Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The Chairman, Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development
Agency (PHCDA), Dr Sule Lawal, has appealed to the staff of the agency to justify
government’s huge investment in the sector by their commitment to duty.
Lawal made the
appeal in Ado-Ekiti at a meeting with
the staff of the agency. He said the
state government had shown commitment to enhance personal efficiency and
effective service delivery in the health sector. Lawal said the establishment
of the agency by the state government was to tackle the spread of communicable
diseases, particularly in rural areas, as well as create a platform to improve
the welfare of health workers.
He said the implementation of a new salary structure for
health workers was an indication that the present administration was committed
to the welfare of staff.
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged the Nigerian
Economic Society (NES) to devise practical solutions that could strengthen the
government’s drive to overcome poverty and unemployment in Nigeria.
Jonathan gave the charge in his remarks in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the
53rd NES Annual Conference.
Represented by the
Chief Economic Adviser to the President,Dr Nwanze Okidegbe, Jonathan, urged the
association to come up with the ideas for accelerating skill acquisition aimed
at creating employment through entrepreneurship. He said a coordinated approach toward
tackling the twin problem of unemployment and poverty was inevitable if the
average man on the street was to reap the full benefits.
Kano
Flood has washed away several farm land in Doguwa Local
Government Area of Kano State destroying cash crops worth millions of
Naira. The Tide learnt that the flood
was as a result of overflow of a river located between Doguwa and Tudun-Wada
Local Government Areas.
An eye witness told our correspondent in Kano that villages affected included, Burji,
Dogon, Kawo and Gimawa.
The Tide reports that the river over-flowed its banks as a
result of persistent rainfall in the area.
When contacted, the state
Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Yunusa Dangwani, said he was not aware of
the incident.
Kogi
The Federal Government has been told to extend its ongoing
effort in boosting the teaching and learning of mathematics to all secondary
schools in the country. The Kogi Deputy
Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, who made the call in Lokoja said the call became necessary for the
country to achieve its goal of becoming one of the best 20 economies in the
world by 2020.
Awoniyi, who spoke at the opening of a four-day capacity
building workshop for 208 mathematics teachers in unity schools, said that the
effort should be extended to secondary schools in the 36 states for overall
improvement in the teaching of mathematics and other science subjects.
Kwara
A meeting of Christian and Muslim leaders in Kwara State
with the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike
Omeri, has resolved to sustain the country’s unity. The meeting, which held in Ilorin, was tagged
“Special Interactive Session for Leaders of all Religious Groups in the State
on Peace and Stability.’’
In the resolutions made public, the leaders said: “ All
manner of violence against fellow Nigerians must be condemned.
“ Every religious leader in Nigeria should desist from
preaching hatred and violence in their places of worship. “
The NOA boss, who convened the meeting, said in his opening
remarks that all religious and political leaders should call their followers to
order while refraining from acts inimical to the stability of the nation.
Lagos
The Kuramo Tourism Investors Association has appealed to the
Lagos State Government to retain the Kuramo beach as the only public beach in
the state.
The Secretary of the association, Mr Micheal Onuwaje, made
the plea in an interview with The Tide in Lagos.
The Tide reports that the association made its position
known following the closure of the beach by the state government following an
ocean surge that killed about 16 persons on August18. Onuwajede scribed the
beach as one of the international tourist destinations in the country.
According to him, the Kuramo beach is the only public beach in Nigeria where
tourists are not restricted.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Ministry of Empowerment has said it had
concluded arrangements to train 2,310 youth under its vocational and skills
acquisition programme. The Commissioner for Youth and Economic Empowerment,
Alhaji Rabiu Isah, made the announcement in an interview with our correspondent
in Dutse.
Isah said the training would be carried out with support
from political office holders who volunteered to sponsor the youths who were
selected from various respective constituencies.He said that under the
arrangement, political office holders, including members of the state and
national assemblies, commissioners and governor’s aids, would provide
resettlement packages. He said the state
government would take care of the training programme.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has warned land title holders
in the state to pay their outstanding ground rents before the expiration of a
one-month grace period or face the wrath of the law. The government said it was
being owed over N5.2 billion in ground rents. The Commissioner for Lands,
Survey and Town Planning, Mr Sonny Agassi, who gave the warning, said the debts
were from the over 8,000 titles issued since the creation of the state. He said
that the government would no longer condone the attitude where citizens do not
pay rents on their titles.
Ogun
No fewer than 400 youths in Ogun have commenced training on a health capacity
building programme, tagged “Y-Health” in Abeokuta.
The three-day training programme was organised by the
state’s Ministry of Youths and Sports in collaboration with the Institute of
Human Virology of Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Olugbenga
Otenuga, said the programme was
organised to improve the knowledge base of youths on health related issues.
He said the programme would assist in exposing
misconceptions about various kinds of diseases rampant among youths,
particularly HIV/AIDS.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly has commenced a three-week
recess.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Samuel Adesina, said the
lawmakers would resume plenary on September
18.
Adesina spoke during
last Tuesday’s plenary in Akure which confirmed the appointment of Mr
Kazeem Olanrewaju as a commissioner in the state’s Judicial Service Commission.
He, however, said that committees of the House could carry
out some oversight functions during the recess.
The confirmation followed the submission of the report of a
selection committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Francis Emiola.
Osun
The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Mrs Folashade
Odoro, has urged parents in the state to be vigilant while sending their
children on errands during the long vacation.
Odoro, who made the plea in an interview with The Tide in
Osogbo, spoke against the backdrop of reports of missing children.
She said parents must be conscious of the type of chores
they engage their children in so as not to expose them to danger.
Odoro also warned parents against sending their children to
hawk, noting that there was a special unit in the Force to handle juvenile
cases and other cases related to child abuse.
Oyo
The National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Mr Lai
Mohammed, has urged political leaders to be liberal in the use of the political
power they control.
Mohammed made the plea in Ibadan at an interactive programme
organised by the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The ACN spokesman, who called for the “ democratisation of
power’’ linked the success of a nation’s economy to the way political leaders
choose to manage power.
He also urged political leaders to concentrate on building
lasting political institutions and beliefs instead of building personalities.
“People will die, but institutions will live forever,” he
said.
Sokoto
Senator Ibrahim Gobir (PDP –Sokoto) has in Sokoto said that about N70 million had
been earmarked for the construction of eight solar-powered bore holes in the
Sokoto East Senatorial District.
Gobir told newsmen that each of the local government areas
in the district would get a befitting bore hole to boost the provision of
adequate potable water for both human and animal consumption.
He said that already feasibility studies had been carried
out in each of the local governments, where the projects would be sited.
The senator explained that the project was part of his
campaign promises to provide the needed social infrastructure that would
enhance the living condition of the electorate.
Gobir called on the people in the area to exercise patience,
as more policies and programmes that would have direct impact on the lives of
the people would be implemented.
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