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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Adamawa State Government has set up a powerful committee to handle the closure of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Ahmed Sajoh, told newsmen in Yola at the end of the state security meeting.
The state government had on December 28, 2016, announced plans to close the IDPs camps across the state in January 2017.
Sajoh said that the committee would liaise with all relevant stakeholders on how to evacuate the IDPs to their respective states and shut down the camps.

Benue

A former Military Governor of Benue State, Retired Brig.- Gen. Atom Kpera, has been selected to head the committee for the coronation of the fifth Tor Tiv.
The decision was taken in Makurdi at the end of a meeting between Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue and the Tiv Traditional Council.
Kpera also chaired the burial committee of the late Tor Tiv, Alfred Akawe Torkula, who ruled for 24 years.
At the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Titus Zam, was also selected to serve as the secretary of the committee.

Borno

The Nigerian Army says it has killed three female suicide bombers when they tried to ram into troops along Dutse area in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.- Gen. Lucky Irabor, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Maiduguri.
Irabor said the three female suicide bombers were intercepted following an intelligence report on their going toward Limankara in Gwoza Council.
“Just this morning, we intercepted the bombers but the three of them resisted and tried to ram into our troops. And of course, we had no choice but to open fire on them,” he said.
Jigawa

The Jigawa Savings and Loans Company says it has sold 93 houses in Mobile Base, Dutse to civil servants in 2016 in the state.
The Managing Director, Alhaji Babangida Umar, made this known to newsmen in an interview in Dutse.
Umar said that the one-bed-room house apartments were given to beneficiaries at affordable prices.
He explained that the initial 10 per cent of the value of the houses had been paid by beneficiaries, adding that the remaining money was expected to be paid within 10 years.

Kaduna

Governor Nasiru el-Rufai of Kaduna State, has advised the state chapter of the Nigerian Legion to venture into profitable business to assist its members.
The governor gave the advice in Kaduna at the 2017 Emblem Launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
The governor, represented by Speaker of the state Assembly, Aminu Shagali, noted that venturing into profitable business would enhance the financial liability of the association and make its members self reliant.
He urged residents of the state and Nigerians to live in peace with one another to engender socio-economic development of the state and the country.

Kebbi

The Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, has urged the new local government sole administrators in the state to ensure rapid socio-economic development in their respective areas.
The monarch gave the advice when he received the new sole administrator of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, Alhaji Sulaiman Kardi, who paid him a courtesy visit in Birnin Kebbi.
“I congratulate you and your colleagues on your appointment as sole administrators and I also want to remind you of numerous tasks before you”, he said.
Bashar also enjoined the administrators not to interfere unnecessarily in the affairs of traditional institutions in their respective areas.

Kogi

The Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO),
Lokoja, has bestowed the year 2016 “Ambassador of Ethics and Conscience’’ Award on Kogi Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya.
CESVO is an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), exposing corruption, promoting ethical leadership, education and value re-orientation.
Presenting the award to the commissioner in Lokoja, the Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Salih Yakubu, said the recipient’s personal leadership traits were independently assessed in some key thematic areas.

Kwara

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in Kwara State has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria military over their victory against Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa forest in Borno.
The Coordinator of OPC Mr Maruf Olanrewaju, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
Olanrewaju said that the Federal Government deserved to be lauded for the destruction of the insurgents base, which he said, signaled their defeat in Borno.
He said the feat was in line with the electioneering campaign of the president, and urged the military personnel, who he said, made the victory possible,  not to relent in their efforts to finally dislodge the group from the country.

Nasarawa

A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State, has remanded a 25-year-old driver, Paul Oluwa and his conductor, Yahaya Danboyi, 28, in prison for alleged conspiracy and theft.
The area judge, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, ordered that the duo should be remanded in Keffi prison after the accused persons denied the allegation leveled against them. Shekarau adjourned the case till January 26 for hearing.
The prosecutor , Cpl. Heman Donald , told the court that Abubakar Mohammed of Kerimo, FCT, Abuja, reported the matter at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
Niger

Bandits and cattle rustlers have killed 400 people in Niger East Senatorial District in 2016, according to Mr David Umaru, the senator representing the area.
Umaru, who briefed newsmen on the deteriorating security situation in the crises-ridden area, in Minna, said that the bandits raped and abducted several women and girls, while thousands of livestock were rustled.
Umaru, chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights, further disclosed that communities bordering Kaduna State were more vulnerable as bandits consistently used the sorrounding forest as escape route. He named communities worst affected by the attacks to include Kaure, Kusasun, Mwaignu, Sabon Gida, Kwaki, Ajata, Kushaka, Bagna, Bassa/Kukoki, Allawa in Shiroro and Rafi Local Government Areas.

Ogun

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo  has denied allegations that he influenced the arrest of the Chairman of Globacom Telecoms Limited, Chief Mike Adenuga,  by the EFCC in 2006.
Obasanjo’s denial is contained in his  letter to the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who had made sundry allegations against the former president in his recently published autobiography.
A copy of the letter dated December 30, 2016, was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta. Obasanjo said that while he was Nigeria’s civilian president, the EFCC was free to do its job as it deemed fit.
Ondo

A 35 year-old trader, Ebunoluwa Akinya, who allegedly defrauded a man of N400,000 on the pretext of selling land to him, is to remain in police custody till January 10, an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State has ruled.
The Magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, who gave the order, directed the police to carry out necessary proper investigation in the case.
The accused is facing a charge of advance free fraud to which he pleaded not guilty.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 10 at No. 2, Akinwunmi St. Okitipupa.

Osun

The Osun State Government says the monthly payment of N5,000 by the Federal Government to vulnerable Nigerians will reduce poverty, crime and other social vices in the country.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, in Osogbo .
It said the Federal Government’s gesture, couple with the Osun government monthly payment of N10,000 to vulnerable elderly persons in the state, would reduce hunger among the citizenry.
The statement added that the implementation of the N-Power programme in which youths would be paid N30,000 monthly, would reduce youth restiveness and kidnapping in the country.
Oyo

Governor  Abiola Ajimobi of  Oyo State says his administration  will  introduce  a workers  evaluation system to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
The governor disclosed this at the 2017 Annual Inter-Religious Service organised by the Oyo State Government in Ibadan to mark the beginning of the New Year.
Ajimobi said the state’s  civil service had improved tremendously and that  government had created a unit to evaluate and compensate efficiency, and urged the labour unions to be proactive, creative, innovative and engage the government.
Also speaking, the state’s  Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade,  said the restructuring exercise was to sanitise the system and make the workers function well.

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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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