Nation
THE STATES
Mmembers of the Bring Back Our Girls leading the parents and relations of the abducted Chibok girls to Presidential Villa in Abuja, during a protest march, yesterday.
Bauchi
Education sector topped Bauchi State’s 2016 Budget with
an allocation of N26.73 billion out of N135.30 billion budgeted for the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Planning Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, stated this in Bauchi while giving a breakdown of the budget.
Ibrahim said that health, roads and infrastructure development were accorded second and third priority with N19.68 billion and N14.49 billion respectively.
He said that agriculture and water were also accorded priority with the sum of N9.54 billion and N7.31 billion respectively.
Ibrahim said that rural development; and commerce and industry got the least allocations with N3.40 billion and N1.83 billion respectively.
Benue
The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Cen
tre (FMC), Makurdi, Dr Peteru Inunduh, said that there was no case of Lassa fever in the hospital.
In the same vein, his counterpart at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Prof. Abraham Malu, said the hospital had yet to record any case of Lassa fever.
The directors, who spoke in separate interviews with in Makurdi, said that they were on the watch out, following the recent outbreak of the disease in the country.
Malu said that although the hospital had received a case suspected to be Lassa fever, the hospital authority had yet to confirm it.
FCT
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment
to promote decent employment and enhanced welfare for Nigerian workers, a statement has said.
The statement was issued by Mr Samuel Olowookere, Deputy Director of Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, in Abuja recently.
It said Mr James Ocholi, the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, made the pledge when the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter, paid him a courtesy visit.
Ocholi said such step was the only way that the country would record economic growth and stability and called on the doctors to support the government’s efforts to ensure industrial peace and harmony in the health sector.
Gombe
Gombe Local Government Council in Gombe State says
it has distributed JAMB forms to 50 less privilege youths in the area to rekindle their interest in education.
The Acting Caretaker Chairman of the council, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, told newsmen in Gombe that the gesture was aimed at assisting the beneficiaries to further their education.
“The beneficiaries were carefully selected based on merit with 18 females and 32 males benefiting.
“This gesture is in line with the priority given to education by the state government and the concern for the youths to develop academically, among other assistance.
“I want youths in this council area to change their attitude positively to further their education for a better tomorrow for themselves, their families and the state at large,’’ said Ibrahim.
He said if they imbibe positive attitudinal change, they would contribute to the development of the state and the country at large.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has solicited the support
of parents and administrators to sustain its school feeding programme.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, Dr Shehu Adamu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, said the programme would ease the suffering of pupils and students in the state.
He said the support of parents in particular, would enhance the implementation of the programme for primary and secondary schools.
“The school feeding programme will be formally launched when pupils in government-owned schools resume on January 17.
“Preparation for the take-off of the programme is in top gear as contractors and vendors have been engaged.
“Individual schools will meet with their respective vendors to review the procedures and modalities for effective service delivery.’’
Kwara
The Tsaragi community in Kwara State has rejected the
commission of inquiry set up by the state government to look into the bloody clash between it and the Share community.
The spokesman of the community, Dr Abdullahi Idris, made this known in Ilorin at a news conference.
He said the community has no confidence in the judicial commission of inquiry set up by the state government to find lasting solution to incessant clashes between the two communities.
“We wish to reiterate that the Nupes of Tsaragi community have no confidence and trust in the institution of Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed
“We have therefore instituted an action in court to challenge the governor’s action.
“The Nupes in Tsaragi community and in general are law abiding and committed to peaceful co-existence with their Share Igbomina speaking neighbours,” Idris added.
Lagos
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of
Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Saleh Dunoma, has given assurance that the Katsina Airport terminal would be ready for commissioning soon.
Dunoma gave the assurance in a statement issued by FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati, in Lagos recently.
The statement quoted Dunoma as saying that the authority was putting finishing touches for final takeover of the terminal.
He said in the statement that the airport was strategic to key airports in the northern part of the country.
He noted that the terminal would add substantial value to the revenue generation drive of the organisation through the annual Hajj operations.
Nasarawa
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Soja-Anyembugu of St. Sylvester
Catholic Church, New Nyanya, Karu, Nasarawa State, has inaugurated a computer training centre to enable youths to acquire computer knowledge.
Soja-Anyembugu , who inaugurated the centre in Akun Development Area of the state, urged the youths to take advantage of the free computer training to acquire computer knowledge.
He said the computer centre would enable the children of poor to acquire computer knowledge so as to be able to take computer-based examinations.
“ICT knowledge is needed by all, especially the students because one cannot sit for JAMB, post UTME without having computer knowledge.
“That is why it has become imperative for the youths and other Nigerians to acquire computer knowledge in order to be self-reliant and to contribute their quota to national development.
Niger
Sheikh Muhammadu Isah-Kutigi, has urged political
leaders to abide by oath of office and remember the day of judgment in the discharge of their duties.
Isah-Kutigi, proprietor, Madarasatul Faitul Islam in Dutsen Kura Gwari, made the call during Qura’nic Graduation (Wolimat) of 114 students in Minna recently.
He said the society would experience the much desired dividends of democracy when elected and appointed leaders lived above board.
“They should always remember that they have either sworn with Holy Qur’an or Holy Bible, and as such, should not renege on such oaths”, he said.
The cleric also advised leaders to shun materialism, adding that they should fear God in the discharge of their duties to the people.
Plateau
The Plateau State Ministry of Health has confirmed the
death of one person in Mangu Local Government Area of the state from Lassa fever infection.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Kudun Deyin, said at a press briefing in Jos that the victim, a woman, was on transit from Abuja.
He said a specimen from the deceased was sent to Irrua in Edo for confirmation.
He said that the ministry’s Disease and Surveillance Notification Officer had been sent to the private hospital where the lady was admitted to carry out further investigation and to forestall the spread of the disease.
Deyin, however, said that there were other cases in Shendam, Langtang South, Jos North and Pankshin local government areas, which had yet to be confirmed.
He described Lassa fever as an acute haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arena- virus.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government says it has concluded
plans to recruit 500 additional teachers for secondary schools across the state.
The Head of the Civil Service (HOS) of the state, Alhaji Bature Shinkafi, made this known in Sokoto when he addressed newsmen on efforts to transform the sector.
Our correspondent reports that the move is coming barely one month after the state government declared a “state of emergency’’ in the education sector.
Shinkafi said that the teachers to be recruited would be graduates and holders of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
He said: “The committee set up to conduct the recruitment had submitted its report to my office on January 6.”
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