Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja team has emerged winner of the maiden edition of Baba Mai Mangoro National Para-Soccer Championship (Adamawa 2013), which ended last Saturday in Yola.
In the final match of the tournament, Abuja defeated Kano to emerge the overall winner while Adamawa came third after beating Nasarawa in the third place match by three goals to nil.
The final match between Abuja and Kano ended in a penalty shoot out after the two teams drew 2-2 at full time. Abuja scored all its three penalty kicks to have a total of five goals while Kano scored only two of its penalty kicks missing one to emerged runners up with four goals.
The prize for the most valuable player went to Mohammed Hussaini of Nasarawa, while prize for best goal keeper went to Ibrahim Abubakar of Gombe. Mohammed Abdullahi of Kano got the prize for the highest goal scorer.
Bauchi
The Police in Dass town of Bauchi State said they repelled an attack by gunmen at the town’s police station last Friday night.
The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan, told newsmen that the attackers were repelled by his men.
Ladan said in the face-off with the gun men, a police man was shot on the leg, adding that apart from the wounded policeman the attackers did not succeed in either carting away arms or burning the station.
Confirming the attack, Information Officer of the Dass Emirate, Alhaji Bala Nalado said that the assailants only managed to pull down parts of the building.
He said that the attackers left without causing serious damages to the building. The attack was the first incident of an attack on police stations in the state this year.
Benue
The Permanent Secretary, Benue Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Andy Uwouku, has urged the Federal Government to release more grains from its reserves to meet possible shortfall of food items in the country.
Uwouku said in Makurdi on Saturday that the flood disaster in 2012 in the country was capable of affecting food supply stating that in Benue alone, all the major rice producing local governments were affected, and that rice worth millions of naira was washed away by the floods.
He said about 60 percent of rice fields in Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas was destroyed, 50 per cent of the farms in Logo, Gwer West was washed away while in Agatu, 80 percent of rice cultivations was devastated.
The permanent secretary disclosed that rice production programme was targeted at places where the crop had great comparative advantage in soil compatibility.
FCT
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has upgraded its Automated Biometric Identification System aimed at boosting enrolments of Nigerians into the national identity project.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Mr Anthony Okwudiafor, the Director, Corporate Communications, “the system was first deployed in 2010, it had only two bimodal functionalities to capture the fingerprint and the face.”
The statement added that the system had been upgraded to accommodate more features. It said the Federal Government had approved the upgrade to 70 million Databases to accommodate the two modal functionalities as part of the N30.066 billion three-year funding that was approved for the commission in 2011.
“But the Management of NIMC has been able to utilise the same funding to achieve a higher upgrade due to its cordial relationship with service providers,” it said.
Gombe
Commissioner of Information and Orientation in Gombe State, The Rev. Habu Dawaki, says the Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo administration has executed “unprecedented’’ development projects in the last one and a half years.
The commissioner said that the government was paying attention to education, roads and infrastructure, water resources, erosion control, healthcare as well as youth and women empowerment.
He said the government had embarked on a massive construction of roads with a view to opening up the state for agricultural and socio-economic development.
“Most of these roads have been completed while some are under construction,” Dawaki said.
Kaduna
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has said that corruption and poverty are national social menace that are detrimental to national development.
He said this at a lecture on “Religion, Ethnicity and Corruption : Challenges of National Security” organised by the Centre for Peace, Conflict and Security Studies, ABU, in collaboration with Students’ Representative Council of the institution.
Tambuwal, who was represented by Rep. Bashir Adamu, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, lamented over the prevalence of corruption and poverty in the country.
In his speech, the ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, observed that national conflicts were added conflicts emanating from ward, local and state levels.
Kogi
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Yomi Awoniyi, has commended the Federal Government for awarding contract for reconstruction of the Lokoja to Benin road.
Awoniyi who made the commendation in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, in Lokoja expressed gratitude to the Controller of Works and the Zonal Director, Federal Emergency Road Management Agency, Mr Aigbe Osayi and Femi Kayode respectively.
Awoniyi said good road remained cardinal to the socio–economic well being of any society and advised the Federal Government to also construct the Obajana – Ilorin road, in view of its socio–economic significance.
He stated that the state government was ready to partner with the Federal Ministry of Works to improve all federal roads passing through the state, and assured contractors on the maintenance jobs along Lokoja – Abuja road of government’s support.
Kwara
The Kwara Government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on Offa and Erin-Ile communities to allow Muslims and Christians to observe their religion obligations.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold who gave this directive in a statement in IIorin, advised Muslims and Christians in the two communities to use the relaxed period on Fridays and Sundays for religious purposes..
The statement said movement would be allowed between 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and between 7:00am and 2:00pm on Sundays. However, the 24-hour curfew would continue to operate on other days besides Fridays and Sundays.
Meanwhile, the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Najeem Yasin on Friday called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate causes of the crisis.
Yasin made the call at Offa after inspecting scenes of the crisis and described the level of destruction and loss of lives in the two feuding communities as enormous.
Lagos
The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen has directed Messrs Borini Prono, handling the Apapa-Tincan Atlas Cove project, to hasten its ongoing construction of trailer park on the Oshodi – Apapa Expressway.
Onolememen, who spoke in Lagos on Friday while inspecting projects on the axis, had listened to the submissions of Mrs O. Osakue, Engineer Representative on the project.
Osakue had blamed the slow pace of work on illegal occupiers on its right of way and inadequate funding of the project by the government.
Onolememen said that the firm’s excuses were not genuine, and urged the company to emulate Julius Berger, its counterpart which handled phase one rehabilitation of the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, and did not wait for funds.
Oyo
Primate Rufus Ositelu of The Church of the Lord Aladura Worldwide says that licensing of religious preachers before operating in the country will not work.
Ositelu told newsmen in Ibadan, Sunday that the recent suggestion on preachers’ permit by the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, was commendable due to security challenges, particularly in the north.
Ositelu, however, said considering the huge population and different religions, monitoring all religious preachers through permits was not practicable.
Ositelu commended the sultan and described him as a true leader who had worked with Christian counterparts to fight religious violence in the country.
Plateau
The Plateau State Emergence Management Agency (SEMA) has commenced the distribution of 1,500 tonnes of grains to the 2012 flood victims in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Steven Barko, inaugurated the lifting of the grains to various distribution centres on Friday. Barko represented Mr Ignatius Longjan, Plateau Deputy Governor and Chairman of SEMA’s Governing Council.
Longjan said the 1500 tonnes of sorghum and maize which were 30,000 bags, were donated to Plateau Government by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to mitigate the sufferings of the victims of the flood disaster.
SEMA Executive Secretary, Mr Alhassan Barde, said that every arrangement was completed for the distribution.
The executive secretary gave assurance that transparency and fairness would be the watch words during the distribution exercise.
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