Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has called on well-meaning Nigerian women to support government programmes at all levels in order to move the country forward.
Maina made the call in Yola, shortly after she was honoured by Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa with Adamawa State Indigenes Award of Excellence on Sunday night in Yola.
“Nigerian women should do their best to contribute towards the development of this great nation.
“It is our responsibility as mothers, to help Nigeria to be strong among nations in terms of economy and stability.’’
She thanked Nyako for his vision and mission in promoting the state, and in particular, supporting women through women empowerment programmes and skills acquisition centres.
Benue
Mr Aondowase Chia, the Benue State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, has advised the outgoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Benue to be good ambassadors of their states.
Chia told newsmen in Makurdi that the NYSC members should also be advocates of peace and order wherever they might be.
He urged the corps members to make maximum use of the vast experience they had gathered during the course of their mandatory service to their fatherland.
The commissioner said that the 2010 batch C passing out ceremony was a low key one because of the security challenges in the country in recent times.
FCT
The Federal Government has solicited the cooperation of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and other Nigerians for successful implementation of the new National Identity Management System rather than politicising the exercise.
Mr Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
The CNPP was reported to have opposed to the project on the ground that the INEC recently conducted a similar exercise before the 2011 general elections in April.
Maku said the CNPP’s opposition showed lack of understanding of the need for the proposed identity system which he said would be helpful in the management and operation of several key national institutions and security services.
Gombe
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has condoled with the government and people of Gombe State over the accident that occurred on Thursday in the state which led to loss of lives and property.
During a visit to Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo in Gombe on Sunday night, Yuguda expressed sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the accident.
“I am here on behalf of myself and the people of Bauchi State to sympathise with the government and people of Gombe State over the accident which occurred whereby a trailer lost control and affected quite a lot of people.
Dankwambo thanked Yuguda and the people of Bauchi State for their concern and prayed God to accept the condolence.
Dankwambo said Gombe and Bauchi were still one and that whatever affected one state affected the other.
Katsina
The controversy over the recently-promulgated law banning preaching in Katsina State has been attributed to lack of adequate consultation before its promulgation.
An Islamic scholar, Gambo Tudunwada made this assertion in Katsina on Sunday at the meeting organised by the state branch of the Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI).
The law was officially dubbed “the Katsina State Religious Education and Preaching Board and for Incidental Matters Law”.
It seeks to regulate religious activities in the state.
Tudunwada said there was no involvement of Islamic scholars from all the Islamic sects in the state.
He said the state government should have invited all the Ulamas to intimate them on its plan to enact such a law.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Health System Development Project (HSDP) has donated a hostel and recreational facilities, valued at N50 million to the state school of Nursing.
The project coordinator, Alhaji Umar Zagga, on Monday in Birnin Kebbi handed over the hostel, reading room, volleyball and tennis courts to the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa.
Zagga said the facilities were to enhance academic and social activities in the school, adding that “our efforts at improving health will include provision of health centres in rural areas.’’
He said primary health care centres had been provided by the HSDP in Birnin Kebbi, Bagudo and Gwandu local government areas.
Sambawa, in his address, commended the project for supporting the efforts made to improve health care delivery in the state and promised that the facilities would be used properly.
The head of the school, Mrs Sarah Jubril, said the facilities would be maintained and urged the students to ensure they improved on their dedication to learning and assist in developing the health sector.
Lagos
Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has developed a training programme that would boost entrepreneurial skills and potential, Mrs Helen Jemerigbe, Director, Technical Skill Development Project (NECA), said.
Jemerigbe said during an interactive session with workers in Lagos on Monday that the training would help reduce unemployment.
She said that the training was anchored on entrepreneurship development based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) modules.
Jemerigbe said that NECA, as the sole custodian of the ILO entrepreneurship modules, had a rich pool of accredited master instructors.
She urged companies to assist in training youths to improve their manpower and to address the vocational and technical skill shortage in such areas as building construction, information technology and telecommunication.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Almakura of Nasarawa State on Tuesday flagged-off the construction of a 50 kilometre road network in Lafia.
Almakura said at the ceremony that the project was aimed at ensuring easy flow of traffic and reduce accidents caused by the dilapidated roads in the metropolis.
He gave the assurance that the government would not embark on white elephant projects, adding that any project started would be completed within schedule.
The governor pledged to construct 20 kilometres of road in each of the 13 local government areas and the 16 development areas of the state in 2012.
He noted with dismay that the state had since its creation 15 years ago, suffered serious neglect in infrastructure development and pledged to change the situation.
Osun
Mr Sunday Akere, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, has said that all students of the state-owned university will benefit from the reduction of tuition fees.
Akere said the clarification became necessary following a rumour that Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had approved the reduction only for the indigenous students of the university.
The commissioner spoke with newsmen in Osogbo recently, explaining that the governor’s gesture was for all students of the university.
He said the reduction would enable all parents in the state to train their children and wards in the university.
. Plateau
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says that the one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bauchi camps are from various states and “not from Jos North alone as erroneously reported last week.
“The one million IDPS represented the number displaced people from crises-ridden States of Borno, Kaduna, Yobe, Plateau and Bauchi over the years.
Some registers date back to as far back as 2001,’’ NEMA spokesman Yushau Shuaib, told newsmen in Jos on Monday.
Shuaib was reacting to criticisms to a statement by NEMA Director-General Sani Sidi, that IDP camps in Bauchi were hosting one million people.
The critics had rejected the figures, with many particularly critical of claims that the IDPs fled from Jos North Local Government Area because of the protracted violence in Jos.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State has presented a letter of appointment to the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi, as the pioneer chancellor of Sokoto State University.
Alhaji Muhammadu Tureta, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Education, who represented the letter on behalf of the governor in Dutse on Monday, said the appointment was in recognition of the emir’s contributions to educational development in the country.
“I believe from my deep conviction that the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi, will live up to the task and expectations for what he was appointed for,” he said.
The emir thanked the governor for the appointment and solicited prayers from all and sundry.
Zamfara
The Police have declared Superintendent Ibrahim Bamuche, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State missing.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Tambari Muhammed, told newsmen in Gusau on Tuesday that Bamuche left the state for a course in Jos, Plateau in September and had not been seen.
He said a phone call was placed across to his handset which did not respond before a search team was inaugurated to find his whereabouts.
Muhammed said the search team had confirmed that Bamuche’s car was burnt at a spot in Jos, which necessitated the state command to dispatch another search team, led by some squadron leaders.
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