Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Alhaji Umar Hassan, the vice chairman, Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa, is dead.
Aged 40, the deceased’s brother, Malam Musa Hassan, confirmed the death to newsmen in Mubi.
He said that Hassan died at the early hours of Friday in a car accident along Biu-Gombe road.
Three other officials of the council also sustained injuries in the accident.
A well-established transporter, Hassan, was a member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly between 1991 and 1993, representing Mubi Constituency.
The burial arrangement, as announced by the family, indicated that the deceased would be buried later in the day.
Hassan was survived by two wives and a child.
FCT
Alhaji Mohammed Yunusa, the Supervisory Councillor for Education, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the welfare of teachers is his priority.
Yunusa, a trained teacher, told newsmen in Bwari that, “the welfare of teachers is a priority and not the infrastructure.”
“It is when a teacher is comfortable and happy that he will impact positive knowledge on the children.”
“ So, I am going to take the welfare of teachers seriously.”
He also promised to alleviate the burden of parents in the area through scholarship award to indigent students of the area.
Yunusa said his support would be in form of both payment of school fees and purchase of uniforms for students.
Kaduna
The Zazzau Emirate Development Association (ZEMDA) has appealed to security agents to brace up to the security challenges in Zaria and its environs.
The secretary of the association, Alhaji Sani Ibrahim, said in statement on Saturday, in Zaria, that the call became necessary in view of the killings in the area.
Our correspondent recalls that three people were recently killed by unknown persons.
They included Dr Musa Tukur, a deputy dean at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).
The association urged security operatives to do everything possible to trace the culprits and bring them to book.
It called on the public to give security agents maximum support and cooperation to enable them discharge their responsibilities diligently.
The association also advised ABU management to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of Tukur.
Katsina
The Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU) Katsina, has expelled four students for alleged examination misconduct.
Investigation by our correspondent also revealed that four other students were rusticated for one semester.
Two of those expelled, we learnt, were 100 level students in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.
They were said to have committed the offence during the first semester of the 2009/2010 session.
The other expelled students, one each from the Faculties of Natural and Applied Sciences and Humanities, were said to have erred during the second semester of the 2008/2009 session.
It was learnt that the rusticated students, also from the same faculties, were found guilty of examination misconduct during the first semester of 2009/2010 and second semester of 2008/2009 academic sessions.
When contacted, Alhaji Mu’azu Isiaku, Head of Information and Public Relations Department, confirmed the expulsion and rustication.
In September 2009, the institution had sacked a Dean and demoted an examination officer for examination misconduct.
Kogi
The Kogi Government is partnering with the media in its efforts to reduce thuggery and violence in the state before, during and after the 2011 elections.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr Tom Ohikere, told newsmen on Tuesday, in Lokoja, that the arrangement would include campaigns and public enlightenment programmes against violence.
He said politicians from across different political parties would also be involved in the campaigns.
Ohikere reiterated government’s zero tolerance for crime, and warned politicians who had formed the habit of hiring youths to perpetrate political violence to retrace their steps.
He also appealed to parents to be alive to their responsibility by ensuring that their wards were not used as tools to forment trouble by unscrupulous elements.
He said government was currently carrying out various projects and programmes to improve the socio-economic well being of the people, and urged them to continue to make the atmosphere conducive.
Kwara
The Federal Government has promised to refund state governments money spent on the repair of federal roads in their territories.
The Minister of Works, Alhaji Mohammed Daggash, made the promise in Ilorin when he paid a courtesy visit on the Kwara Governor Bukola Saraki, in company of the Minister of State, Mr Chris Ogiemwonyi.
He said that the Federal Government had concluded arrangement to refund those investment by state governments provided such states followed due process in the award of contracts.
According to him, the Federal Government intends to give the necessary confidence that will facilitate continued collaboration between it and state governments.
The minister, who said he was on assessment tour of federal roads across the country, noted that all such roads that were in bad state would receive attention before the end of the year.
Daggash expressed satisfaction with the quality of work carried out by the Kwara government on all the roads rehabilitated on behalf of the Federal Government.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Works was at the verge of signing the contract for the construction of part of Oyo– Ogbomosho expressway.
Lagos
The Police in Lagos on Tuesday, arraigned a 37-year-old tanker driver, Ayuba Musa, for allegedly killing three people through dangerous driving.
Musa, who is facing a two-count charge of manslaughter and dangerous driving at a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Chinalu Uwadione, however, insisted that the accused had a case to answer.
He alleged that the accused drove a tanker with registration no. XZ 155 KJA recklessly and killed three occupants of a car on March 30 on the Oworonshoki Bridge, Lagos.
According to him, a Peugeot 406 saloon car and a Mitsubishi truck were crushed by the tanker.
Uwadione named those killed as the driver of the car, Enock Onabamiji (49), Ganiu Saheed (39) and a man whose identity was unknown.
He said the accused had contravened the Lagos State Traffic Laws.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Demi-Ajayi granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties and adjourned till July 7 for further hearing.
Nasarawa
The National Population Commission (NPC), has urged Nigerians to take the task of immunising their wards seriously, to enable the children to escape from child-killer diseases.
The Chairman, Alhaji Sama’illa Makama, made the call on Tuesday, during a supervisory visit to birth registration centres in Wamba local government Area of Nasarawa State.
The NPC says its agency is collaborating with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) as well as UNICEF to pilot a programme of issuing birth certificates to children under the age of five, while being immunised.
Makama, who implored parents to immunise their wards, explained that the exercise was necessary for the good health of the children.
He stressed that parents often ignored immunisation, thereby exposing their children to diseases that could be avoided by immunisation.
He said: “Immunisation is very important; it prevents all kinds of diseases such as whooping cough, polio and chicken pox.”
He then also called on parents to take advantage of the pilot exercise to register the birth of children under the age of five in order to obtain a birth certificate, which he emphasised, was free.
Niger
Rep Bala Kuta (ANPP-Niger) on Friday said that those accusing Speaker Dimeji Bankole of corruption should prove his guilt rather than resort to media campaign in a bid to remove him.
Some members led by Rep Dino Melaye (PDP-Kogi) gave Bankole a seven-day ultimatum within which to resign for mismanaging more than N9 billion.
The group known as the’ “progressive” said that they had incriminating documents against Bankole.
Kuta told newsmen in Minna on Friday that the allegations against Bankole were baseless and lacked substance .
. They do not pose any threat to the seat of the Speaker contrary to their media outburst.
“ If they have prove of his guilt, let them tender the documents to us members of the House of Representatives, instead of resorting to media campaign against the Speaker”, he said.
“We have 360 member in the House of representatives, it is therefore impossible for a few group to hold the chairmanship position to themselves alone”, he said.
He urged the Speaker to ignore the call for him to step down and continue to give the House a purposeful leadership as he had done in the past.
Ogun
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has challenged his subjects to work toward transforming Ijebu-Ode town to an enviable status.
Our correspondent reports that Adetona made the appeal on Tuesday, while inaugurating an amenity ward constructed by a community group, “Oba Fuwaji,” at the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode.
He said government alone could not develop the town and urged the indigenes to make meaning contributions toward its development.
Adetona, who was delighted that the ward was inaugurated during his 50th coronation anniversary, said that Ijebuland would be more developed if others could follow what the group had done.
The leader of the group, Mr Giwa Mosuro, had earlier said the construction of the amenity ward was in fulfillment of its determination to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare delivery in the town.
He promised that the group would not relent in its efforts to contribute meaningfully to the development of the town, adding that the inauguration to commemorate the 50th coronation anniversary of the Awujale.
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