Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The 26 member Ekiti State House of Assembly last week unanimously passed the state’s Freedom of Information (FOI) and three other bills.
The passage of the bill, sponsored by Governor Kayode Fayemi, makes Ekiti the first state to pass an FOI bill.
The lawmakers also passed the “Ekiti State Bonds, Votes and Securiteis bill 2011” and Ekiti State Transport and Special Projects Bill 2011.
Also passed was the Ekiti State Local Government Adminstration Amended Bill 2011.
Debating the merit of the FOI bill, many members of the assembly commended the governor’s courage in personally championing the cause of the bill.
They said the fact that the governor sponsored and pushed for the passage showed that he was ready to run an open government.
FCT
Dr Idris Omede, the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), says breast-feeding can reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
Omede told newsmen last Friday, in Abuja, that breast feeding could reduce the incidence of breast cancer because of a hormone inside the blood stream.
“Once you have a break in hormonal interplay, the tendency is that the stimulus that would cause breast cancer is a bit suppressed,’’ he said.
He explained that the longer a mother breast feeds, the more her chances of not having breast cancer.
“One that breast feeds for one or one-and-half year has less chances of having cancer than someone that breast feeds for six months,’’ he added.
Gombe
Dr Abubakar Joshua, the epidemiologist in the Gombe State Ministry of Health, says some communities are still rejecting the polio vaccine in spite of the aggressive awareness campaign by the authorities.
He told newsmen in Gombe, last Friday, that some communities had held to their belief that the vaccine could cause infertility.
He named Kuri, Zambuk, Dadinkowa and Doso towns in Yamaltu-Deba local government area as the places where the rate of rejection was high.
Joshua, however, lauded the efforts of traditional rulers, whom he said had shown a lot of commitment in seeing to the success of the polio immunisation.
Kano
A group, the Joint Association of the Physically Challenged, on Saturday, called on the Kano State Government to renovate the three rehabilitation centres in the state.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Ahmed also urged the government to expand the rehabilitation centres located at Mariri, Bela and Tudun Maliki.
“The facilities at the centres are gradually becoming inadequate for our members largely due to the increasing number of inmates as well as shortage of rooms and facilities”.
Lagos
The Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos has spent over N350 million on capital projects in the last three years.
The Chairman of the council, Mr Sabiu Omolaja-Adelaja, told newsmen last Saturday, in Lagos that the sum was spent on the provision of health facilities, education, infrastructure and empowerment of farmers.
He said the council, which generates less than N500,000 as internally generated revenue, would ensure improvement in the socio-economic development of the area.
The council boss, who commended the state government for its financial support, added that investments had been made in youth empowerment, education, health care, infrastructural development, scholarship and rural projects.
Omolaja-Adelaja said that the council has also provided free school uniforms and exercise books to schools in the area in addition to the free primary health care service put in place.
Niger
The Niger Government is to collaborate with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to revive the train service between Minna and Kaduna.
The Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Transport, Malam Umar Bawa, said this last Friday in Minna while speaking to newsmen.
Under the arrangement, he said the train would take off from Minna to Kaduna on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 a.m.
“We have commenced the rail service with a view to identifying the problems on the route and correcting them to ease the transportation needs of our people.
“The state government has released over N100 million to the Nigeria Railway Corporation to enable it revive the local train service to exclusively serve communities on the Minna-Kaduna route,’’ he said.
Osun
Oba Adebukola Alli, Alowa of Ilowa in Osun, standing trial for raping a 23-year-old NYSC member, was on Friday remanded in prison custody.
When the case came up at an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court, the lead defence counsel, Mr Victor Opara, sought for the vacation of an earlier order of June 24, which placed his client on house arrest.
Opara argued that the court’s order that a government doctor should attend to the monarch at his palace had not been complied with as no doctor came to treat him.
He expressed fear that the life of the traditional ruler might be in danger in view of his poor health condition.
Oyo
No fewer than 28 officers and 267 men of the 2 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, last Saturday participated in a sanitation exercise to mark the Army Week.
The Division’s General Officer Commanding (GOC) , Maj.- Gen. Muhammed Abubakar, said the exercise was aimed at sensitising residents on the need to maintain a clean environment.
Represented by Col Thomas Eze, the Garrison Commander, Abubakar said the army had over the years enhanced civil-military relations through social interaction and public-oriented projects.
He said the army regarded the civil communities around the barracks as next door neighbours and would continue to maintain cordial relationship with them.
The GOC, who said this year’s celebration was significant because it had various sporting events for youths, added that this was a reassurance that there was a future for the country.
Plateau
Mr Jacob Wongdem, the Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State Ministry of Health, has announced the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the state.
Wongdem, who earlier denied the outbreak of the disease, told newsmen in Jos last Thursday that it had killed 10 people.
He added that 370 people had also been infected by the disease, reported in Jos South, Jos North, Mangu, Shendam, Barkin Ladi and Pankshin local government areas.
“It is a bad situation, but the ministry is already doing everything to control and stem the ailment”, the permanent secretary said.
He attributed the outbreak to poor sanitary conditions and the consumption of contaminated fruits and unwashed vegetables.
“The state government is worried that lives have been lost in the unfortunate cholera outbreak. We have dispatched surveillance teams to every nook and cranny of the state to contain the outbreak”.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Governemnt said on Friday that it had purchased 14,000 tonnes of fertilizers worth about N1.5 billion for this year’s farming season.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Jabbi Kilgore, told newsmen in Sokoto that already, various committees had been inaugurated to ensure smooth sale of the product to deserving farmers.
He said that 9,000 tonnes of NPK brand would be sold at N1,800 per bag while 5,000 tonnes of UREA would be sold to farmers at N1,700 per bag.
He explained that the secretaries of the 23 local government of the state would serve as chairmen of the distribution committees in their various areas.
Kilgore explained that effective measures had been taken to ensure the commodity got to rural farmers.
Yobe
The Yobe Government has engaged the services of 20 consultants for the Damaturu Specialist Hospital.
The state’s deputy governor, Alhaji Abubakar Ali, told newsmen on Saturday in Damaturu, that the consultants were engaged from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
“We engaged consultants in the critical areas of General Surgery, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, reflecting the clinical needs of our people”.
Abubakar said that there would be five consultants in all the medical fields to meet the medical needs of the people.
“Government is worried about the rigours of our people in moving their sick relations to seek medical attention and services in Maiduguri, Gombe and Abuja,’’ he said.
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