Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Nigeria should exceed its current level of 230,000 tonnes
of sesame seed production yearly to enhance foreign exchange earnings, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has said.
Ortom stated this in Makurdi last Saturday at the launch of “Increasing Sesame Seed Production for Export”.
The event was organised by the Nigerian Export Production Council (NEPC).
“This programme I believe would elevate Nigeria’s production figure from 230,000 metric tonnes per annum and also increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
“Besides, the programme will equally create employment opportunities for our people and raise income of farmers, producers and marketers,’’ he said.
Borno
A policeman was killed on the spot and others wounded, when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a residence last Friday in Bolori, Maiduguri.
An eye witness told newsmen in Maiduguri last Saturday that the attack took place around 5 p.m.
The victims – three policemen and a civilian were said to be watching a television programme when the gunmen broke into the sitting room and shot them.
“Unfortunately one of the policemen died instantly while the rest were rushed to the hospital for treatment,’’ Mr Joseph Sale, a neighbour said.
Mr. Simeon Midenda the Borno State Police Commissioner confirmed the story and added that the killers escaped after the attack.
Jos
Kerosene scarcity still persists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, weeks after the Federal Government’s promise to make the product available to consumers at the approved pump price of N50 per litre.
An investigation by our correspondent revealed that most filling stations were still without the product, a situation that made consumers to be at the mercy of the “black marketeers.”
The surface tank sellers of the product were now selling a litre of the product at between N130 and N150.
The few filling stations with the product preferred to sell to the “black marketeers,” who paid more than the normal pump price.
At the NNPC Mega Station, Jos, several people were seen waiting on long queues, only to be told later that the product was unavailable.
Kano
Beneficiaries of the Ramadan Free Feeding Programme in Kano have implored wealthy individuals to sustain the programme.
Malam Habu Sa’idu, a beneficiary at the ‘Yan lemo area in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, told newsmen that only a sizeable number of destitute persons could benefit from the programme.
He lauded the manner in which food items were distributed to the needy but appealed to wealthy individuals to complement government’s efforts.
Idris Bala, a teenager who said he depended solely on the free feeding to break his fast, noted that if the government withdrew the programme, people like him would starve.
Bala stressed the need for wealthy persons to share their wealth during the Ramadan period as their reward would come from God.
Katsina
A retired President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir, has urged Nigerians to stop the habit of abusing their leaders but rather pray for them for the good of the country.
Nasir, the Galadima Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi, made the appeal last Saturday in Katsina, at the launching of a book entitled: “Promises Fulfilled”, an Account of Gov. Ibrahim Shema’s 1st Term in Office.
He said that offering prayers for their leaders rather than cursing or abusing them would engender positive divine assistance for the leaders from God by touching them to do good always.
According to him, cursing the leaders by the led would only spell doom for the country, hence the need for Nigerians to desist from such acts.
The legal luminary also called for continued prayers for peace, unity and progress in the country.
Kebbi
The PDP in Kebbi has alleged that the State, National and State Assembly Election Tribunal has compromised in the adjudication of petitions against the party.
The allegation was contained in an 11-page petition signed by the Chairman of the party and addressed to the President of the Court of Appeal. The petition was made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
Reports says that the tribunal has passed judgement against the PDP in favour of the CPC in the Kebbi Central Senatorial seat and the Koko/Besse Constituency petitions.
The PDP has subsequently, protested the development.
The petition signed by the PDP Chairman, expressed total lack of confidence in the ability of the tribunal members to adjudicate on the petitions.
Lagos
A human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, has told accountants to tackle the endemic corruption in Nigeria.
Falana made the call at the investiture of the 10th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Lagos last Saturday.
According to him, accountants should show concern on the sale of public enterprises at give-away prices.
“As at now, 122 enterprises were sold in our country at $100 billion, the same amount the government used to establish the companies.
He said that Nigerians should demonstrate more than passing interests as to how sales of such public enterprises were done.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State last Saturday directed the management of the Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, to discontinue its Pre-National Diploma courses in 2013.
He said that since the courses were not recognised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) the certificates would lead to certificate confusion.
Aliyu gave the directive during an interactive session with staff and students of the institution at the main campus in Zungeru.
“Pre-ND courses will be phased out in the next two years, that is in 2013 and there will be no more admission into Pre- ND,” he said.
Ondo
The Jagboju of Irele Kingdom in Ondo, High Chief Adeolu Aroloye, has called for an improved standard of living for teachers nationwide.
Aroloye told newsmen at Irele, Ondo State, that improving teachers’ standard of living would help in national development.
He said that “in spite of the enormous and frivolous allocations enjoyed by politicians, government has failed to realise that teachers also deserve a part of the national cake.”
Aroloye added that teachers at the local government level should be seen as equal to teachers at the Federal Government level.
“Teachers in primary schools with the required qualification should be allowed to enjoy what their counterparts in secondary schools with same qualification enjoy, as they are both seen as professional teachers,” he said.
Osogbo
Intra-city taxi and minibus drivers in Osogbo are now lamenting low patronage, due to the ongoing strike by workers in the state.
A cross-section of the drivers who spoke with our correspondent in Osogbo last Friday, expressed their concern over the two-week old strike.
The United chairman, Oke-Fia Minibus Association, Mr. Kamil Adewale, said the strike had drastically reduced the number of commuters patronising them, describing Osogbo, the state capital, as a civil-servants town.
“Since Monday, August 8, when the strike became effective, majority of the workers have traveled, even those who have permanent abode in Osogbo stay indoors.
“No driver can boast of daily delivery of N1,000 now unlike the past when you can make up to N2,500,” he said.
Taraba
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has advocated for a shift from cassava policy to a law that would compel the usage of 40 per cent cassava content and 60 per cent wheat flour in confectioneries.
Adesina said this in Jalingo while inspecting the Taraba State-owned Cassava Processing Plant in company of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Bert Ronhaar and Mr. Scott Wallace, the Country Representative of the International Centre for Soil fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC).
He decried the current situation whereby Nigeria imports N635 billion worth of wheat annually whereas it is the world’s largest cassava producer with about 45 million tonnes annually.
He stressed the need to give adequate attention to cassava production, noting that the produce is in high demand globally, as it is used in the manufacture of glucose, ethanol, starch and animal feeds, among others.
The minister commended the Taraba Government for establishing the plant and urged it to encourage the use of more mobile cassava processing plants, capable of moving into the rural areas.
Yola
The Adamawa government says it has earmarked N50 million for free medical care to accident victims, pregnant women and children across the state.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr Lawan Hamid, made this known last Saturday in an interview with newsmen, in Yola.
Lawal said that the amount was an improvement on the N20 million monthly allocations for the programme in the past three years.
He explained that the increment from N20 to N50 million followed the successful implementation of the programme and high demands by people.
“The fund is monthly allocation for free health care programme. It has been increased from N20 million to N50 million following a successful implementation and need for expansion to cover all parts of the state.
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