Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has pledged to provide an ambulance and other vital equipment at the medical clinic at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno, to enhance the welfare of the IDPs.
NCFRMI’s Federal Commissioner, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri on Sunday.
Umar-Farouq commended the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) for setting up the clinic, saying it had lived up to expectations.
“We have seen the clinic provided by NAF and they are doing well; we are going to augment their activities by providing some support.
“The clinic requires an ambulance as well as some few equipment at the radiography department, we will provide support in these areas,” she said.
Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has laid the foundation stone for the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of 2 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
The Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia Local Government Area of the state had been the military formation in Southern Kaduna.
Speaking at the occasion, Buratai said the army was committed to peace and security in all parts of Nigeria.
He said the need to find lasting solution to incessant herdsmen/farmers crises rocking Southern Kaduna in recent times necessitated the setting up of the base.
Buratai urged Nigerians to learn to co-exist peacefully, adding “we need each other”.
Kano
Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, last Saturday conferred degree on 3,212 undergraduates and 31 post-graduate students during its 4th combined convocation.
Prof. Shehu Musa, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, who announced this at the ceremony said 3, 212 students, comprising three sets of students from 2012 to 2015 graduated at the convocation.
“It is gratifying to inform you that the university graduated three sets of students from 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015 academic sessions.,’’ Musa said.
He urged the new graduates to use the knowledge acquired from the university to make significant imprints on the country and the world.
“We urge the graduates to be good ambassadors of the university wherever they find themselves,’’ he said.
Kebbi
The 1 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Kebbi State has celebrated the 2016 annual West African Social Activities (WASA) to mark the end of year successful end of training and operational activities.
The Tide source reports that the event was marked by officers, soldiers and their families with varieties of activities that included tug of war, cooking, cultural dances, songs as well as mini Durbar by the Gwandu emirate horsemen.
The colourful event, sponsored by the Diamond Bank, also featured cultural dances by the Tiv, Yoruba and Kalagu musicians, the NYSC cultural dance troupe as well as presentation of awards of honour to distinguished friends and well wishers of the soldiers.
The debate with the topic “Public Schools are Better Managed than Private Schools”, was won by Miss Jamila Usman of the Nigerian Army Primary School, Dukku Barracks in Birnin Kebbi.
Kogi
Rev. Sunday Oladeji of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lokoja, has urged Nigerians to stop making inflammatory statements that could jeopardise the peace of the nation.
Oladeji, who spoke in his sermon “Peace of a Nation” in Lokoja last Sunday, said peace brings unity among nations.
He noted that most of the crises among Christians and Muslims in the country was as a result of preachings amongst religious leaders and urged leaders to always watch and guard their utterances.
Oladeji noted that if there was love among religious faith, the nation would be more at peace with each other and there won’t be room for any form of crisis among faith.
He prayed God to help Nigeria move stronger out of every challenge it was facing, stressing that with prayers and supplication peace would return to the nation at large.
Oladeji said the church had been praying for the nation so that every agitation for breakup would seize and God himself would intervene in the affairs of the nation.
Kwara
The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Solomon Oloyede, has appealed to his people to ensure prompt payment of their taxes to accelerate development of the area.
Oloyede, who is also the chairman of Isin Traditional Council, made the appeal during a stakeholders meeting in Oke-onigbin, a nearby town to the council.
The Tide source reports that the periodic meeting organised to foster development within the council areas, attracted traditional rulers and community leaders from within and outside the council.
Oloyede said the call for prompt payment of taxes was to assist the government in its developmental programmes, especially at the grassroots.
He noted that most of the communities were in dire need of development in the areas of health, education, rural road network and human capital development.
Nasarawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) , says it has trained 1,977 unemployed persons in Nasarawa State to become self-reliant since the inception of the programme in the state in 2012.
The state NDE Coordinator, Alhaji Dauda Idris-Wase, disclosed this last Saturday to The Tide source in Lafia.
He said that the beneficiaries had been trained and graduated in different skills acquisition programmes.
