Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed that a
policeman and three civilians lost their lives during Saturday night attack in Fotta village of Gombi Local Government .
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Ibrahim, in Yola.
It said contrary to media reports that seven policemen were killed, it was four people that lost their lives including a policeman..
“ The fact of the issue is that, unknown gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons attacked Fotta village in Gombi local government.
“As a result, three civilian and one policeman were killed the statement said.
It added that the policeman, a Corporal, was attached to Delta Police command and was on a visit to Fotta, to see his family.
Ekiti
Ahead of the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti,
the police have warned political thugs to leave the state or risk imprisonment.
The new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Felix Nyanna,gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti at a stakeholders’ meeting.
Nyanna, who said that the command was battle ready to combat any act of violence, added that the warning was also directed at sponsors of thugs.
The police boss said leaders of political parties in the state might soon be compelled to sign an undertaking not to promote violence or thuggery.
FCT
The Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, has directed
the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr David Parradang, to work out modalities for resuscitating the air border patrol unit of the service.
Moro gave the directive when Mr Mark Snoxell, the Managing Director, Dornier Aviation Nigeria (DANA) Ltd, visited him in Abuja. He said the resuscitation of the unit was necessary in order to intensify efforts being made by the service to patrol the country’s borders to address the current security challenges.
“We have taken steps to resuscitate our border patrol by setting up a committee to examine our preparations for air border patrol against the existence and operations of our aircraft patrol units.
Gombe
No fewer than 62,125 domestic animals had
been vaccinated against rabies, contagious bovine pleura pneumonia and rinderpest in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. Head of Department of Agriculture in the council, Alhaji Sale Ababi, made this known to newsmen in Kumo, headquarters of Akko recently.
Ababi said 320 dogs were vaccinated against rabies; 29,300 cattle against contagious bovine pleura pneumonia and 32,555 sheep and goats against rinderpest.
He also said the three emirates in the local government namely Akko, Gwana and Pindiga were covered during the exercise.
Jigawa
The Malammadori Local Government Council, Jigawa
State, said it had earmarked N500,000 for the procurement of environmental sanitation kits to enhance sanitation services in the area.
The Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Lawan Abdu, said this at the inauguration of waste clearing and sanitation exercise in Malammadori.
Abdu, represented by the Director, Social Welfare in the council, Yusuf Isma’il, said the clearing tools would be distributed to community and organisations to mobilise participation in the sanitation exercise.
He said the council had introduced routine environmental exercise to clear waste and improve the sanitary condition of the town.
Kadana
Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, has called on the
federal government to resuscitate the Nigerian Inter-religious Council (NIREC) to promote inter-faith harmony and unity in the country.
The Emir made the call when he led a team of traditional rulers from the North-West Zone to receive President Goodluck Jonathan at the Hassan Katsina House in Kaduna.
Our correspondent reports that the President was in Kaduna for the PDP North West Zone unity rally.
The Emir noted that the unity of the country could best be promoted if more attention was given to the security of lives and property, of which NIREC could play significant roles.
Kwara
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Mr
Ambrose Aisebo, has warned politicians against political campaign, saying the ban was still in force in the state.
Aisabor gave the warning at a meeting he held with leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilorin.
He reminded them that Section 10 of the Electoral Act of 2010 provides that political campaign should commence three months to election, adding that campaign could not commence until November 16.
“You can hold your meetings, rallies and processions, but you cannot campaign for now,” he added, and stressed that political campaign was not the same thing as political rally, meeting or procession.
Kano
The Kano State Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation
Agency said it had evacuated about 235 lunatics from the streets in 14 local government areas in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ali Bashir, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kano recently.
He said 49 of them were females, while the 186 were males.
Bashir said the exercise was necessary in order to ensure that lunatics were not allowed to roam the streets.
Ondo
The Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education
Board (SUBEB), Mr Ade Adeniyi, has commended the various contractors and developers handling various primary school projects in the state.
Adeniyi made the commendation at Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the state after an inspection visit to some school building projects in Ondo North District of the state. “My assessment is that we are making progress because we have some very good developments,’’ he remarked.
Adeniyi said that the contractors and developers were on their toes to deliver the mega schools, “because we have made it clear to them that we will not take excuses anymore.’’
Oyo
The Federal Government has been urged to ensure the
promulgation of a legislation on Cancer Control Plan (CCP) for the country.
The call was made in Ibadan Director, Ibadan Cancer Registry, by Prof. Femi Ogunbiyi, in an interview with newsmen. Ogunbiyi, who is also the Vice President, African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, said if CCP was passed into law, it would ensure compulsory registration of all cancer cases in the country.
He said that CCP was a document developed by the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, for African countries.
Ogun
The Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Associa
tion of Nigeria (FIBAN), has sought for appropriate legislation to regulate unguarded messages on the nation’s airwaves.
FIBAN’s National President, Mr Yemi Sonde, stated this in Abeokuta during a visit to the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Sonde described as unfortunate the proliferation of non-professionals in the broadcast industry, saying this had adversely affected the society through unguarded messages. The FIBAN boss explained that the legislation would go a long way in controlling and sanitizing the broadcast industry.
Plateau
The Plateau Commissioner for Works, Mr Chris Hassan,
last Tuesday said N800 million would be paid as compensation to residents whose property were affected by ongoing roads projects in the state.
Hassan made this known in Jos, while speaking with journalists after inspecting some of the projects across the state. The commissioner noted that non payment of the compensation had slowed down the pace of work in some areas, and assured those affected that the payment would commence “in a few days”.
Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal (left), discussing with the president general, Unity Schools Old Students Association (usosa), Mr Kabiru Koko, during the visit of the members to the Speaker in Abuja, yesterday. With them is Rep. Stella Ngwu. 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