Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Bauchi State Government, Thursday had warned leaders and elders of communities in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Area to desist from destroying the peace they have all agreed upon to reign in the state.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Abdu Aliyu Ilelah on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibahim Dandija.
The statement revealed that government was taking steps to avoid frequent crisis in the two councils pointing out that security operatives and representatives of elders would tour the councils to recover animals either stolen or lost during the crisis.
It said the government would soon rebuild the palace of the District Head of Lere in Tafawa Balewa Local Government, which was destroyed during the crisis and urged those who fled the area to return and assist in the building.
The statement further warned that anybody who obstructs the building team in the area would be punished and called on the people of the area to partner with the government in bringing lasting peace to the area.
Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State had assured its citizenry that the state government would raise money from the capital market to subsidize its low revenue base.
The governor gave the assurance last Friday during the hosting of the Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Ladi Balogun and other members of the bank’s management in his office in Ado-Ekiti.
Governor Fayemi said his administration would go to the capital market to raise bonds in view of what he called the ‘precarious financial situation’ of the state.
Fayemi noted that his administration was poised to develop sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, health, education, urban renewal initiative and job creation, maintaining that it would build an enduring, long-term and mutually benefiting relationships with financial institutions in the country to strengthen the state’s economy.
On its part, the MD, FCMB, Ladi Balogun said his bank was interested in helping Ekiti raise the intended bond as one of the issuing houses.
Balogun revealed that civil servants in the state could also benefit from the direct credit system being operated by FCMB which he said would help them obtain loans within 24 hours even when they do not operate accounts with the bank.
FCT
Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to improve the lot of Nigerian children.
The MoU was endorsed by the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Bukola Saraki and signed at the forum’s secretariat, Abuja by Mr. Asishana Okauru, on behalf of the governors and Suomi Sukai, the country representative of UNICEF.
Saraki revealed that the Mou was aimed at promoting child-friendly government systems and values, exploration of opportunities of leverage resources and translation of politics into results for children.
The partnership he said would also ensure the recognition and realization of children’s rights in the country as part of efforts at achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Saraki maintained that the signing marks another milestone for he governors’ forum, pointing out that it had earlier successfully partnerships with the Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNDP and DFID.
“The initiative are in furtherance of NGF’s mission of fostering national unity and development” he said.
Jos
Mushin Women in Jos, the Plateau State capital, have appealed to warring factions in the state go put an end to the killings and destruction of properties in the state.
The Mushim women leader, Hajiya Khadjat Gambo Hawaja made the appeal in a peaceful protest against the recent killings in the state.
Clad in white, the women said the protest became necessary following the sufferings of women and children in the state.
Hajiya Hawaja said “we have lost our husbands and children. Some of them are in prison for the reason having being arrested in their homes.”
She appealed that the Special Task Force (STF), Operation Safe Haven and other security agencies to remain in the state to prevent further violence.
Receiving the protesting women at the Jos Central Mosque, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ibrahim Baba Hassan promised to deliver the women’s letter to governor Jonah David Jang.
While nothing that lawmakers have done all they could to stop the violence, Jang said “it is all about carrying everybody along. We cannot live in isolation. We must co-exist, Muslims, Christians, Hausas, Berom, Afizeres and Anagutas.”
no
Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has inaugurated a multi-million information and technology centre built and equipped by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for Rumfa College, Kano.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Abdulkareem Hassan, Sheharau expressed appreciation to Shell for the gigantic project expressing hopes that it would be maximally utilized for the benefit of the students by making them computer literate which is the global phenomenon.
According to him, the project was the first of its kind in the state, urging he school to ensure that they provide maximum protection of the ICT facilities.
The project he stated was an important one, which he believes would impact positively on the acquisition of computer skills by the students of the college in meeting up with the Millennium Development Goals.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Shell Exploration and Production Company, Mr. Chike Onyejekwe, explained that the donation of the ICT centre was part of the oil firm’s corporate responsibility in contributing to the development of computer literacy among secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.
Kogi
The governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Idris Maiyanga had threatened to sue the party if it decided to substitute him.
Maiyanga who wont he CPC’s governorship primary in the state alleged that the national leadership of the party was making moves to replace him with an unpopular candidate.
Describing the purported moves as a departure from the party’s rules Maiyanga stated that he would contest the substitution even in court.
He said “I have worked and sponsored this party with my money. The entire congresses held in the state were sponsored by me. I don’t understand why the party would want to repay me this way.”
Maiyanga urged the party leadership at the state and national levels to concentrate on the party’s victory instead of going contrary to its rules.
Lagos
The Lagos State government, had announced a new salary structure for public servants under it employ, effective from January 1, 2011.
Addressing newsmen last Thursday, at the Government House, Lagos, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu, said the decision was reached during a special session by the State Executive Council.
Sanwo-Olu stated that workers of the state government would be paid one month salary arrears.
While noting that the state government was yet to reveal the details of the package, the commissioner said however, that details will come before the end of this week.
He said “details will come by next week. We don’t want to do it all by ourselves but will allow the union members to see it before announcing it.”
Sanwo-Olu further urged all civil servants in the state to double their efforts in the discharge of their duties in order for their efforts to commensurate with the new salary structure adding that the government would not condone any laxity in the state civil service.
Oyo
Doctors in Oyo State have lamented what they called the ‘progressive decline of healthcare services’ in the state owned hospitals.
They said their strike would subsist until their demand are met by the government.
The chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Millicent Obajimi, who spoke with reporters in Ibadan said the NMA was demanding the implementation of CONMESS and the recruitment of more doctors in the state and local government hospitals across the state.
Obajimi said the 30-year-old Adeoye Maternity Hospital, which is the largest state hospital was a shadow of itself due to insufficient doctors.
She said “the Department of Surgery alone in this hospital used to boost of four general surgeons, three orthopaedic surgeons two plastic surgeons, two urologists among others but now had only one elderly and retired general surgeon employed on contact as the only one serving the whole of Oyo State.
Obajimi also revealed that the department of Internal Medicine which used to have at least four specialist physicians, no longer have any adding that it is now being runned by young medical officers.
Osun
The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) have been called upon to intervene in the crisis between Osun and Oyo States over the ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.
The Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola made the call last Friday while receiving he YCE members led by it national chairman, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo in his office.
Aregbesola who expressed concern over the huge toll which the crisis has taken on the university said Yoruba people have a traditional norm which guides joint ownership of property and stressed the need for the Oyo State government to take such consideration to allow peace to resign.
He commended the YCE for its maintenance of peace and unity among Yoruba communities and appealed to the council to be in the vanguard of social re-orientation, which he said his administration was embarking upon.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government had launched concerted efforts towards the improvement of Agriculture and Agro business in the state.
Through the Zamfara State Comprehensive Agricultural Revolution Programme (ZACAREP), farmers have been registered and given incentives in terms of Agricultural imput such as fertilizers, agro chemicals, pesticides, tractors and other mechanized farm implements, as well as improved seedlings.
Addressing Zamfara State Government House correspondent on the state of agriculture in the state, Governor Shinkafi disclosed that the state government had offered free tractor services to the farmers as a pragmatic approach to promoting mechanized agriculture and increasing agricultural yields in the state.
He stated that apart from providing incentives to the farmers, it had also put in place a policy to buy excess agricultural produce from farmers during harvest seasons at good prices in order to give the farmers value for their labour.
In is words “the state is also producing about 10,000 tones of cash crops such as ground nuts, cotton, soyabeans among others each year in recent years.”
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