Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A consortium of agricultural experts, Wright Brothers
Farmers, has asked the Benue State Government for land to invest in commercial agriculture in the state.
The leader of the team, Mr Lee Wright, who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Gabriel Suswam in Makurdi, said they were in the state on the recommendation of the Federal Government, to secure land for commercial farming.
Lee said they had approached the Federal Government for land to establish commercial farms and were referred to Benue State on the grounds that it was the only state with the land mass to accommodate their request.
He said when established, the farm would produce food that would be affordable to the people of the state and the country at large.
Ekiti
An agricultural consultant, Dr Mobolade Famodimu,
has urged poultry farmers to develop more interest in quail farming.
Famodimu, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen at Ido in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State last Tuesday, said that quail farming was profitable.
“Experience has also shown that cost management of quail farming is less when compared with other poultry.
“Poultry owners who are yet to embrace quail farming should begin to invest in it because it is easier to keep and has little risk.”
FCT
Some persons with disabilities have called on the
government to initiate purposeful policies which would reduce their plight and incorporate them in decision-making processes.
They made the call in separate interviews with newsmen in Abuja, as the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is “Break Barriers and Open Doors for an inclusive society and development for all’’.
Ms Ekaete Umoh, Executive Director, Family-Centred Initiative for Challenged Persons, said that persons with disabilities ought to start enjoying the rights which they deserved in the society.
Gombe
The Emir of Gombe State, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar,
has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to relocate the Federal University, Kashere, in Akko Local Government Area of the state, to Gombe.
The Emir made the appeal when the President visited him in his palace in Gombe.
“Permit me to express our grievances of the majority of our people in Gombe with regard to federal university allocated to Gombe State by your government,” he said.
He said that the current location of the university meant that its potentialities were a loss to the generality of the people of the state and Nigerians.
He said that the university’s employees were facing challenges of shuttling on daily basis from Gombe to the location.
Kwara
The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof.
AbdulGaniyu Ambali, said in Ilorin that the institution would soon start a degree programme in Entrepreneurship Studies.
Ambali stated this at a book launch entitled “Management and Entrepreneurship in Societal Transformation: Perspectives from Africa”.
The vice chancellor said the book was written in honour of Prof. Jackson Olujide, the Dean of Management Sciences, because of his commitment to duty.
Ambali said that efforts were being made to reform the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre in the university.
Lagos
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Dikko
Abdullahi, has said that Customs would no longer stop any cargo on the road with the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
Abdullahi said this at the launching of PAAR at Trade Hub Centre of the Balogun Business Association (BBA) at the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.
He said that all cargoes cleared with the PAAR document would not be stopped on roads by the Customs to encourage people to use them.
“With PAAR, clearing of cargoes is convenient, faster and limits human contact,’’ he said.
Abdullahi advised that an importer should open a PAAR, fill and submit the document before importing a cargo.
He said it was pertinent for the maritime operators to embrace the new system by using the information available to comply with the trade routes to facilitate their business.
Nasarawa
The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Suleiman
Dikko, has reiterated his commitment to decongest prisons through speedy administration of justice in the state.
Dikko announced the commitment at the commencement of a four-day working tour of prisons in the state in Lafia recently.
He attributed the delay of justice in cases of most awaiting trial inmates in various prisons to the attitude of the police.
“The police go ahead to assign robbery and capable homicide cases to Magistrates, Area and Upper Area courts, knowing that those courts do not have jurisdiction over such matters,’’ he said.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has said
that the state government would partner with the Malaysian Government to revamp its agricultural sector in the areas of rice and palm oil production.
Amosun said this in Abeokuta while receiving a delegation from the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, led by Mohammed Abdullah, the Secretary-General of the ministry.
“All the local governments in the state have their own uniqueness in terms of crops production.
“We are looking into where we have comparative advantage like rice, cassava, palm oil plantation, cotton and many others,” the governor said.
He said that if the state government could get it right in agricultural production, it would create massive employment opportunities for the unemployed youths.
Osun
The Osun State University has distributed cheques
to indigenous vegetable farmers’ cooperative societies as part of the efforts to boost food production.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adekunle Okesina, presided over the ceremony at a workshop held at the university’s auditorium in Osogbo.
The programme was hosted by the university under the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) in conjunction with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and University of Manitoba.
No fewer than seven organisations including Odi-Aperin God Mercy Cooperative Akanran, Unity Farmers’ Society, Akure, Ijero Ekiti Precious Women Cooperative and Inisa Vegetable Growers benefitted from the gesture.
Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command says that it has
arrested two suspected drug traffickers with 646 bags of Indian hemp, valued at N11 million.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Indabawa, said this at a news conference in Ibadan recently.
Indabawa said that the police acted on a piece of information received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ogbere, Ibadan, on November 29 around 9.00 p.m.
“We learnt that a consignment of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp was packaged and already loaded for conveyance in a truck at a cannabis plantation at Eleja Village, near Akanran.
“The DAF truck, marked XR 967 JJJ was intercepted and found loaded with 646 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
Plateau
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),
UNIJOS chapter has said that classes would only resume in the institution if directed by the national body.
The chapter Chairman, Dr David Jangdam told newsmen in Jos that the lecturers were waiting for directives from the national body before the five-months strike could be called off.
“Classes will only resume if directed by the national body,’’ he said.
Jangdam said that the decision of the national body was final and binding on all local chapters.
L-R: Assistant Controller-General of Prisons, Dr Ekpedeme Udom, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu and representative of I-G, Mr Dauda Fakai, at the official launch of the Police Action Committee on Aids Strategic Plan Document in Abuja, last Tuesday.
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