Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government says it will assist the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in the preservation of national artifacts within the state.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Sagir Sale, made the offer in Bauchi on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the NCMM, led by its Director-General, Malam Yusuf Usman.
Sale said, “The preservations of these monuments are key factors in the fight towards restoring national culture and values of the different peoples of the country.”
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the upholding of the various sites within Bauchi, adding that the NCMM should include more of such locations into its heritage sites.
Earlier, Usman told the deputy governor about plans by the commission to highlight the life and times of the late Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, through an exhibition.
He said the exhibition would serve as a tribute to “this giant of a man, who chose to express himself quietly through outstanding leadership’’.
He said that the commission would promote the edifice, where Balewa buried, which is located in the heart of Bauchi town as a centre for dissemination of social values.
Ekiti
Alumni Association of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti has criticised the federal frequent change of the name of the institution.
Chairman, Board of Trustee of the Association, Mr Olawale Jegede said this in Ado-Ekiti at a dinner in honour of the new Vice Chancellor, Prof Oladipo Aina.
Jegede said the university, which will be 30 years old by 30th of this month had changed its name four times.
The university opened on March 30, 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University, and was later named Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti. The institution was renamed University of Ado-Ekiti before it was name Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti late last year.
Jegede said, the name change is too rampant. Some of us have lost count of how many times the name has been changed.
He added “the Alumni were not consulted before the name was changed. As stakeholders, we would have been consulted. But we are ready to work with you. We are welcoming you now but we are going to celebrate you by the time we look back and se infrastructure development, the number of course accredited and other development”.
FCT
FCT Minister of State, Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, has charged stakeholders in the health sector to ensure that transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) would no longer be a health problem in Abuja.
She gave the charge at the launch of the FCT TB and Leprosy Control Programme, TB Reach Project in Gwagwalada Area Council.
According to the minister, the launch is aimed to kick-start the activities of TB control with the help of a new technology in the council.
She said the new technology, GeneXpert, was the latest technological instrument approved by the World Health Organisation for the diagnosis of TB.
Akinjide said that the TB Reach Project was a special grant, adding that it was secured through joint team spirit of Public-Private-Partnership efforts of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat.
Kaduna
Some religious clerics from two major religions in Nigeria have advised government to seek God’s intervention through organised prayers to address the security menace in the country.
The clerics called for God’s intervention in Security challenges being experienced in Zaria and other parts of the country in an interview with newsmen on Sunday.
Sheik Surajo Bomo, a Zaria based Islamic scholar and Pastor Ishaku Halilu, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Zaria said that prayers still remained the only solution to any trouble.
They stressed the need for all Nigerians to join hands toward the actualisation of peace, unity and harmonious relationship among the citizenry.
Kwara
The Kwara Government says promotion of workers will henceforth be based on performance.
The Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Adelodun Ibrahim, told newsmen that the decision was aimed at ensuring a viable civil service.
“There is need for us to have a viable civil service and as such, evaluation and promotion of workers will be based on performance,’’ he said.
He said the results of the 2012 promotion examination held in January had been compiled, adding that the commission would soon fix a date for oral interview.
Lagos
An NGO, Project Alert, on Saturday in Lagos, attributed the increase in reported cases of rape to the advocacy work of activists and the government.
Executive Director, Project Alert, Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, however, told newsmen, that the increase in the reported cases of rape did not mean an increase in the incidence.
“We are having more reported cases of rape in Nigeria but this does not necessarily mean that there is an increase in the incidence.
Niger
A two-year-old girl was on Saturday beheaded by unknown ritualists in an uncompleted building in Tunga ward of Minna, Niger.
The victim, identified as Ummul-khairu Mohammad, was believed to have been beheaded in an uncompleted building adjacent to her house while playing with other children in the neighborhood at about 10 a.m.
“Before the unfortunate incident, I prepared the child for the day’s trip to an Adult Islamic School which both of us are attending.
“Subsequently, I realised that the little girl had poured water on her blouse and I was forced to arrange a new dress for her but she sneaked out to her usual playing ground, only for one of her play mates to come back home with her pant.”
Ogun
The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 75th birthday.
Amosun, in a statement by his senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mrs Funmi Wakama, described the former president as “an epitome of selfless service to fatherland”.
The governor said “it is indisputable that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has devoted virtually his entire adult life to the service of the nation, first as a fine officer in the army, Head of State and later president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Osun
Two students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Azeez Owolabi, 25 and Olusegun Omoniyi, 27, on Tuesday appeared before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being members of secret cults.
The police prosecutor, Sgt. Elisha Olusegun, alleged that the accused persons and others at large on or before February 20 at Ede conspired to commit felony by joining an unlawful society.
Olusegun, who alleged that the accused were members of the Buccaneer and Pirate Confraternities, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under section 516, 63 and 64 of the Criminal Code Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and their counsel, Mr Okobie Ajite, pleaded for bail on liberal terms.
Oyo
The Head of Special Operations, Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission, Mr Gad Nathan Bako, has said the war against graft and other related offences is weak in the country because of limited finances and logistics problems.
Bako said this while presenting two different papers titled “Corruption in Nigeria: The anti-corruption corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act 2000” at a sensitisation/enlightenment seminal for management and staff of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Ibadan.
He stated that the war against corruption had improved the rating of the country by various international watchdogs.
He, however, said “the Agency’s activities were principally curtail by insufficient funding. He said the commission would have gone far if it had enough money to prosecute most of the cases before it.
Plateau
The 3 Armoured Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army and its affiliate units would conduct live firing at its shooting range in Miango, near Jos, between March 5 and March 14, a statement has said.
The statement, signed by Lt. Saleh Buba for the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, in Jos, said that there would be a large movement of troops and sounds of gun shots during the period.
“During this period, there will be large movement of military personnel and other military wares. There will be sounds of gun shots of different calibres of weapons.
“The general public and Fulani cattle rearers and farmers are requested to stay away from the general area within this period to avoid being hit by bullets.”
The statement, however, advised members of the public not to panic or entertain any fear over the development as it was purely a normal military training exercise.
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