Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State said on Friday that the lack of political will by previous administrations delayed the building of Bauchi International Airport conceived in the 1980s.
Yuguda who made the remark while laying the foundation stone for the International Airport estimated to cost N7.98 billion, recalled that the airports in Abeokuta, Ibadan, Minna, Akure and Warri were conceived at the same time but Bauchi could not build its own airport.
He said that contract for the construction of the airport was awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited at the cost of N7.98 billion to be completed in 18 months, adding that the government had paid the contractor 70 per cent of the project cost.
Yuguda said work on the 3.4km long and 1km wide runway had reached advanced stage and promised that Muslim pilgrims would travel from the airport during the year.
A former minister of information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, commended Yuguda’s foresight and described the project as “strategic to the people of Bauchi State.”
Kaduna
The authorities of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, have advised students of the institution against acts capable of disrupting peace on the campus.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, gave the advice at the 2012/2013 matriculation ceremony of 6,000 students of the institution held at the main campus in Samaru, Zaria.
Mustapha, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Na’iya Sada, said the advice became necessary in view of the current security challenges in the country.
He said peace was critical to success and as such the university community required peace to run stable academic calendar.
The vice-chancellor urged the new students to make judicious use of the unique opportunity to learn and become useful to themselves, their families and the society.
Kano
No fewer than 310 offenders appeared before 10 Mobile Courts in Kano on Saturday for non-compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Kano State.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Environment, Hajiya Maryam Abdulkadir, in Kano, Abdulkadir said that N680,238 was realised as fine by the 10 Mobile Courts that tried the defaulters.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, urged people of the state to give special attention to the monthly environmental exercise as part of their contribution to ensuring cleaner environments.
Kebbi
The Kebbi chapter of Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) plans to expand Hotungo Fulani Cultural Festival to involve neighbouring West African countries.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Mohammed Dan-Ali, said in Birnin Kebbi on Friday that the festival would be extended to involve cattle breeders from Niger, Chad and Benin Republic.
He said the expansion of the festival to those countries would begin with the next edition, “after clearing security issues among the participating countries,” adding that the festival was an avenue for strengthening social and economic relationships among cattle breeders in West Africa, especially considering the migrant nature of the breeders.
The Secretary of the Elders’ Committee of the association ,Alhaji Nasiru Masama, said as part of efforts to ensure unity and end disputes among members, the district and local government branches of the association had been dissolved.
Kwara
Professor Oluwasegun Adekunle of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, has urged the Federal Government to implement policies on agricultural extension for food sustainability.
Adekunle, who made the call on Saturday while delivering a lecture entitled: “Key to Unlock’’ in Ilorin, said for any government to succeed in the agriculture sector, it must implement good policies on agricultural extension.
He said that the country was involved in too much food importation which was detrimental to the agriculture sector in the country, and made case for agricultural extension as a key to unlock the immense food potential in Nigeria.
According to him, a well focused agricultural transformation programme is usually sustainable, provided it is targeted at the small-scale farmers.
Lagos
A former Director of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Chris Nemedia, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise its development agenda to achieve goals.
Nemedia said in Lagos that it was economically unhealthy for the government to try to achieve many things at once.
He advised the Federal Government to follow elementary economics principles about making opportunity cost choices from a scale of preference of its development agenda.
“And it is a common precept in economics that choice and opportunity cost is made from not more than two or three items. “So, it will not augur well for our economy if the government is not prioritising its development agenda and focusing on attaining some at a time,“ he said.
He added that government at all levels needed to consult widely, especially with experts, on projects that required immediate attention.
Nasarawa
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Sunday announced the establishment of a committee to work for the recovery of over 10,000 cows that got missing during the recent communal crisis in the state..
Al-Makura said that the committee would be saddled with the responsibility of recovering all the missing cows across the state.He assured the leadership of the Fulani group that the committee would handle the assignment efficiently, adding that the necessary logistics would be given to the committee to make its assignment easier.
Al-Makura said that members of the committee included soldiers, policemen, members of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as some state government officials.
Besides, Al-Makura announced that 200 of the missing cows, which had been recovered at Kwandare, were currently under the custody of the traditional ruler of that area.
Plateau
There is a mass movement away from Wadata, the boarder village in Wase Local Government of Plateau, which was hit by unknown gunmen on Wednesday, says its Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Zakari.
Zakari told newsmen in Wase on Saturday that natives of Tarok and Fulani, the major ethnic groups inhabiting the area, have fled to other communities “for fear of the unknown”.
“We wonder why people should flee from their abodes because of an unfortunate attack.
“Such mass exodus is not good for us because it sends the wrong signals and also gives us a wrong image,’’ he said.
Zakari said that a committee had been set up to investigate the attack and suggest possible ways to avoid a recurrence.
“The committee has been going round appealing to people not to leave since we have put in place adequate security measures in the area,’’ he said.
Osun
The Osun Government has stocked over 300 poultry farms in 13 months, according to an official.
The Director, Livestock Services in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Johnson Ajayi, disclosed this in an in Osogbo on Sunday.
“We have more poultry farms in Osun because the current administration had organised empowerment programmes such as `O’bop, O’bee and O’reap’, among others, for farmers to benefit from the dividends of democracy.”
The director said that the objective of the project was to make the state self-sufficient in food production as well as a net exporter of food in the country.
Ajayi further explained that the poultry farms would add value to local foods and create jobs for youths across the state.
Zamfara
Governor Abdulazeez Yari of Zamfara State said in Dutse on Friday that his government had put necessary measures in place to address insecurity in the state.
Yari made the statement in an interview after he paid a condolence visit to Gov. Sule Lamido over the death of his uncle.
He said the state government was working with the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to tackle insecurity.
“The only security challenge we have in Zamfara is the farmers’ and pastoralists’ conflict.
“My government has designed several measures to address the problem head on,” he said.
The governor said the problem of insecurity was a global challenge and restated his government’s determination to ensure peace and stability 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