Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Director-General (DG) of Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Hajiya Dije Bala, says the Agency was not responsible for the removal of campaign posters in Bauchi metropolis.
Bala told newsmen in Bauchi that no staff of the Agency was officially directed to remove campaign posters.
The DG expressed surprise that people had resorted to using her staff to achieve their political ambitions.
“I did not direct any of my staff to remove any poster in the state, it is unfortunate that some politicians are using my staff unofficially to remove the posters of their rivals.
“We are aware that some politicians are using our staff to peel off posters meant for political campaigns in the metroplis, but is not official,” she added.
Ekiti
Mr. Dipo Anisulowo, President of Ekiti State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (EKICCIMA) has called on politicians to invest in the economic development of the state.
Anisulowo said at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti that the state economic development was still at a very slow pace because the state politicians invest solely on politics.
He noted that if the huge sum of money being spent on politics could be spend on economic development, the state would have developed tremendously.
He wondered why politics had become the only major occupation in the state.
According to Anisulowo, the lack of buoyant members in the state chamber is responsible for the low industries in the state.
Besides, he said businessmen who were willing to invest in the state had been prevented from doing so through petitions by those he described as enemies of progress.
Henceforth, singing of the National Anthem during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting has been ruled out, the Acting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has directed.
Jonathan gave the directive at the commencement of Tuesday’s NEC meeting, which was attended by 24 governors and eight deputy governors.
The Tide’s source observed that the acting President who presided over the NEC meeting, was initially reminded by some governors on the need to sing the anthem, but he did not yield.
He later explained that the banning of the National Anthem and the National Pledge was informed by the advice he received from his protocol officers.
“I was told by the protocol unit that singing the National Anthem during NEC meeting is wrong,” he said.
The Gombe State Government spent about N200 million on the construction and equipping of four skill acquisition centres for women in the three Senatorial Districts in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Fatima Bello, told newsmen in Gombe that the centres were located in Dukku, Gombe metropolis, Shongom and Akko.
Bello said the centres were established to cater for the teeming number of school drop-outs, casualties of early marriage, hawkers and those who were not opportuned to attend any school.
“We are concerned with these categories of people because we want them to be self-reliant and also to reduce the number of dependents in the society,” she said.
According to her, those enrolled in the centre are being taught kniting, tailoring, hair dressing and cookery.
Kaduna
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) recovered more than N21 billion as “operating soplus” from 18 corporate organisations in 2009.
The Commissioner for Strategic Communications, Mr Adewunmi Abitoye, made the announcement in Kaduna shortly after officials of the commission paid a courtesy visit to Governor Namadi Sambo.
He said the amount was subsequently remitted to the Federal Government’s consolidated account.
Abitoye said that “operating soplus” was the fund generated by corporate agencies outside the budgeted amount for a particular year.
The commissioner, who represents the West geo-political zone on the commission, said the agencies were expected to remit 80 per cent of such fund to the Federation Account.
He said the funds were recovered after the agencies failed to remit the excess funds to the federation account.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has urged governors of the 36 states not to divert funds voted for development projects to other purposes.
The emir made the call in Kano when the Peer Review Team of the Nigeria Governors‘ Forum (NGF) Secretariat paid him a courtesy visit.
Bayero said that the call was necessary based on past experience when monies voted for development projects were diverted into private accounts.
He, however, observed that if top government officials were able to shun corrupt practices, the country would be better for it.
This, he said, was because corruption was common among top government officials, adding that unless they were appropriately punished when caught, the vice would continue to thrive.
On the current electricity problem, the emir advised state governors to establish independent power plants, while the Federal Government should find ways of tackling the challenge.
Katsina
The DIG “A” Department , Nigeria Police Force, Alhaji Uba Ringim, has expressed the police readiness to provide adequate security during and after the 2011 general elections in the country. Speaking when he visited Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, Ringim said the police force was well prepared to establish peace and order in the country during the 2011 general polls.
“We are training our personnel so that they would be able to move with the challenges of politics in the country,’’ he added.
He, however, said the political situation in the North-West Zone was “very peaceful, especially in Katsina State”.
“The state is very peaceful and the peace situation is due to the state government’s fairness and from the record we receive from the state police command, the state government is all out to protect the life and property of its citizenry,’’ he noted.
Kwara
The Kwara Government has inaugurated a task force to facilitate the distribution of potable water in the Ilorin metropolis. Speaking during the ceremony, recently the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Abubakar Kannike, said the committee would be in charge of facilitating the distribution of water to the various parts of the city.
Kannike, who is also the chairman of the task force, said that 172 water points had been established under the Kwara State Water Support Scheme to ease the water supply problem. He restated the determination Governor Bukola Saraki to make water available to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
According to him, the governor has approved the establishment of 30 additional water points under the Water Support Services.
He said the government had also approved the purchase of two water tankers and the repair of three others, to complement the 10 existing tankers for the smooth distribution of water to the people.
Ogun
Scores of widows, artisans and the aged in Odogbolu Local Government of Ogun received cash and working tools from the wife of the state’s governor, Mrs Olufunke Daniel.
Daniel distributed the cash and tools at Ososa during a forum organised by her pet project, Gateway Front Foundation(GFF).
She appealed to the beneficiaries to use the items and money given to them judiciously.
“It is the intention of my pet project, Gateway Front Foundation, to provide succour for the downtrodden and voiceless citizens of this state,” she added.
Daniel urged indigenes of the state, especially philanthropists, to assist the state government in improving the economic fortunes of citizens.
“We must all work together to move the needy amidst us to the next level, that is how to be our brother’s keeper.
Sokoto
The Police Command in Sokoto State has arrested 12 suspected criminals and embarked on the evacaution of used tyres obstructing the free flow of traffic, a statement said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Lawal Abdullahi, in a statement in Sokoto said the exercise would be carried out in all police formations in the state.
The statement also said that it was part of the measure by the police in crime prevention.
“This is to prevent miscreants and other undesirable elements in the society from taking advantage of such tyres to make bonfires, blockage of the roads or causing havoc in the community.” “It is on record that irate youths on a slight issue take advantage of such tyres as an avenue to cause a total breakdown of law and order,” the statement added.
The statement urged the public to assist the police by removing old tyres from their localities.
The Zamfara State House of Assembly in Gusau has approved a budget of N29.8 billion for the 14 local councils in the state. The House Leader, Malam Mani Mummini, who moved the motion, said that the proposals were rich enough, as they contained development projects in those areas.
Mummini added that some of the councils also focused on the completion of ongoing projects that had direct bearing on the people.
The motion was seconded by Alhaji Yusuf Ahmad Dogon-koli, a member representing Gusau II.
Mummini said that the councils had submitted their proposals to the House at the right time.
He urged the House to approve the budget for the councils to be able to execute development projects at the grass roots.
The House, after going through the appropriation, passed the budget for the immediate execution of the projects.
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