Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
No fewer than 4.5 million Nigerians have so far enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the North-East Zonal Coordinator of NHIS, Alhaji Ma’aji Abdu has said.
Abdu made the statement in Bauchi at the opening ceremony of a Forum for NHIS enrollees and other stakeholders.
He said that the scheme had been embraced by some state governments because of the success it had recorded since inception adding that there were 62 Health Management Organisations, who ensured that drugs were provided to enrollees on request.
He said that NHIS had a drug list, which providers referred to, adding that only generic drugs were allowed as against branded drugs.
The coordinator explained that the list was taken from the Federal Government essential drug list of the Federal Ministry of Health and therefore reliable.
Benue
A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Mr Dan Ogo, has ordered a 20-year old farmer, Mtomga Atem, to be remanded at the Federal Prisons Benue for robbing a police officer.
Prosecutor Michael Ewoh told the court that the police officer, Cpl. Starkis Mwandirga, attached to Zaki-Biam Police Station reported at the station that he was robbed.
Ewoh told the court that the complainant stated that the accused and others now at large, who were armed with dangerous weapons, including guns, broke into his house and robbed him and his wife of their valuables.
He further said that the items stolen were one Nokia and Techno handsets all valued at N11, 500.00, a set of police uniform and his wife’s necklace valued at N2,500
He said the offence was contrary to Sections 97 of the Penal Code and 5(B) and 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Cap. 398 law of the Federation of Nigeria, 1994.
However, when the case came up for mention, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has approved the establishment of 16 remedial schools in each of the 16 local government areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Funminiyi Afuye who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti in an interview said the remedial schools would avail students, who failed the WAEC examination, the opportunity to be tutored again before sitting for another examination.
The commissioner said government was concerned about the large number of students in the state who fail public examinations each year, adding that it had decided to address the issue.
Afuye promised that the remedial schools would be established before the expiration of the current long holiday. He added that the government had also concluded arrangement to recruit experienced teachers for the proposed schools.
The commissioner urged teachers, parents and students to assist government in its determination to ensure that the state regained its lost glory in the education sector.
Gombe
The Gombe State police command has said that no life was lost in Wednesday’s night attack by gunmen on two anti-Kalare stations in the Gombe metropolis.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Fwaje Atajiri, said in Gombe that the two anti-Kalare stations were in Tudun Wada Pantami and Idi quarters.
He said that at about 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday unknown gunmen attacked the security operatives but were repelled after an exchange of gun-fire between them and security operatives.
Atajiri , however, said that a patrol vehicle belonging to the security operatives was burnt by the hoodlums, adding that three unexploded explosive devices were found at the scene of the incident.
“There was an exchange of fire and the gunmen immediately left because of our superior power.
“There was no injury on the part of our men and no arrest was made.’’
Atajiri called on the public to always provide information to security agents to rid the state of criminals, stating that the confidentiality of the informants would be guaranteed.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has approved N92.7 million for landscaping of the new Katsina Government House.
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Mustapha Maikudi, made this known in Katsina at a news conference after the state’s Executive Council meeting.
Maikudi said that the government planned to do the landscaping during the rainy season and had awarded the contract to Emaculate Facility Managers.
The commissioner also said that the state government had approved N413 million for the construction of three township roads in Katsina metropolis.
Kwara
An Ilorin Area Court has dissolved a four-year-old marriage over allegations of neglect and care-free attitude of the husband.
Mrs Mujidat Oladimeji of Deeper Life Road, Ilorin, had approached the court to dissolve her marriage to her husband, Musibau, saying she was no longer interested in the union.
She claimed that her husband had neglected her and their three-year-old son since 2008 when they got married.
“ I got married to the defendant in 2008 and since then, there has been no rest of mind. We have been living separately since 2010 and he never cared how we were surviving. “ I have no more love and passion for him anymore,’’ she said.
