Nation
THE STATES

Adamawa
The Adamawa State trained over 700 youths and women in various skills under its Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) in 2016.
The state coordinator of the programme, Mr Ayuba Audu, told newsmen in Yola that the training was organised to tackle poverty and unemployment.
He said that the programme was organised in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and ‘Simba’ an Indian firm.
Audu said that the beneficiaries of the programme were selected from the 21 local government areas of the state.
“The aim of the training is to assist youths and women. We want to support them to become entrepreneurs in the hope that this will reduce the rate of poverty among them.
“It will surely bring about security and stability in the state,’’ Audu said.
He said that the beneficiaries were trained on tricycle repairs, jewelry and bead making, how to repair cell phones and electrical appliances.
Bauchi
Chairman, Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Hashimu Gital, says that the state government owed retirees N15 billion in accumulated gratuity.
Gital said this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi last Sunday.
“The problem here is the accumulated gratuity amounting to almost N15 billion.
“We have achieved that of normalising payment of salaries where government does not owe any salary arrears in Bauchi State but the issue of gratuity remains a problem.
“We are always knocking at the door of the state government and there is assurance that government is also making efforts to ensure that the outstanding gratuity is paid,’’ the NLC chairman said.
He refuted insinuations that retirees in the state were being owed pension arrears.
Gital said that the state government was also making efforts to actualise the contributory pension scheme in the state.
FCT
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Hon. Sani Zorro, has disclosed Nigeria’s government plan to issue United Nations passport to people at risk of being stateless.
Zorro made this known during an interview with newsmen, last weekend, in Abuja, marking the second anniversary of Nigeria ratifying the Abidjan Declaration to end statelessness.
He said that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs (NCFRMI) and the National Immigration Department are engaged in a process called refugee status determination.
He explained that this process would help to ascertain stateless persons that are eligible for the UN passport, a document they can hold on to before their respective cases are resolved.
Gombe
Gombe State Coalition for Political Parties has rejected Saturday’s council polls in the state, threatening to take legal action if Chairmen or Councillors were inaugurated.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Gombe, Alhaji Idi Barde, Acting Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, said in spite of the assurances given by the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC), it had failed to conduct the election.
He alleged that there was no election material taken to any polling unit in the state, and that no accreditation of voters took place for the conduct of the election.
Reacting to the allegation, Chairman of GOSIEC, Mr Caleb Maina, who spoke through Mr Kalagar Kudi, GOSIEC Commissioner in charge of Public Affairs, said election took place.
Kano
The Kano State Hisbah Board has advocated for a comprehensive blueprint to address lingering societal problems.
The Commander General of the board, Malam Aminu Daurawa made the suggestion when he received a delegation of the Association of Hausawan Africa led by Sardaunan Agadaz, Dr Abdulkadir Koguna, in Kano yesterday.
According to him, the blueprint will serve as official guide in addressing the myriads of socio-economic problems facing the society and encourage education, skills acquisition among others.
Daurawa urged the association to be cautious in selecting and training its members to avoid security implications.
Katsina
An NGO, Daura Progressive Youths Initiatives, has empowered 253 women in Daura with vocational skills to earn a living.
The Secretary of the group, Alhaji Sabiu Tazarce, told newsmen in Daura yesterday that the women acquired the skills over the last two years in tailoring, poultry farming, knitting, and jelly, perfume and soap making.
He said that the decision of the NGO to commence the training was informed by its desire to eradicate poverty and generate employment.
Lagos
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Saleh Dunoma, has instructed engineers to begin repair works on all facilities at the Murtala Muhmmed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with immediate effect.
Dunoma gave the directive after inspecting the facilities at the airport on Sunday in Lagos.
It would be recalled that the directive is coming after the unscheduled inspection visit made last Thursday to the airport by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has advised the chairman and members of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), to be “very prudent” in the management of resources.
The law makers also tasked the board to strive towards boosting enrollment and quality of primary schools.
The legislators gave the advice yesterday in Lafia, shortly after confirming members of the board.
The Speaker, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, challenged the board members to use their experiences to add value to the educational sector.
“You will be handling the most crucial stage of education, the primary school; work very hard to improve on what is on ground,” he said.
Niger
The Children’s Government of Nigeria, a Non Governmental Organisation, has called on the federal and state governments to close Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the North-East.
Its National Coordinator, Mr Patrick Ikpeme, made the call in Minna, during a courtesy visit to the Niger State Development Company.
He said that the camps should be closed down “immediately” because they had a negative effect on women and children.
“Many of the women in the camps live irresponsible lives with nobody to check them; if they return to their various communities, they will be more careful.
“The children also live carefree lives due to the absence of parents or guardians. They are denied even basic means of livelihood. When they get desperate, they can jump into bad things,” he said.
He stressed the need for government to resettle the IDPs back to their various communities where they could restart their lives with communal support.
Taraba
The National Coordinator of ‘PDP Loyal Group 100 per cent’ ,Mr Denis Shima, yesterday advised Taraba youths not to see politics as a dirty game.
Shima gave the advice at a Thanksgiving Service organised in his honour by the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) of St Peter’s Catholic Parish in Jalingo.
He said politics was rather one of the best ways to bring development to humanity if practised according to the rules.
Shima challenged the youth to join politics with a view to channelling their youthful energy into enhancing political reforms that would deepen the country’s democracy for rapid development.
“I advise all of you not to stay away from politics due to the belief by many that it is a dirty game.
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.
Akujobi Amadi
-
Sports2 days ago
Eagles B Players Admit Pressure For CHAN Qualification
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
NDLEA Intercepts 584.171kg Hard Drugs In Bayelsa … Arrests 559 Suspects
-
Rivers1 day ago
Four Internet Fraudstars Get Different Jail Terms In PH
-
Business1 day ago
Food Security: NDDC Pays Counterpart Fund For LIFE-ND Project
-
Business1 day ago
PH Women Plan Alternative Stew, Shun Tomato High Prices
-
Foods/Drinks1 day ago
What To Know About Your Menu
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Ex-IYC President Lampoons Atiku’s Presidential Ambition … Declares It Negative Impact On N’Delta
-
News1 day ago
Tinubu Never Stopped 5-year Visa For U S. Citizens – Presidency ?