Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa House of Assembly says it has set up a committee on how to generate 30 megawatts of electricity for the state.
The committee chairman, Mr Wafari Theman (ACN, Hong) told newsmen in Yola that the low power supply to the state was worrisome.
Theman said that the committee had visited PHCN and other stakeholders because power supply to the state was fluctuating between 20 and seven megawatts.
He said that the committee had visited the state Special Energy Department and the Gongola Basin Energy Development Commission
He said that the panel had also visited Laddo Dam in neighbouring Cameroon Republic and Kiri Dam in Adamawa.
He said that the purpose of visiting the establishments was to ensure they generate additional electricity power to the state.
Bauchi
Bauchi State has detected three new cases of Polio Virus between January and March.
The WHO Consultant in-charge of Gamawa, Zaki and Itas Gadau, Mr Emmanuel Katuga, disclosed this on Saturday in Kari-kacaf, in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Katuga told newsmen that one case each was recorded at Kari-Kacaf, Dagaleri and Taranka, all in Gamawa Local Government Area.
He explained that the case of Kari-Kacaf and Taranka had been confirmed to be the “Wild Polio Virus” while that of Dagaleri had been sent to Maiduguri Laboratory for test.
Katuga attributed the new cases to uncompleted dosage of Polio immunisation within the affected areas.
The consultant said that his team had introduced weekly immunisation in spite of the routine ones within the affected areas to ensure that the virus was eradicated in the area.
Borno
The wife of Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, has called on traditional and community leaders to work collectively to wipe out the polio virus from the country.
Shettima, who made the call in Maiduguri when she launched the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), urged wives of the Chairmen of Local Government Caretaker Committees to ensure mass mobilisation of parents at the grass roots for the exercise.
She said that the state government had instituted an award for best local government council in immunisation coverage to encourage better performance.
“I want the wives of the caretaker committees chairmen to compete with one another in the area of mass mobilisation of parents on polio immunisation.
“Each one of you must strive hard to ensure that her council becomes the best so you can win the state government award for the best performing council in immunisation coverage,” she said.
FCT
Chairman House Committee on Gas Resources Rep. Bassey Ewa, says stopping gas flaring in the country requires the political will of the Federal Government.
Ewa told newsmen in Abuja that there was also the need for the Federal Government to collaborate with multinational oil companies to end gas flaring.
He said the committee was determined to ensure that the gas master plan was implemented to the letter.
“On the issue of gas flaring, my committee is putting necessary things in place to ensure the issue is finally put to rest.
“The Federal Government has a gas master plan and as the chairman of the committee on gas resources, it is my desire to ensure that the plan is implemented to the letter,’’ he said.
Gombe
President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe over the death of his four-year-old daughter, Hajara.
The president who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Mike Oghiadome, said in Gombe on Saturday, that he (Jonathan) and the good people of Nigeria sympathised with the family of Dankwambo.
Jonathan noted that death was inevitable and called on the governor to take it as an act of God because “every soul must pass through it.”
“This is because God gives and takes, we have no right to question Him,’’ he said.
Kano
Kano State Government has concluded plans to construct 56 new courts in the 44 local government areas of the state, our correspondent reports.
The Public Relations Officer of the state High Court, Malam Baba Jibo made this known to newsmen in Kano.
Jibo said that the government had kick- started the construction of 23 of the courts in its first phase, pointing out that the second phase would be inaugurated soon.
He said the project was part of the government’s determination to ensure that the people of the state had access to justice by bringing justice to their door steps.
Katsina
Herdsmen in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State have called for increased government commitment to animal vaccination.
Alhaji Ardo Abubakar, the leader of herdsmen, made the call during the launch of the 2012 animal vaccination.
Abubakar expressed the appreciation of the herdsmen to the state government for its policies on animal production, saying that the “huge investment ” would ensure the good health of animals.
He noted that many nomads had been mobilised to submit their animals for the vaccination, adding that the exercise would improve the health of cows and other domestic animals in the area.
According to him, not less than 6,000 cows have been targeted for vaccination in the two-week programme.
Kebbi
Kebbi Governor-elect State Alhaji Saidu Dakingari, has said that the fresh mandate he received in Saturday’s election was an indication of his acceptance by the people of Kebbi.
The Media Adviser to Dakingari, Malam Alhassan Musa, told newsmen that the new mandate was an indication of the popularity of the governor-elect’s policies and programmes over the years.
He promised to bring the opposition on board in efforts to develop the state.
“In this election, there is no victor or vanquished. The PDP will carry everyone along in major decision making and progarmme implementation,’’ he said.
Dakingari urged the people to expect development, especially in the areas of agriculture, rural development, education and health.
Lagos
Five-time World Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield, is visiting Badagry, Lagos State, to reconnect with his African roots and seek the possibility of investing in the country’s tourism industry.
The Alabama, U.S.-born retired pugilist believes he is of African descent.
He visited the historic town of Badagry on the invitation of Mr Yomi Ajose, a former Senior Special Adviser to the Badagry Local Government Council.
Holyfield, who visited the traditional ruler of the town, Wheno Aholu Meno Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, said that he was visiting to trace his African roots.
Niger
The Niger House of Assembly has approved the appointment of Alhaji Abdullahi Kagara as its new Clerk.
Members of the Assembly had unanimously approved the appointment of Kagara following his recommendation by the Assembly Service Commission.
Majority Leader Mohammad Dada moved the motion for the approval and it was unanimously adopted by members.
The Speaker, Alhaji Mohammed Tsowa, commended Kagara’s contribution to the legislative activities of the Assembly, especially the committees assignments.
He directed the acting clerk to convey the approval to the Assembly Service Commission for it to issue a letter of appointment to the new Clerk.
Kagara, who was born in 1964 in Kagara, obtained a degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano, 1988.
He started his career as a reporter with the Newsline newspaper in 1990 and joined the Assembly service in 1992 as its Public Relations Officer.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of “Obafemi Awolowo Academy of Ideology’’ to promote political and economic ideals of the late premier of the defunct Western Region.
The Majority Leader of the House, Mr Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, who moved the motion in Akure, said, the proposed academy would immortalise Awolowo and facilitate access to his political ideas and leadership qualities.
“The late sage, a nationalist, in his books and essays propounded a robust ideology for governance, which, he called, “Social Democracy”.
“Late Awolowo, who was described as the best president Nigeria never had, came up with major tenets of his political ideology in his books, publications, lectures for our political emancipation,’’ Akinsoyinu said.
The majority leader pointed out that the Yoruba leader’s approach to politics was devoid of violence and that the idea had distinguished his character as far as the game of politics was concerned.
Mr Victor Akinwe, representing the people of Odigbo Constituecy I, said the academy would serve as an instrument of reconstruction for prospective and serving politicians in the country.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Urban and Regional Planning Board on Thursday began the demolition of illegal structures in Sokoto and its environs.
Our correspondent reports that the board demolished illegal structures in Sokoto old market and the state’s School of Developmental Studies, an arm of the state university.
The Permanent Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, said the action was to rid the state capital and its environs of all illegal structures.
‘’We will not allow any person or group of persons to tinker with the master plan of the state capital, no matter how highly placed the person is.’’
Mohammed said the owners of the illegal structures were given a month notice to remove them or face sanctions but they allegedly refused to comply.
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