Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Pen, a political pressure group comprising members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has expressed concern over the growing mob on legislators by some people.
The spokesman of the group, Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, said this during a news conference in Yola.
He said that the particular attacks on some National Assembly members in Katsina, Bauchi and Kebbi States by mob were unnecessary.
According to him, the best way to deal with elected officials is through the ballot box.
“We are condemning, in strong voice, reported cases of attacks on some legislators in many states of the federation and call on the electorate to handle their grievances with their legislators with civility.
Benue
The Police in Benue State have confirmed the lynching of three suspected armed robbers by a mob in Adikpo in Kawabde local government council of the state.
Spokesman of the command, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident in Makurdi.
Yamu told newsmen that the suspected robbers were lynched while carrying out a robbery operation at a petrol station in Adikpo.
He said that the manager of the station alerted the mob, while the robbers were still carrying out their operation in the early hours of Tuesday.
Borno
The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said 30,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who fled the state at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency have returned home.
The Spokesman of the agency, Malam Abdullahi Umar, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri ,on Wednesday, that the figure was part of the 78,000 IDPs that fled the state to Cameroon during the period.
Umar said that the returnees were part of the 43,000 of the IDPs that signified interest to return home.
He said the IDPs were being kept in a camp at Banki in Bama local government area of the state.
He said that a team of SEMA officials had already visited the camp to assess their condition.
FCT
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, last Tuesday, restated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of human rights through strict adherence to professional policing.
Idris gave the assurance at the International Civil Society Seminar on Counter Insurgency organised by Global Amnesty Watch in partnership with an NGO, Conscience Nigeria (CN), in Abuja.
The theme of the seminar was “ Counter Insurgency: Human Rights and Good Governance in the Context of the Nigeria Situation”.
He said that protection of human rights was a core function of the Nigeria police, adding that the force had constantly formulated policies and disciplinary measures that would galvanise its relationship with the public.
Jigawa
The Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, a Non Governmental Organisation, on Thursday, said it initiated training programmes to tackle maternal and infant mortality and malnutrition in rural communities.
The Programme Manager, Alhaji Aminu Inuwa, said this at a one-day training on safe motherhood organised by the foundation for community leaders in Malammadori local government area of Jigawa State.
Inuwa said that the training was to create awareness on the need for women to be encouraged to access antenatal and reproductive healthcare services in communities.
He added that the training was designed to expose the participants to the best medical practices to enhance healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Kaduna
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday organised a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Southern Kaduna to explore ways of ending the recurring crisis in the area.
The meeting, held in Kafanchan, was to seek alternative measures to complement the military in bringing about permanent peace to the area.
In a message to the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, assured that the ongoing special operation tagged ‘Harbin Kunama II,’ was to engage the people in securing the area.
He said that the residents must resolve to live in peace and harmony to stem unwarranted loss of lives and property going on in the area for years.
Kogi
Kogi State High Court Judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye has called on old students of secondary schools in the country to rise to the challenge of restoring the old glory of their alma maters.
He said such gesture could be in form of infrastructure, moral and educational development.
A Koton-Karfe Resident High Court Judge, Omolaye-Ajileye, made the call in Kabba at the re-union and award ceremony by the Old Students Association Steering Committee of the St. Barnabas Secondary School (SBSS), Kabba on Monday.
The jurist, who is also an alumnus of the school, said it was disheartening to see old students of institution who were in high and privileged positions while their alma maters faced moral and infrastructure decay.
He noted that the level of dilapidation of structures in many secondary schools, coupled with dwindling rectitude and general decay remained high.
Kwara
Prof Pius Abioje, of the Department of Religion, University of Ilorin, said false prophesy is against the tenets of Christianity.
Abioje said this in Ilorin on Friday while delivering the 167th Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “Christian Prophets and other Prophets in Nigeria’’.
The expert on Religious Studies frowned at the trend which was becoming something else in Nigeria.
According to him, the false prophets have become a nuisance in the society, as they claim to perform wonders which they use in confusing unsuspecting Nigerians.
Abioje, who lectures in the Faculty of Arts of Unilorin, urged Nigerians not to be gullible and susceptible to their divination and prophesies.
Lagos
Chairman, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Israel Ajao, has said that the government-sponsored vigilante organisation was not in competition with the police in securing the state.
Ajao told journalists in Lagos State last Tuesday that the Neighborhood Watch, recently re-launched by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, was out to complement other security agencies.
Ajao, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), said that the new security outfit would collaborate with the police and other agencies in enhancing security in the state.
”Our main duty is to gather information and pass same to the police and other security agents that should work with such information.
“We are not to compete with the police, but to compliment them and other security agents.
”That is why all the security agencies are represented on the board of the corps,’’ said the LNSC chairman.
Niger
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Kabiru Rijau, said Nigerians must own up ongoing fight against corruption, to save the country from collapse.
Rijau said in an interview with journalists in Minna, last Tuesday, that those insinuating political sentiments to the war, were selfish and unpatriotic.
According to him, corruption is one of the factors responsible for the nation’s set back and must be fought to a standstill.
He commended the Federal Government for introducing the Whistle Blower policy, saying it would encourage more Nigerians to expose those who diverted funds meant for national development.
“Nigerians should wholeheartedly embrace the programmes in exposing public officers who derive pleasure in looting our treasury.
Osun
The Deputy Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Akintunde Adegboye has urged caretaker committee management nominees to see their appointment as a call to service the people, if cleared.
The members are being screened for appointment in the 30 local government and local council development areas in the state.
Adegboye gave the advice during the screening of the nominees at the plenary in Osogbo on Wednesday.
He also advised the nominees not see their appointment as an opportunity for self enrichment but as an opportunity to serve their communities.
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