Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Borno-based vigilance group, the Civilian JTF, has
called on the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, to relax the curfew in Maiduguri, to enable it contribute more in checkmating suspected terrorists.
The Legal Adviser to the group, Mr Jubrin Gunda, who made the call while addressing newsmen recently in Maiduguri said relaxing the curfew would enable members of his group to keep a 24-hour vigil on major roads leading into the city.
“We want to appeal to the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and the state government to please review or lift the current 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in Maiduguri. We believe that the curfew has given individuals with bad intention easy access to the state capital as our members have been kept away,” Gunda said.
He said that the vigilance members would have done their bit to prevent the January 14 blast if they had been allowed to keep a vigil.
Ekiti
A sanitary officer in Ikole Local Government Area of
Ekiti State, Mr Michael Olagbaju, has warned inhabitants of the area to avoid drinking unwholesome water to avert water-borne diseases.
Olagbaju, who gave the warning last Thursday in an interview in Ikole advised the residents to ensure that they got water from good sources, stressing that water-borne diseases were often rampant during the dry season.
“Unwholesome sachet and bottled water should be rejected and people should check for NAFDAC number and origin of such bottled or sachet water before buying. Water from river, untreated wells and other doubtful sources should be boiled properly before drinking,” she said.
Olagbaju called for regular sanitary inspection in every part of the local government area to ensure healthy living among the residents and urged the people to provide health officers in their communities with information on any health challenges to enable them to take prompt action in addressing such challenges.
FCT
The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) says the Na
tional Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) decision affirming COSON’s legality to collect royalties on behalf of musical artists is a victory for stake holders in the industry.
Chairman of the Society, Chief Tony Okoroji, who made the declaration in a statement signed by COSON’s Senior Executive, Media, Miss Mayree Uket, last Thursday in Abuja, said that the declaration over the dispute in the broadcast industry was a boost to the industry.
Okoroji said respect for intellectual property rights would benefit the music, film or literary industries in the country and expressed optimism that the NBC’s decision would make the broadcasting stations become centres of profitable, marketable and exportable programming, instead of just being sellers of air time.
Gombe
No fewer than three villages will be relocated to protect
residents from environmental hazards, as a result of the expansion of the Ashaka Cement Company in Gombe State.
The company’s General Manager, Projects, Mr Tony Okpara, disclosed this in Ladde-Bage village of Funakaye Local Government Area of the state recently during the foundation-laying ceremony of some projects.
He named the three communities as Lariski, Darumpa and Malari, and said the company was preparing to spend N262 million on the relocation.
The General Manager said the amount would be spent on the construction of 55 houses, three blocks of classrooms, clinic, mosque and three boreholes for the affected communities.
Jigawa
No fewer than 11 persons have been killed by cholera
outbreak in Jigawa State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Tafida, has said.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer in the state Ministry of Health, Malam Mati Ali, recently in Dutse, said that a total of 153 cholera cases were reported in the state from January 1 to date.
The statement said that the cholera cases were reported in Taura, Birnin Kudu, Garki, Ringim, Babura and Gwaram local government areas of the state, adding that the situation was currently under control.
Kaduna
Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, has
described Theatre and Performing Arts as tool for addressing socio-political and economic issues in the society.
Sambo made the remark recently at the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence on Development Communication at the Department of Theatre Arts, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The VP’s wife, who was represented by wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Yero, said the disciplines had pushed forward messages that promoted good relationships, peace, understanding and scholarship.
“Perhaps that explains why ABU through the department of theatre and performing arts has been engaging communities, especially women and children since its inception in 1975. This is evident in the impact the products of the institution are making in the country and beyond,” she said.
Kebbi
A Non-Government Origination, Youth Advancement
Organisation of Nigeria, says it has intensified its campaign on malaria prevention and diarrhoea management in rural areas of Kebbi.
The Project Director, Alhaji Haruna Alkassim, who made this known in an interview in Birnin Kebbi last Thursday, said that the campaign was being conducted in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
He said that funding from USAID was utilised to promote child survival interventions, nutrition, breast-feeding, malaria and diarrhoea prevention, treatment and management.
Alkassim said that 150,263 people had been enlightened on the prevention of the diseases in 15 local government areas from January 2013 to date.
Lagos
The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Ade Ipaye,
has stressed the need for a conducive working environment for judges, in order to enhance smooth dispensation of justice.
Ipaye spoke during a valedictory court session held at the Federal High Court, Lagos, in honour of retired Justice Marcellus Awokulehin, who bowed out last Thursday.
According to Ipaye, inadequate working tools and power failure are also now common place in the courts, adding that it constituted a major draw back to the productivity of judges.
“There are harsh working conditions for our judges in the courts and this is almost becoming a norm. Cases of congested courtrooms, inadequate working tools, power failure, are almost becoming normal, and this is very unacceptable”, he said.
Nasarawa
A youth advocate in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Mr Monday
Adamu, last Thursday called on the state government to initiate more youth programmes to reduce youths’ restiveness and other vices.
In an interview in Keffi, headquarters of Keffi Local Government Council, he warned that government should not concentrate on developing the towns, while the villages were suffering.
Another youth, Mr Bala Bernard, also urged the state government to delegate its officials to visit villages and communities to know the state of infrastructure.
He said that it was necessary for government to know the state of the facilities with a view to improving on them and ensure even development.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government last Thursday called on
contractors handling road projects in the state to ensure completion of the projects on schedule.
The state Commissioner for Works, Mr Gboye Adegbenro, who made the call in Akure when he spoke to the contractors and consultants handling the jobs said the state government was “in a hurry to deliver all the road projects to the benefit of the people of the state”.
“Our target now is to complete all ongoing roads projects in the three senatorial districts of the state this year. Some of the roads will be commissioned in this first quarter of the year,” he said.
Responding, the manager of CGC Nig. Ltd, Mr Li-Hung Guang, who spoke on behalf of the contractors, assured the commissioner that they would deliver on their jobs according to specifications.
Oyo
The Archbishop of Ibadan Catholic Diocese, Alaba Job,
is set to retire from service after 43 years. His successor, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin, would be installed on January 24.
The Chairman, Central Planning Committee for the installation of Abegunrin, Rev. Fr. Felix Ethapemi, disclosed this at a news conference held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, last Thursday.
He said that having attained the canonical retirement age of 75 years on October 29, 2013, Job had applied to Pope Francis 1 for retirement disclosing that the Pope, had approved his application and appointed Abegunrin to succeed him.
Ethapemi said that Abegunrin would retain his administrative duties as Bishop of Osogbo Diocese until a new bishop was appointed.
A cross section of members of the Federal Character Commission Board taking their oath of office during the inauguration of the board by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, last Wednesday. Photo: NAN.
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