Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat-Yusuf and the Permanent Secretary, Youth and Social Development, Hakeem Muri Okunola, at a news conference by Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Sports to mark one year of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in office, in Lagos yesterday.
Bauchi
Bauchi State is to train 900 women across the 20 Local
Government Areas in new trades to make them self reliant.
Hajiya Asabe HAmma, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the State, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
According to her, the training would be in new “marketable trades” that would require small amounts as capital.
She said that the number of participants would be based on the size and population of each local government.
Hamma said that women development officers at the local government levels would be charged with the responsibility of selecting those to be trained.
Ekiti
A Muslim cleric, Malam Abdul’kareem Adeleke, said he
was optimistic that the current economic challenges facing the country would soon be over.
Adeleke, of the Central Mosque, Ikole, Ekiti State, spoke with newsmen after the Jumat prayers.
He appealed to Nigerians to endure the hardship and urged the rich to always support the poor in the society.
According to him, the rich have a duty to support government in alleviating poverty and to assist the needy with food, cash and other things that could improve their condition.
He cautioned the less privileged in the society against engaging in crime as means of survival saying God would not be pleased with such act.
FCT
A 55-year old farmer, Aminu Ma’aji has appeared in a Kado
Grade 1 Area Court for alleged mischief.
Ma’aji, who resides in Gwarimpa village, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of mischief.
The Prosecutor, Zeera Douglas, told the court that Peter Omobighe of Gwarimpa village, reported the matter at Gwarimpa Police Station on February 27.
Douglas said that the defendant deliberately removed the roof of Omobighe’s room, who is his tenant, without any reason to do so.
He said that rainfall destroyed all his property, which included mattress , kitchen cabinet, electronic cabinet, gas cooker, standing fan, two seater chairs, all valued N86,000.
The prosecutor added that the crime was punishable under Section 327 of the Penal Code.
The presiding officer, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, granted bail to the accused in the sum N50,000 with a surety in like sum.
Kano
The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has successfully resolved
14 out of the 22 cases it received in Kano State in March, the state Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, has said.
Umar told newsmen in Kano that the council received eight criminal cases and 14 civil cases in the month under review.
The coordinator added that the 14 resolved cases comprised of five criminal and nine civil ones.
According to him, the 14 cases were resolved through arbitration while the remaining ones were still ongoing in court.
He also said that most of the civil cases were over inheritance, marriage, debt, land dispute among others.
Katsina
Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State has
inaugurated a response committee as part of its efforts toward preventing the prevalence of Lassa fever in the area.
The acting chairman of the council, Alhaji Abba Lawal, who inaugurated the committee, said its members were selected based on their proximity to the people.
“They would be able to quickly inform the authorities of any outbreak”, he said.
Lawal said the council, through its health, water and sanitation departments, had embarked on educating food vendors and individual families as well as other rural dwellers on the dangers of Lassa fever and the prevalence of other communicable diseases.
“Public lectures, interactive sessions and house-to-house mobilisations are being conducted to educate the people.
Kwara
The Kwara Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged
religious bodies to join hands with the government to move the nation forward.
Ahmed made the call at the 2016 Nigerian Baptist Convention in Ilorin.
Governor Ahmed, who was represented by his Deputy, Elder Peter Kisira, charged religious organisations to entrench good governance and play complementary roles to the government.
The governor said that the government was ready to partner any religious body or organisation to achieve all- round development of the state.
Lagos
Ato Arinze, a specialist in sculpture, has called on the Federal
Government to provide stiffer penalties for cross-border theft of art works.
Arinze told newsmen in Lagos that government’s intervention was necessary to curtail the nefarious act.
“Our artefacts are being stolen daily and it is crossing Nigerian borders without check.”
He advised artists in the country to properly document their works, so as to make the task of identifying them easier.
The artist added that most stolen art works taken across Nigeria’s borders were difficult to trace because of poor documentation by owners.
Nasarawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Lafia,
disbursed resettlement tools and equipment worth N1.5 million to 18 graduate trainees of vocational skills programme in Nasarawa State.
The Acting Director-General of NDE, Mr Kunle Obayan, who distributed the tools, said that the gesture was to enable the unemployed graduate trainees become self reliant and contribute their quota to national development.
Obayan, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Special Public Works, Mr Monday Dalyop, said that the Federal Government was planning to create employment opportunities for unskilled and unemployed Nigerians, hence the need for the gesture.
“NDE came into existence in 1986, saddled with the responsibilities of training people especially the youths and women in different skills acquisition programmes in the country.
Niger
The Niger State Police Command has arrested a suspected
robber, Gideon Ezechukwu, who allegedly uses the Hijab as camouflage during operations.
Police Public Relation Officer in the state, ASP Bala Elkanah, made this known during an interview with newsmen in Minna.
“On April 13, 2016 at about 6.00am one Gideon Ezechukwu of Dutsen Kura Gwari, Minna who dressed in women hijab was arrested by the police.
“The suspect was arrested while trying to escape with an allegedly stolen red colour Jincheng motorcycle (rubber rubber),’’ he said.
Plateau
The Plateau Government has closed down 62 poultry
farms and destroyed more than 190,000 birds affected by bird flu across the state, an official has confirmed.
Director, Veterinary Services, in the state’s Ministry of Agriculture,Dr Doris Bitrus, told newsmen in Jos that the disease had continued to spread.
She attributed that spread to the non-compensation of farmers, whose farms were affected by the disease in 2015.
“With compensation not coming, most farmers now prefer selling their sick birds to the marketers,” she said.
She explained that the disease was more prevalent in Jos South, Jos North, Jos East and Bassa Local Government Areas of the state.
According to her, government is working toward promoting more biosafety measures to check the spread of the disease.
Ogun
A 28-year-old man, Tunde Oduntan, who allegedly
punched off a commercial motorcyclist’s incisors, has been hauled up before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court.
The court, however, granted the accused a bail of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of unlawful assault.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustin Ozimini, told the court that the accused had on April 15 at about 3.20 p.m. beat up the commercial motorcyclist, Abu Joseph, and removed two of his teeth in the process with punches.
Yobe
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar,
said that the Federal Government’s intervention in the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons was to enable them to return to their communities.
Abubakar stated this at the handing over of relief materials to the IDPs in Damaturu.
Abubakar was represented by Air Commodore Paul Dimfwina, Commander 79 Composite Group Nigeria Air Force, Maiduguri.
He said that the donation was in fulfillment of a presidential mandate given to the Comptroller-General of Customs to transfer items seized by the Customs and legally forfeited to the government for the use of IDPs in various camps across the North-East.
Abubakar said that the intervention should be seen as laying foundation for full relocation of the displaced persons to their communities.
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