Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa-German Medical Centre (AGMC) in Yola says
it has treated about 14,000 patients since inception in 2012.
The Administrator of the centre, Mrs Fadimatu Yakubu, made this known in an interview with newsmen.
Yakubu said the centre had at December 2015 handled 13,284 out-patients and 673 in-patients.
“Within the period under review, this centre which is rendering world class service carried out 220 surgeries, 107 mammography, 309 CT scan and 88 MRI, among others.
“A total of 8,345 patients had undergone various tests from March 2012 to December 2015. Our laboratory is fully equipped to carry out all kinds of medical test,” Yakubu said.
Borno
The Borno State Government, has awarded a N660 million
contract to three indigenous firms for the supply of medical equipment to public hospitals in the state.
The indigenous companies are Trans Sahara International Ltd, Kabiru Muhammad and Co Ltd and Kime International Ltd.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Haruna Mishelia, signed the contract on behalf of the State government, while representatives of the firms signed on behalf of their companies.
Mishelia said that the contract would include the provision of medical equipment, beds and beddings, as well as additional wards at Maimusari Healthcare Clinic in Maiduguri.
The commissioner said that the contacts were awarded after approval of the state Executive Council.
FCT
National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has
called on government to improve existing response mechanism to ensure rapid response in cases of disease outbreaks in the country.
President of the association, Dr Muhammad Askira, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on the recent outbreak of Lassa fever.
Askira said the disease had so far claimed 43 lives in 10 states and the FCT Abuja.
He decried the emergency response arrangement set up by the government to tackle outbreak of any epidemic of this nature.
Jigawa
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria
(MACBAN) has urged nomads to desist from grazing their livestock at night as the practice can raise suspicion among members of the community concerned.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Muhammad Kirowa, gave the warning in Dutse while speaking with newsmen.
According to Kirowa, the warning has become necessary in view of the current security challenges the country is facing.
He said that it had become necessary to warn the nomads against grazing at night because they had been accused of committing all sorts of crime during the night.
The president of the association also urged parents to desist from sending their under-aged children out to graze at night.
Kaduna
The Chairman, Southern Kaduna Christian Leader’s Council,
Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, has urged the people of the area to hold on to their faith and trust in God for deliverance.
Bagobiri gave the advice in a sermon delivered at the 15th Annual Southern Kaduna National Prayer Summit held at the Catholic Cathedral, Kafanchan.
The Bishop said that the message was against the backdrop of attacks witnessed in the area between 2012 and 2015 that led to wanton destruction of lives and property.
According to him, the Summit provides the platform and a rallying point for the people of the area to consolidate on the spirit of unity.
Kano
Kano State Government will host the forthcoming
conference on National Council on Agriculture scheduled to hold between February 8 and February 12.
The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, made this known in Kano in an interview with newsmen recently.
According to him, the local organising committee has been set up by the government to ensure the success of the event.
He said stakeholders from the 36 states and FCT as well as participants from outside the country are expected to attend the conference.
Katsina
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in
Katsina State has intercepted a lorry loaded with cannabis sativa, psychotropic substances and cough syrups concealed in paint containers.
The NDLEA State Commandant, Hajiya Maryam Sani, who disclosed this to newsmen in Katsina, said that the vehicle was intercepted in Katsina on Friday, following a tip-off.
‘’The suspects placed real paints on top, whereas the others were below to deceive people into believing it was all paints that were being transported.
“When the vehicle was stopped by our men on duty, the some of the occupants of the vehicle took to their heels while two persons were arrested,’’ she said.
The commandant added that the items concealed inside the paint containers included cannabis sativa wrapped with polythene materials, hundreds of bottles of cough syrups, different types of psychotropic substances and other prohibited drugs.
Lagos
Alaguntan Community Development Association (CDA)
in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State has commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for approving the reconstruction of 114 inner roads across the state.
Our correspondent reports that the reconstruction of 114 inner roads, two in each of the 57 council areas, is an initiative of the Ambode administration.
The project, which is being fully funded by the State Government, is slated for completion in six months at a cost of N17.5 billion.
The General Secretary of the Alaguntan CDA, Mr Bada Saubana, said that the inclusion of Shotunde Street in the community among roads slated for reconstruction was a welcome development.
According to him, the reconstruction of the community roads will open up the areas for more socio- economic activities and improve the welfare of the people.
Nasarawa
The Karshi Development Area Council in Nasarawa State
has warned workers against truancy, absenteeism and other sharp practices for improved productivity.
The Director of Personnel Management (DPM) Mr Musa Adamu, of the council, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Karshi.
He advised the workers to buckle up to record optimal productivity in the council and justify the huge investment of government at the grass roots.
“I want to appeal to the staff of the council to be punctual, dedicated, diligent and be more committed to their duty and to contribute their quota to national development.
“I am also calling on the workers to shun non-chalant attitude to work and other sharp practices.
“Doing that, will not only move the council forward, it will also enable the public have trust in the council administration for grassroots development and the country at large,’’ he said.
Niger
The Coordinator of Fadama III project in Niger, Mr Aliyu
Kutigi, said that the state had acquired farm inputs worth N28.2 million for ten production clusters.
Kutigi made this known in Minna when he presented the report of project implementation to the Team Leader of the World Bank assisted Fadama III Additional Financing Project, Dr Adetunji Oredipe.
According to him, the agricultural inputs are of 30 metric tonnes of improved rice seeds, 2,300 litres of herbicides and 150 metric tonnes of fertilisers to farmers under Fadama project.
“I will like to inform you that the state has gone far in the implementation of Fadama III Additional Financing (AF) as one of core states.
“The state has 970 hectares of rice, comprising 700 hectares in 2015 rainy season and 270 hectares for dry season,’’ Kutigi said.
He said the state government was committed to the Fadama III Additional Financing Project, adding that benefitting communities were also cooperating.
Oredipe commended Niger Government for the success it had so far recorded in the project, but stressed the need to add value to the project.
Plateau
The Plateau State Commissioner for Housing and Urban
Development, Mr Samuel Gahe has urged contractors to step up effort and perform creditably.
Galadima, who gave the assurance wile interacting with contractors executing government projects in the state, said the current administration would also complete projects embarked upon by the previous administration.
The Commissioner said since the contractors had been fully mobilized financially, any excuse for non-performance would not be accepted.
“This government is very determined not to leave any project uncompleted.
“That is why it has given finances to the contractors handling various projects to ensure completion within the time frame”, he said.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, said that the
government would undertake a verification of all workers on the payroll of the state and local governments.
Tambuwal announced this when he received the National President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE, Mr Ibrahim Khalil, in Sokoto.
The governor was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Imam Imam, as saying that the exercise was “to reposition the civil service.”
“We will carry out full verification to ascertain the number of workers we have at the state and local government levels.”
The governor said that the exercise would also end “the culture of truancy especially at LGAs where workers go to work late and in some instances, they don’t go at all.”
Tambuwal restated his support for full autonomy of local councils and urged NULGE to sustain its campaign to ensure amendment to the relevant sections of the Constitution.”

Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State (right), inspecting the dormitory of the Government Girls Science College in Dakingari on Wednesday.
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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