Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Members of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Adamawa House of Assembly have assured Governor Murtala Nyako of their block votes ahead of the party’s primaries for the state governorship election in 2012.
The development was sequel to a motion moved by Alhaji Umaru Ahmadu, the Majority Leader of the House and member representing Madagali Constituency.
The motion was seconded by Mrs Wilbina Jackson (PDP-Guyuk).
Moving the motion, Ahmadu said all the 20 PDP members in the Assembly had mandated him as their leader to present their position and resolved to give Nyako full support at the party’s governorship primaries and main election.
He said the governor had delivered in all sectors of the economy in his first tenure and deserved to continue in office for a second term.
The lawmakers passed the motion at their session presided over by Speaker Ibrahim Sadiq,
Nyako and a former lecturer, Dr Umar Ardo, have been cleared by PDP for its primaries scheduled for October 24.
Benue
Prof. Chukwudi Obinne of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has stressed the need for adequate sensitisation of farmers on various aspects of agriculture to ensure food security in the the world.
Obinne, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi, said that farmers in developing countries did not receive the relevant training in farming.
The professor also said that if farmers were encouraged to venture into mechanised farming through necessary incentives, the level of food production would drastically improve.
He said that adult farmers got weaker because of the manual labour associated with agriculture and because they had little understanding of new technologies available to them to improve production.
FCT
The Senate Committee Chairman on Science and Technology, Sen. Robert Boroffice, has assured the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Senate’s cooperation to boost its programmes.
Boroffice gave the assurance on Monday, in Abuja, in an interview with newsmen at the opening of a workshop on the International Space Weather Initiative.
He said that the committee, which was made up of committed members, would do its best to address the challenges facing the sector.
“Working with the Ministry of Science and Technology, we are sure that we would be able to ensure that adequate funding is provided for the sector. ’’
He said that the committee would equally collaborate with the Executive arm of government to develop the sector.
Jigawa
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has indicated interest to partner with Jigawa government on job creation.
The UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Douda Toure, gave the indication when he paid a visit to Gov. Sule Lamido in Dutse on Monday.
Toure said the organisation would collaborate with the state government on job creation for the youth and women.
He said that UNDP was also willing to cooperate with the government in other areas to enhance development in the state.
In his response, Lamido said the state government would partner with UNDP and other interested organisations in its drive to boost development in the state.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Chapter of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Kaduna have suspended their planned strike over the non-implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage in the state.
Addressing newsmen, the Chairman of the NLC in the state, Mr Adamu Ango, said the strike was suspended because of the agreement between labour and the government over the new table which covered grade levels nine to 17 that were excluded from the previous chart.
Ango said the two unions had agreed and adopted the new table after studying it and decided on the suspension of the proposed strike.
Kano
The Parent-Teacher Association of Gwammaja Model Primary School in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State has donated 50 chairs and two sets of computer to the school.
Presenting the items, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Isa Salihu, said similar donations of books and other teaching materials had been made to the school in the past.
He advised the Education Department of the local government to deploy additional teaching staff and strive to provide a conducive atmosphere for learning in the school.
Receiving the chairs and computers on behalf of the school, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Yakubu Adamu, reiterated the commitment of the state government to raise educational standards.
Kogi
The Chief Judge of Kogi, Justice Nasir Ajanah, has decried the poor performance of lower courts in the determination of cases brought before them.
Speaking at a special court session to herald the commencement of the 2011/2012 Legal Year in Lokoja, he said that courts in the state received 29,096 cases in the out-going year, out of which 15,150 were disposed of.
The remaining 13,919 cases, he added, were allowed to spill over to the new legal year, noting that a great percentage of the carry-over were from the lower courts.
Ajanah said that of the 1,845 cases pending in the state High Courts in the out-going year, 1,210 were fully determined, leaving 635, while the 38 magistrates’ courts received 3,768 cases, and disposed of 1,920.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) has passed a resolution to organise a public hearing on the planned removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government
To this end, the House has raised a seven-man committee to organise the hearing, scheduled for October 27.
In a motion moved on the floor of the House by Mr Sanai Agunbiade (ACN-Ikorodu I), the lawmakers expressed concern over moves to remove fuel subsidy in 2012.
The committee chaired by Agunbiade, includes Mr Rotimi Olowo (Somolu I), Mr Yishawu Gbolahan (Eti-Osa), Mr Hodewu Avoseh (Badagry II) and Mr Hakeem Masha (Lagos Island).
Others are Mr Sultan Adeniji-Adele (Amuwo-Odofin) and Mr Abiodun Tobun (Epe II).
Niger
Governor. Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has said the State Government had so far spent about three billion naira on Millennium Development Goals MDGs projects between 2008 and 2009.
Aliyu made the remark while receiving an award of‘“The International Millennium Development Ambassador” by Global Educator for All Initiative at Government House, Minna, saying the money was expended on quick-win projects and conditional cash transfer.
He cited some constraints militating against the country in meeting its MDGs’ targets by 2015, expressing the hope that the country could meet the target five years after the deadline.
Ogun
Small-scale farmers under the aegis of Association of Small-scale Agro-Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), Ogun State Chapter has decried poor funding of agriculture by the three-tiers of government in the country.
They, however, urged governments at all levels to increase budgetary allocation to agriculture to avert food crisis in the country.
The farmers were gathered in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun yesterday to examine the theme for the 2011 World Food Day: “Food Crisis: From Crisis to Stability”.
They said that there was an urgent need for government at all levels to invest more in agriculture to avert looming food crisis.
Mrs Ireti Disu, the Assistant Director of Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese, said that the poor funding of agriculture had resulted in increased prices of food.
Plateau
A Federal High Court sitting in Jos yesterday discharged and acquitted six suspects accused of participating in the January 20 crisis in the Plateau capital.
The suspects are Alhassan Mohammed, Abubakar Samaila, Abubakar Shuaibu, Buhari Dahiru, Ibrahim Musa and Nasiru Idris.
They were charged with terrorism after allegedly participating in the crisis in which many lives were lost and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
A federal Prosecution Counsel, Mr Gbenga Walington, had earlier told the court, presided over by Justice Ambrose Allagoah, that he could not press charges against the accused.
He said that he was in a “precarious situation,’’ having failed to trace the military officers who arrested the suspects on the day the violence erupted.
Yobe
More than 8,000 youths in Yobe are beneficiaries of the World Bank credit facility under FADAMA III programme, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has said.
The governor made this known when participants of the National Defence Course 20 visited him at the Government House, Damaturu.
He said that the programme, geared toward dry season farming, had been part of the measures taken by his administration to improve the economic status of people at the grass roots.
He pointed out that the scheme, designed to to encourage self-reliance, was also a source of revenue for the state government.
Gaidam said the government was also developing a Gum Arabic plantation to check desert encroachment and that there were youth empowerment farms in the 17 local government areas of the state.
On measures to boost the state’s internal revenue, he said government had constructed a 3-Star Hotel in Damaturu apart from organising local festivals.
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