Nation
THE STATES
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has approved N900.8 million as compensation to people affected by the expansion of four township roads in the metropolis.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Tha’anda Rubainu, disclosed this while flagging-off the payment of the money to the beneficiaries in Gombe on Sunday.
Rubainu said that the money might not be enough to compensate for the social and psychological sacrifices that would be borne by the affected persons.
He, however, enjoined them to consider it as their personal contribution to the development of the state.
Also speaking, Mr. Shehu Hadi, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, said that the decision by the government to convert the roads into dual carriageways would decongest traffic within the metropolis.
Kaduna
The Kano State Government said it generated about N1 billion revenue internally in the last 12 months.
Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso disclosed this, while celebrating “Kano Day” at the ongoing 33rd edition of the Kaduna International Trade Fair, on Saturday in Kaduna.
Kwankwaso, who was represented by Danburam Nuhu, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism, said the revenue was 100 per cent higher than that of 2010.
Kwankwaso said the state would surpass the present revenue next year.
He said that about N440 million was distributed to women across the 44 local government areas to reduce the rate of poverty among women.
He said that a committee had been set up to ensure that taxes were harmonised to encourage investors in the state.
“Multiple taxation were no doubt discouraging business in Kano, but the government has resolved to introduce what it called shared taxes, where local, state and federal governments will take part of the responsibility,” he said.
Kano
The Kano State Government has procured 1,000 taxi cabs and 500 buses to boost transport services in Kano metropolis.
The state Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, told said in Kano on Saturday that the gesture was part of the government’s efforts to provide employment in the state.
He said the vehicles which would soon be launched by Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, would alleviate the transportation problem being faced by commuters in the state capital.
“This is part of government’s effort to provide subsidised and cheap public transport services for the public,’’ he said.
According to him, the state government has also provided 15 additional buses to the state transport company, to enhance its operations.
“With government approval, the company has initiated the first passenger Health Insurance Scheme, in partnership with Zuma Health Insurance.
“A passenger will pay only N50 per trip and receive the sum of N190, 000 medical care in the event of an accident and N200, 000 in case of death.”
Katsina
The former NYSC Director General, Brig-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga has said that Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 could be realised through proper guidance, education and orientation of youths.
Tsiga gave the advice on Saturday in Katsina at the swearing-in ceremony of the executives of National Association of Katsina State Students.
The former NYSC chief spoke on: “The role of Nigerian Students and Youth Development in nation building.
“The symbolic thing about the Vision 20:2020 is that today’s youths are leaders of tomorrow, hence the need to orientate, inform and educate them toward realising the vision.”
“The vision cannot be realised in an environment where the youths are not properly informed, hence the need for concerted efforts to guide the youths in that direction.
“There is the need for special attention to youth development as they are the bedrock upon which the society will move to the next level,” he added.
He charged the youth to always stay focused and to remember that they had a bright future, which could only be achieved through hard work, loyalty and respect for constituted authorities.
Tsiga also advised them not to allow themselves to be used by anybody to perpetrate evil acts.
He commended the Katsina State Government for its free education from primary to secondary levels and for its support to the state’s students in tertiary institutions.
Kogi
Kogi Gov.Idris Wada has said that he constituted two major committees on assumption of office to ensure good governance and meet the yearnings of the people.
Wada stated this in a broadcast in Lokoja on Saturday as part of activities marking his 100 days in office.
He said the government constituted a ‘Think-Tank’ shortly after his inauguration “to ensure
that we institute a well guided, inclusive, sound and cohesive government’’.
The committee, he said, was charged it with the responsibility of outlining strategic development policies and programmes for implementation within four years.
“I also constituted a transition committee to document the state of affairs in the state to provide us with a bearing for smooth implementation of our development programmes,’’ he said, adding that the two committees had since submitted their reports.
“I promised in my inaugural address to run your affairs by subjecting ourselves to the highest ideals of good governance and I did say that hard work, integrity, discipline, transparency and accountability would be our watchword.
“That is exactly what we have pursued with all the vigour and resources at our disposal since the day we assumed office.”
Wada said his assumption of office three months ahead of time prepared him adequately for the task of governing.
Lagos
Acting Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Razak Fadipe, says the service has acquired 30 new fire-fighting vehicles to effectively combat fire outbreaks in the state.
Fadipe said this in Lagos last Friday on the 2012 International Fire-Fighting Day Anniversary.
He expressed the resolve of the service to better its operations, commending the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, for revamping the establishment.
“Gov. Fashola has been very supportive of the Fire Service since he assumed office. As we speak, 30 new fire-fighting vehicles have been purchased to boost our operations.
“The vehicles are still in the U.S, but we are going to take delivery of the first batch before the end of the year.
“They are modern fire-fighting vehicles containing foam, air and water, which would better our rescue operations,’’ Fadipe said.
He said that two additional aerial ladders to combat fire outbreaks in high-rise buildings would accompany the vehicles to Nigeria.
“These aerial ladders are very important in a mega-city like Lagos, where we have many high-rise buildings“, the Fire Service chief said.
The Acting Director said the service had introduced two “three-digit toll-free emergency numbers’’ for members of the public in case of fire outbreaks.
“A resident can just dial 767 or 112 from his or her phone, even without airtime, and his or her message will get to the Command Centre for prompt attention,’’ he said.
Osun
Pupils in Osun would be fed with cocoyam-based nutrition in the state government’s schools feeding programme tagged “O Meal’’, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola has announced.
He made the disclosure in Osogbo on Friday while distributing instructional materials to pupils, saying research had confirmed the nutritional value of cocoyam.
The governor said the cocoyam-based feeding formula would make the pupils strong and sound, as it is rich in minerals and vitamins, and is low in starch.
The Tides Source recalls that the programme was inaugurated on April 30 with the employment of 3,000 women as food vendors.
The governor said findings had revealed that cocoyam remains an indispensable but yet neglected food crop, especially for predominantly malnourished households in the country.
“It is not just to provide the usual meal, meant to fill the bellies of our school children, but the ‘O Meal’ is rich in high protein,” he said.
Aregbesola said that the menu includes a very rich diet in chicken, beef, fish, eggs, and fruits to be served with other regular staple foods.
“Interestingly, and contrary to popular but uninformed belief, we found out through research that cocoyam is one of the most nutritious tubers for human consumption.
“Our policy therefore is based on sound advice by nutritionists that such food enhances the physical growth and mental development of kids in their formative years,” he said.
Aregbesola said the programme has also opened a window of opportunity for economic empowerment as no fewer than 3,000 women have been appointed food vendors.
He said the women had been adequately equipped with modern cooking utensils and provided with two pairs of chef uniforms each to enhance their service delivery.
Plateau
Motorcyclists have continued their operations in Jos and Bukuru metropolis of Plateau in spite of the ban by the State Government on May 4.
The State Government on May 4 banned commercial motorcyclists from operating in Jos and Bukuru.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Abraham Yiljap, who announced the ban at a news conference, cited the security situation in the state capital as reason for the action.
Yiljap said: “the order is with immediate effect and that means the law enforcement agencies will be expected to comply with this law by checking those who might want to disregard it in any way’’.
He said the government had embarked on the purchase of additional 300 cabs and 500 tricycles for distribution to citizens of the state to ease the transportation problems.
The motorcyclists had appealed to the State Government to rescind its decision in order to save them and some of their passengers, who live in remote areas of the town.
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