Nation
THE STATES

L-R: Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State and Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, during the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.
Adamawa
Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, the Speaker, Adamawa State
House of Assembly, has dismissed alleged plans to impeach Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla.
Mijinyawa, during a special sitting of the House in Yola, described the alleged plan as “malicious’’.
“The attention of the House is drawn over false publication that members of the House are gathering signatures to impeach the sitting governor.
“The publication was purely a mischief from the enemies of the state who always wish us bad luck,” Mijinyawa said.
Similarly, the Chief Whip of the House, Mr. Hassan Burguma, condemned the allegation.
Burguma, at a news conference in Yola last Monday, also said that the House had never signed any document to impeach the governor.
Bauchi
Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi
State, Rev. Vincent Bature,said Bauchi State Government has sponsored 185 of its members to Israel in 2015.
Bature made this known in Bauchi when state officials of the association paid a courtesy call on Governor Mohammed Abubakar of the state.
He commended the governor for the gesture which according to him “has become an annual event for the state government to give our members tickets.”
He called on the governor to fulfil some of his campaign promises especially his promise that Christian teachers would be recruited to teach moral lessons in primary schools in the state.
The secretary further called on the governor to appoint members of the association into vital positions when setting up his cabinet.
Ekiti
An hairdresser, Mrs Tina Agada, has approached an Ikole
Customary Court seeking for dissolution of her 6-year-old marriage to John Agada, over alleged brutality and lack of care.
In a suit filed before the court Tina alleged that the defendant was in the habit of beating her and always threatening to kill her.
She said the defendant who had not paid her bride price since they married six years ago, had no regard for her and the two children of the union.
She told the court that her husband never cared about the wellbeing of the two children nor paid their school fees.
Tina further said Agada always threatened to kill her whenever she refused to allow him to sleep with her.
FCT
A 37-year-old man, Samuel Uromi has been arraigned in a
Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on a three-count charge of mischief, extortion and stealing.
Uromi, a member of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), however, pleaded not guilty to the three- count-charge levelled against him.
The prosecutor, Mr Uromi, said that the accused committed the offences on December 11 at Area 1 Roundabout, Abuja.
He told the court that the complainant, one Jonah Agocha, reported the case against the accused at the Garki Police Station.
The prosecutor said that Uromi extorted money from Agocha, a commercial cab driver and robbed him of his belongings.
“The accused claims to be a member of the NURTW. He forcefully collected the car keys of the complainant and ran away with it to an unknown destination.
“The accused later returned to steal the car and N7, 200 inside it as well as damage the passenger side of the car while trying to escape,’’ Out said.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, has ad
vised religious institutions and other organisations to refrain from acts capable of promoting violence in the country.
He gave the advice while receiving some members of the Shi’ite Islamic sect who visited him at his Palace in Kano on Monday.
The emir stressed the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or political inclinations, to desist from anything which could breach the peace in the country.
“The advice is necessary, especially now that the country is fighting insurgency,’’ he said.
The traditional ruler, who described the recent violence in Zaria as unfortunate, called on the people to always exercise restraint in order to ensure peace and unity in the country.
Katsina
All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker represent
ing Katsina Central Senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Ibrahim Kurfi has earmarked N10 million for the provision of free-eye treatment to no fewer than 5,000 less-privileged in Katsina State.
Kurfi spoke through his Personal Assistant, Alhaji Muntari Dabo, at the opening ceremony of the exercise held at the Katsina General Hospital, Katsina on Monday.
He said that some of the beneficiaries would be provided drugs and medicated glasses at the hospital.
The senator said that some would have to undergo surgery before they would regain their sights.
Kurfi said that he would provide feeding, transportation and accommodation for those that would undergo eye operations.
Lagos
The Federal Fire Service Controller in Lagos State, Mr
Aderemi Olusola, says the service saved property worth more than N26.4 billion from fire in the first half of this year.
Olusola also said that during the period, properties estimated at more than N10.7 billion were lost to fire incidents.
He told newsmen in Lagos that the estimate of saves and losses were based on information supplied by the property owners.
He said that between January and November 2015, the service responded to 247 fire incidents, adding that three lives were lost to the incidents.
The controller said that one person was rescued, while two of the fire service men sustained injuries.
Olusola said that fire incidents had been high during the “Ember’’ months due to excessive heat and harmattan.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has an
nounced the appointment of Dr. Shehu Usman-Yamusa as Emir of Keffi.
Al-Makura made the announcement at a meeting with the state’s traditional council in Lafia following the death of the occupant of the stool, Mohammed Chindo-Yamusa on December 4.
He said the appointment was with effect from December 14.
He explained that the new emir, who is the son of the deceased, was appointed by the king makers of Keffi Emirate Council.
He added that the appointment came after a seven-day notice of the demise of the emir in line with extant laws and guiding instruments of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
He said Usman-Yamusa of the Abdul-Zanga royal family scored five votes during the selection, while his opponent Mohammed Suleiman scored two votes.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has presented
a budget proposal of N150.7bn for 2016 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
The Permanent Secretary, Budget & Economic Planning, Mr Segun Olorunsogo, presented the proposal on behalf of the governor.
He said the financial document was in line with the six point integral plan of the government.
Olorunsogo told the House that N113.1bn was for recurrent revenue, and N37.5bn was for capital receipts.
He said that personnel cost would take N33. 3bn while N12. 2bn and N37.1bn would be spent on overhead cost and consolidated revenue fund charges respectively.
Oyo
A Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan has dissolved the
43- year-old marriage between one Disu Onifade and his wife, Sherifat, over the latter’s quarrelsomeness.
Mr Ademola Odunade, the President of the court, stated that he was merely carrying out the wishes of the couple as an amicable settlement could not be made.
“In the interest of peaceful co-existence, the union between both of you has ceased to be henceforth.
“Onifade shall pay N2,000 to enable Sherifat pack her belongings,” he ruled.
Earlier in his petition to the court, Onifade said that his wife was quarrelsome even after divorcing and accepting her again.
Plateau
The United Nations (UN) said that it was partnering
Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Limited and some institutions in the country to train 500 insurgency victims on vocational skills.
Mr Matthew Alao, Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Analyst of UN Development Programme (UNDP) disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
Alao said the UN was carrying out the skills acquisition programme in big and standard institutions in the country to give the beneficiaries quality training which would enable them to begin new lives.
“Basically, we advertised for any available facility within the country where we can train these beneficiaries.
Sokoto
Authorities of some Federal Government institutions
in Sokoto say the schools have adopted proactive security measures against any threat to lives and property in the institutions.
A Principal of one of the schools told newsmen in Sokoto that the measures were necessary because of threats by some miscreants to attack the schools.
The Principal, Federal Science College, Sokoto, Mrs Rhoda Shekarau, said that the Federal Ministry of Education had directed all federal schools across the country to be on the alert.
Shekarau said that the college had responded to the government’s directive and established a well-coordinated security network, to avert any eventuality.
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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