Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Unidentified gunmen have attacked the home of Alhaji Yakubu Lame, former Minister of Police Affairs in the late President Umaru Yar‘Adua’s administration, with explosives.
Lame was said to have travelled to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj at the time of the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Muhammed Barau, said on Monday in Bauchi that it occurred at about 7 p.m. on Sunday.
He said the suspects entered the former minister’s house on a motorcycle, dropped a bomb and ran off.
FCT
Minister of State for Defence Olusola Obada says the ministry and the U.S. Department of Defence are collaborating to establish more research sites on vaccines for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.
Obada disclosed this when she visited the ministry’s Emergency Plan Implementation Committee and Reference Laboratory in Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja.
She said the Federal Government would provide the required programmes that would improve the health of the masses.
Obada said the committee had 20 HIV and AIDS research sites and wanted to build some more depending on availability of funds.
Gombe
The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Mr David Albashi, who survived a fatal accident last Sunday, may be flown abroad for treatment.
A credible source at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe, where he is on admission, said on Monday that Albashi would have been flown abroad last Sunday, but for the fact that he was still under a ventilator, which was removed in the early hours of the day.
Many relatives, supporters, politicians and other public servants have been trooping to the centre to sympathise with him.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has called on the people of the state to continue to live in peace with one another.
Bayero made the call while addressing thousands of Muslim faithfuls who gathered at his palace after the Eid-Fitr prayer in Kano last Tuesday.
He noted that no country could achieve any meaningful development in an atmosphere of chaos and uncertainty, stressing that what the nation needed most at this time was peace.
The Emir who also prayed for continued peace and development in the country, advised his subjects against rumour mongering and engaging in any act capable of breaching the peace.
Kebbi
The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar has called for unity and understanding among Muslims in the country.
Alhaji Bashar, who is also the chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, made the appeal in his Sallah message to thousands of Muslims at the Eid-el Fitr praying ground in Birnin Kebbi.
He pointed out that peaceful coexistence was necessary for the rapid development of the country.
Gwandu emirate in Kebbi celebrated Sallah on Monday following the reported sighting of the moon at Bunza town and some local government areas in the state.
Lagos
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has urged residents of state not to panic against the background of the flood disaster in Ibadan last Friday.
Mr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the General Manager of LASEMA, told newsmen in Ikeja, that the fear expressed by some residents over the incident was unnecessary.
He said that the state government was on the alert and was well equipped to manage any spillover effect from Ibadan.
“Some residents have been expressing fears that what happened in Ibadan is a warning that Lagos might soon experience that kind of disaster, as on July 10.
“They are saying that the Ibadan flooding signals an imminent one in Lagos, especially as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had predicted another heavy rain in the state.
Niger
Former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has urged Nigerians to shun violence and support governments at all levels.
In a Sallah message last Monday in Minna signed by his spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Babangida also urged Nigerians to live within the dictates of the law.
He said the Ramadan fast was a period of total commitment to the will of Allah and offering of supplications to the most high, noting that “this month has been most challenging to us as a country and as a people with one destiny“.
“As we celebrate the completion of the month of Ramadan, I wish to salute all Muslim faithful worldwide for their sense of tolerance, perseverance, understanding and commitment to the ideals of Allah during the period.
Ondo
Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has restated his administration’s commitment to the health needs and general well-being of the citizens.
The governor said this in Akure while declaring open the 2011 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the state chapter of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
“We want a sound mind in a sound body; In pursuance of this, our administration adopted a multi-pronged approach to develop the healthcare delivery system that is comparable to any in the developed world.
“Today, health care delivery has been brought to the doorstep of the people; Each of the 203 wards in the state has a basic health centre while each of the 18 Local Government Areas has at least a comprehensive health centre and a general hospital.
Oyo
The Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has assured the people of Ibadan that the government will find lasting solutions to the problem of flood in the city.
Florence, who was accompanied by the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, gave the assurance while distributing relief materials to some flood victims in Ibadan last Monday.
She said that the government was taking necessary measures to ameliorate the sufferings of victims.
“Our visit today is to reassure the people that the government is on top of the situation.
“Though, the damage is too much, we will get over it with the support of everybody.”
“The state government officials, NEMA, SEMA and all other relevant agencies are working round the clock to ensure that we find lasting solution to the incident urgently,“ she said.
Plateau
As calm returns to Jos after Monday’s violence that claimed 10 lives, security has been beefed up in and around the city.
Our correspondent who went round some parts of the city last Tuesday, observed that fierce-looking personnel of the military Special Task Force (STF) were stationed in areas considered as flash points.
Mobile policemen were also in many other flash points while mobile vans coveying armed soldiers, policemen and officers of the local security outfit, “Operation Rainbow’’ were patrolling the city.
Encouraged by the tight security, residents appeared to move about freely, though many kept hoping that the peace in the morning would last throughout the day.
Sokoto
Friday’s explosion at the UN Secretariat in Abuja is an abominable act in Islam, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan, according to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The Sultan said this in Sokoto last Tuesday in his Sallah message to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
“We, therefore, seriously condemn this act while commiserating with those who lost their property and condoling the families of those who lost their lives.
“We hereby call on the Muslims not to allow themselves to be used by our enemies in achieving their desired goals.
“We should not allow them to cause us to commit acts prohibited by our religion. We, therefore, call upon all those involved in this nefarious act, to fear God and desist from committing this grievous act,” he added.
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