Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State said
that 33 aspirants had indicated interest to contest the governorship election on the platform of the party in 2015.
The Benue State Chairman of PDP, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, told newsmen in Makurdi that the party’s primaries must be free and fair.
Agbo said that all members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party had resolved to ensure that all candidates were given equal opportunities.
“33 aspirants have so far indicated their interest to contest the party’s governorship ticket in the forthcoming election.
Ekiti
No fewer than 21 political parties will participate in the
Ekiti State governorship election coming up on June 21.
The Ekiti State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission,(INEC) announced this in a statement in Ado-Ekiti recently.
Speaking to newsmen on the list, the spokesman of the Commission in the state Taiwo Gbadegesin said the list might not be final as some more might still show interest while some that had already indicated interest might choose to opt out.
He said INEC would not give special preference to any of the political parties, saying a level playing ground would be accorded all of them in every of its activities and actions.
FCT
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administra
tion and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the public against indiscriminate consumption of energy drink for health reasons.
The Director, Pharmacovigilance and Post Market Surveillance Directorate of the agency, Mrs Adeline Osakwe, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to her, energy drinks are supplements that contained high caffeine and carbohydrate which are made to make a person hyper active.
“The effect of the caffeine in energy drink makes people to get high, to be stimulated and of course, it makes the person’s heart to beat faster”, he said.
“It can have adverse effects, especially when the person over uses them and it accumulates in the system. The caffeine in it can lead to increase in blood pressure.
Jigawa
The National Agency for Food And Drug Administra
tion and Control (NAFDAC) has threatened to close down any packaged water factory that failed to comply with water quality standard.
The state Director of the agency in Jigawa State, Mr Olaniran Olakunle, gave the warning at a meeting with members of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) in Dutse.
Olakunle said that NAFDAC would not spare any manufacturer of packaged water who produced unclean water.
”The penalty for not complying is closure of the factory and withdrawal of NAFDAC licence,” he said.
He explained that the agency had introduced Annual Monitoring of Water Quality Standard and Compliance for all water manufacturing facilities across the country.
Kaduna
No fewer than 50 journalists with different eye diseases
have benefited from free eye screening in Kaduna State.
The free eye screening was organised by the Kaduna state chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) recently.
The screening was to assist journalists overcome challenges associated with sight to enable them discharge their duties more effectively.
Mrs Juliana Oyoyo, the state chairperson of NAWOJ, said the free screening was to help journalists who used computers daily in the course of their work to correct whatever challenges they might have with their eyes.
Kebbi
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office
in Kebbi State says it has executed 152 projects in 21 local government areas in the state.
The Consultant of the projects, Dr Balarabe Isah, made this known to newsmen in Aleiro Local Government Area when he inspected the projects.
He said that 122 projects were newly constructed while 30 were rehabilitated.
“The projects comprised solar-powered boreholes for water supply to rural communities and construction of staff quarters for staff at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centres.”
Isah said that the projects were 100 per cent completed, especially, water supply projects, adding that 90 per cent completion was recorded in the provision of staff quarters that had yet to be furnished.
Kwara
The Landmark University, Omu-Aran in Kwara State
is to partner with the British Council for educational development, Mrs Ngozi Osueke, the institution’s Corporate Affairs Officer, has said.
Osueke told newsmen in Omu-Aran that discussions on modalities and platform for the partnership was almost concluded.
According to her, the partnership became necessary for the institution to expand the scope of its academics and more importantly its agrarian revolution initiative.
“The university, in order to expand its major focus on its agrarian revolution, is currently working out the modalities for an all encompassing partnership with the British Council.
Lagos
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS)
said it sealed 15 companies in the last two weeks for failing to remit N34.7 million personal income taxes of their workers.
The Head, Distrain Unit, of LIRS, Mrs Folasade Coker-Afolayan, said this last Sunday in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
She said that the tax liabilities were for period ranging from one year to three years.
Coker-Afolayan reiterated that tax payment was a civic responsibility of citizens whose proceeds were being used by government to provide the infrastructure.
“Tax is a major source of government revenue. It enables government to provide infrastructure and improve citizens’ standard of living,” she said.
Ondo
The police have arraigned a 52-year-old man, Osagbeue
Chuks, in an Akure Magistrates’ Court for impersonation, unlawful possession and theft of books from Ondo State High Court library.
The prosecutor, Insp. Martins Olowofeso, alleged that the accused stole the books on March 12 from the library in Akure.
“The accused stole 12 copies of different volumes of the Nigeria Supreme Court case books valued N400,000, property of Ondo State High Court of Justice.
He said that the accused impersonated a lawyer in order to gain access to the library.
Ogun
Ogun State Government has begun the distribution of
Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to residents across the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, said that community members had been given net cards during a nine-day household mobilisation held between February 21 and March 1.
He said that the collection of nets would be between March 15 and 19 at respective distribution points across the 20 Local Councils Areas of the state.
Our correspondent reports from some distribution points that residents thronged the venues in large number queuing to collect the nets.
Oyo
The Group Managing Director, Odu’a Investment Com
pany Ltd., Mr Adebayo Jimoh, has called for the adoption of “we-can-do-it” mind-set of the Koreans as a means of developing the nation’s human capital.
Jimoh made the call, while delivering the Distinguished Alumnus Lecture organised by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Ibadan.
Our correspondent reports that the lecture was entitled: “Challenges of Human Capital Development”.
He said that in addition to educating the people, the promotion of an entrepreneurship culture would assist the nation in becoming a technological base driven nation.
Plateau
President Goodluck Jonathan has commended Governor
Jonah Jang, for his strides in transforming Plateau.
Jonathan, represented by Vice President Nnamdi Sambo, gave the commendation in a thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of Jang in Du, Jos South Local Government Area recently.
He said that the achievements of Jang had impacted positively on the lives of the people of Plateau.
“Jang has transformed the state through various projects in the health, agricultural, education and in the construction of roads, and in the construction of the very first flyover in the state”, he said.
Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Lawalli Zayyana, speaking at the opening of a conference organized by the Faculty of Science, Sokoto State University, in Sokoto, last Monday.
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