Idris-Wase said that the agency organised different skills acquisition training free of charge in order to empower unemployed persons and enable them to contribute their quota to national development.
“NDE came into existence in 1986, saddled with the responsibilities of training people, especially the youth and women, in different skills acquisition programmes in the country.
Niger
The Niger State Coordinator, Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Control, of the State Ministry of Health, Dr Hauwa Kolo, has advised youths and adults to steer clear of non-organic diets to avoid cancer.
Kolo, who is also the Head of Accident and Emergency Unit at the General Hospital Minna, gave the advice in an interview with The Tide source in Minna on Saturday on the sideline of the World Cancer Day with the theme: “We can, I can’’.
She said that though the cause of cancer was not known but had associated factors with genetically-made foods.
“Some foods such as processed red meat and salt-preserved foods can increase the risk of developing cancer. Vegetables, fruits and food high in fibre can reduce the risk of cancer,’’ she said
Kolo said there were many kinds of cancer and advised women should to endeavour to do breast examination every month..
Ondo
Gunmen last Sunday morning shot dead Corporal Michael Olujimi, a policeman attached to the Okitipupa Police Division in Ondo State.
The Tide source reports that the policeman, who was still battling for his life, was found in a pool of blood around 5:30 am, gasping for breath, before he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the town.
It was also gathered that the policeman left his home early to resume duty but the gunmen opened fire on him and took off immediately.
One of the sympathisers, who preferred anonymity, told The Tide source that the gunmen mistook the policeman for someone else and opened fire on him.
Osun
Osun State Police Command, has arrested four suspected armed robbers and recovered two locally made pistols from them.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folashade Odoro, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Osogbo last Sunday.
According to the statement, the police arrested a suspect, Anibi Kabiru, at 2:40am, on Saturday in Ile-Ife, on a black spot.
Odoro said the suspect had confessed to have sold three locally made pistols to members of a robbery syndicate during interrogation.
She explained that the police further arrested three members of the robbery syndicate, namely: Waheed Oladipupo, Adeyeye Ojo and Yemi a.k.a Small, following the information given by the first suspect, Kabiru.
The PPRO said the police had begun investigating the suspects and recovered two locally made pistols.
Plateau
The Parish Priest, of Church of Assumption, Chongo Pyongyang, Jos, Rev. Fr. Philip Jamang, has urged Christians to be light of the world.
Jamang gave the advice in a homily in Jos last Sunday.
He said that Christians should live lifestyles worthy of emulation, lifestyle that would portray a positive difference in the society.
“As followers of Christ who is light himself, we must let this light shine anywhere we go. The world is full of darkness with less value for human lives and evil being the order of the day.
“So, we are called upon, as Christians to shine our light in the society so as to save the world from decay and total collapse.
“If we shine our light, violence and killings in our society will be a thing of the past. Let us transform the world with our Christian values,” he said.
Taraba
The Permanent Secretary, Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Yero, has called on traditional rulers to support the state government’s initiative to restore peace in the state.
Several communities in the state were embroiled in clashes early in the year and several deaths are recorded with loss of property.
Yero told newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday that the royal father’s active role was crucial to government’s resolve to tackle the current insecurity.
“I want to call on our traditional rulers who are the custodians of peace, culture and general way of life to support Governor Darius Ishaku’s peace move for a better society.
“I want our royal fathers to revert to the old ways of monitoring strangers in their communities so as to check criminality,” he said.
Yobe
Yobe State Police Commissioner, Abdulmalik Sunmnu, has confirmed that 2,000 Policemen would be deployed to the 17 local government areas of the state to maintain law and order during the forthcoming LG polls in the State.
Sunmonu told newsmen in his office arrangements had been concluded for the deployment of the 2000 Policemen to provide security for the polls scheduled to hold by February 11th.
He said the deployment was in line with standard which says “at least three security agencies per polling unit”.
The Police boss said arrangements were in top gear by the Police in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.
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