Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State, has di
rected all contractors who abandoned their contracts to return to site with immediate effect.
The governor gave the directive in Yola at a meeting with the management of Skip Engineering Nigeria Ltd, a contracting company in Yola.
He said that though his administration was not interested in digging into the past, all contractors that collected part of their contract funds and disappeared must go back to their sites.
He said that the directive became necessary to enable the people, who are the direct beneficiaries of the contracts reap the dividends of democracy.
Benue
A social critic and Finance Consultant, Mr Nath Apir,
has advised Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to sack non-performing political appointees in his administration for efficient service delivery.
Apir gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi.
According to him, such cabinet shake-up will inject vibrancy in government, stimulate economic growth and enable political stability.
He expressed regret that most sensitive political positions in the state were given to people with neither requisite knowledge nor experience in the portfolios assigned to them.
Ekiti
Some farmers in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State
have expressed worry over delay in accessing the Federal Government’s guaranteed loan and other farms inputs.
The farmers, under the banner of ‘Congress of Farmers’, headed by Mr Ezekiel Ishola, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Oye-Ekiti . Ishola said that the farmers depended on the Federal Government’s promise to assist them with funds to boast their farming activities.
“Our members have registered under various agriculture programme of the Federal Government since 2015 and have been expecting the government to disburse the soft loans as promised. “Many of us abandoned other sources we used to access funds with the hope that the soft loan from the Federal Government would serve us better, but our expectations are yet to materialise.
Gombe
The Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Kenndy
Ishaya, says the 177 nurses and midwives serving in the state are grossly inadequate.
Ishaya spoke in Gombe when he received accreditation team from the National Council of Nursery and Midwifery
He said the nurses and midwives were working in 22 hospitals including the army, police and House of Assembly clinics.
“The workforce is grossly inadequate, considering increase in population following influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) into the state,’’ he said.
Ishaya said before 2011 the College of Nursing and Midwifery in the state was graduating only five nurses and midwives, but later increased to 30 annually.
Kaduna
The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU),
Zaria, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, says the teaching of Mathematics must be simplified, to arrest the phobia of the subject among students.
Garba made the suggestion in a message to the 53rd Annual Conference of Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) held at the ABU main campus in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The Vice Chancellor said that the Federal Government must design new strategies to improve teaching methodology to make mathematics easier to comprehend by students.
He attributed the failure of the subject in WAEC and NECO to poor teaching methodology, adding that the teachers must also be retrained, to improve their teaching ability.
Kebbi
Flynas Air Services says it has successfully transported
22,435 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from seven states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Official Agent of the air carrier, Alhaji Umar Kaila, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) allocated 22,435 pilgrims to the company.
He explained that “we were allotted 22,435 pilgrims by NAHCON; the pilgrims were from Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, Niger and Kwara states and we successfully transported them to Saudi Arabia on scheduled.”
The agent said that the company was able to accomplish the assignment on time despite the challenges it encountered in the process.
Kogi
Kogi State House of Assembly has directed the state
Ministry of Works to furnish it with list of abandoned projects in the state since its creation in 1991.
The assembly gave the directive in a resolution after debate on a motion by Sunday Shigaba (PDP-Bassa) calling on the state government to reconstruct the abandoned Oguma-Sharia Bridge, which collapsed last year.
Shigaba noted that the abandoned bridge had caused untold hardship to his constituents as it was affecting economic life of the people
He said that the immediate past government of former Gov. Idris Wada awarded contract for the reconstruction of the bridge towards the end of his tenure.
In their various contributions, Linus Eneche (PDP-Olamaboro), Godwin Osuyi (PDP-Ogori-Magongo) and John Abba (PDP-Ibaji) said reconstruction of the bridge would boost economic activities and revenue generation.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its deter
mination to partner with relevant stakeholders to alleviate the sufferings of vulnerable children and physically challenged in the society.
Hajiya Ayinke Saka, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said this in Ilorin when she received members of a Non Governmental Organisation, Passionate Heart Empowerment Foundation, who paid her a visit.
Saka said that the ministry was saddled with the responsibility of catering for vulnerable children and physically challenged people in the society.
According to her, government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility, hence the need for stakeholders and relevant organisations to partner with it to improve the lives of the people.
She then sought the collaboration of the NGO to assist in attending to the needs of abandoned children at recreation centres.
Osun
An expert in peace and conflict resolution, Dr Goke
Adesiyan, has advised the Federal Government to constitute a conflict resolution panel, to end incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria.
Adesiyan, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo, noted that the clashes were becoming “dangerous” and needed to be tackled to ensure peaceful coexistence.
According to him, a conflict resolution panel is necessary to aggregate the diverse interests of the warring factions and set up terms of engagement to address differences.
“It is so disheartening that this is happening now, when the level of insurgency in the country is becoming more worrisome and unbearable.
Oyo
A commercial motorcyclist, Azeez Kehinde, who pleaded
guilty to the theft of a motorcycle, has been sentenced to three months imprisonment in Ibadan.
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court said the convict should serve the term with hard labour at Agodi Prisons.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abdulateef Adebisi, who gave the verdict, said the court had no option than to sentence the motorcyclist since he had pleaded guilty.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Fatola told the court that Kehinde stole a motorcycle valued at N60, 000, property of a man, Sanya Salau, at Ajeigbe area of Challenge, Ibadan.
Plateau
The special committee set up to look into the activities
of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), says with adequate equipment, the board could generate N1.2 billion annually.
Chairman of the committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Fabian Etonk, said this while submitting its report in Jos.
JMDB is a parastatal under the Housing and Urban Development ministry.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has concluded the transpor
tation of its 4,750 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2016 Hajj.
Our correspondent reports that the pilgrims were transported to the Holy Land through the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, in ten flights.
The Director-General, Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, expressed happiness over the successful conclusion of the pilgrims’ airlift which began on August 10. “We had in all, conducted ten flights to the Holy land and none of our intending pilgrims had faced any problem during the security and immigration screenings, either in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia.
“All our pilgrims are conducting their hajj rites without any hindrance in the Holy cities of Medina and Mecca.”
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