Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji
Mohammed Ladan, has doled out N50,000 to the state police command football team for beating State Security Service (SSS) team 2-1 in a friendly match.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mohammed Haruna, who made the disclosure in a statement in Bauchi on Saturday said that the match, played last Friday, was organised by the SSS management to foster cordial relationship between the two sister organisations.
Haruna said the commissioner commended the team for making the state police command proud and added that the commissioner had promised to organise a similar friendly match to reciprocate the SSS management gesture.
Benue
The Benue State Commissioner for Lands and Survey,
Mr John Tondo has said a restroom in his Makurdi residence was last Sunday completely burnt down by fire.
Tondo, who is also a gubernatorial aspirant in the 2015 elections in the state, however, said while conducting newsmen round the scene of the incident that the inferno had nothing to do with his political ambition.
“This has nothing to do with my political ambition. It was as a result of a problem from public power source which can happen to anybody. “The incident occurred as a result of a spark from the transformer that gutted the bushes around it and mistakenly through the air gutted my restroom. “I thank God that it has not affected the main building and nobody was hurt,” he said.
Men of the State Fire Service and some of the commissioner’s neighbours helped to put out the fire.
Borno
The Borno State Government has announced the eleva
tion of the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ismaila Mamza and that of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrisa Timta to First Class status.
A statement issued Sunday in Maiduguri by Mr Kwapchi Pata, a Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Kashim Shettima stated that the elevation was with immediate effect.
The statement reads in part: “Gov. Kashim Shettima has approved the elevation of the emir of Uba in Askira-Uba Local Government Area (LGA), Alhaji Ismaila Mamza and the Emir of Gwoza in Gwoza LGA to First Class status.”
No reason was given for the elavation, but the statement reiterated that the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, remains the Chairman of the State Traditional Council.
FCT
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC),
Department of Development Control, last Sunday demolished two recreation spots, FESCO Security Gardens and Deos Gardens in Imo Crescent Area 1, Garki, Abuja.
Both spots also accommodated Churches at the time of the demolition. Deos Gardens accommodated the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Sunday service, while FESCO Gardens accommodated the Illumination Gospel Assembly.
Coordinator of AMMC, Mr Rueban Okoya, said that the spots were removed because they engaged in illegal activities, adding that even the Churches were illegal.
Okoya said that it was not abnormal for the Department of Development Control to carry out demolition of structures on Sunday because it worked round the clock.
Jigawa
The Federal Government said last Saturday that it had
provided fertiliser and seedlings for distribution to 145,000 registered farmers in Jigawa State.
The Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr Akinwumi Adesina, who made this known in Auyo, Jigawa said that the farm inputs were provided to the farmers under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme.
He said that the fertiliser was provided to the irrigation farmers for the current dry season and aimed at accelerating paddy rice production adding that more than 100, 000 farmers have redeemed fertiliser from the scheme in the 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons.
The minister said the government had also concluded plans to establish four agriculture equipment hiring support centres in the state and explained that the centres would be equipped with tractors, riggers and ploughs.
Kaduna
Alhaji Muttaqa Darma, a former Executive Secretary of
Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), last Sunday lamented that most Nigerian universities’ graduates were “half-baked and unemployable”.
Darma, who made the assertion in an interview in Zaria, Kaduna State, noted that the situation appeared to “get increasingly worse every day”.
He attributed the situation to “massive corruption in academic institutions”, pointing out that students gain entry into the institutions “through all kinds of means and use such means to pass examinations”.
Darma advocated for increase collaboration between universities and other systems toward building strong networks that would check wrong practice and put premium on quality.
Kano
The Kano State Government has fined three tanneries
N500,000 each for careless discharge of industrial wastes.
The Chief Executive Officers of the companies have also been summoned to a meeting with government officials.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, who made this known
said that the body found the three companies culpable inspite of several warnings.
