Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
The NNPC has reiterated its commitment to the development of a functional education that would drive the development of the petroleum sector and the country.
The Group Managing Director (GMD), Mr Austen Oniwon, stated this in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the 9th NNPC National Quiz Competition for secondary school students.
Oniwon, who was represented by the Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Dr Levi Ajuonuma said the quiz was part of NNPC’s contribution to the development of students’ intellectual capacity
“We are convinced that allowing students to test their academic ability through a well organised and highly competitive quiz like this would stimulate the needed competition in our education system,’’ he said.
Bauchi
The Muslim community in Bauchi converged at the Muslim graveyard to clean the surroundings in order to derive the benefits of Ramadan.
Top government officials, civil servants, businessmen, uniformed and non-uniformed voluntary organisations and other residents of the metropolis were among those who took part in the exercise.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, who lead the exercise expressed satisfaction with the level of turnout of the people and called on Muslims in the state to maintain the tempo.
Adamu pointed out that the cleaning of a grave was part of the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, adding, “ even if not for this reason one may not like his grave to be in a dirty environment,“ he said.
Gombe
The Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gombe chapter, has suggested the recruitment of products of the Nomadic Education Programme as teachers in their former schools.
Malam Aliyu Abare, the Secretary of the association, made the suggestion while speaking with newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday.
Abare said that such a measure would encourage other animal rearers to enrol their wards in the nomadic schools.
“Some of the products of the Nomadic Education programme were able to graduate from their primary schools, attend secondary schools and make it up to National Certificate of Education level.
“Unfortunately, they could not secure teaching job and this development has frustrated them and sent wrong signal to other rearers, who now have the impression that attending the school is a wasted effort.
Ibadan
An Islamic Scholar and University of Ilorin Lecturer, Dr Ibraheem Abikan, has disclosed that Islamic banking was first licenced in the South-West zone in 1963.
Abikan made the disclosure on Monday, in Ibadan, while delivering the 13th Ramadan Lecture entitled, “Viability of Islamic Banking in Nigeria, Issues, Challenges and Prospects”.
The event was organised by the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Oyo State branch.
He said that the bank was then known as “Muslim Bank of West Africa“ and was licenced under the regulatory body of the financial institution of the era.
The lecturer explained that the licence was later withdrawn by the authorities of the then Western region barely after four years of operation.
Ijebu-Ode
Secondary school mathematics teachers have attributed the failure in the subject among students to the lack of concentration and laziness.
A cross-section of the teachers told newsmen (NAN) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, on Tuesday that until the students braced themselves and stopped their lazy attitude, their poor performance in the subject might persist.
The teachers expressed concern over the yearly poor performance of students in the subject in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), saying that teachers had been doing their best to encourage the students.
They appealed to parents to also encourage their children by providing the necessary textbooks needed for the subject and also supervise them to work out the subject after school hours.
Mr Akindele Ademola, a mathematics teacher at the Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, described mathematics as a dynamic subject that needed “absolute concentration”.
Jos
Brig.-Gen Muraina Raji, former Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Special Court Martial over the escape of two detainees from the Brigade’s detention facilities.
The Tide gathered that the detainees were suspected to be members of the Boko Haram who were arrested over an onslaught on Bauchi late 2010.
Inaugurating the six-member panel in Jos, the GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Maj.-Gen Sunday Idoko, said that Raji was indicted for complicity by a military investigation report.
“It is the duty of superiors to observe, correct and instantly deal with negligence or any misconduct on the part of subordinates.
“When there is any breach, it is expected that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken by commanders to forestall future occurrence.”
Katsina
Residents of Gora and Yammama villages in the Malumfashi local government area of Katsina State have called for urgent government action to stop the erosion destroying a bridge on the Funtua-Kano road.
Alhaji Sagir Sani, the Village Head of Gora, made the call on Tuesday, on behalf of both communities while inspecting the bridge along with Alhaji Lawal Dalhatu, the Acting Chairman of Malumfashi local government.
Sani said the bridge linked the two communities and it was being used by travellers from neighbouring states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi, as well as people from the southern part of Katsina State going to Kano State.
He said the road was vital to the socio-economic activities of the diverse people, noting that, “its total collapse will surely affect people’s lives.”
Kebbi
The Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area in Kebbi has earmarked N15 million for the feeding of the less privileged during the Ramadan “in the spirit of brotherhood”.
The Sole Administrator, Alhaji Musa Dan-Illela, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that N1 million would be spent in the programme in each of the 15 electoral wards.
He said a committee had been established in each of the wards to monitor the full implementation of the programme, stressing that whoever diverted the money would be punished.
He said an estimated 3,000 people were expected to benefit from the programme as feeding would be done at designated points in the ward throughout the Ramadan.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Environment Protection Agency (KEPA) has said that the provision of waste baskets is now compulsory for commercial vehicle operators in the state.
The KEPA General Manager, Alhaji Aminu Sani, told our correspondent in Kaduna on Tuesday that the policy was to discourage commuters from throwing waste from vehicle windows.
Sani said that the baskets would also check the indiscriminate throwing of polythene bags, especially sachets used in packaging water popularly known as pure water.
He said that the agency had discovered that polythene was one of the major materials that block the drains and obstructed the free flow of water from channels.
The general manager said that the state government had already engaged a consultant that would commence the waste baskets installation programme.
Lafia
The Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has announced the fares for the 2011 pilgrimage, saying the minimum is N525,000 and the maximum N626,000, for male pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lafia, said the medium hajj seat for the year would go for N559,000.
He said all female pilgrims would be required to pay an additional N1,250 as the cost for their hijabs (veils) and printing of the state emblem on the veils.
He said all intending pilgrims were expected to complete the payments of their fares before August. 29, adding that the screening of all its intending pilgrims would commence immediately after Ramadan.
Lokoja
The Kogi Government has completed 35 electrification projects and sunk 150 boreholes in some rural areas of the state.
The Director-General, Directorate of Rural Development (DRD), Dr Paul Attah, who made the announcement on Tuesday in Lokoja, said that more than 100 kilometres of roads were also opened up to ease movement to and from rural areas to the cities.
He told news men that the directorate also constructed six culverts and a bridge, adding that the projects, which cut across the 21 local government areas of the state, were executed between 2007 and 2010.
Attah said the directorate had also installed transformers in Lokoja, Kabba and Idah on the directive of the state government.
He added that many rural communities in the state had been clamouring for the attention of the directorate for the provision of facilities, but that the organisation could not meet their demands due to limited resources.
Sokoto
Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu, Chairman, Shagari Local Government in Sokoto State, on Tuesday, directed councillors to submit lists of projects demanded by their constituencies for immediate implementation.
Maigwandu told journalists in Sokoto that, only projects with direct bearing on the lives of the people would, however, be implemented.
He said the local administration would transform the socio-economic and political status of the area through the execution of laudable projects.
Maigwandu, who was re-elected chairman of the council, said that education, health care services, water supply, roads construction and agriculture remained one of the cardinal objectives of the administration.
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