Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Students of Technical College, Mubi in Adamawa, have commended the member representing Mubi North constituency in the House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Jarengol, for rehabilitating and equipping the school library.
A representative of the students who is also the head boy, Abbas Suleiman, said the rehabilitation and equipping of the library with books and furniture was a big relief to the staff and students.
Suleiman said that Jarengol, a former student of the school, had proved to be a good old boy and should be emulated by others.
The head boy appealed to his fellow students to be committed to their studies so that one day they too could contribute their quota to the development of the school.
The principal of the school, Mr Reuben Manvi, also said that the school authorities and students would ever remain grateful to Jarengol for his good work.
“He is a worthy ambassador of this school and I will like to appeal to other old boys of this famous school to emulate him by complementing government efforts in catering for the growing needs of the school.’’
Bauchi
Hajiya Talatu Barwa, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Childs Development, said the ministry had established a centre for orphans and vulnerable children.
Barwa who stated this at this year’s Children’s Day celebration in Bauchi. She said the centre would ensure that the children were protected and provided with essential services.
Barwa said plans were on to stamp out child labor through collaborative work with the Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity and the International Labor Organisation.
She urged the children to reciprocate government’s gesture by being responsible and avoiding deviant behaviour.
Gov. Isa Yuguda, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Sager Sale, said the government had put in place several projects and programmes for the development of children in the state.
Borno
A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya pupils (SWOT) on Sunday presented materials to Tsangaya schools in Maiduguri.
The SWOT Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said that the materials were donated to uplift the living condition of the Almajiri pupils in the state.
The items were presented at a ceremony marking the maiden Almajiri Day in Maiduguri.
Bello explained that the NGO had made similar presentations to the vulnerable and less privileged groups in the society.
“You will recall that the wife of the governor requested for 100 tricycles for distribution to teachers of Tsangaya schools under the poverty alleviation programme. “She also provide electricity generating sets to some Tsangaya schools for evening classes as well as provided sowing machines and others items to widows to alleviate their sufferings,’’ Bello said.
He said that the provision of first aid boxes in the items distributed was to safe the lives of many Almajiri pupils, who often fell sick at the school.
Ekiti
The Teachers Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) in Ekiti will not lead to retrenchment of teachers but enhance their capacity.
Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti made the clarification, while speaking at the 2012 Children’s Day celebration on Sunday in Ado Ekiti.
Fayemi explained that TDNA was designed to revamp the education sector in the state and better the lot of teachers’ as well as that of the students.
“It is pertinent to say that while many have misconstrued government’s intention, we are convinced that it will better the lots of both the teachers and the students,” he said.
He vowed that his administration would ensure that the state returned to its leading position in the education sector as the fountain of knowledge.
Fayemi said the State Government had commenced the process of creating conducive environment for productive teaching and learning
Gombe
The Gombe State Government is to organise townhall meetings to generate feedback from the people on government policies and programmes to ensure provision of quality service.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Rev. Habu Dawaki said in Gombe on Sunday that the newly established Directorate of Orientation and Ethics, would coordinate the programme.
“We will soon start town hall meetings in various communities in the state; local governments and ward levels. “These town hall meetings will be a means where we will publicise government activities and programmes. ‘It will also be an avenue where we will receive feedbacks as to how people think so that from there, government will know what it ought to do in so many areas,” he said.
Dawaki said the government had constructed 51 roads, provided fertiliser, expanded the Gombe Greater Water Scheme, electrified 55 communities and installed solar traffic lights across the state, among some of its achievements.
He said Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo had approved the estabilshment of a state Ethics and Moral Committee that would champion attitudinal changes in people.
Kaduna
Alhaji Rilwanu Shehu, Chairman, Interim Management Committee, Soba Local Government Area in Kaduna State, said the council procured 100 trucks of fertilisers at N100 million for this year’s farming season.
He told our correspondent in Soba headquarters of the council on Sunday that farmers in the area would enjoy 50 per cent subsidy.
“We are going to sell the fertilisers to our farmers at half the price; this is part of government’s efforts to assist the farmers. “Our aim is to encourage mass agricultural production in the area to reduce the level of poverty amongst the people.’’
Shehu gave the assurance that the fertilisers would be distributed judiciously to all categories of farmers with emphasis on peasant farmers.
The chairman appealed to the farmers to be patient as sales of the commodity would commence soon.
Shehu lauded Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State for embarking on developmental projects in the area.
“We are grateful to the state government for constructing a road that links Soba with Ikara, where you can now spend 15 minutes instead of two hours. “The road has been upgraded and standard bridges were constructed, now you can move comfortably on this road.’’
According to him, work is also ongoing on Gujungu-Turawa-Dinya road.
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