“The three companies, Unique Leather at Sharada Industrial Area as well as Mahaza and Mamuda tannery at Challawa Industrial Area were fined by the mobile court operating under the sanitation committee,’’ he said.
Kogi
The Obaro of Kabba, Dr Michael Olobayo, has appealed
to security agencies to intensify efforts toward curtailing increased bank robberies in the country.
The monarch made the appeal on Saturday while reacting to Friday’s attack on a bank in Kabba, Kogi State. He stressed the need for the Federal Government to buy police helicopters for surveillance.
“Nigeria should have advanced to the level where government should procure helicopters for all police commands in the country for surveillance. “If a chopper was stationed in Lokoja, the police would have flow it to Kabba to support their men in their confrontation with the robbers,’’ he said.
He, however, commended the police bravery in confronting the bandits and condoled with them for losing one of their men in the gun battle with the robbers.
Lagos
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, South
West zone, Archbishop Magnus Adeyemi Atilade, called for the commencement of 31 days of national fasting and prayers to save Christians and Nigerians from imminent danger and disintegration.
Atilade, who spoke with the media in Lagos said, “Christians all over Nigeria, particular in the South west should embark on prayer and fasting commencing from Tuesday to February 14 to abate insurgencies and promote peaceful co-existence of Nigerians irrespective of our religious differences.
The Archbishop while lamenting the alarming rate, at which Christians were killed in various attacks on innocent citizens in northern part of the country, enjoined all to partake in the spiritual exercise.
Osun
Scores of residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital,
last Saturday commended the state government on the bi-monthly sanitation aimed at improving the health of the people.
A resident of Oke-Ijetu area of the town, Mr Adelani Tijani, said the policy was a move in the right direction.
“I am personally delighted about the exercise. It has seriously changed the face of our environment and made it clean, and the metropolis is now carrying the real face of a state capital.
“It is obvious that environment determines the survival of its inhabitants. It is the number one thing to consider in human development policies as a government,’’ he said.
Also, Mrs Akinyemi Daisi, a shop owner at Ogo-Oluwa area of the town, described the initiative as a proactive approach to healthy living.
“A serious government must take as an optimum responsibility the need for a healthy environment for its citizens, as it will transform to better economic conditions,’’ she said.
Oyo
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspir
ant in Ekiti State, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye last Sunday said the party would win convincingly in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.
Adeyeye said in Ibadan that the party would win the election because it was the only alternative that could save the state from maladministration.
He said that the present administration in the state had failed and disappointed the people by spending so much on the purchase of four bullet-proof cars.
The Ekiti State PDP Chairman corroborated Adeyeye’s views, Chief Makanju Ogundipe, adding that the party would win the next election in the state.
essive Congress (APC) administration in the state.
Plateau
The National Provost, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria,
Mr Boniface Gwotbit, last Saturday, urged Christians in the country to fully participate in politics.
Gwotbit made the call in a Mass at the Church of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Parish, Jos, as part of the ongoing national conference of the council with the theme; “A new Nigeria is Possible.’’
He charged Christians to take part in politics and use the spirit of God to do the right things for the good of the society.
Also, Rev. Father Dennis Kaye, the Parish Priest, CIC Jos, prayed to God to give Christians the wisdom to take decisions that would affect the Church and the country positively.
Sokoto
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Senator Abdallah
Wali, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will
win the 2015 general election in spite of the current challenges facing it.
Wali told newsmen last Sunday in Sokoto that the current challenges facing the party were “normal and not unexpected”.
According to him, it will be impossible for the party to lose its present control of most states in the country and three quarters of local government councils where it has solid structures.
The envoy said that the party must, however, work harder to convince Nigerians on its outstanding performances since 1999.
L-R: FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; PDP Bot Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih; Senate President David Mark; President Goodluck Jonathan; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Mother of the President, Mrs Eunice Jonathan; Secretary to the Government of The Federation, Sen Anyim Pius Anyim and the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Inter-denominational Church Service In Abuja on Sunday.
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