Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, has
given Abdul’Aziz Nyako, the eldest son of Governor. Murala Nyako the traditional title of “Sarkin Matasa”, meaning the leader of youths in Adamawa.
Speaking at the ceremony in his palace recently in Yola, Barkindo said the title was given to Nyako based on his contribution to youth mobilisation and development in the state.
The traditional ruler said that Nyako was expected to continue to mobilise youths in the area to realise their potential for the socio-economic development of the emirate.
He added that the youth leader would also serve as security adviser to the emirate.
Barkindo, also made his son, Alhaji Mohammed Barkindo, “Kauran Adamawa” at the ceremony, and called on the new title holders to see their recognition as a challenge to live up to the expectation of the emirate.
FCT
The FCT Police Command has arrested 60 commercial mo
torcycle operators for operating within the city centre.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Aderenle Shinaba, who led the operation, said the suspects violated the ban on operating in the metropolis.
Shinaba said that 50 of the operators were arrested at Area 1, while 10 were picked up at AYA roundabout in Asokoro.
The commissioner said the raid was part of efforts to rid the city of hoodlums and criminals during the yuletide.
Gombe
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gombe command, Mr
Nyat Jatau, has urged security agencies to bury their differences and unite to promote peace and security of lives and property.
He made the call on Saturday during an end-of-year party for security agents working in Gombe State.
Jatau noted that without cooperation, unity and the spirit of understanding, individual efforts aimed at ensuring law and order would be fruitless.
He said the Federal Government established the various security agencies and paramilitary organisations to ensure division of labour.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State last Saturday in
Hadejia commended traditional rulers for ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.
Lamido made the commendation at the celebration of the 10th anniversary on the throne of the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Maje.
He said that the traditional institution had been playing significant roles in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
“Our monarchs have been supportive and cooperative with my government for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Kano
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano State chapter, has called on
Christians to use this Christmas season to pray for peace and development in the country in 2013.
This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano by the president of the association, Chief Tobias Idika.
“We felicitate with Christians all over the world in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
“We call on all Christians and, indeed, Nigerians to use this season to reflect on the series of crises and calamities that befell Nigeria in 2012,’’ the statement stated.
Kaduna
A lecturer, Mr Usman Alhassan, has called on President
Goodluck Jonathan to assent to the National Bio-safety bill passed by the Senate.
Alhassan, who lectures at the Institute for Agriculture Research (IAR), Zaria, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The bill provides a framework to ensure the development and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) do not negatively affect plants, animals and human health or the environment.
It would be recalled that recalls that the senate had on June 1, 2012, agreed that the bill should be harmonised with a version passed by the House of Representatives in July 2009 and sent to the president for assent.
Kebbi
The Legal Aid Council in Kebbi State has donated
relief materials to the state’s remand home to support the inmates.
The state coordinator of the council, Salisu Alhassan, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the materials included, mattresses, blankets, soap and provisions.
He said the decision to donate the materials to the remand home was to ensure comfort and to give the inmates a sense of belonging.
He said the council would ensure improvement on the donation with the collaboration of other stakeholders.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government in Ilorin has reaf-
firmed its determination to develop rural communities to curb rural-urban migration among the people.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold made the reaffirmation while declaring open a workshop organised for liaison officers and youth empowerment coordinators from the 16 local governments of the state.
The workshop was at the instance of the Special Assistant to the State Governor on Intergovernmental Affairs, Alhaji Aro Yahya.
Gold said the government had perfected arrangements to construct more roads in rural areas, provide portable water, electricity and other social amenities and infrastructure for the people.
Niger
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike
Ihejirika says the Nigerian Army would channel resources toward providing first class training for its personnel to meet contemporary challenges.
Ihejirika, made the statement during the graduation ceremony of the 8th Basic Counter Terrorism Training conducted by the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, for junior officers.
He said the training would enhance the capacity of the personnel to discharge their professional duties.
He explained that the training was organised for junior officers because of the deficiency in professional conduct bordering on indiscipline, negligence in performance of duties and illegal duties.
Ondo
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr
Danladi Mshelbuala, has assured the people of the state of adequate security before, during and after the yuletide.
Mshelbuala, who gave the assurance in Akure told newsmen that the people had no cause to express fear of insecurity as they celebrate the yuletide.
He advised the people go about their lawful activities during the period.
He said the police had put in some security measures in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police to check criminal activities in the country during the celebrations.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State says peace
ful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of their religion and ethnic groups is vital for national development.
Aregbesola who made this known on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2012 Iwude festival in Ilesha, urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony for the country to witness rapid development.
He expressed regrets over the insecurity and chaos in some parts of the country and called on community, religious leaders and all stakeholders in the affairs of the nation to preach peace.
He, however, commended the Yorubas for allowing peace to reign in the region, urging the people to continue to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and love for one another.
Plateau
The Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in
Plateau State, says it has put in place some security measures to ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.
In a statement by its media officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, the task force said security operatives would be deployed to churches and strategic areas throughout the period.
“STF would increase the temporary checkpoints throughout the festive period as well as intensify vehicular search at checkpoints,’’ it said.
It said vehicles had been banned from entering premises of recreation centres during the period, adding that STF men would be posted to the centres to complement efforts of local security operatives.
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