Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has stresseed an urgent need for cultural rejuvenation in the country.
The governor stated this in Yola while declaring open a one-day sensitisation workshop on Role of Media in Promoting Culture for journalists.
The workshop is organised by the National Museum in Yola in collaboration with the Fombina Palace Museum in Adamawa.
Nyako said the cultural rejuvenation had become necessary to “enable us integrate our cultural values as a nation”.
“We must find ways and means of integrating our cultural values of peace, tolerance, hard work, good neighborliness, respect for constituted authority and elders into our youths, who are the future leaders,” he said.
The governor, who was represented at the forum by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Ahmadu Batuwa said, “Culture is our identity and any society that loses its identity had lost its essential value that guarantees its existence.”
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government said that it committed N66 million on the renovation of six secondary health facilities in the state in the second quarter of this year.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Olusola Fasuba, disclosed this to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti after an inspection tour of some health facilities in the state.
Fasuba said that the hospitals wer located in Ikole-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti, Aiyede-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti and Aramoko-Ekiti.
He said that the state government also expended the sum of N72 million on settlement of the medical bills of indigent patients in the last 18 months.
The commissioner also said that a laboratory block and a new accident and emergency block were constructed at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, during the period under review.
He said that N54 million was approved for the renovation of structures in the health facilities, adding that a separate sum of N6.7 million was approved for the provision of facilities at the Central Sterile Supply Department of the Ministry of Health.
FCT
The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative, an NGO, has
called on stakeholders to invest in educating children with disabilities by incorporating them into development programmes.
The National Coordinator of the NGO, Ms Patience Ogolo, made the call at the annual national conference of the association in Abuja .
She said there was the need for such children to be educated, so as to reduce the culture of dependency.
Ogolo also said that parents of children with disability needed to be informed on the importance of education, as this was the only way they would be part of the development process in the country.
“Over 19 million people in the country live with one kind of disabilities or another; there is the need to integrate them into all spheres of the society.
Jigawa
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Jigawa has decried the rate of accident in the state.
The state Sector Commander, Aminu Umar, made the remark at a one-day sensitisation workshop on road safety.
He said that it had adopted effective measures to enforce traffic rules and regulation on the road users in the area.
The theme of the workshop, “Advocacy as a tool for improve road safety activities’’, he said was designed to equip corps marshal and to educate motorist on traffic rules.
According to him, the commission has intensified its public enlightenment campaign to reduce carnage on the road.
He said the commission would continue to support its personnel as well as special marshal to enable them discharge their duties diligently.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Special Service, Ibrahim Alhaji, pledged the State Government’s support toward curtailing road accidents.
Kaduna
Malam Habibu Ahmad of Kabala Costain, Kaduna, has sued his mother-in-law, Gambo Alhassan, at a Kaduna Sharia Court for allegedly hiding his wife.
Ahmad told the court that his wife left home on Sallah day to deliver Sallah food to their families but did not return.
“Before I left for Eid-el-Fitr prayers, my wife, Asma’u, was cooking and on my return, she had finished. She told me that she would stay with her relations till evening before returning.
“After waiting for long, I called her mobile phone and it was switched off. I called the people she visited and I was told that she did not stay long there.”
He further alleged that Asma’u had never spent six months in his house without moving to unknown destination, adding:“She always returned to me after plea dings through phone calls.”
Katsina
Flood has again ravaged the Mani Local Government Headquarters and its environs in Katsina State, claiming two lives and destroying more than 100 houses.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent on Tuesday in Mani town, that the flood affected Randawa, Galawa, Tabalawa, Gidan Gewayau villages and part of Mani town, the council headquarters.
According to the eyewitnesses, one person died in Galawa village, while another death was recorded in Mani during the ravaging flood.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the state Rehabilitation and Emergency Relief Agency (RERA), Alhaji Hassan Rawayau, has visited the affected areas to sympathise with the victims.
