Nation
THE STATES
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (right), presenting certificate to the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, during the Oba’s coronation in Ibadan on Friday . With them is the Oba’s eldest wife, Alhaja Rafiat Adetunji.
Bauchi
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Wikki Spring Water
Company, Mainamaji, Bauchi State, Mr Ojile Alfa says the company has engaged 2,050 youths working for the company.
Alfa announced this at the commissioning of the company in Mainamaji, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Alfa said that the company was currently producing 5,000 bottles of water per hour but could produce 40,000 bottles in eight hours.
He further explained that the company produced 80,000 sachet water per hour while it was working to provide additional two production lines.
The CEO called on the state government to re-construct the two-kilometre road linking main entrance to Yankari Games Reserves to Badara, to motivate the villagers who were sugar cane farmers.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government says it has expended over
one billion naira (N1 billion) on ecological projects between October, 2015 and February, 2016
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Bisi Kolawole told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, that seven of the projects had been completed, while three were ongoing.
He said that the projects executed include dredging of stream channels, construction of access culverts and reconstruction of failed culverts.
Kolawole, who frowned at the careless attitude of the citizens to their environment, appealed to them to compliment the efforts of the state government at ensuring a clean environment.
“The attitude of our people to their environment is not encouraging because there are so many culverts that were blocked with waste and filth thrown inside them by the people.
“I want to appeal to our people that they should complement the efforts of the state government by ensuring that they clear their drains at least once or twice a month.
“If our people can inculcate that attitude of cleanliness, the state will be clean and government will have less work to do.
FCT
The Director of FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board
(FMPWB), Malam Muhammad Bashir, has pledged to ensure hitch-free 2016 Hajj operations in the territory.
Bashir gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He said as part of early preparations for the 2016 Hajj, the board held preliminary discussions with service providers such as accommodation and feeding providers in Mecca.
“Immediately after the 2015 Hajj, we began preparations for the 2016 by reviewing our performance in order to improve the standard of future operations.
“We reviewed all aspects of the operations to make sure that we identify what we did perfectly and where we were found wanting.
“This was to enable us to adjust where necessary and to improve the 2016 Hajj exercise,’’ Bashir said.
Gombe
The Inspector- General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase,
has been urged to prosecute the police officer who reportedly shot and killed Sadiq Yunusa, a student of Government Science Secondary School, Gombe.
The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Bem Angwe, made the call in a statement issued by Chief Press Officer of the commission, Fatimah Mohammed in Abuja.
The statement, which said that Yunusa was shot by a policeman on Friday, described the death as senseless.
It urged the Inspector- General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, to ensure that the officer responsible was prosecuted in line with the relevant laws.
It also appealed to officers and men of the police force to always abide by the rules of engagement while on duty.
Kaduna
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) on Tuesday
said it had released new high-yield cowpea (beans), maize, groundnut and sorghum’s varieties to farmers in Kaduna state.
An IAR Director, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, made the disclosure at the IAR’s 2016 Annual Cropping Scheme Meeting held in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Our correspondent reports that the meeting had “Revamping Agriculture for Economic Growth and Sustainability’’ as its theme.
“Our research scientists, together with technicians and technologists conducted different researches covering; genetic improvement of our mandate crops, crop production, irrigation, farm mechanisation, crop production management practice, economics and extension.
“The institute had projected the university and the country in positive light through developing and releasing two cowpea (beans) varieties (SAMPEA 16 and SAMPEA 17) which are striga tolerant, alectra and drought resistant.
Kano
The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO)
has appealed to its consumers to exercise patience over the drop in power allocation.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the company, Muhammad Kandi and issued to newsmen in Kano recently.
It said that current generation profile had descended to less than 3, 697 MW against the peak of 5, 074 MW achieved earlier in February.
“The management of KEDCO hereby calls on all its customers not to panic as concerned authorities in the sector are working assiduously to address the problem”, the statement said.
The statement quoted the company’s Chief Technical Officer, David Omoloye as attributing the situation to poor gas supply to generation companies (GenCos) in the country.
Kogi
A food processing company, Ahiaba Global Resources
Limited in collaboration with U.S-based Techno Serve said it had commenced production of cashew juice from cashew apples in Kogi State.
The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Stephen Ahiaba,disclosed this at the inauguration of the processing plant in Ochaja, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi.
“The initiative, apart from adding value to cashew production in the state, is part of efforts to improve on the national economy and curb unemployment among youths and rural women.
