Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State (3rd left), his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule (2nd left), Chairman, Lagos Civil Service Commission, Mrs Adeyinka Oyemade (3rd right), Commissioner I, Pastor Israel Alagba and other members of the commission, at the inauguration of the commission by Governor Ambode in Lagos, yesterday.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State (3rd left), his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule (2nd left), Chairman, Lagos Civil Service Commission, Mrs Adeyinka Oyemade (3rd right), Commissioner I, Pastor Israel Alagba and other members of the commission, at the inauguration of the commission by Governor Ambode in Lagos, yesterday.

Bauchi
Acting Rector of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic,
Bauchi, Dr Suleiman Lame, said that the institution had secured the accreditation of 39 courses within nine months.
Lame, said in an interview with newsmen  in Bauchi that before May 2015, only five courses run by the 27-year-old school were accredited.
“Unfortunately, even the five courses that we have then, the accreditation of four expired in February 2011 leaving only one, which is computer science.
The rector said five of the accredited courses were for Higher National Diploma.
Lame said that the state government and TETFUND had improved the school’s infrastructure, including laboratories, workshops, hostels and construction of new school of general studies, engineering, vocational and technical studies.

Benue

The Benue State Government said it had commenced
the rehabilitation of both federal and state roads across the state.
The Commissioner for Works, Transport and Power, Mr Emmanuel Manger, made the disclosure in an interview with  newsmen in Makurdi.
He said the rehabilitation became necessary due to the frequent road crashes they caused, leading to loss of lives and destruction of food and cash crops.
Manger added that both the state government would also repair its roads simultaneously with the federal government roads.
The commissioner said that the federal roads would be rehabilitated in consultation and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.
“The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, during his visit to the state, gave the assurance that federal roads fixed by states government would be duly reimbursed,’’ he added.

FCT

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minis
try of Foreign Affairs and the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, to negotiate with Saudi authorities on improved terms and conditions for Nigerian pilgrims performing Hajj.
This,is contained in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President Mr Garba Shehu,  on Saturday in Abuja.
According to it, the decision followed the completion of talks with rulers of the Saudi Arabian Kingdom after the acceptance by its government to freely and openly discuss outstanding issues with Nigeria.
The statement said President Buhari, among others, also requested the Saudis to conclude all issues with the Nigerian Hajj Commission.
Such issues it said, included the undetermined outcome of Saudi’s investigation into the stampede at Muna in 2015 where it was believed that 274 Nigerians died.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, said
recently that the state was intensifying the campaign on breast feeding.
Dankwambo said this in Dukku during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Dukku, Alhahi Haruna Rasheed in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF, Mr Argan Dewagt, said that Gombe State “is doing very poorly in the area of exclusive breast feeding.’’
The governor made an appeal to Dukku monarch to speak to his subject on the need for every mother to breast feed her child exclusively.
“It is important for every woman to breast feed her child for the maximum period of 18 months.
“It is important because the breast has all the nutrients needed by a child.
“I want the traditional and religious leaders to carry out this campaign among the people,” he said.

Lagos

A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Olushola Shokunle has urged
both the Federal and State governments to be more committed to youths development to secure a future for the nation.
Shokunle, representing Oshodi/Isolo I at the Lagos State House of Assembly made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
According to him, Nigerian youths have all it takes to change the image and fortunes of the country.
He said, “The government should take the responsibility to make our youths productive and channel their youthful energy to developmental activities.
“Government must give the youths the proper attention to make them positively productive and engaged.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has announced the re
lease of 19 inmates of Birnin-Gwari Prisons, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest prisons in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued in Kaduna by Mr Barau Emmanuel, Technical Assistant on Media to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ruth Dyeris-Sijuwade.
It said that the prisoners were released after evaluation of their cases by the Committee on Prisons Decongestion, headed by the commissioner.
According to the statement, those released were mainly first time offenders for non-capital offences and those held for offences not found in law.

Kogi

Residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital have ex
pressed shock and anger over the demolition of five popular landmarks and monuments in the city on the orders of Governor Yahaya Bello.
Also affected are the Lugard Roundabout in front of the Government House, erected in memory of Nigeria’s former Governor-General, Lord Fredrick Lugard, and the popular Kogi Circle, erected to mark the creation of the state in 1995.
Also demolished are the Welcome to Lokoja Roundabout, built at the entrance of the city to welcome visitors from South Western Nigeria.
The popular NTA Roundabout and the one adjoining the Government House and the Government Reserved Area were also demolished.
Niger

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that investment
in education by his administration would begin to manifest with the passage of the 2016 budget.
The president made the remark in a message to the 25th Convocation of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna.
He said that the administration would bring about massive changes in the education sector to provide qualitative education to majority of Nigerians.
“This administration is placing high premium on education and agriculture.

Ogun

A former member of Ogun State House of Assembly,
Mrs Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, says knowledge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can curb unemployment in the country.
Adeleye-Oladapo, a two term member of the Assembly, said this on Saturday while addressing the Batch nine graduands of the Motunrayo-Adeleye Free ICT Centre at Akute, Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
She urged the youths, irrespective of their socio-economic background, to embrace the principles and practices of ICT to further reduce unemployment rate in the country to its minimum level.
The former lawmaker said that the establishment of the centre was part of her efforts towards ensuring that everyone in Ifo II constituency, especially indigent citizens, acquired necessary information and communication technology skills.
Osun

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II has
officially declared Ile-Ife as a tourism zone and called on individuals, groups, government and entire Africans to support him translate the dream into reality.
Oba Ogunwusi made the declaration during a summit at the Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He said Ile-Ife was blessed with natural and mineral resources and endowed with tourist attractions, “and that is why I planned to use the sites to create wealth and improve infrastructure for Ile-Ife and the Yoruba land.

Sokoto

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to
bridging the gender gap in education.
The Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, said this in Sokoto at the second steering committee meeting of the forthcoming Girls’ Education Conference.
The conference, whose date was yet to be fixed, is being jointly organised by the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, UNICEF and the 19 Northern state governments.
Adamu said: “The federal government will do everything humanly possible to bridge the gap between boys and girls across the nation.
“The federal government places greater emphasis on education and it is on the front burner of its policies and programmes.”
Yobe

Rep. Sabo Garbu (PDP-Potiskum/Nangere), has distrib
uted various items aimed at empowering 100 women divorcees and widows toward self reliance.
Our correspondent reports that items presented at a ceremony in Potiskum included raw materials for soap, cream and detergent making, tailoring and knitting machines as well as other complementary items.
Speaking at the occasion, Garbu advised the beneficiaries against selling the items.
The legislator said that the items were in addition to tricycles and grinding machines he had earlier distributed to youths in the area.

Continue Reading

Nation

FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Nation

TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending