Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has pre
sented about N30 million cash support to parents of the abducted Government Secondary School (GSS) Chibok students in Borno.
Buhari, represented by the wife of the Borno governor Hajiya Nana Shettima, presented the cash to the parents at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
She explained that the gesture was aimed at assisting the parents with some financial support towards alleviating their sufferings.
Buhari pointed out that the presentation was in fulfillment of her promise to assist the less privileged and victims of insurgency in the North East.
“Today’s presentation was in fulfillment of the promise I made earlier in the year during my book launch in Abuja.
“I made a promise that the proceeds will be used to better the lives of women and victims of insurgency in the North East,” she said.
FCT
Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have signed
a bilateral agreement of over eight million China’s Yuan (about 400 million naira) for various projects in the FCT.
The projects were feasibility studies of the second phase of the Abuja Solar Powered Traffic Control Signal, Agricultural Demonstration Centre and the 2016 Bilateral Training Programmes.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr James Akpandem, Media Adviser to Minister of Budget and National Planning Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, in Abuja.
“The agreement was signed at the sixth session of the Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation Joint Commission meeting in Abuja.
“The agreement is a prelude to Chinese government’s full involvement in the projects once they are certified feasible.
“The project will be funded through gratis assistance as part of the 2012 Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement between the two governments,” the statement said.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Jigawa State says it will deploy 1,500 personnel to ensure hitch-free sallah celebration in the state.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Malam Muhammad Durumin-Iya, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Durumin-Iya said the officers would be deployed to Dutse, the state capital and other major towns across the state.
He explained that the gesture was to provide adequate security during and after Sallah celebrations across the state.
“As part of plans to ensure hitch-free event, and adequate security, during and after Sallah in Jigawa, we will also deploy about 150 special force, which comprises of Special Armed Squad and Counter Terrorism Squad”, he said.
Kaduna
A mobile court has convicted 49 drivers for violation of
road traffic regulations during a special patrol in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).
FRSC Legal Officer, Kaduna Sector Command, Mr Ibrahim Tanko, told newsmen that the offenders were convicted by mobile court after their arrest.
The official said that eight of the offenders were convicted for light sign violation, seven for driving with worn out tyres or without spare tyre and four for vehicle licence violation.
Eight others he said were convicted for drivers’ license violation, five for fire extinguisher violation, nine for seat belt violation, three for over-loading and one for number plate violation.
He added that four others were convicted for obstructing marshal on duty, operating vehicle with forged document, caution sign violation and vehicle windshield violation respectively.
Kwara
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Kwara State, says it has deployed 2,500 personnel across the state to ensure protection of lives and property during the Eid-al-fitr celebration.
The Kwara Commandant of the corps, Mr Pedro Ideba, disclosed this in llorin during an interview with newsmen.
He said that the personnel had already been deployed in all the 16 local government areas of the state to ensure a hitch free Sallah celebration.
The commandant said that the corps was collaborating with other security operatives in the state to achieve this.
Ideba said that personnel had been dispatched to all the Eid praying grounds and other sensitive locations in the state to provide adequate security.
The commandant warned residents of the state against taking laws into their hands, adding that any person or group of peoples who constitute security threat would be dealt with.
Lagos
Group Managing Director, Lagos State Water Corpora
tion, Mr Muminu Badmus, said its officials would be visiting residents to verify their complaints toward boosting service delivery.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Rasaq Anifowoshe of the corporation‘s Public Affairs Division.
According to him, the visit is designed to help the corporation improve water services to every home in the state.
‘’Lagos Water Corporation is planning to visit Water Customers for effective Service delivery.
‘’The exercise will start from Surulere Area of the state on July 7, and will be extended to other parts of Lagos metropolis”, he said.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Police command says it has deployed
over 2,000 officers to various strategic places in the state in order to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr.
The State’s Commissioner of Police, Lawal Shehu, told newsmen in Lafia that appropriate measures were being taken to forestall any breakdown of law and order during the festivity.
He said officers had been placed on surveillance patrol of identified flash points of violence and criminality across the state.
“Hoodlums usually take advantage of festive periods to perpetrate crimes but we are ready for them this time,” he said.
Shehu called on members of the public, especially Muslim faithful, to cooperate with the police to safeguard lives and property.
Ogun
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, says the intro
duction of single currency by West African states would promote economic integration and progress within the region.
Obasanjo said this while playing host to the President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commission, Mr Marcel de Souza, at his hilltop estate, Abeokuta.
The former president said it was high time the organisation started using single currency, adding that it would help boost the economy of all members of ECOWAS.
“We have decided that our unit of currency will be ‘eco’, let us now start using eco, let eco become our unit of currency.
“Single currency unit for ECOWAS states will bring about more development and growth among the states”, he said.
Oyo
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has
handed over completed school projects worth 1.3 Japanese Yen (N2 billion) to the Oyo State Government.
JICA handed over the projects to the state government at a ceremony held at St. Luke’s Demonstration School, Molete, Ibadan.
The Chief Representative in the Nigeria office of JICA, Mr Hirotaka Nakamura, said that the sum was expended on 231 classrooms, two staff rooms and 218 toilet booths spread across 30 schools in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the classroom blocks were furnished with desks, chairs and blackboards.
“The completion of this project brings the total number of classrooms constructed in the education sector in Nigeria to 1, 038 classrooms and 999 toilet booths since December 2014 till date”, he said.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has purchased 9,000 metric
tonnes of fertiliser and 16,000 water pumps worth about N 1.7 billion to be distributed to farmers in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Alhaji Umaru Nagwari made the disclosure in Sokoto in an interview with newsmen.
According to Nagwari, the assorted fertiliser and water pumps will be distributed to both dry and rainy season farmers across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Nagwari said that the fertiliser, which comprised of Urea and NPK brands, were bought at about N8, 000 per bag but would be sold to the farmers at 75 per cent subsidy.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state executive council had approved the purchase of Faro rice seedlings worth about N392 million for distribution to the farmers free of charge.
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