Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Federal Government says that it has evolved a comprehensive inland basin oil exploration framework to enhance the national oil and gas reserve.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, said this at the 11th combined convocation of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi in Adamawa.
Allison-Madueke, who was represented by the Zonal Manager of NNPC, Kaduna, Alhaji Salihu Sambo, said the framework was designed to intensify oil exploration not just in Chad basin.
She explained that the framework covered other basins such as Sokoto, Bida, Yola, Gongola, Anambra, Benue trough and Dahomey.
The minister, who was conferred with a fellowship award of the polytechnic, reiterated the government’s commitments toward increasing the nation’s oil and gas reserves.
“Already our neighboring countries that have similar geological setting like Chad, Niger and Cameroun have recently discovered oil in commercial quantity.
Bauchi
Hajiya Biodun Yuguda, wife of the Bauchi State Governor, has charged religious leaders to instill good values in youths for a brighter future.
Yuguda stated this at the convention of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), with theme “Building the New Bauchi State”.
She said that to ensure a virile society and a bright future, religious leaders should teach the youths good moral values as contained in the holy books so that they would grow with the fear of God.
The governor’s wife commended the organisers of the convention and urged the participants to contribute their quota in building a new Bauchi State.
Borno
The Borno State Judiciary is planning to hold market day meetings in villages across the state, the Chief Judge, Alhaji Kashim Zannah, has said.
Zannah told newsmen in Maiduguri on Sunday that the meetings were part of a renewed effort to sensitise rural communities on the need to engage the services of the judiciary.
“We plan to hold market day meetings with the villagers as part of our enlightenment campaign on how individuals can access our services easily,” he said.
The chief judge added that the move was part of the justice sector reform initiated in 2008, aimed at enhancing access to justice.
The reform action plan was aimed at enhancing access to justice, as well as timely and quality justice delivery, he added.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has paid the two months salary arrears owed its workers in the local government service, Chief Femi Akinyemi, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), has said.
Akinyemi told newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Sunday that workers in the 16 local government areas were owed April and May salaries “due to dwindling allocation from the federation account”.
He, however, explained that the two months salary had now been paid into the workers individual accounts, adding that “we do not owe any local government staff salary as at today”.
The chairman attributed the delay in the payment to the drop in the monthly allocation from the federation account “and the current global economic melt down.
FCT
The FCT administration has promised to compensate more than 6,000 persons whose land title were revoked on grounds of overriding public interest by the government.
Sen. Bala Mohammed, the FCT Minister, disclosed this during the presentation of the report of the Ministerial Committee on Repositioning Land Administration in the territory.
He said allottees who lost their land titles as a result of the government’s action were awaiting alternative allocation.
He explained that “in order to address this problem, I will dedicate appreciable percentage of all land allocation during my tenure to providing alternative plots to this category of victims”.
He said the administration would establish FCT Civil Service Commission to correct the abnormalities in personnel management and to check indiscipline among the staff.
The Federal Government has ordered the release of N15 billion for the construction of a 200 megawatts power plant in Kaduna State.
The Vice President, Namadi Sambo, made the disclosure in Zaria at a reception organised in his honour by the Zazzau Emirate Council on Saturday.
He said that President Goodluck Jonathan gave the order as part of efforts to improve electricity supply in the country.
He stated that already a letter of credit had been issued to the manufacturer of the equipment meant for the project.
“Very soon the project site will be handed over to the contractors,” he said.
Kano
Commercial motorcyclists in Kano metropolis now harass motorists, making driving a nightmare in the commercial town, The Tide’s source’s check has shown.
The survey found that many of the cyclists, popularly known as “achaba,” often abuse motorists at the slightest encounter.
The source also found that the motorcyclists usually rode recklessly and often hit other vehicles passing by, smashing their bumpers or side mirrors.
A car owner in the city, Alhaji Na’Allah Abubakar, told the source that he was apprehensive about driving in the city because of the attitude of the motorcyclists on the road.
“Driving has become a nightmare for me because of the irresponsible traffic conduct of the achaba boys.
Kwara
Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara has vowed not to sign the Pension Bill passed by the state house of assembly until some controversial areas are resolved.
Speaking on Saturday during a media chat, the governor said that the executive would soon return the bill to the assembly with a view to amending some of the controversial areas.
“There are many controversial issues in it and I will not sign the bill because I am sending it back to the house for them to take a look at some of the issues therein.
“I know that about eight states are now operating similar pension schemes but some things must be amended,” he said.
The governor explained that he was more concerned with the resources of the state and the ability to implement the bill, saying that “definitely the bill will return to the house for a second look and to see what they can shave-off from the bill”.
Lagos
Some aviation professionals have advised airline operators to adopt manpower development as a means of solving the dearth of professionals in the industry.
The professionals were reacting to the approval given by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to Aeroconsult Training Organisation (ATO) to undertake training of professionals in the industry
In an interactive session with aviation correspondents in Lagos, the professionals decried the trend whereby airline operators, rather than train personnel, poach from each other to fill existing vacancy.
Mr Ayo Obadofin, the Managing Director of Aeroconsult said instead of the operators training their personnel to handle equipment, most of them rather seek for experienced hands to employ.
Nasarawa
Dr Peter Agu of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Science and Technology, has urged the Federal Government to enact a law that would make technical and vocational education functional.
Agu gave the advice while delivering a paper at the 3rd Academic staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Conference at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia on Saturday.
He said the low esteem of technical and vocational education had reduced enrolment into the polytechnics.
He stressed the need for intensified advocacy to improve the image and acceptance of vocational education in the country.
Niger
Sheikh Mohammed Yahaya, the Director of Propagation of Izala Islamic Movement, has called for an increase in the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) of Muslim pilgrims during Hajj to ease their hardships.
Yahaya told newsmen in Minna on Sunday that the current minimum BTA of 500 dollars was grossly inadequate to cater for the needs of a pilgrim during Hajj.
He said that Nigerian pilgrims spent more than one month in the holy land during Hajj, resulting in the complete exhaustion of the allowance.
He added that “pilgrims who found themselves in such a situation were forced to beg to feed themselves or sell their personal belongings at give away prices just to feed before their return to the country.
Ogun
Former President Olusegun Obsanjo has advocated the use of green economy to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change in Africa.
Receiving participants in a climate change workshop in his Abeokuta residence, Obasanjo said: “Green economy is the vogue now; people are talking and doing something about it. We in Africa should go beyond talking about it and do someting about it.”
The Tide’s source reports that the workshop, which was for parliamentary support staff of the national and states assemblies, was organised by Africa Leadership Forum, Ota, Ogun, to enhance their capacity to perform their legislative and oversight functions.
Obasanjo told the participants that there were sufficient evidence to prove that climate change was real in Africa.
“One of the proof I know is that our own Lake Chad will no longer be in existence with water in it in the next 50 years, and the lake provides the means of livelihood for more than 1.5 million people in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroun and Niger,” he noted.
Yobe
Alhaji Muhammad Ahmadu, Yobe Resident Electoral Commissioner, said that less than 700 new voters in the state have registered in the continuous voter registration exercise in the last two years.
Ahmadu disclosed this on Saturday at a meeting organised by INEC for election stakeholders in Damaturu.
He said the exercise had been on since 2008 for those who did not attain voting age as at the last general elections.
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