Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Federal Ministry of Health has donated medical consumables worth several thousands of naira, to flood victims in Benue.
The Tide reports that the consumables included 20 gallons of methylated spirit, 500 pieces of household clothing, 25 cartons of water filters and 10 cartons of Darrows solution.
Others were 10 cartons of dextrose salines, 5,000 pieces of insecticide nets, 2,500 ACT tablets and 5,000 ACT syrups for children.
The minister, who was represented by Mr Akin Oyemakinde, a Consultant Epidemiologist in the ministry, said in Makurdi that the items were meant to prevent an outbreak of epidemic in the flood-ravaged areas.
FCT
Former Head of State, Ernest Shonekan, on Sunday in Abuja called for dialogue with leaders of those responsible for the spate of insecurity in parts of the country.
He made the call at the graduation ceremony for participants in Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 5, of the Institute for Security Studies.
Shonekan, who was the chairman of the occasion, said the dialogue was necessary to ascertain why they engaged in the act and to find ways to end the crisis.
“They are Nigerians, and to that extent, we must find ways and means of engaging them in robust dialogue to make them see reason and eschew violence.
Kaduna
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has advised Christian clerics to always inculcate good character in the society.
The Assistant Pastor in Charge of Kaduna Province II of the church, Pastor Emmanuel Tinuoye said at the province-based ministers conference in Kaduna that the world would not get things right except the pastors got them right with Godly character.
He said that some pastors had failed the church in their conduct and way of life.
“A nation with people of strong positive character is an asset to its citizens because the standard of living will naturally be high.
Tinuoye said leadership bereft of positive character could not influence real growth in an economy, church, organisation and homes.
Kano
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Kano Stat, Hope Foundation for the Needy, has called for proper counselling of youths to reduce deviance among them.
Hajiya Naja’atu Isma’il, the Coordinator of the NGO, told The Tide in Kano that lack of counselling was a major problem triggering negative deviant behaviours.
“My encounter with many youths engaged in negative deviant behaviours made me understand that they needed counselling at every stage of their lives.
“So many of them grew up on the street without proper guidance due to many societal effects. They are also considered not part of the society.”
Kogi
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has urged indigenes of the state living in some communities in Enugu and Anambra States to return home, following their displacement by flood.
Awoniyi made the call at Igah, Ogurugu, Ojoh and Atuoacha communities of Enugu and Anambra States on Friday when he visited them.
He appealed to those displaced to come back to Kogi State, adding that the government was building low cost houses for affected victims.
He noted that the state would also provide farm inputs and improved seedlings to farmers and nets to fishermen, among others to aid those affected.
Earlier In their separate remarks, Chief Ogbali Maccilani of Oguragu and Fabian Eneanya of Odeke, who spoke on behalf of the displaced persons, thanked the various state governments for the love shown to them.
Kwara
The Libarian of the Kwara State Library, Mr Abdullahi Shaba, has stressed the need to revive the library system to enhance education in the country.
Shaba, who made the assertion in Ilorin in an interview with our correspondent, noted that this would move the education sector forward.
“Government should equip libraries with books, modern technology and a well trained staff that will give direction to our education in the country,’’ he said.
He pointed out that reading culture among Nigerians, especially students was dead and called for its reawakening through a well equipped library, pointing that inadequate funding was one of the major challenges facing most libraries, while, “technology standard is zero because there are not enough computers to work on.”
Lagos
Some lawyers in Lagos have urged the Federal Government to urgently tackle the problem of extra-judicial killings to avoid chaos in the country.
In separate interviews with our correspondent, they attributed the constant killings to the level of frustration and despondency of the citizenry.
Prof. Itse Sagay, described the situation as one in which the citizenry behaved as if they did not exist in a modern and organised society but in a stone age, saying that the country was degenerating into a state of chaos where anyone could do anything to the extent of taking lives for no just cause.
Niger
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said that the inland port at Barau in Niger State had reached 80 per cent completion and would be ready by March 2013.
The Managing Director of the authority, Alhaji Ahmed Yar’Adua, announced this when the Ministers of information and National Planning, Mr Labaran Maku and Alhaji Shamsudeen Usman respectively, visited the facility on the Good Governance Tour.
“We have reached 80 per cent completion and we are doing everything to see how this port can be completed and put to use.
“This project would have been completed by December 2012 but due to the recent flooding, we have shifted it, so I assure you that it will be completed by December 2013.”
Ogun
A former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), has reiterated the need for communities and university authorities to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure the safety of students.
Prof Peter Okebukola gave this suggestion while speaking with The Tide at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
He was reacting to the recent attacks and killings of students of the University of Port Harcourt and the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
The Tide recalls that four students of the University of Port Harcourt were recently killed by some members of the Aluu community in Ikwerre North Local government area of Rivers State.
Ondo
The candidates of the three major political parties contesting in the Ondo State governorship election on Saturday lauded the electorates in the state for their massive turnout and orderly conduct.
Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who voted at about 2:18 p.m at his Ward 7 Unit 20 Polling Unit in Ondo, told newsmen after casting his vote that the turnout for the election was “ decent and unprecedented.’’
The ACN candidate, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), also cast his vote at 12:50 p.m at his Oke-Ijebu Polling Unit in Owo.
Akeredolu, who spoke to newsmen after casting his vote, said that he was impressed with the turnout and conduct of voters.
Osun
The Imam of Ejigbo Central Mosque, Ejigbo in Osun State, Alhaji AbdulSalam Omotokese, has advised Muslims to move closer to Allah in order to enjoy his protection and mercy.
Omotokese gave the advice during the Friday Juma’at sermon and thanksgiving service in Ejigbo organised for the Osun State Speaker’s wife, Alhaja Muibat Salam, who regained her freedom from kidnappers after five days in captivity.
He lauded the Muslims for the joint prayer offered on October 12 for the freedom of the speaker’s wife.
He said that Muslims should have strong belief in Allah only, adding that what happened to the speaker’s wife was a great lesson to them all.
According to him, they should all believe in Allah for their security.
Sokoto
The Police Command in Sokoto State has said that it had offered a N100,000 reward to anybody with useful information that could lead to the arrest of four gunmen who robbed a filling station on October 19.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Shaiubu Gambo, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command.
Gambo said that the command had put in place various security measures to ensure that the criminals were brought to justice, adding that the four gunmen used motorcycles to rob Malami Filling station at Arkillah and a recharge card business centre.
According to him, they shot the recharge cards seller, who later died at the Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with the police by providing information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminals in the state.
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