Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
Stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector have appealed to all tiers of government to make water available to government-owned schools nationwide to avoid premature deaths of students.
The call was informed by the death of three female students in search of water at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
It will be recalled the students fell into a well located in the school premises while trying to fetch water from it.
Eye witness reports showed that the three girls were washing on top of the well, while four others sat on it when it suddenly collapsed.
Adamawa
Adama Beverages Limited, makers of Faro bottled water and juice, has won the 2011 Best Contributing Employer in Human Resources Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Yola zone.
The Area Manager of ITF, Mallam Ishaku Shehu, presented the award to the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Ahmed Jarma, in Yola.
He commended the company for its commitment to staff training in 2011.
Shehu said that such effort in training and re-training of staff by the companies would facilitate better productivity.
He recalled that the ITF was established by Decree 47 of 1971 (now Act) with the responsibility of contributing to training of staff of organisations that remit one per cent of their total pay roll to the fund.
Bauchi
Bank customers in Bauchi State have been groaning over constant malfunctioning of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Bauchi metropolis and environs.
Checks revealed that customers have been having problems with the machines since the use of the machines was made compulsory..
Bank customers complained that the machines were always malfunctioning when their service were needed most, particularly at month ends.
A civil servant with the state government, Malam Usman Damina, complained that the machines always went bad whenever it was a month end.
‘’I can’t understand these machines. No branch of banks that you go to at the end of the month that you will not see long lines of customers. And at the end of the day, the ATMs will pack up. This is frustrating.
Borno
The Borno Government has said that it was working on plans to train 100 graduates of Agriculture and other related fields in Thailand.
A statement from the Government House in Maiduguri said that Governor Kashim Shettima disclosed the plan when he received a team of agriculture experts from Thailand.
The statement, signed by the Special Adviser on Communications, Malam Isa Gusau, said that the training was part of the partnership between the state government and some Thailand-based agro-allied experts.
Shettima said in the statement that the training was part of his administration’s drive to revolutionise agriculture in the state.
“The governor said that the 100 graduates of different fields in agriculture, as well as those of other-related sciences disciplines will undergo a vigorous selection process.”
Jijawa
The Jigawa Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Hajia Hauwa Lawal, has said that 1,200 stalls had been allocated to traders in the new Dutse market.
She told newsmen in Dutse that shop owners in the old market were treated fairly by allocating stalls to them before considering new applicants.
The commissioner said the traders had been given up to April 20 to move to the new market.
Lawal said that basic amenities like potable water, electricity and toilet facilities were provided in the market.
She explained that the old market would be converted to central business districts, in line with the masterplan of the state capital.
Kano
Dealers in second-hand clothes in Kano City are currently enjoying high patronage, an investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reveals.
Our correspondent, who visited second-hand clothes market at Kofar Wambai in the Kano metropolis, reports that dealers were seen making appreciable sales.
Several buyers clustered around the traders, selecting clothes they wanted to buy.
Malam Isa Ladan, one of the buyers, attributed the high demand for second-hand clothes to the current economic situation in the country.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has urged youths to join the nation’s security organisations to restore peace and order in the state.
Yakowa gave the advice while receiving the state indigenes of Batch 20 graduates of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Onne, Port Harcourt, who paid him a courtesy call.
The governor urged the 35 graduates to be dedicated, determined and to work hard in their various places of assignments.
He said more indigenes would be recruited to participate in the next batch of the course to enable the state get more position in the navy.
Yakowa reiterated the government’s commitment towards peace, unity and development and assured them of his support.
Katshina
A former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, has donated drugs worth N100,000 to a nomadic community in Aidun Hassan village of Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Presenting the drugs, Alhaji Mamman Abubakar said the donation was part of his effort to assist the less-privileged people in the area.
He said the gesture would save members of the community from the dangers of using fake and expired drugs being sold by hawkers in the area.
He also advised the benefiting community to make good use of the assorted drugs.
The former Speaker urged the people to cooperate with the Nursing Officer in-Charge of the village clinic to achieve the objectives.
ed a school, Juma’at mosque and clinic in Aidun Hassan village.
Kogi
The Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, has banned two former public officers in the state from holding public offices for one year for failing to declare their assets.
Those banned are Sumaila Adamu and Sumaila Shuaibu, Special Advisers to Ofu Local Government Chairman in 2007, were banned for refusing to declare their assets after collecting the bureau’s asset declaration form.
The tribunal ordered the ban in Lokoja while trying 40 accused persons in Kogi, who contravened various sections of the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charges of non-declaration and submission of the forms within 30 days of issuance.
Lagos
A wood dealer, Molapo Olajuowo, 30, was last week arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged theft of wood valued at N200,000.
The accused, who is standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Philomena Omorogie, alleged that the accused stole one raft containing 13 logs of wood valued at N200, 000 belonging to one Mr Austine Pinrin.
Omorogie said that the accused stole the wood on March 28 at about 1 p.m. at Okobaba area of Ebute Meta, adding that the offence contravened Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Code.
Nasarawa
The Chairman of NUJ Nasarawa State Council, Mr Dogo Shammah, has urged journalists to key into the new insurance policy initiated by the national headquarters of the union.
Shammah made the call in Lafia when he led a delegation of the state executive of the union on a condolence visit to the NTA over the loss of one of its staff, Mrs Lois Abimiku.
He said that although death was inevitable for all mortals, its effect on the dependants could be reduced through measures such as the new insurance policy by the union.
He said that two members of the union (Peter Uma of NBS and Lois Abimiku of NTA) died between March and April this year without registering with the scheme.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has called on corporate organisations in the state to support efforts at rebuilding the state.
The governor made the call in Abeokuta when he received the management team of Keystone Bank Plc which visited him.
A statement issued in Abeokuta by the governor’s spokesperson, Mrs Funmi Wakama, quoted Amosun as saying that the state was ready to partner with genuine investors.
The governor, according to the statement, said the partnership should be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, housing and urban development.
Amosun also said his administration had achieved significant improvement in its Internally Generated Revenue, adding that the state was planning to be financially self-sufficient.
Oyo
An Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand in prison of a 21-year-old man, Adetunji Adeyemi, for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl.
Adeyemi was alleged to have raped the girl on April 6 at about 9:45 am at Elebu area of Oluyole, Ibadan.
The police prosecutor, ASP Grace Akinsehinwa, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.
The plea of the accused was, however, not taken.
Chief Magistrate Fatimah Badrudeen adjourned the case till June 4.
Yobe
The Yobe Teaching Service Board has said that teachers posted to remote areas in the state were paid hardship allowance to encourage them to stay in their areas of posting.
The Executive Chairman of the board, Alhaji Maijawa Dawayo, made this known in Damaturu at a news conference.
He said that teachers employed by the board also enjoy responsibility allowance as incentive to boost productivity and commitment to duty.
The chairman noted that 1,478 teachers were manning 40 senior secondary schools in the state, adding that “there are 373 university graduates, 55 HND holders, 810 NCE holders and others. “The board also trained 474 others through in-service to pursue degree programmes in various universities in the country.”
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