Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
A former Acting National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Musa Babayo, in Azare town, Bauchi, gave the hand of his daughter in marriage to the son of Governor Isa Yuguda of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the occasion, which attracted a mammoth crowd, had in attendance Governors Ibrahim Dan-Kwambo of Gombe, Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe and Sule Lamido of Jigawa.
Also present were the immediate-past Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Ahmed Muazu and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed.
Other dignitaries in attendance were the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed; Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Yahaya Miya, Senator Babayo Gamawa representing Bauchi North Senatorial District and some prominent traditional rulers.
The marriage between bride, Bilkisu Babayo and the groom, Idris Yuguda, attracted a dowry of N50,000 and 10 cows.
Benue
The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe has inaugurated two water projects at Katsina Ala and Anyiin in Benue State to boost potable water supply to residents.
Ochekpe described water as a major source of life, and urged the people to form committees to protect the facilities, saying that the water projects would curtail incidences of water borne diseases and enhance the general well-being of the people.
The minister said the Federal Government would continue to partner with state governments in providing safe potable water to Nigerians.
She said that the government had worked with the Benue State Government in the reticulation project for Makurdi, inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan last year.
In his speech, Governor Gabriel Suswam appealed to the residents of Katsina Ala and Anyiin to make good use of the facilities and ensure their safety.
FCT
Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke says the Festival of African Culture (FESTAC) can be revived in two years.
Duke said this in Abuja at a presentation of an all-female dance troupe from Cuba.
Our correspondent reports that the event featured the presentation of dances from the Cuban troupe, Obini Bata and the Jukun dancers from Taraba, Nigeria.
The minister said replicating FESTAC ‘77 was a challenge the country faced, and urged stakeholders and the different heads of missions in Nigeria to work towards realising the vision.
“Nigeria has been handed with a challenge and that challenge is to replicate FESTAC ‘77.
“I see it as a possibility, and the only limitation to this is the will and desire of the stakeholders who will make this happen.
We will engage with the various governments, stakeholders in the private sector and the culture community to ensure that this can happen.
“I want to plead with the heads of missions. Let us put in our plans the possibility of replicating FESTAC ‘77”, he said.
Gombe
The Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), Gombe State, has urged parents to ensure proper education and upbringing of their children, to enable them to be good leaders.
TheTraining Secretary of the association, Mr. Akin Gbadero, made the call in Gombe during the closing ceremony of a one-month holiday school organised by the FCS for children in Gombe.
Gbadero said that the programme, organised under the “Aids For Aid and Family Life Development (AFAAFLD)” section of the FCS, was aimed at inculcating in the students the virtues of obedience, punctuality and attendance to school.
The secretary stressed that as gifts from God, parents must ensure that children were brought up in the way of the Lord so that they would not depart from it when they grew up.
Gbadero said that the participants, comprising primary and secondary school children, were taught life skill education, gender issues in the Bible as well as seminars to tackle some academic subjects.
The Coordinator of the fellowship, Mr. Pile Gaius, also noted that parents had the responsibility of bringing children to Christ in their youthful ages as ordained by God.
Jigawa
The Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sani-Sidi, has urged state governments to enforce physical planning regulations as part of measures to prevent flooding.
He gave the advice when he paid a courtesy call on the Jigawa Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud, in Dutse.
Sani-Sidi explained that most of the incidents of flooding which occurred in some parts of the country this year were due to the building of structures on the waterways.
“Rapid urbanisation, occasioned by natural population growth and rural-urban migration, has given rise to land use pressure and weak adherence to physical planning regulations in towns and cities,’’ he said.
Kano
Kano State Government has sponsored 25 indigenes of the state to study Marine Engineering in India and the United States.
A statement issued in Kano by the Director of Press to Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Alhaji Baba Dantiye, said the four year course would cost the government $80 million annually.
According to the statement, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso said this during the graduation of over 1,000 youths under the government’s youth empowerment programme, tagged “Lafiya Jari.”
It said that the governor emphasised on the resolve of the administration to give priority to human capital development, adding “We are doing all this because we need to see our youth everywhere in the world and reduce unemployment facing the state’’.
