Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Borno State Government said it would construct 250
houses for 800 residents of Bulabulin Ngarnam in Maiduguri who were displaced by the Boko Haram crisis.
Governor Kashim Shettima made the disclosure while inspecting the site for the construction of the houses near the Maiduguri Flour Mills.
Shettima said the gesture was aimed at providing shelter to the victims who had lost their property to the crisis and directed the committee handling the project to commence work on the site next week for early completion.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali, commended the governor for approving the construction of the houses and expressed willingness to commence work as soon as possible.
FCT
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala
Mohammed, has condemned media reports on a purported foreign trip by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, for medical treatment
Mohammed, who spoke in Abuja, when the first lady paid him a condolence visit over the death of his brother, Malam Yusuf Mohammed, described the report as malicious.
“We want to dispute media reports that you are sick and rushed abroad, but here you are resplendent and beautiful. “We wish to tell the ‘Judases’ that they are not God and that anybody can fall sick,’’ he said.
He said that Mrs Jonathan’s support to her husband, the nation and vulnerable women was important, noting that she had a “positive impact on our lives’’.
Mohammed said that his late brother was a technocrat who lived a life worthy of emulation.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Agency said it was
collaborating with UNICEF to revive 1,700 health committees at ward level to effectively fight poliomyelitis.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Sufyan Babale, stated this at a one-day Sensitisation and training Workshop for traditional leaders’’ on their roles in polio eradication held in Sabongari, Zaria.
The programme was organised by the agency in collaboration with UNICEF “C” Field Office, Kaduna.
Babale said the revival of the committees became imperative in view of their importance toward the eradication of the disease.
In a speech, Mr Ufuwai Bonet, Chairman, Kaduna State Task Force on Polio Immunisation, tasked village and ward heads to attend review meetings regularly to enhance the fight to end the disease by the end of the year.
Kano
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP), Alhaji Adamu Muazu, has commended traditional rulers in the country for promoting peaceful coexistence in the country.
He made the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero in his palace in Kano.
He expressed appreciation to the Emirate Council for organising prayer sessions for peace and stability in the country.
He told the emir that he came to introduce himself as the national chairman of the PDP and seek the blessings of the emir in the task ahead.
Katsina
Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State says it
immunised 127,263 children against poliomyelitis and other child killer diseases in January.
The Primary Healthcare Coordinator in the area, Alhaji Abdu Isa-Yankara, said this in Funtua while distributing treated mosquito nets and other consumables to hospitals under the Roll Back Malaria Programme.
He said 137,460 doses of oral polio vaccines were received for the exercise, while 125,354 children were immunised against the child killer diseases.
Kebbi
The Assistant Inspector-General(AIG) in charge of Zone10,
Amman Sule, has assured political parties that the zonal command would remain neutral in the 2015 general elections.
The Zone 10 of the Nigeria Police Force comprises Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states with headquarters in Sokoto.
The AIG gave the assurance in Birnin Kebbi, during an interactive session with officials of political parties in the state.
He said the police would be strict in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities of keeping law and order and not engaging in partisan politics.
Kwara
The Alamayo of Amayo in Kwara State, Oba Jamiu
Oyewole, has called for closer collaboration between religious and community heads to promote lasting peace in the country.
Oyewole who made the call in an interview at his palace in Ifelodun Local Government of the state said the collaboration would help to sustain government’s effort at ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people and also engender development.
He commended the Federal Government for the provision of social amenities across the state and appealed to the people to protect government installations cited in their areas.
The monarch said the process of ensuring peace and security was not for government alone, adding that it was a collective responsibility of citizens to ensure peace and stability in their localities.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has assured youths
in the state of his administration’s support towards re-orientation of youths and positive engagement.
Wada made the pledge while inaugurating some tricycles purchased by Mopamuro Local Government and subsidised by 25 per cent.
Wada, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, said the state government was working on a lasting solution to enable the various councils in the state overcome their financial challenges and meet their obligations.
A statement issued by the press secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Michael Abu, said that Wada also commended the council for the youth empowerment initiative.
He commended the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government, Mr Funsho Daniyan, for prudent management of resources.
Lagos
Some Nigerians have commended the plan to restructure
the Nigeria Police by deploying Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to zonal headquarters to strengthen policing.
The DIGs, to be replaced by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police at the Force Headquarters, will be empowered to deploy, discipline and promote officers and men in their zonal commands. The restructuring is to be done by the Police Service Commission.
In an interview in Lagos, some Nigerians said that the restructuring would enhance the performance of the police.
A security expert and the Chief Promoter, Chief Detective Magazine, Mr Dipo Kehinde, commended the plan to empower DIGs and some other senior officers to promote hardworking men under them. Oyo
Oyo
Some aggrieved members of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Oyo State are set to defect to the Labour Party, a letter made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan has revealed.
The letter, which was signed by Labour Party’s National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, stated that its National Working Committee had accepted the defecting APC members.
It said the new members would soon be inaugurated by the national leadership of the Party.
According to the letter, the faction of the APC set to defect to LP were mainly young politicians in the age bracket of between 40 and 50 years.
It said the defectors included some immediate past board chairmen in Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration and aggrieved loyalists of the late leader of APC and former governor of the state, Alhaji Lam Adesina.
Plateau
Two suspected cattle thieves have been allegedly killed
by a vigilante group in Kombili village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau recently.
Their corpses were brought to Mangu Divisional Police Station by officers and men of the force.
Our correspondent reports that the suspects, together with others, were alleged to have invaded the village to rustle cattle but met stiff resistance from the vigilante of the village.
A witness said that the rustlers came to the village around 2.00 a.m. and succeeded in moving the cows from the house of a respected resident.
The witness said the suspects were moving away with the cows when members of the vigilante accosted them.
Sokoto
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in
Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Kantoma, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the release of N250 million to the victims of a recent fire that gutted the Kara market, Sokoto.
Kantoma, who is also the Secretary of the Special Committee set up for the disbursement of the money, made the commendation in a statement in Sokoto.
The market was razed by fire on February 5 and property worth millions of naira were lost. There was however no loss of life or injury during the incident.
Jonathan announced the donation on February 8 at a reception in Sokoto to welcome former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa to the PDP. Kantoma said the president had since redeemed the pledge.
L-R: Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, former Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) National Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Muhammed and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, at the inauguration of new leadership of ACF in Kaduna, yesterday.
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