Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Adamawa governorship candidates of ACN, Markus Gundiri, and that of CPC, Buba Marwa, say the curfew imposed by the state government is an attempt to rig the election.
The state government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew after explosions in Mubi and Yola, which resulted in the killing of 26 persons.
In separate statements in Yola, the candidates said they would resist any attempt by the PDP-led state government to exploit the development to rig.
They said that if the state government could relax the curfew to create room for the PDP rally in Yola, then peace and calm had returned to the state making the curfew unnecessary.
Marwa on his part said that the state government was trying to make the state look insecure in order to put fear in the electorate to prevent them from coming out to vote.
Borno
Borno State Executive Council on Monday approved the completion of the abandoned multipurpose Maiduguri stadium.
Mr. Inuwa Bwala, the Commissioner for Information, disclosed this at the end of the council’s meeting in Maiduguri.
“The council reviewed the activities of the high-powered committee set up last year by Gov. Kashim Shettima on the completion of the stadium.
“After reviewing the committee’s submission it was agreed that government must hasten up the process for the award of contract for the project.’’
Bwala said that the council also accepted the committee’s proposals of 20-seater capacity for the stadium.
“We agreed that contract for the project should be awarded in a very short while because of its potential in ensuring physical and mental development of our youths who are the leaders of tomorrow.
Benue
The Benue chapter of the PDP will hold an “all inclusive” party primaries ahead of the local government polls in the state.
The decision was taken at a caucus meeting of the party held in Makurdi on Wednesday.
The meeting which was presided over by Governor Gabriel Suswam was also attended by the chairman of the 23 local government councils in the state, and opinion leaders of the party.
It resolved that the election of party flag bearers for the local government election would no longer be on delegate basis.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, the caretaker chairman of Gboko Local Government Council, Mr. Ioryue Yaji, said the move was to discourage money politics.
Yaji said it would be difficult for politicians to “bribe their way” through the party congress now, adding that under the delegate system, the practice was possible since the participants were few.
FCT
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja has sought for the speedy trial of the DPO of Pen Cinema, Agege, Mr. Segun Fabunmi, accused of killing a protester.
The commission also welcomed the steps so far taken by police authorities and the Lagos State Government to prosecute him.
A statement issued by the commission, directed its Zonal Coordinator, South West Zone, Mrs Mausi Segun, to monitor and ensure that the matter was taken to court.
Fabunmi was alleged to have killed one Mr Ademola Aderinde during protests in Lagos on Monday.
It commended the relative order and peaceful conduct of protesters and the maturity exhibited by security agencies on the fourth day of the nationwide protests.
It urged all parties involved to sustain this level of responsibility and professionalism.
Gombe
The Gombe State Government on Friday restricted the operation of motorcyclists, popularly called Okada, from 7pm to 6am throughout the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Orubebe Ghandi, made the disclosure while briefing the press on the outcome of the meeting, which religious leaders and security chiefs held with Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo at the Government House on Friday.
Our correspondent reports that the decision was part of measures taken to avert further killings in the state.
The commissioner said, “one of the measures adopted a few minutes ago to curb these incessant killings is to restrict movement of motorcyclists from seven o’clock in the evening to six o’clock in the morning.
Jigawa
The chairman, Jigawa State Scholarship Board, Alhaji Sanusi Gako says N100 million has been released for the payment of allowances to newly-admitted students of tertiary institutions from the state.
Gako disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse on Thursday.
He said that only those admitted in 2010/2011 session in various tertiary institutions across the country would enjoy the fund.
He explained that the gesture was part of Governor Sule Lamido’s commitment to boost educational development in the state.
The chairman said that the board did not owe any arrears to the students because all their allowances were paid promptly.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government on Monday donated N10 million to Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), as contribution for the reconstruction of its burnt office.
The JNI building in Kaduna metropolis was gutted by fire on Thursday April 14.
The Special Adviser to Govenor Patrick Yakowa on Islamic Matters, Mallam Haliru Maraya, presented the donation to the National Secretary of the organisation, Dr. Ibrahim Khalid, at the JNI secretariat in Kaduna.
Katsina
No fewer than 143 people have died and 424 others injured in motor accidents in Katsina State since January, according to the Sector Command of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).
The sector commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Alhaji Habu Dauda, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Katsina on Monday.
Dauda said that in spite of the reduction in the number of accidents during the year, there were 27 more deaths compared to the 116 persons, who died in the year before.
Lagos
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations plans to develop a tourism calendar for 2012 in a bid to create more jobs and redefine tourism.
The Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Disu Holloway, announced the plan at a media briefing on Thursday in Lagos.
He said that the calendar would also boost economic activities and the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Holloway urged stakeholders in tourism to cooperate with the government to restore the lost glory of the state.
The commissioner added that, with the right incentives and proper awareness, tourism could become a major revenue earner.
He gave an assurance that the ministry would continue to project major festivals, such as the ‘Eyo Festival’ and ‘Black Heritage Festival’, as well as collaborate with major organisations to promote notable festivals.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has assured indigenes of the state that his policies and programmes would be geared toward rebuilding the state.
Amosun gave the assurance in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mrs. Fummi Wakama.
The governor, according to the statement, promised to redesign the state’s landscape in line with the master plan he had evolved.
“We would do everything to put smiles on the faces of Ogun indigenes and residents through our policies and programmes,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
The governor said efforts were on to implement the five-cardinal programmes of his administration.
Sokoto
The Deputy Treasurer of the Sokoto State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Muktari Mapia, has tasked Nigerians to expose the masterminds of the incessant bombings in parts of the country.
Mapia, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, in Sokoto, said that the current level of insecurity posed a threat to the nation’s corporate existence.
He said that members of the public should supply the security agencies with vital information to enable them to deal with the culprits and the sponsors of the deadly attacks.
Mapia urged the active participation of stakeholders in the nation’s progress to enhance peace, progress and political stability in the country.
He said that the ongoing transformation agenda of the Federal Government could only succeed in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
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