Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Efforts by Alkaleri Local Government in Bauchi State to immunise 56,334 children during the on-going polio immunisation exercise are being thwarted by resistance of some parents.
Journalists Against Polio (JAP) monitoring the exercise in the area, reports that Alkaleri West and East have apparently recorded the highest cases of rejection.
The reports said that more than half of the children under five targeted for the exercise are being prevented.
The Director of Primary Health Care in the area, Alhaji Idris Dan-Asabe, decried the attitude of the parents, adding that the rejection, if not checked, could mar the whole exercise in the area.
“It is regretable to note that Alkaleri LGA is one of the four high risk polio endemic areas in the state.
“We have been experiencing such unhealthy attitudes during previous exercises in the affected areas,’’ Dan-Asabe said.
Ekiti
About 1,800 Corps members have been deployed to Ekiti State to participate in the batch “C” orientation exercise, scheduled to begin next week, an official of the state directorate of the NYSC, has said.
Mrs Funso Olusoji, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the directorate, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with the newsmen at Ise-Emure in Ise-Orun Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Olusoji explained that out of the 1,800 corps members, 300 corps members were deployed from Lagos State to participate in the three weeks orientation exercise.
“No fewer than 1,800 corps members, including 300 dislodged members from Lagos State have been deployed to Ekiti State for the batch “C” orientation exercise.
She gave assurance that the directorate had put in place necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties of corps members deployed to the state.
FCT
A paediatrician, Dr Emmanuel Gajere, has advised mothers to look out for persistent cough, poor eating habit, shortness of breath at intervals, as well as intense nasal congestion, to promptly tackle asthma in children.
Gajere told newsmen that a lot of children in recent times had been afflicted with asthma, a chronic respiratory ailment that could kill, if not properly managed.
He said asthma in children could be caused by a number of factors including allergies, strenuous exercises, emotions, viral causes, hereditary and early exposure to drugs like aspirin.
“Early cow milk feeding and exposure to dust, smoke and even drugs like aspirin can lead to a child becoming asthmatic. “Also, a child who has brown eyes called vernal conjunctivitis suggests that the child is at risk of asthma,’’ he said.
Gajere classified asthma in three different categories, and highlighted the number of expected attacks in each class.
Gombe
The Radiation Medicine Complex at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe, was commissioned on Monday, with the Medical Director, Dr Aliyu Elnafaty, describing it as the most equipped and first of its kind in the country.
Elnafaty said on the occasion that the complex offered the latest technology in radiation and had been inspected by the regulatory authority and certified to meet the FMC’s compliance level.
He said the facility was long overdue, considering the prevalence of cancer-related afflictions in the North-East zone of the country.
The medical director, however, listed manpower shortage as one of the challenges facing the centre.
Commissioning the complex, Alhaji Suleiman Bello, the Minister of State for Health, commended FMC Gombe for its initiative and laudable achievements.
He said the centre was among the few hospital chosen to benefit from the Federal Ministry of Health’s Hospital Intervention Fund.
Katsina
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, last Monday launched the Katsina State chapter of the Women for Change Initiative (W4CI), with a call on the womenfolk to improve their living conditions.
Speaking at the occasion in Katsina, Jonathan said: “I want to draw the attention of our women to the need to change their attitude socially, economically and politically.”
Jonathan, who lamented the low level of women participation in governance in the country, called on them to rise up to the challenge and change the status quo.
“This is non-negotiable irrespective of our socio-political and religious beliefs,” she said.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, will soon begin to produce artificial chemical fertiliser, Dr Amina Abubakar, the acting Vice-Chancellor, has announced.
“The liquid Nitrogen plant will use Nitrogen from free atmospheric air for the production of artificial chemical fertiliser,” she said at the opening of the 30th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Aliero.
Abubakar explained that the plant would transform liquid Nitrogen by using cheap raw materials to produce vital by-products needed to drive the economy.
She said a liquid Nitrogen production centre had been established “to strengthen the students with practical entrepreneurship education for them to become job givers and not job seekers”.
