Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
As the people of Adamawa prepare for the governorship election, the candidate of CPC, retired Brig- Gen Buba Marwa has urged the electorate to judge candidates based on their character.
“I wish to urge Adamawa citizens to judge candidates on the basis of their character, performance, past experience and party programme,’’ Marwa said in a statement in Yola.
Marwa cautioned on the introduction of ethno religious sentiments into the politics of the state, warning that “it is very dangerous because of the diversity and complicated nature of the state”.
He said that CPC had an elaborate package for the people of Adamawa, particularly in areas of free education, free healthcare services, water, road, youth and women empowerment.
“Having gone round more than 200 wards in the state two times, having toured all local government areas three times and having noted all problems in different areas of the state, I want to assure you that we will deliver on our programmes,’’ Marwa said.
Bauchi
Despite the reduction of the Price of petrol from N141 to N97.00 after the nationwide strike, many filling stations in Bauchi metropolis are selling the product for between N130 and N145 as at Wednesday.
Our correspondent learnt that there are places where the commodity was sold for between N150 to N200 per litre.
This development has shot up transport fares in the metropolis. A short trip by Okada cost between N50 and N100 while a short ride by tricycle (Keke NAPEP) was N100.
Roadside petrol dealers sold a litre for between N200 and N250. While investigation reveals that price of fuel fluctuates in Bauchi, the state capital at the NNPC Mega in Bauchi and its environs, petrol is sold for N97 at 8a.m till later in the day and N130 from 4p.m to 6p.m.
FCT
Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the nation in order for the country to overcome its present challenges.
Okorocha told newsmen in Abuja that most developed countries had passed through similar challenges.
He called for the cooperation of Imo people and other stakeholders to enable him deliver democracy dividends to them.
Our correspondent recalls that Chief Ikedi Ohakim former Governor of the state and the PDP had challenged Okorocha‘s victory, alleging that the election was not free and fair.
The judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld Okorocha‘s victory at the April 2011 governorship election.
Okorocha described the appellate court’s judgment as people’s judgment, the governor said that the outcome of the case would go a long way to deepen the nation’s democracy.
Kaduna
An auto mechanic, Adamu Bayarabe, 42, on Wednesday appeared before a Kaduna Sharia Court for allegedly trespassing on a piece of land belonging to one Kabiru Liman.
Liman had sued Bayarabe alleging that he had begun developing the land illegally.
The counsel to the complainant, Mr Adamu Ibrahim, said his client had warmed the accused several time as to cease from developing the land to no avail.
Ibrahim told the court that the accused person had committed an offence punishable under Section 174 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State 2002.
He applied for an interim injunction from the court to stop the accused from further developing the land pending the determination of the lawsuit.
The counsel assured the court that his client would withdraw the case if the accused steered clear of the land in dispute.
Kastina
The National Coordinator, National Fadama Development Programme, Mr Tayo Adewumi, has appealed to the Katsina State Government to pay up its counterpart funding.
Adewumi made the plea in Katsina during the review meeting of the Fadama III National Communication Officers.
Adewunmi was represented at the meeting by Dr Thomas Arokoya, the Community Development Specialist.
He also urged the 20 local government councils participating in the programme to settle their counterpart funds to enhance project execution.
Adewumi noted that the government paid its last counterpart funds in 2009.
However, he said that the 20 participating local government councils paid their counterpart funds for 2009 and 2010 while that of 2011 was outstanding.
Kebbii
Alhaji Usman Buda, representing Suru constituency in Kebbi State House of Assembly, is dead.
Buda, elected under the platform of the PDP, died in Abuja recently after a brief illness.
The Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Aminu Musa Jega, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday that Buda was aged 49.
“We received the news of his death as a great loss; but we remember him with nostalgia as a significant contributor to debates for the development of the state.
“Late Alhaji Buda departed at a time he was most needed and we will miss his commitment and dedication; but we regard his demise as an act of God.’’
Until his death, Buda was the Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Industry.
Lagos
The President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAM), Mr Adegboyega Adepitan, on Tuesday said that the waste accumulated during the week-long nationwide strike would be cleared promptly.
Adepitan gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that the Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators were unable to operate during the strike due to safety concerns and other unforeseen circumstances.
Adepitan said that the operators would move swiftly into residential areas to clear the backlog of heaped refuse to prevent any form of health hazard or epidemic.
“Operators will move out this morning into various residential areas to pick up refuse stored up since the beginning of the strike to avoid any messy or filthy surrounding which may cause epidemic.
Niger
Governor of Niger State Babangida Aliyu, has said he had no regrets over his support for the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Aliyu made the remark while receiving the state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abdulrahman Enagi, who paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Minna.
The national strike degenerated to a violent riot in the state on Wednesday January 11, 2012 leading to wanton destruction of public and private property.
The governor said the removal of fuel subsidy had become imperative as ordinary Nigerians were not the ones enjoying the facility.
He said the subsidy removal had also become necessary as the 36 governors have jointly sued the Federal Government over the continued deduction from their statutory earnings from the federation account to fund the subsidy.
Aliyu also said the subsidy removal was also a PDP matter, which all PDP members were expected to support and disseminate to other Nigerians to gain acceptability before the actual removal.
He, therefore, called on the state branch of the party not to hesitate to discipline any member found to be involved in the protest as such acts were tantamount to anti-party activities.
Ogun
Abeokuta Zonal Manager, Ogun Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), Mr Dapo Ogunremi has identified effective pest control as a critical factor in the nation’s quest to achieve food security.
He made the observation at the Farmers’ Field Day held in Imala community, Abeokuta North Local Government Area.
Ogunremi, who spoke on the theme, “Increased Yield of Tomatoes/Pepper with Effective Integrated Pest Management,’’ urged farmers to adopt integrated pest management practices to increase farm yields.
He explained that increased farm yields would not only make the state economically viable, but also self-sufficient in food production.
Ogunremi added that it would also make the state less dependent on tomatoes and pepper produced in the northern states.
The zonal manager observed that proper soil management, seed treatment, effective storage system and timely planting, were necessary to achieve bountiful harvest.
“Tomatoes and pepper are very important farm produce in Imala community. Therefore, we must take good care of them before and after planting as well as during harvest.
Osun
Unidentified arsonists recently set a worship centre on fire at Alekuwodo area of Osogbo,Osun.
Our correspondent reports that a crowd milled around the razed structure which was still emitting smoke as at 11:30 a.m.
our correspondent also gathered from neighbours in the vicinity that the building was a worship centre where some important personalities were said to meet and worship at odd times.
It was learnt that each time there was a worship session, exotic vehicles were usually parked in the premises by highly placed members of the public.
“The presence of the worship centre has always been the talk of the town, more so that it is unlike the conventional worship centres which are open to all and sundry.
“One of the strange things about the place is that it has no front door as the adherents enter through the back door as if it is a cult,” a resident, who lives close to the centre said.
Plateau
The Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, has denied receiving court order in respect of the dissolution of the executives of the 17 local government areas of the state prior to last Saturdays inauguration of management committees for the councils.
The governor stated that the council had to be dissolved because their tenure had expired.
Jang, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Edward Pwajok said that allowing chairmen whose tenure had elapsed to remain in office and dissolving only the councillors would amount to making them sole administrators.
He revealed that no order of any court was served on the governor before the inauguration of the management committees maintaining that what was served on the governor was a court process instituted by two former chairmen of Bokkos and Langtang North who complained that their tenures had not expired.
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