Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
As the strike on minimum wage in Adamawa State completes its first week, Action Congress Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate Markus Gundiri, has urged the PDP administration to effect the payment.
Gundiri in a statement signed by his campaign Chief Press Secretary, Mr Edward Wabundani, in Yola, stated that he identified with the civil servants over the issue, which, he said, was a genuine cause.
Gundiri tasked the government “to speedily effect the payment of the N18,000 national minimum wage to enable workers resume work and contribute their quota to the state’s development”.
Gundiri said action of labour for the implementation of the minimum wage was a cause that should be supported by all democratic forces.
FCT
Action Aid (AA), an NGO, has called on the Federal Government to put in place an effective intelligence gathering system to tackle crime.
Mrs. Funmilayo Oyefusi, the NGO’s Head of Human Relations and Organisation, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
She said that although government had made efforts in the past to reduce crime, more needed to be done to sustain the work done.
Oyefusi also called on government to investigate the causes of recent bomb blasts in the country and urged it to provide relief materials for victims of the blasts.
She expressed dismay at the plan by Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia to disengage non-indigenes on its payroll to reduce the burden of implementing the new minimum wage.
Jigawa
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Monday said the Federal Government was committed to improving the education of teachers.
The minister stated this during a reference meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) in Dutse.
She said government would not relent in its efforts at training and retraining of teachers to ensure quality education in the country.
Rufa’i said the ministry was making efforts toward the realisation of the Teachers Housing Scheme, adding that 24 states had agreed to donate land for the scheme.
She said the National Teachers Institute in Kaduna, which had drawn funds from the MDGs Office, trained 140,000 teachers in 2010.
Kano
The Kano State Government, has concluded arrangements to establish a College of Qur’anic and Western education as part of efforts to integrate Islamic studies into eastern education.
Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso announced the plan when a delegation from the University of Medina, Saudi Arabia, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the governor said that the college would admit only students with bias in Islamic religious knowledge and Arabic Language.
He said that the motive was for such students to acquire western education to enable them to propagate the religion beyond the Hausa community.
Kogi
The police in Kogi Statehave arrested two suspects, Ahmodu Garba and Danasabe Muhammed, for being in possession of 166 wraps and four bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
Parading the suspects on Monday in Lokoja on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abakasanga, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Samuel Ojo, said the two men were arrested following a tip-off.
He said the suspects were also members of a gang of criminals operating from their hide-out in Sarkin-Noma area of Lokoja, from where they were arrested with the weeds.
The police also paraded another suspect, Idoko Patrick, who was arrested by the Nigerian Army intelligence operatives for impersonating a State Security Service (SSS) officer and extorting money from his victims.
Lagos
Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, the Chief Medical Director of a children’s hospital in Lagos on Monday said that reduction in child mortality required the collaboration of all the sectors of the economy.
Dosekun made the statement at a Child Resuscitation Seminar in Lagos, organised by the Nigerian Assocation of Science Journalists.
The medical expert said that contributions from all the sectors were necessary to improve the health of Nigerians especially children.
She said that equipment for disease treatment could be provided by philanthropists, corporate organisations and individuals as government alone would not be able to provide adequate healthcare.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), says it has adjourned its sitting indefinitely to allow for the completion and furnishing of the state’s new assembly complex.
The House Committee Chairman on Information, Mr. Baba Ibaku, told newsmen in Lafia that the House adopted a resolution expressing its concern over the slow pace of work on the assembly complex.
Ibaku noted that the assembly had been sitting at the conference room of the Ministry for Local Government and Community Development for almost three years, saying the environment was not conducive for members to effectively carry out their legislative duties.
He said the assembly complex had been completed but was ye to be furnished by the State Government.
Ibaku said that another concern of the assembly that necessitated the indefinite adjournment was the level of insecurity at the temporary chamber.
He recalled an incident last July when some youths believed to be thugs, attacked the venue and smashed windows and doors during one of the assembly’s sittings when the Secretary to the State Government appeared before the House.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Monday commended Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State over his N10 million donation to flood victims, saying it had opened a new chapter in the relationship between the two states.
Ajimobi stated this in Ibadan when he received Yuguda who was in the state to commiserate with the government over the August 26 flood disaster.
The governor, who said the donation would help in giving succour to victims, recalled that Yuguda had identified with Oyo State for long having participated in the NYSC there in 1980.
The governor also expressed gratitude to those who had donated money and other items to assist victims.
Yuguda, in his address, urged the Federal Government to come to the aid of Oyo State in the post-flood reconstruction efforts.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead and the fortitude for bereaved families to bear their loss.
Plateau
An NGO, Global Relief, has donated relief materials worth N8 million to victims of the Jos crises.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Peter Akanimoh, said this on Monday in Jos while addressing newsmen.
Akanimoh said the NGO was supported by international organisations like the Serving In Mission (SIM) and Scripture Union (SU).
He also said the NGO had worked with the Red Cross Society, NEMA and other organisations in bringing succour to the more than 80,000 displaced people in various camps in Bukuru and Jos.
Akanimoh condemned the violent attacks launched against innocent people in the state and urged the aggrieved parties to embrace dialogue to restore peace.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government is to spend N300 million to construct a medical library at the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, the Governor, Aliyu Wamakko announced on Monday in Sokoto.
Speaking at the opening of the third international workshop on Reconstructive Surgery of the Lower Urinary and Genital Tracks, the governor said the state government would continue to explore critical areas that require urgent attention, as part of efforts to provide quality medical facilities for its people.
“Our sustained support is hinged on the belief that the health sector is far too critical to be left in the hands of one key player,” he said.
Wamakko, said government would ensure the development of the complex to a world standard, while appreciating Federal Government’s assistance to the hospital.
Taraba
Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba has challenged the Governing Council of the state University, Jalingo to develop a strategy that will guarantee high standard of academic excellence.
He gave the challenge on Monday in Jalingo at the inauguration of the council, where he promised to give the members free hand to run the university.
Prof. Monday Mangvwat, a two-term former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, is Chairman of the council.
Suntai urged the council to scout for competent hands to run the institution, stressing that government wanted nothing short of a standard university.
“You can even bring in a Ghanaian or anybody anywhere across the globe to handle the university in any capacity.”
Yobe
The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), has trained more than 1,500 primary and junior secondary schools teachers in English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Social Studies in Yobe.
The training took place in four NTI centres in Damaturu, Potiskum, Gashua and Gaidam with emphasis on teaching methods in the core subjects.
Speaking to newsmen after the closing ceremony of the event on Monday in Damaturu, the Executive Chairman of the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Abba Gadaka, said the programme would ensure quality education especially at the basic level.
“Incidentally, the Gaidam administration has made quality education a top priority in the state,” he said.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB), has discovered “ghost workers” in the company, advising education secretaries in the state to remove the names of the ghost workers from their pay rolls or be sacked.
The board’s Executive Chairman, Alhaji Murtala Jangebe, made the disclosure in Gusau while addressing the 14 local government education secretaries and other education officers of the board.
Jangebe said that the board had constituted a verification committee to trace genuine primary school teachers across 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