Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The police in Mubi Local Government Area in Adamawa have arrested two farmers, Jonathan Rugwari and David Rugwari in connection with an assault occasioning harm on one Dotorr Markul.
The Police Area Commander, Mr Bashiru Itanola, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), confirmed the arrest to newsmen in Mubi on Wednesday, but declined to say the cause of the attack.
He said the suspects were apprehended for allegedly attacking Markul with daggers at Kirya village in the local government area.
Itanola said Markul sustained injuries from the attack and was currently receiving treatment at a private clinic in the area.
According to him, the suspects would soon be arraigned.
The commander appealed to the people of the area to cooperate with the police and remain law abiding.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on youths in the state to shun anyone offering to engage them as political thugs or for other criminalities.
The Commandant of the agency, Alhaji Suleiman Madu, made the call on Wednesday in Yuguda village, Bauchi Local Government Area, during a sensitisation exercise on the dangers of drug abuse.
Madu expressed concern with situations where politicians engaged youths as political thugs by giving them hard drugs that were detrimental to both their physical and moral up bringing.
Madu urged the people in the state to report illicit drugs dealers who were bent on circulating hard drugs to members of the society, especially the youth.
Earlier, the Sarkin Yuguda, Alhaji Hamza Musa, commended the command for the campaign and assured the agency that the people of his domain would always support it in its war against hard drugs.
FCT
Prof. Williams Emofurieta, Lecturer at the Department of Geology, University of Benin, said on Wednesday that more than 4 billion metric tonnes of virgin bentonite had yet to be exploited in the country.
Emofurieta disclosed this while delivering a lecture at a two-day international conference on “Modern Mining Processing’’ in Abuja.
Bentonite, according to him, “is a mass of clay minerals dominated by over 70 per cent montmorillonite, while other minerals such as quartz, illite, kaolinite, vermiculite and attapulgite may occur in association as impurities within bentonite”.
“Nigeria has an estimated large reserve of more than 4 billion metric tonnes of virgin bentonite ore yet to be exploited.
“This will more than serve Nigeria for the next 1,000 years for our domestic needs and export purposes,’’ Emofurieta said.
He said the development of the ore would create more employment opportunities capable of increasing the country’s source of revenue and the Gross Domestic Product.
FCT
In another development the House of Representatives on Thursday appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to re-award the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene road contract.
It summoned the Minister of Works, Sen. Sanusi Dagash, to appear before its Committee on Works to explain the delay in the completion of the project.
The House also directed the minister to ensure that critical portions of the road at Abuja, Gwagwalada bridge and Lokoja were completed before the end of the year.
It directed relevant agencies to release funds to the contractors to facilitate the completion of the project on schedule.
Gombe
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stressed the need for change of attitude among Nigerian pilgrims to ensure smooth Hajj operations in the country.
A NAHCON Commissioner, Alhaji Isa Bukar, made the call in Gombe on Wednesday at the North East Zone sensitisation meeting of state chairmen and secretaries of Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Bukar said some of the problems encountered during hajj exercise could be a thing of the past if there was a change of behaviour on the part of all concerned.
He sais most of the problems faced during Hajj operation such as overloading, misbehaviour and absconding of pilgrims were caused by lack of proper and clear knowledge on how Hajj should be conducted.
The meeting suggested that NAHCON should find ways of preventing those who had performed hajj exercise from embarking on the holy pilgrimage to give others opportunity and reduce congestion in the Holy land.
The meeting, the first of its kind, attracted Hajj officials and clerics from the six states in the North East Geo-political Zone.
Kwara
The Olofa of Ofa in Kwara, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, has tasked security operatives to fish out those behind the recent killing of journalists in the country.
Gbadamosi made the call in Ilorin at a ceremony to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kwara).
He also pleaded with government to provide adequate security for media practitioners.
The Monarch said that the killings, if not checked, would affect the practice of journalism and information dissemination, which he described as crucial to nation building.
Gbadamosi, however, urged journalists not to renege in discharging their constitutional roles and also to uphold the ethics of journalism.
The General Mananger of the station, Mr Abdulateef Adedeji, said that the station was in total state of disrepair until 2003, when the present administration was inaugurated.
Adedeji assured that the station would continue to practice responsible journalism with a view to promoting peace within and outside the state.
Lagos
A cooking competition organised by the women fellowship of the Christian Community Church, Surulere, Lagos tagged ‘cooking contest for Jesus’ has ended.
Rivers State indigenous delicacy prepared with ripe plantain and fresh fish pepper soup (biate mbana) by Mrs. Helen Bob-Manuel emerged the first position while Cameroonian dish, Ndole soup cooked by Mrs. Okome Dibo-Ebong came second.
In an interview with our correspondent shortly after the keenly contested event at the church premises last Sunday, the leader of the fellowship, Mrs. Bose Abisagboola r4ecalled that the group had organised symposia for members in other areas of endeavour, but stressed that the cooking contest was aimed at getting women more involved in their kitchens.
According to Mrs. Abisagboola, “most women are not seriously involved in cooking for their families, rather they prefer buying cooked food outside for their families, hence the competition is to show how orderly and simple the handling for kitchen environment and the entire home should be”.
Oyo
Unregistered human resources management practitioners in the country will be sanctioned, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria IPMN) warned on Thursday in Ibadan.
The National President of the CIPMN, Mr Abiola Popoola, gave the warning at an agricultural human resources management forum organised by the institute.
He sought the support of registered members in flushing out fake practitioners.
He urged those who had not registered with the institute to do so immediately, saying it was the only way true professionalism could be brought to bear on the practice of personnel management.
Popoola also said that in line with the institute’s professional development plan, there was an urgent need for it to add value to national development through increased capacity building.
The president noted that the CIPMN had branches in 25 states and promised that efforts would be made to expand and establish branches in the 11 remaining states and Abuja as well as in some local government areas.
Sokoto
The Sokoto Government has distributed 726 assorted brands of vehicles to its workers, who are expected to pay back the cost as loans.
It also disbursed about N530 million as car purchase/refurbishing loans to the workers.
The Commissioner for Social Welfare, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, made the announcement in Sokoto on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state executive council meeting.
He said that 30 Kia and 14 Hyundai vehicles worth N128.8 million were approved for Permanent Secretaries and Directors-General, while 100 Hyundai and 235 Chevrolet cars worth N476.7 million were given to civil servants on grade levels 14 to 16.
Aliyu said that those on grade levels 12 to 13 would be allocated 247 Hyundai and 100 Kia Picanto cars worth more than N400 million, while civil servants under grade level 12 would be given N800,000 and N500,000 each as car loans, amounting to N530 million.
The Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Arzika Tureta, said the council also approved some projects, including the construction of roads within and outside the state’s metropolis at more than N2 billion.
Taraba
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Taraba seized 977 kilogrammes of Indian hemp from dealers between January and May this year, an official of the agency has said.
The agency’s Commander in the state, Mr Kaku Mshelia, said the figure surpassed the total seizure of 796kg in 2009.
Kaku newsmen in Jalingo on Wednesday that the command made its largest catch since its establishment in 2003 in May when it seized a consignment weighing 345kg.
He said that his men, acting on a tip off, intercepted the consignment conveyed from Akure.
The commander said that four persons, Joseph Etim, Okon John, Akpabio Philip and Mohammed Ibrahim, were arrested and charged to court in Yola as the main suspects in the deal.
Kaku said that 56 suspects were arrested during the period, out of whom 17 have been convicted to various jail terms, while 23 others were counseled and rehabilitated.
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