Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Residents of Bauchi metropolis said on Saturday that the planned return of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to PDP might not be as rosy as his supporters thought.
Speaking to our correspondent Alhaji Shehu Ali, a political commentator, said that Abubakar might not find it easy in PDP because from all indications his reason for rejoining the party was not unconnected to his ambition to become the president of the country.
“Atiku will face a formidable task if he really wants to secure the PDP ticket for its presidential candidate in 2011.
“I say so because there are other prominent and strong personalities who also want to have the same opportunity as him.
“Because of his absence for a long time it will be difficult for him to have an automatic ticket to contest as president,” Ali said.
However, another resident, Alhaji Sulaiman Ibrahim, a political chieftain and a member of PDP, said that Abubakar left the party because he felt he was frustrated and from the look of things the frustrating elements were gone that was why he wanted to return to it.
He said it was due to problems he was facing in PDP that he left and created another party in the name of Action Congress (AC).
FCT
The Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, on Friday in Abuja said the Federal Government would redouble its commitment to the welfare of the armed forces.
Adetokunbo disclosed this while inspecting some projects, executed by the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps, through direct labour.
“The Acting President has given the mandate to support every effort to improve the welfare of all those in uniform. What I have seen today shows the need for government to redouble its commitment in this direction.
“I believe first of all, that the welfare of our men and officers is being taken care of by this approach of the Chief of Army Staff, and I want to urge all services to emulate this approach,” he said.
The minister said he had been briefed on assumption of duty in the new ministry that the services, especially the Nigerian Army had embarked on projects by direct labour.
“It appears strange and from what I have seen today I am impressed”, he added.
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, said for each project carried out through direct labour, the army had spent not more than 10 per cent of what would have been spent through the award of contracts.
Dambazau added that the project that would have taken five years to complete were completed within one year by the army personnel through direct labour.
Jigawa
Jigawa Police Command has arrested three people who allegedly tried to defraud the state government, police public relations officer of the command, Assistant Supritendant of Police Abdu Jinjiri, said.
Jinjiri told newsmen in Dutse on Saturday that the suspects were Haruna Mustapha, Saidu Mustapha from Abuja and Mohammed Ali of Nassarawa Quarters
in Kano Metropolis.
Jinjiri said the suspects sent a text message to one Abuja-based business man, Alhaji Malami Shehu, requesting money to facilitate the procurement of a N3 billioncontract for the supply of fertiliser to the state government.
The suspects claimed that the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dutse, Alhaji Aminu Ringim, was aware of the contract.
Luck ran out of the suspected criminals when Shehu called Ringim to verify the story.
The police were immediately alerted and the three suspects were arrested.
At the time of filing this report the Jinjiri said the criminals were in police custody for full and further investigation on the matter.
Kaduna
Alhaji Shehu Idris, the Emir of Zazzau, on Friday urged religious and traditional leaders to redouble effort to promote religious tolerance, trust and understanding among their followers.
Speaking at a quarterly meeting with religious leaders and traditional rulers in his palace in Zaria, the emir described peace as a vital ingredient for socio-economic growth.He explained that no religion preached violence, hence the need for leaders to show the fear of God Almighty by promoting peace and unity among the people.
He called on traditional rulers and religious leaders to complement the efforts of the Kaduna State Government toward sustaining the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The emir urged the Ulama (religious leaders) to adopt a means of finding solution to the differences among various religious groups and advised youths against thuggery.
In their contributions, Sheik Abubakar Imam-Ikara, Sama’ila Dakace and Alhaji Garba Ra’is restated their commitment to a peaceful society.
They described the meeting as a way of strengthening peace and harmony among the people of Zazzau Emirate and the state as a whole.
Kebbi
The Campaign Organisation of Gov. Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi for the 2011 election, has announced the removal of its chairman, Alhaji Muhammed Kwasara.
A statement by the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the organisation, Nasiru Masama, in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, said the removal was because of Kwarasa’s crowded schedule, which had not allowed him to pay required attention to the project.
It noted that Kwasara was also a Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties to Dakingari.
The statement named Alhaji Kabiru Sani as the new chairman of the organisation.
Speaking on his appointment, Sani said he would promote the achievements of Dakingari toward a successful re-election in 2011.
He appealed to supporters of the party to remain committed to the effort to re-elect the governor.
Lagos
The Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Kunle Soname, said his administration would assist voluntary organisations to train youths in the area.
Soname told newsmen in Lagos on Saturday that the council would support the groups with funds and logistics in training their members.
“We have written to schools and landlords of places where these groups meet to allow them free assess and also to give them other forms of support,’’ he said.
According to him, letters have also been written to all private and public primary and secondary schools within the LCDA to encourage students to belong to any one of the voluntary associations.
He said that head teachers and principals of public schools had been directed to set aside a day in the week for students to participate in the activities of the voluntary associations.
“Our intention is in line with the aspirations of the state governor to integrate voluntary associations into the re-orientation programme for youths and children in the state,’’ he said.
Our correspondent reports that 65 under-10 pupils of Caleb International Schools, Magodo, were inducted into the Nigerian Red Cross Society in March.
Another 100 pupils from five public schools within the LCDA were inducted into the Boys Scout and Girls Guide associations as part of the re-orientation programme.
Niger
The Chief Imam of Umaru Majigi Central Mosque, Bida in Niger, Sheikh Adamu Liman-Yakatun, has urged Nigerian Muslims to give their children both western and Islamic education.
Liman-Yakatun spoke on Friday in Bida at the graduation ceremony of 20 students of Imam Aliyu Quranic School.
He said by acquiring western and Islamic education “ Muslims can contribute meaningfully to national development.
“We cannot endeavour to contribute our own quota to the socio-economic development of Nigeria if we neglect the pursuit of both western and religious education.”
Liman-Yakatun also called for the education of girls like their male counterparts to facilitate national development.
“Women are the mothers of the society just as they mould the character of our children and as such they should be adequately educated to face that challenges,” he said.
The proprietor of the school, Malam Usman Aliyu, emphasised the need for parents to complement the effort of the government in funding education.
Osun
Mr Sina Mohammed, Special Adviser to Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola on Project Monitoring, on Friday scored contractors handling projects in the state low.
Inspecting some projects on Friday, the special adviser said the contractors were now taking advantage of the ending phase of the present political dispensation to do shoddy jobs,
The tour followed a call on government by the affected communities to make the contractors to be committed to their jobs.
Mohammed expressed dissatisfaction with the shoddy jobs done by the contractors, in spite of the fact that they had been properly mobilised to enable them perform well.
The special adviser expressed disappointment with the renovation work being carried out at the Maternal and Child Health Wards of the Comprehensive Health Centre at Ikire.
Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of State and Local Government Capital Project Monitoring Committee, was at Iwo, Ede, Ejigbo and Osogbo to assess projects.
He described the quality of work done in Ikire as unacceptable and directed that the contracting firm should not be paid until the defects were rectified.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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
Nation
TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building
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.
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