The defendant, however, did not object to the prayer of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant her request. The judge, Mr Yusuf Abdulkarem, dissolved the marriage and issued a certificate of divorce to the plaintiff.
Kogi
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has emphasised the need for Nigerians to make use of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the nation’s social justice system to fast-track dispensation of justice.
Its Director in Kogi, Mr Ibikunle Medubi, made the call in Lokoja at a one-day workshop on capacity-building for senior orientation and mobilisation officers in Kogi.
Medubi said the ADR mechanism which simply meant, ‘arbitration outside the court system’ had proved to be an instrument to fast-track dispensation of justice in several places where it had been in practice.
The director observed that the expectations of Nigerians in accessing social justice might remain elusive until the ADR was fully adopted and mainstreamed into the justice delivery system.
Its Head of Social Justice, Mr K.C. Ogbedeagu, in his paper titled, “Social Justice and the Concept of Alternative Dispute Resolution” described social justice as the bastion of the Rule of Law.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has commenced the disbursement of N379 million to households affected by the construction of five major roads in Gwandu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Hussaini Raha, who made the payment to the beneficiaries, in Gwandu, said alternative land would also be provided them.
He said that the ministry and traditional rulers in the area would work out modalities for the allocation of land compensation to those affected.
The District Head of Gwandu, Alhaji Mohammed Rasheed, commended Governor Sa’idu Dakingari for fulfilling his campaign promise of providing roads in the area and compensating the households affected.
Nasarawa
The Speaker of Nasarawa House of Assembly, Musa Ahmed – Mohammed, has said that PDP lawmakers were not planning to defect to CPC.
Addressing newsmen in Lafia, Ahmed-Mohammed said reports from some quarters that they were planning to leave the party were “false and malicious’’.
He said the reports were aimed at creating “disaffection among the PDP family’’ in the state.
“As the speaker of the Assembly, I know that the 19 PDP members in the House have never contemplated defecting to any political party in Nigeria.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government has urged intending pilgrims for the 2012 Hajj to promptly pay up the balance of their fares in order to guarantee their slots.
The Secretary, Ogun Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, who made the call while speaking in Abeokuta said that intending pilgrims, who had earlier made initial deposits, should balance up before Aug. 10.
Rasheed said that the state had approved the sum of N570, 000 as fare for the 2012 exercise.
“We arrived at the figure following careful considerations of the welfare and conveniences of the pilgrims. “This is part of the state’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims from the state, particularly indigenes of Ogun,” he said.
He disclosed that the amount to be paid in the state was the cheapest in the Southwest Region. Rasheed further advised them to have not less than N108,750 and a maximum of N145,000 as the Basic Travelling Allowance for the exercise.
Plateau
The Plateau House of Assembly has elected Dem Daniel as its new Majority Leader. Daniel, a fresh PDP lawmaker, represents Riyom constituency in the House.
The new leader replaces Mr Gyang Fulani, the former Majority Leader, who died on July 8, in a stampede when gunmen attacked mourners at Maseh, a village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Senator Gyang Dantong (PDP, Plateau North), died in that same stampede.
A top official of the House, who would not want to be named, said in Jos that Daniel became the choice because he is from the Plateau to which the post is zoned.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has directed its committees on Environment and Public Finance to investigate the N1.3 billion Ecological Fund released to the state by the Federal Government.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Garba Rikiji, gave the directive, saying that the money was received by the former governor, Mahmuda Shinkafi, after his predecessor Alhaji Ahmad Yarima, made the request in 2006.
Rikiji said further that the fund was meant for the repairs of the Gusau-Wanki Bridge which collapsed following a down pour in 2006. He added that records had shown that Shinkafi collected the money on behalf of the state during his tenure “but could not account for it.”
Earlier, a member of the assembly,Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, had moved a motion seeking the house to investigate the utilisation of the ecological fund.
The motion which was supported by another member, Alhaji Isah Abdulmumini, was unanimously adopted after deliberations.
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