Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Director of National Orientation
Agency (NOA), Hajiya Jummai Bello, has called on the people of the state to imbibe the spirit of peaceful co-existence.
Bello who said this in Bauchi last Tuesday, during an interview said that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of rancour and hatred.
She said the agency was committed to sensitising the people of the state on the need to use cultural diversities as a tool for the development of the state.
“Our campaign is geared towards the propagation of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda. We try to entrench positive attitude, peaceful co-existence among people due to the decay that cut across the strata, “ she said.
Borno
Eighteen persons were feared dead after suspected Boko
Haram militants attacked a community along the Alau Dam -Alau Ngawo Fate in Jere Local Government Area of Borno on Sunday night.
A village head in the area, Malam Ibrahim Modu,told newsmen that the attackers invaded the community at about 10p.m. last Sunday before carrying out their evil act.
He said the invaders divided themselves into groups with some attacking residents while others set fire on the houses.
The spokesman for the 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Col. Mohammad Dole, confirmed the attack.
Ekiti
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
on Monday warned residents of the state against indulging in hard drugs.
The State Commander of the NDLEA in Ekiti, Mr Bamidele Akingbade, who gave the warning in an interview in Ado-Ekiti assured that said the agency would step-up efforts toward sensitising residents on the dangers of indulging hard drugs.
The agency, he said, would partner with some radio and television stations in the state in its public enlightenment drive.
He said the sponsored radio and television programmes would also educate the public on the dangers of cultivating, selling and smoking Indian hemp and urged the residents of the state to expose drug peddlers in their midst to the appropriate authorities.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government said it spent N75 million
on nomadic education in 2013.
A statement signed by the Alhaji Ali Manu, the Executive Secretary of the state Agency for Nomadic Education, in Dutse indicated that N36.6 million was spent on the construction of eight blocks of classrooms, headmaster’s offices and furniture.
The statement said that N9.3 million was used to procure and distribute instructional materials to all the schools in the state.
It said that N7.2 million was spent on the renovation of two blocks of classrooms in Guraja nomadic school and N6.2 million on furniture in its nine zonal offices.
Kano
The Kano State Government has approved money for
media campaign against increasing rate of rape cases in the state.
The state Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Maliki Kuliya, told newsmen in Kano last Monday, that the measure was necessary in order to sensitise the public on the problem as no fewer than 100 rape cases were recorded in Kano state between November and December, 2013.
He urged parents and Islamic scholars to take up the challenge by sensitising their wards and members of the public on the alarming rate of the menace in the state.
“The most disturbing thing is that most of the suspects are people that are known to the victims. So parents need to watch where their children go to or whom they relate with,’’ he said.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government last Monday distributed
reflective jackets, helmets and boots to 3,500 registered commercial motorcyclists operating in the state.
Distributing the items to the beneficiaries in Katsina, the Chairman, Committee on Sanitisation of commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators, otherwise known as ‘’Okada and Keke NAPEP’’ in the state, Alhaji Alhassan Muhammad, said that the items were given free of charge.
Muhammad said that the beneficiaries were selected from the 34 local government areas of the state, adding that the gesture was aimed at regulating the operations of commercial motorcyclists in the state.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders and Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) in the state, Alhaji Dikko Kofar-Sauri, commended the state government for the gesture.
Kogi
The Kogi State Government last Monday said it had or
dered for 40 new trucks as part of efforts to strengthen the activities of the State Sanitation and Waste Management Agency.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abudulrama Huya, said in Lokoja that the trucks, on arrival, would be deployed to 40 strategic locations to ensure clean environment.
He said the vehicles would come in from China and Germany, adding that the state government would engage more people to clean the streets to enhance cleanliness in the state.
The Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board (SWMB), Mrs Florence Joseph, also said that the agency had only three trucks and urged people in the state to be patient as the delivery of the new trucks would positively impact on their operations.
Niger
Eleven members of J’amatul Izalatul Bidia Wa Ikamati
Sunnah (JIBWIS) from Kebbi lost their lives in an auto crash in Suleja, Niger, on Sunday.
The accident occurred when the victims were returning to Kebbi after attending an education appeal fund programme in Abuja.
The unit commander of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Edwin Nwokike,in Suleja, told newsmen that the incident involved a Toyota Hiace bus conveying members of JIBWIS from Abuja to Suru in Kebbi and a Volkswagen Gulf car coming from Minna and going to Suleja.
The unit commander said that the driver of the Gulf car was alone and died on the spot; nine passengers in the Toyota bus also died on the spot, and one other died in the hospital, while nine sustained injuries.
Ogun
The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo
Olopade, last Monday in Abeokuta charged Magistrates in the state to be proactive and firm while shunning corruption in the discharge of their duties.
She advised the magistrates to carry out researches so as to be in tune with the latest trends in the legal profession, stating that the magistracy was an important and vital part of the judiciary because of its closeness to the grassroots.
She regretted that magistrate courts were becoming “a grave source of embarrassment and a sign of failure of the criminal justice system,’’ attributing delays in trials to the poor attitude of some magistrates to work.
Ondo
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has urged
chiefs and people of Akure kingdom to support and cooperate with the new regent of the land, Princess Adetutu Adesida.
Mimiko said during a homage to the regent last Monday in Akure that the supports would bring more peace and development in the kingdom.
He said that the reign of the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida, although very short, brought an “unprecedented development” to the land in the areas of sustainable peace and infrastructure development.
The governor said that the late monarch enjoyed tremendous support from his subjects and stressed that he was able to record more successes because of his tenacity of purpose and zeal to develop Akure and make it a befitting state capital.
Plateau
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission
(PLASIEC) has cleared 574 persons to contest chairmanship and counsellorship positions in the January 30 local government elections.
The commission’s chairman, Peter Dalyop, said in Jos that 39 persons did not scale through the screening exercise.
Some of the chairmanship candidates who were not cleared include Mrs Rose Yakubu Chollom, the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) candidate for Barkin-Ladi Local Government and her Vice, Dung Stephen.
Zamfara
The Emir of Kaura-Namoda, Zamfara State, Alhaji Ahmad
Asha, has warned village and district heads in the emirate against all forms of corrupt practices.
The emir who gave the warning when he addressed the traditional rulers in Kaura-Namoda said it was only by shunning corruption that they would earn the respect of their subjects.
He particularly warned them against tampering with the financial assistance given to the less privileged known as Zakkat by the state government and disclosed that the emirate would inaugurate a monitoring committee to ensure that the funds were not tampered with.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen and Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, during his visit to the Minister yestersday. 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