Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
has told district and ward heads in Adamawa State to expose drug barons and traffickers in their domain.
Alhaji Hassan Zungeru, the state NDLEA Commander, made the call in Yola at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised for local government employees, and district and ward heads.
The workshop was organised by the agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Zungeru said fighting illicit drugs would not be successful without the support of traditional rulers, adding: “those perpetrating this illicit activity live in the communities under your control’’.
Benue
The police in Makurdi last Thursday arraigned a house
wife, Jessica Terhemen, at a Magistrates’ Court on charges of criminal conspiracy and abduction.
The prosecutor, Insp. Austin Orbam, told the court that the offences were reported at the ‘B’ Division Police Station, Makurdi, on March 23 by one Mr Emmanuel Udugh, of Behind Old Assembly Quarters, Makurdi.
Udugh said the accused, also of the same address, conspired with two others now at large to commit the act.
He said the accused abducted the complainant’s sister-in-law, Miss Nguhe Haazande, and took her to an unknown destination.
FCT
The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)
recently prayed an FCT High Court for more time to study the case file of Pastor Emmanuel Mathew charged with defilement.
The police prosecutor, DSP Stanley Nwodo, had told the court that Matthew defiled three minors (two aged seven and the other nine years old), all pupils of school operated by him.
Nwodo said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 283 of the Penal Code.
Mathew, 51, who is the General Overseer of Choice Bible Church, Mpape, is arraigned on a five-count charge.
Jigawa
Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN),
an NGO, has distributed learning materials and uniforms worth three million naira to nomadic schools in Jigawa.
The Executive Secretaty, Alhaji Ali Manu, Jigawa State Agency for Nomadic Education stated this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Manu said that the items were distributed to 50 nomadic schools across the 27 local government areas of the state.
He explained that the gesture was to encourage nomadic children in the state to go to school, adding that the gesture would enhance enrollment and retention of pupils in nomadic schools.
Kano
The Kano State Government has approved N127 million
for accommodation in Saudi Arabia for 2014 Hajj, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Umar Faruk, announced.
Faruk made the disclosure at a news conference while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Kano. He said the council had also approved N30 million for training and provision of logistics for the forthcoming local government election in the state.
The commissioner added that the council had approved N54 million for the procurement of a bus for Kano Pillars Football Club.
Kaduna
Some traders along Kashim Ibrahim road, Kaduna, have
appealed to the Kaduna State Government to stop their eviction by the state police command.
Our correspondent reports that Kashim Ibrahim road is one of the busy areas with hawkers selling various items, like fruits, food stuff, shoes and other household items.
The Vice Chairman of the traders operating in the area, Alhaji Sada Ibrahim urged the government to look into the matter and allow them to resume trading in the area to earn a living.
“We are not staying in this place illegally; we work as a group and we do not allow any illegal activities, he said.”
Katsina
Katsina State Government has commenced the dis
tribution of working tools to forest attendants deployed to schools as part of efforts to fight desert encroachment.
Malam Hassan Ibrahim, the Funtua Zonal Forestry Officer, presented the materials, including tree seedlings and facecaps to some of the attendants at Government Secondary School, Dikke in Funtua.
He said the gesture would also encourage students to take interest in environmental protection.
Ibrahim said the participation of students was paramount in addressing the challenges posed by desert encroachment in parts of the state.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Primary Health Care Development
Agency (KBSPHCDA) has embarked on re-vaccination against meningitis and measles to curtail the spread of the diseases in the State.
The Executive Director of the agency, Dr Abubakar Koko, made this known in Birnin Kebbi, recntly.
Our correspondent reports that meningitis and measles outbreak in 10 local government areas of Kebbi, had resulted in the death of no fewer than 56 people in the past three weeks.
The information released by the Director of Public Health, Alhaji San Argungu, indicated that 301 cases of meningitis were recorded in Aliero, Gwandu, Birnin Kebbi, Jega, Augie, Arewa, Argungu, Danko-Wasagu, Fakai and Bunza local government areas.
Lagos
More than 100 electricity consumers from Amuwo-
Odofin Local Government in Lagos, have protested at the premises of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), demanding prepaid meters for their area.
President, Amuwo Odofin Landlords Association, New Town, Chief Ade-Owas Owabumuwa, who led the group, said that the prepaid meter was the only way out of the outrageous bills being distributed to them by IKEDC.
Owabumuwa said that the analogue meters were not pocket-friendly and did not give them value for their money on power supply to individual households in the area.
He also described as disappointing the inability of IKEDC to address their complaints after an earlier protest in December 2013.
Nasarawa
The governments of Benue and Nasarawa states have
resolved to adopt air surveillance strategy to curb the incessant attacks along their boundary communities.
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State announced the measure when he visited Giza town, in the Keana Local Government Area of the state, which was attacked by unknown gunmen recently.
Al-Makura described the mayhem in the border communities as alarming, adding that the perpetrators were criminals who took advantage of the long boundary stretch between the two states to perpetrate their criminal activities.
He said that the two state governments were working hard to address the situation, and promised to ensure that lasting peace returned to the communities.
Ondo
A 20-year-old apprentice, Shina Ikare, was last Thurs
day remanded by an Akure Magistrates’ Court over alleged attempt to kidnap a teenager.
The Prosecutor, Mr Pelumi Adejuwon, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 14, at about 12p.m at Owalusi quarters, Iwaro-Oka in Akure, Ondo State.
“He attempted to kidnap one Faith Adeniyi, female, aged six years, by taking her to Osuru garden via Oka against her wish with the intention of collecting ransome from her parents before releasing her,” he said.
He explained that the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 4 of Ondo State Anti- Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law of 2010.
Osun
An Osogbo High Court has discharged and acquitted
two members of the House of Assembly who have been standing trial for alleged complicity in the 2007 post-election violence.
The two accused, Timothy Owoeye and Fafowora Folarin, have been standing trial on a 13 count- charge of conspiracy, attempted murder, arson, malicious damage and disorderly conduct, among others.
According to the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Afolabi, who is also the prosecution counsel, the offence is contrary to the Criminal Code cap. 34 Laws of Osun State, 2002.
It will be recalled that the accused were arrested and arraigned over the crisis that erupted after the announcement of the April 15, 2007 gubernatorial election in the state.
The accused were alleged to have been the brain behind destruction of properties and houses in some parts of the state.
L-R: Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr Segun Aina and Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Rasheed, at the inauguration of North-East Zonal Office of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Gombe, last Friday.
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