Nation
THE STATES
FCT
Private security guards are to benefit from the NHIS scheme as part of their welfare through the operators of Private Guards Companies (PCGs).
Mr Paul Ayeni, the Commandant, Private Guards Company (PGC) in the headquarters of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), disclosed this recently in Abuja in an interview with newsmen.
He said that the corps was also interested in seeing that guards were covered by other insurance policies, noting that the welfare of the guards was another concern of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin.
Ayeni said the number of PGCs rose to 507 in 2009, noting, however, that some were dormant in their operations.
He said that 400 licence applications were pending, stressing that those companies that were not functioning in compliance with the guidelines of the NSCDC would soon get their licence withdrawn.
Kaduna
The Federal University Pensioners’ Association, Ahmadu Bello University branch, has advised lovers of the institution to join hands toward progress, peace and tranquility in the institution.
A statement signed by the National President of the union, Dr Ayuba Kura, and made available to newsmen in Zaria on Sunday urged those it described as “trouble-makers” to allow peace to reign.
It noted: “the association strongly warns those who may like to cause trouble to stay away, as members of the association and the Samaru community will not fold their arms and allow them to cause confusion.
“We will not allow detractors to have their day in bringing our great university down for their selfish interest.
“All detractors who do not want peace in ABU are advised to leave the institution before they are fished out.”
It appealed to unions in the institution to support the new vice chancellor for meaningful development.
Kano
Former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji.Adamu Fika, has called for a return to the Parliamentary system of Government, to enhance democracy in the country.
Fika made the suggestion recently in Kano at the 27th Malam Aminu Kano annual memorial lecture, organised by the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Bayero University (BUK), Kano.
“The survival of Nigeria as a genuine democracy with effective opposition, concern for the rule of law and the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary citizens and residents lies in our return to Parliamentary system,” he said.
The retired technocrat, who spoke on “The Role of The Opposition In Consolidating Democracy In Nigeria”, pointed out that the system provided for effective opposition and real checks and balances in the polity.
According to Fika, the system also makes it possible for “the ordinary grass-root electorate to have a say in the selection of Ministers”.
Katsina
Sandamu Local Government Council says it is constructing a multi-million naira water project that would address the perennial water problem being faced by people of the area.
The council chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Sandamu recently, said that the decision to embark on the project was to address the aged-long water scarcity in Sandamu.
He said three boreholes had been drilled, pumping machines procured and an under-ground tank had been constructed in Kagare village under the project, while pipes were now being laid to link up the town from the water source.
The chairman said that the project was expected to be completed by the end of next month.
According to him, the council has been without adequate water supply for about 20 years, hence the resolve of the local council to address the problem.
Kogi
The Kogi Government says it will soon set machinery in motion for the elevation of the annual Ovia Osese Cultural Festival to an international tourist event.
The state’s governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, stated this in Ogori, near Lokoja at that annual celebration of the Ovia Osese festival.
He said government would partner with other stakeholders, including elders of the community and the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to achieve the aim.
Idris described the festival as an annual rallying point for all Ogori sons and daughters that could be exploited to create employment and transform the socio-economic life of the people.
Idris, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Bala Haruna, commended the people of Ogori for upholding the age-long tradition which he said, had brought them fame and honour.
Lagos
NAFDAC has seized fake drugs and unregistered products worth N260 million that was being smuggled into Nigeria through Seme border.
Dr Paul Orhil, the Director General of NAFDAC, told newsmen in Lagos that the seizure was made at Okokomaiko in Ojo, Lagos during Easter.
Orhil said the culprits wanted to take advantage of the Easter holiday to bring in the illicit products.
“NAFDAC officials, in conjunction with officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), intercepted seven trailers loaded with assorted unregistered products worth N200 million,” he said, adding that the interception was made possible by agency’s intelligence network.
“NAFDAC officials were tipped -off by patriotic Nigerians and my men swung into action to carry out the arrest,” he said.
Orhil also said that in another operation at Okokomaiko, also during Easter, enforcement officers intercepted a 3×20 feet container load of suspected fake drugs, worth N60 million
The Tide’s source reports that the NAFDAC, Seme Area Command, headed by Mr Stanley Atabor, recently uncovered the routes being used by smugglers to bring in fake drugs.
Niger
Scores of people were injured on Sunday in Kutigi, the headquarters of Lavun Local Government Area of Niger, when violence erupted at a political rally, organised in honour of Sen. Zainab Kure.
Kure represents Niger South Senatorial District in the Senate.
The Tide’s correspondent reports that the violence erupted, sequel to a song which allegedly lambasted the people of the area.
The source also reports that no sooner had the singer, Alhaji Babaminin Waka, finished his song than youths of the area started beating all those at the scene.
It was gathered that the youths were angry when the singer said that the people should go and look for a way of making money for themselves.
This led to the abrupt cancellation of the event which was meant to precede the inspection of some personal projects, executed by the senator in the constituency.
Osun
Women in Ila-Orangun in Osun have threatened to go naked and make the town ungovernable through violent demonstrations if the court judgment which terminated the appointment of the Orangun of Ila on Friday was enforced.
The women, who were led by the Iyalode of Ila, Chief Funmilayo Oyebode, on a solidarity visit to the dethroned monarch, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, in his palace on Sunday, said the judgment was an abomination and unprecedented in the history of the town.
They added that Oyedotun’s reign since 2003 had brought immeasurable growth and development to the town.
Meanwhile, the deposed monarch has said that he remained the traditional ruler of Ila-Orangun in spite of the judgment of Justice R.A Siyanbola of the state’s High Court that dethroned him.
Oba Oyedotun said this while addressing newsmen in his palace on Sunday.
Oyo
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, and some Nigerian agricultural research bodies have released two new cowpea varieties to raise production and improve farmers’ incomes.
The IITA said in a statement that the varieties were released just as the country’s researchers were finalising plans to attend the Fifth World Cowpea Research Conference taking place from September 27 to Octember 1 in Dakar to discuss cowpea research.
The statement was signed and issued by the institute’s Corporate Communications Officer (West Africa), Mr Godwin Atser.
The new varieties, known as IT89KD-288 and IT89KD-391, were developed by scientists at the IITA in collaboration with the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the University of Maiduguri and the Agricultural Development Programmes in Borno, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states.
Both varieties have proved to be superior to the current improved ones being cultivated.
Yobe
Yobe government has announced new water and sanitation policy to ensure adequate water and sanitation at affordable cost and sustainable manner.
The Water Resources Commissioner, Alhaji Barau Sugum, told in Damaturu on Sunday that a draft policy had been submitted to the governor for review and ratification.
He said the major component of the new policy was the elimination of overlapping functions among the line ministries and water agencies.
Barau added that the policy also drew the lines between service delivery, regulation and supervision of water and sanitation programmes.
He explained that the policy had proposed autonomy for water agencies like the water corporation, rural water supply and sanitation agencies, especially on revenue generation, appointments and payment of entitlements.
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