Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has employed 14 desk officers to assist in monitoring unwholesome drugs in some Local Government Areas of Bauchi state.
Mr Michael Attah, Bauchi state Unit Head of the agency, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Attah said the action was to boost NAFDAC activities at the grassroots level in view of the inadequate staff of the agency.
The unit head said the desk officers had been deployed to 14 out of the 20 local government areas of the state.
Attah said that the officers had been mandated to enlighten members of their communities on the dangers of unregistered, adulterated and fake drugs.
He said that the local councils had agreed to provide office and residential accommodation to the desk officers.
“The hawkers conduct their activities at odd times; sometimes we apprehend them whenever we visit the rural communities, sometime we don’t.
“When these drugs are exposed to the sun, some of its active ingredient will be affected, so instead of curing one’s ailment, one ends up with complications. ’’
Ekiti
The new Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, Mr Ibrahim Maishanu, assumed office and promised to make the state better in terms of security and peaceful co-existence among the people.
Maishanualso pledged to implement the reform agenda of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, in the command.
The commissioner made the pledge at the Police headquarters in Ado- Ekiti at a handing over ceremony marking his official assumption of office.
Maishanu is the immediate past Commissioner of Police of Niger.
He succeeds Mr Olayinka Balogun, who has been posted to Edo as Commissioner of Police .
Maishanu promised to work harmoniously with the state government, members of the Police Community Relations Committee and the public to sustain the peace existing in the state.
He promised to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and promised to unveil his policies and programmes in due course.
Maishanu’s predecessor, Balogun, had urged him to tackle corruption within the Police and ensure that all road blocks that had been dismantled did not resurrect anywhere in the state.
FCT
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) plans to introduce a Ministerial Open House platform to unite policy makers and stakeholders and enrich public policy in the country.
The Agency’s Director-General, Mr. Mike Omeri, announced this when the Director, Speakers’ Corner Trust, Mr. Peter Bradley, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) plans to introduce a Ministerial Open House platform to unite policy makers and stakeholders and enrich public policy in the country.
The Agency’s Director-General, Mr. Mike Omeri, announced this on Tuesday when the Director, Speakers’ Corner Trust, Mr. Peter Bradley, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The NOA boss said it was high time that groups that had been denied access to government policy making process were considered in policy formulation.
“We intend to give policy makers and those who will be affected by such policies a platform for discussions so that stakeholders can make inputs into existing and intended policies.
Gombe
Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammed,has commended Gombe State for having the lowest maternal and child mortality rate in the North East zone of the federation.
Mohammed gave the commendation at the launching of the free polio programme in Gombe last Saturday.
He also applauded the state for ensuring that there was no recorded case of polio since 2009.
Mohammed said that Gombe State was surrounded by states with cases of polio, charging the state to maintain the tempo.
He said the success achieved in Gombe State was a result of the government’s commitment as well as the effort put in by other development partners like WHO, UNICEF and other non-governmental bodies.
Mohammed said the agency would introduce community health inspectors in states and rural areas to enlighten the public on issues of hygiene and primary health.
According to him, health teams from Abuja will soon visit Gombe State to concretise the arrangement.
He commended traditional rulers and religious leader for mobilising their subjects to take advantage of health programmes.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State House of Assembly has passed the state’s 2012 appropriation bill of N104.4 billion.
Presenting the appropriation committee report before the passage of the bill, the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Babangida Mohammed, said the estimate now had an increment of N60 million from the initial budget proposal presented by Gov. SuleLamido.
Mohammed explained that the increase of N60 million which was not captured in the initial appropriation bill presented to the house would be used by Gunduma Health System to pay the salaries and allowances of medical personnel who would be recruited.
He said that several adjustments had been made in the capital expenditure, overhead, personnel cost and stabilisation fund.
Katsina
Katsina State House of Assembly has approved a total budget of N66.4 billion for the 34 local governments in the state for 2012.
The Speaker, Alhaji Ya’u Gwajo-gwajo, announced the approval in Katsina shortly after the House Committee on Appropriation presented its report on the local government budget proposals to the House.
He said that N48 billion was for their recurrent expenditure, while about N18 billion was for their capital projects during the year.
He directed the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the approved budget to the executive arm for assent.
The speaker also commended the house committee on appropriation for completing the budget screening on time.
Earlier, Alhaji Aliyu Iliyasu, the Appropriation Committee Chairman, said the Assembly had mandated the committee to work on the budget proposal based on the submission made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Lagos
Some Lagos residents have called on the National Assembly to involve the nation’s anti-corruption bodies in NASS probe panels to achieve desired results.
They spoke in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos on Saturday on the revelations in the ongoing probes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
They said that theEconomic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should have representatives each in the probe panels.
The Executive Director, Social Justice Advocacy Initiative (SJAI), Mr Damian Ugwu,decried what he called “corruption in the oversight functions of the National Assembly committees”.
Niger
More than N27.7 billion pension has been paid by the Niger government under the Pay-As-You-Go and the Contributory Pension schemes in the state from May 2007 to December 2011, an official said.
Director General of of the state’s Pension Board Mr Benu Yahaya , told newsmen in Minna that N15.3 billion went into the Pay-As-You-Go pension scheme, while N12.4 billion was for the Contributory Pension Scheme.
He said the board had also settled the outstanding pension liability of N1.4 billion inherited from the previous administration in the state.
Ogun
The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, Prof. Kayode Makinde, has urged government at all level to overhaul Nigeria‘s health sector for better delivery.
Makinde made the call in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun.
The vice chancellor said it was time government and health practitioners adhered to the mission of medicine, “which is saving lives and not money-making venture”.
The don observed that the medicine profession has lost its compassion component in Nigeria.
“There is no secret; Nigeria medicine, largely has lost its compassion component. But then, those who are in healthcare should either have that compassion or get out of it.
“Money and materialism has replaced love; has replaced respect; has replaced anything that used to be of value when we are growing up. Nigerian medicine is just a little microcosm of the Nigeria society.
Osun
As this year’s rainy season draws near, the Osun Government has begun preparation to plough 1,000 acres of land for rice production at Osuntedo, Ejigbo Local Government Area.
The Coordinator, Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QIIP) Mr Dele Ogundipe, disclosed this on Tuesday when he received Mr Wale Adedoyin, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Production, who visited the site.
He said government was looking forward to a production target of 2,000 tonnes of rice in 2012 from the site alone.
Ogundipe said no fewer than 20 farmers cooperative societies drawn from the community and other parts of the state would benefit from the project.
Each cooperative society, he said, would get a minimum of 50 acres, adding that tractors would also be provided for them to till the soil.
Plateau
The Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the collection of deposits from intending pilgrims, Alhaji Salisu Musa, the Executive Secretary of the Board, has said.
A pilgrim is expected to contribute N500,000 in the meantime, pending the announcement of the final figure for this year’s exercise by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCO).
Musa told newsmen in Jos that the Board would not receive “anything less than the N500,000 to scare away people that see the exercise as a business venture.
He said that some persons usually paid the deposits only to later sell their slots in the event of a shortage of the slots.
Taraba
The Taraba Government has approved N23 million for the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to organise the first Taraba Festival for Arts and Culture (TARAFEST 2012).
The Commissioner in-charge of the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Bello, disclosed the approval in Jalingo on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen.
He said that the event, which is going to be the first ever cultural fiesta in the state, would take place between April 11, and April 15, in Jalingo.
The commissioner explained that the festival was aimed at showcasing the arts and cultural heritage of the people of the state.
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