Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
As part of efforts to revitalise the agriculture sector, the Adamawa State Government, has procured 210 tonnes of improved rice seeds to be distributed to farmers across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Lucy Ishaku, made this known in Yola during an interactive meeting between government and private agricultural sector in the state.
She said that farmers, students and other professionals were being trained on basic techniques for enhanced crops production with the aim to boost food security production.
“We initiated the farming skills acquisition programme where farmers received training for all aspects of agricultural production covering crop sub sector, livestock, fisheries, irrigation among others,’’ she said.
The commissioner said that the aim of the interactive meeting was to share ideas and look at the way forward, stating that this would enable the state government examine the various problems affecting modern farming techniques to ensure that government improved on its commitment.
Bauchi
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Bauchi has warned parents against allowing their under-age children to drive.
Issuing the warning in an interview in Bauchi, the commission’s Public Enlightenment Officer, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam said that children must attain 18 years before having the right to drive a vehicle.
He said that the commission had arrested some of the drivers and impounded their vehicles thus compelling them to pay N4, 000 fine.
“Under-age driving is an offence and we have been arresting under-age drivers and riders of motorcycles. “They are fined N4, 000 for the offence and we do not release the vehicles until their parents come to us and we enlighten them and the children over the matter,’’ he said.
Gaidam said that the problem was rampant in Bauchi metropolis, adding that parents must understand that they were not doing any favour to the children.
He said that anything could happen to the child due to inexperience and their reasoning capacity and called on drivers and motorcyclists to desist from driving.
Benue
The youth wing of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Benue has pledged its support to the flagbearer of ACN for October, 14 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Olarotimi Akeredolu.
The Deputy Youth Leader, Mr Austin Agada said that ACN’s choice of Akeredolu was a wise one and “a welcome development’’.
Agada in Makurdi said that Akeredolu was a man of integrity and a legal luminary who had contributed to the democratic practice in Nigeria.
“The youths in Benue are confident that Akeredolu’s candidature was the only way to remove the Labour Party (LP) government in Ondo State. “The Benue youths are very happy about the choice of Akeredolu. It is a good omen and we know that ACN would not have made a better choice,’’ he stressed.
Agada pointed out that the Ondo State ACN governorship flag bearer was a seasoned lawyer who would embrace the rule of law in the state.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government, has established a cassava processing plant to accelerate cassava production in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Rabiu Isa, disclosed this in an interview in Dutse.
Isa, who is also overseeing the Ministry of Economic Empowerment, said the plant was set up at Kila village in Gwaram Local Government Area of the state, adding that the project was progressing in accordance with the contract specifications, adding that it would soon be completed.
The commissioner added that part of the plant’s operational guidelines was to mop up excess produce from the farmers to check wastages and protect them from losses during harvest.
“The plant will encourage cassava processing and effective utilisation of cassava by-product as well as create market for the produce. “We are geared toward encouraging cassava production and developing farmers’ entrepreneurial skill,” Isa said.
He emphasised the state government’s commitment to ensure completion of the project on schedule and urged farmers to take advantage of the services provided by the plant to increase their production capacities.
Kano
The Kano State Government has spent N46.6 million to buy essential items for distribution to the second batch of 250 new couples, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has said.
He said this in Kano when he presented the items to some of the couples at the Government House.
The governor said the items included sleeping materials such as mattresses, pillows, bed clothes and others, as well as food items, among others, adding that each bride would also be given N20,000 as initial capital to enable them establish their own businesses.
The governor also said the state government had commenced the recruitment of the third batch of 1,003 fresh graduates as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment in the state.
He advised youths in the state to make good use of the various empowerment programmes initiated by the state government to enable them have a bright future.
In his remarks, Sheik Aminu Daurawa, the Commander-General of the State Hisba Board, commended the state government for its continued support to the board.
He also praised some wealthy individuals in the state for donating various sum of money and other items to the board.
