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THE STATES

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Benue
A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court last Thursday ordered the remand of 35-year-old farmer, Shima Kaatyo, in prison custody over alleged criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Adama Owochio, told the court that, the case was transferred from Area Command Headquarters Gboko, to Benue State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Makurdi.
The transfer was contained in a letter with reference No: AR: 3100/BNS/GB/AC/VOL 10/470 dated Feb.22, 2017.
The letter stated that Samuel, Kobo, Lorliam Kaatyo, Daniel Kaatyo, Shima Kaatyo, and many others, whose identities are not yet known, conspired and burnt down the house of one Iortswam Gaadi.

Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, last Thursday inaugurated new caretaker committees to run the affairs of the 27 Local Government Areas in the state.
The caretaker committees were inaugurated in Maiduguri after the expiration of the six months tenure of the previous committees.
The governor said that, the inauguration was in accordance with the provision of Section 81 of the Borno State Local Government Law 2000, as amended.
Shettima, warned the new caretaker chairmen against having any links with Boko Haram insurgents.

Ekiti
Two men Bello Adedayo and Akingbade Ifeoluwa were on Thursday charged before an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly hitting a woman with a plastic bucket in the mouth and biting her.
The accused  Adedayo, 27, and Ifeoluwa, 18 are facing charges of assault and breach of the peace. Police prosecutor, Caleb Leranmo told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 19 at about 10.00 p.m. at Oke-Ila area of Ado-Ekiti. Leranmo alleged that, the accused assaulted a woman, Modupe Sunday also of Oke-Ila Street by hitting her with bucket on her mouth and biting  her.

FCT
An Osun-based, Science Teacher, Mrs Adeola Awokusibe has urged the Federal Government to rebuild Nigerian economy through science and technology education.
Awokusibe gave the advice in a telephone interview with The Tide last Thursday.
According to her, government should make science and technology education a priority in its national development strategy. She said that, science and technology education had suffered setback in Nigeria due to the low status accorded to it in general.

Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, last Thursday advised Nigerians to inspire hope and encourage cancer patients to lessen their pains and enable them live happily.
The governor, gave the advice at a “Cancer Sensitisation Campaign and Book launch” held at the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The campaign was organised by the Centre of Excellence on Department Communication (CEDC), Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, ABU.
El-Rufa’i, who was represented by Dr Paul Manya-Dogo, Commissioner for Health in the state, observed that, such emphathy would not only lessen the pains but inspire hope in the patients.
The governor, advised cancer patients not to loose hope, assuring that, the desease was not a “death sentence.”

Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government says, it will immunise three million children under the age of five years against Polio within five days. The government said, it would achieve this goal through the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (KDPHCDA) with the support of stakeholders. This is contained in a statement, signed by Malam Hamza Ikara, the Deputy Director, KDPHCDA, and the State Coordinator, Journalists Initiative on immunisation Against Polio (JAP), Mr Lawal Dagara, made available to newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna.
It said, the exercise, which would be conducted on the streets, house to house and markets, would last between March 23 and March 28.

Katsina
The Katsina State Government, has inaugurated a committee to investigate alleged misconduct by some officials of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board during the 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Inaugurating the committee, last Thursday in Katsina, the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, tasked the committee to discharge their duties without fear or favour. He expressed displeasure on the report of alleged connivance by the officials of the board to shortchange some pilgrims of their Basic Transport Allowance (BTA).
The officials were also alleged to have diverted some accommodations meant for the state pilgrims at Makkah.

Kwara
The Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad, has given cash gifts and two motorcycles to a vigilance group in llorin to improve security in their areas.
Ahmad, made the donation in his office, when members of the vigilance group from the llorin South and llorin East paid him a courtesy visit on Friday. The Speaker said the donation was to assist the group to provide adequate security in the state.Ahmad, stressed the need for organisation and individuals to support vigilance groups to boost internal security across the state.

Lagos
A Professor of political science, Femi Otubanjo, last  Thursday faulted senate’s call for resignation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, saying that, the senate went beyond its limit.  Otubanjo, who works with the National Open University of Nigeria, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. The senate last Wednesday called for Ali’s resignation following his refusal to appear before it in customs uniform.  Senators at a plenary flayed up when the clerk of the upper legislative chamber read a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Abubakar Malami, stating why Ali cannot appear before the senate in his uniform.

Nasarawa
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called for the release of the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Mr Dickson Akoh.
The Chairman of the council in Nasarawa State, Mr Mohammed Bako, made the appeal on Thursday at news conference in Lafia.
Bako, criticised the recent attack on the headquarters of corps an by the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Security (DSS).
He also condemned the subsequent arrest of the national commandant of the corps and other principal officers of the organisation by the security operatives.
“This ugly incident by the Nigeria police and DSS is coming on peak of the passing of the Bill of the Nigerian Peace Corps by the National Assembly. The bill is only awaiting presidential assent.

Niger
The Niger StateGovernment last Thursday inaugurated a 17-man Media and Information Management committee for effective dissemination of government programmes and activities.
The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, who is also the Chairman of the committee, announced this in a statement  on Thursday in Minna.
According to him, members of the committee comprises media executives and practitioners in the state with the mandate to expand the scope of media highlights of government programmes.
Members of the committee include the Director of Press Affairs, Managing Director, News-line Newspapers, General manager, Niger Radio.

Plateau
Plateau State housing commissioner, Mr Samuel Galadima, who died while jogging last Wednesday in Jos, was instrumental to re-introducing the bi-monthly exercise for executive council members.
Governor Simon Lalong, who disclosed this last Thursday, when he visited the family of the deceased in Jos, said that, the exercise was first introduced at the onset of his administration, but was later stopped.
“We started the exercise when we came in, and usually undertook it every first and third Wednesday of every month, but later stopped.
“Galadima was not happy when we stopped it and kept reminding me to re-introduce it.
“He kept reminding us, at executive council meetings, that such exercises will keep the executive council members physically fit and mentally alert.
“We eventually agreed with him and re-introduced the exercise, but little did we know that the good intention will lead to his dead,” he said.

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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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