Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Federal Government has been urged to enhance security at the commercial border town of Mubi in Adamawa to check the threat of armed robbers.
Member representing Mubi South Constituency, Alhaji Usman Lamorde, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Yola on Monday.
Usman spoke against the backdrop of last week’s day-light robbery at Mubi market in which four people lost their lives.
He said the people of Mubi were disturbed by the development and wanted security beefed up at the market area to forestall future occurrences.
Usman said Mubi, the commercial hub of Adamawa, had always enjoyed peace and growing commercial activities, adding that everything needed to be done to sustain the tempo.
Borno
The Borno State Government will put in place machinery to enlighten the public on the state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan on some areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Information Mr Inuwa Bwala told newsmen shortly after an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council that “Council met and deliberated on the declaration of the state of emergency.
“After brainstorming for some hours, council agreed on the need to educate our people on the development.
“Council stressed the need to disabuse the minds of our people on the misconception that all democratic structures have been removed,” Bwala said.
Ekiti
Ten inmates of the Ado-Ekiti Prison have been granted amnesty by Gov. Kayode Fayemi as part of the new year celebrations. They include eight males and two heavily pregnant female inmates of the prison.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, said the two pregnant inmates, Bose Joseph and Omotosho Yetunde, were at advanced stages of pregnancy and there were fears that their prospective babies could suffer stigmatisation if allowed to deliver in the prison yard.
According to sources the two women were not involved in capital offences.
The statement said the eight other inmates had been under incarceration in the prison for between 12 and 14 years while awaiting trial.
FCT
A group, Youth Alliance for the Deregulation of the Downstream Oil Sector, has urged other Nigerian youths to embrace the removal of fuel subsidy which took effect on Sunday.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, Mr Okechukwu Okorie, the coordinator of the group, urged Nigerian youths to avoid any form of protest as it would only lead to chaos in the already “tension-soaked country’’.
“Information reaching us reveals that some of the major cabals that are benefiting from the fuel subsidy are busy organising some disgruntled youths for a protest march.
“We want to sound a note of warning that if any Nigerian youth comes out on the streets of Nigeria, we shall mobilise youths to counter any protest march.’’
Gombe
Four shops were burnt and another destroyed by some hoodlums at Angwan Shamaki ward in Tudun Wada area of Gombe metropolis on Monday.
An eye witness told newsmen that the youths came from opposite directions around 5.30 p.m. and set fire on one of the shops, which later spread to the others.
The witness said the hoodlums fled immediately after setting the shop on fire.
Our correspondent learnt that the incident occurred shortly after some groups had allegedly clashed at the Central Mosque, Gombe, during which three people were injured.
Kano
Law enforcement agents have beefed up security in Kano metropolis, following a protest by some youths on Monday over the withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Our correspondent who went round the city reports that armed policemen had been drafted to strategic places to monitor the movement of people to prevent a possible break down of law and order.
Policemen were seen in vehicles patrolling some of the major streets.
Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Saidu Dakingari has approved the construction of Kawara/Mairuwa/Goron-Dutse road in Suru Local Government Area at a cost of N4.1billion.
This was contained in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mua’zu.
According to the statement, the road which covers a distance of 16 kilometres will link five local government areas (LGAs) across the Rima River in the state.
“The road, which also has provision for the construction of four bridges along the Fadama landscape, is expected to link Suru, Bunza, Dandi, Koko-Besse and Bagudo LGAs, as well as parts of Niger Republic,’’ it said.
Lagos
A former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Olisa Agbakoba, in Lagos, has criticised the withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the government on January 1, calling it “an unpopular’’ decision.
Agbakoba told newsmen on telephone, that the government disregarded ongoing consultations with the different spectrums of the public on the matter.
“It is unfortunate. I am highly disappointed that government disregarded public outcry against fuel subsidy removal.
Niger
Authorities of Federal Polytechnic, Bida in Niger State, has expelled 11 students for various examination malpractices during its 2010/2011 academic session.
Alhaji Abdullahi Sule, the rector of the polytechnic, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bida, Niger.
He said the students were caught cheating during the examination, adding that their cases were forwarded to the institution’s Exams Misconduct Committee.
Sule said that the affected students, who were on indefinite suspension, refused to appear before the committee to defend themselves on the allegation levelled against them which led to their expulsion from the institution.
Oyo
The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has condemned the spate of bombings and violence in some parts of the country.
General Secretary of the organisation, Alhaji Kamaldin Akintunde, in a statement in Ibadan on Monday had described the bombing attacks as ‘disastrous, painful, unfortunate’ and a bad omen for the country.
“Let me remind the sect that claimed responsibility for the bombings that attack on any place of worship is grievous and punishable.’’
He said the act was against Islamic prophetic tradition which forbids killing of innocent souls and suicide.
Akintunde urged the Federal Government to employ ‘radical and aggressive’ approaches to curb terrorism and insecurity in the nation.
Sokoto
A Sokoto-based politician, Alhaji Abubakar Yabo, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state emergency in the security sector.
Yabo told newsmen in Sokoto on Monday that the measure would enable the Federal Government to apprehend and prosecute those sponsoring terrorism in the country.
He said that a well-articulated security network is required urgently to safeguard the nation’s hard-earned democracy.
He explained that the time had come for the government to set in motion a comprehensive security mechanism that would enable Nigerians put terrorism behind them for the overall political growth of the country.
Yabo, who is also the secretary of Aliyu Magatakarda Advocacy Group,called on the Federal Government to provide modern working facilities for all the nation’s security outfits.
Zamfara
Governor Yari of Zamfara State has directed his special advisers to relate with people and obtain feedback that can assist the administration in good governance.
Yari gave the advice recently in Gusau at the swearing-in ceremony of the 33 newly-appointed special advisers in the state.
“I urge you to relate with people and obtain feedback, which will assist us in making government policies and programmes that are more responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people”, Yari said.
He urged the advisers to always be guided by the oath of office, which restricted them from allowing their personal interests to influence their official decisions and conduct.
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