Nation
STATES
Abuja
Expressing disappointment over the recent action of the govt of the United States of America, listing Nigeria on the its watch list of terrorist nations the upper legislative arm of the National Assembly said the position highly unacceptable.
The Senate therefore gave the US government a –one- week ultimatum to delist Nigerians from this list for extra-security screening.
Briefing Senate correspondents the chairman of the Senate committee on media and Information, Senator Ayogu Eze said the Senate would on resumption tomorrow take a holistic look on the issue and would not hesitate to take a definite position in case the American authorities refuse to retract its decision.
The Senate’s spokes person pointed out that the decision of the US authorities was rather too harsh as the alleged aborted terrorist attempt by Nigerian born Umar Abdulmutallab was an exception that should not have been generalised.
He also noted that there was yet no evidence to blame the security lapse on the Nigerian authorities.
Senator Eze has maintained that given the relationship that has existed between America and Nigeria, it is most unfair for America to take such hasty conclusion without even adequate consultations with the authorities in Nigeria.
He affirmed “This is not acceptable to us and we are going to do whatever we can as a nation to prove to America that we will not take this.
Lagos
The overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministers, (MFM), Dr Daniel Olukoya has rewarded 20 first class graduates from Nigerian universities with car gifts.
The gesture was aimed at “improving academic excellence and reward “diligence,” Olukoya said, adding that it was also to stimulate similar performances four undergraduates and dissuade youths from negative influences.
The new car owners are Adesanya Abosede from Department of English, UNILAG, Alabi Olakunle, Bio-Chemistry, Ambrose Ali University, Aluko Damilola, French, Unilag, Anifowose Abiodun, Chemistry, Unilag, Dosunmu Olakunle, Chemical Engineering, UMLAG, Edaogbogun Blessing, Accounting, OAU; Ezeji Maxwell, Mechanical Engineering, FUTO, Owerri, Iwoatan Temidayo, Botany, UNILAG, Jegede Bolaji, Chemical Engineering, UNILAG and Nwachukwu Hope, Physics, Nasarawa State University. Others are Ogiri Kingsley, Sociology, UNILAG, Okafor Chiweoke, Economics, UNN, Olabatunyi Oluwole Isaac, Plant Science, OAU, Oyindamola Tolu, Computer Science, UI, and Sonubi Adeyemi, Mathematics, UNAAB.
Presenting the keys to the first class products, wife of the General Overseer, Pastor (Mrs) Shade Olukoya said it was to motivate them to always remain focused in life.
Oyo
An Oyo based group, G23 has advised the political elites in Oyo State against fanning embers of negative sentiments, recrimination and destructive tendencies in assessing governance. Rather, it said they should be guided by values such as objectivity thoroughness and sincerity of purposes, which are hallmarks of decent articulate and thoroughly bred elites.
At a news conference jointly addressed by both president and general secretary of the group, respectively, Comrade Isiaka Emeka and Prince Oluwakayode Afonju, the group commended Otuba Adebayo Alao-Akala for imparting positively on the socio-economic lives of the people of the state, especially Oyo town and its environs.
According to the group, some of their unprecedented achievements of the state government within the last two years in Oyo town and its environs alone is the rehabilitating asphalt overlay of township roads, covering over 30 kilometres.
Similarly, the chairman of Oyo West Local Government, Mr Wale Ogunmole has rehabilitated and tarred 18 kilometres road, constructed three classrooms in each of the 13 primary and secondary schools, provided potable water and upgraded 10 health centres.
Kaduna
Concerned by mounting intrigues and speculations over President Umar Yar’Adua’s health and rumours of succession plots, Northern elders have summoned a special extra-ordinary meeting.
Dependable sources in Kaduna informed The Tide that the meeting summoned under the auspices of the ACE’s National Working Committee is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
It was also gathered that a political committee has been set up by ACF leaders to draw up an action plan in addition to making recommendation about major political issues and steps to be taken by Northern leaders.
Insider in ATC insist that while several groups and individuals are plotting various schemes regarding the presidency and the vice presidency, despite recent information that President Musa Yar’Adua’s health is improving, the ACF is still determined to ensure that all appropriate constitutional process are followed.
Ekiti
A federal lawmaker, Iyiola Omisore, has called on the judiciary to brace up and save democracy from collapse.
Omisore said the judiciary is now on trial as the nation witnesses full blown democracy.
The two-term Senator made the appeal as the new Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Aloysius Kastina-Alu emerged as successor to Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi.
His swearing-in by the outgoing CJN, following the absence of President Umaru Yar’Adua now hospitalised in King Faisal Hospital, Saudi Arabia, has however, heralded serious controversies.
Omisore, who made the remark in a chat with newsmen at the governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti on New Year’s eve, also disclosed that all the democratic institutions in the country including the citizenry are on trial.
Plateau
The Plateau State Police Command has initiated an investigation of the state Moslem Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (MPWB) officials over allegations that some intending pilgrims who paid go on hajj last year were excluded from the exercise.
Public Relations Officer of the command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohammed Lerama, disclosed yesterday that the Police had invited officials of the board based on the petitions received from the affected people.
However, Lerama declined further comments on the matter.
Chairman of the board, Alhaji Awwalu Dankurma, was seen yesterday at the Police Headquarters being questioned by a team of Police investigators.
Edo
The Edo State Police Command yesterday said it lost 20 of its men in various confrontations with criminals while 17 policemen in the state were dismissed for various offences last year.
The Commissioner of Police, Danlami Yar’Adua, while briefing journalists on activities of the command last year, said there was no case of bank robbery in Benin City, the state capital and other major towns in the state, except in Sabongida-Ora, Aganebode and Ibillo, which were foiled by his men.
Yar’Adua also said that attacks on billion vans, which became rampant in the first quarter of last year, reduced drastically later in the year.
He added that the command recorded a total of 1,025 cases of robbery, murder, kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, obtaining by false pretence, stealing, burglary, house breaking and store breaking.
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