Nation
THE STATES

Governors of States, during a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday
Benue
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, says that God
has given the people of Nigeria everything a nation needs to be successful.
Ortom, who made the remark at Igbor in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state, however said the country had failed to harness its resources to become a successful nation.
The governor was at Igbor to inspect the Benue Burnt Bricks Company and Ikwe Wildlife Resort.
He noted that the state was blessed with abundant human and natural resources which needed to be properly tapped for the good of all.
According to him, the failure to transform existing industries in the state and across the country is part of what is retarding the nation’s development and the attendant hardships faced by people.
FCT
The Nigerian military says it has the constitutional and
moral responsibility to protect Nigerians and could not suddenly engage in mass murder as portrayed in the allegations by Amnesty International.
Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, said this while briefing newsmen on the recent allegations of war crimes against some senior military officers by the Amnesty International.
Abubakar said following the Amnesty International report released on June 3, the Nigerian military as a responsible corporate organisation was bound to respond to the allegations in order to put the records in proper perspective.
He recalled that upon the written request from Amnesty International to the military to comment on the allegations, the military promptly commenced investigations into the allegations.
He said consequently, several investigations on the allegations were ongoing.
Gombe
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Gombe
State, has ordered Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite action on the reproduction of necessary documents requested by lawyers to prosecute their petitions before it.
Justice Mathew Adewara, Chairman of the tribunal, being assisted by Justice Abba Mohammed and Justice Hafsat Abdulrahaman gave the order at the pre-hearing season in Gombe on Saturday.
The chairman gave the order following the complaints by Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), who is the counsel of the petitioner, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya and APC, who also petitioned the victory of Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo, joining the PDP and INEC.
He said they had made several efforts for the INEC to serve them with some of the viral documents to be use before the tribunal.
According to him, they were served with some and denied other documents as requested.
Jigawa
Governor Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa State, has re-
appointed Alhaji Sani Alhassan, as the Executive Secretary, Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir, in Dutse, said Alhassan was reappointed based on his “excellent performance in the past.”
It said that the appointment was with immediate effect, and urged the executive secretary to continue rendering selfless service to the state.
“While we commend you for the excellent performances you recorded in the previous Hajj operations, we also urge you to continue with that in future operations,” the statement further said.
Kaduna
The Anglican Bishop of Wusasa Diocese in Zaria, Kaduna
State, Rt. Rev. Ali Buba-Lamido, on Saturday advocated death penalty for corrupt public office holders.
He made the call at the Sixth Synod of the Wusasa Diocese of the Anglican Communion, held in Zaria, Kaduna State.
According to him, the death penalty option is the only way to put public officers in Nigeria in check.
Buba-Lamido said the call became imperative in view of the fact that corruption could kill more people than a conventional weapon.
“If our leaders know that they would be prosecuted if found corrupt they would be on their toes to avoid corrupt practices,” he said.
Katsina
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to
be patient and accept democracy not as a system of government but as a lifestyle in order to ensure development of the country.
The president said this when he paid homage to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, after attending the Juma’at prayer at the Lowcost Mosque, in Daura, Katsina State.
The President, who delivered his speech in Hausa, urged those who were aggrieved after the 2015 elections to seek redress through democratic means and institutions.
Buhari noted that Nigeria was adopting democracy from the western nations and learning fast by avoiding mistakes made when studying the weaknesses and strengths of those nations.
According to him, if Nigerians decide to be hasty, some avoidable mistakes can be made.
Kwara
Nigeria has the largest population of people with sickle
cell disease in the world, with over 150,000 babies born with the serious condition every year, researches have shown.
A pharmacist with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Mr Lanre Alege, said this in a lecture delivered during June edition of the keep fit exercise for staff of the hospital at the Kwara stadium on Saturday.
He said it was estimated that only five per cent of the children with Sickle Cell Disease live past the age of 10 in Nigeria, compared to over 96 per cent surviving into adulthood in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Alege, who is the Coordinator of the programme, also disclosed that the recurrent pain and complications of the disease can interfere with many aspects of patients life, including education, employment and psychological development.
He said that Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic disorder due to the presence of an abnormal form of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, called haemoglobin S (Hb S) instead of haemoglobin A (Hb A).
Lagos
Primary school authorities in the country have been ad
vised to encourage their pupils to make use of libraries to improve their reading culture.
A management staff in the Office of the Registrar of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Dr Ayoola Olatunde, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said it was necessary to expose pupils to use of library facilities at tender ages.
The don described the primary school level as “ a crucial stage of development and a foundation, which the rest of the educational system is built on”.
Olatunde said that reading was one of the most effective processes of conscious learning, which must be inculcated in children.
Nasarawa
Chairman, General Private Nursing Practitioners of Ni
geria, Nasarawa State branch, Chief Stephen Angbas, has appealed to the state’s Ministry of Health to reduce the cost of renewing licence by practitioners.
Angbas made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lafia on Saturday.
The chairman, who is also the proprietor of Angbas Medical Centre, Lafia, expressed concern over the increase in charges of renewing licence fees by private nursing practitioners in the state.
“We are appealing to them to look at the issue of renewing licence fees and make it reasonable to allow the private sector participate in health care delivery services.
“In those days, it was N13, 000, but now it had gone up beyond our reach,” he said.
Plateau
The price of tomatoes has soared in markets in Jos and
its environs.
A survey carried out in some markets also revealed that the price of pepper has also gone up.
Our correspondent learnt at the Farin-Gada tomatoes market, that a basket of fresh tomatoes which sold for N800 two weeks is now N6, 000.
The paint bucket which sold for N300 two weeks ago, now sells for N800.
A basket of pepper that was sold for N600, now sells for N4, 000, while the paint bucket of pepper now attracts N700 up from N200 which it sold two weeks ago.
Taraba
The Chairman, Muslim Council in Taraba State, Alhaji
Inuwa Manu, has urged Muslim faithful to use the Ramadan to demonstrate love and peaceful coexistence among different religious adherents in the state.
Manu made this known in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo on Saturday.
He said the call became imperative following activities of miscreants who were bent on causing public disturbances in the name of religion in the state.
According to him, criminals have infiltrated religious bodies with the sole aim of causing confusion so as to benefit from it.
He urged the people to embrace peace and respect each other’s religion so as not to create room for the miscreants to capitalise on it to cause problem in the state.
Yobe
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has assured
security personnel involved in the war against Boko Haram insurgents in the state of prompt payment of allowances.
Gaidam made the pledge on Saturday during a special parade by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Operation Zaman Lafiya, in Damaturu.
The parade was to decorate deserving personnel who had spent a minimum of six months in the ongoing operation against the insurgents in the North East.
The governor also pledged to provide more logistic support to the brigade, to assist with its operations.
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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