Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has advised the Federal Government to set up a special fund for the development of private universities in Nigeria.
Oba Adeyemi gave the advice at the 5th convocation of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
“This university is an exemplar in learning and character. It is moulding Nigeria’s future leaders in the best fashion.
“And I believe it won’t be out of place for the federal government to give special intervention funds for private universities,” the Alaafin said.
Our correspondent reports that 21-year-old Ahwin Kevin Akporode of Department of Mechanical Engineering emerged the overall best of the 869 graduating students with Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.00.
FCT
The Federal Government has accepted offers by the Turkish authorities to set up new schools and hospitals in Nigeria.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu confirmed this development in a special feature tagged, “Key Takeaways from President Muhammadu Buhari’s 4-day engagement in Turkey”.
The Government of Turkey, on July 28, 2016, alerted the Federal Government on the existence of schools and hospitals owned by suspected “terrorists” in Nigeria and demanded that the facilities be shut down.
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hakan Cakil who gave the alert when he received the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Shehu Sani said the owners of the schools allegedly sponsored the July 15, 2016 failed coup in Turkey.
Kaduna
At least 600 rural dwellers in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State underwent various medical surgeries via a free medical outreach sponsored by Dr Isaac Auta, a law maker.
Our correspondent reports that the 14-day medical outreach was carried out by four doctors which included Auta, a member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Kauru constituency.
Speaking on the outreach, Auta said that he was moved to undertake the surgeries to assist the less privileged persons in the society.
“We found that some people were suffering in silence simply because they lacked the means to treat themselves, so we decided to assist.
“It is just part of the efforts to share what we have so as to make life a bit better for others,” he said.
Kano
Kano State Government says it spent over N1.8 billion on payment of scholarship allowances to its students in tertiary institutions in the first eight months of the year.
The state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano recently.
Garba said the state government was heavily burdened by the scholarship liability it inherited from the immediate past administration.
He added that some of the programmes being undertaken by the students abroad could be offered in higher institutions in the country.
Kebbi
The Secretary, Caretaker Committee, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kebbi State, Malam Yusuf Dingyadi says over 2,965 candidates have purchased nomination forms ahead of state and wards congress in the state.
Dingyadi made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Birinin Kebbi.
“Over 2,965 candidates vying for different political positions ahead of wards and state congress of the PDP, Kebbi State had purchased their nomination forms from the party’s caretaker committee,” he said.
Lagos
A Catholic Priest of the Order of Sons of Mary, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikechukwu has called for increased respect for the sanctity and sacredness of oath-taking by public officers, especially politicians.
The priest made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, recently.
According to Ikechukwu, there is a correlation between woes that befall a man and the non-committal to vows and oaths freely taken.
“Reproach will befall anybody that is not honourable to an oath that he or she enters into,” he said.
The priest said that vows and oaths were not to be treated with levity, adding that national prosperity would flourish in a society that took oaths seriously.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has advised residents against eating bush meat in order to avoid the risk of contracting monkey pox disease.
The state Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr Ibrahim Adamu gave the advice while addressing newsmen in Lafia.
He called for calm and assured that the state government had put all necessary measures in place to protect the lives of residents.
“The first case of the disease was seen in Bayelsa State in the South-South region and since then other states have recorded suspected cases and it is also on record that out of the 74 suspected cases, only three have been confirmed to be case of monkey pox and these three are all in Bayelsa state”, Adamu said.
Niger
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State says it will computerise its administration toward planning for a successful participation in the 2019 general elections.
Its chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Gawu, made this known while inaugurating a one-week computer training for the party executives in Minna recently.
“The APC in Niger State will deploy computer in the area of planning toward a successful 2019 general elections.
“Aside our executive members, we will make sure that our polling agents are computer literate and fully equipped,’’ he said.
Ogun
As the world marks the 2017 International Chef Day, Nestle Nigeria Plc, a leading food and beverage company has urged parents to involve children while preparing their meals.
According to the organisation, this will encourage them to adopt good eating habits which will make them to grow into healthy well-balanced adults.
The Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria Plc., Mrs Victoria Uwadoka made the call at an event to celebrate this year’s International Chef Day on Friday in Abeokuta, recently.
Plateau
A non-governmental organisation, Community Action for Popular Participation has called on women in Plateau State to contest elective positions in the forthcoming local government elections on February 17.
Acting Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Nelson Ananze threw the challenge at a one-day forum it organised in Jos in an event entitled “Women in Politics Interactive Forum and Capacity Development’’.
According to Ananze, the aim of the forum is to galvanise and mobilise support that would stimulate women to participate actively in politics.
“For too long, women have been suffering marginalisation and exclusion from the political process.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has approved the appointment of a 12-man committee for the sale of government quarters in the state.
A statement in Sokoto by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam said that the quarters would be sold to deserving occupants.
He said that the committee would make necessary arrangements for the issuance of allocation letters to eligible beneficiaries.
Imam said the governor directed the committee to ‘‘ensure that the demarcation carried out is strictly enforced without any violation of standard measurement”, he said.
Yobe
Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has refuted media reports alleging rape of some of Internally Displaced Persons camped in Damaturu.
“The report is misleading, lacking substance and without any iota of truth,” SEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Musa Jidawa said in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
According to him, the agency has provided adequate security at the government-run camp in Pompomari to guard against such cases.
He added that community leaders in other camps located in Kukareta, Kasaisa, Mohammed Gombe farm and YBC Abare have developed a very effective security network to protect the inmates of all abuses including rape.
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