Nation
THE STATES
Governor Muhammadu Jibrillah of Adamawa (left), discussing with the Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (Nan), Mr Jones Afolabi, during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Dougirie Inyola recently
Adamawa
Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla of Adamawa has lauded
the Federal Government for its sustained support in tackling challenges posed by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Jibrilla made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Yola on Thursday.
Jibrilla said Adamawa could not have coped with the IDPs, particularly those being evacuated from neibouring countries that passed through the state transit camps, without the support of Federal Government’s agency like NEMA.
“Federal Government has also started doing something on infrastructure such as schools, police stations and places of worship.”
Borno
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the
Federal Government’s donation of relief materials would facilitate speedy return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities.
Buratai said this at the flag-off ceremony of the distribution of relief materials to IDPs in Maiduguri.
He said the gesture was also aimed at improving their standard of living as they resettled in their communities.
He said it was also part of the efforts of both the federal and state governments to quickly ameliorate the suffering of the people.
The Army Chief said that the initiative would also support the military activities in the liberated communities.
FCT
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Chief Audu Ogbeh, has enjoined Nigerians, particularly the elites, to engage in agriculture to boost food production.
The minister made this call while speaking at the Sectoral Debate on strategies for diversification of the Nigerian economy organised by the House of Representatives.
Ogbeh said there was need for the country to adhere to the 10 per cent budgetary allocation to agriculture in line with Maputo Declaration.
“If Agriculture is to be restored to its days of glory in Nigeria, ýpeople from all strata of the society including the elite must be involved in line with the Maputo Declaration,’’ the minister said.
Lagos
A landlord, Segun Oye, who allegedly assaulted a fe
male tenant, Uche Elodinmuo, has appeared before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, 49, who lives at No. 4, Ayo Davies Close, off Ekololu Street, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge bordering on assault.
The prosecutor, Insp. Gabriel Ekundayo, said the accused committed the offence at the same address at about 8.45 p.m. on April 19.
Ekundayo told the court that the complainant, Elodinmuo, reported the incident at Orile-Iganmu Police Station.
“The accused came and assaulted her in front of her room when she complained about her missing fuel in the compound.
“Other co-tenants have been complaining about missing fuel too, suspecting the gateman may be stealing the fuel to fill the landlord’s generator.”
Kano
The seven Kano State students and their driver who
died along Lagos-Ibadan expressway have been buried in Kano, amid tears.
The funeral prayer was conducted at the Emir’s Palace, Kano, around 9 a.m., and the deceased were buried at the Tarauni Graveyard.
Among those that attended the prayer were: Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the state Executive Council, other top government officials as well as parents and sympathisers.
The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahraddeen, who prayed God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and Jannatul Firdaus (The highest Paradise).
He also prayed God to give their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Kogi
The Kogi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board said
that the Saudi Arabian Government had returned N24 million to it for services not rendered during the 2015 hajj.
The Chairman of the board, Alhaji Sadiq Muhammed Rabiu, who made this known during a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ayangba, Alhaji Shuaibu Okolp, said that the money would be shared among the 2015 pilgrims from the state.
He said that by the board’s calculation, each of the participants would receive N27,000.
According to him, the gesture from the Saudi government is a reflection of their entrenched culture of accountability and fairness.
On preparations for the 2016 hajj, Rabiu said that the board had secured accommodation near Kabba, to facilitate the performance of the basic rites while in holy land.
Nasarawa
The women wing of the Christian Association of
Nigeria (CAN), Nasarawa State chapter, has donated food and sanitary items to Maimuna Catha Orphanage Home in Lafia.
The chairperson of the association, Mrs. Lydia Attah, who delivered the items said that the gesture was the association’s modest contribution to demonstrate love, care and concern to the orphans.
“We want to give the orphans a sense of belonging; we want them to feel cared for,” she said.
Attah said that Christian women had an obligation to show love, stressing that assisting the less privileged in the society was in obedience to God’s teachings.
“The donation is part of the association’s commitment to cushioning the hardship being experienced by the orphans due to the death of their parents.
Ogun
The Police in Ogun docked two men: Waheed
Azeez,26, and Emmanuel Abolade,20, before an Ota Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting one Adebesin Tunde by stabbing him with broken bottles.
The accused, whose addresses are unknown, are facing a two-count charge of assault and conspiracy.
The Prosecutor, Sgt Itaita Ebibomino, told the court that the accused and others still at large, committed the offences on April 3 at about 7:30 p.m. at Owode-Ijako Area of Ota.
Ebibomino said that the accused and his accomplices conspired among themselves to assault the complainant by stabbing him with broken bottles.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 355 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Ondo
The Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government of
Ondo State, Mr Agunola Omomowo, has advised his councilors to fulfill their electioneering promises.
He said that fulfillment of the promises would justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.
Our correspondent reports that the advice was given on Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony of 12 elected councilors at the LGA in Igbokoda.
Omomowo also called for the co-operation of the executive arm of the local government and urged them to shun unnecessary misunderstanding.
He advised that peace should be the watchword rather than violence.
Oyo
The President of a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, Mr
Ademola Odunade, dissolved the three-year-old marriage between one Taiwo Akande and his wife, Shukurat, over persistent uttering of curses by the latter.
Odunade held that the court could only pacify parties to a dispute but could not enforce settlement.
“Since Akande, who is the head of the home has made up his mind to discontinue the union between him and Shukurat, the marriage has therefore ceased to exist,” the judge said.
He, however, awarded custody of the two and a half -year-old child produced by the union to Shukurat for proper care.
“Akande shall also pay a cash sum of N12,000 for Shukurat’s one-year house rent and another N3,000 to pack her belongings,” Odunade added.
Plateau
Workers of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)
have taken to the streets of Jos to protest what they called the “complete lack of basic facilities in the hospital”.
The workers, under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), moved through most major streets of the city, chanting solidarity songs that urged the Federal Government to sack the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Edward Banwat.
Our correspondent reports that the workers, who have been on strike for more than two months, took to the streets saying the management could not address their grievances.
Mr Mustapha Kabir, an official of the union, alleged that the hospital lacked consumables, drugs and beds, while machines required for basic operation had all broken down.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has inaugu
rated the Sokoto branch of Bank of Industry (BOI) and announced that the state has secured a N2 billion loan package.
The governor, who spoke at the inauguration of the branch, said that small and medium entrepreneurs would access the loan.
He said that the state government and the bank would contribute N1 billion each, adding that the programme was aimed at boosting small and medium scale businesses, as well as boost employment.
The governor challenged the beneficiaries to use the loan judiciously to enhance socio-economic development of the state.
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