Nation
THE STATES

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Binta Bello (right), presenting prizes to the best dancers, during the ministry’s party with children from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, as part of activities for the 2016 Children’s Day celebration at New Kichingoro in Abuja on Wednesday. With her is the Ministry’s Director of Child Development, Mrs Georgette Azogu (left).
Adamawa
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in
Damare, Adamawa State, is currently hosting no fewer than 152 lactating mothers, 97 pregnant women and 68 unaccompanied children, among other displaced persons.
Manager of the camp, Mr Nurudeen Musa, disclosed this when Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Sen. Abdul-Azeez Nyako, visited the camp recently.
He said that the camp was established in 2014 and had so far hosted about 14,000 displaced persons.
The manager said that of this number, only 2000 IDPs were now remaining in the camp as a result of the improvement in the security situation in the North East.
In his remarks, chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Sen. Nyako, assured the displaced persons of commitment of governments to their safe return home.
Nyako said government was concerned about their plight and would continue to equip its agencies to carter for their welfare.
Borno
The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has warned
people against indiscriminate felling of trees to protect the environment.
The National Coordinator, Sustainable Development Programme of Lake Chad Basin, Alhaji Bale Bura, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Bura also urged people to respect environmental laws that sought to protect the environment or risk sanctions.
“Much has been done in past years to mitigate environmental degradation, but some individuals still continue with the evil practices,“ he said.
He said that the only panacea to desert encroachment was “to plant more trees and stop cutting them.
Ekiti
No fewer than 9,000 Nigerian students are currently
studying in Malaysian universities, the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Lim Juay Jin, has said.
Jin disclosed this in Ado Ekiti at the Afe Babalola University during a visit.
He spoke at a programme tagged “Diplomatic Talk”, organised by the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy of the university.
Jin said that the affected Nigerians chose to study in Malaysia because they realised that his country was “one of the top tertiary education destinations in the world”.
He said that the students were studying at all levels of education including undergraduate, masters as well as doctorate levels.
The envoy attributed the development to availability of facilities, affordable fees, friendly learning environment, quality tutors, good governance and stable economy.
Gombe
Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the death
of one Baba Jigawa, aged 75, who was found hanging in a provision store at Gombe Timber market.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmed Usman, told newsmen in Gombe that the incident occurred on Monday.
“He was found hanging; photograph of his remains snapped and investigations are still ongoing”, he said.
Usman said the body was taken to the Specialists’ Hospital Gombe, where Doctors confirmed that he had passed on.
According to him, efforts have been intensified to get to the root of the matter.
Jigawa
Farmers in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa
State have commenced planting for this year’s farming season.
Our correspondent in Dutse observed that farmers yesterday went to their farms with different farm implements to till the land and plant crops.
The correspondent also visited many farming communities, and found that farmers were busy planting on their farms.
In Dundubus village, a farmer, Malam Ahmad Umar, was together with his children harrowing and planting at the same time.
Umar said that he was planting after he had earlier cleared and applied local manure on the farm.Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, has
called on parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children to enable them become useful members of the society.
He gave the advice at a meeting of Northern Muslims Religious Leaders Forum on Primary Health Care, held in Kan recently.
The Forum had as its theme, “Strengthening the Capacity of Religious Leaders on Maternal and Child Health.”
He said there was urgent need for parents and guardians to take up the challenge in view of the prevailing moral decadence, especially among youths.
“Lack of proper upbringing of children is one of the challenges facing the society today.
“Parents and guardians have a herculean task because if children grow up without proper education and upbringing, they can engage in social vices”, he said.
Lagos
A philanthropist, Mr Dawodu Olatunji, says adequate
provision of healthcare remains the best dividend of democracy from governments.
Olatunji made the assertion in an interview with newsmen at a free malaria test and drugs outreach, tagged “Health is Wealth” at Solomon Hall, Mushin, Lagos State.
Olatunji, who sponsored the programme said that such dividends of democracy were exemplified by the government of the then Western Region led by the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo.
He said that health should be one of the cardinal programmes of any people-oriented government.
“When I was growing up, I was one of the beneficiaries of the free health programme and education sponsored by the then old Western Region Government.
Nasarawa
Two motorcyclists, Musa Badamasi and Yusuf Ibrahim,
have appeared in a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, Nasarawa State, for allegedly belonging to a gang of robbers.
Badamasi, 28 and Ibrahim, 23, of Orange Market, Mararaba, were arraigned on a three-count charge of belonging to gang of robbers, public nuisance and making atmosphere noxious to health.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, told the court that on May 20, a team of police surveillance squad led by Sgt. Joseph Emeka, attached to ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Mararaba, arrested the defendants.
Adaji said that while the police were on patrol, the defendants were found at a hideout at Orange Market, Mararaba, often being used by armed robbers.
Niger
The Niger State Government said it would focus more
on developing the free trade zones in the state to attract more investors to the state.
Governor Abubakar Bello, who disclosed this when he declared open the 14th Niger National Trade Fair, said that the zones were those of Banana in Borgu Local Government Area and Minna Airport trade zones.
According to Sani, the free trade zones will woo investors to invest in agriculture and solid mineral development.
He said that his administration would embark on new partnership with the Federal Government and private sector to enhance economic development of the state.
“We are going to revisit every legal avenue for the diversification of revenue and resources; we will explore and strengthen all existing agencies.Osun
The Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA) has called
for the establishment of the Bureau of Statistics in Osun State to coordinate the collection of statistics in the state.
The President of the association, Dr Mohammed Tumala, said this in an interview with newsmen
“We recommended to the state to establish a State Bureau of Statistics so that the Bureau can be held responsible for coordination.
“We recommended to the state that it should motivate the staff responsible for the collection of statistics because over time, staff members of the department of Planning, Research and Statistics both at state, national and local government levels have seen their posting as very punitive”.
Oyo
The Oyo State Tertiary Institutions Staff Retirement
Age Bill 2016 scaled its second reading during the plenary session of the Oyo State House of Assembly
Our correspondent reports that the bill was initiated by the Speaker, Mr Michael Adeyemo and co-sponsored by Mr Afeez Adeleke (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/APC) and Mr Oyeleke Oyatokun (Afijio/APC).
The bill seeks to increase the retirement age of academic and non-academic staff of state-owned institutions, from 60 to 65 years.
Speaking in support of the bill, Mr Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba, APC) said that when passed into law, the bill would raise staff morale and improve the quality of academic work in the institutions.
“We do not have to belabour this issue; a federal law raising the retirement age of polytechnic and university workers was signed by former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, last year.
“Domesticating that law will serve the interest of the people of the state.
“The law will encourage research and motivate workers to aspire to the peak of their careers,” he said.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State says his
administration is determined to slash its N1.7 billion wage bill before the end of May, this year.
Lalong disclosed this at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja recently.
He said that the reduction of the wage bill would be achieved through the removal of ghost workers already uncovered in the state’s payroll system.
The governor said that a lot of the ghost workers were uncovered after the introduction of the Biometric Verification Number.
He said that with the removal of the non-existent workers, the N1.7 billion state’s wage bill would be slashed to accommodate the genuine civil servants in the state.
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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