Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has commended the state university in Mubi for excelling in academic activities.
Nyako made the commendation recently in Yola while receiving a letter of award and trophies won by the university in an academic programme coordinated by Oxford University, London.
He observed that since its inception, the university had made the state proud in academic performance, based on the accreditation of its courses by the National Universities Commission.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Alkassim Abba, said the award was won by the university after the assessment of its staff qualities, accreditation, exchange programme and regular implementation of courses and subjects.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Adult and Non-Formal Education Agency, last Tuesday said it had enrolled 46,877 adults during the 2012/2013 academic session.
The Chairman, Board of Directors of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, told newsmen in Bauchi that the agency had initially targeted 38,390 learners across the state.
He said the agency had in collaboration with development partners opened 1,878 learning centres with 800 facilitators and 228 scheme organizers and that “from 2012 to 2013, the enrolment figures in the centres rose from 38,390 to 46,877 learners”.
The chairman said the Agency would work towards gradual reduction of illiteracy rate by 10 per cent every year through the development of a three-year strategic plan and appealed to all stakeholders to support the agency to achieve its goals.
Gombe
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gombe State chapter, Rev. Abare Kalla, recently predicted lasting peace and understanding among Nigerians in 2014.
Kala said in Gombe that from what he witnessed during the Christmas and Sallah festivities, peace had come to stay in the country.
The cleric said that meaningful development could only take place in a peaceful society characterised by tolerance, adding “we should learn how to tolerate each other, irrespective of religious and ethnic backgrounds.”
He urged Christians and Muslims to usher in the New Year with prayers so that insecurity would become a thing of the past.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government recently said it had approved contracts worth N1.3 billion for the construction of feeder roads and electrification projects across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Alhaji Babandi Ibrahim,who announced this while addressing newsmen after the State’s Executive Council meeting in Dutse, said that N1.1 billion was earmarked for the construction of feeder roads in six villages while N249.5 million would be used to electrify 10 towns and villages.
He said that the roads included those of Gumel-Garungambo; Kiyakoto-Shurgarum; Shafa-Gidansani; Malamadori, Saturiyakwatche and Lanaki, adding that villages like Sarawiya, Shakoato, Gurinrima, Ariki, Kembo, Majigini, Banaga, Ungwa-kaya, Giwa and Deruru would be electrified in the project.
He said the step was taken to develop the rural areas and boost socio-economic activities, to improve the lives of the rural dwellers.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Sector Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said it had arrested and tried 94 motorists for various traffic offences during the yuletide.
The Sector Commander, Mr Olu Olagunju, who made this known in an interview, Tuesday in Kaduna said the motorists were arrested in Kaduna, Birnin Gwari, Zaria, Saminaka, Tafa and Kafanchan from December 19 to December 30.
He said that 66 out of the 94 were convicted by the command’s two mobile courts while others were discharged, adding that five other motorists were apprehended for being in possession of hard drugs.
“We laid more emphasis on drunk driving, but recently we realised that there are drugs that are in common use that will not be detected under alcohol. “So we are partnering with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to check motorists under the influence of alcohol or drug, “ he said.
Kebbi
The Local Government Service Commission in Kebbi State, said it would introduce compulsory computer training for local government officials to improve their performance.
The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Usman Bello, made the disclosure Monday, while presenting 200 computer sets to Birnin Kebbi local government council staff in Birnin Kebbi.
Bello said that “the target of the commission is to make the staff computer literate by 2020’’ noting that 200 directors and secretaries had been trained during the first phase of the programme.
The chairman said that the computers being presented to the council staff would be jointly paid for by staff and the commission, adding that “the commission will pay 50 per cent of the cost of the computers, while the beneficiaries will pay the balance.’’
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, commended the commission for the training.
Kogi
The Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mr Mohammed Ali, said those defecting from PDP to APC should not mistake the current silence of the electorate for acceptance.
Ali, said at a news briefing in Lokoja last Monday, stressed that the people would definitely react at the appropriate time and Ali described the defection as unfortunate.
On the state of local governments in the state, Ali said the 23 councils were operating under difficult situation, said the unresolved problem of ghost workers and huge monthly wage bills were responsible for the development which makes it impossible for the councils to implement people-oriented programmes.
The chairman contended that the way out was for the councils to widen their revenue base and remove all the ghost workers from their pay rolls without further delay.
Kwara
A House of Representatives member, Dr Ali Ahmad, has urged the Federal Government to increase the number of Supreme Court judges to fast track the dispensation of justice.
Ahmad, in an interview recently in Ilorin, said the few judges in the court were being overworked and stressed that it was time for the Supreme Court to stop entertaining some cases from the Court of Appeal, as was done in the U.S.
“The Supreme Court should look at it and if there is nothing remarkable about the appeal, if the issue has been settled, it should just refer the case back to Court of Appeal and that means the Supreme Court has affirmed it. “But we have this thing that says appeal is subscribe; we really need to look at that and do something about it,” Ahmad, who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, said.
He disclosed that the National Assembly had provided in the constitutional amendments, that, interlocutory appeals should not stop prosecution of criminal cases, stating that the provision was meant to reduce cases at the apex court.
Lagos
Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, recently called for the establishment of state police in Nigeria to maintain law and order alongside the Nigeria police.
Olukoju, who made the call during an interview in Lagos said.
“Let us have a federal police, not just Nigerian police at the centre where anybody can use against anybody. “Let us have it as it is done in America, police at different strata, local government police, state police and then federal police, all working together.
Reacting to the centenary celebration of the country being planned for January, 2014. The vice-chancellor advised that Nigeria should emulate the United States of America, where the local and state police exist side-by-side with the federal police.
“We have a declining quality in leadership; we have a decline in terms of civic responsibility and in terms of societal awareness. “The control for central power is what is killing Nigeria and this is because there is much money at the centre that people want to siphon,” he said.
Ogun
An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun, recently remanded four men; Isiaka Ayorinde, Ayodele Olarewaju, Qudus Adesola and Bunmi Thomas in prison for alleged armed robbery.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Rosemary Brown, had told the court that the accused and others at large, committed the offences on December 6 at about 1.35 a.m.
Brown said the accused persons and the others at large, attacked the complainant, Mr Oladimeji Balogun at Oladimeji Street, Ajibanwo in Ota.
She said the accused dispossessed the complainant of a Samsung cell phone valued at N12,000, a wrist watch valued at N3,500 and jewelleries valued at N17,000, totalling N35,000.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government, recently, said the government would establish three FM radio stations as part of efforts to improve public enlightenment and information dissemination in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, who made the disclosure while defending the ministry’s budget proposal before the state’s House of Assembly, said the state government decided to establish the stations after considering the importance of public enlightenment and information dissemination in the state.
He added that the stations would be established in Gummi, Talata-Mafara and Kaura-Namoda, noting that the state government hoped to complete the projects before 2015.
He urged the people of the state to support the state government in its effort to ensure effective leadership.
L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola and Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Leke Pitan, Carrying a set of twins deliverd by Mrs Adediji as first babies of the Year 2014 at the Island Hospital in Lagos last Wednesday. With them is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adesina.
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