Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The member representing Mubi South
Constituency in Adamawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Usman Lamorde, has
executed seven projects in areas of health, education and water supply.
Briefing newsmen in Yola on the projects
executed in his constituency, Lamorde said the projects which included
maternity ward in Mujara, earth dam in Gella, classrooms in Gude and industrial
borehole in Lamorde were executed with savings from his salary and allowances.
“The projects were executed from the
savings from my salary and allowances and not money for constituency projects
as many people are thinking,’’ Lamorde said.
The lawmaker also said that he secured
government job for about 50 people in his constituency within the past 10
months.
Lamorde tasked individuals and groups in
his constituency to always forward their genuine complaints to his constituency
office at Mubi where he said there were officials employed to attend to them.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State chapter of the CPC has
obtained an interim order restraining the Bauchi State Government and two
others from spending the local councils’ funds apart from payments of salaries.
The order, signed by Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Ibrahim
Zango, was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Bauchi.
The order listed the state government, the
Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and the Accountant-General as
respondents.
It restrained them from releasing,
approving or in any manner allowing the 20 caretaker chairmen and their
councillors from spending any fund belonging to the local councils.
It also restrained the respondents from
tampering with the funds whether in joint account with the first respondent or
any other account and in whatever manner pending the hearing and determination
of the original summons.
Similarly, the order restrained the
respondents from awarding any contract or executing any project or programme
using the funds of the councils in whatever manner possible.
Benue
The Benue State Government has placed an
order for 400 trucks of fertiliser to be distributed to farmers, the Special Adviser to the Governor on
Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Atser, said.
Atser said in Makurdi on Monday that the
consignment would arrive in the state before Friday for the distribution to
start next week.
He said the fertiliser distribution would
be devoid of corruption.
“A committee has been set up to ensure
that, only genuine farmers are given the product and any committee member who
violates the rule by selling to businessmen, will be sanctioned,” he said.
The adviser appealed to farmers that were
not selected as beneficiaries of the N1 billion agriculture loan that was
disbursed to some farmers on April 27 to be patient with the government.
He said the government was working out
strategies where all farmers in the state irrespective of their status would
benefit from agricultural loans in record time.
Borno
The Borno Commissioner for Women Affairs,
Hajiya Inna Galadima, has denied claims that the state government had neglected
the Fatima Ali Sheriff Motherless Babies Home, Maiduguri.
The motherless babies home is the brain
child of the wife of the immediate-past governor of the state, Mrs Fatima Ali
Modu Sheriff.
Galadima said that the ministry had devoted
much attention to the upkeep of the home since the inception of the
administration.
She said, “The ministry has always lived up
to expectations, especially in the area of taking proper care of the less
privileged in the society.
“We cannot abandon the home in anyway,
because of its benefits to the under privileged in the society.”
She urged Journalists to always verify
their facts before going to press.
Kaduna
The Chief Medical Director of Ahmadu Bello
University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Dr Lawal Khalid, has urged
Nigerians to imbibe the culture of hand washing to curtail spread of diseases.
Khalid made the call at the commemoration
of the “World Hygiene Day” in ABUTH in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Monday.
He said hand washing after every activity
would keep people fit and tidy and reduce the rate of infections.
Khalid pledged the readiness of the
hospital management to ensure the success of the hygiene programme and
commended the hospital committee for organising the enlightenment programme.
In her speech, Chairman, Infection Control and Prevention of
the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Adibola Olayinka, said about 15, 000 health
centres had been inaugurated nationwide to support hand washing campaign.
Kebbi
The Executive Director of National Cereals
Research Institute, Baddegi, Niger, Dr Monday Ukungwu, has solicited
collaboration with the Kebbi Government to boost agricultural production.
Ukungwu was represented by Mr Theo Isah
during a courtesy call by the management staff of the institute on the Deputy
Governor of Kebbi, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, in Birnin kebbi, on Monday.
He said the institute had played a vital
role in cereal production, especially in the area of research and capacity
building.
Ukungwu appealed to the state government to
support the institute with project vehicles, tractors and research grants.
Responding, the deputy governor said
modalities would be worked out for a closer relationship between the state and
the institute, especially considering that agriculture was a priority sector in
the state.
Kwara
Director of Labour and Management Relations,
Michael Imodu National Institute of Labour Studies, Ilorin, Mrs Omolara
Folorunsho, on Tuesday identified time management as crucial in the development
aspirations of any country.
Folorunsho spoke in Ilorin while declaring
open a three-day capacity building workshop organised by the Radio Kwara
chapter of Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU).
The Director said there may not be positive
progress in developing countries unless citizens were determined to respect as
well as be conscious of time.
Folorunsho, who spoke on “Work Ethics and
Attitudinal Change for Organisational Effectiveness, ’’ claimed that ethics and
work attitude were non-negotiable in organisational efficacy.
“Unarguably, the issue of ethics is
explicitly critical to every strategic decision maker and employee in
organisations in successfully addressing the issue of effectiveness,’’ she
said.
Ogun
The former Minister for Commerce and
Industry, Sen. Jubril Marthins-Kuye, said on Tuesday that every effort was
being made to resolve the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in
Ogun State.
Marthins-Kuye who made this known in an
interview in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun said the party had now realised that there was
need for all the members to be united.
It would be recalled that the National
Working Committee of the party had on April 18 dissolved the Ogun State PDP
Executive and directed the South-West National Vice Chairman of the Party, Mr
Segun On,i to take over the party structure.
Martins-Kuye said that though the crisis
has yet to be resolved, all hands were on deck to put the party together for a
strong electoral fight against the ACN.
“Every effort is being made to resolve the
crisis in the party in the state. I will not say that the crisis has been
resolved but I think all hands are on deck.
“Most of us now appreciate sincerely that
in unity we achieve success and in disunity we achieve failure.
We are trying our best to put PDP together
in the state so that we can give a good electoral fight to the ACN“.
Marthins-Kuye, a one-time Minister of State
for Finance and a Third Republic Senator, is one of the prominent leaders of
the party in the state.
Osun
The Osun Government has approved the
disbursement of relief materials worth N15 million to victims of a windstorm in
seven local government areas of the state.
The General Manager of Osun Emergency
Management Agency (OSEMA), Mr Segun Ajayi,
disclosed this in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He said no fewer than 285 houses were affected by the
windstorm which blew off their roofs and destroyed other valuables between
February and April.
“The affected areas are Ogunwo town in Iwo,
Moro,Yakoyo and Ipetumodu in Ife North, Ede North and South, Ikeyinwa town in
Obokun, Ejigbo and Osogbo Local Government Areas.
“We have visited the affected areas and
evaluated the degree of damage which is put at N15 million worth of materials
and the governor graciously approved it.
“The items to be disbursed included bundles
of roofing sheets, pieces of mattresses and cartons of roofing nails,’’ he said.
He said the approval was a demonstration of
Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s commitment toward ameliorating the plight of victims of
natural disasters in the state.
Ajayi also assured that the distribution of
the relief materials would be carried out equitably among the victims.
According to him, the victims of five cases
of fire incidents that occurred between January and April will also benefit
from the gesture.
Ajayi added that the agency would soon
embark on a public enlightenment campaign to sensitise Osun residents on ways
of preventing flooding and other natural disasters.
He called on landlords and shop owners
across the state to examine the roofs of their houses and carry out necessary
maintenance.
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