Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Politicians in Borno, have advised the state government to end the Boko Haram crisis by initiating dialogue with the dreaded sect immediately.
They gave the advice in separate interviews with newsmen in Maiduguri.
“The Borno State Government should announce, through the state media, that it is ready to engage the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna lid Da’awati, popularly called the Boko Haram in a dialogue.
“The announcement will prompt their leaders in hiding to come out for talks, but if they failed to come out, government should engage those standing trial in various prisons,’’ Alhaji Abba Kale, the Chairman of the Borno State Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), said.
Ekiti
A 37-year-old woman, Mrs Mercy Olaiya, has sought the dissolution of her six-years-old marriage with Mr Olatunji Olaiya over frequent extra-marital affairs on their matrimonial bed.
Mercy also told the Ado-Ekiti Customary Court Grade 1 on Thursday, that her husband, who is a farmer, always beat her and neglects his duties to her.
Our correspondent quoted her as saying that their marriage has not been blessed with any child.
“I am tired of my husband sleeping with different women on our matrimonial bed. There have been several occasions when I come back home to see different used condoms scattered all over our bedroom”.
FCT
An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court has sentenced one Lukman Abbas of Kado Estate, Abuja, to six months imprisonment for cheating a taxi driver.
Police Prosecutor Mohammed Ahmed told the court that one Oluwamojo Akinwale reported at the Maitama Police Station that the accused on June 17 ,deceived and hired him at the rate of N1, 200 per hour.
The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to Section 322 of the Penal Code Law.
The accused, who pleaded guilty begged the court for mercy and said he would never commit such an offence again.
The Senior Magistrate, Hauwa Aliyu, said that the jail sentence would serve as a punishment to Akinwale and a warning to others.
She, however, gave the accused an option of N5, 000 fine.
Gombe
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe state chapter, has urged the state government to resuscitate the state fertiliser blending plant.
Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, the National Publicity Secretary of the association, made the call in Gombe in an interview with newsmen.
Magaji said that resuscitating the moribund plant would enable the state to produce enough fertiliser to meet the demand of its farmers.
“It is our wish that the Gombe Fertiliser Blending Plant be resuscitated”.
“Resuscitating the plant will enable the state to produce enough fertiliser to meet the demand of our teeming farming populace”.
“In addition, it will enhance the production of fertiliser that is suitable for our soil and by implication, increase the fertility of our farmland,” he said.
Kaduna
The staff of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, Kaduna State, have been tasked to dedicate themselves to service to ensure productive researches.
The Director-General, Dr Ebenezer Okonkwo, gave the charge in Zaria, while receiving an award from the sports club of the institute.
Okonkwo said it was only through hard work, dedication and commitment to duty that workers in all sectors of the economy could promote national growth and development.
He also urged them to play active roles in nation building through their various offices.
Kano
Alhaji Gambo Danpass, a chieftain of the PDP, has advised the party to accept the emergence of Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the House of Representatives, as an act of God.
Danpass, the Chairman, Publicity Committee of the PDP in Kano State, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
He advised the national leadership of the party to be “cautious” in handling the issue.
Kastina
Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, a large-scale farmer in Faskari local government of Katsina State, has appealed to farmers who benefitted from the loan disbursed by the state government to pay back when due.
Last month, the government distributed tractors and other equipment to large- scale farmers as loan.
Cows and ploughs were also distributed as loan to small and medium-scale farmers in all the 34 local governments of the state.
Abubakar told newsmen in Faskari that the loan would fast-track agricultural activities and boost food production in the state.
Abubakar, who got a tractor as loan, said the facility would enable him to expand his farmland.
He said that other farmers near his farm as well as people from the community would benefit from the use of the tractor.
Kebbi
The Kebbi House of Assembly has begun deliberations to enact a law banning the possession, sale and abuse of drugs used as stimulants.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Alhaji Jafaru Mohammed, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi while addressing a youth forum.
The forum was organised by the state command of the NDLEA to mark the 2011 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
The theme of the forum is, “Global Action for Healthy Communities Without Drugs”.
Mohammed said a first reading of the bill on the control of medicinal drugs had been adopted, stressing that it would soon be passed into law.
Lagos
A Lagos High Court has fixed July 14 for ruling on the no case submission filed by Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha’s counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo.
Al-Mustapha, Rabo Lawal and Lateef Shofolahan are facing criminal trial over their alleged involvement in the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
Justice Mojisola Dada had on May 31 dismissed an application filed by the Lagos State Government to reopen its case against the defendants.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, Ojo argued his written address on a no-case submission in favour of the defendant.
According to him, the prosecution lacked the requisite evidence to support their case and the court is under no obligation to help them establish one.
Niger
A legislator in Niger State, Mr. Jacob Majin-Gana, has appealed to the Federal and Niger State Government to provide farmers with modern farming inputs to farmers to boost food production.
Majin-Gana (PDP), representing Lavun constituency in the state House of Assembly, made the appeal in Bida in an interview with newsmen.
He also stressed the need for the Federal Government to adopt policies to boost food production.
“Adequate provision of farm inputs to farmers will guarantee food security for the nation”.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and mineral resources and governments need not depend on revenue from the sale of crude”.
Osun
Chief Adelowo Adebiyi, the ACN Chairman in Osun, has urged the people of the state to be patient over the delay in the constitution of the State Executive Council.
Adebiyi told newsmen on Thursday, in Osogbo, that Governor Rauf Aregbesola, was determined to appoint only the most qualified persons into his cabinet.
The PDP had criticised Aregbesola for the delay in constituting his cabinet.
Aregbesola on Tuesday, said he was exercising caution in appointing commissioners after the last House of Assembly failed in the bid to impeach him.
Adebiyi expressed concern over the impatience of the PDP on the issue, describing the criticism as a design to distract public attention from the realities on the ground.
Plateau
A gynaecologist, Prof. Patrick Daru, has said that women within the reproductive age who start experiencing sudden, sharp, recurring abdominal pain, may have ovarian cyst.
Daru says ovarian cyst is a growth in the ovary containing some fluids, while the cyst can be psychological or pathological.
“We do not worry about the psychological ovarian cyst, it usually occurs during the woman’s monthly cycle when she releases egg”.
“Sometimes the egg overgrows and becomes a growth on the ovary measuring less than five centimetres in diameter; cyst usually regresses and disappears”.
“The pathological cysts are the ones we should worry about; it becomes pathological when it has nothing to do with the monthly cycle, this cyst usually grows on the ovary and becomes quite large and constitutes a problem,” he explained.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeola Adeniyi, says his command’s anti-bomb squad has been placed on red alert.
Adeniyi told newsmen in Sokoto that the command had also commenced “ stop and search ” patrols across the state.
The police boss said the move was in response to the recent security challenges in the country.
“ This is to nip any unforeseen security problem in the bud to further ensure the security of lives and property”.
“ I had visited the boys out there and warned them against any act of extortion”.
“ I had also warned them against turning the various check points into toll gates,’’ he said.
Zamfara
The Election Petitions Tribunal in Zamfara, has struck out an application for the withdrawal of petition by the PPA governorship candidate, Alhaji Hassan Sarkin-Pawa.
Sarkin-Pawa had filed a petition before the tribunal, challenging the outcome of the April 26 governorship election in the state on the grounds of non-inclusion of his political party’s logo in the ballot. papers.
In a twist to teh proceedings, however, Sarkin-Pawa filed an application seeking to withdraw the petition two days after it ws received by the tribunal.
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