Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday inaugurated
its North – East Zonal office in Bauchi.
Inaugurating the building, Governor Isa Yuguda, represented
by his deputy, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, described Bauchi “as the birth place of
PDP.”
“PDP was born in Bauchi State. The party has no ethnic,
religious or sectoral coloration,” he said.
According to him, the state government has very good
relationship with members of the executive council of the party in the zone and
added that the occasion marked the fulfilment of his promise to provide a
befitting office for the party in the zone.
Benue
The Special Assistant to Benue State Governor on Millennium
Development Goals (MDGS), Timothy Aikor, recently expressed satisfaction over the
completion of N1.8 billion MDGs projects in the state.
Aikor made this known when he addressed participants at a
one-day capacity building workshop for state and local government officials in
Makurdi recently.
He said that the funds were used to renovate and upgrade 49
primary healthcare centres in 23 local government areas of the state, pointing
out that eight bore holes were constructed in each of the local governments and
some public institutions in the state.
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late Dr.
Abdul-Lateef Adegbite as a bridge-builder who reached across ethnic and
religious divides to promote peace and unity.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati,
The President said that Adegbite’s tenure as the
Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),
would forever be remembered for fostering peace and unity among religious
groups in the country.
The President said the late Adegbite would also be
remembered for his moderating influence and
observed that Adegbite’s wealth of experience in government, private
practice and especially in handling inter-religious matters , would no doubt,
be missed.
Jigawa
The Birnin kudu Local Government area of Jigawa State has
said it would buy variety of improved seeds for distribution to farmers in the
area.
Alhaji Khalid Ibrahim, the council chairman, disclosed this
in Birnin kudu in an interview with The Tide.
Ibrahim, who said this shortly after launching 12 hectares
of new maize variety demonstration farm in Birnin Kudu, said the improved seeds
to be bought were maize, ground nuts, millets, sesame and rice.
He pledged that his administration would continue to give
priority to agriculture as contained in President Goodluck Jonathan’s
transformation agenda to make things better for the citizenry.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has threatened to
sack contractors handling the evacuation of solid waste in the state over poor
performance.
Yakowa told newsmen in Kaduna after going round the city to
assess the conduct of the state monthly sanitation exercise that the government
would review the performance of the contractors and sack those found wanting.
The governor noted the heaps of refuse dumped on major high
ways of the city, saying, “erring solid waste contractors will be sacked
irrespective of their connection because they are not fulfilling their part of
the contract agreement”.
Kano
An environmentalist, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu, has called on
residents of Kano to ensure that collection and disposal of refuse generated
are properly disposed off into designated sites.
Shehu, who gave the advice in Kano on Sunday in an interview
with The Tide said dirty environment could lead to preventable diseases.
He stressed the need for people to imbibe the culture of
cleanliness to guarantee good health.
“Cleanliness is part of our culture and the government
require the full support of the public to transform our environment,” Shehu
said.
Katsina
Head of the Immunisation Unit of the National Primary Health
Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Mustapha Mahmud, says Katsina State has
the highest cases of polio infection in Nigeria.
Mahmud, who said this in Katsina while speaking with
journalists on Saturday stressed that Katsina State recorded the highest number
of polio cases out of the 88 confirmed cases in the country.
Mahmud, however, said that the state government had shown
some seriousness in tackling the menace of polio once and for all.
“The governor emphasised that funds have been released not
once or twice; he has directed the state Primary Health Care Development Agency
to release funds for polio immunisation.
Kebbi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu
Tambuwal, on Saturday gave an assurance that the dispute with Saudi Arabia over
repatriation of some female pilgrims would be resolved amicably.
Tambuwal, the Head of the Federal Government’s delegation
appointed to resolve the matter, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that concerted
efforts were being made for Nigerians to perform the pilgrimage.
He expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved,
considering the cordial relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He appealed to the prospective pilgrims to exercise patience
as the matter would be resolved to enable them to attend the religious
function.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has advised the people of
the state to be at alert as the flood will continue for a long time.
Wada who gave the
advice in Lokoja while receiving relief materials donated to the state by
Partners for Development and Baby Hanatu Foundation said that the brief he just
received from experts on the flood disaster was categorical that the state
would witness more floods.
Wada said that the government would do its best to mitigate
the effects of the disaster on the people living in the affected 332
communities spread across the nine local government areas of the state.
The governor, who had earlier met with officials of NEMA to
get a situation report on the flooding, thanked the donors for their support
and assistance, assuring them that the materials would reach the victims.
Lagos
Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited (BCHS), the contractor
handling the reconstruction of Lagos-Ibadan expressway, says it will
re-introduce weigh bridges to regulate the weight of the cargo of haulage
trucks.
Mr Dipo Kehinde, the Head of Communications and Media
Relations in BCHS, said this while speaking with newsmen in Lagos, adding that
the measure would prevent the abuse of the highway.
Kehinde said that trucks, whose cargo exceeded the required
capacity, would be made to shed load before using the highway.
“It is because there has been some indiscipline in the past;
you cannot have a road like this without weighing what is transported on it.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has urged Nigerians
to continue to live in peace and harmony to bring about development in the
country.
Amosun made the call at a special Jumat service held at the
Central Mosque, Abeokuta, to mark the nation’s 52nd independence.
He said that the country had come of age and that activities
that would continue to bring development should be the priority of any
government.
“As we celebrate, we should give priority to policies and
programmes that will better the lives of our people.
“I believe that with the cooperation of our people, Ogun
State will move from strength to strength.
Taraba
The Taraba Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sani Abubakar, has
challenged the competence of the panel investigating allegations of gross
misconduct against him.
The Judicial Panel of Inquiry was set up by the state Acting
Chief Judge, Justice Josephine Tuktur, to investigate the allegations by the
state House of Assembly which was seeking to impeach the deputy governor.
His counsel, Barr. Yunusa Usman (SAN), said the panel was
not properly constituted and was therefore not competent to investigate the
allegations against his client.
He said the acting Chief Judge, who constituted the panel,
had over stayed the statutory three months provided by law to hold the office
in acting capacity.
The counsel also alleged that a member of the panel, Hajiya
Aisha Mohammed, had been indicted by a judicial commission set up by the
present state administration.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government last Friday received 137 female
pilgrims who were deported from Saudi Arabia.
The deportees, who arrived at the state capital Gusau, were
received by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala, at the Presidential
Lodge.
Addressing the pilgrims, the deputy governor, who is also
the state Amirul Hajj, sympathised with the women.
Wakkala assured that the Federal Government had entered into
diplomatic discussions with the Saudi Arabian Government over the matter,
adding that the matter would be amicably resolved and that the pilgrims would
be taken back so that they could perform the Hajj.
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