Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, said all critical bills pending before the Senate would be given urgent consideration before the end of the current legislative year.
Enang told newsmen in Abuja that the critical bills to be given priority attention included the Petroleum Industry Bill, the Constitution Amendment and the Electoral Act.
He said that the leadership of the senate had concluded arrangements to ensure that the bills were considered within the limited time available and assured that the committee working on the PIB would submit its report on resumption on Tuesday.
Enang said following the release of the election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the senate would give quick consideration to all aspects of the Electoral Act at least six months before the polls.
Gombe
The Gombe State Government said it spent over N70 billion on
road construction and other infrastructure across the state in the last three years.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Shehu Hadi-Ahmed, who made the disclosure in an interview in Gombe State said it spent N40 billion on completed projects, while N30 billion was earmarked for ongoing projects in 11 local government areas.
He said that the ministry under Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo-led administration, embarked on massive provision of roads in the last three years.
The commissioner said that 51 roads within Gombe metropolis, inter-local government roads and roads inside local government headquarters out of 55 ongoing roads had been completed.
Jigawa
Birnirwa Local Government Council of Jigawa State has said
that said it would raise 30,000 tree seedlings to enhance desertification campaign in the area.
The council’s Chairman, Malam Mahmud Bundai, disclosed this to newsmen in Birniwa, Jigawa.
Bundai said the council had approved N400,000 for the implementation of the project at its plant nursery.
He said that various tree species, including economic and drought-resistant seedlings, would be raised under the programme adding that the seedlings would be distributed free to the people during this year’s upcoming tree planting campaign.
The chiarman urged the communities to plant trees and desist from indiscriminate feeling of trees and bush burning.
The council, in collaboration with the state government, had established woodlots and planted trees on major roads and other strategic locations to control desert encroachment in the area.
Kaduna
The Katsina State House of Assembly has urged the state
government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials for the 350 people affected by windstorm last week in two local government areas.
This is contained in a report of the Committee on Environment and Emergency Relief, directed by the house to assess the damage caused by the storm in Bakori and Musawa local government areas.
Presenting the report last Monday before the House, the Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Babangida Muhammad, said the disaster rendered 196 people homeless in Bakori council and 154 others in Musawa.
Kano
Red cap hawkers in Kano made brisk business during
the state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Red cap in Kano State is the symbol of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s movement, known as “Kwankwasiyya movement’’ which refers to accountability and good governance.
Most of the hawkers, who trooped to the Sani Abacha Stadium at Kofar Mata in Kano metropolis, venue of the event, were able to make huge sales due to high demand of the commodity from the delegates.
One of the hawkers, Malam Musa Bala, said that he made more that N45, 000 from the sales of the caps during the event.
Another hawker, Alhasan Lawan, who claimed to have come to the venue around 2:30 p.m, said he sold no fewer than 50 caps, and at exorbitant prices.
“At normal price, each cap costs between N300 and N500 depending on the quality but here, I sold them at between N400 and N600 each,’’ he said.
Kebbi
The Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Bala Mairiga, has
ordered the unconditional released of three awaiting trial inmates and 16 convicts.
Mairiga, who was on a visit to the Birnin Kebbi old and medium prison, also ordered that four awaiting trial inmates be admitted at the Psychiatric Hospital for treatment.
He said the release of the inmates was in line with Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2007.
The 16 released convicts were under-aged and were convicted for theft and miscellaneous offences.
Mairiga ordered the transfer of some criminal cases from Birnin Kebbi to Zuru and Yauri Divisions for quick dispensation of justice.
Kogi
Timber contractors and saw millers in Kogi State last Tuesday
said they had embarked on regeneration programme for massive tree planting as part of measures to address forest decline.
Kogi East Zonal Chairman of the Timber Contractors Association, Ali Ebiloma, disclosed in Idah, that the resolution was to fulfill part of the conditions given by the state government to lift the ban on logging in the state.
