Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
No fewer than 1,200 youths in Adamawa have benefited from the Rural Agriculture Development Training Scheme (RADTS) of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in the past five years.
The state NDE Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Nuhu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola yesterday.
Nuhu said that RADTS was among the series of youth empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes introduced by the NDE in 2005.
He explained that under the programme, trainees underwent both theoretical and practical training in their chosen fields of agriculture.
“After theoretical training, we attached trainees to well established farms for their practicals.”
He commended the state government for its support and cooperation with the NDE to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
FCT
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the military to help ensure a freer flow of traffic on FCT highways.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Acting General Secretary of NLC, Mr Owei Lakemfa and made available to newsmen yesterday in Abuja.
While appreciating the fact that the military check points were designed to enhance security in Abuja, the NLC, however, noted that commuters in Abuja were facing very difficult times as a result checks.
“In any case, any potential trouble maker seeing the kilometres of traffic jam as a result of the check points will be alerted to take alternative routes.
It said that the NLC believed that the main ways of defeating violent groups and ensuring security included the use of intelligence and encouraging the populace to come forward with vital information.
Katsina
A 36-years-old man, Sabo Lawal, allegedly committed suicide by hanging in Katsina over the weekend.
An eyewitness told newsmen that Lawal was found hanging in his house at the abattoir area of the town.
According to the eyewitness, Lawal, said to be a drug addict and living along after divorcing his wife some months ago, hanged himself with an electric cable.
It was learned that a note, dated June 30, suspected to have been written by the deceased, was found in the room.
The note urged the entire people of Katsina town and his parents and relations, who reside in Gafai area, to forgive him for his misdeeds.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abubakar Ibrahim, confirmed the incident.
Kebbi
The Governments of Kebbi and Sokoto States are working on measures to prevent the recurrence of 2010 flooding incident.
This was contained in a statement signed by Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
He said in the statement that the state Emergency Management Agency and the Sokoto State Rima River Basin Development Authority were working on the measures.
NAN recalls that the flood waters killed five people, displaced 137,023 people and destroyed seedlings worth N33.4 million in Kebbi State alone.
A total of N828 million was received as donation for the victims of the flooding in Argungu, Gwandu and Yauri emirates.
Lagos
Residents of Alpha and Lekki beaches in Lagos State have renewed calls on the Federal and the Lagos State Governments to remove shipwrecks on the coast.
The residents at a protest rally held on Sunday evening around the beaches, blamed the shipwrecks for the erosion of about 100 metres of the beach area within the last one year.
Placards by the protestors had inscriptions such as “Mr President Save Our Children’’; “Lekki Going, Going, Gone”; “Disasters loom in Lekki’’; “NIMASA, Do your Job’’ and “Fashola Fulfill Your Promise’’.
Chief Yusuf Atewolara, the traditional head (Baale) of Alpha Beach urged both governments to expedite action on the removal of the shipwrecks as they obstruct the receding of ocean surge.
“The beach started to experience erosion and degradation since these shipwrecks were dumped on the coast. Their presence is directing ocean surge towards us and our properties.
Ogun
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(NIPR), Ogun chapter has solicited partnership with the state-owned Tai Solarin University of Education(TASUED), Ijebu-Ode.
This is contained in a statement by the institution’s Public Relation Officer, Mr. Gbenga Omilola, made available to newsmen in Ijebu-Ode, yesterday.
According to the statement, the Chairman of the NIPR, Mr Femi Dokunmu requested for the partnership when he paid a courtesy visit to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Segun Awonusi.
According to Dokunmu, such partnership will bring about professionalism in public relations.
The NIPR boss said that there was the need for the university and the NIPR management to establish and sustain mutual relationship for academic excellence of both the staff and students.
Ondo
An Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court last week sentenced one Segun Adeyemi, 22, to three years in prison for conspiracy, rape, unlawful assault, stealing and breach of the peace.
Adeyemi and one other now at large allegedly committed the crimes on June 23, at about 12 midnight at Erinje Road in Okitipupa in Ondo State.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel Omole, said the suspects also allegedly conspired with others to rape a lady.
He said that they also stole one wrist watch valued N3,500, one gold neck chain worth N18,000 and one Nokia handset valued at N10,000.
Other items stolen were one Samsung handset valued at N12,000 and N25,300 in cash totalling N68,800 all belonging to their victim.
Oyo
The Chairman of Bowen University Visitation Panel, Prof. Ayo Ogunkunle, says the university established about eight years ago by the Baptist Convention of Nigeria (BCN), has done excellently well.
Ogunkunle said this on Wednesday in Ibadan, while presenting the report of the panel to the new General Secretary of the Convention, Dr Supo Ayokunle, at the church headquarters.
He said that the institution was the first private-owned university in the country that had constituted a visitation panel in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) directives.
The Chairman added that with adequate funding and proper management, it would rank among the best university within and outside Nigeria.
Receiving the report, Ayokunle said that the university was established to make a difference, adding that it combined both physical and spiritual education.
Plateau
The Mwaghavul Microfinance Bank in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau has presented six buses to the state chapter of the NURTW.
Mr Simon Arduhur, Managing Director of the bank, said at the bus presentation ceremony in Mangu yesterday that the buses were acquired under the FGN/Urban Development Bank Mass Transit Scheme.
Arduhur said that the buses would help to ease transportation challenges in the area and also help to reduce poverty.
“By giving out these buses, we hope to reduce transportation costs being experienced by commuters,” he said.
Arduhur said that another batch of six buses would be delivered to the union later in the month.
Sokoto
Alhaji Lawal Zayyana, the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, has urged the incoming ministers to assist President Goodluck Jonathan in sustaining his development agenda for the nation.
Zayyana, who spoke with newsmen in Sokoto yesterday, advised the ministers to give priority to the delivery of the badly–needed dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
“The president has good plans for Nigerians which would come to naught if the new ministers are not god-fearing, patriotic and dedicated,’’ he added .
According to Zayyana, the new ministers should accord Nigeria the paramount importance in their minds, not their pockets.
If they (ministers) contribute their quota patriotically and shun their egocentric desires, Nigeria will be a better place to live in generally.
Yobe
Yobe State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abubaka r Ali last Friday in Tarmuwa Local Government Area, inaugurated the free distribution of 12 million treated mosquito nets.
The deputy governor said on the occasion that government was partnering with development agencies to achieve total eradication of malaria by 2015.
He said that the distribution committee under his chairmanship would ensure fair and even distribution of the nets to the people.
“In Yobe, we have intensified efforts to reduce malaria morbidity by 50 per cent by the year 2013. Government has stepped up efforts on both preventive and curative measures on its fight against malaria,” he said.
Abubakar gave an assurance that the government would sustain the free treatment of pregnant women and children below the age of five years in the state.
Dr Isa Adamu, the WHO representative in the state, regretted that 66,000 malaria cases were reported in the state in 2010, adding that the figure represented 40 per cent of child killer disease in Yobe.
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