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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The Adamawa State chapter of Association of Nigerian
Architectural Professionals (ATAP) has embarked on a tree planting campaign  as part of activities to mark its end of year programme.
Speaking to newsmen on the campaign, the Chairman of the union, Mr Umar Marafa, said members had planted many tree seedlings in various parts of Yola to mark the end of the year.
He said that the association had also conducted career talks for students in various schools.
Also commenting, the National President of the association, Dr Olusegun Idowu, lauded the effort of the association, adding that the group was committed to nation building and promoting professionalism.

Benue
Two civil servants have been remanded in prison by a
Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on charges of criminal conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
When the case came up for mention in court, plea of the defendants was not taken for want of jurisdiction.
The police prosecutor, Insp. Abraham Akule, told the court that the defendants, Samson Abeh, an Accountant and Christina Mhambe, a Director of Finance were staffers of Benue Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Akule said a letter of complaint was written to the Commissioner of Police, Benue Command, dated September 30 by one Dr Felix Lawani of Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue.

Borno
The United Nations (UN) has promised to increase hu
manitarian support to the Federal Government to restore normalcy and security to the North Eastern part of the country.
The Country Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Janthomas Hiemstra said this during a courtesy call on the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri.
Hiemstra said “we have come to assure the General Officer Commanding (GOC) that the UNDP are going to put more presence in this area’’.
“This second phase of the post-insurgency has to be done along with the humanitarian agencies.

Ekiti
A Superintendent of Police attached to Ekiti State Po
lice Command, Idowu Taiwo has been murdered by unknown persons.
The deceased was reported to have been initially kidnapped last Sunday night at a drinking joint in Ado Ekiti.
His corpse was later found on Monday in a car in Ado Ekiti after a search for his whereabouts.
According to a source, the motive for his murder is yet to be ascertained but until his death, Taiwo was the Officer in Charge of Finance, commonly called OC MSS.
The corpse of the deceased was discovered in a car with his hands handcuffed.

Jigawa
Police in Jigawa State have placed a total ban on the
use of fireworks, bangers and other explosives during the Yuletide in the state.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Abdu Jinjiri, made this known in a statement in Dutse.
“This is to remind the general public that the ban on the use of fireworks, bangers and other explosives during any celebration is still in force,” he said.
Jinjiri warned parents to advise their children and wards to refrain from the use of such explosives capable of instilling fear in the people, especially during the upcoming Yuletide celebration.
Kogi
The Secretary, Kabba Drivers Union, Onitcha chapter
in Kogi State, Mr. Ade Eseyin has decried the spate of recklessness among Dangote truck drivers on the Obajana-Kabba road.
Eseyin told newsmen in Lokoja that he was almost killed by one of the truck drivers along the route.
He said that he was on his way from Kabba to Lokoja when a Dangote truck ran into his car and destroyed his car and wounded some of his passengers.
He noted that when he reported to the Dangote authorities, he was told by one Mr Sanni Bello to either take 10,000 or take the driver to court.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has
called on religious leaders in the state to consistently preach messages of love and peace in order to ensure harmony amongst all citizens.
Al-Makura gave the charge in Lafia at the farewell ceremony for the state contingent of intending Christian pilgrims for the 2016 pilgrimage to Israel.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Silas Agara, pointed out that such sermons hinged on tolerance and love for one another would go a long way in fostering religious harmony and societal development.
He also urged the intending pilgrims to use the opportunity of the exercise to pray fervently for the state and the nation to overcome the various challenges, especially the current economic recession.

Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has reiter
ated his commitment to resuscitate the Gateway Hotel in Ota, Ogun.
Amosun disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the first Shoprite Plaza situated at the Toll-Gate in Ota.
According to Amosun, the resuscitation of the Gateway Hotel would complement the new Shoprite Plaza in bringing development to Sango-Ota, as well as the entire Ogun State, because of its proximity to Lagos State.
He added that this would boost commerce and industrial activities in the area and also generate employment opportunities for youth in the state.

Ondo
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says it
would deploy more than 150 personnel on the Sagamu-Ore-Benin expressway during the yuletide.
The Unit Commander, Ore Command, Ondo State, Mr. Umoru Abudullahi said that the deployment was to check the excesses of motorists.
According to Abdullahi, commercial drivers are always in a hurry to make many trips during the yuletide.
He said this often resulted to road crashes.
The FRSC boss urged motorists not to speed so as to avert accidents during the festivities.

Osun
Three tanker drivers, who allegedly stole 33,000 litres of petrol, have been arraigned in an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun State.
The three accused persons are: Abdullahi Oladapo, 43; Wasiu Ogunsola, 44 and Gbenga Makinde, 31.
The Prosecutor, Insp Monday Ojiezele, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 6, at 7:05 p.m. at Ibadan- Ife Toll Gate in Ile-Ife.
He explained that the accused stole 33,000 litres of petrol valued at N4.5 million in a tanker with Reg No. AGL 496 XP, property of Five OS Petroleum Limited, Ile-Ife.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence alleged against them.
Oyo
A Grade C Customary Court, Agodi, Ibadan, has granted
the prayer of a grandfather, Adeetan Adeoye, to end his 47-year-old marriage with his wife, Sekinatu.
Pa Adeoye had on December 5 requested for the dissolution of the union to avoid further embarrassment, molestation and provocation from the respondent.
In his testimony before the court, the petitioner stated that his wife used to partake in widows’ benefits and abused him whenever he raised eyebrows on her actions.
In her defence, the woman, who said the petitioner married her as a virgin 47 years ago, pleaded with the court not to dissolve the marriage that was blessed with four grown up children.
Plateau

The first  and second joint convocation of  the Plateau
State University (PLASU), Bokkos, earlier  slated for December 2016 has been postponed to February. 4, 2017 due to some logistic problems.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university Mr. John Agams stated this in an interview in Bokkos.
Agams disclosed that the authorities had tried to complete the library complex and the multi-purpose hall before now but to no avail.
According to him, the completion of those two strategic   projects is very key to the success of the convocation, hence, the need to shift the date.
Agams expressed optimism that the projects would be completed before end of January to give room for successful hosting of the convocation.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police command says it has recorded
no fewer than 45 cases of culpable homicide across the state from January to date.
The state Police Commissioner, Mr Mohammed Abdulkadir, disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto while reviewing the activities of the command within the year.
He said that the command had also arrested 69 homicide suspects within the year, 60 of whom had been charged to courts.
Abdulkadir said that the command had also arrested and charged suspects to courts over 141 cases of armed robbery.
Zamfara
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State says, Mr
Shaba Alkali, crime rate has drastically reduced in the state.
Alkali, who stated this in Gusau while launching the “Change Begins With Me “ campaign of the Federal Government at the state level, said this was largely due to collaboration between the security agencies and the general public.
He said many criminals who had terrorised innocent people in the state in the last two years had either repented or left the state.
Alkali expressed satisfaction with the change of attitude among people of the state, noting that “we still need to change for the better so that we can progress as a nation”.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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