Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Dass Local Government in Bauchi State has released N1.9 million as scholarship for students undergoing studies in various institutions of higher learning within and outside the country.
The chairman of the council, Malam Ado Maigoro, told newsmen in Dass that the money would assist indigent final year students of the council to complete their studies.
He said students studying degree programmes would be paid N10, 000 each as allowances for their thesis while those undergoing HND and NCE programmes would be given N5, 000 each.
Maigoro added that some of the final year students studying Engineering, Medicines and Law would be paid N50, 000 each.
The chairman also said that the council had purchased JAMB forms for students in the area that sat recently for the examination.
FCT
A PDP presidential aspirant in the April elections, Mrs Sarah Jibril, recently urged President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint more women in his cabinet.
Jibril, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said the legislature at the state level had set the pace with the election of speakers and deputy speakers.
According to her, the challenge was now with the executive arm of government to ensure that women were given the chance to contribute to the development of the nation.
The former aspirant noted that Nigeria as a signatory to several international conventions on good governance had no excuse not to carry its womenfolk along.
She said that she contested for the position of president because she believed in actualising the cause of Nigerian women.
The politician maintained that Nigerian women had contributed considerably to the development of the country, adding that more than 50 per cent of the votes that brought politicians into the various positions came from women.
Kano
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, has pledged to improve library services to enhance the educational development of the people.
Kwankwaso made the pledge when he paid an unscheduled visit to the state-owned Murtala Muhammed Library.
“Libraries are veritable sources of knowledge for our students in particular and for our people generally; we will do our best to develop them,” he said.
He specifically promised to complete the projects which had been abandoned at the complex in order to avail them to the general public.
The governor directed the director of the state’s library board to liaise with the vice-chancellor of the state-owned university of science and technology in Wudil to examine how the institution could benefit from the library.
Kwara
Kwara State Muslims’ Pilgrim Welfare Board has warned its co-ordinators at the Local Government Councils against airlift of pregnant women, under-aged and over-aged pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslims’ Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajia Fatimah Jimoh, gave the warning at a parley with the State’s Local Government Hajj Co-ordinators on Saturday in Ilorin.
According to her, the Saudi Arabian authority has vowed to severely sanction any state that violates its rules or airlifts pregnant women and under-aged or over-aged pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary explained that the Saudi Arabian authority had ruled that for every absconder in any state, 10 seats would be deducted from the allotted slots of the state.
She pointed out that the state was ready to ensure a successful Hajj operation this year by eliminating every hitch and unethical practices.
Jimoh further said that preparation for this year’s Hajj and Umrah were in top gear, noting that the welfare of the Pilgrims would be improved upon to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Kebbi
The Bright Capacity Initiative for Rural Community Enhancement, an NGO, has donated 20 computers to the Gwandu Local Government Development Centre in Kebbi State for training.
Presenting the computers and accessories in Gwandu recently, the NGO Board Chairperson, Dr. Aisha Adamu, said it was aimed at training people who lacked access to credit facilities.
She said that the group had trained 2,000 family members since its inception in 2006.
“To create for them the enabling environment for economic independence, reduce poverty and support assets creation management”.
Adamu said the group was in partnership with SMEDAN for building the capacity of rural dwellers, stressing that an endowment fund would be raised to support operational cost of the centre.
Kogi
The new chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lokoja branch, Mr Mohammed Musa, has called for the establishment of a Court of Appeal Division in Kogi.
In his post-inaugural speech after his election on Friday in Lokoja, Musa said absence of the court in the state was working against the interest of litigants.
Musa, who promised to be diligent, transparent and honest in his new assignment, also pledged that his team would complete the on-going NBA secretariat project .
The new NBA leadership, he said, would liaise with the Judiciary to build a warehouse for safe-keeping of goods seized from litigants.
In the election which took place at Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court 1, Musa polled 72 votes while his opponent, Chief Moses Enwere got 16.
