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THE STATES

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Benue

The General Manager, Benue State Environmental Sanitation Agency (BENSESA), Mr. Ediga Akpa, has warned displaced people by flood not to return to their homes until they are fumigated.

Akpa told newsmen in Makurdi that the areas affected by flood needed proper sanitary attention, as they were no longer habitable.

He warned those, who were returning to their homes to desist from doing so, pointing out that the flood had brought many dangerous reptiles to the areas.

The general manager also said that the areas affected must be fumigated to meet the required standard of human sanitation before people would be allowed to move back.

He, however, said that individuals, who insisted on going back should seek professional advice to avoid contacting dangerous diseases.

 

Kano

The Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has stressed the need for parents, teachers and governments to close ranks and instil reading culture in children.

Mr. Lawan Abdu, the NUT Chairman gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kano.

He lamented that, “many parents do not show interest in inculcating reading culture in their children, only few bother to encourage or assist their children to do homework or assignment”.

He also said it was necessary for all tiers of government to create conducive environment for learning, noting that the congestion of pupils in classrooms was making it difficult for effective learning.

Abdu, who wondered how reading culture could thrive in a congested classroom setting, said, “I teach up to 160 pupils in one classroom.”

 

Katsina

The police in Katsina State have confirmed the arrest of four officials of the state’s Board of Internal Revenue for allegedly defrauding the state government of an unspecified amount of money.

The police command’s acting Police Public Relation Officers, Malam Lawal Joka, told newsmen that investigation into the case was continuing.

The suspects, including three revenue officers and a Vehicle Inspection Officer, allegedly connived in an illegal sale of vehicle licences and other particulars.

The officials were alleged to have been issuing fake vehicle licences and particulars to unsuspecting vehicle owners, thereby making the board to lose huge sums of money.

Their arrest, it was also learnt, followed the board’s investigation during which they were allegedly found involved in the scam.

 

Kogi

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, has urged flood displaced persons in the state to cooperate with government to ensure that its intention of mitigating their sufferings was not jeopardised.

Awoniyi, in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, in Lokoja, made the appeal in Ajaokuta during a fact finding and assessment tour of displaced persons’ camps.

He said that the visit was to determine claims by such persons and ascertain some complaints over their welfare.

Awoniyi said that government was doing a lot to make them comfortable and expressed concern that some of the victims connived with some elements to sabotage the efforts.

He said that government could only succeed if those displaced worked with officials to fish out the saboteurs and urged the victims to also show gratitude by making genuine claims over the efforts put in place by government.

 

Nasarawa

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nasarawa State, has urged mobilisation and orientation officers of the agency in the state to take the Federal Government’s transformation programme to the grassroots.

Mr Richard Abimiku, the Director of NOA in the state, who was addressing the Mobilisation and Orientation Officers of the agency in Lafia, said doing that would pave room for speedy development in the state and the country at large.

He said that the task became necessary because people at the grassroots should be aware and understand the transformation programme of the Federal Government in the country for speedy development.

Abimiku urged the officers of the 13 local government areas to take the transformation programme to the grassroots to make the people contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state and country at large.

 

Niger

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has called on donors who made pledges to the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation to redeem the pledges in the interest of the foundation.

Aliyu made the call at Government House, Minna when he received relief materials donated to flood victims in the state by the foundation.

Reacting to a remark made by the leader of the delegation, retired Lt.Gen. Salihu Ibrahim that only a few of those who made pledges had redeemed their promises, the governor said it was necessary for his colleagues, the Northern states’ governors to remain committed to the foundation.

He said the foundation ought to justify the cause for which it was established.

 

Ogun

Bandits have  killed five policemen in two separate attacks in Abeokuta and Ibafo, Ogun State.

ASP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer of Ogun State Police Command, told newsmen in Abeokuta that the robbers perpetrated the callous acts in the early hours of last Monday.

Adejobi, however, said the command had arrested a member of one of the gangs, adding that the suspect had made a confessional statement.

He said that three policemen died in the Abeokuta shootout, while two were killed in Ibafo, both incidents happening during rescue operations.

He said that the policemen, attached to the Gateway Response Squad (GRS), received calls on robbery attack and rushed to the scene only to be shot at by the suspected robbers.

 

Osun

The Osun State Government says the late Mrs Sheila Solarin, wife of the late social critic, Dr Tai Solarin, had left a legacy of service to humanity.

In a statement issued by Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the late Sheila was an educationist of note.

According to the statement, through the efforts of the Solarins, the Mayflower School, Ikenne, has become a reference point in school management.

“One can confidently say that the school, through the hard work, dedication and honesty of the founders, has set the pace for other educational institutions,” it stated.

 

Oyo

The Oyo State Government says it has awarded contract to convert five major roads to dual carriageways across the state, at a cost of N29.3 billion.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Bosun Oladele and his Works and Transport counterpart, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde made the pronouncement after the weekly executive council meeting in Ibadan .

According to the state government, the roads include the four-kilometre Ibadan-Oyo Expressway, Iseyin-Oyo Junction to Owode, as well as the expansion of the 2.5 kilometre Owode-Akesan-Palace Road .

The exercise involves repair of a 3.8-km portion of the old Ibadan-Oyo Road and the 6.32-km Ilorin Expressway Junction-Ikoyi-Takie-Palace-Ogbomoso Grammar School in Ogbomoso.

 

Plateau

The Minister of State for Works, Mr Bashir Yuguda, on Tuesday said the Federal Government spent N4 billion to construct Vom-Manchok Road linking Kaduna and Plateau.

Yuguda made this known in Vom on Tuesday when the National Good Governance team led by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, inspected the road.

He said that the 43.2 km road contract was awarded to PW Nigeria Limited. in 1999 and explained that the project was completed and handed over to the government on January 26, 2012.

The minister said the road was given priority because it was an inter-state and inter-region route.

He described the 43.2 Km road as a “master piece of engineering in Nigeria’’ in view of the way engineers tore through high hills to build it.

 

Sokoto

The Sokoto State government has provided N7 million for the purchase of Sallah cows for the needy and orphans.

The cows will be distributed in the 63 districts of the 23 local government areas of the state.

Each district is expected to receive N100,000 for purchase of cows and N10,000 for the slaughtering and preparation.

In all, 9,450 people are expected to benefit from the gesture.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aliyu Wamakko said the gesture was aimed at enabling the beneficiaries to celebrate Sallah with ease.

Wamakko, who was represented by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof. Garba Maitafsir, charged the district heads to be diligent in the implementation of the pilot scheme.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who was represented by the Magajin Rafin Sokoto , Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, commended the state government for the gesture.

 

Taraba

The Provost, College of Education, Zing, Taraba State, Mr Joseph  Isa has vowed to penalise any student flouting the college’s rules and regulations.

Isa, who gave the warning at Zing while briefing newsmen, was reacting to calls by some people for the recall of the five students the college suspended recently for inciting riot.

“To my surprise, one of the suspended students confronted me, bragging that he was the ring leader of the rioters,’’ he said

The provost wondered how “a student who is proud of organising disorder’’ could be recalled.

“The suspension of those five students is indefinite. That should serve as a lesson to any student who violates the school’s rules and regulations.’’

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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