Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Adamawa House of Assembly on Monday passed a vote of confidence on its Speaker, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri.
The vote of confidence followed speculations of an impeachment move against the speaker who assumed office eight months ago.
Mrs Wilbina Jackson (PDP-Guyuk) moved the motion during the plenary session presided over by the Speaker. The motion was seconded by Mr Alloysious Babadoke (PDP-Leko/Koma).
Jackson, who lauded the leadership quality of the speaker, said that under his leadership, the house had remained vibrant, adding that everybody was carried along.
She listed the passage of 17 bills and 32 resolutions by the house within the past eight months as some of the positive developments recorded under Fintiri’s able leadership.
In his remarks after the motion was passed in a voice vote, the speaker thanked his colleagues for their support and assured them of the commitment of the leadership of the house to work for the progress of the state.
Bauchi
Security at the NYSC orientation camp at Wailo Village of Bauchi was beefed up on Monday during the closing ceremony of orientation training for Batch ‘B’ 2013 NYSC members posted to the state.
Some of the security men were seen lying in the bush, prepared to handle any unforeseen happening.
After the ceremony, the NYSC members were advised to collect their posting letters immediately and leave the camp.
In his speech at closing ceremony, Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, reiterated an earlier directive to stakeholders to ensure the safety of corps members.
He also called on the corps members to relate freely with their host communities, throwing them a challenge to learn some local languages before the end of the service year.
The Director of NYSC in the state, Mr Nuhu Kwaghe, appealed to those benefiting from the services of the corps members to provide enabling environment for optimal output.
Benue
The Director General, Benue Planning Commission Mrs Dorcas Ukpe, says the commission will assist the state government to tackle unemployment through entrepreneurship.
Ukpe who said this on Monday when she paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Prof. Daniel Uza, noted that the commission would collaborate with the university in the area of entrepreneurship.
The director general stated that the collaboration would be targeted at reorganising the Benue Investment Farm to create job opportunities for the teeming youth in the state.
She stated that the partnership would also assist the state to reduce unemployment to the barest minimum.
The vice chancellor commended the DG for the initiative, saying it was an important move that would ensure the development of new jobs for the people.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Commissioner for Health, Dr Tafida Abubakar, has ordered directors and other medical professionals in the state’s Ministry of Health to offer voluntary medical services at public hospitals in the state.
According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Inuwa Tahir, in Dutse on Monday, the measure would address the shortage of medical professionals in the state.
“All personnel with clinical affiliation, including directors, doctors, nurses and other professionals, outside the facilities are to report to any clinic of their choice to provide supervisory and clinical services.
“This will not only boost the morale of staff in the hospitals but also reduce the perennial shortage of staff. “The State Government have allocated over 12 per cent of its budget to the health sector, yet the services have not improved to the satisfaction of the populace,” he added.
Kaduna
A Kaduna Upper Customary Court on Monday struck out a divorce case between Rebecca Folorunsho and Gabriel Folorunsho for failure of the parties to appear before it.
The Presiding Judge, Mr Adamu Musa, said the court had no choice but to strike out the case, which was scheduled for hearing on Monday.
Adamu said neither the parties nor their counsel gave any written or verbal reason for their failure to appear before the court.
Rebecca of 25 Barnawa High-cost, Kaduna, had on June 2, filed a suit seeking the dissolution of her three-year-old marriage to Gabriel, over the respondent’s alleged failure to assume his responsibilities.
In another development, the court granted a request by the counsel to the State Commissioner of Police (CP), for an extension in the matter between the CP and one Hamisu Usman.
Katsina
A Chieftain of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, has accused the state government of obtaining $74 million (about N4.44 billion) foreign loan.
Inuwa made the accusation on Monday while addressing party members at a campaign rally for bye-election into Dutsi constituency in the state assembly.
He said, “We members of the CPC in the state are disturbed over the foreign loan of S74 million which the state government had collected for the construction of 350 housing units in Abuja. “Disturbed because the state has never been indebted for a kobo either internally or externally since its creation in 1987.”
