Nation
THE STATES

Benue
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in
Benue State has alerted the public of the existence of employment racket within the command.
The NSCDC Commandant, Mr Shuaibu Jibrin, told newsmen in Makurdi that the racket had been collecting money from applicants in the guise of offering them employment into the organisation.
Jibrin, however, assured that its searchlights had already been beamed on the perpetrators while explaining that all recruitment exercises by the organisation “are properly advertised through the mass media”.
“Currently, the NSCDC is not carrying out any recruitment, the NSCDC recruits based on certain criteria and merit which is always advertised through the mass media.”
Borno
The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has inaugurated
the distribution of relief materials, including drugs, to families and malnourished children in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The relief materials are targeted at meeting the immediate needs of the families and children suffering from malnutrition occasioned by the activities of insurgents in the State.
The relief materials were part of the items donated during the inauguration of the “Get Involved’’ initiative, which was a component of the wife of the president’s pet project, ‘The Future Assured’ Programme.
The disturbing rate of malnutrition among children in the IDPs’ camps, necessitated the distribution of the relief materials by the wife of the president.
Ekiti
Teachers and students in Ekiti State have been urged to
build on their 2016 National Examination Council (NECO) performance in future public examinations.
A retired school headmistress, Mrs Ruth Olugbamila, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ikole, Ekiti State.
It would be recalled that the state emerged as the best performing state in 2016 National Examination Council (NECO) result
Olugbemila noted that the current feat by the state should be sustained and also improved upon in the 2017 West African Examination Council result “so that every Nigerian will know that Ekiti is truly Fountain of Knowledge.”
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has established 313 health
facilities providing Family Planning (FP) services.
The state Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Rejoice Bala, said the policy was part of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rate in the state.
Bala spoke during a one-day workshop organised by Pathfinder International for journalists and faith based organisations in Gombe.
She said the state currently has about 556,109 women within reproductive age, yet a huge number of them die as a result of preventable complications.
The Programme Facilitator, Pathfinder International, Dr Sakina Bello, said the effort was out of concern on the threatening rate of maternal mortality and its devastating effects to the family and societal well being.
Jigawa
The Chairman of Jigawa State Revenue Board, Alhaji Ibrahim
Sani, has said that the board was set to increase the state internally generated revenue in view of dwindling federal allocations.
Sani told newsmen in Dutse that the state government was looking inward to raise revenue to meet its socio-economic responsibilities to the people.
He said that the board had blocked all channels of revenue leakages.
The chairman said that since his appointment a year ago, there had been significant improvement in revenue collection in the state.
Kaduna
A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Chediya G.R.A. Zaria,
Kaduna State, has remanded 4 among 14 youth from Unguwan Kaura, Zaria-city, for alleged attempted homicide.
The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Abubakar Ibrahim, told the court that the police received a complaint on July 6 that the accused conspired and attacked one Abdurrahman Tanimu of No. 127 Anguwar Kaura, Zaria-city.
Ibrahim added that the police arrested four of the 14 accused persons found with dangerous weapons in their possession.
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Kano
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State chapter,
has raised concern over the casualisation of workers and refusal by some employers in the private sector to allow unions in their establishment.
The Chairman of the NLC in the state, Alhaji Kabiru Minjibir, who disclosed this to newsmen in Kano, said that the congress would soon take action on these issues.
He said that the union had received series of complaints from workers in some private organisations in the state on this trend.
“We have come to the realisation that some of the private organisations in the state do not engage permanent staff. And such action denies the workers some of their rights and benefits after working for many years. Not having Unions also denies workers the avenue to express their grievances.”
Kebbi
A 35-member medical team from the United States of
America is providing free surgery and treatment of patients suffering from cancer and diabetes in Kebbi State.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the surgical operations were part of government’s efforts to provide effective service delivery to the people.
He called on the people to turn out in order to avail themselves the opportunity to be treated by the visiting doctors and nurses.
Yombe said the APC-led government would continue to redeem its campaign promises as it had started boosting the agricultural activities in the state.
