Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Federal Government is to tackle poverty in the North East and North West geopolitical zones through agriculture by releasing a new variety of high-breed sorghum that will increase the yield of farmers in the regions.
Dr Adewumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, made this known on Friday, while speaking with journalists in Yola. He said that the high-breed sorghum variety, which would be released next year, would increase sorghum yield per hectare for farmers in the regions from 0.5 tonne to 2.5 tonnes, reflecting a 500 per cent increase.
The minister stressed the sorghum cultivation’s transformation project would generate more earnings for farmers in the regions, while enabling the government to utilise the surplus soghum yield for beverages’ production and its school feeding programme, among others.
FCT
More than three million Naira was realised at the launch of three books on wealth creation written by renowned personal finance coach and motivational speaker, Tayo Ayinla. The books are Building Lasting Wealth, Wealth Capsules and The Pathway to Wealth. Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Dr Jerry Agada, a former Minister of Education and Chairman of the occasion, described the publications as a creative work. The former minister who is the current President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), said the books would impact on the lives of Nigerians in the area of personal finance. Agada also said the books were a collection of non-fiction literature which drew inspiration from biblical references to guide readers on personal finance.
The guest speaker at the launch, Mr Ayo Arowolo who is a motivational speaker/journalist, urged Nigerians to determine what their potentials were and strive to maximise them.
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Gombe
Children totalling 840,850 in Gombe State would benefit in the next round of polio immunisation, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Usman Bello, has said.
Bello said at the flag-off of National Immunisation Days in Gombe last Friday, that the ministry had concluded preparations for the successful execution of the exercise.
He stated that special focus would be placed on nomadic Fulanis by the more than 3,136 health and technical personnel that would conduct the immunisation. The Permanent Secretary who was represented by a director in the ministry, Alhaji Salisu Waziri, appealed to parents and all stakeholders to support government in the fight to eradicate wild polio virus in the country. He said the support of traditional and religious leaders since 2009 had helped in curtailing the problem of rejection of polio vaccines by some households.
Bello however, noted that there were still areas with high cases of rejection, but he assured that government and other stakeholders would ensure total coverage in this exercise.
Jigawa
Alhaji Sabo Guri, the Managing Director of Jigawa State Broadcasting Corporation, has described Jigawa as the most peaceful state in the country. Guri made the observation in Dutse on Friday when the executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) came to congratulate him on his appointment as the head of the broadcasting outfit. He urged CAN to support the state government in its efforts to promote peace and understanding among the diverse religious groups in the state.
He also implored the association to sensitise their members to the need to promote peace in the society, noting that peace was one of the central tenets of Islam and Christianity, the two major religions in the country.Guri reiterated the need to always work for peace, saying that no society could develop in an atmosphere of chaos and disharmony.
Kaduna
Dr Abubakar Nuhu-Danburan, the Kano State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, has described unity schools as symbols of national unity.
Nuhu-Danburan said this while receiving an award during a reception organised by the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) ‘Class of 1978 form 1’ held at the college in Zaria on Sunday.
He observed that unity schools played host to different classes of people from different parts of the country with aim of knowledge seeking.
He recalled with nostalgia the good old days and called on the old boys to maintain the close relationship with a view to taking the country to greater heights.
In his speech, the guest speaker and former principal of the college, Alhaji Isiyaku Nuhu, lauded the efforts of the old boys in keeping themselves together.
Katsina
The district head of Malumfashi in Katsina State, retired Justice Mamman Nasir, has enjoined immunisation workers to report parents who reject administration of polio vaccine on their children.
Speaking while launching the 5th round of National Immunisation Campaign in his palace on Saturday, Nasir, former Court of Appeal president, insisted that safeguarding children’s health is the collective responsibility of parents and leaders.
He likened rejection of immunisation vaccines to subjecting of public health to preventable dangers.
He called on parent to submit their children for vaccination during national immunisation campaigns and routine vaccination at the various health care centres in the area.
Malam MusaNaduna, WHO facilitator for Immunisation against poliomyelitis and other child-killer diseases in Malumfashi, said that 105, 677 children were targeted for immunisation in the area.
Naduna said no case of polio had been reported in Katsina State since 2010, and urged parents to sustain the feat by submitting their eligible children for vaccination.
Kano
Malam Habibu Yaro, an elder in Na’ibawa area of Kano Municipality has called on the people to consider environmental and personal hygiene as part of their religious belief.
He decried the situation where people had to be sanctioned before participating in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Yaro, who said all Muslims must be mindful of the fact that cleanliness is part of their religion, advised heads of households to make their people to comply with the directive on the monthly exercise.
Lagos
Mr Ziakede Akpobolokemi, the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,said in Lagos on Saturday that a joint anti-piracy patrol of Benin Republic’s waters would start immediately.
Akpobolokemi told newsmen that the Federal Government gave directive for the patrol about a month ago.
“What is happening in Benin Republic is also affecting us economic-wise. When attacks in Benin Republic became so severe, the president of the country met our president and asked us to assist,’’ the director-general said.
He disclosed that the patrol would start immediately with some patrol boats, adding that the Navy was also involved in the exercise.
Ondo
Mr Oludare Fadayomi, the Supervisor of the Skills Acquisition Centre at Igbekebo, Ese-Odo Local Government of Ondo State, has called on the council administration to create more awareness on the importance of the centre.
Fadayomi told newsmen in Ese-Odo that the centre was crucial to the nation’s industrial growth.
“ I believe that supporting the skills acquisition centre in Ese-Odo Local Government Area will usher in an era of industrial revolution that will make Ese-Odo a council to emulate,’’ he said. Fadayomi stressed the need for the council to create more awareness by mobilising indigenes of the local government area to make good use of the centre.
He commended the council for its human capital development programmes, adding that it was one of the few councils that had a permanent structure for its skills acquisition programme. “Because we have a befitting and modern structure for this programme; I want to seek the support of Ese-Odo Local Government to encourage all young school leavers to take advantage of the programme.
Osun
The Osun House of Assembly has urged the state Ministry of Youth and Sports to strive to generate funds from sporting activities in the state. Chairman, House Committee on Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Mr Ajibola Olanrewaju, made the call on Friday at Osogbo, when meeting with the officials of the ministry. Olanrewaju said youths should be physically and mentally developed for them to be better leaders tomorrow, noting that their talents and interest in sports will enhance the state’s progress.
The legislator said the House committee would work together with the ministry in promoting sports and development among the youths from primary schools to tertiary institutions.
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