Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

L-R: Chairman, Amazon Energy, Trevor Akindele, Managing Director, Design Extra, Yemi Idowu; Chief Executive Officer, Wichtech, Dr Chidozie Nwankwo; Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, Lagos Regional Pastor, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade and a Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., Dr Idowu Sunmonu, during a visit of some investors to Governor Ambode in Lagos last Wednesday.

L-R: Chairman, Amazon Energy, Trevor Akindele, Managing Director, Design Extra, Yemi Idowu; Chief Executive Officer, Wichtech, Dr Chidozie Nwankwo; Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, Lagos Regional Pastor, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade and a Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., Dr Idowu Sunmonu, during a visit of some investors to Governor Ambode in Lagos last Wednesday.

Adamawa

Assemblyman Abubakar Abdulrahman representing
Mubi South in Adamawa House of Assembly, has expressed concern over what he described as the pathetic state of Mubi General Hospital.
Abdulrahman, who spoke to newsmen in Yola, said the hospital, which was vandalised by insurgents, was in dare need of support to enable it to deliver service to the people of that zone comprising five local government areas.
The APC lawmaker lauded the recent visit to the hospital by the state Deputy Governor to assess the situation.
He said something urgent needed to be done in view of the hospital’s unique position in catering for the people in the northern part of the state, including military men operating in the area.

Bauchi

Bauchi State Government has again warned commercial
banks operating in the state against poor services to customers in the state.
The state government had in June 2015 warned banks in the state over the poor services to customers.
The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado, issued the new warning in Bauchi during an unscheduled meeting he held with branch managers of various banks.
Gidado asserted that in spite of the existence of about 17 branches of various banks in Bauchi Metropolis, the banks had failed in their responsibilities to provide effective services.
He said that the over crowding at the premises of these banks was a security risk ,especially with the renewed activities of insurgents.

Ekiti
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),
Ekiti State Command says the agency would intensify efforts in counselling and rehabilitating drug addicts in the state.
The State Commander of the Agency, Mr Suleiman Jadi, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti
He said that the Department of Drug Demand Reduction Unit had been set up to counsel and rehabilitate any addict.
He listed the harmful drugs that youths and adults consume to include cocaine, cannabis, tramadol among other harmful drugs, saying “few people are into cocaine peddling”.
Jadi said that adequate mechanism and experts on drugs intake were available to attend to cases of abuse of drugs by teenagers and adults.

FCT

The Human Rights Writers Associations (HURIWA), an
NGO, has urged the Federal Government to return checkpoints as means of reducing bomb blasts and other criminal activities in the country.
The National Coordinator of the organisation, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He said “we want to urge the Federal Government to return all counter terrorism military checkpoints across the country.
Onwubiko said the introduction of stop-and-search by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, did not go down well with many citizens of the country.
He added that “with the daily explosions in the country, we are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse this order and bring back the military to the roads.

Jigawa

The Jigawa office of the National Agency for Food and
Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has confiscated fake food items and drugs worth N3.28 million.
The Director of the Agency in the state, Mr Olakunle Olaniran told newsmen last Thursday in Dutse that the items were confiscated in Dutse and other major towns in the state in the last three years.
He explained that the food items and drugs confiscated were fake and adulterated.
The director said that the items included sugar, spaghetti and vegetable oil.
He said the others were oxytocin injections, gentamacin injections, sudrex tablets and augmentin syrup.

Kaduna
a
Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State says it
will strategise to boost its internally generated revenue to reduce over dependence on federal allocation.
Its Interim Management Committee Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Anchau recently.
He spoke shortly after swearing in three councilors in the local government.
The chairman identified some weekly and bi-annual markets in the area as the main sources of revenue for the council apart from other minor means of generating revenue.
On priority areas of his administration, Haruna promised to focus attention on education, health and agriculture.

Kogi

Hajiya Halima Wada , the wife of Governor Idris Wada
of Kogi State, last Thursday empowered current trainees of the Lokoja-based Advanced Fashion and Design Centre,(FAREC) with 56 modern sewing machines.
This brings to 226, those trained and empowered by the governor’s wife since the inception of her pet project : Kogi Women Empowerment Network (KOWEN).
She congratulated the graduands for their dedication to complete the training through which they had liberated themselves from the shackles of poverty.
Wada advised them to utilise the knowledge and skills acquired during and through the training to better their lives and the society.
Wada said her office and KOWEN would continue to explore all avenues that would be beneficial to the society, especially the less privileged, the unemployed youths, women and children.

Lagos

A University Lecturer, Dr Bright Eregha, has warned
against any rise in Nigeria’s external debt profile, saying that more measures were necessary to curb any increase.
Eregha, who teaches economics at the University of Lagos, spoke against the back drop of Nigeria’s external debt which was put at 9.4 billion dollars as at March, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).
He newsmen in Lagos that the Federal Government needed to initiate more measures and regulations to reduce the nation’s external debt.
He told said reduction of Nigeria’s debt would increase the nation’s influence in international politics.
Eregha also urged the Federal Government to examine the expenditure of past loans from development partners with a view to exposing any corruption.
The don said that increase in the internally generated revenue (IGR) of all the states in Nigeria would help to reduce the nation’s current debt profile.
Niger

The Niger Police Command says it recorded success in
the fight against crime across the state between January and June.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olusola Amore, said this at a forum in Minna.
He said that the feat was achieved through constant raid of criminal hideouts, neighborhood policing as well as community safety partnership.
“The synergy in proactive policing strategies contributed to the huge success recorded in the fight against crime and social disorder in the state.
“Also, the crime mapping analysis helped us to discover four major crimes such as cattle rustling, armed robbery, ransom kidnapping and youth gangsterism,” Amore said.

Oyo
All Framers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Iseyin Chap
ter, Oyo State, has expressed concern over insufficient rainfall in most parts of the country.
Speaking with newsmen in Iseyin, Mr Fehintola Sunday described the development as “worrisome and highly disturbing.”
“This is July and we are still unable to introduce the new yam and other crops, even maize is not available as it ought to be due to insufficient rainfall. “So many farmers have obtained loans from banks to plant crops thinking that by now they will be harvesting, but reverse is the case,” he said.
He also called on leader at all levels to change their ways, so that the country could continue to enjoy God’s mercy and favour.

Sokoto
The Secretary of the Aliyu Magatakarda Advocacy Group
( AMAG ), Alhaji Abubakar Yabo,  has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the prompt release of funds to settle the salary arrears of workers in some states.
Yabo told newsmen in Sokoto that Buhari had demonstrated his commitment towards ensuring good governance in the country.
He said that the gestures would enable the affected states to settle workers with a view to motivating them.
He, however, called on the Fderal Government to investigate why the affected states could not pay the salary arrears, in spite of collecting their monthly allocations regularly.
Zamfara

Zamfara House of Assembly has pledged to collaborate
with relevant stakeholders to enact laws that would improve healthcare delivery in the state.
The Speaker, Alhaji Sunusi Rikiji, gave the pledge when he received officials of the state Malaria Action Committee, who paid him a courtesy visit in Gusau.
Rikiji said the assembly had already listed the health sector among areas it would give top priority in the next four years.
He noted that rural communities were facing challenges of accessing quality healthcare services and promised that the assembly would intervene to improve the situation.

Continue Reading

Nation

FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Nation

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

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending