Nation
THE STATES

L-R: Saturday Punch Editor, Bisi Deji-Folutile, Sunday Punch Editor, Toyosi Ogunseye, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, The Punch Editor, Martin Ayankola, Controller of Publication, The Punch Newspapers, Adeyeye Joseph and Chairman, Editorial Board of the Newspaper, Segun Adediran, during the visit of the Minister to the Newspaper’s Head Office in Lagos, yesterday
Adamawa
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has organised a Christmas get-together for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returnees in Yola, Adamawa State.
Our correspondent reports that the IDPs were largely Nigerians that recently returned from Cameroon Republic.
Speaking during the party, Mr Sa’ad Bello, the agency’s Coordinator in the state, said that the gesture was to give hundreds of the IDPs a sense of belonging.
“This is to show our love and sense of belonging to the IDPs, majority of whom are women and children,’’ he explained.
Bello said the ceremony was organised in all the four major designated camps at Damare, Fufore, Girei and Malkohi camps.
Bauchi
The Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for Nomadic Edu
cation (BASABNE), Alhaji Musa Hardo, has decried the poor condition of most nomadic schools in the state.
Hardo told newsmen in Bauchi that most of the schools were operating under trees and make-shifts improvised buildings provided by their host communities.
According to him, the agency presently has 265 schools, with an enrolment figure of 50,65 pupils and 1,074 teachers respectively.
He, however, said only few of the schools had one block of two classrooms each.
The secretary noted that some of the schools with permanent structures were dilapidated and yearning for renovation and additional classrooms.
FCT
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep re
gret over the loss of lives following gas explosion at an industrial complex in Nnewi, Anambra State.
A statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president was greatly shaken and shocked by such large-scale loss of human lives in a single industrial accident.
The president extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the government of Anambra over what he described as “this unfortunate tragedy on Christmas eve’’.
The statement revealed that President Buhari also commisserated with the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Musdafa, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Adda Gombeji, who passed away at the age of 87.
“He has placed a call to condole with the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, who has equally lost his own mother,” Garba said.
Gombe
No fewer than 35 inmates have regained their freedom
from Gombe Prisons following the payment of their fines by Gombawa Forum, an NGO.
Speaking at a forum to mark their release in Gombe, the Organising Secretary of the NGO, Malam Dahiru Saidu, said the gesture was to decongest the prison and reintegrate the inmates back to society.
He said the NGO paid fines totalling N300,000 on behalf of the inmates, adding that the gesture would equally reduce the burden on the prison authorities.
“Our aims and objectives are to improve positively on the lives of the people of Gombe State and to improve on the general living condition of the people to the best of our ability by advising government on its policies,’’ he said.
Jigawa
The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in
Jigawa State, Malam Usman Ya’u, has expressed joy over the State Government’s decision to continue payment of the 18,000 minimum wage.
Ya’u, who spoke with newsmen in Dutse said that the gesture would boost morale of civil servants in the state.
“As the head of NLC in Jigawa, I am very excited with the decision of the Jigawa State Government.
“This is because some state governors had a meeting where they said they cannot continue paying the minimum wage.
“So, on behalf of the entire civil servants of the state, I want use this opportunity to commend Badaru for his decision to continue paying the 18,000 minimum wage.
“It will go a long way in boosting our morale, It would also encourage service delivery in the state,” Ya’u said.
Kaduna
A group of Muslim women in Kaduna fed more than 500
Christian inmates in Kaduna prison in order to celebrate Christmas and to promote unity and togetherness among Nigerians.
The leader of the women group, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar, told newsmen in Kaduna that the gesture was to show love to Christians who were incarcerated.
Abubakar, who was received by officials of the prison, said that the food was cooked to join Christians in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
She addded that “we are here to feed inmates who are incacerated in the spirit of togetherness and to join them in celebrating the birth of our noble Prophet Isa.”
Kano
Marketers caught diverting petroleum products in Kano
State will henceforth pay a fine of N150 per litre of the diverted product.
Chairman of the Taskforce on Distribution of Petroleum Products in the state, Alhaji Rabiu Bako, said this during a news conference in Kano.
Bako said the measure was to check the continued fuel shortages being experienced in the state.
Bako, who is also the Commissioner for Commerce in the state, said marketers had not heeded to earlier warnings to desist from sharp practices.
“The decision followed series of warnings by the Task Force to oil marketers in the state to desist from sharp practices and illegal increases in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” he said.
He said any marketer found diverting petroleum products would be so sanctioned and also risk forfeiting such products.
Kebbi
Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has called on
Christians and Muslims to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ.
This is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Abubakar Muazu, the Press Secretary to the governor.
According to the statement, the governor made the call as part of activities to mark this year’s Maulud Nabiyy and Christmas in the state.
He advised adherents of both religions to propagate their faith peacefully, devoid of acrimony and ill will.
He enjoined people to live in peace, love of one another and uphold forgiveness at all times, especially as that would ensure rapid development of society and mankind.
Lagos
A Consultant Urologist, Dr Oseremen Shadrach-
Aisuodione, said that the country did not have enough urologists to attend to the healthcare needs and services of Nigerians.
Shadrach-Aisuodione, who works with College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that there were not enough urologists considering the large population and that the insufficiency needed to be addressed for better service outcomes.
According to him, there are few number of urologists in Nigeria, currently put at less than 300 in a country of over 170 million people.
Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command says it is ready to part
ner with local hunters to provide adequate security in the state.
The Police Commissioner in the state, Abdulmajid Ali, said this while addressing the hunters at Odeda Police Divisional Headquarters in Odeda Council Area of the state.
Ali said the police had concluded plans to incorporate the hunters and other relevant groups in its security network for more effective policing of the state.
He said no serious police formation would jettison or underrate the role of hunters in intelligence gathering and effective policing of the community.
He assured the hunters of adequate support and protection if they (hunters) were law-abiding and operated within the ambit of the law.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly has commiserated
with the family of late Soji Akinkurolere, a former member of the assembly.
The House stated this during a ceremonial sitting in honour of the late member of the Seventh Assembly.
The sitting, which was presided by the Speaker, Jumoke Akindele, urged the children of the deceased to keep alive the legacy of their father, whom she said possessed wonderful qualities during his life time.
Akindele described the deceased as someone who didn’t bear grudges and said he discharged his duties effectively.
Earlier, Mr Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, Majority leader and member representing Ondo-West 2 constituency, said the deceased lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has urged eth
nic groups in the country to preserve their languages and save them from extinction.
Lalong made the call at the 2015 Gamai Cultural Festival in Shendam Local Government Area of the state, where he hails from.
He said that languages were vital tools for interacting and expressing ideas, emotions, knowledge, memories and values.
“Languages are also primary vehicles of cultural expressions and intangible cultural heritage, essential to the identity of individuals and groups.
“Safeguarding endangered languages is thus, a crucial task in maintaining cultural diversity, worldwide.
“The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO’s) recent reports on endangered languages shows that half of the 6,700 languages spoken all over the world are in danger of disappearing before the century ends.
Yobe
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,
has assured residents of the North East of a more peaceful region in 2016.
He gave the assurance after his operational visits to troops locations in parts of Borno and Yobe states.
He said joint forces had within the timeframe given by President Muhammadu Buhari, decimated the Boko Haram sect and substantially destroyed its enclaves on Nigerian territory.
He added that “going by the present pace and momentum of the military operation, no insurgent or group will be able to operate freely by 2016.
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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