Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning
in Bauchi State, Alhaji Shehu Ningi, said the state intended to raise N1 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2016.
Ningi told newsmen in Abuja that the projected amount in the 2016 budget would be used to enhance socio-economic development of the state
“We are targeting more than N1 billion in 2016; our IGR is usually between N200 and 300 million annually, so it is very low compared to other states.
“It is low because of lack of industries, backwardness in commercial activities, but we are trying to get out of the problems.
“We are getting out of the problems by encouraging farming, establishing small scale industries and introducing some reforms in the Land Use Act in the state”.
Borno
The Borno State Commissioner for Finance, Budget
and Planning, Alh. Mohammed Kauji said the state was now safe for local and foreign investors.
Kauji told newsmen in Abuja that economic activities were picking up in the state after years of battling with insurgency.
“There is improvement in the economy of the state; I am assuring investors that there is peace in the state now.
“Anybody who wants to see things for himself is free to do so.
“ Security personnel on ground are working hard to protect lives of the citizens, including investors,’’ he said.
The commissioner said the state had been facing security challenges which had impacted negatively on the economy of the state, including its Internally Generated Revenues.
FCT
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),
has called on the Federal Government to stop private ownership of electricity in the country.
Dr Nasir Isa, President of ASUU, who made this call at a news conference, explained that private ownership of electricity sector had jeopardised economic development and national security.
“It is obvious that the power sector epitomises the massive fraud that characterised the privatisation process.
“At the onset, there were official campaigns on how committed and experienced investors were going to inject funds to turn around the comatose power sector.
“In spite of spirited efforts by patriotic Nigerians, particularly in the labour movement, the ruling class forced the bitter pill down the throat of the helpless workers and citizens.
“Three years down the line, provision of uninterrupted electricity has remained a mirage and the story of power sector has changed for the worse.
“Nigerians now pay higher bills for less hours of brightness than they did in 2012 or earlier”, he said.
Kaduna
The Medical Director, National Ear Care Centre (NECC), Kaduna, Dr Aminu Bakari, has advised parents to take their wards for routine check-up on ear and nose diseases.
Bakari gave the advice when members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State council, visited him in Kaduna.
The medical director said a large number of children were being killed by ear, nose and throat diseases due to ignorance.
He said that most parents were ignorant of ear discharge or ear, nose and throat ailment and urged them to always take their children with ear, nose and throat problems for check up and treatment.
He noted that Nigeria has less than 200 Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists.
“Lack of adequate man power is our major challenge in West Africa because presently Nigeria has less than 200 ENT specialists across the country.
Kano
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA) in Kano State says it has launched an operation tagged ‘Operation Clean Kano of Hard Drugs Users’.
The Commandant of the agency in the State, Alhaji Hamza Umar, disclosed this to newsmen in Kano recently.
Umar said that the operation was in collaboration with some neighborhood vigilance groups in the state.
He said this was part of the command’s effort to clean the state of drug abuse.
“These vigilance groups are within the communities, therefore we think they are in the position to assist us in fishing out anyone involved in hard drug abuse ,“he said.
“Other substances intercepted include Tramadol, Codene, Rochi, Pentazoline and Diazapam,” he said.
Kogi
The Nigeria National Population has commenced the
Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) in Kogi State in preparation for the 2017 population and housing census.
Alhaji Mohammed Aikoye, the state’s NPC Federal Commissioner, said at the event in Lokoja that the exercise formed the entire foundation on which the entire 2017 census would stand.
The commissioner urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise.
Aikoye assured that the exercise would be professionally handled to avoid on lapping EADs, oversized enumerations areas, under sized enumeration areas and non- existent enumeration areas in 2017 census.
The commissioner said that the ongoing EAD will be the last that the NPC will conduct before a full scale census, saying that further exercise would only require updating of the EADs.
. Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has urged chemists to play active roles in solving Nigeria’s challenges in the areas of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and agribusiness.
Ahmed made the call in Ilorin when he received the 2016 Award of the America Chemical Society and Nigeria International Chemical Societies Chapter.
Ahmed, who is a graduate of chemistry, noted that the prevailing economic challenges in the country and the quest for the diversification of the economy provide ample opportunities for chemists to play critical roles in that regard.
“At a time like this, when the country is diversifying its economic base, it is expedient that chemists increase research into areas such as agro-processing, and solid Minerals Development.
Niger
The Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna,
would tomorrow graduate 34 first class students at its 25th convocation ceremony.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Musbau Akanji, made the disclosure on Tuesday at a pre-convocation press briefing in Minna.
He said the institution would also graduate 3, 505 students in various classes for the 2014/2015 academic session.
“We shall be graduating a total of 3,505 students. Out of this, 2, 787 will be graduating with first degrees, 220 with Post Graduate Diplomas, 464 Masters and 34 Doctorate degrees.
Ogun
Ogun State House of Assembly has ordered the imme
diate probe of Mr John Mark, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sagamu Division, over alleged extortion.
The Speaker, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, gave the order at plenary after the submission of the House Majority Leader, Mr Mafe Adeyinka.
Adeyinka had accused the DPO of large scale corruption, including demanding huge sum of money before granting bail to accused persons.
Osun
A 39-year-old man, Kazeem Ariyo has been docked at
an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly pouring ‘strange’ water on a prophetess.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Ajayi told the court that the accused committed the offense on Feb. 19 at about 11:00a.m, along Sabiatu Street, Osogbo.
Ajayi said that the accused was having a misunderstanding with the complainant before he poured the liquid substance on her, and caused a breach of the peace.
He said that the offence contravened section 249(d) of the Criminal Code cap34 Volume.11 laws of Osun, 2003.
Oyo
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof. Olatunde
Fawole, has urged key players in the economy to invest more in the country’s education sector.
Fawole spoke at the inauguration of a 350-seater lecture hall donated to the institution by Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The rector urged professional bodies with affiliation to the education sector to come up with proposals to support tertiary education in the country, particularly with reference to provision of infrastructure.
Plateau
Mr Dickson Onuoha, Director of Procurement at the
Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has taken over as Acting Director General of the organisation.
A press statement given to newsmen in Jos said this followed a handover ceremony which took place in Abuja.
The statement, signed by Dr Felix Otuwarikpo, Head of Public Affairs Unit of the ITF, announced the change in leadership.
According to the statement, ITF is among 26 parastatals and agencies whose chief executives were recently relieved of their appointments by the Federal Government.
“In the handing over ceremony at the ITF Corporate Office in Abuja, the outgoing Director General, Mrs Juliet Onaeko urged the Acting DG to focus on consolidating the gains and achievements recorded by the fund under her leadership.’’
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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