Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Chairman of the Bauchi State Board of Internal Revenue, Alhaji Mu’azu Usman, said yesterday that tax payers would soon get Tax Payers Identity Card (TPI). Usman said this while briefing newsmen in Bauchi on the activities of the board.
He said that the exercise would be conducted in all ministries, departments and agencies across the state.
The Chairman said that vehicle registration in the state had been successfully automated while electronic tax payer registration would commence on July 1.
Usman said that the registration would be achieved under the National Tax Payer Identificiation project for which the state government had approved the payment of N110 million as counter part funding.
He said that the state government had generated N5.53 million from January to date. The Chairman said that as part of the government efforts to bring tax authority closer to the people, seven motor licensing authorities were being constructed while the board would be computerised.
Benue
The Federal High Court in Makurdi last Thursday ordered the Commissioner of Police in Benue and one Insp. Joseph Obande to pay N8 million to the family of the late Peter Okeke as compensation.
Insp. Obande and the commissioner were sued by one Mrs Ifunanya Okeke over the death of her husband.
The late Okeke had been arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged criminal conspiracy and abduction.
However, he was granted bail by the magistrate because of ill health but the Investigation Police Officer (IPO), who is now the first defendant, obtained a warrant of remand and took the deceased to the prison.
Mrs Okeke, who testified before the court, said that the prison authority declined to remand her husband because of his condition but Obande went ahead and detained him in a police cell where he died.
Ekiti
Some members of the PDP in Ekiti State have opposed the use of the zoning formula in determining the party’s candidate in the 2014 governorship election in the state.
The members, operating under the aegis of the PDP Unity Forum, said yesterday in Ado-Ekiti that the arrangement would produce an unacceptable candidate.
The Coordinator of the group, Chief Ebenezer Arogunmasa, told more than 3,000 party faithful at a meeting of the party that PDP must field a popular candidate capable of confronting the ruling ACN.
He advised all intending aspirants to work hard and win the confidence of the people rather than relying on zoning.
Arogunmasa also urged the party to place more emphasis on the popularity of candidates in future elections instead of zoning which he described as “obnoxious.’’
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government said that about 8,000 fruit seedlings had been earmarked for schools and communities for this year’s tree planting campaign.
The state Director of Forestry, Mr Anthony Kachiro, said that the initiative would help to promote government forest reserves.
Kachiro said that the state government had spent the sum of N7.5 million on landscaping along major roads in Kaduna metropolis.
He said that the landscaping guidelines were reviewed after unknown youths destroyed the trees planted along major ways in Kaduna during the January subsidy protest.
He urged interested stakeholders to register their names with the state Ministry of Environment to be able to access seedlings for tree planting Campaign.
Lagos
The Social Workers League, a human rights group, yesterday blamed the continuing insecurity in some parts of the country on mass poverty and high level of illiteracy.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Mr Baba Aye, the league said that economic under-development had also encouraged discontent among some youths who were being used to cause havoc in the society.
“For about one week, many Nigerians have been killed in Kaduna and Yobe states. “There is the need for the Federal Government to do all within its power to guarantee the safety and security of Nigerians,’’ it said.
Nasarawa
The Police in Nasarawa State have arrested a man for allegedly killing his wife, Cecilia Magaji for ritual purposes. Also arrested with the suspect in connection with the crime is a witch doctor
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Cornelius Ocholi, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects in Lafia.
He said the suspects, detained at the homicide department of the state Criminal Investigative Department (CID) were alleged to have conspired to ensure the sudden disappearance of the deceased and her subsequent death.
Ocholi said that preliminary investigation into the incident indicated that the woman was killed when she went to reconcile with her estranged husband.
He said that the incident occurred on June 16, at the Nene Village in Lafia Local Government Area of the state. The couple, blessed with four children; two boys and two girls, were separated for almost 20 years, before the suspect started reconciliation moves earlier this month.
Ondo
The traditional ruler of Aro community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Joseph Osho, has called for the establishment of industries to tackle youth unemployment.
Osho said last Thursday in Aro that job creation should not be left to government alone.
“Let us all agree that no government can shoulder the responsibility of providing our teeming youths with jobs and this is the reason why able hands should develop the economy by establishing industries.
“ When this is done, social vices such as armed robbery, stealing, kidnapping, 419 and yahoo-yahoo in the country would be drastically reduced,’’ he said.
The monarch also advised youths to engage in profitable work, rather than engage in criminal acts.
Osun
The Non Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) branch, last Thursday embarked on a protest to press home their demands for improved welfare.
NASU members led by the Secretary, Mr Gabriel Sani, barricaded major roads on the campus while students and visitors were forced to trek.
Sani said that NASU embarked on the protest due to the insensitivity of the university administration to the plight of workers.
According to him, NASU has observed all trade dispute procedures by giving the administration 14, 21 and seven days ultimatum following the appeal from the National Headquarters of NASU.
“The administration did not respond positively to avert the industrial crisis; the workers will continue with the strike and demonstration until the management look into our demands and respond positively,’’ he said.
Plateau
A Jos based welding company, Williams and Co., has trained 80 youths “free of charge”, as part of its corporate social responsibility, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Mr William Emadago.
Emadago, who hails from Delta State, told newsmen in Jos last Thursday that the free training was his little way of giving back to Plateau for “making me what I have become today”.
The welder said that his goal in life was to affect the society “positively”, while providing for himself and his family. He, however, said that he charges N20,000 from trainees from other states.
According to him, the trainees go through a mandatory period of three to five years, depending on their abilities, adding that the long training period was to ensure quality.
“Before I give them certificate, I make sure they know the job well. This has yielded fruits as many of my former apprentices are doing very well in various parts of the country.”
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Sokoto
Business Manager of PHCN Marina unit in Sokoto State, Alhaji Haruna Mohammad, last Thursday solicited the support of the Sokoto Sultanate Council to recover the debts owed by consumers in the state.
Mohammad said in Sokoto that the assistance required from the sultanate and religious leaders would enable the unit to recover the outstanding N1.2 billion owed by consumers.
He said it would also ensure effective service delivery in the area.
“Our people in this part of the country have for long developed a listening culture to traditional and religious leaders. We will take that advantage to recover our debts as well as ensure prompt payment of bills, he said.
He said that the unit was determined to recover the debts and urged the public to cooperate with the company.
Yobe
The National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, said the Federal Government was committed to working with all stakeholders to bring a final solution to the prevailing security challenges in the country.
Dasuki stated this last Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, at the Government House in Damaturu.
He said that “government is committed to bringing to an end the security challenges and there is the need to put heads together to bring a final end to the situation, as we want to go back to normalcy and, move forward”.
Dasuki said that there would be no development, employment and progress in the face of violence, adding, “I do not see how anybody is benefiting out of this”.
Responding, Gaidam, urged the Federal Government to consider the option of dialogue and negotiation to provide solution for the security challenges.
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