Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The Ekiti State judicial workers say they will commence a five- day warning strike today to protest against the government’s failure to improve their welfare.
The workers, who spoke under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ekiti State chapter, made this known in a letter dated January 10, 2011 and addressed to Governor Kayode Fayemi.
A copy of the letter, which was made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, was jointly signed by Comrade Ibiyemi Michael and Comrade Owolabi Tayo, the Chairman and Secretary of the union respectively.
The union accused the state government of not implementing the 156 percent increase in the allowances and fringe benefits approved by the Federal Government for judicial workers.
Besides, the union lamented the government’s refusal to pay its members the 20 percent year 2010 Christmas Bonus approved by the governor.
FCT
Four Presidential aspirants on the platform of ANPP on Saturday promised Nigerians to reform the country, if voted into power in the April general elections.
The aspirants, who addressed over 5,000 delegates at the Eagles Square, venue of the ANPP National Convention in Abuja, were Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State, Chief Harry Akande, Alhaji Bashir Tofa and Alhaji Dauda Birmah.
Addressing the convention, Shekarau said the occasion was “a day of great history, a great moment of change for ANPP and for Nigeria as a whole’’.
Shekarau, who broke the jinx of second term as Governor of the state, said the expected change in Nigeria would come with the election of a credible and experienced leader to midwife the much needed change.
Plateau
Bank customers in Jos have complained about the continued closure of banks in the city, in spite of the return of peace to the troubled city.
Banks in Jos have shut their doors to customers since the past five days, following the recurring spate of killings in the city.
Sources in some of the banks told newsmen that the closure was as a result of the precarious security situation in the city.
Mr Gwotbit David, a customer waiting at the Secretariat Branch of First Bank at Hwolshe, appealed to the banks to consider the suffering of the people.
He urged the banks to consider devising ways of attending to customers on skeletal basis.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) yesterday suspended its planned strike over the non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure(CONMESS) by the State Government.
The Tide’s source reports that the suspension, followed the acceptance of the State Government to implement the policy 100 per cent
The state’s branch Chairman of the association, Dr Solomon Avidime, confirmed the development to newsmen in Kaduna, after an emergency meeting held with representatives of the State Government.
Avidime said that members of the association had wanted to embark on an indefinite industrial action from today, to press their demand, but noted that the government’s action had averted the planned action.
Katsina
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, has advised leaders to win people’s confidence by prioritising their needs.
Kabir gave the advice yesterday in Katsina when the state’s Committee on the Payment of Cumulative Gratuities to Local Government Pensioners, paid him a courtesy call at his palace.
He said the payment of the cumulative gratuities to the beneficiaries had come at the right time when government was paying more attention to issues relating to the welfare of citizens.
He urged the committee to justify the confidence reposed in it by the government.
According to him, the emirate is willing to offer useful advice to leaders who are open to ideas and suggestions.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has donated N1 million to the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Legion to improve the welfare of its members.
Governor Saidu Dakingari, made the donation on Friday in Birnin Kebbi at the launching of an appeal fund as part of activities to mark the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Week.
Dakingari, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa, said that further support would be provided to the legion.
He said that members of the legion had played vital roles in attaining peace and unity of the country.
The Chairman of the state’s chapter of the legion, Jibo Dabai, commended the state’s authorities for sustaining its support to members of the legion.
“We will not relent in seeking further support in the implementation of policies and programmes that will help in developing the society,” he said.
Lagos
The Federal Government has been urged to terminate the services of MEAVIS Ltd, a concessionaire charged with the mandate to generate revenue for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) made the call at a news conference yesterday in Ikeja in Lagos State.
The President of ATSSSAN, Mr Benjamin Okewu, told journalists that FAAN had not been able to maintain airports in the country because of non-remittance of funds from MEAVIS.
Okewu alleged that the FAAN/MEAVIS agreement had not in anyway impacted positively on the nation’s airports.
He claimed that FAAN was generating enough money to maintain its airports in the country before MAEVIS came on board.
Ogun
Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Friday in Abeokuta emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Ogun.
The Tide’s source reports that Amosun, an accountant, emerged the candidate out of 10 other contestants in a consensus arrangement adopted by the party.
Amosun was the gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the 2007 general elections in Ogun.
Presenting Amosun to jubilant supporters at the party’s Secretariat in Abeokuta, the State Chairman of ACN, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, described the consensus process as rigorous.
He said that at the end of the day, Amosun emerged, based on the approval of the other 10 governorship aspirants.
Osun
The Director, Osun Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) , Dr Funso Ajao, says the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the state still stands at 1.2 per cent.
Ajao told newsmen in Osogbo on Friday that the committee would continue to create awareness through sustained campaigns on Radio and Television programmes on the virus.
Ajao said that the committee would continue to carry out counselling and testing at various centres as a means of further reducing the prevalence of the scourge.
He said that awareness creation was a major strategy of controlling the spread of the virus and that through testing, people could know their status.
The Director, however, did not disclose the actual figure of people, who tested positive to the virus, saying that he needed time to collate the figures from the various counselling and testing centres.
Sokoto
Alhaji Abdulkadir Jalani, Chairman of Sabon-Birni Local Government in Sokoto state, has called on Nigerians to always pray for God’s intervention in political activities of the country.
Jalani told The Tide’s source in Sokoto that the nation was in dire need of prayers to ensure peaceful conduct of the forth coming general elections.
He said that prayers were vital in ensuring the success of the elections.
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