Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Government plans to set up a communication hotline linking the office of the governor with traditional rulers and their communities to effectively combat violent crimes across the state.
Gov. Murtala Nyako unveiled the plan when he addressed traditional rulers who paid him Sallah homage at Government House, Yola.
Nyako said the hotline would also link first class traditional rulers with their district and ward heads so that any security threat could be reported immediately for prompt action.
He said that a hotline already existed between him and heads of security agencies in the state, noting that the hotline helped in frustrating the bandits who attacked banks and police stations in Gombi town last week in their attempt to rob the banks.
Bornu
Alhaji Sa’idu Pindar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the April general elections in Borno State, has died.
Pindar died in an auto crash on the Kano-Abuja expressway on Wednesday, family members said.
Malam Ibrahim Biu, a relative of the deceased, said in Maiduguri on Thursday that the politician died on his way to Abuja for an engagement.
Pindar, a one-time Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, was the running mate of Alhaji Mohammed Goni, the PDP governorship candidate in the state.
Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno described Pindar’s death as ‘’shocking and a great loss to the state’’.
Gombe
The Gombe State NLC is to commence strike on Thursday following its inability to reach agreements with the government on the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage.
This is contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) of NLC on Wednesday in Gombe.
The communique was signed by its chairman, Mr Ahmed Maisaka. According to the document, the council deliberated on the directive of the National Executive Council to proceed on an indefinite strike September 1, if an agreement is not reached on or before August 31.
The statement which expressed labour’s dismay on the inability of the state government to reach an amicable resolution on the minimum wage, stated that there was no going back on its action.
Kano
Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, senior counselor at Kano Emirate, has given the assurance that the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, will carry out all the Eid-el-Fitri durbar celebrations as is usually done.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sanusi, who is the “Wambai of Kano’’, urged the people to attend all the durbar celebration which usually lasts for three consecutive days.
He explained that the only amendment to the Durbar celebration’s calendar was the emir’s visit to the Government House which normally took place on the third day of the celebration.
The amendment, according to him, is that instead of the emir to visit the Government House, the governor would now pay a visit to the emir to congratulate him for the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
Katsina
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, on Wednesday in Katsina, said that attacks on traditional and political leaders as being experienced in the country was not Islamic.
Kabir, who paid a traditional sallah homage to the Gov. Ibrahim Shema, said “attack on traditional and political leaders in some parts of the country after the last presidential polls was unIslamic and condemnable “.
He noted that politics was all about opinion which provided every one the right to choose, and urged youths in the country not to go on rampage because of elections.
The emir also condemned the act of rumour mongering which according him, was one of the causes of violence.
He noted that the door of his emirate council was open for people to offer useful advice rather than castigating leaders and spreading rumours which could lead to political violence.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has earmarked N155.6 million for the establishment of an onion processing factory in Aliero.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Sani Kanya, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday that the factory would process raw onions into bottles and tin containers.
He said the idea was to preserve onions for a longer period of time and reduce the loss suffered by onion producers, especially when there was no market for the commodity.
Kanya said the factory would also help in encouraging farmers to produce the commodity in higher commercial quantity.
He added that the factory would employ 65 workers in addition to some experts who would be deployed from the state ministry of agriculture.
Kwara
The Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP) has hailed the federal government’s intervention in the agriculture sector, saying that it is yielding positive results.
Mr. Sunday Atanda, the Managing Director of the agency, made the observation while speaking in Ilorin on Thursday.
Atanda noted that the government’s investment in the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) had catapulted Nigeria to become the world’s number one cassava producer, with about 42 million tonnes annually.
Acoording to him, the investment provides employment to rural dwellers and ensures food security.
Nasarawa
Gov. Umaru Al-makura of Nasarawa said on Thursday that his administration had no plan to retrench workers in view of the implementation of the new national minimum wage as was being speculated.
Al-makura stated this in Lafia while playing host to the leadership of organised labour in the state who paid him a Sallah homage.
He assured workers that efforts would be intensified toward improving their welfare, adding that “the N18,900 minimum wage is only a tip of the iceberg.”
Al-makura stressed the need to strengthen the existing relationship between the state government and the NLC and called on labour leaders to ensure that workers reciprocate government gesture through efficient service delivery.
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