Nation
THE STATES
Sokoto
The Minister of State for Information, Alhaji Ikra Bilbis has commissioned 100 computers and ICT facilities undertaken by USPF in Sokoto.
Bilbis disclosed that no fewer than 73 tertiary institutions and 500 schools across the country have benefited from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) school access project while another set of 400 are ongoing.
Bilibis who spoke at the commissioning of 100 computers and ICT facilities at Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto said the programme was in line with 7-point agenda of the federal government aimed at providing concrete development to citizens.
He further explained that apart from this project, it has also embarked on similar projects in Usman Danfodio University Sokoto and 10 secondary schools across the state, adding that more secondary schools and two tertiary institutions would also benefit before the end of the year.
Borno
Borno state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Youth Vangaurd (NAYV) has kicked against the swearing in of Party chairmen and their executives in the state, as directed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
Members of the NAYV are not only kicking against the swearing-in of the local council party executives, they condemned the action in its entirety, saying it is null and void and against the rule of law and the constitution of the party.
Protesting the swearing-in at a press conference at the PDP headquarters Monday in Maiduguri, NAYV state co-ordinator, Ali Alhaji Modu, said the youths and women in Borno would not allow an individual politician in Abuja to rob them of their mandate in order to fulfill the political selfish interests of some politicians.
He disclosed that the planned swearing-in of the council party executive is a plot to connive with some unpatriotic politicians to disunite the PDP in the state and cause disaffection among the members.
Warning against the swearing-in, Mdou said: “As members of NAYV in Borno state are against the swearing-in of council party executives, the disunity being created by the directives of the national secretariat to swear in a parallel party executive at the local council level will give chances for the opposition parties to win the 2011 general election.”
Lagos
The Redeemed and Restored ministries int’l (more than conqueror arena), 80 Oloto Ring road, Otto, Ijanikin Lagos is set to hold its annual Shekinah song of praise/love feast beginning on Thursday 26th November at the church auditorium.
The events tagged; “The glory of his presence,” the 2009 edition of the feast which is schedule to hold from 26th to 29th November, promises God’s presence.
The church minister, Pastor Mrs. Nonye Egbujo, said the highlight of the event include: Shekinah Night of songs, Evangelism, revival, exchange of gifts and thanksgiving service among others.
Kwara
Towards making the fight against corruption in Nigeria more effective, the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practice and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Justice Ammanuel Ayoola, has canvassed a minimum of 15-years jail term without an option of fine for any public office caught in the act.
Besides Ayoola, while proposing the speedy inculcation of the penalty in the nation’s criminal code with the severity it deserved, added that illegally acquired assets from such crime be confiscated into the state’s coffer.
The ICPC boss made the call in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital at this year’s edition of the National Conference of anti-corruption committees in Nigeria legislatures and head of anti-corruption units in government establishment organized by the commission.
Adamawa
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has opposed the application brought before the Federal High court, Maitama, Abuja, by former governor of Adamawa State, Mr Boni Haruna.
He is facing a 28-court amended charges, which border on money laundering and stealing of public Funda totaling N161 million.
According to a release signed by the commission’s spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, Boni Haruna is speaking the leave of the course to travel to the United States of America for medical treatment.
But counsel to EFCC, Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application as it lacked merit.
According to the prosecution counsel, the accused person has failed woefully in providing substantial evidence before the court on why he should be granted his travel document.
Kano
British High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr, Bob Dewan has said that British government is supporting the current reform in the baking sector initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying the problems revealed in the nations banking sector can be addressed squarely.
Dewan, while speaking as guest speaker on British and Nigeria working transparently at the centre for democratic studies in Kano noted that the reforms will cultivate better supervision, regulations and transparency. He said Nigeria is blessed with resources particularly oil, gas and agriculture which according to him, pave way for more revenue which can be invested to develop other sectors, noting that a clean baking sector is therefore necessary.
The High Commissioner said each citizen in each country deserves public money for their benefits in terms of services such as education health, and infrastructure, stressing that as such transparency and healthy banking environment are necessary, Dewan said the precise priorities of such spending are decided through dialogue.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State government has explained that the on-going renovation of the theatre and maternity centre at the University of Ado-Ekiti Teaching Hospital accounted for the stoppage of emergency services at the hospital.
The State government’s explanation followed criticisms by the Action Congress (AC) that the Governor Segun Oni administration had failed to deliver on his electoral promises.
Chief press secretary to the governor, Wale Ojo Lanre, said that the state government embarked on the renovation of the theatre and maternity centre to improve on the facilities.
