Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Director-General, National Orientation Agency
(NOA), Mr Garba Abari, says tapping into the positive features of the youth population would enhance the nation’s development.
Abari said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He noted that the youths under the age of 35 constituted between 16 and 62 per cent of the country’s population, adding that there were varieties of talents which could be tapped for the advancement of the nation.
Statistics quoted to have put the youth between 16 and 62 per cent population and below the age of 35, thus making Nigeria a country of very young people.
“In this younger population is energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity, they are curious to know what is happening around the world.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has warned Private Guards Companies (PGCs) operating in the state not to sell or lease their licences.
The State Commandant, Mr Muhammad Durumin-Iya, gave the warning in an interview with the newsmen in Dutse.
Durumin-Iya said the warning became necessary to check quackery among the PGCs operating in the state.
He said that the licenses were only issued to registered PGCs, adding that the “Licenses are not transferable”.
“In line with the NSCDC mandate of monitoring, regulating, supervising, registering, training and licensing Private Guards Companies (PGCs), licenses are issued to only registered companies”, he said.
Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, has inau
gurated the Kaduna State Treasury Single Account (TSA) Operations Manual.
This is contained in a statement issued by Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said that the manual was presented at the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) West Africa workshop on TSA implementation in Lagos.
It said that the manual contained records of the experience of Kaduna State in implementing the Treasury Single Account, which it commenced last year.
Kano
The Kano State Fire Service has concluded arrange
ments to train 80 additional staff on fire fighting to enhance the performance of the service.
The Director of the service, Alhaji Mohammed Rilwan, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
“We will train our staff on modern method of fire fighting,” Rilwan said.
According to him, 47 staff are undergoing training at the Fire Service Training College, located at Dakata in Nassarawa local government area of the state.
“They will be passing out of the training in two weeks time,” he added.
Katsina
Katsina
Two suspected secret cult members have allegedly
stabbed to death an 18-year-old SS II student, Abdullahi Muhammad, in Katsina.
An eye witness told newsmen in Katsina that the deceased was killed by suspected miscreants identified as“Kauraye’’.
The eye witness said the deceased was killed at about 9.30 p.m. in front of his family compound for his refusal to give his cell phone to the assassins.
Family sources said that the two killers came on a motorcycle and asked the deceased to release his phone to them.
The source said that when the deceased refused to comply, the hoodlums stabbed him in the neck with a knife.
According to the source, the victim slumped and the suspects picked the phone and zoomed off immediately to an unknown destination on their motorcycle.
Kebbi
Residents of Gesse Phase 1, a community in Birnin
Kebbi, have appealed to the Kebbi State government to construct additional drains and waterways in the area to prevent flood.
The ward head of the area, Alhaji Auwalu Argungu, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Argungu recalled that a recent three-hour downpour destroyed houses, foodstuffs and livestock in the community, although no life was lost.
He also said that past administrations in the state had pledged to construct roads, drainages and waterways in the area but did not actualize those pledges.
The ward head said that a permanent solution was needed to address flooding in the area, adding “the magnitude of the problem was beyond communal effort.’’
Kogi
The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a new
300 joint security outfits dedicated to fighting kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Jerry Omodara said in a statement in Lokoja that the outfit is code named “Operation Total Freedom”.
Omodara who inaugurated the outfit on behalf of Governor Yahaya Bello said that members of the outfit were drawn from the police, the army, the navy and the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Our correspondent reports that the state government recently handed over 114 patrol vehicles to the various security agencies in the state.
According to him, the stage government would provide the outfit with communication equipment to ease communication flow among its members.
He said that the state government had also worked out issues relating to stipends and other welfare for the outfit’s personnel.
Kwara
The Kwara State House of Assembly has approved
the extension of the tenure of elected executives of Offa Local Government Council to November 10.
The approval was sequel to a request by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Dr Ali at plenary.
Our correspondent reports that the tenure of the chairman and councillors expired last Friday.
The tenure of other 15 council chairmen in the state would, however, expire on November 10.
The motion for tenure extension of the Offa council executives was moved by the House Leader, Hassan Oyeleke, and seconded by Saheed Popoola, who represents Ojomu-Balogun Constituency.
Niger
The Unilever UK has invested N7.5 million in the construc
tion of borehole and a business outlet in
Dabara community of Suleja local government area of Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the managers of the project, Technoserve Sunlight Water Centre (SWC), donated 40 water carts and 50 number 160 litres of water containers to the community for the launch of the project.
Technoserve Market Consultant for the SWC, said that the project was part of the initiatives to engage business solutions in resolving the water challenges of rural people.
Our correspondent reports that Unilever UK works in collaboration with TechnoServe in Nigeria to provide a strictly private-sector approach to solve the water access problem in communities across the country.
Oyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo State com
mand, says it apprehended 1,818 traffic offenders in the state in August.
The state’s sector commander, Mr Yusuf Salami, told the newsmen in Ibadan that the offenders committed 2,040 offences in August.
He said that 553 offenders were arrested for not using their seat-belts while driving, making it the most prevalent offence committed. “Other offenders include 531 riding motorcycles without wearing crash helmets and 321 driving with expired or worn-out tyres ,’’ he said.
Plateau
Poultry farmers in Plateau State say they record low pa
tronage and experience hike in the price of feeds in recent times.
The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria in the state, Mr John Dasar, spoke to newsmen in Jos.
“This period is, indeed, tough for us; the sale is low, while cost of production is high; government must step in to help us,’’ he said.
He attributed the low patronage to the poor purchasing power of most families occasioned by the worsening economic situation nationwide. He explained that low patronage had also led to an excess in supply of poultry products, particularly eggs, compared to the demand.
Sokoto
The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA),
says flood and windstorm displaced no fewer than 7, 290 people and destroyed many farms in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, between April and September, 2016.
The agency’s Head of Sokoto Zonal Operations Office, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad, told newsmen in Sokoto that the twin disasters affected 17 local government areas in the three states.
According to him, a total of 3,309 houses were also destroyed in the three states. Muhammad said Sokoto recorded the highest cases, with 14 local government areas affected.
He listed the areas as: Tangaza, Dange-Shuni, Gudu, Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Bodinga, Wamakko, Wurno, Gwadabawa, Binji,Kebbe, Kware, Rabah and Sabon-Birni.
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