Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Mr Bala Ngilari, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for approving N17 for the flood-ravaged states.
Ngilari told newsmen in Yola on Thursday that the fund would go a long way in assisting the affected states to address some of the challenges facing the internally-displaced persons .
Ngilari who is also the Chairman, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), said:”We are happy with the inclusion of Adamawa in category “A” states which are to receive N500 million each.”
While also commending the president for embarking on visits to the affected states, Ngilari said:” This step taken by the president is a pointer to his show of concern and appreciation of the magnitude of the problem.”
Benue
President Goodluck Jonathan last week in Makurdi said the Federal Government would distribute a variety of improved seedlings to farmers displaced by flood in Benue State.
The President stated that in Makurdi during an assessment tour of the flooded areas in Benue.
Saying funds for the purchase of the seedlings would be released to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture by the coming week to enable the displaced farmers get back to their farms as quickly as possible.
The president regretted that some of the seedlings that were distributed to farmers failed to produce the desired yields because they were incompatible with the soil texture
FCT
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, says only peaceful co-existence, selflessness and obedience to Allah and the laws will take Nigeria to the promised land.
This is contained in a message signed by his Special Adviser (Media), Uche Anichukwu, to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir.
Ekweremadu noted that “the essence of life is obedience to Allah as well as service and love to both Allah and humanity’’.
He observed that corruption, greed, and willful disobedience to Allah and the teachings of the prophets were largely responsible for the many challenges facing the nation.
Kano
Fagge Local Government in Kano State has emerged the best council out of the 44 councils in the just concluded 5th Round of Polio Immunisation in the state.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Communication to the Governor, Malam Halilu Dantiye, and made available to newsmen in Kano, Kura Local Government came second.
The third position went to Dawakin Kudu Local Government while Doguwa Local Government took the fourth position.
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who presented trophies to the councils, said that the measure was aimed at encouraging the local governments to give special attention to polio eradication.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has earmarked N85 million for the construction of additional nomadic primary schools to encourage education among the children of the nomads.
Alhaji Nasiru Masama, the Senior Special Assistant on Fulani Matters to Governor Saidu Dakingari, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the schools would be strategically located.
He said that additional primary schools would be established this year in collaboration with the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), adding that qualified teachers would also be recruited for the new schools for early commencement of learning as well as supply learning materials in consonance with current school curriculum.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has advised the beneficiaries of the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWin) on judicious utilisation of their funds.
Yakowa gave this advise through his deputy, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, when the beneficiaries of the programme, paid him a courtesy visit in Kaduna.
He commended them for emerging as winners in the first batch of the programme among the 24,000 applicants nationwide.
The governor cautioned them on proper investment of their funds for improvement in economic status of the nation, as well as creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and women.
Katsina
Prices of rams went down in Katsina State, two days to Ed-el-Kabir celebrations.
This is the outcome of market survey conducted in Kaita, Katsina, Dankama, Mai’adua, Jibia, Charanchi, Mashi and Kafur markets, in the state last Wednesday.
The survey revealed that this year, prices of the animals ranged from N19, 000 to N50, 000 as against N25, 000 to N60, 000 last year.
Many of the ram sellers, who spoke, on the issue attributed the development to the general cash crunch in the country.
Lagos
Against the background of the recent devastating flood in parts of the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised states to develop their respective flood preventive, mitigation and response strategies.
Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the South-west Zonal Information Officer of NEMA, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
Farinloye observed that the South-west Zone of the country was partially flood-free this year due to the positive response of the respective state governments to early warning issued by the agency.
Niger
The Chairman, ‘Miyetti Allah’ in Niger State has appealed to Governor Babangida Aliyu of the state to provide cattle rearers in the state with properly gazetted lands.
Alhaji Ismaila Ahmed, the Chairman of the association, said that if grazing lands were provided for their cattle, clashes between nomads and farmers would be prevented.
Ahmed who made the call during the launch of the livestock and pets vaccination campaign in Minna noted that farmers had taken over the land promised Fulani cattle rearers for pasture.
“Providing us with a permanent and properly gazetted pastoral land for rearing and grazing our herds will forestall future dispute between Fulanis and farmers in the state“.
Ogun
Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has compensated the families of the five slain policemen in the October 22 robbery attacks in Abeokuta and Ibafo with N2.5 million.
Represented by Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the Secretary to the State Government, Amosun disbursed N500, 000 cash to each of the widows.
According to him, the money is to take care of the burial expenses, and pledged additional N1 million to each of the widows after the burial.
“We commend and salute the bravery of these gallant officers. Even in death, we remain grateful and indebted to them and to the Ogun State Police Command.
“At this point in time, our thoughts and prayers are with the widows, the children and immediate families of these fallen heroes.
Osun
The Osun State Police Command has assured Osun residents adequate security, during and after the Ed-el-Kabir celebrations.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mrs Folasade Odoro, on Thursday in Osogbo.
The statement said that the public had nothing to fear because men of the command were up to the task of protecting lives and property.
The statement also appealed to residents to always give prompt information that could aid the police in tracking down suspected criminals.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau on Wednesday advised the military to concentrate on its duties and “stay totally away from politics’’.
Jang gave the advice when he received members of the national good governance tour team, led by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, in Jos.
He said he had experienced leadership under civilian and military regimes and had found civilian leadership as ideal for the country.
“Nigerians will benefit more from a democratic dispensation and that is why I have always advised my younger colleagues in the army that governance is not for the military,’’ he said.
Zamfara
Floods destroyed food and cash crops estimated at more than N1billion in seven local government areas of Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Na-Allah, Director of Information of Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), has said.
Na-Allah told newsmen in Gusau on Thursday that the destruction occurred between August and October in Gummi, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Maru, Kauran Namoda and Anka local government areas.
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