Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
As the rainy season sets in, the Adamawa State Government has commenced the training of rural farmers’ groups and extension officers on commercial farming.
Malam Usman Pallam, the Director, Planning, in the state Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed this to newsmen in Mubi, one of the five training centres in the state.
Pallam said the training was part of measures to transform agricultural practice in the state.
“The present administration initiated this programme to change the present system of agriculture in the state which is subsistence to commercial.
“We are trying to do that by building the capacity of our farmers by imparting knowledge and skills in farming.
Bauchi
The Senate President, David Mark, has said that the internal crisis rocking the PDP would be amicably resolved.
Mark who was speaking on Sunday in Gamawa, Bauchi State, while receiving Sen. Nazif Gamawa, who defected to the PDP, said the current crisis would make the party stronger.
He said that efforts were going on to resolve the crisis amicably, adding that all the contending parties had demonstrated their interest in the well-being of the party.
According to him, most of those who left the party at local government, state and national levels are making efforts to return.
The Senate President also solicited support for a second term for Governor Isa Yuguda to enable him complete his developmental programmes.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government plans to establish an international market for plantain/banana at Ilawe-Ekiti, in Ekiti South West Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Segun Oni, who made this known at Ilawe-Ekiti, said the project is aimed at boosting the revenue base of the area.
Oni spoke during the handing-over ceremony of a Toyota bus to St. Peter’s, Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Ilawe-Ekiti, and a Toyota Corolla car to Mr.Dayo Olugbade, the youth leader of the community.
The vehicles were donated by a philanthropist, Mr. Sina Awelewa, who also awarded a N60,000 scholarship to Mr. Gbenga Arisoyin, a law student from the community.
FCT
Mrs Justina Okoror, Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), the female body of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in Nigeria (CITN), has said that women are mostly affected by tax policies.
Okoror said this at a press briefing in Abuja to announce the forthcoming inauguration of SWIT and the investiture ceremony of its chairperson and other members.
“In the Nigerian society, those affected mostly by tax policies are women who are mostly at the lowest point of the economic ladder,’’ Okoror said.
“Indeed tax governance in Nigeria must be made to be friendlier towards the female gender. It is therefore important that they must have voice and be heard on issues that affect them in this sector.’’
She said some of the taxes affecting rural women included multiple taxation and extortion, among others.
Kaduna
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has solicited the support of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in curbing preventable communicable diseases.
The Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Dr Mohammed Pate, made the call in Kaduna on Monday during an advocacy visit to the Methodist Bishops’ Council of Nigeria.
Pate urged the Church to complement government efforts in addressing health issues, including the prevention and treatment of diseases.
He specifically appealed to the Church to offer special prayers for the eradication of diseases in the country.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government said it spent N587.1 million between 2007 and 2008 on the provision of electricity to 72 rural communities.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Muazu, and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
The statement said the government spent the money on power projects because “it is one sector that could not be ignored for economic development.”
“Completed rural electrification projects have since been energised and linked to the national grid and only a few are yet to be commissioned,” it said.
Kwara
Ten residential buildings obstructing water mains in Ilorin metropolis would be demolished, the Kwara State Commissioner for Works, Dr Abubakar Kannike, said on Monday.
Kannike, who is also the Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee set up to fast track the delivery of water infrastructure in the state capital, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
He said the location of the buildings had hindered the speedy construction of the water mains.
He gave assurance that compensation would be paid to owners of property that might be affected by the ongoing construction work.
He, therefore, urged them to cooperate with the contractor as exercise was in the interest of all.
The commissioner advised property owners to adhere to the specified rules when building along the highways.
Lagos
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State said he is not interested in the 2011 Presidential race.
“Honestly before God Almighty I am not interested. I am too old for that kind of thing. It should be left for the next generation,’’ Lamido told newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed Airport before his departure for Jigawa.
On the zoning of the presidency to the Northern part of the country by the ruling PDP, Lamido said that although the zoning of the presidency is in the party’s constitution, the nation’s constitution is superior to that of any party.
Nasarawa
A new book entitled “Leadership Issues” has been launched in Mararaba near Abuja.
Making the presentation on Monday, Pastor Dan Asukwo of Deeper Life Bible Church, called on Nigerians to imbibe the habit of reading intellectual publications to enhance their knowledge in various areas.
He lauded the ingenuity of the author, Pastor Charles Nelson, for his courage in writing the book, and urged the audience to purchase the book as he was “proud to present it to the public”.
The chairperson at the event, Mrs Constance Udeh, Head, Department of Languages, G.D.S.S. Karu, Abuja, stressed the importance of leadership.
Leadership, accrding to her, starts from home, in the church, places of work, in government, and all other organised places in the society.
Ondo
More than 25,000 PDP members in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Akure announced their defection to the ruling Labour Party (LP).
The defection comes barely one week after thousands of PDP, Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Action Congress (AC) supporters in Akoko SouthWest/NorthEast Federal constituency joined the party.
Addressing a news conference, the spokesman of the group, Mr Gbenga Edema, hinged their decision to quit PDP on activities of some “hawks who have hijacked the affairs and soul of the party”.
Osun
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun Council, has called on media owners in the country to embark on upward review of welfare package for journalists.
This was contained in a statement in commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, signed by the assistant secretary of the council, Goke Butika and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.
The council advised media organisations to institute insurance scheme that would indemnify journalists against the hazards of the profession.
It further stated that nothing short of a good remuneration would further enhance the practice of journalism in the country.
Oyo
The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has said that Oke-Ogun Community in Oyo State would give total support to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala in the 2011 general elections.
Ojerinde, who is a native of the community, made the statement at Okaka in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state while speaking in an interview with newsmen.
“Our support is based on physical development of the area, because the governor has constructed roads which no other administrations has done in the history of Oyo State,” Ojerinde said.
The Registrar called on the National Assembly to quicken the process of amending the constitution for the creation of new states for the socio-economic development of the country.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Muktar Shagari has charged politicians to learn to deliver on their campaign promises.
Shagari, who gave the charge recently in Sokoto when the Peer Review team of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Secretariat visited him, said that was the only way they could secure re-election.
The team was in the state in continuation of its project inspection and peer review exercise, an initiative of the 36 governors and National Economic Council.
Zamfara
The Federal Government has urged states and local government councils in the country to intensify effort toward environmental conservation to safeguard lives.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Suleman Bello, made the call on Sunday in Dangaladima in the Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara, where the second wild polio-virus was reported in the country.
Bello said that the call had become necessary because “the greatest challenge of our time, is the issue of climate change that has direct bearing on human life.
“I therefore call on you to assist the government in the area of environmental conservation, by taking measures that would curb indiscriminate felling of trees, pollution and improve environmental sanitation,” Bello 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