Mr Osas Erhabor, the 2nd Vice President of the NBA who monitored the election, urged the two contestants to the chairmanship position to exhibit maturity over the outcome of the election.
Lagos
Mr Sijibomi Olusanya, the Acting Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, on Saturday said that the World Bank’s 250,000-dollar-grant to the institution would be used to facilitate ICT-based learning.
He said this in Lagos, while speaking at a forum organised to sensitise the staff and students of the college of the need to embrace the Science and Technology Education Post Basic (STEP B) project
He said that the project targeted only science and technology-related educational institutions, senior secondary schools, polytechnics, colleges of education and universities, as well as research institutes.
Olusanya said that the primary objective of the project was to improve the quality and relevance of science and technology education, while enhancing the development of positive attitudes and values in ICT practitioners.
He said that with the grant, the college would now join the league of educational institutions and research organisations that had benefited from the immense opportunities provided by the project.
Olusanya said that modern teaching and learning could only be meaningful and purposeful, if they were ICT-based.
He said that the STEB B project was a planned effort of the Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, to adopt modern approaches to educational processes.
Niger
The Governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida-Aliyu, has identified disunity among the Nupes as bane of development of Nupe land.
Babangida-Aliyu made the observation on Saturday as a quest speaker at a lecture entitled: “Democracy and the Development of Nupe Land,’’ as part of activities to mark the 3rd Nupe Day festival.
He noted that the Nupes as an ethnic nationality had produced prominent Nigerians who had contributed numerously to the development of the country.
The governor, who was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Musa-Ibeto, said that lack of unity among the Nupes had retarded the progress and development of the people and the land as a political entity.
Babangida-Aliyu also commended the effort of the Etsu Nupe for bringing together all the people of Nupe extraction for the purpose of assisting one another.
Plateau
Ten years after it was established, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency is still fighting for the enabling law to function effectively, according to its Executive Secretary, Alhassan Barde.
Barde told newsmen in Jos on Sunday that the absence of such statutory recognition was hindering the efficiency of the body hurriedly put together to coordinate emergency activities during the 2001 Plateau crisis.
“We should also be able to link up with other stakeholders and reach out to sister agencies to work out ways to coordinate the proactive measures. But we just cannot do these without legal backing. We cannot move if we are not recognised by law,’’ Barde said.
According to him, a bill for the establishment of SEMA passed the first reading in the Plateau House of Assembly last year, but was abandoned during the second reading when it was pointed out that it should actually originate from the executive arm of government.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State wing of the NLC has condemned the demand by state governors that petroleum subsidy be removed to enable them to implement the new N18,000 minimum wage.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum had recently set the removal of the petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government as one of the pre-conditions for the implementation of the minimum wage.
Ahaji Abubakar Tambuwal, the Auditor of the congress in the state, told our correspondent that the call for removal of subsidy would visit untold hardships on the people.
Tambuwal, who is also the state’s Chairman of the Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria, said the withdrawal of the subsidy would pitch civil servants against others who are not.
Rather, he said, the governors should look for other means of improving on their internally general revenue to be able to implement the new minimum wage.
Zamfara
Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara on Saturday in Gusau inaugurated a committee to review the dethronement of the Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Muhammad Sani.
The committee, which was given one week to complete its assignment, is headed by a former Assistant Controller General of Prisons, Alhaji Muhammad Jekada.
Sani, who is the elder brother of the former governor of Zamfara, Sen. Ahmad Yarima, was removed last year in the heat of the political rivalry between Yarima and the then governor, Mahmuda Shinkafi.
Shinkafi’s second term bid was, however, truncated by an ANPP opposition led by Yarima which won the April 26 gubernatorial election.
Inaugurating the committee, Yari said the review of the emir’s removal was a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to correct all wrongs irrespective of political leanings.
Yari, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, said the committee had the mandate to verify the insinuation that the removal was politically motivated.
He advised the committee to make wide consultations and listen to variety of opinions so as to be guided by the truth in handling its assignment.
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