Rawayau, on behalf of the state government, condoled with the families of those who lost their lives.
He assured the victims that the agency would assess the damage, with a view to recommending possible assistance from the state government.
Kogi
A former President, National Association of Kogi State Students, Mr Dare Michael, has hailed Governor Idris Wada’s administration for ensuring better welfare for students.
Michael made this known in a telephone interview with The Tide in Lokoja.
He commended the State Government for the prompt release of funds for the students’ convention which was held on August 25, 2012 in Lokoja.
He said that Wada had been of immense support to the association since his assumption of office.
“Wada has always given us better welfare and an atmosphere for learning,” he said.
Michael said that the convention could not have achieved the desired success without the assistance of the government.
He urged students to accept the outcome of the convention in good faith and support the newly-elected President, Mr Abdullahi Oshihana.
Lagos
A psychologist, Dr Oyesoji Aremu, on Tuesday said victims of rape might experience long-lasting severe emotional shock and distress.
Aremu told The Tide that such a girl-child could become physically and psychologically disillusioned and traumatised.
“Rape of a girl-child is the forceful carnal knowledge of a person who is physiologically and emotionally immature for sexual relationship,” he said.
The psychologist said; “The consequences of it are very grievous on the girl-child, and socially, the victim becomes stigmatised.
“This may have a lasting effect on her social wellness and on her inability to socialise.
“She may grow to either abhor sex and its associated gratification or she may become obsessed with sex by developing low sexual efficacy and low self-worth of herself.”
He said that the consequence of the victim blacking out sex, might affect her marriage in the future.
Nasarawa
The Executive Director of the Nasarawa State Adult and Informal Education AgencyMr William Ebuga, has said the agency is to intensify its efforts to curb Illiteracy in the state.
Ebuga made the staement in an interview with our correspondent in Lafia.
He said the objective of the campaign was to educate school drop-outs and people who had no opportunity to go to school, noting that the the agency had mapped out strategies to achieve the goal.
The executive director said: “majority of the people in the state do not know how to read and write, this situation will affect the state now and in the future.
“There is need for constant efforts to fight illiteracy in the state and looking at statistics, more than half of the population of of the state are illiterate.”
Ondo
The Commissioner for Education in Niger, Mrs Susan Gana, has called for concerted efforts to revamp the standard of education in the state.
Gana made the call in Minna at a one-week retreat for principals and vice principals of public secondary schools in the state, with the theme:“Effective Management of Public Secondary Schools in Niger State’’.
She said the development of individuals and the society at large, depended largely on the quality of education available.
“It is our collective responsibility to redeem the education system from the present state and move it forward.
“Quality of education has taken a downward trend for quite some time; from the primary to tertiary institution levels the educational standard has fallen to an extent that it no longer contribute meaningfully to individual and national development.
Sokoto
The Vice-chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Sokoto State chap
ter, Mr Abubakar Malami, has called on the state government to rehabilitate Kalmalo and Lugu dams.
Malami our correspondent in Sokoto that the rehabilitation of the dams would enhance irrigation farming in the state.
He said many farmers in Goronyo area had benefitted tremendously from the rehabilitation of Goronyo Dam and were planting rice, onion, garlic and maize, among other crops.
He also asked the state government to provide modern implements for farmers in the rural areas to ensure massive food production in the state.
The union leader said the state was blessed with abundant irrigable land capable of producing different crops but that the lack of modern farming equipment was hindering the potential.
Zamfara
Zamfara State Government says it would no longer give “special treatment to persons considered highly placed or connected in government’’ during Hajj operations.
This announcement was made in Gusau by the acting Governor , Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala at the balloting of flight schedules to the 14 local councils for this year’s Hajj.
The acting governor, who was represented on the occasion which took place at the Pilgrims Welfare Agency office by the Leader of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Tsafe, said the administration would continue to treat all citizens as equals “with justice and fairness.”
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