He stressed that it was untrue that medical personnel in the hospital were on strike over alleged deplorable facilities.
Ojo-Lanre said the renovation would be completed by tomorrow and normal medical services would resume immediately at the theatre, as the state government’s motive in carrying out the works was to provide functional facilities at the hospital.
The hospital had been rejecting patients, including pregnant women due for delivery, over its alleged deplorable facilities.
Katsina
An International based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Pan African Development on Education and Advocacy Programme (PADAP), has decried the rising rate of poverty, gender in-equality maternal and infant mortality in the country; calling on stakeholders to rise up to their challenges.
Programme Director of PADAP, Dr. Tominke Olaniyan, whose organization is spear heading an awareness campaign towards proper and timely execution of MDG programmes in the worth west states of Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states made the call in Katsina.
Olaniyan said the task before the organisation is to deal with eradication of poverty, gender inequality, maternal and infant mortality, desertification and desert encroachment that endanger farms and people of North-West zone in relation to income generation.
She maintained that until governmental all levels recognize and do something about monies being diverted from MDGS and capital being wasted on elephant projects, much cannot be achieved in combating Maternal and infant morality, gender inequality, and the like.
She averred that inequality is not peculiar to Africa alone, but that when left unchecked, could lead to conflicts, continued injustice, and other hydra-headed problems, hence the need for stakeholders to rise up to the task of fighting poverty and injustices in their domain.
Ogun
The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has paid an inspection visit to Abeokuta where the Deputy Committee chairman Abubakar Abubakar, disclosed that the N100 million project would be completed in a few weeks time.
Kayode Amusan, a member of the committee, who spoke with journalists after the inspection, stated that the two projects are part of government’s effort to ensure free and fair elections.
Petitioners have been complaining that electoral materials were being tampered with. So these projects are part of the measure by the government to ensure free and fair elections in the state, he said.
Admusan said that when completed the I.C.T strategic data storage project would serve as storage centre for all electoral records so that nobody can tamper with them.
Abubakar corroborated Amusan’s statement by explaining that all sensitive electoral materials be kept there for security reason. He expressed displeasure about the quality of work on the N100 million project and urged the contractor, Bonny Rose Investment to effect a change. The 14 member committee had earlier paid a courtesy call on Ogun State Governor.
Abuja
The Nigerian Army has described Lt. Col. S.S Jock’s suit against president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and minister of Defence challenging his trial by court marital by the Nigerian Army as a calculated attempt to rubbish the Army.
A statement signed by director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said the only response the Army has for Jock is that they will meet in court.
“In relation to the law suit in the various court, the legal department of the ministry of Defence is handling the matter on behalf at the defendants. So we are ready to meet Lt. Col. Jock in court. Thus, our advice to Lt. Col. Jock and only response for his petitions and publications in meet us in court!!!”, the statement said.
Olukolade said Jock’s suit was an attempt to harass and intimidate the Nigerian Army and the judiciary to accede to his requests which have no merit in law.
He also said available record show that Jock was never fine by court marital and that he had been lawfully retired from the Nigerian Army in accordance with the extant terms and conditions of service (TACOS) applicable to the Nigerian Army.
“first, there is no record anywhere that Lt. col. Jock was tired by court martial. Additionally, our records show that Lt Col. Jock has been lawfully retired from the Nigerian Army in accordance with the extant Terms and Conditions of Service.
Kebbi
Federal Government is to wade into the incessant clashes between farmers and cattle rearers in the North Western of the country by creating another international stock route in the zone.
Kebbi state officer of the federal ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Mahmud Balarabe, who disclosed this at a sensitization meeting in Binnin Kebbi, said government had discovered that farmers in the North-West are encroaching on the present international stock route.
According to Balarabe, the survey and demarcation which will be carried out under the National Livestock Project Division (NLPD), will run in the zone from the borders of Niger Republic and Sokoto State through Kebbi and Niger States down to Cudan Majajiya reserve in Kwara state. He said the NLPD, management has proposed a one-day workshop with all stakeholders in the state which include local governments, mujetti Allah cattle breeders, All Farmers Association at Nigeria (AFAN), traditional rulers, security agents and the state land and survey department.
Balarabe said in Kebbi state, the route will pass through zuru, Danko-Wazagu, Fakai and Sakaba local government areas.
According to him, “there is the need for another international stock route in the North West because farmers are encroaching on the present route. This international route will also prevent frequent clashes between farmers and cattle rearers and at the same time reduce loss at lives.”
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