Nation
THE STATES

Borno
The Borno State Environmental Protection Agency
(BOSEPA) says it will partner with a Ugandan firm to manufacture roofing sheets in the state.
Its Sole Administrator , Malam Nasiru Surundi, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the roofing sheets would be manufactured from recycled polythene bags and water sachets.
“The Borno State Government is trying to set up a roofing sheet manufacturing plant in Maiduguri.
“ The plant will use polythene waste as its raw materials, thereby converting the numerous water sachets littering the state to wealth”.
According to Surundi, the setting up of a roofing sheet manufacturing plant is aimed at keeping the environment safe and clean.
FCT
A Senior Business Manager with APTECH Nigeria, Mr
Tushar Gupta, has called on the Federal Government to update ICT curriculum in colleges and other institutions.
APTECH Nigeria is a recognised Computer and IT institute in Nigeria, which provides computer education and IT training.
Gupta, who made the call in an interview with newsmen said that Nigerian colleges did not give deep knowledge on ICT applications.
“ICT is a course which students are expected to have in-depth knowledge on the topics that they are being taught.
“In ICT, you need to get intense knowledge on the topics so that the student can work and use the knowledge in life.
“So, without giving the deep knowledge, it is difficult to use and utilise the knowledge gained for day to day activities.”
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in
Jigawa State says it has arrested a 25-year-old bricklayer with a 300-meter armour cable suspected to be the property of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Muhammad Durumin-Iya, said this while presenting the suspect to newsmen in Dutse.
Durum in-Iya said the suspect allegedly stole the cable in Dajin Gwamna in Gumel Local Government Area of the state.
He said the suspect was arrested by one of the volunteers of the corps operating in the area while trying to sell the cable.
The commandant said the suspect, who confessed to committing the offence, would soon be charged to court.
Kwara
The Principal of Government Secondary School, Omu Aran,
Kwara State, Mr Segun Abifarin, says popular Christian cleric, Bishop David Oyedepo, is paying 20 teachers N40,000 each monthly to support the education sector.
Abifarin disclosed this in Ilorin during the re-union meeting of the 1981 set of the old students of the school.
He said Oyedepo, the President of Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel, was paying five teachers each in four community schools in Omu Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
The principal said Oyedepo believes that government alone could not do everything for its citizenry and enjoined private individuals to support the education sector.
Abifarin said the school was presently under staffed and needed more teachers in core subjects.
Lagos
Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State said that his
administration had earmarked N20 billion to revamp the health and education sectors in the state before December.
Ambode said this during an interactive session at the 2016-second-quarter-town-hall meeting in Badagry.
He said that his administration had commenced a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrading of hospital facilities across the state.
“Modern equipment will be procured to facilitate treatment of patients and we will invest in capacity building of our medical staff.
“We intend to spend over N10 billion on our hospitals across the state before December this year,” he said.
Nasarawa
Some traders and residents of Keffi, Nasarawa State,
have appealed to the state government to reconsider its decision to cut salaries of workers in order to ensure industrial peace.
They made the appeal in separate interviews with our correspondent on Sunday in Keffi.
It would be recalled that on July 4, 2016, the labour unions in the state went on an indefinite strike to protest the downward review of their salaries by 50 per cent.
The respondents said that their appeal became necessary because of the prevailing economic hardship, adding that pay-cut would worsen conditions of workers.
A petty trader, Mrs Sarah Oboh, said that the state government’s action would weaken the purchasing power of the civil servants.
“Our problem is that the strike by workers has been affecting our businesses negatively.”
Niger
No fewer than 250 people have been displaced due to a
clash between Fulani herdsmen and Gwagyi farmers in Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the clash led to the death of four persons and destruction of property in Bara-kuta in Bosso Local Government Area recently.
Director-General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Malam Ahmed Inga, made this known to newsmen in Minna.
He said the displaced people were being resettled in a school in Bosso while reconciliation was ongoing toward returning them to their homes.
“The State Government has established links with the herdsmen and the farmers toward restoring lasting peace in the area to enable the Gwagyis go back to their homes and attend to their farms.
Ogun
The Ado- Odo/Ota Local Government in Ogun State
generated N103.5 million in the first half of the year, the council’s Chairman, Mr Olukayode Idowu-Ojumo, has said.
Idowu-Ojumo, who heads the council’s Transition Committee, disclosed this when the State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs visited the council secretariat as part of its oversight functions.
He said the council received N9.7 million in January, N9.6 million in February, N18.3 million in March while in April it generated N40.6 million.
The council boss added that N14.9 million was raked in May while N10.4 million was earned in June.
Osun
A 35-year-old man, Bolanle Akanda, has been arraigned
before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court over an alleged N200,000 fraud.
The Prosecutor, Insp Taiwo Adegoke told the court that the accused committed the offence on April .2 at about 1. 00 p.m. in Ile-Ife, Osun.
Adegoke said the accused allegedly defrauded one Pastor Oluwasanmi Samuel by collecting N200,000 on the pretext of buying and fixing some aluminum doors in his house.
The offence contravened Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Wole Olaleye, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.
Oyo
An Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court has granted a
cumulative total of N5 million bail to five defendants for allegedly hijacking a fuel-laden tanker.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. F. Richard, released the accused on N1million bail each, with two sureties in like sum.
She held that the sureties must also have landed property and be their blood relatives.
She adjourned the case to Aug. 23.
The accused persons, whose addresses are unknown, were identified as Saheed Adeleke (35); Moses Ishaka (33); Opeyemi Habeeb (29); Niyi Samuel (33) and Omotayo Adepemisoye (31).
They allegedly hijacked the Total Oil and Gas company’s tanker, laden with 33, 000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as Petrol, at Olorunsogo area of Ibadan.
Plateau
Seven in every 10 victims of road crashes are youths aged between
15 and 29, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said.
Its Commanding Officer in charge of Jos Zone, Mr Oludare Fadogba, told newsmen in Jos on Sunday that Road Traffic crashes (RTCs) had remained the leading cause of deaths among youths.
The official, whose zone comprised Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States, said that road crashes had devastating effects on Nigeria’s growth and development potentials.
“Road traffic crashes remain a global phenomenon, but they have more devastating effects in the developing countries like ours.
Yobe
The Chairman, Yobe State Pilgrims Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim
Al-Arab, said a total of 2,231 intending pilgrims from the state were set and ready for the 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Arab, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu, said the Commission had already carried out successful orientation for the pilgrims and acquainted them with rituals of the exercise.
“The commission has organised educational enlightenment and practical exercises for the pilgrims so that they do not miss out anything and also get value for their money.
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.
Akujobi Amadi