Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Deputy Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Babayo Shehu has said that the introduction of International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) would check corruption in public service.
Shehu said this in an interview with The Tide in Bauchi on the sideline of a 2-day sensitisation workshop on the introduction of the accounting system for government’s establishments in the North- East zone.
“When you have a system that you report more transparently, you promote more accountability and the reports are easily understood by the general public, then, it makes it difficult for people to commit and hide fraud.
“The world has decided to adopt the international standard, so, Nigeria cannot be left out because we are just one out of the many nations in the world.
Ekiti
Students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, are facing hard times on the campus as most of them could not register for the second semester.
Their problem stemmed from the decision of the university authorities that all part-time programme students should pay the N1,000 registration fee at the campus branch of the institution’s bankers.
This led to a long queue of students waiting to pay the fee to the only approved teller at the counter, a development which made some of the students, who reside in Ado-Ekiti, to arrive the campus as early as 5 am.
Some of the affected students, who spoke to newsmen on the issue, said that the school authorities insisted that they should all pay the registration fee at the campus branch of the bank.
FCT
Dr. Folashade Momoh of FCTA/FCDA Secretariat has called on Nigerians, especially workers, to exercise regularly to promote healthy lifestyles and enhance productivity.
Momoh is director, Public Health Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)/Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Secretariat in Abuja.
She told The Tide in Abuja after the workers’ trekking exercise that the whole essence was to keep the body fit.
Momoh said that physical exercise would help “maintain the body weight and keep the body organs functional, especially the heart.”
Kaduna
No fewer than 360 patients would benefit from the ongo ing free surgery being provided by the Kaduna State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The Tide reports that patients would be treated of various ailments free by members of the association in the next three weeks.
The immediate past state Chairman of the association, Dr Solomon Avidime, told newsmen at the inauguration of the exercise in Kaduna that the programme began in the Central Senatorial zone.
Avidime said that 120 patients each would benefit from the scheme in each of three senatorial zones of the state.
Kano
The Kano State Government has said the demolition of illegal structures in Kano metropolis was aimed at transforming the town into a mega city.
The General Manager of the state Urban Planning and Development Agency (KNUPDA) Alhaji Muntari Kura, made this known while answering questions from newsmen in Kano.
He explained that owners of the affected structures had been served with notification letters before the commencement of the exercise.
Kura, who was reacting to complaints on the exercise, said all the structures being demolished were erected illegally and not in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations on urban development.
Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has concluded plans to embark on enlightenment campaign against the use of defective vehicles in Katsina State.
The state’s FRSC Sector Commander, Alhaji Habu Dauda, told our correspondent in Katsina that the week-long campaign, tagged “Operation enlightenment all through”, commenced on September 3.
He said that during the campaign, special marshals would stop motorists, check their vehicles and enlighten them about the dangers of using defective vehicles.
According to Dauda, motorists found with defects on their vehicles will be issued with a free check list to go and effect repairs of the defective parts of their vehicles.
Kogi
The 25,000 tonnes capacity food storage facility, being built by the Federal Government at a cost of N1 billion in Zango Daji, Lokoja, has reached 75 per cent completion.
The Site Manager of the project, Mr Isaac Oguche, made the disclosure in Lokoja while speaking with newsmen after a guided tour of the facility.
He said that all hands must be on deck to ensure the completion of the facility in November, to put it in use early next year.
Oguche said the contract which was awarded in 2008 was among the 20 projects being executed in Ilorin, Abuja, Yenagoa, Ilesha and other parts of the country.
Lagos
A criminal justice law expert, Prof. Adedokun Adeyemi, has in Lagos stressed the need for collaboration among the security agencies in the country to check terrorism.
Adeyemi, an emeritus professor of law and former dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen, also called for synergy among the agencies and the Interpol.
He noted that in the US, the Department of Homeland Security was established comprising representatives of the various security agencies to tackle terrorism.
Adeyemi appealed to emirs and other community leaders in northern part of the country to do more in the fight against terrorism and the activities of the Boko Haram sect.
Nasarawa
A Karu Area Court in Nasarawa State has remanded a 19- year-old man, Monday David, in prison custody for alleged criminal intimidation and theft.
Police prosecutor, Inuwa Maigida told the court that Monica Adama, who resides at Aso Pada in Mararaba reported the matter at the Aso Police Station in Mararaba, Nasarawa State on August 21.
Maigida said that on August 21, the accused, who resides behind Vita Camp, Aso Pada, snatched David’s Nokia 200 handset valued at N13,500 near New Filling Station, Aso Pada.
He said that in the process of chasing the accused, the complainant lost her second phone valued at N15,000.
Maigida added that after the accused was arrested, he threatened to attack the lady and her family anytime he was released from cell.
Niger
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Niger State has said it collaborated with the state Ministry of Religious Affairs and Poverty Eradication to train and empower 50 physically-challenged persons.
The state NDE Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, made this known in an interview with The Tide in Minna recently.
Mohammed said that the training was carried out under the physically-challenged persons training scheme.
“We have collaborated with the state ministry to train and resettle 50 physically challenged persons,’’ Mohammed said.
He said that besides the 50 physically challenged persons, the directorate also assisted some graduates of the National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS) in the state to set up their own businesses.
Osun
The Osun State FRSC Sector Command recorded eight road accidents, leading to the death of six persons and injuries on 62 persons, including five children, during the recent Eid-El-Fitr celebration in the state.
The Sector Commander, Mr Imoh Etuk, disclosed this in Osogbo in an interview with our correspondent.
“The breakdown of the figures showed that five female adults and one adult male died in the crashes, while 24 male adults and 33 female adults were among the injured persons.
According to him, 516 traffic violators were booked, while 239 vehicles were impounded between August 16, and August 22, when the special patrol was carried out.
He said that fines ranging between N2,000 and N5,000 were imposed on offenders, while 84 persons with minor offences were cautioned and discharged.
Oyo
The Chairman, Oyo State Water Corporation, Prof. Wale Oyemakinde has in Ibadan said the problem of unemployment should be the concern of all tiers of government as well as other stakeholders.
Oyemakinde said this at the presentation of his book entitled, “Zero Tolerance for Unemployment, “ held at the conference hall of the University of Ibadan.
He said the aim of writing the book was to draw attention to the centrality of employment and how to ensure that the issue was taken seriously.
Oyemakinde said unemployed persons should not be left to their fate, adding that every effort should be made to ensure they were gainfully employed.
Sokoto
Senator Ibrahim Gobir ( PDP –Sokoto) has said in Sokoto that about N 70 million has been earmarked for the construction of eight solar-powered bore holes in the Sokoto East senatorial district.
Gobir told The Tide that each of the local government areas in the zone would have 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.
He added that the project was part of his campaign promise to provide the needed social infrastructure that would enhance the living condition of the electorate.
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