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THE STATES

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Borno
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) last Sunday disclosed that its operatives rescued one Abdulkarim Garba, 15, a student of El-kanemi Islamic College of Theology (EICT), in Maiduguri from kidnappers.
The Borno State Commandant of the corps, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this in Maiduguri last Sunday in an interview with newsmen.
He said Garba was abducted by suspected kidnappers and dumped at Njimtilo area in Maiduguri about 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Abdullahi said that the victim, who is from Yobe, resides at Kasuwar Grain area in Potiskum.
“At about 14:00 our personnel on routine checks along Njimtilo, spotted a young boy who was said to have been abducted, indoctrinated and dumped by suspected kidnappers.

FCT
The former Speaker, Imo State  House of Assembly,Mr Nwoha Amaechi, last Sunday, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in recovery of stolen common wealth.
He made the call in an interview with the The Tide in response to the 9.8 million dollars recovered from  former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Andrew Yakubu..
He said “the reckless and mindless looting of the country’s common wealth could only be reduced if more culprits would be exposed.
“The recently discovered loot typifies the level of mindless looting of the treasury in the last government.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), says it evacuated 2,000 tonnes of solid waste in Auyo and Hadejia local government areas of the state.
The Acting Managing Director of the agency, Alhaji Umar Ahmad, stated this while inspecting the ongoing waste evacuation exercise in Hadejia.
JISEPA had embarked on a 10-day waste and drain clearance exercise to enhance sanitation in the affected areas.
The exercise was part of a comprehensive campaign to enhance effective waste management and sanitation in rural communities in the state.
Ahmad said that the exercise took place at Tagurza, Garko and Tazalla quarters in the past five days.

Kaduna
Apostle Daniel Aguocha of Divine Solutions With Favours Assembly, Kaduna, last Sunday led a prayer session for President Muhammadu Buhari‘s sound health.
The priest appealed to God to elongate the President‘s life with good health to enable him fulfil his God-assigned assignments.
Aguocha led the prayer during a thanks giving service in honour of Mr Charles Uka, a civil servant and a member of the Church, who turned 58 years.
He said that no man can cut shot the life span of President Buhari until he fulfilled what God had ordained him to accomplish on earth.

Katsina
The Katsina State Government has awarded contract for the establishment of a Tomato Paste Processing Plant at Kokami Village, Danja Local Government Area of the State.
“The contract is awarded to National Research Institute of Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria, at the tune of N500 million.
The Acting Chairman of Danja Local Government Area Aliyu Bello Abubakar, disclosed this to members of the correspondents chapel of NUJ inspecting projects executed by Governor Aminu Masari on Saturday in Danja
“The Katsina State Government has already paid 70 per cent of the contract sum to NARICT.

Kebbi
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Garba Dan-Diga, says the state government plans to procure 300,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, for the next farming season to boost agricultural production.
Dan-Diga, who did not disclose cost of the commodity in a news conference in Birnin Kebbi yesterday, stated that 100,000 metric tonnes would be procured from private firms.
According to him, the other 200,000 metric tonnes will be provided through an agreement between the Federal Government and Morocco.
He added that additional efforts would be enhanced to boost production.

Kwara
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says about 30 million set up boxes are required  for the complete switch over from analogue to digital transmission in Nigeria.
Mallam Moddibo Kawu, the Director-General of NBC, told newsmen in Ilorin yesterday that the set up boxes would cost billions of  naira to procure.
The NBC chief said that the country had already procured 850,000 set up boxes  costing $ 26 million to commence the switch over process.
He also said that the commission was able to switch over 30 local, national and regional channels to digital in Abuja.
Kawu said that the technical process would be carried out in all  the geopolitical zones of the country.

Lagos
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says  the air return made by a Qatar Airways aircraft on February 9 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was caused by a bird strike on one of its engines.
The NCAA made the clarification in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye and obtained by The Tide  source in Lagos on Sunday.
“The Qatar Airways Airbus A330 with Registration No.A7 – AED, Flight No.1408 scheduled operation from Lagos to Doha ,received a push back to take off from the MMIA at 14.45hrs UTC.
“On board were 256 passengers and 10 Crew members.
“At 16.18hrs UTC, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) made an air return to MMIA. He took this decision after the aircraft suffered bird strike in flight.

Nasarawa
The Overseer, Udege Development Area of Nasarawa State Mr Adamu Agulu, has banned the movement of people in the night to check insecurity in the area.
Agulu made this known yesterday during the peace and security meeting of the area in Mararaba, Udege.
He said that the restriction of movement from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. had become imperative in order to curtail the activities of men of the underworld.
According to him, this will enable people of the area sleep with their two eyes closed as well as to go about their normal businesses without fear of attack.
“The aim of this security and peace meeting is to brainstorm on ways of ensuring peace in the area and the state at large.

Niger
The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Martins Uzoukwu has advised Nigerians to show goodwill and love during the Valentine Day celebration.
The bishop said this while speaking to newsmen shortly after the church’s Sunday morning service in Minna.
He urged the people to demonstrate love toward their neigbours irrespective of religious, ethnic and political leanings.
“Love is what is required for us to build a strong nation. We should also remember to protect our common human heritage.

Osun
Osun State Police Command says it has arrested a man who allegedly killed his 85-year-old mother with a machete.
The police spokesperson in Osun, Folashade Odoro, said in a statement in Osogbo that the suspect, allegedly machetet his mother, Mrs Taibat Ayiola, to death at Akinleye Village near Osu last Friday.
“The reason for the killing is yet to be ascertained because the suspect has not given any reasonable cause for his action.
“The corpse of the victim had been deposited at the OAU Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife for autopsy while the case is under investigation,” said the police spokesperson.
Similarly, the police in Osun said it had arrested a 45-year-old man in Ikirun on Thursday for allegedly killing a man who bought a piece of land from him.

Taraba
The Chairman of  Nigeria Union of Teachers ( NUT ) in  Taraba  State, Alhaji Jauro Mafindi, yesterday advised  union members to maintain law and order in all their endeavours.
Mafindi said this at a press conference in Jalingo while reacting to the decision by some teachers to embark on a protest over non payment of salaries without informing the leadership of the union.
He said though teachers had the right to protest  non-payment of their salaries,  due process should be followed.
“To be frank with you, nobody officially informed me about the decision to embark on protest against the non-payment of our members’  salaries.

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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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