Ebiloma said that Governor Idris Wada had directed that for each tree felled, 10 new plant seedlings must be planted as replacements in line with the state afforestation programme.
He said that the seedlings would be purchased with resources from the Forestry Trust Fund as the annual contributions by the contractors and lodged with the state Board of Internal Revenue Account.
Lagos
The British Council in Nigeria said that plans had been con
cluded to train Nigerians in fashion business to make them compete on the world stage.
A statement issued by the council’s Communication Manager, Mr Desmond Omovie, in Lagos indicates that the programme is designed to expand skills in styling in the business of fashion among interested Nigerian designers.
It said that interested Nigerians must ensure that they meet up with laid down requirements not later than May 2.
The statement also said that the IstitutoMarangoni in London would be collaborating with British Council Nigeria and Style House Files, producers of Lagos Fashion and Design Week to organise the training for the designers.
Ogun
An Ake Customary Court in Abeokuta recently dissolved
the 15-year-old marriage between Mr Akeem Taiwo and the wife, Adijatu, over maltreatment.
The dissolution followed a suit filed by Adijatu against Akeem, alleging maltreatment, lack of care, frequent fighting and threat to life.
She told the court that she could no longer move on with the marriage which produced two children, aged 12 and 10 years.
Akeem, without mentioning a word, agreed that the marriage be dissolved.
The president of the court, Mr Olalekan Akande, dissolved the marriage, saying all efforts made by the court to reconcile the couple failed.
Oyo
The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Mrs Badejoko Adeniji, released
11 inmates of Agodi Prison in Ibadan. The released inmates comprised six male and five female.
She told newsmen that prison decongestion was a major duty of the judiciary which could not be ignored.
“Although the number released may look small when compared with the total number of inmates listed for consideration, yet we have done our best. We hope to be back in about three weeks time to continue where we stopped today,” she said.
She had earlier warned those released to desist from acts capable of bringing them back to prison. “You have learnt your lessons and if you should return here for any reason, there would be no pardon,” she said.
One of the freed inmates, Sulaimon Akintayo, said he was grateful to the Chief Judge and her team.
“I was wrongly accused of stealing and sincerely, I will never wish my enemy to visit the prison,” he said.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State said all members of the
State Executive Council were expected to be computer literate to speed up governance by minimising delays.
Jang, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Francis Bot, stated this at the beginning of Comprehensive Computer Literacy training for members of the state executive council in Jos.
Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof. Comfort Piwuna, whose ministry is coordinating the training, commended Jang for investing heavily on ICT and e-governance.
Piwuna noted that e-governance was a global phenomenon as many countries had embraced it for its numerous and obvious advantages.
Sokoto
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) last Mon
day in Sokoto started the 2014 nationwide audit of prisons and other detention facilities.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, started the exercise at the Sokoto prison.
According to Angwe, the commission has since 1999, carried out periodic audits of prisons and other detention facilities across the country and made recommendations.
The Sokoto State Controller of Prison, Hajiya Hauwa Shettima, commended the commission for embarking on the exercise.
Taraba
The Taraba State Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, has
enjoined the people of Wukari Local Government Area to eschew violence and embrace peace to foster development in the state.
At the presentation of relief materials to victims of the recent crisis in Wukari, Taraba, the acting governor called on the internally displaced persons across the troubled areas of the state to tolerate one another for a peaceful society.
Umar, who was represented by Mr Douglas Dogara, Head of Administration, Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the eight trucks of food items presented were donated to the state by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The Desk Officer of Wukari Local Government, Mr Gideon Utika, received the items for onward distribution to the victims.
The gesture was also extended to other victims of the crisis in Ibbi, Kente, Danacha and Sabon Gari areas of the state.
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (left), condoling with Vice President Namadi Sambo (middle) over the death of his brother, Capt. Yusuf Sambo, in Abuja, recently. With them is Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State.
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