Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
A cross section of Bauchi residents have advised Governor Isa Yuguda to ensure the completion of all ongoing projects he initiated.
The residents, in separate interviews with newsmen in Bauchi on Monday, advised the governor to appoint credible persons into various positions during his second term.
Alhaji Sufiyanu Maisalati, the Chairman, Justice Party, urged the governor to ensure the monitoring and supervision of ongoing projects.
Maisalati, who is also the Leader of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in the state, urged Yuguda to sanction erring officials and adhere to laid down procedures in project execution.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, the Secretary-General of the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation, Bauchi State chapter, advised the governor to select credible people and those with experience as members of his cabinet.
Borno
The Police in Borno State said on Monday that it had received information about an impending attack by some suspected Boko Haram members in the state.
A statement signed by the Police spokesman, Malam Lawal Abdullahi, in Maiduguri said:“We wish to inform the public that we have received an intelligence report on possible attacks.
“Some fundamentalists have decided to launch an attack on the good people of Borno State.
“The group and other social miscreants have decided to team up with some politicians to terrorise the good people of the state, using the leadership of a dangerous sect from neighbouring Yobe State.’’
The statement added that the Police Command had already mapped out strategies to counter the attacks.
“The command has set modalities and mechanisms in motion to track down these miscreants for immediate arrest and prosecution,’’ the statement added.
Ekiti
Medical practitioners in Ekiti are set to begin routine treatment of common ailments in rural communities free of charge.
Dr Abiola Omodan, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Ado-Ekiti, disclosed this on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti at the maiden edition of the association’s annual lecture titled “Medical Ethics in the Face of Emerging Medical Legal Issues in Nigeria’’.
Omodan said that the initiative was aimed at complementing government’s efforts toward providing adequate healthcare for the people.
He explained that one of the objectives of the association was to promote improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The guest lecturer, Chef Afe Babalola (SAN), called for public private participation in the management of the nation’s health scheme.
FCT
Bilateral ties between Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago are to be strengthened in the area of children and maternal health following talks between the First Ladies of the two nations.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, gave this indication on Monday in Abuja when she received in audience the First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs Jean Ramjohn-Richards.
Jonathan said the passion shared by both countries in the area of care for women, children and the indigent would enable them to explore several areas of mutual benefit.
“I believe your coming will afford us an opportunity to explore mutual areas of interest as we both have passion for the welfare of women, children and the less privileged in the society.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has called for concerted efforts between Nigeria and Niger to tackle border security challenges.
Lamido made the call when he received the governor of Danmagaram, Alhaji Umar Isiyaka, and that of Maradi, Alhaji Ahmed Sidi in Niger Republic, who paid him a courtesy visit on Monday in Dutse.
The two governors were in the state to grace his inauguration ceremony for the second term.
Lamido stressed the need for the governors of states that share borders to address the security challenges in the border towns.
Kaduna
Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has reiterated his administration’s determination to provide basic amenities to the people as soon as possible.
He made the promise in Kaduna while inspecting the ongoing Malali water project in the metropolis.
Yakowa, who was conducted round the project by its Manager, Malam Kabiru Ahmed, directed the management to furnish his office with details of the project and the level of its performance in water supply to consumers in the metropolis.
He directed the management to supply detailed information of its daily supply coverage and the challenges it faces for immediate attention.
Ahmed had earlier told Yakowa that the water supply was constrained by inadequate power supply, adding that the water works currently supplies only 50 per cent of its installed capacity.
Lagos
An NGO, the International Human Rights Watch has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to take immediate steps to address the issue of violence in some parts of the country.
A statement signed by Mr Eric Guttschuss, the group’s Researcher on Nigeria, stated that the organisation was worried about the many violent happenings in the country.
In the statement, on Monday in Lagos, the group also urged the President to address some human rights problems in the country as well as the “endemic” corruption.
“Post-presidential-election riots and sectarian killings in April left more than 800 people dead in northern Nigeria, while inter-communal, political and sectarian violence have claimed more than 15,700 lives since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
“The ruling elite squandered and siphoned the nation’s tremendous oil revenues, while neglecting basic health and education services for the vast majority of ordinary citizens.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has promised to review the salaries of traditional rulers to boost their morale.
Aliyu gave the assurance in Minna while receiving the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
According to him, the traditional rulers deserve an enhanced salary package.
Aliyu said the government had set up a committee to look into the demand for the upward review of the salaries for traditional rulers, including the district and village heads.
The governor noted the important role traditional rulers played in governance.
“The people trust the traditional rulers more than politicians. Even if we give directives, the people go for validation by them,” he said.
Aliyu said that government would strengthen the traditional institutions so that the government could benefit from their influence in implementing policies and programmes.
Plateau
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) says it requires at least N70 billion to fix the nation’s roads.
Mr Ifeanyi Nweke, FERMA Maintenance Engineer in Plateau, told newsmen in Jos on Monday that the nation’s roads were in bad state and required urgent attention.
“There is so much work to be done, but the funds are lacking,’’ Nweke said, adding that the N70 billion figure was arrived at after a careful study.
He said that the agency was working hard to ascertain the causes of the failure of the roads so as to minimise the incidence.
“Preliminary findings blame the situation on the quantum of loads that ply the roads on a daily basis. “Our roads are constructed to carry loads not above 42 tonnes, but the failure of our rail system has given us no other option,’’ he said.
Other factors responsible for the sad state of the roads, he said, included the fact that the roads were constructed a long time ago.
Sokoto
Sokoto government has trained more than 30,000 youths in various vocational trades in the past three years, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, the Commissioner for Youths, Social Welfare and Sports has said.
Aliyu disclosed this in Sokoto on Sunday at an occasion to commemorate Governor Aliyu Wamakko’s three years in office.
He said that some of the youths were now gainfully employed, while others, who are now self-reliant, had become employers of labour.
Aliyu said the 30,000 youths were trained in various vocations, including ICT, agriculture and other skills.
In addition, he said the youths were given working tools and take-off grants free on graduation, to assist them in establishing their own businesses.
“The youths should, however, reciprocate this noble gesture by being law abiding and patriotic because without peace, there will be no meaningful socio-economic development,’’ he said.
Zamfara
The Zurmi Emirate Council in Zamfara state has announced the withdrawal of traditional titles from six eminent members.
A statement by the Secretary of the council, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, listed Col Bala Mande (rtd), a former military Governor of Nassarawa State and one time Minister of Environment, among the personalities affected.
Mande, who contested for the Governorship position under the PDP in 1999 but lost to Ahmad Sani Yarima, was the state coordinator of President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign.
Until the development, Mande held the title of Chiroman Zurmi, a title traditionally reserved for heirs to the throne.
Other prominent personalities affected included Alhaji Aliyu Na-Allah, the Chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, who held the title of Walin Zurmi and hitherto Baraden Zurmi; Alhaji Isyaku Mohammed, the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
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