Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo and Deputy Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Gagdi, during the Eid el-Fitri traditional sallah homage to the governor in Jos last Monday. Photo: NAN
Adamawa
An Adamawa State-based non-governmental
organisation, Fombina Grassroots Development Association, has facilitated the release of 20 inmates in Jimeta and Yola Prisons.
The Project Manager of the association, Alhaji Abubakar Njidda, made this known when he presented gift items to the inmates in Yola.
Njidda said the inmates, who regained their freedom, were those sentenced to prisons on civil cases, adding that the association could only pay the fines of 20 convicts.
He said that the association would continue to follow due process to seek the release of those who were convicted on civil cases and could not pay their fines.
Benue
A former Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav,
has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, to intervene to end the spate of killings in Benue state.
Tsav told newsmen in Makurdi that their intervention was imperative to prevent the state from plunging into anarchy.
A chieftain of the PDP in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Mr Atoza Ihindan, was recently gunned down by unknown assassins in broad day light near Jato Aka in the LGA.
Tsav, who bemoaned the incessant killings, noted that they occurred mostly within the Katsina-Ala axis of the state.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil
Defence Corps (NSCDC) last Sunday paraded two suspects for allegedly carrying out illegal abortion.
The suspects, according to the State Commandant of the Corps, Mr Raji Adedoyin, specialised in carrying out abortions illegally around Tiwaloluwa Resort Area, FHA Estate, Afao Road, Ado -Ekiti.
The commandant, while parading the suspects at the headquarters of the corps, reiterated the commitment of the corps to free the state of quack doctors.
According to him, no religion supports abortion and if it is inevitable that pregnant individuals should visit government or certified hospitals.
FCT
The President of Pan-African Cultural Congress
(PACC), Mr Ferdinand Anikwe, has said that Africa’s development must be based on its diverse cultures to succeed.
Anikwe made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja saying the approach was necessary for Africa to succeed.
“Africa remains in deep political, economic and cultural crises beneath which lie her aspiration, struggle, hope and commitment.
“One of the major challenges of Africa has been the inability to generate, package and implement viable and effective programmes for growth and development,’’ Anikwe said.
He said that any plan for development that failed to recognise or take into cognisance Africa’s very rich cultural potential was bound to fail.
Kaduna
Queen Amina College, Kaduna, has appealed to the
Kaduna State Government to provide the college with teachers in core science subjects and a nurse for the school sick bay.
The Principal of the College, Hajiya Balkisu Ubangari made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
Ubangari said that the school was in shortage of teachers, particularly in core science subjects, namely mathematics, physics, geography, basic technology and agriculture.
Others, she said were physical and health education, religious knowledge, culture and creative art.
According to her, the subjects are very crucial in preparing students for tertiary institutions.
Lagos
Project for Human Development (PHD), a civil society
Organisation, has urged President Mohammadu Buhari not to listen to the US government on issues of Gay rights, so as to protect the laws and values of Nigeria.
The call as made at a rally in Lagos with the theme of the rally was, “Gay Marriage: Obama, Please Leave Nigeria Alone”.
Buhari is already in America where he is holding talks with President Barack Obama and other senior officials of the United States government.
Director-General of PHD, Mr Jerry Okwuosa said that the rally was to hint Buhari on the fears by Nigerians that Obama might ask him to decriminalise “the Same Sex Prohibition Law of Nigeria”.
Nasarawa
The founder of Tremas Academy in Mararaba, Nasarawa
State, Mrs Dora Iroro, has called on the three tiers of government to focus more on improving primary education in order to make the country an intellectual hub.
Iroro spoke at the school’s premises while briefing newsmen on the institution’s forthcoming graduation and prize giving day billed.
She said the call became imperative as primary education remains the building block for future societal endeavours.
Iroro advised the government to urgently provide an enabling environment for primary education and their operators to thrive.
She also said there was need to make registration of private primary schools less costly while incentives in form of tax holidays should be provided for owners.
Iroro further urged the government to ensure regular monitoring of the schools to ensure such quality service was not compromised.
Osun
A group, Women for Positive Impact Initiative, has
called for greater participation of women in the political space to contribute their quota to nation building.
The group made the call in Osogbo through its Executive Director, Mrs Tokunbo Ajayi, who described the level of women participation in politics as worrisome and discouraging
She urged women to show more interest in the decision-making process of the country and contribute their quota to nation building.
According to her, women play a very significant role in making a nation great through compassionate leadership.
“It is high time we changed our political equation and start to encourage more women to go into politics.
“Women are very sensitive and passionate than men when it comes to leadership; it is a way of making a nation great.
Oyo
Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria (ADS) has appealed
to the Boko Haram insurgents to sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign in the country.
The society made the call in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muibi Adebanjo, in Ibadan recently.
It congratulated the Muslims for the successful completion of Ramadan and urged the Islamic faithful worldwide to embrace the righteous ways displayed during Ramadan.
It noted that the nation cannot develop nor grow in a situation of insecurity, and charged the insurgents to sheathe their sword and make its agitation known to the government through dialogue.
The Islamic organization commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his approach to duty, and appealed to Nigerians to be patient with him.
Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has
called for the establishment of rent control boards in the country as one of the methods of curbing insecurity.
Abubakar spoke in Sokoto last Sunday when he paid Sallah homage to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of the state.
According to the sultan, the proposed boards should be charged with the responsibility of keeping a national database on all landlords and tenants.
Abubakar also urged Nigerians to take the issue of security as a collective duty and not that of the government alone.
The sultan called on the state government to introduce a state-wide schools shuttle bus service to alleviate the suffering of students.
Zamfara
The National Union of Road Transport Workers
(NURTW), said its members had maintained their transportation fares throughout the Sallah period.
The Director of Publicity of the union, Mr Kefas Dogonyaro made this known in Gusau in an interview with newsmen.
He said that members of the union did not increase the transportation fare because they were considering the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
“Even though we knew many petrol stations sold the commodity over the approved Federal Government price of N87 per litre, we have maintained our fares so as not to add to the sufferings faced by our people.”
He said that all passengers that boarded vehicles at the motor-parks had enjoyed the regular fares without any increase.
Dogonyaro said that the union would continue to encourage passengers to board vehicles at designated motor-parks where details of passengers were usually obtained to guard against any unforeseen circumstance.
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