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Abuja

Mr Mohammed Adoke, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), has charged leaders and Muslims to seek Qur’anic knowledge.

He said that Qur’anic knowledge was necessary to enable the beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The AGF gave the advice on Saturday in Abuja at the 8th Executive Walimatul-Quran graduation and merit award presentation of Al-Habibiyah Academy.

Adoke told reporters at the graduation ceremony that seeking Qur’anic knowledge would guide positively the conduct of leaders in nation building.

 

Adamawa

Two infants, their mothers and seven other people have been confirmed dead in a ghastly motor accident on the Numan –Gombe road.

The Adamawa Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Habu Dauda, disclosed this to newsmen in Yola on Friday.

He said the accident occurred on Thursday at about 2 P.M. at Kwanan Bashokini in Lamurde local government area of the state.

He said the cause of the accident, which involved four commercial buses and one Opel car traveling from Yola to Gombe, was still being investigated.

Dauda said nine people, including the two infants and their mothers, died on the spot while the remaining two gave up on the way to hospital.

He disclosed that 27 wounded persons, 11 women and 16 men, were receiving treatment at the Numan General Hospital.

 

Bauchi

UNICEF has called on stakeholders to tackle the menace of child labour worldwide.

It is estimated that 150 million children, aged between five and 14 years, find themselves in the unfortunate position.

UNICEF said this in a statement in Bauchi on Friday ahead of Saturday’s 11th World Day against Child Labour.

It said child labour, is caused by poverty, compromised children’s education and safety.

“We know that progress against MDGs in education, poverty, gender and HIV and AIDS are being systematically undermined that no single policy will unilaterally end child labour.

“Evidence has shown that an effective, coherent response to child labour requires a mix of decent work employment measures and child sensitive social protection systems.

 

Kaduna

 

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is to regularise its haphazard academic calendar, the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said.

Mustapha made the pledge while addressing the University Senate at its 427th regular meeting, held at the Senate Chambers in Zaria on Friday.

He expressed concern over the manner in which the calendar was being run in the institution, saying: “we shall work assiduously to regularise it.”

Mustapha appealed to the university community to put all hands on deck to take the institution to greater heights.

While describing his appointment as an act of God, he said his mission was to serve the university faithfully and to the best of his ability.

 

Kebbi

 

Some farmers in Kebbi have expressed anxiety over the delay in the sale of fertilisers for the current cropping season.

Only two weeks ago the state executive council approved the release of N3.3 billion for the purchase of 33,000 metric tonnes of the commodity for the 2010 farming season.

Mohammed Gula,a resident of Kalgo Local Government Area said the delay in the sale of fertiliser, seedlings and chemicals had forced some farmers to seek for the commodity in neighbouring states.

“The rainfall has commenced in earnest and the more we delay in the application of fertilisers we stand the chance of recording low harvest and the only option now is to purchase from elsewhere,” he said.

 

Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers,who have been terrorising people within and outside the state.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), SP Baba Azare, gave the names of the hoodlums as Lawal Yahaya and Sani Umar,all of Kurnar Asabe quarters, Kano.

The rest,the release said,were John Sunday from Kaduna State, and Sani Yakubu of Sallare quarters,Kano.

He said that the suspects were arrested in Maiduguri, Borno, by detectives from the Kano State Command on June 9.

Investigation reveals that they masterminded and participated in a series of armed robberies in the recent past in the state,” the statement added.

It said some GSM handsets and a locally-made pistol were recovered from the robbers.

 

Katsina

 

Six persons sustained injuries while many buildings were destroyed during a heavy rainfall accompanied by windstorm in Funtua local government area of Katsina State.

Four pupils of Focus Nursery and Primary School sustained injuries while two others were injured at Sa’a Clinics where a roof was blown off.

Areas mostly affected are Tudun Wada, Unguwar Dandaji, Makera and Unguwar Dahiru.

Some victims, Malam Muhammadu Maibindiga, Malam Jailani Zakariya, Malam Rabi’u Hassan and Yahaya Haruna described the incident as “ the will of Allah.’’

They commended the efforts made by the council and the law enforcement agencies to mitigate their suffering and appealed for state government’s intervention.

They also prayed for God’s protection against a recurrence.

 

Kwara

The Kwara Government has awarded N30 million contract for the construction of a new cemetery and three other projects.

The projects include 16 units of boys’ quarters at the Judges’ Quarters being constructed in Ilorin, the fencing and painting of the office of the state’s Surveyor-General and the revision of the state’s local government maps.

The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Adebayo Ishola, disclosed this in Ilorin on Friday.

He stressed that the need to provide a befitting and secured resting place for departed souls informed the construction of the new cemetery.

 

Lagos

 

No fewer than 150 residents of Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos State, have benefited from an empowerment programme initiated by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Sarah Sosan.

Items such as grinding machines, sewing machines and crates of soft drinks were given to the beneficiaries.

Sosan told the beneficiaries in Lagos on Friday, that the gesture was a demonstration of government’s commitment to its economic empowerment programme.

She said the programme, the sixth in the series, was designed to reduce unemployment and bring the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

“The essence of our empowerment programme is to touch the lives of the people, especially those at the grassroots.

 

Niger

No fewer than six persons were killed in an auto crash at Farin Doki Village on the Minna-Suleja road on Thursday night.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Minna, Mr Emmanuel Abe, said in a statement that the incident occured when a luxury bus and a Toyota Corolla car collided head on.

The statement said that six of the victims, including a woman died instantly at the scene of the accident while one person sustained injuries.

It attributed the accident to bad weather and dangerous driving, calling on the public to check the Minna General Hospital mortuary for identification and collection of the corpses.

 

Osun

 

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) International School, Ile-Ife, has donated N150,000 to an NGO for the care of the mentally ill.

The Principal of the school, Mrs Ronke Adeniyi, presented the money on behalf of the school to the Foundation for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Mentally Ill (CAREMI) on Friday in Ile-Ife.

Prof. Rogers Makanjuola, former OAU Vice Chancellor, established the foundation 10 years ago to assist patients with mental problems.

She appealed to corporate bodies, institutions and the rich to always extend hands of fellowship to the poor and physically-challenged members of society.

 

Sokoto

 

Alhaji Abdullahi Wali, the Sokoto State Head of the Civil Service, has warned that the government will soon wield the big stick to curb truancy among civil servants.

Wali issued the warning in Sokoto, on Friday, in an interview with newsmen after paying unscheduled visit to some Ministries, Departments and Parastatal Agencies (MDAs).

He said: “The recalcitrant behaviours of some civil servants are unbecoming and it will no longer be tolerated by the state government.”

“We have to make sure that the workers abide by the rules and regulations of the civil service. The service is being governed by these laws.”

 

Yobe

 

The Yobe Chapter of the Water and Sanitation Media Network (WATSANMN), has called on the state government to provide latrine facilities in schools to meet the UNICEF approved ratio of 50 pupils to one latrine.

A communiqué issued at the end of a training workshop for media practitioners, organised by the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme in Damaturu regretted that there were inadequate latrines in schools.

“There is need for Yobe Government to encourage the establishment of public toilets at motor parks, markets and strategic places,’’ the communique said.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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

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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

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