Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, on Tuesday presented the state budget of N97.9 billion for the 2012 fiscal year for approval by the House of Assembly.
The budget estimate is made up of N38.5 billion from statutory allocation, N7.5 billion from value added tax, and N8.1 billion from excess crude oil, with N28.9 capital receipt and N6.7 from internally generated revenue.
Fintiri said that in order to utilise the budget estimate judiciously, government had proposed N87.9 billion for expenditure, out of which N17.3 billion was earmarked for personal emolument, and N22.9 billion for overhead costs, while N4.9 billion was being expected as consolidated revenue.
He said the balance of N42.5 billion was earmarked for capital projects and programmes.
Fintiri attributed the sharp rise in the budget estimate to the increase in minimum wage as well as the recent recruitment exercise in the civil service and post primary school management board.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government says it will establish farm centres in its three senatorial zones to encourage the involvement of youths in agricultural productions.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Tasiu Mohammad, disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
He said that the farm centres, to cost about N2 billion, would generate nearly 6,000 jobs in three locations.
He said that the centres would complement the state government’s efforts at empowering the youths through various cooperative societies established for such purposes.
Mohammad said that already, work had commenced at the farm centres and the programmes would begin once funds from the 2012 budget were released.
The commissioner said that the criteria for youths to benefit from the scheme were through registering with a cooperative society.
Ekiti
Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi has condoled with the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, over the death of his wife, Hajia Mariam Abubakar.
Fayemi, in a letter addressed to the acting IGP, urged him to take consolation in the fact that she lived a good life.
“I received with rude shock the news of the death of your dear wife, Hajia Mariam Abubakar, who died on Monday.
“Her death, at this crucial time, is very unfortunate, but I hope you will take consolation in the fact that she lived a good life,’’ he said.
He prayed God to give the IGP and the entire family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ekiti State, please accept our deep condolence on this irreparable loss and may her gentle soul rest in peace,’’ he added.
FCT
The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okorie-Affia has said that corps members will henceforth be posted to four key areas for their primary assignments.
Okorie-Affia said this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
“Under the new policy, the posting of corps members will focus primarily in the following key sectors: rural health, education, infrastructure and agriculture,’’ the statement said.
It said the new policy was aimed at making the scheme more responsive to the development needs of the country.
According to the statement, the policy will take effect with the incoming batch ‘A‘ and will ensure effective and efficient use of the corps members.
The statement noted that the skills of corps members would fast-track the nation’s socio-economic transformation.
It said that the new posting policy would enhance equitable distribution of corps members and re-energise the objectives of the scheme.
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has signed a contract worth N4.1 billion with a Chinese firm for the provision of water to Gombe metropolis and its environs.
Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday in Gombe, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo said the contract was for the reticulation and rehabilitation of the Gombe Township Water pipelines and the extension of the scheme to Kwami, Gadam and Bojude villages.
He said the network of pipelines would cover a distance of about 150 km across Bagadaza, Riyad, Madaki, Hammadu Kafi, Kagarawal, Tunfure and Tudun Wada Pantami areas in the metropolis.
Some other new areas to benefit from the project, he said, included Gabukka, New GRA, Arawa, Checheniya and Kanoyel “because the pipelines in those areas were old”.
Dankwambo said the project became necessary in view of the influx of people to the state due to its commercial activities, adding that the completion period for the project was 18 months.
Katsina
The Katsina Government has earmarked N4.2 billion for water supply in the state this fiscal year.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Jamilu Muhammad, made the announcement on Monday in Katsina while defending the ministry’s 2012 budget before the Katsina State House of Assembly Appropriation Committee.
Muhammad said that the amount would be spent on urban water supply project, semi-urban water scheme and rural water supply in the state.
He said that the government would resuscitate dams in each of the three senatorial districts in the state before the end of the year.
The commissioner said that the dams would provide drinking water for both animals and human beings, noting that the project would also enhance irrigation activities and provide employment opportunities for the people.
Lagos
A 26-year-old woman, Mrs Sandra Agofure, has begged an Ikeja High Court in Lagos to free her husband, Lucky Agofure, who is standing trial for alleged murder.
Sandra was testifying before Justice Lateefat Okunnu at the ongoing trial of her husband, who allegedly murdered one Princewill Oduocha on February 6, 2010 in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The witness, who was being led in evidence by Agofure’s lawyer, Mr Olarenwaju Ajanaku, said the accused was innocent of the charge preferred against him.
She claimed that Agofure and the deceased were friends, adding that he was not responsible for his death.
Sandra said: “On that fateful day, my husband and Princewill had a quarrel over a N1, 000 debt being owed him by my husband.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State said on Monday that the State Government is to establish a security outfit to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in protecting lives and property in the state.
Aliyu made the announcement when he received the Igbo Community and other non-indigenes residing in the state in his office in Minna.
“Tomorrow there will be a public hearing by the Niger State House of Assembly on a bill for a law to establish Niger State Vigilante so that in every ward we will have a vigilante that will complement the police and other security forces in the state,” he said.
Sokoto
PDP chieftain in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdullah Bafarawa has canvassed for dialogue between the Federal Government and members of the ‘Boko Haram’ sect, as a way of resolving the nation’s present security challenges.
Bafarawa gave the advice while answering questions from newsmen at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto.
‘I strongly advocate a political forum where dialogue will take place between the Federal Government and members of the sect in enhancing peaceful co-existence among Nigerians,” he said.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has given hawkers three months ultimatum to leave the streets or face the full wrath of the law.
The Director of Environment in the state, Mr Solomon Guruza, gave the warning while speaking with newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.
“The government will not return goods seized; we have given them three months notice to leave the roads. At the expiration of the ultimatum, government will rid the streets of the presence of illegal traders.”
Yobe
A guard with the Church of Christ in Nigeria, Mr. Baba, was on Sunday evening murdered after church service in Potiskum, Yobe State. Garba was said to be a Karekare man from Kopkop village in Daigubi area of Potiskum.
His killing came on the heels of allegations by the Cooirdinator of a non-governmental organisation, Stetanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, that indiscriminate and selective killings, mostly targeted at Christians, were still going on in Yobe State.
Our correspondent learnt that 62-year-old Garba was murdered by two young men on a motorcycle, who trailed him to his house located east of Potiskum barracks after church service. The killers were said to have waited for Garba in front of his house and on sighting him, shot him at point-blank range.
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