Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government has revived moribund Women Training Centres in local government areas of the state to enable more women benefit from the newly introduced Local Apprenticeship Scheme (LAS) programme.
The Project Manager of LAS, Alhaji Sani Jada, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
Jada said that training centres had been resuscitated in Gombi, Song, Numan, Mayo-Belwa, Fufore and Yola South Local Government Area where 1,626 women were enrolled for various skills and petty business training.
He said that another set of 318 women were attached to Master Trainers across the state while 200 others were enrolled in Hajiya Zainab Nyako’s Women Education and Empowerment Initiative (WEEIN) centre in Yola.
Borno
Alhaji Inuwa Kubo, the Borno State Commissionr for Education, said on Sunday that the State Government has increased the monthly feeding budget of students of post primary schools from N20 million to N30 million.
Kubo, who stated this during an interview session with Principals of Secondary Schools in Maiduguri, explained that the move was to improve the quality of food and education of the students.
He advised the principals to make sure that the money was judiciously spent by setting up Committee of Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to monitor quality of food in schools across the state.
He said the present administration of Governor Kashim Shettima has completed every arrangement to pay WAEC registration for the students.
FCT
Mrs Iniobong Usoro, President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stamp out quackery in the engineering profession.
She made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the Annual General Meeting of the association with theme: “ Women Engineering Career : The Female Case’’.
She told government to introduce measures that would encourage competition and growth in the building industry, saying that the association’s meeting would focus on the challenges faced by engineering professionals and how to tackle the problems.
Highlights of the meeting include the donation of N100,000 to Miss Adedoyi Funmilola of the Federal University of Technology Akure, the best graduating female engineering student who scored a cumulative grade point of 4.62
Gombe
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has condoled with the government and people of Gombe State over the accident that occurred recently in the state which led to loss of lives and property.
During a visit to Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo in Gombe recently 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.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has urged State Assembly Speakers in the North to restore the “lost values and culture” of the region.
Lamido, who gave the charge on Saturday at the 21st meeting of the Northern Speakers Forum in Dutse, said the people of the region were known as united souls, irrespective of their tribal or religious affinities.
“It is unfortunate that all these values have been lost because of political differences and other selfish interests that have bedevilled the region.”
Lamido, therefore, urged the forum to focus its deliberations toward bringing unity and mutual co-existence among the different ethnic groups in the region and the nation in general.
Kano
Mr Isa Tijjani, a former National Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has cautioned the Federal Government against withdrawing subsidy from petrol.
Speaking to newsmen in Kano recently, Tijjani said the decision would aggravate the current economic hardships in the country.
“Instead of withdrawing the subsidy, government should address the challenges facing the entire sector to reduce the cost of bridging and importation of the commodity,” he said.
According to him, the Federal Government should ensure total rehabilitation of the oil refineries, in addition to making all the petrol depots functional.
Katsina
The people of Mahuta in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, have been urged to live in peace and engage in viable ventures capable of contributing to the development of the area and the nation at large.
Alhaji Bello Abdulkadir, the District Head of Mahuta, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Mahuta on Sunday.
He had just conferred Prof. Haruna Yusuf, a Mathematics lecturer at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, with the traditional title of “Dan-masanin Mahuta”.
Abdulkadir also challenged intellectuals in Nigeria and abroad to contribute their quota toward the development of their local communities.
He said that Yusuf was so honoured, being their first son to attain the highest academic status in the community.
Lagos
The PHCN Transmission Company of Nigeria has said that incessant erection of buildings and sand dredging activities under electricity transmission towers are the biggest threats to the operations of the company.
Mr Olushola Akinniranye, Executive Director, Transmission and Services Provider, said in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Lagos, that a warning had become imperative because dredging of sand under transmission towers often exposed the towers to collapse.
Akinniranye warned sand dredging operators to stop their activities, stressing that it would cause the organisation more than 18 months to replace or repair any fallen part of the network across Nigeria.
Niger
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqa’atu Rufai, on Saturday in Minna, inaugurated a geosciences workstation worth N132 million, donated by Exxom Mobil Nigeria Ltd to the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
The minister said that the workstation, donated to the Department of Geosciences would strengthen the study of geosciences in the university.
She said that government was appreciative of the gesture by Exxom Mobile, urging companies and private individuals to emulate the good example of the company.
Oyo
Many prominent Nigerians on Friday in Ibadan gathered at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium to witness the burial service for Chief Kolapo Ishola, a former governor of Oyo State.
The service was jointly conducted by Archbishop Ola Makinde, the Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, and Rev. Francis Wale Oke, the Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministry.
The deceased died at his Ikolaba, Ibadan, residence on
Aug. 9 at the age of 77.
Paying tributes, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the former governor of Osun State, described the deceased as a trustworthy politician, noting that he was a father to all.
Sokoto
Alhaji Muktari Mapia, the Deputy Treasurer of PDP in Sokoto State, on Friday called on Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s plans to transform the country.
Mapia told newsmen in Sokoto that the President’s transformation agenda was one of the best things that had ever happened to Nigeria in recent times.
He, therefore, stressed the need for all the citizens to support the agenda, which was aimed at kick-starting the country’s socio-political and economic development in pragmatic terms.
Mapia said that for instance, the ongoing reconstruction of federal roads across the country would enhance the smooth movement of people, goods and services in the country.
“The priority attention, which the Federal Government is giving to education, health care delivery, poverty eradication and expansion of railway lines, as well as dredging of River Niger, is an indication that Jonathan will transform our country before leaving office in 2015.’’
“The proper funding of our nation’s security agencies will enable them to come out with effective security arrangements that will guarantee peace and enhance national development,’’ he said.
Taraba
At least 16 women from Taraba will not perform this year’s hajj to Saudi Arabia because they have failed the pre-hajj pregnancy screening.
The Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Hassan Bantaje, made the disclosure in an interview with newmen in Jalingo on Saturday.
He said the rules and regulations governing hajj, barred pregnant women from embarking on the pilgrimage because of “the rigorous nature of the exercise”.
Bantaje said the women defied the law and concealed their pregnancies in order to perform the pilgrimage but that the lenses of the medical doctors exposed them.
He said they would not be allowed to perform the hajj this year, explaining that measures were being taken to sanitise pilgrims.
Bantage disclosed that 1,983 pilgrims from the state would perform the hajj this year, 200 of whom he said, were government-sponsored.
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