Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr Parah Bawa, has applauded the 16-year jail term passed on six drug dealers in Bauchi State.
He said that the sentence was against the usual two-year jail terms handed to drugs barons in the state, adding that the sudden change did not come as a surprise as the Act establishing NDLEA recommended lengthy jail terms for such offenders.
“It is not new, as a matter of fact the NDLEA Act recommends jail terms of up to 25 years. “But most of the times, it depends on the discretions of the judge and the facts and circumstances surrounding the issue. “So the judges, most of the times, use this one to pass their judgments; so it is still below the recommended standard or law, it can be up to a minimum of 25 years.
“I think it only agrees with the clamour by the agency for this type of terms; the chairman of the agency will be very happy about this; he has been emphasising the need for long jail terms to be given. “Specifically, he was saying if they could make it a minimum of 15 years, it will serve as a lesson to others”, Bawa added.
“If you sentence somebody to 15 years imprisonment, by the time he finishes his term and comes out, his mates who are doing legitimate businesses would have gone very far, and there is no way he will be able to catch up with them. “The 15 years is what we want and we are happy about it and if all other courts can make it a standard, other people will actually learn their lesson”, he concluded.
Benue
The Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue, Mr Solomon Wombo, says the bureau has instituted accounting systems aimed at making the administration financially transparent.
Wombo made the statement in Makurdi on Friday in an interview with newsmen.
He said the bureau was collaborating with the anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all financial leakages in local government administration were blocked.
The adviser said his office had put in place measures for the effective monitoring of projects to ensure they were development-oriented.
Wombo said the focus of the local government administration was to provide service to the people at the grassroots, adding that all funds were directed toward achieving the aim.
“As soon as salaries are paid, any money that is left is channelled
toward development projects.
“I am satisfied so far with what is happening at the local government areas in the state and very soon I shall invite experts to document local government projects for the world to see,’’ he said.
Wombo said he often undertook unscheduled inspection visits to project sites at the councils to ensure that funds were used for the benefit of the people.
FCT
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has called for collaboration among all levels of government and various stakeholders in the task of guiding youths for national development.
Kwankwaso said this on Saturday in Abuja, at the launch of a book entitled “Soccer in Africa“written by Abdulwaheed Adebiyi
. Kwankwaso, who was represented by Alhaji Rabiu Bichi, noted that youth constituted 70 per cent of the country’s population, hence they must be properly guided to develop the country.
He said that the Kano State Government was promoting youth development by creating a friendly environment for them to thrive.
“The government has established three football making machines which are producing footballs for youths and secondary school students who are interested in football.“
He noted with delight that some youths playing in clubs initiated by the government had been signed on by clubs outside the country.
He commended the author for publishing the book and assured him of the government’s support.
Kaduna
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab has warned soldiers deployed to UN Mission Areas against violating laws guiding peacekeeping operations.
Wahab gave the warning during the graduation of 800 soldiers who participated in pre-deployment training at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre in Jaji near Kaduna on Saturday.
According to him, any soldier that runs fowl of the law will be repatriated and sanctioned.
“There were one or two allegations which have been investigated and found out to be true and the UN has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct by troops.
“Nothing is worse than for Nigerian soldiers to be sent out to safeguard somebody and to turn round and abuse their women.
“As you are aware, Nigeria is the largest troop contributing country to the United Nations’ Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) operations.
“In this regard, you should strive to live above board and avoid anything that will ridicule the good image of our dear country built over the years in the area of international peace and security.
Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of a middle-aged butcher, Ahmed Ubale-Mainama, for allegedly setting ablaze the Funtua Upper Shari’ah Court on Thursday.
DSP Yusuf Wasi’u, the Command’s Spokesman, who confirmed the arrest to the newsmen, said that investigation was in progress.
He said the suspect would soon be charged to court for criminal assault and destruction of government property.
Our correspondent who was at the scene, reports that the fire destroyed the Judge’s chamber and Registrar’s office while documents were burnt.
