Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Agency yesterday said it has begun the training of 240 primary healthcare workers on Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) in four local government areas.
Officer-in-charge of the IMCI Unit, Hajiya Binta Ladan, made this known yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
Ladan listed the local governments as Bogoro, Jama’are, Ningi and Gambuwa.
She said that medical officers, nursing, midwives and community health workers would be part of the training.
“The personnel are to be trained on modern standard protocol of identification, classification and treatment of vaccine preventable diseases,’’ Ladan said.
FCT
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) says it has earmarked 38 million euros for poverty eradication and empowerment in five countries.
The Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Nigeria, Mrs Gloria Akobundu, made this known at a two-day workshop organised by NEPAD, recently in Abuja.
Akobundu explained that 35 million euros would go for the empowerment programmes, while three million euros has been earmarked for the technical support interventions.
According to her, the three million euros technical interventions will be used in expansion of facilities and training centres and sensitisation and awareness on the programme.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government yesterday pledged to provide adequate surveillance at the International Cattle Market in Ilesha- Baruba in Baruten Local Government Area.
The town is also a border community between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Bamidele Adegoke, said this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
Adegoke added that the measure was to ensure immediate response to any outbreak of animal disease in the state.
Kano
The Senator representing Kano North Senatorial District, Alhaji Barau Jibril-Maliya, has called on the contractor handling the rehabilitation of Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi road to move to the site.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government had in November 2016 awarded the contract worth over N184 million for the rehabilitation of Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi road but the work is yet to commence.
He made the call in a telephone interview with newsmen yesterday in Kano.
He said there was urgent need for the contractor to move to site immediately since he had already been mobilised in addition to signing the agreement with the Federal Government.
Kogi
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has re-deployed Commissioner of Police Wilson Inalegwu to Kogi to take charge of the State Police Command.
Report has it that Inalegwu, who until his new posting was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Ekiti Command, assumed duty on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The new Kogi Commissioner swapped position with the out-going commissioner, Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim Chafe, who has been deployed to Ekiti Command.
Speaking at a brief handing over and taking over ceremony in Lokoja, the outgoing police commissioner said his period in Kogi witnessed relative peace with drastic reduction in crime rate compared to when he assumed duty in the state.
Chafe expressed gratitude to the inspector-general, Gov. Yahaya Bello, officers and men of the command, other security agencies and traditional rulers for his successful tenure in the state.
He also commended the people of the state as well as other stakeholders that supported the command in the fight against crimes during his service in the state.
Lagos
The South African Government has deported 97 Nigerians for committing various offences in the country.
The deportees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Monday night in a chartered aircraft with the registration number GBB710 from Johannesburg.
They were made up of 95 males and two females.
The Spokesman of the Lagos Airport Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development.
An immigration source told newsmen on condition of anonymity that six of the deportees were returned to the country for drug offences while 10 were arrested and deported for other criminal offences.
The others were said to have committed immigration offences in the Southern African country.
Niger
Bida Local Government Area of Niger State says it has earmarked N40 million for the construction of boreholes, culverts and rural primary health centres in the council 14 ward.
Chairman of the council, Mr Mohammadu Bagudu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bida last Tuesday.
He said that each of the councilors would present the projects from his constituency for execution.
The chairman further said that the local administration had conducted feasibility studies on where such projects would be sited.
He called on residents of the area to desist from dumping refuse on water ways, for the benefit of their health and also prevent flooding during rainy season.
Oyo
For allegedly stealing his neighbour’s two children, the police on Tuesday arraigned a 39-year-old farmer, Semiu Yusuf, in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan.
It is reported that Yusuf of Maku Ogbere Idi, Osan, Ibadan, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and enticing children.
The Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Ogunremi, told the court that Yusuf and others at large conspired to steal the children.
Ogunremi said Yusuf, by the act, attempted to deny a woman, Kehinde Kolapo, of the care of two of her children aged 11 and five.
He told the court that Yusuf committed the offence on February 14 at about 2 pm at Ogbere Idi, Osan area of Ibadan.
“ Yusuf was a co – tenant with the mother of the children and claimed that he saw them somewhere in town when he was going somewhere on a motorcycle.
Osun
The Osun State Government last Tuesday presented retirement bond certificates worth N1.1billion to the fourth batch of retirees under the state contributory pension scheme.
The State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, made the presentation through the State Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye, at a seminar organised for workers.
The seminar was organised for them by Pension Fund Administrators to give them a better understanding of what pension schemes were all about.
Aregbesola said that 159 pensioners from the scheme would benefit from the bond, with 100 of the beneficiaries coming from Local Government Areas while the remaining 59 retired as primary school teachers.
Ogun
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo last Tuesday advised parents and community leaders to revive the culture of storytelling among children to enable them imbibe good morals.
Obasanjo gave the advice on Tuesday at a programme tagged, ”Story Time with Baba, held at his ancestral home at Ibogun in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun.
Plateau
Sgt. Apollos Aliyu of ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Jos, has told a Jos High Court that Stephen Luka, who is standing trial over alleged culpable homicide, had confessed to the crime in a written statement.
Aliyu, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in the case, testified against the accused, who had since denied the allegations.
The accused person is facing a four-count charge of murder, attempted murder, assault and sexual abuse.
He was accused of attacking two sisters, Justina Dusu and Simi Dusu, on July 27, 2016 at his home in Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, Jos, after they went to confront him over Justina’s pregnancy.
Sokoto
The Police in Sokoto State yesterday arraigned Francis Mbanugo, Emerie Uzochukwu, Sunday Ejeh and Emmanuel Ogbeauim, all of Mabera area of Sokoto, for allegedly stealing a motorcycle.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Monday Kenneth, told the court that the accused persons conspired and stole a Haojue motorcycle belonging to Jonathan Ezekiel of the same area.
Kenneth said that the motorcycle, with registration number, TBW 787 UT, was parked inside the compound and the accused jointly conspired and stole it.
The accused persons were arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy, contrary to Sections 97 and 288 of the Penal Code Law.
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