The acting vice-chancellor said revenue generated from the sale of the chemical fertiliser would be used to improve academic work and facilities at the university.
Kwara
Any intending Christian pilgrim below 50 years will no longer be allowed to travel to Rome while on pilgrimage.
Pastor Gbenga Ogidiolu, Chairman, Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, made the announcement in Ilorin on Monday in an interview with newsmen.
He said such pilgrims would only be allowed to travel to Israel and Egypt for the religious obligations, adding that the measure was to prevent Nigerian pilgrims from using the opportunity to abscond to Europe.
Ogidiolu said: “This year, we are going to cover Israel, Egypt and Rome, but we must stress that going to Rome is not automatic.
Lagos
Some clerics on Monday called for a proper investigation of a report which alleged that arms were being imported into the country.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, the church leaders urged that those responsible for the illegal importation should be punished.
The clergymen, who were reacting to a report published in a national daily on Saturday, pointed out that arms proliferation would threaten the 2011 general elections, if unchecked.
According to the report, the National Taskforce on Illegal Importation of Goods and Light Weapons recently alerted the Nigeria Customs Service on the arrival of a vessel KOTAR NAZAR with voyage number VOYNZR017 laden with small arms and other contrabands.
The Anglican Bishop of Afikpo in Ebonyi, the Rt. Rev. Paul Udogu, told newsmen that the church had been persuading its members to vote for candidates of their choice in 2011, but would not want the members to fall victims of violence.
“The Federal Government should investigate this report and the people involved should be punished.
“If the report is true, we condemn the act outright and ask the government to act immediately to forestall any ugly action,” he said.
The Primate of the African Church Bethel, Most Rev. Emmanuel Udofia, urged proper training and equipment of security operatives at Nigeria’s borders and ports to enable them to detect arms proliferation.
Niger
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (NCPP) in Niger State has commended the efforts of Governor Babangida Aliyu in developing the state.
Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, the CNPP Secretary, made the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Minna.
“There is no doubt that the present leadership of Aliyu has created new national consciousness and patriotic re-awakening in the minds of Nigerlites through the recent activities tat marked Nigeria at 50.
“The intangible values may not be seen as physical development area; the core essence of governance that the nation has been lacking over he years”, he said.
He said that the recent establishment of Independent Square by Aliyu’s administration was a clear testimony of an historical artifact for both the present and future generation to learn.
The secretary said the government’s gesture of employing non-indigenes into the civil service and not on contract bases was also worthy of emulation by other state governments.
Ogun
The Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSPIN) has canvassed for 10 per cent budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector by governments at all levels.
Mr Mabinuori Adeleke, the National Vice-President of the association in the South-West Zone, made the call on Tuesday in Ijebu-Ode in an interview with newsmen.
Adeleke said that the current 3.5 per cent of budgetary allocation to the sector was not adequate to engender sustainable development.
Plateau
Plateau is to receive 1,600 NYSC members for the 2010 Batch “C” orientation programme, scheduled to start on Wednesday, a statement said on Monday.
The statement, issued by Mr Sam Nwopara, Head, Public Relations of Plateau NYSC Directorate, in Jos, said the orientation would hold at the NYSC temporary camp in Zang Secondary Commercial School, Bukuru.
It further said that the state chief judge, Justice Lazarus Dakyen, would administer the oath of allegiance on the corps members.
The NYSC appealed to the people of Plateau to accord the corps members the usual hospitality they were known for.
Sokoto
Alhaji Ibrahim Gobi, a Senatorial aspirant on the platform of PDP in Sokoto State, has charged INEC to meet the expectations of Nigerians by conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2011.
Gobi told newsmen that it was only through transparent elections that the desire of Nigerians would be met.
He said that the commission must put in place a formidable framework that would ensure full participation of eligible Nigerians in the election process.
Gobi, who is contesting for Sokoto East Senatorial Zone, added that it was only through credible elections that good leaders would emerge for the political growth of the country.
Gobi called for full participation of stakeholders in the election process to enable the commission perform its constitutional responsibility.
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