Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The diverse ethnic and multi-religious communities of Yelwa, Kagadama, Gwallameji and Lushi of Birshi-Miri District, Bauchi, Bauchi State last Saturday celebrated six years of living together in peaceful co-existence.
The programme was organised by Muslim and Christian Youth Movement for Peace in conjunction with Birshi-Miri Concern Citizens Forum.
The communities are home to diverse ethnic groups in the country, the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Idoma, Fulani, Seyawa, Jarawa and Ninzom, among others and from different religious backgrounds.
In his speech, Mr Yusuf Kumsu, the Chairman organising committee of the programme, explained that the event was organised to celebrate six years of peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups in the communities.
Benue
Benue State, Police Command says it has recovered 17 bodies from the river after the Boxing Day boat mishap that claimed the lives of over 40 persons at River Buruku, in Buruku Local Government Area.
The State police public relations officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Daniel Ezeala, who spoke in a telephone interview in Makurdi ,said search and rescue operation was still going on at scene of the disaster.
He said “We have so far recovered 17 bodies from the river but we are still continuing with the search and rescue operation until we are convinced that there are no survivors or bodies in the river. I can also assure you that we have commenced investigations into the matter with a view to finding the immediate and remote causes of the tragedy.”
Ekiti
Buoyed by the recent signing of the Equal Opportunities Bill into law by Dr Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State’s first lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, that she may be considering sponsoring a prize at the next Nigeria Media Merit Award, in collaboration with other stakeholders, for gender-friendly reporting.
Mrs. Fayemi who initiated the bill that was signed penultimate Tuesday is upbeat that the new law would strengthen existing legislations put in place to promote gender equality and women empowerment, widowhood rights, among others.
She said, “It is almost impossible for any society to think that they can achieve any kind of transformation while leaving women behind. It’s just like trying to clap with one hand.”
If the first lady makes true her plan, then it would be a notable contribution to robust journalism by a woman who has been in the fore-front of the clamour for women’s rights even before she became a first lady.
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has allocated N1.9 billion for women and youths development projects in the coming year.
The allocation is contained in the 2014 budget of N107.4 billion presented to the State House of Assembly by Gov Ibrahim Dankwambo on Friday in Gombe.
He said that N1.1 billion would be used to train women through the office of the Hajiya Adama Women Empowerment Programme (HAWEP), the pet project of his wife.
Dankwambo said the programme had impacted positively on the economic empowerment of women in the state, promising to sustain the tempo in 2014.
Kaduna
Kaduna State Government last Saturday said it would establish four new Science Secondary Schools in 2014 to enhance the study of science-related courses.
The State Governor, Alhaji Muktar Yero, disclosed this at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Yero, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Kaduna Government House, Alhaji Yahaya Aminu, said the schools would be located in different parts of the state.
Kebbi
The Senator representing Kebbi State South, Retired Major General Muhammadu Magoro, has appealed to the Boko Haram sect to embrace dialogue in resolving grievances to fast-track development.
Magoro told newsmen in Zuru last Friday that the continued violent agitation by the sect had retarded development in the north east and the country.
He said without peace, meaningful development could not be achieved and called on members of the sect to embrace dialogue in order to resolve the crises. Magoro said that the present leadership of the country was desirous of development and he urged security agencies not to relent in the fight against terrorism.
Kwara
A socio-cultural group, the Igbomina Development Forum, last Saturday rallied support for President Goodluck Jonathan in his bid to tackle the nation’s challenges.
The group, at a forum organised at Agbamu, Irepodudun Local Government Area of Kwara, also called for participatory politics and internal democracy in parties to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.
The forum, which was organised by Mrs Shola Adedoyin-Adeoti, a business magnate and community leader, appraised the current socio-political developments in Kwara State and urged the Igbomina “ to work for their political emancipation.’’
Lagos
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has approved the procurement of 120 new vehicles of various brands for traditional rulers in the state. The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, disclosed this in an interview last Saturday in Lagos.
The commissioner, who said the vehicles would be purchased in 2014, noted that they would enable the traditional rulers to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Kuye also said that the state government was renovating palaces and building some new ones to strengthen the traditional institution and improve the living standards of the traditional rulers.
Niger
The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) plans to construct a 20-room Motel at the council’s secretariat at the cost of N50 million.
The Chairman of the union, Mr Ilya Garba, who announced this at a media briefing last Thursday in Minna on the council’s plans for its Press Week said the venture was to boost the revenue base of the council.
He said other structures including a Cyber Cafe would be provided at the motel to serve the interest of the union members.
Ogun
The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State has said the party is bigger than individuals who have defected from it to opposition parties. It said those that defected from the party usually left with political qualities the PDP had instilled in them.
The party said the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, and the former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, owed their political success to the PDP.
In an interview the Chairman, PDP, Ogun State, Adebayo Dayo, pointed out that the Labour Party in the state would fail like it did in the Anambra State governorship election.
Oyo
A mysterious spacecraft, which residents of Awotan in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State called a “drone”, was reported to have crashed into a building at Omiremi Quarters in the community, leaving a crater on the roof of the building, just as aviation sources confirmed the object as a United States’ drone on an espionage mission in Nigeria.
Considering the registration number, TX 5803, inscribed on a black battery under the craft, a source said the space craft must have taken off from NASA base in Texas in the US, stating that the battery attached to the spacecraft powered it and enabled it to move around so that it could do the bidding of those who sent it.
Sokoto
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State have accused the party’s deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, of causing disaffection within the party in the state.
Addressing a press conference on behalf of the members on Saturday, former chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Alhaji Hassan Turakin Tureta, said members of APC in the state recognised former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa as the leader of the party in Sokoto State.
He alleged that Masari was using his connection in his former party to create discord in the Sokoto APC
Yobe
Voters across Yobe State yesterday turned out in large numbers to cast their votes to elect Chairmen and Councillors of the 17 Local Government Councils in the state.
There was heavy security presence in all the polling booths as well as major streets in Damaturu with combine team of soldiers, police, civil defence corps and immigration officers watching over.
Shops and other businesses were closed while restriction on movement was imposed throughout the state from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m as there was security build up to forestall any unforeseen circumstances.
Only 10 parties participated in the polls while the major opposition party in the state, the PDP, boycotted the election.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, the state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, said the conduct of the election had proved sceptics wrong on the security situation in the state.
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (left), presenting the 2014 Appropriation Bill (Budget) to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Inuwa Garba, in Gombe, last Friday.
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