Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has pre
sented an Appropriation Bill of N133.7 billion for the 2014 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.
Presenting the budget at the floor of the house in Bauchi, Yuguda said that N65 billion would be spent on recurrent and 68 billion on capital expenditures.
He explained that the budget was based on the predication of oil production of 2.5 million barrels per day at a bench mark of 75 dollars per barrel and a “robust and efficient system of internally generated revenue collection”.
He said the revenue profile consists of Statutory Allocation, N67.7 billion; Value Added Tax, N10 billion; Internally- Generated Revenue, N9.4 and Capital Receipts, N7.2 billion.
Borno
The President of Nigeria Union of Journalists
(NUJ), Mohammed Garba, has cautioned INEC against taking hasty decision on 2015 elections in states affected by emergency rule.
Garba said this during a courtesy call on Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State at the Government House, Maiduguri.
He said rather than conclude on postponing elections in the states, INEC should conduct research to find out the true situations in the states.
“My plea to INEC is that we hope this is not a ploy to truncate democracy.
“INEC should find out the true situation in the state by seeing things for itself before taking a decision on the issue,’’ Garba said
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Security
and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned against sale and purchase of “toy guns” during the yuletide season.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Command, Mr. Afolabi Tolulope told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, that the command had observed that, possession of “toy guns” either in the open or secretly, could cause apprehension in the minds of the people, considering the state of security challenges in the country.
He assured that the command, in pursuit of its constitutional role, would also guide against attempts on public properties by any individual or group, under whatever guise.
FCT
The Zimbabwean Government has given foreign in
vestors in the country up to January 1 to comply with its indigenisation policy.
The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Mabed Ngulani, told newsmen in Abuja that the government had not gone back on its decision to ensure that investors comply with the directive.
Ngulani, however, denied media reports that government had given a quit notice to foreign investors in the country.
“Let me make a clarification, Zimbabwe has not given an ultimatum to anybody, Zimbabwe has not given an ultimatum to Nigerians and to the Chinese, the story came in the media.
Gombe
Gombe State Government said it had begun the reg
istration of miners in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Science and Mineral Development, Alhaji Babagoro Abdulkadir, told newsmen in Gombe, that the exercise would generate data base of miners for socio-economic development of the state.
He said that the registration would show the specific activities of the miners, considering the vast nature of the sector.
Kaduna
Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has called for
the support and cooperation of the northern elders to ensure the growth, unity and development of the nation.
Yero made the call in Kaduna at a book presentation/fund raising on MD Yusuf, “Nagarta Cikin Aminci,” written by Abubakar Maijinyawa.
The governor also called on the people in the region to be united and speak with one voice, rather than allow ethno-religious differences to divide them.
He urged the younger generation to emulate the good virtues of the elders for the growth of the nation.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Agricultural and Rural Development
Agency, said it registered104, 525 farmers under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES).
A Director in the agency, Alhaji Abubakar Lolo, told newsmen in Birnin-Kebbi that the figure was a quantum leap from the 65,000 that were registered before now.
He said the registered farmers would be provided fertilisers for the dry and wet season farming periods.
According to him, the increase in the number of registered farmers is sequel to the discovery by the federal authorities that the state has performed well in the scheme.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has presented a N128.7
billion Appropriation Bill for consideration by the state House of Assembly for the 2014 fiscal year.
Presenting the bill on the floor of the House in Lokoja, Wada said the amount was N3.9 billion or 2.98 per cent lower than the N132. 67 billion appropriated for 2013 fiscal year.
He said that over N58.7 billion was for recurrent expenditure, while N70.02 billion would be expended on capital projects.
Wada said that N79.6 billion would be generated from recurrent sources, while N49.1billion was expected from capital receipts.
Lagos
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has called
for effective survey of building projects for structural stability.
Fashola made the call in Lagos at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Lagos Branch of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS).
Fashola, represented by Mr Babatunde Hunpe, his Special Adviser on Rural Development, also enjoined surveyors to adhere to the ethics of their profession and also ensure standards.
According to him, provision of efficient services by surveyors will assist in preventing structural defects in buildings.
Ogun
The Police in Ogun State have arraigned two men,
Wasiu Bakare, 26; and Fatai Arowoseleaye, 21, before a Magistrates’ Court in Ota over alleged threat to life.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp Olajide Michael, told the court that the accused and others at large committed the offence on December 10 at about 3.00 a.m.at Olukotun Street, Ota.
Michael said that the accused and others at large stole N75,000 belonging to one Adeyemi Ayinde and threatened to kill him with a cutlass.
He said that the offences contravened sections 86, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Revised Law of Ogun, 2006.
Oyo
A 43-year old security guard, Sunday Eje, was
dragged before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate’s Court at Iyaganku for alleged stealing from a warehouse he was employed to guard.
The accused person was docked over a two-count charge of alleged breaking-in and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp Samad Aliu, said Eje, who was employed to guard a warehouse, allegedly broke into and entered the warehouse, property of one Hachem Safieddine.
Aliu alleged that Eje stole the sum of N4 million property of his employer, Safieddine.
He said the offence was committed on December 3, at 10: 00 p.m . at Adegoke Area, Ibadan.
Zamfara
The British American Tobacco Nigeria Founda
tion, an NGO, last Wednesday donated a solar-powered borehole to Sungawa community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.
Presenting the certificate of the facility to the Commissioner of Water Resources in the state, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Oluwasoromi George, said that the effort was aimed at saving the community from water borne diseases, especially cholera.
The executive director, who was represented by the General Manager, Mrs Abimbola Okoya, said that the project costs the foundation over N5.7 million.
Okoya urged members of the community to ensure its protection against misuse and vandals.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left), presenting 2014 Budget to the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs Monsurat Sunmonu, in Ibadan last Thursday.
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