Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Federal Government says education is the most potent tool for social change.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Macjohn Nwaobiala, made the declaration in Bauchi at the opening of the plenary session of the Joint Consultative Committee on Education.
Nwaobiala said that education was the most potent means of precipitating societal change.
He described the theme of the meeting, “strengthening the institutional management of education for quality service delivery”, as apt because the country was striving to achieve its goals of providing qualitative education.
FCT
The police have arraigned an Abuja-based businessman, Shaibu Usman, before a Karu Upper Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly hitting and removing Kasimu Umar’s teeth.
Police prosecutor Silas Nanpan told the court that Usman allegedly assaulted Umar of Nyanya, Panteka, Abuja, on July 23, 2012
Nanpan said that Usman attacked Umar in his shop in Nyanya.
“Umar was attending to a customer in his shop when Usman came out from nowhere and hit him on his mouth and in the process, removed his two front teeth.
Kano
The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a pedestrian by gunmen at Na’ibawa area of Kano last Monday.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incidence to newsmen, saying that it took place around 8.00 p.m.
According to him, some gunmen attacked a pharmaceutical shop at Na’iabawa and a passerby was shot dead while one was injured and taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
He, however, said that investigations had since begun and tight security had been enforced in the affected area with restricted movement of people.
Kogi
Kogi State Deputy Governor Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has said that the state is ready to cooperate with the police to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the area.
This is contained in a statement issued by Awoniyi’s Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, in Lokoja.
The statement said the deputy governor made the remark when he received Mr Hilary Opara, the new Commissioner of Police posted to the state.
The deputy governor lauded the role played by the Nigeria Police in the maintenance and sustenance of peace and security in the state.
Kwara
The University of Ilorin Librarian, Dr Joseph Omoniyi, has identified laziness among students as one of the factors responsible for the poor reading culture in the society.
Omoniyi was speaking in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
He said the problem of poor reading culture was a systemic problem that required a systemic approach to address.
According to him, the western society is a literate one, but that the African society is still predominantly oral where most people spread information through the word of mouth rather than through writing.
Lagos
The spokesman for Lagos State Land Bureau, Mr Adebisi Moshod, has appealed to those seeking Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) to always approach the bureau with genuine documents.
Moshod told newsmen in Lagos recently that the bureau was not unduly delaying the issuance of C of O.
He alleged that many applicants presented fake documents and that some took long time to provide necessary credentials required by the state government.
According to Moshod, the issuance of C of O generally does not take long when genuine documents are presented.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has called on English Language teachers to address the challenge of mass failure in the subject in the secondary schools across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, Hajiya Zainab Abdulmumuni, made the call in Keffi at a workshop organised for English language teachers in the state.
While lamenting the mass failure of students in English Language examinations in the state, she attributed the failure to the attitude of some teachers handling the subject.
According to her, there is need for English Language teachers to realise that English being the country’s official language must be taught with every sense of responsibility.
Ogun
A total of 30,000 jobs have been created in Ogun through the FADAMA III Agricultural Project, Dr Seemthamby Manoharan, the Head of the World Bank/ Federal Government Supervision team, has said.
Manoharan, who announced this when he led a delegation of the team to the state, said the project had recorded a huge success in many states of the country, including Ogun.
He said that this had enhanced favourable consideration of the Federal Government’s request for additional funding of the project by the bank.
Manoharan, however, appealed to defaulting states to pay their counterpart funding, saying that failure to do so could hinder the full realisation of the objectives of the project.
Oyo
A 28-year-old man, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, was last Tuesday arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the sum of N116,000.
The Prosecutor, Mr Ade Adebusuyi, told the court that the defendant, being a staff of Collins Group Limited, Mokola area, Ibadan, allegedly failed to remit the money for the sales of Agricultural chemicals to the company.
Adebusuyi said the money belonged to one Vincent Okonli, and that the incident happened on December 24, 2012, at about 2:00 pm.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, says he would create an enabling environment for peace, unity and harmonious co-existence among all religious faithful.
Aregbesola made the statement recently in Osogbo at a thanksgiving service to mark the completion of the 2012 pilgrimage to Israel..
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, urged the people to always appreciate God in any circumstances. they might find themselves.
He lauded the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigeria Inter-Religion Council (NIREC) for sustaining peace in the state.
Plateau
Consumers of locally brewed alcohol popularly known as “burukutu’’, risk cancer, hepatitis and others, diseases, Dr. Fabong Yildam, a doctor of family medicine, has said.
Yildam, who works with the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, told newsmen, that the local brew “predisposes one to malnutrition, alcohol-induced hepatitis and various types of cancer’’.
“That local brew inhibits the breakdown of nutrients into usable molecules by decreasing secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
“It impairs nutrient absorption by damaging the cells lining the stomach and intestines and disabling transport of some nutrients into the blood.
Sokoto
Mixed reactions in Sokoto State have trailed the recent merger of the major opposition parties in Nigeria which led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Former Governor of Sokoto State , Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa told newsmen in Sokoto recently I am a member of the merger talks representing my party, ANPP and I support the merger .
“ The merger is not the problem but those who are trying to run the new mega party may be the problem
‘’ For the mega party to succeed, we must all set aside our selfish interests and save the Nigerian masses ,’’ he added .
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