Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has concluded plans to rehabilitate all the infrastructure in the 20 local government areas of the state destroyed by windstorm during the 2011 rainy season.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Alhaji Sani Bura, disclosed the plan in Bauchi on Tuesday while addressing the people of Gabarin/Konkiyel; Sabon Sara and Toro communities.
He said that the affected infrastructure included water, electricity and road projects in the 20 local government areas.
Bura said that most of the projects affected by the windstorm had reached various stages of completion, while others were being assessed and quantified to facilitate their completion.
He said that the projects, which also included roads rehabilitation and reconstruction, would be completed before the inception of the 2012 rainy season.
FCT
The Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, says that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has computed Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in six pilot states.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Head, Information unit of the Commission, Mr Salisu Haiba.
Usman while flagging-off of the State GDP Computation Project in Nigeria in Minna, Niger, said that six pilot states that had been selected were Anambra, Rivers, Niger, Kano, Lagos, Gombe and Rivers.
He said that the six states were selected based on the size of their economies and commitment of reform programmes.
He described the project as significant in the economic history of Nigeria being the first time it was being undertaken by the NBS.
Jigawa
Governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido has said that his desire to boost small-scale businesses in the state informed his decision to build a modern market.
Lamido, who stated this while addressing newsmen Tuesday after an inspection of the market project in Dutse, said that the market was constructed to boost commerce, eradicate poverty and entrench economic prosperity in the state.
“This market will accommodate 80 per cent of those in small businesses like vegetables sellers, barbers and butchers, among others.
“Shops would be rented out to people at affordable rates because the essence of the exercise is to fight poverty”, he said.
Kano
Governor of Kano State Rabi’u Kwankwaso has called on the Federal Government to pay more attention on the training and equipping of the police and other security agencies in the country.
Kwankwaso made the call when he received members of the Presidential Task-Force on Police Reforms, who paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday in Kano.
He said that the call was necessary in view of the prevailing security challenges facing the country.
The governor stressed the need for security agencies to collaborate with other stakeholders so as to reduce the level of crime in the country.
Kwankwaso said that the Kano State Government had been working with security agencies in the state with a view to ensuring peace and security.
Katsina
The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Katsina State has announced the dismissal of all members of the party who accepted any form of appointment under the Katsina State government.
The Interim Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Farouq Aliyu, told newsmen in Katsina on Tuesday that the action of the members was an “unpardonable offence”.
‘’Members who had taken appointments with the Katsina State government, committed an unpardonable offence and should consider themselves out of the party, because CPC does not believe in the government of national unity at the federal, state or local level.’’
He accused such members of selfishness, saying their acceptance of the appointments was to better their lots and not in the interest of the party.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Department of Fire Service recorded 34 incidents of fire outbreaks in Kebbi State within the last three months.
The state Director of Fire Service, Alhaji Bello Zagga, disclosed this to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi recently.
He, however, said there were no loss of lives in the incidents.
The director said the usage of inferior electrical cables were responsible for 90 per cent of the fire incidents while the remaining 10 per cent could be traced to undue exposure of animal feeds to open fire.
Zagga said the department “would organise workshops to sensitise the public on preventive measures”.
Lagos
A lecturer in the Department of Architecture at Covenant University, Mr Eziyi Ibem, has advised the Federal Government to adopt Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for effective housing delivery.
Ibem told newsmen in Lagos that provision of housing would continue to be a problem until all stakeholders were involved.
“For instance, the Building Materials Manufacturers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria should be involved in the public-private partnership.
“Their involvement will ease the constraints in the procurement of building materials.
“If the association is properly integrated into all PPP projects, it will give housing developers access to quality, durable and reasonably priced building materials,” Ibem said.
Oyo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday in Ibadan alerted Nigerians of a fake brand of sugar in circulation.
The Zonal Coordinator for Oyo State, Mrs Omosola Osinbanjo, said the discovery of the fake sugar followed the intensive surveillance exercise carried out across the state by officials of the agency.
Osinbanjo said the initiatives of NAFDAC led to the discovery of the fake product at a market in Agbeni area of the metropolis.
Plateau
The Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in Plateau on Tuesday paraded a young man alleged to be a fake soldier and four suspected armed robbers at its headquarters in Jos.
The STF Media Officer, Capt. Mdahyelya Markus, who briefed newsmen on the arrest, alleged that the “fake soldier” was arrested in a Nigerian Army Camouflage with the rank of sergeant.
Markus said the suspect was arrested by STF personnel at a checkpoint in Lantang South Local Government Area of Plateau.
He said that one of the suspected robbers had claimed that he was a student of ECWA Seminary, Jos, while another claimed to be a 400 level Accounting student of University of Jos.
Taraba
Construction work on the multipurpose Kashimbilla Dam project in Taraba is 50 per cent completed, Mr Regy Ikpeawujo, the Deputy Director, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, has said.
Ikpeawujo, who disclosed this in Abuja in an interview with newsmen said the that dam would commence full operation in 2014.
“By the year 2014, the dam should fully take off its operation,’’ he said, adding that work on the project was being carried out in stages.
He said that if completed, the dam would generate hydro power, provide irrigation and supply to water to several towns and villages in Taraba and Benue states.
Yobe
Two months into the staff verification exercise by Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board, primary school teachers in the state have decried the non-payment of their two-month salary.
Some teachers who spoke to newsmen on Tuesday in Damaturu, said the verification was taking too long while they wallowed in poverty and hunger.
Malam Yusuf Umar, a teacher in Damaturu, said the delay in completing the exercise was having a negative effect on the welfare of teachers across the state.
Another teacher, Malam Manu Bukar, said there had been series of screening in the past but this one had subjected them to “hunger and poverty”.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has extended the tenure of the local government caretaker committees in the state from January to June 2012.
The Assembly had last July approved the formation of the caretaker committees with a mandate to serve for a maximum of six months, with the hope that elections into the councils would be conducted in January 2012.
Its Majority Leader, Alhaji Salisu Tsafe, said at the presentation of the bill that it sought to amend the law establishing the caretaker committees.
He said the decision was in accordance with section 18, sub section 4 of the state’s local governments’ law.
Tsafe explained that the law had given the house absolute powers to terminate or extend the tenure of local government councils.
He argued that in the event that the state government could not conduct elections into positions in the local government councils, the house could extend the tenure of the councils to allow the conduct of the elections within the period covered by the extension.
After debating the matter, the House unanimously agreed that the tenure of committees be extended from Jan. 29 to June 2012 during which elections should be conducted.
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