Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
A former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Jimeta Gambo,
has called for adequate funding of the Nigeria Police Force, even as he
reiterates his opposition to the creation of the state police force
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Gambo said that with
adequate funding, the police were capable of performing optimally.
He also stressed the need for the government to give the
welfare of police personnel priority attention, saying that this was a “key
motivation’’ for quality service delivery.
Gambo noted that the police were currently poorly paid and
not well-motivated.
Anambra
Governor Peter Obi of
Anambra on Monday in Akwa called for the raising of facilities in prisons to
acceptable standards.
The governor, who made the call during an inspection of
prisons in the state, described the condition of Awka and Onitsha Federal
prisons as “unacceptable”.
Obi was accompanied by the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba
Moro.
The governor said it was not just unjust, but regrettable
that some people had been in prison custody for years without going to court.
According to him, it is evident that some people are
incarcerated because they do not have people to speak for them.
Bauchi
Parents have complained that the upward review of charges at
Yankari Games Reserve in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State has
prevented them from taking their children to the facility to celebrate the
Eid-el-Fitr.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the management
of the reserve increased the gate fees from N300 and N200 for adults and
children to N5,000 and N2,500 respectively, among other charges.
Some parents told NAN in Bauchi on Monday that the increases
were too much and beyond the reach of ordinary people.
“As a tradition, I always take my children to Yankari during
periods of festivities. I have eight children, three of them above 17 years.
“By my calculation, I need at least N35,000 to visit Yankari
with the children, as against the former N2,000. I cannot afford it,”
complained Adamu Muazu, a civil servant.
Borno
Governor Kashim
Shettima of Borno on Monday visited Maiduguri Maximum Prison to felicitate with
the inmates as part of Sallah celebration.
The governor who was accompanied by government officials
presented foodstuff and other items to inmates of the prison.
The items included 50 bags of rice, 100 bags of millet, 100
bags of Semovita and 100 cartons of Spaghetti and two large cows to the
inmates.
Shettima said the food items were given to enable the
inmates to celebrate Sallah.
“Our visit is aimed at felicitating with the inmates as we
celebrate the Sallah. “The essence is to come down here to celebrate with you
as we did outside,” he said.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government will plant 3.5 million tree
seedlings across the state this year as part of efforts to check
desertification in the state, an official has said.
Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, the State Commissioner for
Environment, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Katsina.
He said the government had selected some people in each of
the 34 local government areas (LGAs) of the state to plant and nurse the tree
seedlings up to maturity stage.
“A motorcycle will be given to the best person in each of
the seven forestry zones of the state in order to boost their morale,’’ the
commissioner said.
Kaduna
Sheik Ahmed Bello-Dogarawa of Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, Kaduna State, has said that improper child upbringing is the cause of
the country’s current security challenges.
Bello-Dogarawa made the assertion while delivering a lecture
entitled “Contributions of proper child upbringing toward addressing national
security challenges”, held in Zaria on Monday.
The ‘Post Ramadan Lecture’ was organised by a Zaria-based
religious organisation, Islamic Trust of Nigeria.
The don also linked improper home training with moral
decadence which, according to him, leads to societal collapse.
Kano
The Kano State police command has confirmed the arrest of
one of the suspects who escaped after an attack at a checkpoint in Kundila area
of Kano metropolis on Sunday.
Mr Ibrahim Idris, the Commissioner of Police in the state,
confirmed the arrest of the suspect while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Kano.
He said security agents in the state had intensified efforts
to track down the other fleeing suspects who also escaped with bullets wounds
during the encounter between them and security operatives.
“My men have arrested one of the suspects with bullet
injuries while search for others has been intensified. “We are calling on
members of the public, especially the medical personnel, to report the presence
of any patient with bullet wound to the police,’’ he said.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, says the state
government will partner the Federal Government to provide an additional 10,000
jobs for youths.
The governor stated this on Monday in Ilorin while receiving
the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari, who paid him the traditional
Sallah homage.
Ahmed, who was represented by his deputy, Elder Peter
Kisira, said the state government was making arrangements to create 2,000 jobs
for youths before the end of the year.
According to him, the government is committed to enhancing
the standard of living of the people.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Monday returned
N1 million worth of recharge cards, among others, to an accident victim, Mrs
Felicia Obanla.
The Ogun Sector Commander, Ayobami Omiyale, told newsmen in
Ota while handing over the items to the victim that the accident occurred on
August 17 in Ota, involving five vehicles.
“An articulated vehicle coming from Lagos to Sango lost
control around Sango Ota Toll Gate and rammed into a Mazda bus, marked, LAGOS
XV 388 KJA.
“This also rammed into a Nissan Pathfinder jeep, marked, TF
368 KJA, and this jeep seriously hit Obanla as she was about to come down from
a commercial motorcycle.
Ondo
The Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Samuel
Adesina, on Monday called on for peaceful co-existence among the citizens
irrespective of differences in religious belief .
Adesina made the call in Akure in his Eid-el-Fitri message
to the Muslims, saying no society could achieve development without peace and
love for one another.
The speaker called on Muslims to ensure that the lessons
they had acquired during the Ramadan fasting would endure even after the
fasting.
“Let us all continue to be in good behaviour, do the right
things, love your neighbour, so that our state and the country can move
forward,’’ he said.
Plateau
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC)
has promised the people of Plateau free, fair and credible local government
elections.
Peter Dalyop, the commission’s Chairman, told the News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jos that elections into the 17 local
governments in the state would hold very soon.
The commission chairman who however refused to give a date
for the elections said arrangements were in top gear to produce a time-table.
“The commission is working round the clock to deliver
credible, free and fair local government elections in the state.
Sokoto
A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji
Ibrahim Kabiru, on Tuesday appealed to Nigerian youths to shun vices that
hindered the unity and security of lives and property of the citizenry.
Kabiru who made the appeal in an interview in Sokoto urged
youths to assist security agencies by providing useful information that would
stop the activities of criminals.
“Offering intelligence reports to our security agencies will
enable them come out with formidable security measures that will deal with
security threats to the country,” Kabiru said.
He said youths should be advocates of peace, progress and political growth of the nation, adding that said the current security challenges being experienced in the country could be addressed through the collaborative efforts between the youth and security operatives.
Yobe
A section of Damagum Primary School in Damagum Local Government
Area was gutted by fire from suspected explosions in the area.
Mr Toyin Gbadegeshin, the Police Public Relations Officer in
the state, made the disclosure in an interview in Damagum.
He also said policemen on Monday repelled an attempted
attack on Damagum Police Station by unknown persons.
Gbadegeshin said “at about 1:05a.m., attacks launched on
Damagum Police station and a worship centre were successfully repelled by the
police but no casualty was recorded while the gunmen fled into the bush.’’
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