Bindo said.

FCT

The Zaymar Education Centre (ZEC) has  advised
Muslim women all over the world to emulate the virtues of Nana Fatima, the daughter of prophet Muhammad (SAW), as the world celebrates her.
The co-odinator of the centre, Hajia Shifa Garba, made the appeal in an address of welcome during the celebration of late Fatima in Abuja on Saturday.
The theme of the celebration for this year; “Mother, the Axis of Unity,’’ is to commemorate the roles played by Fatima in the development of Islam.
Garba said; “the best of women, especially the one we are celebrating today, lived their entire lives within the limit of Allah (SWT).
“ They have achieved greatness through actions which even the best of men could not have equaled.
“ They have gained love and respect not only for those who knew them, but also for those who came to hear about them long after their time,’’ she said.

Gombe

No fewer than 2,430 students matriculated at the
Federal College of Education (Technical) in Gombe, on Saturday for the 2014/2015 academic session.
The Provost of the college, Dr Abass Gimba, said the  college had provided all the facilities needed for effective teaching and learning.
According to him, workshop, laboratories, virtual library, computer centre are made available for you.
Gimba urged them to take advantage of the facilities to develop themselves.
He further said the college administration abhors all forms of bad behaviours.
“I will like to say in strong terms that we will not condone any form of anti-social activities from students.
“We will use all the available means at our disposal to effectively control erring students in order to curtail such bad behaviours,” he said.

Kaduna
The Kaduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasiru el-
Rufai, has called on the residents of Kaduna to shun religious sentiments and leave in peace with one another.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday his spokesman, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said that he was determined to work with all residents of the state to restore its past glory.
He said that what the state needed was good governance and genuine development, urging the people to focus on these values.
“Our good people of Kaduna State, we are again grateful for the mandate you gave us on April 11.
“I am begging you in the name of Almighty God to live in peace and work together for a new Kaduna State.

Kano

The Kano State Government says it has approved
over N242 million for the payment of intending pilgrims’ accommodation in Saudi Arabia for the 2015 Hajj.
The Commissioner for Information, Hajiya Ladidi Garko, disclosed this at a press conference on the outcome of the state executive council meeting in Kano on Sunday.
She said the council had also approved over N26 million for the re-imbursement of tuition and other associated fees for 27 state-sponsored students in China.
“The council also approved N191.8 million for the settlement of outstanding debt in favour of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
“The council has also approved N10.6 million for the production of one million seedlings for the year 2015.”
Garko said that N15 million was also approved for pipeline extension and reticulation from Kwankwaso market to Sabon Garin Kwankwaso.

Kwara

Islamic cleric Khadijat Abdulsalam, has said the re-elec
tion of Abdulfatah Ahmed as governor of Kwara was another opportunity for the people to enjoy genuine dividends of democracy.
Abdulsalam made the remark at a special thanksgiving prayer for the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded general elections in Nigeria.
Abdulsalam, therefore, told wealthy individuals to always remember their creator and imbibe the spirit of alms giving to the needy.
Omolewa, wife of Kwara governor, organiser of the special prayer, thanked God for the successful elections and for the re-election of her husband.

Nasarawa

The Police Command in Nasarawa State has con
firmed the arrest of  five suspected hoodlums who allegedly disrupted the ongoing re-run elections in Lafia-Obi Federal Constituency with firearms.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Manche Christopher, said the suspects were arrested by security operatives in Angwan Mangu while threatening the electorate at the polling unit.
Manche explained that the suspects had been taken to the state criminal investigation department for further investigation.
He warned that the police would not take it lightly with anybody attempting to disrupt the existing peace in the state.
The police spokesman said that the security agencies would ensure the smooth conduct of the re-run election in the constituency.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government says a strange disease
that has killed some people since its outbreak on April 15 in Ode-Irele, Irele local government area of the state, is not contagious.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, made this assurance on Sunday at a news conference in Akure.
He said findings from post-mortem carried out on the victims and other laboratory tests revealed that the disease was neither epidemic nor contagious.
According to the commissioner, preliminary report shows that ethanol poison is found in the systems of all the victims.
“Our investigations revealed that the victims, who are commercial motorcyclists, gathered at some local joints to take alcoholic substance mixed with roots and some other local herbs on the eve of the outbreak of the disease.
“I can assure you that the disease is in no way contagious. The fact that none of the caregivers has contracted the disease has greatly underscored this point.

Sokoto

The Chairman of Katsina State Indigenes Associa
tion, Sokoto State chapter, Alhaji Aliyu Daura, has pleaded with the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to re-introduce the War Against Indiscipline (WAI).
He made the plea in a congratulatory message to Buhari made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.
According to him, the re-introduction of WAI will check the menace of various forms of indiscipline across the country.
He appealed to Buhari to also strive to ensure total eradication of corruption from the country, describing it as the bane of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Daura further called on the president-elect to focus on ensuring the security of lives and property, especially the ongoing war against insurgency and other forms of criminality across the nation.
Taraba
The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) on Saturday presented certificates of return to the three senators and six House of Representatives members-elect in Taraba State.
The INEC National Commissioner, Alhaji Nuru Yakubu,   presented the certificates to them in Jalingo.
Those issued the certificates were Taraba Acting Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Danladi, Taraba North; Mr Emmanuel Bwacha, Taraba South; and Alhaji Bashir Barafa, Taraba Central.
The others were six House of Representatives members-elect.
Yakubu advised them to fulfil their campaign promises in order to attract development to the state.
He urged the people to support the commission to peacefully conclude the scheduled governorship run off slated for April 25.

Adamawa State Governor-elect, Senator Bindow Jibrilla (left), being presented with Certificate of Return by the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States, Dr Nuru Yakubu, during the presentation ceremony in Yola last Saturday.                        					       Photo: NAN

Adamawa State Governor-elect, Senator Bindow Jibrilla (left), being presented with Certificate of Return by the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States, Dr Nuru Yakubu, during the presentation ceremony in Yola last Saturday. Photo: NAN

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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

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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

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