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THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Vocational Technical Training Centre (VTTC), Mubi, has trained 140 motor mechanics in the last six months, as part of effort to provide employment to the youth.
Some 300 youths are currently undergoing a three-year intensive auto-mechanic and electrical training programmes at the centre.
The Senior Technical Instructor, Sama’ila Yerima, told newsmen in Mubi yesterday that the graduates were exposed to modern technical skills to enhance their operations.
Yerima said the graduates were selected from among the semi-skilled road-side mechanics in Mubi-North and South Local Government Areas of the state.
“The trainees received training on various aspects of auto-mechanic.
“The programme is designed to impart relevant knowledge and skills as well as to promote specialisation among road-side mechanics,” he said
Yerima explained that the training was provided free to the beneficiaries.
“More than 300 students are currently undergoing Ordinary National Diploma (OND) technical courses at the centre.
“All the workshops and laboratories have met the standard set by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE),” he said.
Yerima, stated that the centre was also paying N5,000 as monthly allowance to each of the 300 students.
According to him, the measure is to encourage more youths to enrol into its programme.
He urged state governments in the North-East zone to take advantage of the programme and enrol their youths into the centre.
FCT
Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) Chieftain Muhammadu Buhari (CPC) has promised Nigerians better leadership if voted into government as the country‘s president in 2011.
Buhari made the promise in Abuja while collecting the party‘s expression of interest and presidential nomination forms.
In a statement signed by Mr Dennis Aghanya, the National Publicity Secretary Buhari said that he would offer desired leadership if he emerged winner at both the party’s primaries and the general elections.
He thanked Nigerians for their solidarity and support, which, he said, he had enjoyed over the years and assured the party members that victory was “definitely theirs’’.
He stressed the need for them to protect their votes to ensure that their dream of enthroning good leadership in the country was transformed into reality.
He charged the party‘s members to come together to ensure victory at all levels in the general elections.
Sen. Rufai Hanga, the party‘s National Chairman, however, assured Buhari of the party’s preparedness “ to go into the 2011 general elections with all eyes wide open’’.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has challenged stakeholders in the education industry in the northern part of the country to intensify efforts toward educational development in the area.
The governor gave the challenge at the 18th Annual General Meeting of Zazzau Emirate Development Association (ZEDA), held at Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria .
He said: “The problem of education in this part of the country has for long been fundamental and requires the attention of well-meaning individuals and organisations such as ZEDA.
“This will complement government’s efforts at moving the sector forward.
“We have to adopt to changing situations of the time, particularly with regard to information communication transformation technology.
“We must realise that we live in a rapidly changing world and change is a weapon of advancement.
“We cannot compete favourably and be part of a better tomorrow if we insist only on using yesterday’s methods as we are living in an age of transformation.”
In his speech, the Cairman, ZEDA Central Working Committee, Dr Alimi Bello said the association was established to complement government’s efforts in educational development.
He noted that the association solely depended on donations from individuals for all its programmes.
Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State has called on politicians to avoid politics of violence, bitterness and rancour in their campaign.
Shema made the call at the weekend in Katsina at the inauguration of 52 campaign vehicles donated by his political associates to facilitate the governor’s second term bid in the 2011 election.
He told hundreds of PDP members to shun violence and concentrate on issues that would bring about positive changes in the state.
“I don’t believe in politics of bitterness or defamation of character, therefore nobody amongst you should insult anybody in the name of politics.
“For the past three and a half years, I have never insulted anybody because I believe that God gives power to whom He had chosen,’’ Shema said.
Shema commended the donors of the buses and motorcycles and reiterated his determination to continue with the developmental projects in the state.
Earlier, Hajiya Mairo Yar’Adua, the elder sister of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, declared the support of the Yar’Adua family to the candidature of Gov. Shema.
Kebbi
The Arewa Gabas Development Area Council in Kebbi State has spent N43.6 million on the provision of amenities and youth empowerment.
The Sole Administrator, Alhaji Abubakar Noma, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend that boreholes and cement wells were provided to communities.
According to him, abattoirs were also provided in Yeldu and Jar-Kukah while a mosque was rehabilitated and cemetery fenced
He said four vulcanising machines, 22 tonnes of cement, 30 Zinc roofing sheets, 175 mats, 500 kettles and five generators were provided as empowerment to the unemployed.
“The provision of such equipment is to enable people to be self-employed as well as to cushion the hardship they faced ” he explained.
Lagos
Mr Chibikem Okpara, a Lagos-based lawyer, yesterday called for the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a vital component of the justice delivery system.
Okpara, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that ADR had helped in resolving many disputes outside the courtroom.
He said that the idea for ADR arose following the delays and frustration faced by many people in courts, adding that it was used to solve the problem of succession when the immediate past Sultan of Sokoto, died in a place crash.
“However, ADR should not be seen as an alternative in the sense that it complements litigation,’’ Okpara said.
He explained that in ADR, “an expert on the issue under dispute is appointed by the parties to adjudicate over the matter to the satisfaction of all concerned’’.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government has called on unemployed youths to align with one of the numerous skills acquisition programmes in the state.
The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Alhaji Yekini Olanipekun, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Okitipupa in Ondo State.
Olanipekun described as unfortunate a situation where youths now preferred riding commercial motorcycles (Okada) to acquiring skills from any of the centres provided by the state government.
“Youths are no longer going to the skill acquisition centres that we have in all the 18 local government areas of the state.
“We have observed that they instead prefer riding Okada to going to study and acquire skills that will be useful to them and others,” he said.
Olanipekun said that the state government in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency recently held a session aimed at sensitising the youths on windows of opportunities for wealth creation.
He said that the government was planning to empower those youths, who took their training seriously before the end of December.
“What we are going to do before the end of the year is that those that have attended these skill acquisition centres will be empowered.
“We are going to give them sewing machines, welding machines and so on; they should go and learn something from these skill acquisition centers,” the commissioner said.
Olanipekun said that the government was working out modalities to create jobs for youths with requisite skills, adding, “this explains the essence of the skills acquisition centres”.
Plateau
Former Sports Minister Damishi Sango, who is seeking to unseat Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau in 2011, says he will support the incumbent if he picks the PDP ticket.
“We are more interested in the democratic process; if Jang defeats the eight of us who are challenging him in a free and fair process, we shall support him,’’ Sango told newsmen in a telephone interview.
Jang’s eight rivals are working together and have collectively promised to eventually agree on one person to wrestle the ticket from the retired airforce officer.
The aspirants, known as the G-8, featured in each others’ declarations and would normally tell their supporters that their game plan for picking the ticket was up their sleeves.
Sango, who spoke in Jos on Sunday, declared that the eight aspirants, which also include Deputy Governor Paulen Tallen and business magnet Chris Giwa, were politicians who “know what we are doing’’.
He said that they could agree on who to step down for “a day before the convention and quickly communicate same to their supporters’’.
Sango, however ruled out the possibility of a committee to adopt a consensus candidate as recently done by the Northern Political Leaders’ Front that threw up Atiku Abubakar, who floored three others, including former Military President Ibrahim Babangida.
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