Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
No fewer than 245 intending pilgrims are to perform this year’s Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem from Adamawa.
The Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Philibus Ishaku, made this known to newsmen in Yola on Monday
Ishaku said that the number was a great improvement on the 143 pilgrims that performed the exercise last year.
He said that arrangements had reached advanced stages for the exercise, as the airlift of the pilgrims was expected to commence on Oct. 28.
“Infact, we are almost done with preparations, as all prospective pilgrims had paid up and the state government had also approved the list of officials to accompany them,” Ishaku said.
The secretary said that there was a strong possibility that this year’s pilgrims from the North-East would be airlifted from the Yola Airport.
On the issue of pilgrims absconding, while in the Holy land, the executive secretary said that it only happened in Adamawa once and that the culprit was not an indigene of the state.
“And that is why we are very vigilant and thorough on those intending to perform the exercise from Adamawa,” he said.
Bauchi
Malam Musa Chibiyayi, an agricultural expert, has called on the Arable Crop Development and Marketing Company to buy surplus grains from Bauchi farmers to encourage them to produce more.
Chibiyayi, who is also the Special Adviser to Gov. Isa Yuguda on Agriculture, made the call on Tuesday in Bauchi in an interview with newsmen.
He expressed optimism that the state would record bumper harvest this year in view of the high amount of rainfall recorded in the state.
Chibiyayi said that the company might have to mop up the excess crops produced by farmers at a reasonable price to enable them break even.
Borno
Suspected Boko Haram sect members on Monday night attacked the Gamboru Police Station in the Maiduguri metropolis, leaving four policemen injured.
The attack came at a time serial killings by suspected members of the sect continued in Borno.
A police officer, who sought anonymity, told newsmen on Tuesday in the state capital that the assailants raided the police station at night on Monday with local explosives.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdu, confirmed the attack, but declined to comment further.
In July 2009, members of the sect, which is opposed to Western education and wants Shariah enforced, attacked a police station in the state capital during which five of them were killed by soldiers deployed to counter the insurgence.
Ekiti
To prevent post-harvest losses, members of the Cassava Growers Association in Ekiti have called on the state government to establish silos for the storage and preservation of their cassava products.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Joseph Akinjobi, made the call in Ado-Ekiti in an interview with the newsmen.
Akinjobi, who is also the Ekiti Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said tonnes of cassava products were being wasted annually due to the lack of preservation facilities.
The association chairman also stressed the need for the state government to establish cottage industries where cassava farmers could sell their products.
He identified high production costs due to the high tractor hiring charges and the lack of farm inputs as some of the problems faced by his members during the farming season.
Akinjobi said that owing to these problems, farmers in the state were compelled to travel to neighbouring states such as Osun, Ondo, Kogi and Kwara to hire tractors.
FCT
The Federal Government said in Abuja on Monday that Nigeria and Burkina Faso bilateral relationship on defence cooperation would be strengthened.
Alhaji Murtala Yar’Adua, the Minister of State for Defence, said this while receiving Mr Yero Boly, the Minister of Defence of Burkina Faso in his office.
Yar’Adua said the relationship was premised on Burkina Faso’s role in mediating and settling disputes in some African countries.
Speaking earlier, Boly said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen bilateral relationship on defence cooperation between the two countries.
Jigawa
Gen. Aliyu Gusau, a former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, has donated N5 million to flood victims in Jigawa.
Gusau, a PDP presidential aspirant, presented a cheque for the amount when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Sule Lamido in Dutse on Monday.
He said he was in the state to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the recent flood that ravaged the state.
He prayed God to stop the event from repeating and enjoined the people to take what happened as an act of the Almighty.
Responding, Governor Sule Lamido expressed appreciation to Gusau for the donation to the victims of flood.
Lamido promised to deliver the money to those affected by the flood.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has released N9.6 million for disbursement to 335 victims of this year’s flood disaster in Katsina metropolis.
The state’s Commissioner for Justice and Chairman of the Disbursement Committee, Alhaji Muktar Ibrahim, disclosed this while launching the disbursement in Katsina on Monday.
He said the amount represented 40 per cent of the estimated loss incurred by the victims during the disaster.
According to him, the state government decided to assist the affected persons with 40 per cent of their total loss to alleviate their sufferings.
He called on the affected persons to use the money in re-constructing their damaged houses, disclosing that the state government was still planning to also assist them with grains.
Kebbi
Hajiya Asama’u Dakingari, the wife of Kebbi Governor, has donated relief materials worth N6.5 million to victims of flood in Gwandu and Argungu Emirates in Kebbi.
One of her assistants, Alhaji Ibrahim Jambali, made this known to the newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Jambali said the materials included 400 bags of rice, 300 bags of assorted grains, 300 mats and 300 mosquito nets.
Others are 300 pairs of slippers, 300 kettles, and 50 cartons of detergent, 80 cartons of soap, 200 blankets, 500 buckets and 200 textile materials.
He said the materials were distributed to the victims at their temporary resettlement centres in Argungu and Gwandu.
“Hajiya Asama’u Dakingari, during the visit, was told that about 12,000 people were rendered homeless and their farmlands and life savings lost in the disaster,’’ he added.
Our correspondent recalls that the Federal Government had donated N752 million to the victims. Some states, individuals and organisations had also visited and made donations.
Kwara
An apprentice tailor, Kabiru Yusuf of Agbo Oba area, Ilorin, was on Monday sentenced to two months imprisonment for stealing a handset.
The convict, 19, prior to his conviction, had pleaded guilty to the offence.
In view of his admission of the offence, the prosecuting police officer, Insp. Jimoh Kareem, prayed the court to give the accused ‘summary trial’, which was upheld.
Magistrate Abdullahi Bello sentenced the accused to two months in prison with an option of N500 fine.
The convict on September 28 stole a Nokia handset valued N3,500 belonging to one Edungbola Adeniyi of Ita Alamu, Ilorin.
The convict trespassed to where the owner parked his car on Coca-Cola Road, Ilorin and stole the handset put on the dashboard.
Niger
Umar Ma’ali, the Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, has said that the assembly would support all efforts to promote girl-child education in the state.
Ma’ali said during the unvealing of the mascot for the state’s edition of the “Queen of Culture and Tourism” in Minna on Monday that the girl-child deserved the best in education.
The event was organised by Twani Global Concept in collaboration with the state’s ministry of culture and tourism.
He said the assembly was partnering with the executive arm of government to ensure that the girl-child suffered no form of discrimination.
“We are in partnership with the executive in this project and we shall ensure that no girl-child is discriminated against”, the speaker said.
Ogun
Four students of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, on Tuesday appeared before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrate’s Court for their alleged involvement in cultism.
The students are Akinsanya Babatunde, Samuel Gbenga, Qudus Ayilara and Adewusi Yomi.
They are all facing a three-count charge of membership of an unlawful society as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Prosecutor Paul Etusi told the court that the accused persons engaged themselves in the activities of an unlawful society, Eiye Confraternity, at Oloke junction in the Abeokuta metropolis.
He also alleged that they possessed two double-barrelled guns and 30 rounds of ammunition.
Etusi said the act was contrary to Section 4 and punishable under Section 5 of the Secret Cult (Prohibition and Special Provision Act), Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has urged the Jonathan-Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation to reach out to grassroots politicians instead of Abuja-based politicians to succeed.
Wamakko gave the advice in Sokoto on Monday while receiving Dr Sarki Tafida, the Chairman of the Organisation, saying Abuja politicians had nothing to offer as they were not with the grassroots.
Wamakko explained that Sokoto State had been the home of PDP and would remain so.
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