Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Borno State Government plans to import 1,000 heavy duty tractors from Pakistan to harness the agricultural potential of the state.
Governor Kashim Shettima who made this known while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri on Sunday explained that an agreement had already been signed by the Pakistani government and the Borno state government for the supply of the tractors.
“We are just coming back from a working visit to three countries – Pakistan, Turkey and India.
FCT
The Norsemen Club, a youth advocacy group, on Sunday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to protect Nigerian students against potential attacks.
President of the FCT chapter of the group, Mr Segun Fakehinde, made the call in an interview with our correspondent.
He stressed that Nigerian students ought to be given adequate protection by all levels of government to forestall probable attacks on them.
“We are not happy with the incidents that recently occurred in Mubi and Port Harcourt; we are appealing to the government at all levels to recognise the fact that the future of the country lies in the hands of the youths and the majority of these youths are students.
Jigawa
Dabi Community in Ringim Local government Area of Jigawa has begun reconstruction of its only access road recently washed away by flood.
The Chairman of the Dabi Community Development Association, Alhaji Ali Adamu, told The Tide last Saturday in Ringim that the road was their only link to the outside world.
He said the disaster had hindered transportation and exposed the community to difficulties, pointing out that the rehabilitation of the road was being executed through communal efforts at the cost of N2 million.
He added that the flood had also crippled social and economic activities in the area and appealed to Jigawa State Government to relocate the community to a new site and empower them in view of the losses they had suffered as a result of the disaster.
Kano
The Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) National President, Garba Mohammed, has called on the Kano State government to re-open the Triumph Newspapers Publishing Company it closed down recently for poor performance.
He made the call during the Annual Lecture/Role Model award ceremony organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Kano on Saturday.
“I want to appeal to the state government to immediately re-consider its decision and consider the general rehabilitation of the Triumph Newspapers.
Katsina
Katsina State government says it has constructed 832 kilometres of roads as part of its urban expansion programme aimed at laying a solid foundation for economic advancement of the state.
Governor Ibrahim Shema made this known on Sunday in Katsina when he spoke with The Tide expressed his administration’s commitment to build a legacy of quality infrastructural development to facilitate economic empowerment of the people
He stressed that road construction was an on-going and continuous exercise of the administration’s urbanisation programme.
Kebbi
A former Chief Judge of Kebbi State Justice Ibrahim Umar, has attributed the successes recorded in the state Judiciary in the last five years to the non-interference of the executive arm.
Umar made this known during a valedictory session organised by the state to mark his exit from the bench in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
He retired after 24 years on the bench, including serving as chief Judge in the former Sokoto State and the present Kebbi.
The outgone chief judge said the executive and legislative arms of the government worked closely to provide enabling environment to the Judiciary to function independently.
Kogi
A businessman, Alhaji Abdulrazak Kutepa, has donated N10 million cash to the victims of the recent flood disaster in Kogi State.
A statement signed by Mr Jacob Edi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, said that Kutepa handed over the money to Governor Idris Wada on Saturday evening at the Government House.
The statement, a copy of which was made available to The Tide on Sunday in Lokoja, said Kutepa also donated bags of rice, clothes and other materials to the victims.
Kutepa expressed sadness over the flood disaster which ravaged 457 communities in nine local government areas of the state.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government has so far committed the sum of N900 million into the energy sector, the state Commissioner for Energy, Alhaji Tajudeen Sulu-Oloje, has said.
He told The Tide last Sunday in Ilorin that an additional sum of N400 million was on the verge of being spent, adding that the sum had been earmarked for the construction of injection sub-station in Ilesa Baruba in Baruteen Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
“It is an electrification project and we are now in the rainy season. But once we enter the dry season, work will commence fully on providing electricity in these communities.
Lagos
President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Nasir Fagge, on Sunday described the incessant killings of students in some parts of the country as unfortunate and condemnable.
Fagge told our correspondent in a telephone interview in Lagos that the union was worried and sad by the development.
He said the union had directed affected institutions to investigate the incidents and that it was waiting for the outcome before taking appropriate steps.
“We have asked our members in the affected institutions to give us information but whatever it is, it is a condemnable act.
Nasarawa
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has assured the country that it would not be plunged into food crisis or famine.
He gave the assurance on Saturday at the 2012 National Agriculture Show in Tudun Wada, Nasarawa State following concerns of likely food shortage as a result of flooding in the country.
He stressed that the Federal Government had resolved to set up a Flood Recovery Food Production plan to support farmers in the flood affected areas.
“We have already put in place a Flood Recovery Food Production plan to support farmers in the flood affected areas.
Sokoto
The Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC) has held a one-day interactive session in Sokoto on its 2012-2016 Strategic Plan meant to enhance the credibility of future elections.
The Tide reports that the session drew participants from the commission’s offices in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states.
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of the states Hajiya Amina Zakari, said the session was to gather inputs from the staff to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan.
“We want to draw from your rich store of knowledge and experience”, she said, adding that it was aimed at making the staff proud owners of the plan so as to elicit its implementation.
Ondo
President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that there will be free, fair and violent free governorship election in Ondo on October 20.
Jonathan gave the assurance on Saturday in Akure at a rally for the presentation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag to its candidate, Chief Olusola Oke.
The President urged the people of the state to vote for the PDP to enable the party utilise the state’s abundant natural and mineral resources to enhance the well being of the people.
“We are working to make Ondo State very rich, if you vote for PDP, we will work with your governor to make you rich because you are richly blessed with agricultural and mineral resources.
Osun
Wife of the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mrs Muibat Salaam, was on Saturday rescued from her abductors at Ogunmakin area, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, in Ogun.
The Tide recalled that Muibat, who is the first wife of the speaker, Mr Najeem Salaam was kidnapped on October 9 in Ejigbo area of Osun State.
The Tide reliably gathered that the rescue operation was carried out by officers of the Vigilante Service of Ogun.
The source said that the organisation acted on a tip-off and arrested three of the hoodlums who were handed over to the officers of Ogun State Police Command in Abeokuta.
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