“Farmers in the rural areas will no longer harvest cashew nuts and waste the apples as they have now been trained on how to preserve them for our company to process,’’ Ahiaba said.
Nasarawa
The Curator, National Museum and Monuments in
Nasarawa State, Mrs Elizabeth Kefas, says the major challenge confronting the commission is the lack of a gallery or museum to display its works.
Kefas told newsmen in Lafia that it was important for the commission to have a gallery or a museum where it could display the state’s cultural heritage for the public.
She said that such a gallery would also help to protect the cultural heritage of different ethnic extractions that abound in the state.
“The diverse ethnic groups in the state have a lot of artifacts which can be displayed.
Osun
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to
both the Federal and state governments to allocate more funds for the upgrade of government-owned hospitals.
The Osun State chairman of NMA, Dr Suraj Ogunyemi, told newsmen in Osogbo that the upgrade would create opportunities for more medical doctors to be employed.
Also, it would afford the hospital managements the opportunity to train and retrain existing ones and recruit new ones for housemanship, Ogunyemi said.
According to him, most doctors cannot get placement for their internship in government-owned hospitals because of their poor and deplorable states due to underfunding.
Oyo
Students of the Polytechnic, Ibadan have staged a protest
over the introduction of insurance and ICT fees in the institution.
Our correspondent reports that the placard-carrying protesting students were seen matching from the south campus to the north campus chanting solidarity songs.
The students also barricaded all the entry points into the campus, making it impossible for people to gain entry.
The students were also demanding for the presence of the student union president whom they accused of being behind the introduction of the fees.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has
announced that card reader machine would be used in the conduct of this month local government election in the state.
The governor made the announcement in Binji Local Government Area at the commencement of the APC campaign in Sokoto North Senatorial district.
He said that the state would set new standard by being the first state in Nigeria to use the new voter card and the card reader machine to conduct the local government poll.
Taraba
A retired officer of the State Security Service, Mr Hosea
Danjuma, has been abducted by gunmen at his residence in Baisa, headquarters of Kurmi Local Government Area of Taraba.
The Caretaker Chairman of the council, Mr Steven Agya, confirmed the development in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo.
The Standard Bearers (SB) Islamic Organisation has raised concerns over the growing rate of binge drinking among Nigerian youths, attributing the trend largely to the widespread availability of sachet alcohol.
The group’s position follows the recent move by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce a ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Nurudeen AbdulRaheem, and National Secretary, Malam Qaasim Adegbuyi, the organisation declared its full support for NAFDAC’s decision, describing it as a timely and necessary public health intervention.
AbdulRaheem noted that sachet alcohol, often sold for as little as ?100, has made excessive drinking more accessible, particularly to young people and minors. According to him, the affordability and small packaging of such products have worsened binge drinking, youth addiction and community insecurity.
He explained that binge drinking involves consuming multiple alcoholic drinks within a short period, typically within two hours, a practice that can lead to severe physical and mental health complications as well as legal and social problems.
The SB National Coordinator cited global health data indicating that alcohol is responsible for more than three million deaths annually worldwide and remains a major contributor to road accidents, violence, liver disease and mental health disorders.
While acknowledging concerns from industry stakeholders over the economic implications of the ban, AbdulRaheem maintained that public health considerations must take precedence.
“Public health and the protection of young lives must come first,” he stated, adding that Islamic ethical values, like many societal norms, emphasise the protection of life, intellect and family stability.
The organisation urged NAFDAC and the Federal Government to remain resolute in implementing the policy while also providing transition support for businesses that may be affected by the ban.
According to the group, the enforcement of the ban represents a significant step toward promoting a safer and healthier society.
By Favour James
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has successfully concluded its Seafarers Training Programme for 100 Ogoni youths, positioning them for opportunities in the competitive global maritime industry.
The beneficiaries, who underwent four months of intensive training at Charkin Maritime Academy, Port Harcourt, received their certificates during a close-out ceremony held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The event was attended by top management staff of HYPREP, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning of Charkin Maritime Academy, the Head of the Seafaring Department, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the graduates, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, described the ceremony as a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the young beneficiaries.
He said the graduation symbolises vision, resilience, and hope — hope translated into skills, certificates, and tangible opportunities for a better future for Ogoni youths.
According to him, the passing-out ceremony marks an important milestone in HYPREP’s mandate to restore livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Ogoniland. He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the skills and certifications acquired.
