Nation
THE STATES
Osun
The Ooni of Infe, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II has praised the Federal Government and all those who made the licensing of Oduduwa University possible.
Oba Sijuade was speaking in his palace recently when the chairman, board of Trustees of the University, Dr Oluwole Adedoyin presented the license of the institution to him for divine blessing.
He expressed deep appreciation to Dr Adedoyin for his steadfastness and commitment in his pursuit of excellent and patriotism, adding that, he has “added value to the lives of all people the state and the entire country.”
The Ooni advised Dr Adedoyin and his team not to toil with the name and take advantage of the leadership skills of Oduduwa in solving some of the challenges that might be encountered in the course of the administration of newly licenced institution.
“Nothing greater could have been done to honour Oduduwa by the Yoruba than the establishment of Oduduwa University. It must be made to succeed. The coming of Oduduwa University will in particular bring limelight to Ile-Ife and honour to the nation” – he said.
In his response, Dr Adedoyin, lauded the Ooni and the entire people of Ile-Ife for t heir encouragement and motivation towards acutalising the dream.
The Maye of Ife, Adedoyin told the Oba that the University plans to have linkage programmes with other universities and technical schools for staff exchange.
Ondo
Parents and family members of a dinner allegedly tortured to death by security operatives over alleged oil theft in Arogbo, Ondo State, have called for an official inquest into his death. The deceased 31 year-old Julius Gbeneme, (alias Asio) was reportedly arrested on the high sea alongside two others and detained in Okitipupa, Ondo State, where he gave up the ghost after being repeatedly tortured in a detentionc amp by some security operatives. According to the family of the deceased, Gbeneme’s death engendered panic among the security operatives who quickly released the other two suspects. They also alelgedlyr eached out to know chieftains of illegal bunkering activities in the area to douse the tension created by Gbeneme’s death by pacifying his family.
It was gathered that the illegal oil-bunkering leaders were making overtures to the deceased’s family with a view to giving them monetary compensation for the loss of their son. But one at the deceased’s brothers who lives in Lagos and pleaded anonymity, said Gbenemes was tortured to death by security operatives who were desperate to cover their tracks in cohort with beneficiaries of illegal bunkering activities in the riverine area of Ondo State.
Nasarawa
Thirteen years after the creation of Nasarawa State, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Lafia is yet to be connected to the national power grid, General Manager of the station, Maxwell Uloko, has said.
The station, situated on one of Lafia’s hills off the Doma Road axis of the state capital, has been transmitting using diesel-powered stand-by power generating set since inception.
While governments in state created alongside Nasarawa have ensured that their stations were connected to the national grid, NTA Lafia has not enjoyed government’s patronage in that respect.
Rather, it has often been attacked by armed robbers, who even carted away the station’s first heavy-duty power generating set by yanking it off its concrete stands during the second term of former Governor Abdulahi Adamu.
According to Uloko, since the stations connections to the national grid has been delayed for so long, the current cost of linking it to the nation’s power supply is about N8 million.
He said: “this is because so many equipped would be purchased, including transformers, ups facilities and cables to take electricity up the hill where the station. Once that is done, we will save a lot of money and may even go 24 hours.”
According to Ulooko, it costs over N1 million to transmit programmes like the recently concluded Under-17 Football World Cup alone.
He stressed that hooking the station to the grid would save man-hour and other resources spent on generating its own electricity.
Benue
Benue State House of Assembly has alleged that the State Ministry of Finance had misplaced resources by using funds meant for the execution of capital projects in the 2009 budget to settle recurrent claims at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Also, members of the House Tuesday condemned the release of only N5 million to the Benue State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS (BENSACA) by the State Ministry of Finance, when the State has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country.
Leading debate on the House committee on Health and Human Services report, minority leader, Tsetim Ayagwer, said the committee found out in the course of its oversight duties that the State Ministry of healthy illegally set aside the recurrent provisions of the 2009 budget for the State University Teaching Hospital and instead continued to release N10 million monthly to the hospital, which still operates with temporary accreditation.
Ayagwer stated that the committee received no satisfactory explanation on the matter from the Ministries of Finance and Healthy, hence its resolve to report the development to the Assembly.
Chairman, House Committee on Education, David Orjime, expressed worry that the Ministry of Finance could ignore the 2009 budget passed by the Assembly, adding that similar violation of the budget might exist in other ministries.
Kwara
Kwara state government has declared its determination to revive its identified tourist centres to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) capacity.
According to the chairman of the State Tourism Board, Alhaji Funsho Aikone, Tuesday in a chat with pressmen in Ilorin, the state government has perfected plans to involve more private participation in its tourism endeavours.
