Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, says that she has no plan to contest in the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.
A statement signed by Dr Levi Ajuonuma, the Group General Manager (Public Affairs) of NNPC, on Wednesday in Abuja, described the speculation about the minister’s intention to contest in the polls in some quarters as baseless.
“The publication is not only misleading but it is 360 degrees different from the reality on ground.
“The fact is that Alison-Madueke is seriously occupied with the ongoing reform agenda in the oil and gas industry, which is an integral part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation programme,’’ the statement said.
Jigawa
The National Association of Jigawa State Students (NAJISS) has concluded arrangements to begin extra lessons for secondary school students to halt mass failure in examinations in the state.
The President of NAJISS, Malam Ibrahim Sule, said during a courtesy call on the Chairman, Yankwashi Local Government, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, that the association was worried by the failures recorded by the students, especially in WAEC and NECO examinations.
Sule said the gesture would complement the efforts of the Jigawa Government and other stakeholders in reducing examination failures and revamping the education sector in general.
Kaduna
National and State Assembly Election and Petitions Tribunal in Kaduna has concluded the recounting of votes for seven local government areas under Kaduna North Senatorial District.
Makarfi, the immediate former senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial District, is challenging the return of Sen Yusuf Datti by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the April polls for the district.
Makarfi is alleging electoral malpractice which included ballot boxes stuffing by the CPC and other criminal activities which were a violation of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
To prove the allegations of ballot box stuffing contained in his petition, Makarfi tendered 53 ballot boxes for the seven local government areas.
Kano
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain in Kano State Gambo Dan-Pass on Tuesday called on governors in the northern part of the country to focus on youth empowerment to check the growing rate of unemployment in the region.
He said: “There is an urgent need for governors in the north to concentrate on job creation to reduce redundancy, frustration, restiveness and poverty among our youths.”
Dan-Pass told newsmen in Kano that empowering the youth was necessary if the region was to make any appreciable progress in economic growth and development.
“If the north is to make significant progress in economic development, our leaders must empower the teeming number of unemployed youth that are parading our streets,” he said.
Kebbi
The Bagudo Local Government in Kebbi has earmarked N45.6 million for the construction of a veterinary clinic to curtail animal diseases.
The Sole Administrator, Alhaji Samaila Bagudo, told newsmen in Bagudo on Monday that the large concentration of herdsmen in the area had exposed 20,000 livestock to various diseases.
He added that when completed the centre would also facilitate rapid response to outbreak of animal diseases.
Bagudo reiterated the determination of the council to provide adequate livestock drugs for the health of the animals, pointing out that the council would embark on awareness campaign to educate herdsmen on symptoms of livestock diseases and how to prevent them.
Kwara
The Kwara Government says it has started payment of compensation to more than 700 people, whose land were acquired for the new Government Reservation Area at Budo-Osho, Ilorin.
The Director-General of the state Bureau of Lands, Mr Tope Daramola, told newsmen in Ilorin that payment would commence on Wednesday at the premises of the Bureau for Lands in Ilorin.
Daramola pointed out that those to be compensated included customary land owners, landed property owners, developers and other interest on the plots of land acquired.
He said, “A breakdown of the list of beneficiaries as contained in the list shows that 17 customary land owners, 21 plantation owners, 46 property owners and 143 land purchasers are to benefit.
“Prominent families on the list of beneficiaries include the Budo Osho, Awesu Adepoju,Alagbon, Agbaje, Budo Tapa, Bayero and Dikko families.”
Lagos
Dr Ish-aq Akintola, an Islamic scholar and university lecturer, says the Federal Government’s devotion of “a meagre six per cent” of the nation’s budget to education in the country is not encouraging.
Akintola told newsmen in Lagos that the government as well as school owners, needed to show more commitment to the provision of qualitative education.
“What do you expect from a human developing sector of the economy to which only six percent of the budget was allocated?‘’
Akintola urged the government to accede to the UNESCO’s recommendation that developing countries should devote 26 per cent of their budget to education.
“Acceding to the UNESCO’S recommendation would allow proper training of teachers, provision of basic educational facilities, funding of research programmes and other basic necessities required for educational development.’’
Nasarawa
The Osana of Keana in Nasarawa, Sen. Emmanuel Oyatikpo- Elayo on Tuesday honoured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman, North Central, Mr Yusuf Ayitogo and six illustrious sons of the area with traditional titles.
Our correspondent reports that Ayitogo was honoured with the title of Ubangarin Keana, while Amese Ogiri and Sabo Ari were given the titles of Bunu and Majin of Keana Kingdom respectively.
Other sons honoured include Mr Amegwa Aritogo as the Okinawe Kha-Keana, Mr Idi Orume-Sabo as the Magajin-Gari Karama of Keana, Mr Jerry Woziri-Elayo as Oyiahosa Kha of Keana and Abiri Owuntoshi as the Leke Kha of Keana.
Speaking at a brief ceremony, the Osana of Keana said that the traditional institution honoured those who had contributed to the Keana Kingdom, the state and country and indeed humanity.
Sokoto
Sheik Yusuf Alibawa, a Sokoto State based Islamic scholar, on Monday tasked politicians to eschew violence in their activities, to maintain the state’s peaceful environment.
Alibawa told newsmen in Sokoto that there was a need for politicians to always exhibit high sense of political maturity during and after the 2012 governorship election in the state.
He urged political leaders to evolve methods that would end violence and thuggery among the political class.
“They must sensitise their followers to realise that seeking elective positions must not be seen as a do-or-die affair.”
Aliwaba also called on parents not to allow their children to be used as political thugs during and after the polls.
Zamfara
A total of 1,007 prospective pilgrims from Zamfara have been transported to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj.
Alhaji Yakubu Mafara, spokesman of the state pilgrims Welfare Agency, announced this in Gusau in an interview with newsmen.
He said the pilgrims were from Anka, Maradun and Gummi Local Government Areas.
He urged the next batch to depart on Wednesday to arrive at the airport on time for necessary procedure.
Mafara expressed the hope that the 5,857 pilgrims from the state would be transported without any hitch.
He urged them to be law abiding and ensure that their conduct in Saudi Arabia was guided by the country’s laws.
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