Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Congo,
Amb. Yerima Isa, says the nomination of only career diplomats for ambassadorial posting by the Federal Government is a wise decision.
Isa gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
Isa, who was also a career diplomat, said that the job was a technical one, demanding those who were exposed to foreign services to handle.
He criticised the idea of posting politicians, who could be ignorant of foreign mission operations to handle ambassadorial position.
According to him, Buhari’s style of appointment shows that he believes in technocrats.
“With my all sense of responsibility, I want to commend President Buhari for the nomination of carrier diplomats as ambassadors.”
Borno
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),
said it had apprehended two members of a syndicate that specialised in stealing telephones and laptops at the University of Maiduguri.
Commandant of NSCDC in Borno State, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the suspects (names withheld), were arrested in 202 Housing Estate area of Maiduguri.
He said the syndicate’s areas of operation were student’s hostels, lecture theatres and places of worship within the institution, adding that two laptops and four telephones were recovered from the suspects.
He therefore urged students and lecturers of the institution to be vigilant and report suspicious characters or movements to law enforcement agents.
FCT
The FCT Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists has de
clared a7-day mourning for its immediate past Chairman, Mr Chuks Ehirim, who died on June 16.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja signed by the Chairman of the council, Paul Abechi.
The council noted that the late Ehirim, who was Chairman of the NUJ, FCT council between 2012 and 2015, was a versatile journalist whose journalism career spanned over three decades.
“The deceased will be fondly remembered as a fearless journalist who used his journalistic career to entrench democratic tenets and was a strong advocate of freedom, justice and equity.
“He will be remembered more importantly as a much detribalised Nigerian, who believed in the unity of the country and always put the country first,’’ the council said.
Gombe
An Islamic Scholar, Dr. Muhammad Rigiyan-Lemo, has ad
monished Muslims to learn some lessons from the current economic challenges in the country and the world.
The scholar gave the advice in Gombe while speaking at the occasion of the 6th Annual Ramadan Lecture, organised by the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria, (IMAN) Gombe chapter.
The lecture has as its theme, “Economic meltdown and the Muslim Ummah, lessons to be learnt.”
“Muslims should learn a lot of lessons from the current situation and assist one another for more rewards and blessing from God in the hereafter.
“Islam teaches Muslims to understand the importance of wealth and how to benefit from it in the world and hereafter, by assisting one another and the religion,” he said.
He therefore advised wealthy individuals among the Muslims to assist the less privileged and orphans in the society, especially considering the current economic reality.
Jigawa
The operational office of the Great Green Wall Agency
(GGWA) is to be moved to Kano State, the Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed has said.
The minister gave the indication at an event to mark the 2016 World Desertification Day at Jansa village in Babura Local Government of the Jigawa State.
Mohammed said the move was to reposition and strengthen the project to achieve its objectives.
She also said that the movement of the operational office of the project to Kano State was to facilitate easy contact with its operational environment and maximise its impact on the eleven affected states.
The 11 frontline states are Kebbi, Zamfara, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Adamawa, Bauchi, Katsina, Borno, Sokoto and Kano.
“We are all aware that the world today is faced with the challenges of climate change, global warming, flood, drought and desertification and our sub-region is not spared.
Kebbi
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has
renewed its call for tougher penalty for rape and all forms of violence against women.
The National President of the council, Mrs Nkechi Mba, made the call in Birnin Kebbi while fielding questions from newsmen.
She said that the council would remain resolute in the campaign for protection of women against violence and other forms of maltreatment.
Mba said the council would not relent in ensuring that the bill for the protection of women was passed by the National Assembly and domesticated in the states.
“Our activities include securing legislation for the protection of women against violence, and we will promote and empower women to seek elective positions,’’ she said.
Kogi
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the
Nigerian Army would soon deploy special forces to Kogi to help tackle crime in the state.
Buratai disclosed this when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Yahaya Bello at the Government House in Lokoja.
The army chief said plans were at an advanced stage to deploy the troops to the affected areas in the state.
“I want to assure you that very soon we will deploy special forces to the state.
“That is why I came here with the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison; he is getting them ready and by Monday they should be on ground.
Lagos
The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee
on Homes Affairs, Mr Olayiwola Olawale, said the state required an implementable policy on siting of religious institutions.
Olawale (APC-Mushin II) said in Lagos that such a step had become imperative to tackle the prevalent noise pollution in the state.
According to him, the step will further enhance religious harmony, tolerance and unity in the state.
“We need a policy statement on the siting of religious institutions and industries. You do not just turn a building to a church, mosque or industry,” he said.
Oyo
The Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Oyo
State, Mrs Dolapo Dosumu, has urged Nigerians to embrace political tolerance so as to promote national integration and peace.
Dosumu made the plea in a lecture, “National Integration for Global Peace’’, organised by the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, Western Zonal Conclave in Ibadan.
She stressed that global peace should start with nations, communities and citizens, adding that “peace will remain an illusion without justice.
“Peace building is a collective task, citizens should seek peace, media should desist from sponsoring inciting statements, and spiritual leaders should preach peace, while government should protect its citizens.
“Conflict has entered the epicentre stage in Nigeria. For us not to be consumed by it, all hands must be on deck to nip the crisis in the bud before it degenerates into intractable problems,” Dosumu said.
Plateau
The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
in Plateau State says it has developed a software called ‘SMARTDESK’ for data entry, analysis and reporting.
The Executive Chairman of the board, Prof. Mathew Sule, who disclosed this in Jos, told newsmen that the software would help in overcoming data deficit currently faced.
‘’ When we start operating the new software, I am sure we will overcome the data deficit being currently faced, and be the first in the country to solve the data requirement dilemma,’’ he said.
He further explained that the board, in collaboration with an Information Technology Firm, Afritend Technologies Ltd, had concluded arrangement to commence training of public primary school teachers in Information Technology and General Computer literacy.
He said that capacity building for teachers in the field of Information Technology was necessary to ensure effective teaching, especially with the adoption of Information Technology globally.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government said it was determined to
multiply energy sources in the state to improve power supply.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Bashir Garba, stated this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese firm, Kunming Engineering Corporation, to establish 100-megawatt solar-powered plant in the state.
Garba signed on behalf of the state government, while the Assistant Managing Director for Overseas Business of the company, Qui Haisheng, signed for the firm.
He said that power that would be generated by the plant would among other benefits, boost small and medium-scale ventures in the state.
Yobe
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yobe and
Adamawa States have expressed satisfaction with the feeding arrangement in their respective camps.
Speaking with correspondents in Damaturu and Yola, they said that the quality and quantity of food served them was satisfactory.
At the Pompomari IDP camp in Damaturu,Yobe, they said they were satisfied with the introduction of new meals on their menu list during the fasting period.
They explained that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) introduced local delicacies and fruits, thereby enriching their diet.
“Apart from the normal rice and stew or jollof rice, we now enjoy local delicacies like bean cake and gruel’ said one of the IDPs, Malam Baba Bulama.
He said that apart from light meals for breaking of fast, fruits were being served as appetizers.
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