Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government is to partner with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to improve on the capacity of the youth for job creation through Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Governor Mohammed Abubakar said this, in a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Abubakar Al-Sadique, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Bauchi.
“Worried by the state of unemployment and the need for governments to diversify their sources of income, the governor unveils plans by the Bauchi State Government to partner with the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.
“To use the untapped opportunities provided by the Information and Communication Technologies, which will improve the capacity of unemployed youths and make them not only self-reliant but employers of labour”, he said.
FCT
The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu congratulated Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, describing him as a very dependable ally of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The minister’s congratulatory message, is contained in a statement issued by Mr Victor Oluwadamilare, his Special Assistant on Media on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Shittu, Osinbajo is a God-sent able lieutenant to Buhari in the task of salvaging the country at this critical period of our national life.
“The Acting President had not disappointed the All Progressives Congress (APC), on which platform he was jointly elected with President Buhari and several millions of Nigerians in discharging his duties.
Kano
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, says all hands should be on deck to ensure that democracy offers the best opportunity for good governance and nation building.
Aregbesola, made this known in a statement by his Media Aide, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, in Osogbo on Thursday.
According to the governor, leaders are not just elected to massage their ego, but rather, they are responsible for the development of the people.
The governor called on political scientists in the country to be more focused on taking assertive positions on issues of national interest as a means of contributing to national development.
He described politics as a primal activity which any society that wanted development and progress should do everything possible to get right.
Katsina
A member of the Katsina state House of Assembly, Malam Nasir Yahaya (APC- Daura), has donated 8,000 exercise books and 200 sets of school uniforms to pupils in 52 primary schools in his constituency.
He told The Tide on Thursday in Daura that the headmasters of benefiting schools received the items directly.
Yahaya said the gesture was to promote education in the grassroots, adding that, all schools in his constituency would soon benefit it.
The lawmaker also provided medical assistance to 500 patients at the General Hospital and a Comprehensive Health Centre in Daura.
Yahaya, said that, he gave money to some patients for purchase of drugs as well as assisted others with surgeries on different ailments.
Kebbi
The Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Mr Waheed Olagunju, says the bank will give N1 billion in loans to small and medium-scale enterprises in Kebbi State.
Olagunju made the promise when he visited Kebbi Governor Atuku Bagudu in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
He said the bank would give the loans at highly concessional terms, while the state would advance the loan at five per cent interest rate.
He said the bank would partner with the state to support agricultural production, especially processing and packaging of agricultural products.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has advocated constant training for Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) to ensure quality healthcare delivery.
Ahmed, made the call in Ilorin on Wednesday at the 1st Annual Scientific Conference of the Kwara branch of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria.
The governor said that the state government established the Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre to acknowledge the importance of laboratory investigation in medical treatment.
He, however, noted that the procurement of modern facilities would not achieve its desired purpose without constant training.
He added that, “it is pertinent to state that the existence of diagnostic and research laboratory and laboratory personnel without constant training may not achieve the desired purpose for the laboratories.
Lagos
The Federal Government is committed to continuous training of personnel on issues that bothered on maternal health in the country, a government official, Mr Greg Izuwa, has said.
Izuwa, who is a family health expert in the Federal Ministry of Health, made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He spoke on the sidelines of the unveiling of Nollywood actress, Stephaine Linus-Okereke, as the Regional Ambassador on Maternal Health in West and Central Africa Regions.
Izuwa, also the deputy director said that such training was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve maternal and child health.
Izuwa said, “The Federal Government is doing a lot to improve the lives of women and girls.
Niger
A Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded two brothers, Adamu Yahaya, 20 and Mumuni Yahaya, 25, in prison custody over the death of five fellow Fulani herdsmen.
The duo are accused of using machetes to kill the five persons.
Mr Levi Animoku of Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court I, gave the remand order after the duo appeared before him on Thursday.
Animoku held that the charges of culpable homicide against the two herdsmen carried death penalty upon conviction, and declared that Section 341(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) precluded the court from granting bail in the circumstance.
Ondo
A 29-year-old man, Abdulahi Makinde, last Thursday appeared before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N10,000 cash and a mobile phone of an accident victim.
The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Suleiman Adebayo, said that the money and the phone, worth N3, 500, belonged to one Mr Agunbiade Victor, an accident victim rushed to the police clinic for treatment.
Adebayo alleged that, the accused person committed the offence on March 1 at about 10.00 a.m. at the police clinic in Akure.
According to the Prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Oyo
Oyo State Government, has warned herdsmen operating in the state to desist from carrying guns and other dangerous weapons.
The government gave the warning in a communiqué issued at the end of the State Inter-Religious/Ethnic Committee (OYSIREC) meeting in Ibadan last Sunday.
According to the communiqué, any herdsman caught with guns and dangerous weapons would be treated as criminals and prosecuted accordingly.
OYSIREC was inaugurated by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state on March 9, in Ibadan.
The committee comprised religious, ethnic and community leaders as well as security agents and it is to proffer solutions to ethnic and religious conflicts in the state.
Plateau
Prof. Sabastian Maimako, Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Jos, has solicited the support of the Plateau House of Assembly toward rebuilding the institution’s burnt library.
Maimaiko, made the appeal on Thursday in Jos, when he led the school’s management team on a courtesy visit to the the Speaker, Mr Peter Azi.
The Tide reports that, the library complex, which houses faculties of social sciences and management sciences, was gutted by fire on Oct. 8, 2016.
Maimako, described the fire disaster as “very devastating”, and disclosed that the destruction was “very massive”.
He said that, it would cost the school “a huge fortune” to rebuild the burnt edifice.
Taraba
The Ussa Development Association in Taraba on Thursday commenced the rehabilitation of the 5-km Takum – Ussa road to ease the suffering of motorists in the area.
The economic road linking the area with some parts of the state and the country has been in a terrible state for nearly two decades.
Speaking with The Tide correspondent at the site, the Chairman of the Association, Mr Mamri Ndeiri, said grading the road was part of the association`s activities to complement government’s efforts.
He said the road was critical to revenue generation as no fewer than 15 trucks loaded with timber and other farm produce ply the road daily to other parts of the country.
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