Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
As Muslims prepare to celebrate the Eid-El-Fitr, the Bauchi
State Police Command has commenced a 24-hour ‘stop and search’ operation with a
view to detecting any plan to disrupt the peace in the state.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan,
said that although the state had enjoyed relative peace, his command did not
want to take chances.
“We have deployed patrol teams, with the mandate to stop and
search, especially suspicious vehicles and individuals, on a 24-hour basis.
“Policemen are now everywhere. We want citizens to sleep with their two eyes
closed, without any fear, during the Sallah period and even beyond,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bauchi metropolis has continued to witness influx
of people from neighbouring Yobe State, where the security situation is very
fragile.
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has released N120 million for the
payment of scholarship to students who are studying in various tertiary
institutions across the country.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Isa Wade, made
this known in Gombe in an interview.
He said that the payment of the scholarship would henceforth
be done through a card, known as “Talba Bursary Card” named after the
traditional title of Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo. Dankwambo has the title of
“Talban Gombe.’’
Wade said the Talba Bursary Card Scheme was part of the
government’s policy to address some of the problems in the payment of
scholarship.
“It is an e-wallet that enables students to access their
scholarship whenever the government pays; it’s just like an ATM card”, he
emphasised.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government has warned land developers
against erecting illegal structures capable of distorting the Dutse master
plan.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Lawan Audu,
gave the warning while inaugurating an 11-member reconstituted board of the
Dutse Capital Development Authority (DCDA) in Dutse.
Audu said that flagrant distortion of the master plan, which
was based on appropriate town planning could lead to environmental hazards and
retard sustainable development of the state capital.
He said that the government had adopted practical measures
to ensure strict compliance with the master plan designed to structure Dutse
into a modern town.
In a remark, the Chairman of the board, Alhaji Bashir Aminu,
pledged to make Dutse a model town in the country.
Kaduna
Two bridges, one linking Zaria city with Igabi Local
Government Area and the other, linking Zaria with Aba village, were washed away
by flood last week.
The two bridges were vital routes for the movement of farm
produce and animals from rural areas to the urban centres.
Some rural dwellers in the area said that they had to extend
their trips by many kilometres to arrive at their destinations.
Malam Buba Bala and Malam Harisu Usman said the collapse of
the bridges had inflicted hardship on, not only the farmers, but the entire
people of the area. The Kaduna State
Emergency Management Agency had been advising people on the need to take
necessary precautions to combat the expected flood.
Kano
The acting Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety
Commission (FRSC) in Kano State, Mr Kabir Nadabo, has warned parents not to
allow their underage children to drive vehicles.
Nadabo, who is also the head of operations of FRSC in Kano
State, said the warning become necessary because of the increasing number of
underage drivers, who are arrested daily.
Nadabo said that henceforth any underage driver caught in
the state would have his vehicle impounded, while his or her parents would be
arrested and prosecuted.
He warned that the command would not fold its arms and allow
the ugly trend to continue, and reminded car owners that the law prohibiting
car racing was still in force.
Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Katsina State has
advised motorists in the state to avoid night journey in order to reduce
accidents.
The Sector Commander
of the corps, Alhaji Habu Dauda, gave the advice while presenting ‘Road
Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme’ (RTSSS) certificates to 10 fleet
operators in Katsina.
He said the advice became necessary in view of the
increasing night traffic crashes in the state.
The sector commander enjoined motorists to be extra-careful
while on the roads and adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
Kebbi
The NLC in Kebbi State has urged the state government to
fast-track the payment of the balance of leave grant to workers.
The NLC Chairman in
the state, Alhaji Sadiq Ka’oje, made the appeal while addressing the delegate’s
conference of the Agriculture and Allied Workers Union in Birnin Kebbi.
He said that the payment of the leave grant by the
government had become necessary to avert an impending strike by workers in the
state.
Ka’oje said that the workers would not hesitate to embark on
strike if the government continued to renege on its promise. The chairman said
that the NLC would soon meet to determine the next line of action, if the
government did not rectify the anomalies.
Kogi
Ofu Local Government Council in Kogi State will soon embark
on mass transfer of primary school teachers to ensure distribution of teachers
across the schools in the rural areas.
The Education
Secretary for the Local Government Education Authority, Mr John Ojochenemi,
made this known in an interview in Ugwolawo, headquarters of the council.
Ojochenemi said the mass transfer was necessary to enable
primary schools in the rural areas to get adequate teachers, adding that most
schools in the villages lacked teachers whereas the urban areas had surplus.
According to him, teachers who refused posting to villages
will be sanctioned as they stand to lose their jobs, stating that the council had planned to meet
education stakeholders to discuss how to improve the quality of education.
Kwara
An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdullahi Umar, has stressed the
need for religious tolerance between Christian and Muslim faithful in the
interest of mutual co-existence.
The scholar, who
condemned the spate of bombings and killings in places of worship, called on
those behind the dastardly acts to desist in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitr
celebration.
Umar said that the
current security challenges facing the nation were disturbing, but expressed
optimism that peace would soon prevail.
He urged the Federal Government to renew efforts to contain
terrorism in the country through dialogue with the group claiming
responsibility for the attacks.
Nasarawa
The PDP in Nasarawa State has called on Muslims to use the
Sallah celebration for sober reflection and unity of the country.
The Secretary, Adamu Onyaki, in a Sallah message to the
people of the state, urged Muslims to continue to pray for the unity of
Nigeria, even after the Ramadan period.
The statement also advised government at all levels to
always encourage peaceful co-existence among the different ethnic and religious
groups for peace and development.
The party equally appealed to those with criminal tendencies
to refrain from such acts, adding that violence against fellow human beings was
an offence against God and humanity.
Osun
The first graduate in Osogbo Osun State capital, Chief
Ladunjoye Omigbodun, has died at the age of 100 years at his residence in
Osogbo.
The deceased, until
his death was the Ashipa Ataoja of Osogbo and Venerable of the All Saints
Cathedral Church, Balogun Agoro, Osogbo. He was the pioneer principal of Osogbo
Grammar School.
One of his sons, Mr
Goke Omigbodun, who confirmed his death to newsmen, said that prominent
dignitaries from the town had been trooping in to condole with the family.
The Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori,
was among scores of sympathisers who paid a condolence visit on behalf of the
state governor.
Oyo
The Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community
Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Atinuke Oshikoya, has
urged children in the state to engage in productive activities.
The commissioner made the plea in Ibadan at a programme
entitled “ A day out of school’’ organised by the ministry for orphans,
vulnerable children as well as selected children in the state.
Oshikoya also advised children to desist from acts that were
negative, saying the forum was designed to create confidence and a sense of
belonging in them.
Earlier in her remarks, Permanent Secretary in the ministry,
Mrs Olubunmi Sali, said 39 homes from across the state were represented at the
forum meant for informal activities.
Plateau
The Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria (CEPAN) has
challenged religious leaders to practise the messages of peace they preached to
the faithful.
Its Director, Rev. Samuel Goro, said in Jos that leaders of
both religions tended to practise the entire opposite of their messages.
“When you preach peace, we must see you as very committed to
it. Anything other than that is a negation of what is required in Jos today,”
he said.
He accused religious leaders of contributing to violence in
Plateau, and cautioned them against igniting violence among their adherents.
He noted that the two major religions preached peace, and
advised the clerics to champion such missions.
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