Kogi
The Kogi State Immunisation Officer, Mr Amaje John, says
the state has been polio-free since 2009.
John told newsmen in Lokoja that the last wild polio case in the state was in Dekina Local Government Area in 2009, stressing that the state had not recorded any other case since then.
The immunisation officer said that the state had enough vaccines for various immunisation cases, especially the polio vaccine.
“Right now, the state is doing what we called ‘Intensifying Routenisation Activities’ in all our health facilities to strengthen immunisation of children below the age of one.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government says it will commence a
task shifting policy on health to reduce maternal mortality in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Atolagbe Alege, announced this in Ilorin during the National Task Shifting Policy Dissemination meeting with stakeholders.
Alege explained that the policy would help specialised health workers take on some responsibilities of more specialised workers.
He said multiple efficiencies might arise from task shifting, given that the cadre to which tasks were shifted often required shorter training periods and lower educational qualifications.
Nasarawa
The Commissioner for Education in Nasarawa State, Mrs
Ramatu Ajuji-Abubakar, says the state government is contemplating education for prison inmates in the 2017 budget.
Ajuji-Abubakar made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
According to the commissioner, the move will ensure that inmates in all federal prisons in the state are properly reformed, in line with global best practices.
She said that even though the prison is a federal government establishment, the state government is a stakeholder, hence, the desire to provide for the education of inmates.
The commissioner said the modern prison yard is supposed to be a place where inmates are reformed morally, and learn one skill or the other, and be educated.
Niger
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Bida
chapter, has expressed delight with the Federal Ministry of Education for the release of N48 million for the payment of allowances for its members.
The ASUP Chairman, Dr Umar Saganuwan, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Bida.
He said the allowances paid was from January to May and that they were still awaiting allowances of June , July, August and September.
He commended the Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, for the gesture.
Saganuwaný expressed displeasure with the management for reducing the allowances .
Ogun
Some students in public primary and secondary schools in
Ogun State have called on Governor Ibikunle Amosun to attend to the demands of striking workers in the state.
The students, who spoke separately in interviews with newsmen in Abeokuta, described the strike as very “unfortunate.’’
They said that the strike was already affecting their academic calendar.
An SSS 2 student of African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, Samson Asade, called for early resolution of the crisis.
He said that their colleagues in private schools were already ahead of them, and urged the state government to cooperate with the workers to end the strike.
Ondo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, says
it has no plans to change its governorship candidate in the November 26 election.
A press statement issued in Akure by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Banji Okunomo, said nothing will happen to the candidacy of Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).
Okunomo urged party supporters to disregard what he called ”rampaging distortion of facts and misrepresentations” on the matter by a section of the party.
“We are also in the know of the syndicated report/newsflash which aim to misinform the public as regards the status of the true PDP candidate in the fast approaching gubernatorial election in the state.”
The publicity secretary assured that the party at state and national level, is working to ensure that Jegede’s candidacy remain.
Osun
The Osun Police Command said it had arrested a member of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Mr Imran Olalekan, 24, for alleged rape.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Folasade Odoro, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo.
Odoro said that the suspect committed the offense at St. Charles High School, Osogbo.
She said that the 17-year-old victim (names withheld), is an SSS III student of the school.
She said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had intercourse with the victim.
The PPRO said that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the crime was concluded.
Oyo
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State chapter, says the National Health Act, if implemented, will benefit the citizenry and solve the problems militating against the health sector.
The Chairman of the association, Dr Omolola Oladele, said this when he led a delegation to submit a letter on the issue to the Gov. Abimbola Ajimobi.
The National Health Act, which took 10 years and several readings at the National Assembly was eventually passed and signed into law in 2014.
Oladele said that the objective of the visit was to awaken the consciousness of the government to the implementation of the act and for the states to key in.
“According to her, the Act protects the right of healthcare users to receive treatment and not to be rejected in the case of accident.
Oladele said that the nation had all it takes to be great.
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.
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