Prominent among the monumental centres in the state is Esie Museuna, Esie in Irepodum council of the state.
The people of the town some years ago heeded the call of a brave hunter identified as “Bayabon” to have a look that the collection of over 2,000 stone gaven images some metres to the town’s boundary.
Up till now, no one has specifically stated how he images got there. But the strongest report was that God turned the people into images due to their alleged idolatry tendencies.
According to Aikore, the museum, which today has its gallery and curator, will continually be seen as a great wonder of the modern world.
He also spoke on the Shao mass wedding in Moro council as another area the state would publicise.
Recently, 20 maidens from Suho, the Yoruba ancient settlement, participated in this year “Awonga” mass marriage ceremony.
The event, which had since been submitted under the programme of the state’s tourism board.
Oyo
An Ikeja High Court, Lagos Tuesday sentenced the Director of Micro Economic Planning in the Oyo State Ministry of Special Duties, Mrs Helen Banke Laoye, to 20 years imprisonment over fraud.
The judge found her guilty of the two counts of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence which is contrary to sections 8 (a) and 3(e) of the Advance fee fraud Act and convicted her on bath counts.
The statement of offence stated that Laoye obtained money by false pretence and conspired with one Dr. Olaoluwa Balogun whi is now at large, to fraudulently collect N4 million from one Segun Olorunfunmi and Adeola Adepoju of the East Atlantic Business System Support Services.
Justice Morenike Obadina, while delivering her judgment said: it is unfortunate that the defendant abused her office. I here by sentence her to 10 years for each of the two charges to run concurrently from September 21, 2008 and she should refund N4 million as restitution upon her release from custody.
According to information field in count, the convicted Helen Laoye carried out the fraud under the pretence of carrying out a project of procuring bond for government in 25 states for the federal government through the DFID, and went ahead with the project without the knowledge of the Oyo State Civil Service.
Taraba
Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State has urged the Igbo in the State to be more united in the interest of peace and development.
The governor made the call Tuesday at the Igbo Day celebration held in Jalingo, the State capital, adding that in spite of the rapid growth and development by the Igbo in the state, unity had continued to elude them.
Suntai, who further observed the uniqueness of the Igbo, said they were mostly spread across the country and beyond and were very accommodating, but lamented that those in the state were factionalised.
He attributed the disunity, which has split the Igbo in the state into two groups as the devils handiwork.
The Igbo Community in the state as gathered by the Guardian has been factionalised into two groups, namely: Igbo welfare Association (IWA) and Igbo Community Association (ICA).
Abuja
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee has felicitated with Muslims and all Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Eid el Kabir – the great feast of Muslims’ sacrifice.
Prince Ogbulafor said in a message to Muslims yesterday in Abuja that the Eid el Kabir festival and celebration which places emphasis on the virtues of complete submission and sacrifice once again reminds all of their duties to the Almighty God and nation, Nigeria.
Ogbulafor said he and the PDP were happy to observe that Nigeria is at what he described as “the threshold of a great transformation”, adding that the momentum requires the patriotism, loyalty and sacrifice of all citizens to be sustained.
He said that the occasion therefore offers a unique opportunity to show and share LOVE to one another and not to dwell on issues that have a tendency to divide the nation and her peoples.
He added:” On this special occasion, our great Party, the PDP invites all Nigerians to join hands with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Var’ Adua (GCFR) in our steady march to greatness. We wish all Nigerians a peaceful and Joyful celebration Barka Da Sallah”
Lagos
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State Tuesday enjoined Corps members servicing in the state to be of good behaviour, in the same vein, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), mr Ladipo Laniyan, has called on the corps members to avoid any anti-social behaviour.
They made the call Tuesday in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos during the closing ceremony of the 2009 batch ‘C’ orientation for Corps members.
Fashiola who was represented by Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr Kofo Abayomi, promised to provide opportunities for the new corps members to contribute their “quota to the development of the state in the areas of education, free health care as well as environmental sanitation.”
While commending the corps members for their “display of abundant skills and talents during the orientation course” the governor urged them to accept their posting to their various places of primary assignments in good faith.
Ogun
The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Ota Business Unit has launched 40 micro Business Units (MTSUS) to bring its service closer to electricity consumers in the network.
The units are billed to motivate customers’ bill settlement habit, monitor customers who illegally tamper with PHCN installations, record complains and ensure that adequate steps are taken to restore any faulty facility at any point in time.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the MBUS at the company’s promises in Ota recently, Mr Kayode Moyosore, said the establishment of MBUS was based on the premises to extend its services to some of the customers which the unit had hitherto found difficult to reach in the past.
“We have discovered that there are lots of potentials around here and if we do not reach out to them it may be difficult for us to extend our improved services to them” – he said.
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