Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Malam Isa Aminu, a health practitioner, has advocated proper education of communities on the use of mosquito treated nets.
“This is to enhance the malaria control programme in the country,” Aminu said on Saturday in an interview with newsmen in Mubi, Adamawa State.
He said the enlightenment was necessary to promote the malaria control programme.
Aminu said the measure would encourage the proper use of the nets and control prevalent cases of malaria in the country.
“The high prevalent rate of malaria was due to poor sanitation and lack of community education on how to use the nets effectively.
“Most families in rural settlements are wary of using the treated nets,” Aminu said.
Bauchi
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged Nigerians to participate actively in environmental sanitation activities to curb water borne diseases in the country.
Hajiya Jummai Bello, the NOA Director in Bauchi State, made the call in a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Information and Publication, Malam Danmusa Muhammad, in Bauchi yesterday.
Bello said the call became necessary due to the importance of environmental sanitation to the health, social, economic and moral well-being of the people.
She added that this call was also based on the prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that there would be heavy rainfall in the country this year and its implication to the environment.
Benue
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benue said yesterday in Makurdi that it had set up a committee to address the issue of unpaid allowances of its ad hoc staff.
Mr Jacob Ayanda, the INEC Assistant Director, Public Affairs, announced the setting up of the committee when the ad hoc staff staged a protest over the non-payment of their allowances for election duty.
The protesters, mainly male students of higher institutions within and outside the state, had participated in the just concluded general elections as presiding officers.
They alleged that the female presiding officers were paid, while their male counterparts were left out.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said in Ado-Ekiti that it arrested 935 motorcyclists between January and April for various traffic offences.
Mr Francis Udoma, the Sector Commander, told newsmen that the command’s special patrols apprehended 210 of the traffic offenders in January, 406 in February and 222 in March, with the remaining 97 arrested in April.
He said the lawbreakers were arrested at various locations across the 16 local government areas of the state and noted that their offences ranged from number plate violation and overloading to failure to use safety helmets.
FCT
Electricity supply in the country has grown by 1,000 megawatts since President Goodluck Jonathan assumed power a year ago, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Dr Sam Amadi, Chairman of the Commission, said this in a letter to Jonathan yesterday, congratulating him on his success in the April presidential election.
Amadi attributed the level of stability in electricity supply in the country to the president’s commitment to ensure safe, stable and adequate electricity supply.
Katsina
Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has accessed the N1.2 billion year 2010 UBE intervention from the state government and UBEC for the implementation of its programmes.
Alhaji Sule Kuki, the Executive Chairman of the board, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina on Saturday.
Kogi
The Federal College of Education, Okene in Kogi is to commence degree programmes in education from the 2011/2012 academic session.
A lecturer at the institution, Malam Musa Jibrin, disclosed this on Friday in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi.
He spoke at the end of this year’s three-day Teachers Professional Development Workshop for Universal Basic Education (UBE) Teachers and Managers in the state.
Jibrin, who also coordinated the workshop, said the degree programmes were aimed at producing quality teachers for the Basic Education Programmes.
He said that the education sector would take a nose dive if teachers were not adequately trained.
Lagos
The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted N260 million worth of unregistered pharmaceuticals and packaged food at the Seme border.
Sources close to the agency told newsmen on Saturday that acting on a tip-off, operatives at the Seme border intercepted a truck conveying a 2×20 feet container load of unregistered pharmaceuticals.
“NAFDAC operatives at the border have intercepted a large quantity of unregistered pharmaceuticals and packaged foods worth N260 million,” the NAFDAC sources said.
Niger
About 1,670 students of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna have benefited from the entrepreneurship training in the university, Dr Oladiran Abubakar, the coordinator, has said.
Entrepreneurship lecture tagged ‘Competency based on Economy through the Formation of Enterprise’ (CEFE) was a sponsored programme of the university by the German Government through its GTZ project.
Abubakar, on Saturday in Minna while welcoming a delegation of German Embassy officials on a tour to review its project in the state, said that the programme had impacted positively on both staff and students.
“Till date, more than 400 students have benefited from five to seven day intensive training conducted during various coaching sessions.
“About 1,760 students have benefited from attending entrepreneurship lectures tagged CEFE integrated curriculum,’’ he said.
According to him, 23 lecturers are trained and are delivering CEFE integrated curriculum in their various departments.
He added that a staff of the university had been certified CEFE master trainer, adding that many of the beneficiaries were potential master trainers
On the benefits of the training, he said that it has helped to change the mind set of many students.
He added that six departments out of the 35 departments in the university were at present offering the entrepreneurship training in their departments.
Plateau
A Batch B corps member, Dr Francisca Ekwuruibe, has conducted free eye screening on 500 pupils of St Paul’s Township Primary School, Jos.
Ekwuruibe, who is an optometrist, told newsmen yesterday that she was moved because majority of eye patients were children.
According to her, most of the pupils with undetected eye challenges are usually labelled as unintelligent by their teachers, because they can’t read what is written on the board.
“This visual screening exercise would detect such pupils. Free eye medications and glasses will be given to those with minor eye impediments for correction.
“Pupils with severe impediments will be given referral letters to JUTH for further management,” she said.
Ekwuruibe advised parents to always feed their children and wards with food and fruits rich in Vitamin A, which helps in improving eye sight to minimise sight-related issues.
She advised them to be very observant of their wards, especially those who go very close to the television system while watching.
“Parents should also watch out for children who usually complain after walking under the sun.
“Once these defects are not identified and treated on time, most of the cases could degenerate into various complications which may lead to blindness if not properly managed,” she said.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has urged Journalists in the country to be objective and fair in their reportage.
Wamakko made the call on Saturday in Sokoto at the 2011 maiden congress meeting of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists ( NUJ), Sokoto State council.
Wamakko, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Dangusau, added: “This is the only way journalists can work in line with the laid down ethics of this noble profession.
“The press can make or mar any society and those in the profession should tread with caution in order not to go astray.’’
Wamakko commended journalists in the state for their steadfastness and urged them to sustain the existing cordial relationship between them and the state government.
He also stressed the need for the journalists to give top priority to development journalism and rural reporting.
The Commissioner for Information, Malam Dahiru Maishanu, promised that the state government would implement the proposed media salary anytime it is approved by the Federal Government.
Maishanu also promised to continue to improve the working condition of journalists in state-owned media organisations.
He challenged the Nigerian media to always portray the nation to the outside world in good light.
The Zonal Director of the NTA Sokoto Network centre, Alhaji Dayo Salawu, represented by the Assistant Director of News , Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed, urged members of the union to be united and disciplined .
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