It noted that Kwankwaso further revealed that the government had concluded plans to sponsor 100 students to study avionics and another 100 to study medicine abroad.
Kwara
The University of Ilorin Alumni Association in Ilorin presented the first ‘Leading Lights’ award to Governor Ahmed and three others.
The other recipients were Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, the Vice- hancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University and Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, the Managing Director, United African Company (UAC) Nigeria Limited.
In an opening remark at the ceremony, the National President, Univeristy of Ilorin Alumni Association, Mr. Taoreed Odedele, said that the award was organised to showcase the high calibre manpower that the university had produced.
Odedele noted that the university had maintained the lead among Nigerian universities, adding that it was the only institution that could boast of 15 years of unbroken academic session in the country.
Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has approved the appointments of Mrs Ganiyat Afun and Dr Francis Williams, as Acting Permanent Secretaries in the Lagos State Public Service.
The appointment of the two secretaries took effect July 2, and September, respectively.
Afun, until her appointment, was the director, Conservation and Ecology and she is to oversee the Office of the Environmental Services in the Ministry of Environment.
Williams was the Chief Medical Director, Ebute Metta Health Centre and has not been assigned any portfolio.
The appointments were contained in a circular issued by Head of Service of the state, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe.
Nasawara
Governor Umar Tanko-Almakura of Nasarawa State has said that arrangements had been concluded to construct an ultra-modern cargo airport worth N7.5 billion at Karshi, Karu Local Government area of the state.
Tanko-Almakura announced this while briefing newsmen at his residence in Lafia.
He said the project would be executed under a public private partnership arrangement with some American and Chinese construction companies.
The governor said the project would boost the economic base of the state and complement the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
“Considering the proximity of the state to the FCT and the security challenges bedeviling the country, top government officials and foreign investors can have an alternative airport to travel through,’’ he said.
Osun
The Chairman of Osun House of Assembly Committee on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Folarin Fafowora has condemned the poor condition of Ede Water Works.
Fafowora made the condemnation during a visit by the committee to the facility and urged contractors mandated to supply critical equipment to the facility to do so urgently.
He said the step was important for the people to benefit from the dividends of democracy.
The Manager of the corporation, Mr Adepoju Adegbaju, had earlier told the committee that instead of 18 distribution points pumping water to the people of the state, less than nine were functioning.
He said that most of the pumping machines had broken down, while some had yet to arrive from South- Africa and Pakistan.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has promised that the Ogunpa Market, gutted by fire would be pulled down to give way for an ultra-modern market.
Ajimobi made the promise in Ibadan when he visited the 70 years old market to assess the extent of damage caused by the fire. He said the new market would be equipped with modern infrastructure while the road passing through it would be reconstructed.
Our correspondent recalls that the fire destroyed a storey building and two bungalows accommodating 75 traders as well as goods. The governor was accompanied on the visit to the market by the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, lawmakers and senior government officials.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has said that Nigeria would benefit from Germany’s experience in operating federalism after some governors’ visit to Germany.
Jang was among Nigerian state governors who visited Germany on a two-week investment drive.
Addressing newsmen at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, shortly after arrival, Jang said that the “trip was a successful one“, considering that it gave them exposure.
“We went to see how Germany could assist us in our economic development and how to operate our federalism.
“Germany is a country without natural resources, yet it has the best economy in the whole of Europe. We were able to see how they were able to get things done, especially how their federal system works,” he said.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has approved the release of more than N1 billion for the payment of outstanding scholarship allowances to students from the state studying abroad.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Finance, Alhaji Abdullahi Bala, in Sokoto.
‘’In addition, other students studying in different institutions within Nigeria as well as those on higher schemes outside Nigeria would receive their payments accordingly.
‘’This gesture by governor Wamakko is aimed at ensuring that students of the state go about their academic pursuits in a conducive and peaceful atmosphere,’’ it added.
According to the statement, Wamakko expressed the hope that the students would redouble their efforts in their academic pursuits.
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