Kogi
Two persons were feared dead and several others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a road crash on Lokoja-Abuja highway, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said.
The victims were among the 12 passengers travelling in an Abuja-bound Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Abuja SE 277 KWL.
Confirming the incident, the Koton Karfe Unit Head of the FRSC, Mr Ezekiel Yonannah, said the bus was on high speed when one of its front tyres got burst, forcing the vehicle to veer off the highway and crashed on a nearby tree.
He said that the impact of the crash caused a fire that engulfed the bus and its occupants.
Yonannah said that two male occupants were burnt beyond recognition, while 10 others, including six adult males and four adult female sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Kwara
Thirteen people were arrested last month at different locations in Ilorin for violating Kwara’s environmental sanitation laws, the Director of Environment in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Sikiru Olanipekun, has said.
Olanipekun disclosed this in Ilorin. He reaffirmed the determination of the ministry to continue enforcing sanitation laws to ensure clean environment at all times, and advised residents of the state to always clear bushes and wastes in their areas or face the wrath of the law.
The director warned against encroachment on major roads and cautioned shop owners against dumping refuse into canals to avoid flooding..
Olanipekun directed educational institutions in the state to provide sanitary facilities in their premises to provide healthy environment for learning.
He directed authorities of all institutions of higher learning to provide first aid boxes and fire extinguishers in their buildings, warning that those who failed to comply with the directive would be prosecuted in accordance with sanitation laws.
Nasarawa
The President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’t, Abuja, an NGO, Dr Abdullatif Busari, has urged the Federal Government to provide social amenities for rural dwellers.
Busari gave the advice at a ceremony organised by the association to provide free medical services and drugs to Uke community in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa.
“Government should focus more on these services, not only in health but also in the areas of power, roads, water and sanitation. “All these things have impact on the health of the people and they help to improve people’s living standard, ’’ he said.
He said the organisation’s services were aimed at ensuring that Muslims and Christians who lacked access to health facilities were given the opportunity to address their medical challenges.
“You know diseases and health challenges have no religious barrier; it affects everybody equally. “We believe that by involving everybody we would present a different picture of religion not necessarily Islam or Christianity. I know that some Christian groups also do it and they do not discriminate either”, he said.
Ondo
The Chairman, League of Imam and Alfas in Ondo State, Alhaji Olagoke Aladesawe, has called on Muslim faithfuls to intensify their acts of worship during Ramadan.
Speaking in Akure, Aladesawe explained that the month of Ramadan provided Muslims with special opportunity to earn rewards from Allah in manifolds.
He described Ramadan as a month full of blessings, forgiveness and redemption and urged the Muslims to enhance their goodness during the month of Ramadan.
“It is worthwhile for every Muslim to strive to do more good deeds, more acts of worship and more recitation of the Holy Qu’ran. The Qur’an is full of glad tidings for the pious Muslims who make the worship of Allah the cornerstone of both their private and public lives, he said.
“They will be successful in this life and the hereafter. “Allah rewards a good deed 100 times in the month of Ramadan more than other months when a good deed attracts only a single reward. “That is why it is advisable for Muslims to strive to earn more rewards in the exalted month by giving alms and remembering Allah both day and night,’’ the Chief Imam stressed.
Plateau
The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), has lauded the appointment of Justice Mariam Aloama as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
President Jonathan confirmed Alaoma as the new CJN after the senate confirmed her nomination. She replaces Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who retired early this month.
The NBA Chairman Mr Tobias Kekemeke, said in Jos that the appointment was “well deserved and on merit“.
He said that the appointment was a plus to the judiciary because the new CJN “is a firm and fair jurist who has been able to extricate herself from prejudices and biases in determination of matters.’’
Kekemeke described Aloama as “industrious and reform minded’’, adding that she would be a big gain to the judiciary.
The Chairman called for more Judges to cope with the huge litigations in the country and urged lawyers to support the CJN to succeed.
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