“These skills and achievements should not end here but serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and Nigeria,” he stated.
Prof. Zabbey noted that the seafaring programme is significant not only to the beneficiaries but also to HYPREP’s broader livelihood restoration strategy and the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
He explained that by equipping the youths with globally relevant maritime skills, HYPREP is opening alternative income opportunities while discouraging oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other environmentally harmful practices. He added that the initiative aligns with the directives of the 2016 HYPREP Establishment Gazette and reinforces the Project’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
Commending Charkin Maritime Academy as a dependable training partner, Zabbey described the institution as one of the foremost maritime training centres in the country.
“This partnership has delivered high-quality results today, and we intend to expand it as we intensify efforts to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for the Ogoni people,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Ogoni youths as drivers of unity, peace, and progress, noting their resilience and commitment to peace in the area. He reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of youths and women in Ogoniland.
The Project Coordinator likened knowledge and certificates to fuel in a vehicle, stressing that they are meant to propel the graduates toward greater heights.
“We hear your voices calling for restoration, and today, environmental and livelihood restoration are gradually unfolding before your eyes, bringing renewed hope. We continue to lay brick upon brick, building pillars of Ogoni development, as evidenced by the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), which is 93 per cent completed,” he added.
He emphasised that HYPREP’s approach integrates all projects and interventions toward achieving environmental sustainability and long-term development in Ogoniland.
Also speaking, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwahia, said the graduates had gained not only technical maritime skills but also discipline, resilience, and confidence to compete globally.
He described their graduation as the beginning of a new journey and noted that the UNEP Report emphasised that environmental restoration must be complemented by sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and youth empowerment.
“Without empowering people, restoration cannot be complete. Programmes such as this maritime training represent practical steps toward creating employment pathways, dignity, and long-term community stability,” he said.
Engr. Igbinomwahia added that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited remains committed to supporting environmental recovery, human capacity development, and sustainable economic opportunities in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.
Highlighting the importance of discipline and safety, he urged the graduates to be ambassadors of professionalism and integrity.
“The sea you are about to enter is vast and sometimes challenging, but it is also full of opportunity. Let discipline guide your actions, let safety remain your constant companion, and let your character speak for you wherever you go,” he advised.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning at Charkin Maritime Academy, Captain Joseph Awodeha, who represented the Chairman, Dr. Charles Wami, emphasised discipline and safety as critical to career success in the maritime sector.
The Head of the Seafaring Department, Captain Jonathan Hammond, urged the graduates to remain humble and disciplined, noting that such virtues are essential for career growth.
In his remarks, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, Barrister Dornu Baridan, commended the beneficiaries for successfully scaling through the
rigorous selection process and completing their training as seafarers.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, Rivers State, has elected 14 member executives to lead the organization for the 2025/2026 year. Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, is the 23rd chairman.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Engr. Ishmael A. Branch Secretariat, 3 Benard Carr Street (Waterworks Yard), Port Harcourt, attracted members of the engineering profession from within and outside the state.
Other elected executives include:
Engr. Samuel H. Kwelle, MNSE – Vice Chairman
Engr. Dr. Promise Jumbo, FNSE – General Secretary
Engr. Priye P. K. Lawson, MNSE – Assistant Secretary
Engr. Patrick O. Udegbunam, MNSE – Treasurer.
Others are Engr. Hilda D. Batubo, MNSE – Financial Secretary
Engr. Bowei M. Dauseighe, MNSE – Technical Secretary
Engr. Charles O. Okwakpam, MNSE – Assistant Technical Secretary
Engr. Agnes Komolafe, MNSE – Membership Secretary
Engr. Dike N. Livingstone, MNSE – Publicity Secretary
Also elected are Engr. Ayebaye Daniel Wanatoi, MNSE – Welfare Secretary
Engr. Oribiokpomari I. Comfort, MNSE – Internal Auditor
Engr. Dr. Idaeresoari Harriet Ateke, FNSE – Immediate Past Chairman
Engr Dr Hachimenum Amadi, FNSE (Ex-Officio)
In his a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon. Frederick Anabraba, urged the new executive to maintain high ethical standards and move the association forward.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, promised an inclusive administration and teamwork, focusing on collaboration with stakeholders. He had begun building partnerships with Rivers State University and the University of Port Harcourt.
The highlight was the inauguration lecture, “Engineering Solution for Security, Energy Access and Sustainable Development,” delivered by Engr. Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited.
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