Nation
THE STATES

Ekiti
The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose,
has advised parents to train their children in the way of the Lord as prescribed in the Holy Bible.
Fayose gave the advice while presenting gifts to the first and second new born babies of the year at the Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
She congratulated the mothers and thanked God for granting them safe delivery and preserving the lives of the babies.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Kolawole Ogundipe, said that the first baby came to life at about 1:15 a.m. weighing 2.8kg and the second one came to life at about 1:50 a.m. weighing 3.8kg.
Jigawa
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has
urged youth to be united and shun ethnic and religious divides for a prosperous country.
Lamido gave the advice when he received PDP youth from various platforms across the country that paid him a visit at his Bamaina village residence in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that youth were vanguard of change who should ensure the country remained one for the betterment of their future.
According to him, there were still some irresponsible elders who preached hatred to divide them, to remain relevant in power.
Kaduna
The Interim Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Mr
Alexander Iya, has escaped an attack in Kogoro when a suspected armed youth who stormed his residence was apprehended.
The chairman, who confirmed the incident to newsmen said the suspect came to his house around 11am carrying locally fabricated weapons demanding to see him.
“Upon sighting the security personnel at the house, he jumped over the fence and made straight to my compound.
“ The suspect demanded to see me but unfortunately for him, I was not at home,” he said.
Iya, said the suspect thereupon vandalised his vehicle before he was chased and arrested.
Kano
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has expressed
confidence in the ability of President Muhammad Buhari to tackle to current economic challenges in the country.
The governor said this in Kano in his New Year message to the people.
Ganduje, who spoke through the state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Mr Mohammed Garba, also expressed optimism about year 2017, and prayed that it would be full of opportunities, blessings and happiness for all Nigerians.
He said the past year had indeed not been very smooth on account of the economic recession in the country.
Katsina
A joint committee of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria’s
Pastors in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has urged Nigerians to ensure increased religious tolerance and embrace government’s anti-corruption efforts in good faith.
Addressing a special prayer session, the committee Chairman, Pastor Daniel Onyeka, urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another and engage in viable economic and social activities that would contribute to nation’s growth.
Onyeka described the economic recession facing the nation as a challenge, and urged Nigerians to ponder on their actions “to correct mistakes and avoid evils that attracted God’s wrath.”
He explained that the special prayer was organised for protection and success of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and also to ask for God’s blessings to ensure peaceful country to overcome security.
Kogi
Some unknown gunmen have abducted a traditional ruler
in Kogi State, a family source said in Lokoja.
The monarch, whose name was given as Alhaji Isah Achuja, the Ohi of Ajaokuta, was returning from Lokoja, the state capital, on Saturday when his vehicle was intercepted on the Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road at gunpoint and the ruler taken to an unknown destination.
A member of the royal family, who did not want his name in print, told newsmen that an aide to the traditional ruler and his driver narrowly escaped being hit by the bullets of the abductors.
Kwara
The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) has produced an
automobile speed limiter that could be used by any vehicle including jeep, car, bus and truck.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, disclosed this in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen.
Ambali noted that the feat was in response to the challenge thrown at institutions of higher learning in the country by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Nasarawa
Stakeholders in Akun Development Area of Nasarawa
State, have passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari, for the positive intervention made to boost infrastructure in the country.
The stakeholders, who met in Ogba, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government, said Nigerians needed to be more patient with the Federal Government in order to realise the positive change they desire.
The stakeholders were in Ogba to felicitate with the Overseer of Akun Development Area, Mr Moses Malle over the New Year.
They agreed that Buhari and Governor Tanko Al-Makura were doing well in the areas of infrastructure development, security, fight against corruption, peace promotion, among others.
Niger
The Niger Child Rights Protection Agency say it has so
far received 1,085 cases of child violations since its inception in November 2016.
Director-General of the agency, Mrs Mairam Kolo disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna, adding that parents, guardians, neighbours, community reported cases such as child neglect, physical, psychological, sexual abuses to the agency while the agency discovered some during its sensitisation campaign.
She said that some cases reported to the agency were referred to the police for proper investigation and others to the courts directly.
The director-general, however, commended the state Governor, Abubakar Bello, for establishing the agency as part of his political will to end violence against children.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has con
firmed the death of three persons in a road accident involving a black Honda CRV Jeep and a white DAF trailer in the Sagamu axis of the Lagos /Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
FRSC’s Sector Commander in the state, Mr Clement Oladele, gave the confirmation in an interview with newsmen in Sagamu.
He said that the accident could have been caused by overspeeding.
“The accident occurred around 2 pm and the rescue team were on ground to immediately manage the situation.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has urged Nigeri
ans to be optimistic as the New Year will be a year of economic recovery.
The legislature gave the advice on Tuesday in Osogbo through a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.
Oyintiloye said the various programmes and policies which government had put in place would bring succour to Nigerians.
While acknowledging the tenacity and perseverance of Nigerians in the face of economic recession, he called on Nigerians to support government’s policies and programmes aimed at revamping the economy.
Oyo
The founder of the One Love Family sect, Satguru
Maharaji ji has called on the African Union (AU) to tackle the crises rocking some African countries before they get worse.
Maharaji ji made the call while addressing newsmen at the Satguru Maharaji ji Village in Ibadan.
The sect leader listed some of the affected countries as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Liberia, Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan.
He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to empower the EFCC to obtain detailed information on constituency projects executed by the National Assembly since 2007.
Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has lauded
road users in Plateau State for the low road crashes experienced during the Yuletide.
The Command’s Public Education Officer, Mr Andrew Bala, gave the commendation in an interview in Jos.
Unlike 2015 when high number of road crashes were recorded, only four road crashes were recorded during the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.
Bala said that no life was lost in the crashes.
The public education officer attributed the success to the resilience and total commitment of the officers and men of the command.
Yobe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDS),Yobe State command, says it will intensify intelligence, surveillance and protection to promote peace and security in the state in the New Year.
The Commandant of the corps, Dr Muhammad Fari, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
Fari said that the presence of NSCDC personnels in the 17 local government areas would scale up intelligence gathering and surveillance on movement of persons across the state to curb criminal activities.
He said the command would improve on proactive measures to check crime before they were committed.
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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