Also reports that part of the court hall was burnt leading to disruption in the activities of the court.
The incident has forced the Judge, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal-Dayi, to entertain guests at his clerk’s office.
An eye witness, Malam Shuaibu Garba, told newsmen that he met Ubale-Mainama at the premises after he set the court ablaze and did not run away until policemen came and arrested him.
Kwara
Worried by the spate of encroachment on land belonging to public schools, the Kwara State Assembly has urged the state government to find a permanent solution to the menace.
The Assembly in a motion entitled, “Encroachment into our Public Schools,’’ observed that schools were expected to be located in a conducive environment.
The motion was moved by Mr Suleman Sunaboro, the Chairman, House Committee on Education.
“ Schools are expected to be located in a conducive and serene environment suitable for teaching and learning with specific boundary.
“But it is alarming and disturbing to note that residential and public buildings and in some cases, markets are located within the premises of public schools,’’ he said.
Kebbi
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Saturday directed tertiary institutions in the country to take serious measures to address increase in social vices on their campuses.
The minister gave the directive on Saturday in a message to the 11th Joint Convocation of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin kebbi.
Represented by the Director, Inspectorate Services, Dr. Elisha Kutara, the minister said such vices had become impediments to research and academic activities in the institutions.
Rufa’i said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must evolve practical measures to ensure that students remain morally upright in character and learning.
Lagos
The police in Lagos have arrested a middle-aged man whose gang has been terrorising members of the public with toy gun in Ikeja area of Lagos.
The Lagos Police Spokesperson, Mrs Ngozi Braide, told newsmen on Saturday, that the suspect was arrested on Thursday.
He said the suspect and others now at large, attempted to carry out their criminal activities at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Market, Alausa, when a team of police men who had been on their trail, arrested the suspect.
“They attempted to use the toy gun on the operators of a business centre at POWA market.
Nasarawa
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has donated N10 million to victims of the recent communal clashes that erupted at Assakio in Lafia-East Local Government of Nasarawa State.
The bank’s regional head, Mr John Idoko, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank to the state Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka.
He said that UBA was deeply touched by the recent happenings in its business community and saw the need to assist by providing a token, noting that the bank enjoyed tremendous patronage and support from the people of the state.
He said that the bank decided to assist in the peace process by making the donation as part of its social responsibility, adding that the bank decided to make the donation through government because of its belief that “the state government is in touch with those affected by the crisis”.
Osun
The Police last Thursday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Adeoye Olatunji, before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged impersonation and fraud.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused on Oct. 20, 2011 in Osogbo, impersonated as a staff member of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Olusegun added that the accused promised to assist the son of one Olatundun Lawal to be enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service and obtained N1. 2 million from the complainant (Lawal) for the assistance.
According to him, the offence contravenes Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The defence counsel, Mr Sunday Atofarati, pleaded that the accused be granted bail in liberal terms, adding that he would not jump bail and would provide credible surety.
The Senior Magistrate, Adewunmi Makanjuola, upheld the prayer of the counsel and granted the accused bail in the sum of N1. 5 million with one surety in like sum.
Makanjuola added that the accused should deposit N1. 2 million to the court or produce certificate of ownership, swear to an affidavit of means and two passport photographs.
Zamfara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara on Sunday offered to support the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the coming local government council poll slated for Saturday.
This is however on the condition ANPP “continues to display fairness to all.”
The immediate past governor, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi said this in Gusau while presenting candidates for the June 23 poll.
“We believe in the state governor’s pronouncement that the elections will be free and fair and we are waiting to see this accomplished.”
Shinkafi pleaded with the state government, security agencies and the state electoral commission (ZMSIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible contest during the election.
He urged the stakeholders in the exercise to make sure that “only true winners of the elections into the offices of chairmen and councillors are given certificate of return.”
He cautioned the electorate against money politics, adding that they should vote based on their conscience and be convinced that the candidates they voted would work for the benefit of the people.
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