Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The committee set up by the Adamawa State Government for the payment of outstanding salary liabilities from Paris Club refund to the state has commenced sitting in Yola.
The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abba-Jimeta, said at the inaugural meeting last Tuesday in Yola that the state government had received N4.8 billion out of the N12.8 billion being expected.
Abba-Jimeta said that the government had approved the utilisation of the entire N4.8 billion for the settlement of salary arrears of teachers, local government staff, primary health care staff and political office holders in local government areas.
Borno
Borno State Government has ordered all hospitals and health agencies standby to provide emergency medical response to victims of Rann attack by Nigeria’s Air Force jet.
The army’s fighter jet had misfired during an operation in Kala Balge, killing civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
However, the governor’s spokesman, Isa Gusau, in an email to journalists in Maiduguri, said that Governor Shettima received the news with very deep concern.
Isah said “Following the unfortunate situation at Rann in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima has since ordered the state Ministry of Health to set up an emergency with all medical hospitals under the state government located in Maiduguri. This includes the State Specialist Hospital.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government says it will strengthen the operations of major markets across the state as part of its efforts to improve its revenue generation profile.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Culture, Dr Shehu Adamu, made the disclosure to newsmen after he met with the market leaders in Kaduna.
According to him, markets have huge potential for revenue generation and the state intends to optimally exploit such to provide dividend of democracy to the people.
Adamu said that plans had been concluded to provide the entire infrastructure needed in all the markets across the state to ensure their viability.
Katsina
A former Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Muktar Ammani, has appealed to politicians to empower youths in their academic pursuits to eschew vices.
Ammani, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, said in Katsina last Tuesday that political elites should guard against misguiding youth in the country.
He advised the youth against being easily swayed by politicians into indulging in social vices for meager empowerment, and enjoined youth to remain steadfast, focused on their goals, shun all forms of distractions and crimes as well as manage their time effectively.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has approved the release of N5 billion for the payment of pension and gratuity to pensioners.
The Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Augie, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi while briefing newsmen.
“Further to recent expanded meeting between Governor Atiku Bagudu and stakeholders on payment of pension and gratuity, the governor has approved N5 billion for the settlement of outstanding pension and gratuity of pensioners in the state,” Augie said.
Kogi
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Aisha Alhassan, has urged Kogi State women to embrace the Federal Government’s social protection and empowerment programmes.
The minister gave the advice at a one-day advocacy and sensitisation meeting with Kogi women on Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) in Lokoja. She said that the meeting was aimed at sensitising the women to government’s efforts to cushion the impact of the harsh economic realities confronting the nation.
“The scheme is for petty traders, market men and women, food vendors, farmers, informal service providers, artisans and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government has commenced the distribution of certificates to beneficiaries of the Women Empowerment Programme, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, has said.
The Commissioner, Hajia Asiat Saka, in a statement she issued in Ilorin, advised them to come to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for the collection.
She stressed that the certificates would be required at the Kwara Commercial Micro Finance Bank, Ilorin, to enable them access their funds.
Saka directed all beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to visit the headquarters of the ministry, adding that collection of the certificates would hold between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Nasarawa
Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim
Balarabe, has promised a speedy passage of the 2017 appropriation bill to cushion the effects of the economic recession on the people.
Balarabe, while deliberating on the 2017 budget, during the House’s proceeding in Lafia, assured Nasarawa State residents that the lawmakers were aware of the current hardship and were determined to shore up their fortunes.
The Speaker expressed optimism that the 2017 budget would reduce the sufferings of the people, and challenged his colleagues to redouble their efforts toward enacting laws that had direct impact on the lives of the people.
He restated the readiness of the assembly to partner with the executive arm so as to initiate more people-oriented projects.
Niger
Police in Niger State have appealed for information that would lead to arrest of killers of a policeman, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operative and a civilian.
The command’s spokesman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Bala Elekana, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He said that although sufficient security personnel had been deployed to hunt for the killers of the persons, the police still required the help of the public.
“We have put in place measures that will pave way for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the senseless killings, but the residents should complement the effort of the command.
Osun
The Controller of Nigerian Prisons Services (NPS), Osun
State command, Mr Segun Oluwasemire, lastTuesday advised newly- promoted officers and men of the service in the state to make discipline and excellence their watchwords.
The controller gave the advice during the decoration of 71 promoted officers and men in the state.
He commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Prisons, Mr Ja’afaru Ahmed, for rewarding excellence, dedication and service.
Oyo
Oyo State Government has approved routine maintenance of 14 roads across the state, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, has said.
Arulogun, in a statement issued in Ibadan, said the approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting.
He explained that the state government would not relent in its infrastructural development drive and ensure good roads across the state.
The commissioner urged the citizens to avoid activities that could lead to destruction of roads in the state.
Arulogun also listed some of the roads to be affected by the routine maintenance to include: Beere-Oranyan-Orita Aperin road; Ogbomoso High School – Baptist High School Road, Oroki – Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo (Phase I), among others.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has said that the state government would re-engage retired permanent secretaries in order to benefit from their wealth of experience.
Lalong stated this in Jos, when a Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries in Plateau, led by its Chairman, Mr John Gobak, visited him.
The governor said that the retired permanent secretaries had spent their lives working for the state and garnered a lot of experience that should not be allowed to waste.
He added that some of them would be engaged in agriculture, an area that the federal and Plateau governments were very passionate about.
Sokoto
Mosques and churches should be places of compassion as well as houses of God which should be well protected.
A Director in the Islamic Education Trust, Minna, Niger State, Alhaji Nuruddeen Lemu, made the remark at the end of a two-day North-West Joint Interfaith meeting in Sokoto.
Lemu, a member of the Advisory Committee on the Protection of Holy Sites Project in Nigeria, told newsmen that “when we respect these places, then we are compelled to protect them as Muslims and Christians.”
He explained that the meeting was convened to foster more understanding between Muslim and Christian faithful in the country.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government has distributed self-employment facilities and cash totaling N142 million to 400 youth as part of efforts to check unemployment in the state.
The state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, distributed the materials, which included sewing and knitting machines, electrical tools, and car wash and aquaculture facilities, among others.
In his remarks, the governor said agriculture and entrepreneurial development were veritable means of fighting poverty and unemployment. He said over 500 hectares of land had been developed at Boloram, Jakusko, Muguram and Nguru lakes to engage over 1,000 youth in irrigation farming.
The governor said that apart from the job creation facilities, the beneficiaries were given N20, 000 each, courtesy of the state government and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office.
Gaidam said the UNDP also donated Maize, Millet, agro- chemical and sprayers to support the agriculture programme.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government has established 130 adult education centres across the state as part of its effort to improve mass literacy among grassroots people in the state.
The Special Adviser to the state governor, on Mass Education, Alhaji Kabir Jangeru disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau .
Jangeru said that the state government planned to establish standard and comprehensive adult education centres across all the political wards of the state under its policy.
He said that the aim was to reduce illiteracy among people of the state, especially in rural communities.
According to him, the state mass education board in collaboration with the UNICEF have also established 136 Integrated Qur’anic Schools (IQS) across the state aimed at teaching those children in Qur’anic schools western education.
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