Nation
THE STATES
Kogi State Police Commissioner, Mr Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi (right), explaining a point to Governor Idris Wada (2nd-right), during his visit to the Police Headquarters in Lokoja last Monday. With them are the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Nasiru Yunusa (left) and the Personal Assistant, Mr Unekwu Sule.
Adamawa
The American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola has
created new study-abroad windows to enable highly motivated students to seek experience and active educational responsibility beyond Nigeria.
The University President, Dr Margee Ensign, announced the new windows in Yola last Thursday in a statement signed by Mr Daniel Okereke, the university’s Director of Communications and Public Relations.
Okereke quoted Margee as saying the windows would start in September.
He stated that “the Global Liberal Arts Alliance is an alliance of 27 liberal arts universities, including AUN, in 15 countries.
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said that the
Federal Government has taken over the funding of the 22 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.
The governor said this while breaking Ramadan fast at the Yerwa Girls College IDP camp in Maiduguri.
A statement issued by Mallam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to Shettima on Communication and Strategy, stated that the governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the decision.
Gusau quoted the governor as saying that the funding began few weeks after the assumption of office of Buhari.
He quoted Shetimma as saying that the state had already started feeling the impacts of Buhari’s administration.
According to him, with the emergence of Buhari as president, the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA,) has taken over so many responsibilities in the camps.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has confirmed a re
tired teacher, Mrs Olubunmi Olayinka, three former legislators — Bisi Kolawole, Lanre Ogunsuyi and Kehinde Odebunmi as commissioners.
Others include the current Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti, Mr Taelolu Otitoju, as well as Mr Samuel Ayodeji, Mr Kolapo Kolade, Dr Olurotimi Ojo, Mr Olugbenga Olajide and Mr Victor Egunjobi.
Names of the nominees were presented by Governor Ayo Fayose and cleared by the 26-member PDP House at its plenary sitting held in Ado-Ekiti, presided over by the Speaker, Mr Kola Oluwawole.
The Leader of Business of the House, Mr Ekundayo Akinleye (Ijero), who moved the motion for screening and confirmation of the nominees, reminded them to comply with the Code of Conduct as regards declaration of their assets.
FCT
Former Director-General of the Raw Materials Research
and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Peter Onwualu, has urged universities nationwide to establish research centres in their faculties.
Onwualu, who is now a visiting professor to the National Universities Commission (NUC), told newsmen in Abuja that such centres would boost research and innovation.
“One other thing that needs to be done is to encourage the establishment of centres of excellence and research units within faculties. “In other words, in addition to traditional departments, you can actually have special institutes or special research centres that focus on key national problems”, he said.
Gombe
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Gombe State
has granted the request of the APC and its governorship candidate, demanding a forensic examination of documents used during the 2015 Governorship election.
Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Mathew Adewara, granted the request in his ruling on an application filed by the APC.
He said the tribunal would allow the forensic examination of the document to enable the petitioners (APC and its gubernatorial candidate) have necessary materials for the purpose of the presentation of their petition in the case.
The chairman, however, refused to grant the second request of the petitioners demanding for a recount of votes cast during the elections.
Jigawa
Some farmers in Hadejia, Jigawa State, have advocated
for introduction of modern preservation techniques to check spate of food poisoning.
A cross section of the farmers made the call in an interview with newsmen in Hadejia.
The farmers also called for a training programme to expose them to proper application of chemicals on agricultural produce.
Alhaji Abdulkadir Daudu, a bean grower, said the measure would encourage the use of safer techniques in food preservation.
Daudu said that poor farmer education and absence of such facilities were responsible for high cases of food poisoning.
Kano
The FRSC in Kano State has said that it had facilitated
the establishment of road safety clubs in 140 primary and secondary schools in the state.
The spokesman of the commission in the state, Kabiru Ibrahim, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
He said the road safety clubs were established to sensitise students on road traffic rules and regulations.
‘’This is part of our renewed effort to ensure that road accidents are reduced on our highways through sensitisation carried out by the clubs.
‘’We want children who ride bicycles to school to have sense of sharing the road with other road users and to differentiate between right and wrong so as to avoid unforeseen accidents,’’ he said.
Ibrahim said the commission had also embarked on massive enlightenment campaign in secondary schools on national safety under its “ Catch Them Young Programme.’’
Lagos
The Lagos State Chapter of the Poultry Association of
Nigeria (PAN), has called on the state government to enact a law to compel poultry farmers to register with it.
The association’s General Secretary, Mr Olugbenga Ogunsetan, told newsmen in Lagos that such a move would enable the body to have a comprehensive data bank of its members.
Ogunsetan said that would help the association in its distribution of bird-cages to poultry farmers and to estimate the number of chicks and eggs produced by them annually in the state.
“As of now, there is no data base of poultry farmers in the state and so government needs to compel poultry farmers to register with the association. “A data base will help the association to interface with government for policy formulation,” Ogunsetan said.
Ogunsetan also said that the data would be collected from each local government area in the state. According to him “the data will give us the dimension of the farm holdings which will translate in the input to be used and that will help the industry.
Ogunsetan speaking further said that the current price increase and scarcity of eggs was because the poultry farmers were currently selling off their layers.
Plateau
Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria
(FRCN), Alhaji Ladan Salihu, has accused the international media of “worsening and prolonging the insurgency in the North-East’’.
“The international media unnecessarily prolonged the Boko Haram violence by its reckless approach that treated it as just a headline-grabbing conflict,’’ Salihu told newsmen in Jos.
According to him, the international media “deliberately refused to see the violence as an internecine conflict demanding all hands toward ending it’’.
He particularly accused the international media of “failing to give appropriate, fair and balanced reportage that will attract cohesive international attention to end the hydra-headed monster called terrorism’’.
Sokoto
An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Kabiru Gombe, has advised
youths to shun social vices and be responsible citizens.
Gombe gave the advice at a Ramadan fast commentary on the Holy Qur’an, held at Savanna Bank Mosque, Sokoto.
He said Islam promotes peace and urged young people to work hard and embrace religious tolerance.
The cleric also called on youths to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Taraba
No fewer than 110,849 people are living with HIV and
AIDS in Taraba State, Mr Edward Ogenyi, National Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), has revealed.
Ogenyi made this disclosure in Jalingo at the commencement of a five-day Demand Generation Activities for HIV and AIDS Service Uptake in Taraba State.
He said the activities marked the first phase of implementation of the President’s Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) for HIV and AIDS, funded by NACA/SURE-P HIV/AIDS Programme, launched in July, 2013.
Yobe
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety
Corps(FRSC) in Yobe State, Mr Yusuf Garba, has said the agency had no equipment to evacuate accident wreckages on highways in the state.
He told newsmen in Damaturu that vehicles involved in accident along highways in the state constituted threat to motorists.
“The sector does not have equipment to clear tankers, trailers and other long vehicles involved in accident and occupying portions of the highways. “Road users on the busy Kano-Maiduguri road are threatened by such vehicles, especially during rainy and when over taking,” he said.
Zamfara
The Malaria Action Programme for States (MAPS), an NGO,
says that 97 per cent of Nigerians are prone to malaria attack.
A consultant with the project, Mr Umar Garba, said this in Gusau while briefing stakeholders on the importance of using treated mosquito nets.
The consultant also said that the malaria scourge had resulted in the reduction of the nation’s annual GDP by one per cent.
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