Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Rapid Response Team on Lassa Fever is to liaise with private and public health institutions in the state for quick identification of cases of lassa fever in the state.
The Chairman of the team, Dr Robinson Yusuf, told newsmen in Bauchi that there was the need to be proactive in combating the disease.
According to him, health personnel must be tutored on the signs and symptoms of the disease for easy identification and isolation of affected persons.
“We will use the primary healthcare units in all the local government areas to ensure that information on the disease are passed to the grassroots, just as we are doing in the case of wild polio virus.’’
Yusuf listed the symptoms of the disease to include fever, nausea, sore throat, back pain, abdominal pain and vomiting of blood.
Ekiti
Authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti have announced fees payable by students of the institution for the 2011/2012 session.
The Public Relations Officer, Mr Adeyemi Adejolu, told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday that “the display of fees payable in the institution had become necessary in order to avoid misinformation and mutilation of facts by students”.
He said HND I and ND I students of the School of Business Studies, except Office Technology and Management, would pay N20,350.
He also said that HND I and ND I students of the Department of Office Technology and Management, including those in the schools of Engineering; Environmental Studies and the School of Science and Computer Studies would pay N21,350.
FCT
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, has described the current bombing in some parts of the country as the biggest threat to the nation’s security after the civil war, which ended in 1970.
He made observation on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference organised by the Homeland Secure, a non-governmental organisation, on the strategy to combat and prevent terrorism in the country.
Omeri, who was represented by an official of the agency, Mr John Tagwai, said that since 1999 the country had passed through many crises, adding that no democracy could thrive in crises.
Omeri said dialogue was the best option to resolve contending issues, and described as timely, the proposed conference on how to combat and prevent terrorism scheduled to take place between May 28 and May 30.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State on Tuesday said the state government would work with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) towards maintaining peace and ensuring women and youth empowerment.
Receiving members of I-Care Women and Youth Initiative, led by the initiator and wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, Yakowa said the government would cooperate with other stakeholders to bring about permanent peace in the state.
The delegation was headed by the the wife of Kaduna State Governor, Mrs Amina Yakowa, representing the wife of the Vice president and the Initiator of the NGO.
The I-care NGO was established to complement government’s effort at empowering women and youths.
Katsina
The Katsina State Senior Magistrates’ Court III has fixed March 26 for mentioning of a charge of rape levelled against a former police corporal.
Abutu Joseph is alleged to have raped a cripple and her daughter inside the Katsina Central Market Police Post on December 16, 2011 while on night duty.
The prosecution said the woman and her daughter, who came from a nearby village, were lured by Joseph to spend the night at the station to avoid being harassed, while searching for accommodation in the town.
The accused person allegedly raped the duo in the night and appealed to them not to reveal the matter.
At today’s proceedings, the police prosecutor, Insp. Hashimu Musa, told the court that the accused person was charged for rape and act of indecency, offences contrary to Sections 283 and 285 of the Penal Code.
Lagos
Some clerics have voiced their concerns over the total removal of roadblocks on the nation’s highways, saying that criminals were already taking undue advantage of the situation.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, the clerics said that the checkpoints should not be removed completely for security reasons, in view of frequent robbery incidences on the highways.
Mr Femi Asiwaju, Lagos State Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, said that the Lagos-Ibadan expressway has recorded many armed robbery incidents in the past one week.
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) meant well for Nigerians by dismantling the checkpoints, but that is not the solution; it is like abandoning the highways to the armed robbers again.
Nasarawa
The Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lafia, Alhaji Usman Bello, has identified Nasarawa as one of those with viable economy among the 36 states of the federation.
He stated this when members of the State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by its Chairman, Mr Philip Gyunka, paid him a courtesy visit in Lafia.
Bello said that “between May 2011 and this February, the Lafia branch of the apex bank has mobilised N16.4 billion from the bank deposits in the state”.
He said the branch has also paid N2.3 billion to 17 deposit banks, which translated to N69 million withdrawals per week.
According to the CBN Branch Controller, the deposits have grown to N480 million per week.
Ogun
The wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, has advocated a paradigm shift to entrepreneurship education as an essential ingredient in accelerating economic growth and national development.
Mrs Amosun made the call on Tuesday in Abeokuta at the launch of Nigeria’s chapter of the Federation of Business Women Entrepreneurs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to her, most developed countries always encourage small and medium scale enterprises leading to increase in their Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
“Our youths and women should be encouraged to acquire one vocational skill or the other, irrespective of their educational qualifications.”
“Most of our children and women may not necessarily hunt for white collar jobs if they can acquire a vocational skill in order to earn a living.
Sokoto
A lecturer in Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Dr Shehu Sidi, has called on the Federal Government to initiate policies and programmes that will modernise farming methods in the country.
Sidi told newsmen in Sokoto that the use of modern farming inputs would ensure massive food production in the country.
He said that the country was blessed with vast land needed to produce various crops for local consumption and export.
He pointed out that, the current security challenges facing the country would be a thing of the past if government invested in Agriculture.
Taraba
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administra-tion and Control (NAFDAC) in Taraba says it will henceforth register water-sachet factories within 48 hours, its Coordinator, Mr Nnaja Nnaja, has said.
Nnaja said this in Jalingo on Tuesday at a news conference.
He said the accelerated registration was aimed at encouraging the people to invest in water manufacturing.
The coordinator explained that most of the brands of sachet water consumed in the state were manufactured outside Taraba, adding that the agency could only monitor the production of foods and drugs within the state.
“So, it is risky to buy sachet water produced in other states because we cannot monitor the production. Our mandate is Taraba and that is why we are encouraging citizens to produce water locally.”
Yobe
The Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, said on Tuesday that his administration has awarded N19.7 billion worth of contracts for the construction of road networks across the state in the last nine months.
He made this known in Damaturu at an interactive meeting with state’s elders, saying that the session was to inform the stakeholders about government activities.
Gaidam said that government also awarded N1.1 billion contract for the completion of Damaturu Regional Water Scheme as a panacea to water scarcity in the metropolis.
“The construction of 200-bed hospital in Damaturu has been completed. Similarly, the construction of 40-bed capacity amenity ward at the Specialist’s Hospital, Damaturu, has been completed at the cost of N140 million.”
The governor said that N700 million had been expended on school fees while all outstanding bursary allowances have been settled.
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