Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa House of Assembly has commenced moves to pass a law that would enhance sanitation in the state.
The bill entitled: “A Law to establish the Adamawa State Waste Disposal Board” to put in place a modern, environmentally safe waste management system in the state.
The bill, which is also meant to provide for matters incidental thereto, had passed its second reading.
The bill sponsored by the state government, when passed into law has provisions for fines or imprisonment for individuals or organisations that commit sanitation offences.
Such offences include improper dumping of refuse and failure to clean side walks, drains and gutters, among others.
The fines range from N500 to N50,000 and three months imprisonment depending on the offence.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) says it has deployed some of its staff and constituted a mobile court to facilitate the decongestion of the Muda Lawal Market .
Alhaji Waziri Jalam, the BASEPA Permanent Secretary, disclosed this in an inter disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
Jalaam said that the exercise would ensure that all roads in the market were cleared for the benefit of people who patronise the market and in accordance with the master plan.
He said that the exercise, scheduled for Monday, would be carried out jointly by BASEPA and the traders association officials.
Alhaji Mohammed Jauro, the association’s Chairman, said that the exercise became necessary to rid the market of traders who blocked access roads with wheel barrows laden with goods.
According to him, the blockage sometimes leads to accidents.
FCT
A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), ‘Bread of Life Development Foundation’, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that Nigerians, especially the urban and rural poor, have access to safe water supply and good sanitation services.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Babatope Babalobi, gave the advice in a statement to mark Thursday’s celebration of the 2012 World Water Day
In the statement, made in Abuja, Babalobi said that Nigeria was one of the 122 countries that signed the UN Resolution of July 28, 2010, on the right to water.
He urged the Federal Government to domesticate this policy in its national water supply and sanitation laws.
“We expect the Nigerian Government to accord the highest priority to the provision of improved water and sanitation services to the people.
Jigawa
The Chairman, Buji Local Government Council in Jigawa State, Alhaji Isa Gwadayi, has charged the council’s newly-appointed secretary, Alhaji Abdu Kafin-madaki to abide by the oath of office he took.
Gwadayi gave the charge during the swearing-in of the scribe on Thursday in Buji.
He said the appointment of Kafin-madaki was based on his track record and contribution in uplifting the socio-economic well-being of the local government area.
The chairman pledged that he would give the necessary support to the new scribe for the development of the state.
Responding, Gwadayi said that he would not condone absenteeism and late coming to work.
He pointed out that anybody found engaging in such acts would be shown the way out.
Kaduna
Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly has advised Gov. Patrick Yakowa to respect due process in the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor for the state-owned university (KASU) “to avoid litigation.”
Dr Shehu Usman Danfulani, the Minority Leader of the House, gave the advice while addressing newsmen in Kaduna on the appointment of Prof. Barnabas Quirix as the new VC of the institution.
He said the appointment should be reviewed in line with current global trends in the operations and management of academic institutions.
Danfulani added that if the appointment did not follow due process and the statutes establishing the university it would injure the integrity of the institution.
“Such hasty appointment could invalidate the university’s certificates.
“We do not have anything against the appointee because he is qualified and competent, but we demand for the respect of rule of law and due process,’’ he said.
Kwara
The Qadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullahi Owolabi, has appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the dialogue process with the Boko Haram sect.
He told newsmen in Ilorin that only constructive engagement with the sect could offer solutions to the security challenges in the country.
“ To the best of my understanding, when there is a problem with the people, government should make it a point of duty to have dialogue with those involved like they did with Niger Delta group,’’ he said.
He also advised the Federal Government to demonstrate commitment to the talks by ensuring that all stake holders were carried along in the negotiation process.
“ The so-called Boko Haram should also allow opportunity for negotiation without pre-condition because in the history of Islam, Prophet Mohammed did not insist that you must give a condition even when those conditions were not favourable.
Lagos
The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria on Thursday praised the Federal Government for its efforts at reviving the country’s textile industry.
The President of the union, Mr Reginald Agulanna-Uwa, told newsmen in Lagos that some moribund textile mills had been revived through the government efforts.
He explained that companies that had not been able to start operations were reluctant to take the loans because of the fear that the influx of foreign textiles would affect their investment.
He said, however, that despite intrigues in the sector, some operators had given the assurances that business would improve with effective government policy.
Agulanna-Uwa said that the current fad of using local fabrics (ankara) as uniform during festivities, would encourage investors and boost the textile industry in the country.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State says his administration has spent N4 billion to purchase four Armoured Personnel Carriers(APCs), 145 vans and other security gadgets to fight crime.
Amosun made this known in Abeokuta on Thursday when he received the management team of ECObank PLC.
Our correspondent recalls that robbery attacks had been on the increase in some parts of Ogun since December 2011, forcing banks and other financial institutions to close shop.
According to the governor, the purchase of APCs, vans and other gadgets was to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in combating crime.
He said socioeconomic development could only take place in an environment that was peaceful and where security was guaranteed.
Amosun also commended the bank for donating N75 million to the state’s security trust fund, saying all the money received would be judiciously utilised.
He further called for more support from banks and companies operating in Ogun toward ensuring a crime-free state.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has vowed that neither he nor any of his aides would demand bribe from any contractor handling various projects in the state.
The governor said this in Ibadan during the flag-off of the reconstruction of Apete and Ayeye bidges.
He had earlier on Wednesday flagged off the reconstruction of the Bodija/Secretariat Road and Ogbere Babanla bridges.
The governor also vowed that his administration would not compromise on the standard and quality of any project that would be executed in the state during his tenure.
“We have many substandard projects in the state because contractors had given bunches of the money to government functionaries as reward or gratification for getting the jobs.
Sokoto
Former chairman, Illela Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, last Thursday called on PDP delegates to exhibit political maturity to ensure credible leaders emerged at the party convention.
Aliyu told newsmen in Sokoto that it was only by electing leaders that had the interest of the party that its growth would be sustained.
“ Delegates must show maturity as members of the largest party in Africa, respect the wishes of the supporters in the task of having reliable, honest and credible leadership,” he said.
He said political maturity was required at this material time to ensure the development of the party.
Taraba
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Taraba has registered over 11,000 candidates for the 2012 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The State Coordinator of the Board, Mrs Veronica Ayuba, disclosed this in Jalingo, while speaking with newsmen.
She said the candidates would sit for the examination in 22 centres of Jalingo, Bali, Wukari and Sardauna Local Government Councils.
Ayuba said preparations for the commencement of the examination which was scheduled for Saturday had reached an advanced stage in the centres across the state.
Zamfara
The ANPP Government of Zamfara has pledged to carry along all registered political parties in the state in major decision making and delivery of dividends of democracy.
The state Secretary of the party, Alhaji Salisu Dangulbi, made the pledge in Gusau during an interactive session of all the political parties on Thursday.
Dangulbi said the state government had made it a policy to embrace political parties as equal partners in the project of developing Zamfara.
He said that election had come and gone and as such politics should be put aside.
According to him, politicians should join hands with the state government to provide the necessary guidance that can facilitate speedy development 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