Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Out of 5,907 persons, who were for HIV and AIDS in nine local government areas of Adamawa, tested positive to the condition, a non-governmental organisation has reported.
The Adamawa office of the Management Sciences for Health (MSH) stated that the number was among 75,746 people, who were tested for the condition.
The state team leader of the organisation, Dr Johnson Fagbamigbe, told newsmen in Yola recently that 2,414 of those living with the condition had been placed on life saving drugs.
Benue
Alhaji Ahmed Baba, the Chairman, Benue Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board said on Wednesday in Makurdi that at least 540 prospective pilgrims would be transported to Saudi Arabia.
Baba, told newsmen in Makurdi that out of the number, 257 including officials, were sponsored by both the state and local governments.
The Chairman announced that all the necessary travelling documents had been concluded, adding that a total of 400 visas were obtained.
Borno
Two men, Nasir Idil and Mohammed, has pleaded guilty in a Magistrates’ Court in Maiduguri to a charge of stealing 78 solar batteries worth more than N2 million and belonging to Chibok Local Government.
The accused are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing punishable under 97(1) and 287 of the Penal Code.
In his First Information Report (FIR), the prosecutor, Richard Balami, told the court that the accused, living in Gwange ward of Maiduguri metropolis, on June 18 conspired and stole the batteries.
When the charge sheet was read to the accused persons, they pleaded guilty.
FCT
The Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Mailafia, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to transform the environment sector.
Mailafia said this at a reception organised in her honour by the Kubau Local Government Council in Kaduna State, a statement signed by Clement Egbeama, an Assistant Director (Media), in the ministry.
The statement, in Abuja, quoted the minister as saying that the present administration was poised for the sustainable development of the country.
She promised to implement the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act “strictly” in line with the transformation agenda of the present administration.
Mailafia also said that the ministry would increase the present forest coverage in the country from six per cent to10 per cent by 2013, adding that 1,500 km of Green Wall Sahara would be established in the 11 frontline states.
Jigawa
The Chairman of Jigawa Pilgrim Welfare Board, Alhaji Tukur Gantsa, has announced the transportation of the first batch of 550 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Gantsa made this known in Dutse on Thursday in an interview with newsmen.
He said the intending pilgrims, who boarded Max airline, took off from Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano at about 2 a.m.
He added that those in the first batch were intending pilgrims from Birniwa, Kirikasama, Malamadori, Kaugama and Gwaram Local Government areas of the state.
The chairman stated that adequate arrangement had been made for a comfortable accommodation for the pilgrims during their stay for the religious endeavour in the Holy Land.
Gantsa also gave assurance that the free feeding for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia which the state government started about four years ago would continue.
Earlier, the Amir Hajj and the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Abubakar Maje, had urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country in Saudi Arabia.
Kaduna
The Chief Imam, Wharf Road Mosque Forum, Alhaji Muhammad Isah, has attributed conflicts in Nigeria to the lack of proper religious knowledge and fear of God..
Isah made the observation in a paper he presented on Peaceful Co-existence and Security Sensitisation at a workshop organised by the Ministry for Local Government and Mindscope Resources Ltd in Kaduna on Wednesday.
“Religion must be a tool for progress and peaceful co-existence between people’, he said
The Director, Training, Interfaith Mediation Centre, Kaduna, Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa, said the most effective cure for conflicts was obedience to biblical injunctions. .
He said those who killed to gain power or wealth would pass to eternal condemnation while the merciful, loving and peacemakers would live happily in paradise.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government is to sponsor 50 students to study medicine, nursing, Arabic and computer studies in Sudan this academic session.
This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Mohammed Sani, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Relations and issued in Katsina.
The statement noted that the sponsorship brings the number of students sponsored by the state government to study in Sudan to 250, during Gov. Ibrahim Shema’s administration.
Lagos
A former Lagos State Governor, Chief Bola Tinubu has said that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) had no regrets giving Gov. Babatunde Fashola a second term ticket.
Tinubu, who lauded Fashola for his achievements in his first term, said the party was proud of him.
“The party has no regrets for endorsing him for a second tenure.
“The governor has been able to turn Lagos into a mega and very friendly city with the meagre resources available in the state,’’ he told a rally of ACN supporters at Onikan Stadium, Lagos.
Tinubu, who is the leader of the party, urged the people to vote en masse for the party’s candidates in the October 22 council polls.
“ACN chairmen and councilors will continue to replicate what had been done at the state level in the councils,’’ he said.
He called for a review of the nation’s revenue allocation formula in a bid to give more money to the councils and states for the development of the grassroots.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has appointed Mr Emmanuel Jatau, as the new rector of the state polytechnic in Lafia to replace Mr Michael Ibrahim.
According to a statement issued and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Hamza Elayo, in Lafia, the appointment is with immediate effect.
Until his appointment, Jatau was the Director, College of Remedial and General Studies of the polytechnic.
Ibrahim had been on the post in an acting capacity for the past four years.
Oyo
Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole has said that current flood disasters in Africa are caused by unguided interaction between man and the environment.
Adewole made the statement while declaring open a three-day conference on climate change, organised by Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation, (AvH Kollege) Germany, in conjunction with the University of Ibadan.
The theme of the conference is; “Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Cultural and Techno-environmental Response in West Africa’’.
He said that natural disasters could be curtailed if sustainable knowledge and human environment interaction was assured.
Sokoto
Alhaji Jibril Danmalam, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) in Sokoto State says his command has arrested two persons for allegedly circulating fake United States dollars in the state.
Danmalam, who paraded the suspects before newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday, said that they had been charged to court.
“The suspects have since been charged to the Chief Magistrate Court III in Sokoto where they pleaded guilty to the crime, but have not been sentenced,” he said.
The director said that one Kakale Jega, aged 60, who is the prime suspect in the scam, was arrested in his house on Sept. 23, at Gidan-Shawara in Jega town, Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi.
Danmalam said that Jega was responsible for smuggling the fake US dollars into Sokoto State from his base in Kebbi.
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