Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Government has restricted the operations of commercial motorcyclists in the state from 6p.m. to 6p.m.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Maijamaa Adamu, who confirmed the development, said in Yola on Thursday that the restriction was part of measures to improve security in the state.
Maijamaa said that the governor had met with officials of the commercial motorcyclists union in the state, where he briefed them on measures to introduce tricycles for their members.
He said that government would also introduce buses to ease transportation problem across the state.
He called for continuous support and cooperation of the people with the state government, as “measures are introduced to ensure their security and welfare”.
Borno
The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO) has denied media reports alleging desecration of the Muslim Holy Book, the Qur’an, by its personnel in Maiduguri.
JTF Field Commander, Col. Victor Ebhaleme, said in a statement in Maiduguri on Monday that the allegation was untrue.
“The JTF wishes to draw the attention of the public to media reports alleging that some of its personnel abused the Holy Qur’an during operations in Maiduguri.
“The allegation was untrue as the JTF investigated the claim and found it to be false. It is an attempt by members of the Boko Haram sect and their collaborators trying to look for sympathy from members of the public as the curfew imposed have checkmated their excesses,” Ebhaleme said.
FCT
The Senate has passed the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments) Act 2012, increasing the retirement age of staff in the professorial cadre in the universities from 65 to 70 years.
The law specifies that an academic staff who retires as a professor in a recognised university shall be entitled to pension at a rate equivalent to his annual salary.
The Act, however, fixed the retirement age of other academic and non-academic staff at 65 years.
The passage of the bill followed third reading and Senate’s approval of the report of the Senate Committee on Education.
Gombe
Police in Gombe State have swung into action to unravel the mystery surrounding the killing of Pastor Yahaya Abutu, a cleric at Bajoga in the state’s Funakaye Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gombe command, ASP Ahmed Mohammed, disclosed this Tuesday during an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
He said however that he was yet to get the details of how Abutu died.
The police spokesman nonetheless gave assurances that he would release details of police findings as soon as they had completed their investigations.
Jigawa
The Chairman, Yankwashi Local Government in Jigawa, Alhaji Musa Karkarna, said he had spent N206 million on the construction of feeder roads from 2008 to date.
Karkarna told newsmen in Yankwashi on Thursday that the council spent N90 million to construct the 7.5-km Batatsaba-Dunbu-Ringim Road while the Yawara-Gangara Road was constructed with N37 million.
The chairman said that N68 million was spent on the second phase of the 12.7-km Yawara-Furji Road.
According to him, the 1.5-km Murde-Unguwamagaji Road, which was awarded at N11 million, has yet to be completed.
Karkarna noted that the roads were constructed to enable farmers to transport their produce easily to the markets and boost socio-economic activities in the council area.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has stopped the payment of allowances to members of committees set up to oversee some government activities.
The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Sa’idu Adamu, announced this on Wednesday in Kaduna after the state’s Executive Council meeting.
Adamu explained that the policy was aimed at reducing the cost of governance occasioned by dwindling revenue.
He said that funds saved from such allowances, would be used to provide infrastructure for the development of the state.
Katsina
The Police in Funtua, Katsina State, on Monday shot dead two suspected armed robbers, and sources said the action followed a tip-off by one of their victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Katsina State Police Command, ASP Ibrahim Abubakar, told newsmen that the duo were part of a six-man gang that engaged the police in a shootout.
He said that the men were shot on the Funtua-Zaria road, which they blocked at about 1 a.m., adding that it was one of their victims who escaped and reported their actvity to the police.
Abubakar said that the four other robbers fled into the bush with gun shot wounds, but that a search for them had begun.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has spent N15 billion on the upgrading of secondary and technical schools in the state within the last five years.
A statement by the Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Abubakar Mu’azu, in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, indicated that N9.8 billion of the amount was spent on the provision of boarding facilities in 50 schools.
It also stated that 67 new junior secondary schools were established by the government at a cost of one billion naira naira, while N2.7 billion was used to construct five new science secondary schools.
Lagos
A former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr Waheed Kadiri, has said that the sector may not record significant progress in 2012 due to the current state of the economy.
Kadiri told newsmen in Lagos on Thursday that work on old projects might also be suspended for an upward review in their initial cost of construction.
Until the issue of fuel subsidy is sorted out, much should not be expected from the real estate industry in 2012, he said.
Osun
The Osun command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
on Monday said it arrested 196 suspected drug traffickers in the state between January and December 2011.
The state Commander of the agency, Mrs Anthonia Ndu, told newsmen in Osogbo that 52 of the offenders had been convicted.
Ndu said the trial of other suspects were still ongoing at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
She added that 3,162.81 kilogramme of cannabis sativa popularly called Indian hemp, 700 grammes of psychotropic substances and 5.1 grammes of cocaine were seized from the suspects during the period.
The commander said that more than 43 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed, while four vehicles used for transporting the illicit weed were seized.
Plateau
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Plateau on Monday commended residents of the state over their peaceful conduct throughout the NLC nationwide protests.
The NLC had called for street protests to force the Federal Government to revert to the old fuel pump price of N65 per litre.
The price of the commodity had gone up to between N138 and N150 after government removed subsidy on fuel from Jan 1.
While people in other states took to the streets, residents of Plateau remained calm and opted to rather sit at home to observe the strike.
NOA State Director, Mr Musa Chantu, who made the commendation, while briefing newsmen on Monday in Jos, described the conduct of Plateau residents as very unique.
Zamfara
Some residents of Gusau say they are happy with the suspension of the strike called by the NLC, recounting the hardship they went through during the period of the strike.
The residents expressed their reaction on Monday immediately after the organised labour announced it was calling off the strike.
The strike had begun on January 9 after government announced it was removing its subsidy on fuel pump price and fuel stations hiked the product’s price to N141 per litre.
Yahaya Umar, a journalist, said the strike caused him and others untold hardship because movement was restricted.
Another respondent, Ijeoma Ekeuhia, said the fuel subsidy removal almost put her out of business as a hair stylist.
Ekeuhia said the cost of materials used in carrying out her business had also increased, thereby causing a rise in the cost of services rendered to customers.
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