Inuwa, a former Secretary to the State Government, said the 350 houses being constructed in Abuja were not the priority of the ordinary people who wanted improved access to potable water, food, education and healthcare.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi said on Saturday that the state government would soon take delivery of modern farming equipment worth over N200 million from China for distribution to farmers.
Wada who disclosed this on Monday in Lokoja while briefing newsmen on the outcome of his trip to China, said that the equipment which comprised potable machines for cultivation and tilling of land, were ordered by the former administration of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
According to him, the outgone administration had paid for the farming implements with the aim of migrating the farmers from traditional to modern farming methods.
Lagos
Police in Lagos on Monday, arraigned a 32-year-old unemployed man, Bartholomew Mbatuonu, before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the property of an accident victim, who later died.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that Mbatuonu stole three bags containing various women clothes, shoes and cash totaling N200, 000 belonging to Mrs Georgina Chijioke, who was involved in a bus accident around Maza Maza on the Lagos-Badagry expressway on July 2.
Iberedem said that the accused pretended as if he was helping the accident victims and in the process stole the bags. He said that Mbatuonu, of no fixed address, was facing a one-count charge of stealing.
Mbatuonu pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate, E.A. Ogundare, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000, with one surety in like sum.
Niger
The Niger Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Muazu Bawa, has said that the state government spends 95 per cent of its funds monthly on the payment of salaries.
Bawa said at a stakeholders meeting in Minna that the situation was “not good for the development agenda of the state”.
The meeting was convened due to the threat by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to begin strike over the non implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage.
He said the government would not pay the new minimum wage because monies accruing to it were inadequate to accommodate the new wage bill.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government on Monday said it was committed to operation zero pothole embarked upon by the Ministry of Works to facilitate socio-economic development.
The Commissioner for Works, Mr Gboye Adegbenro, said this in Akure while inspecting some road rehabilitation projects being executed by Ondo State Agency for Road Maintenance and Construction (OSARMCO).
He commended the agency for the achievements recorded in road rehabilitation, saying that the administration of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko came to power with the determination to achieve zero potholes on the roads.
“The state of roads in Ondo state when this administration came on board was deplorable, but everybody can see the difference today as our people express happiness and appreciation,’’ Adegbenro said.
He said that the authorities of OSARMCO were committed in their assignment and had successfully put some roads in good condition.
The commissioner, who inspected the Orita Obele – Ijare Road, the Oke-Obere Mechanic Village road and other roads being rehabilitated in the capital, said the agency was currently working on Oba-Ile Neighbourhood Market Road, Ala Quarters culvert and other access roads.
Osun
The Zone 11 of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Monday invited security operatives to train its senior officers on security consciousness and tips.
The operatives, who were from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Police, lectured the FRSC officers on national security.
The officers, drawn from Osun, Oyo and Ondo states’ Sector Commands of the commission, were tutored on intelligence gathering, combating crime and other security tips.
The Zone 11 Commanding Officer, Mr Sambo Kinya, while addressing the participants, said the seminar was organised for officers to be abreast with security challenges in the country and plan ahead for any situation.
“The seminar will make us identify related security threats, roles of intelligence in FRSC and at the national level with a view to preventing loss of lives and property,” Kinya said.
He said that the statutory duties of the officers of the commission had attracted attention of some groups, which were becoming threats, and there was the need to be security conscious.
Taraba
A Jalingo High Court on Monday remanded two men, Habu Idi and Muazu Ibrahim in prison custody for allegedly gang-raping a 13 year-old-girl at Zing in the Zing Local Government Area of Taraba.
Although a magistrates’ court had previously granted bail to the accused persons when the case was mentioned for hearing, Justice Yahya Bashir ordered that one of the accused, Ibrahim, should be remanded in prison custody. Ibrahim was in court while Idi was not.
The judge directed the State Counsel, Mr Habu Audu, to liaise with the magistrates’ court to locate Idi.
Audu had earlier told the court that the accused persons committed gang-rape, criminal force and assault which he said, were punishable under section 283 and 265(A) of the Penal Code.
The case was adjourned to October 16.
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