Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The PDP flag bearer for the June 21 Ekiti State guberna
torial election, Mr Ayo Fayose last Tuesday said the name of his running mate earlier submitted to INEC has been substituted.
The Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, Mr Dipo Anisulowo, who spoke on behalf of Fayose, said that the name Dr Olubunmi Olusola, who is in his 50s, was forwarded to INEC as a replacement for Ojo.
“The name of Pa Joshua Ojo, earlier submitted to the electoral body was done to beat the April 28 deadline earlier set by INEC. The actual name of our deputy was kept close to our chest as a political strategy since INEC timetable for the poll allowed for substitution of candidate or their deputies.
“The choice of Olusola was arrived at in order to give the people of the Southern part of the State a sense of belonging in the political calculation, “he said.
FCT
An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court in Life Camp has
sentenced 14 hawkers to two weeks in prison each for disobeying police order.
They are Ifeanyi Kingsley, Godwin Suswan, Stephen Monday, Davidson Uche, Samuel Elah, Ameobi Kalu and Collins Ogheleye.
The others are Chinwechi Chukwu, Asohera Uzoma, Thomas Bonfert, Joshua Arifuzo, Chibike Odenigbo, Usman Mohammed and Hamisu Mohammed.
Senior Magistrate Zubairu Mohammed convicted the accused, all of no fixed address, after they pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of joint act and disobeying order.
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has presented relief ma
terials worth N44 million to 2, 261 households affected by the April 17 windstorm disaster in the state.
Presenting the items to the victims, Dr. Arab Rukuje, Executive Secretary, Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, said that the gesture followed census of the victims in four local government areas affected by the disaster in the state.
Rukeje listed Akko, Billiri, Gombe and Kaltungo local governments as areas affected by the disaster.
“About 2, 261 household were reported to have been affected and the state government approved the provision of relief materials to those that are affected. These materials are to cushion their losses, which is why it is called relief materials, and we are doing it across board, so it is not compensation,” he said.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB), on Tuesday said it had rehabilitated over 40 primary and junior secondary schools in Hadejia Local Government Area.
The Education Secretary in the council, Alhaji Lawan Abubakar, said in an interview in Hadejia that three schools were also established to boost access to education in rural communities.
Abubakar said also that the board had in addition embarked on total rehabilitation of primary schools in Dubantu, Agumau, Garko and Maje, to provide conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in the area.
Kaduna
The Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative (GAADI),
a Kaduna-based NGO, on Tuesday called for the reduction in the cost of governance to make public office less attractive.
The Head, Strategy and Coordination, Mr Atoye Ariyo-Dare, said in an interview in Kaduna, that Nigeria could address the problem of scarce resources by adopting the principle of fiscal federalism where every zone or state would develop its potentials and merely contribute something to the centre.
According to him every state in Nigeria has abundant mineral and human resources, which with good restructuring, would sustain it.
“Nigeria is yet to tap 50 per cent of the opportunities available to it. The world is currently moving towards a knowledge based economy, so what each state or zone needs to do is to expand the frontiers of opportunities for research and developments so that, ideas and innovations can drive the economy”, he said.
Katsina
More than 100, 000 registered commercial motorcycle
operators will be thrown out of job if the Kaduna State Government bans the use of commercial motorcycles, an official of the “Okada” riders, has said.
The state Chairman of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) Alhaji Garba Rabiu, made the claim in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Rabiu, who was reacting to the passage of the executive bill on the ban of “Okada” operation in parts of the state by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, said the decision would have negative economic consequences last many families.
Kebbi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi State,
has cautioned the state government against poor implementation of the newly introduced compulsory pension scheme for workers.
Malam Sadiq Ka’oje, the state NLC Chairman, in an interview in Birnin Kebbi, Tuesday, noted with concern that since the introduction of the scheme, the State Pension Board had not met, and contributors were yet to be issued with PIN numbers or linked with their pension administrators.
According to him, the contributors also need to be fully enlightened on the scheme, to enable them know how much would be deducted from their monthly salaries to avoid suspicion of foul play.
Kogi
The INEC says it will commence distribution of perma
nent voter cards to the electorate in Kogi State on May 23.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, who announced this in Lokoja last Tuesday said that the distribution of the cards would take place in all the 5,248 polling units in the 21 local government councils in the state.
Agbaje said that only those who participated in the last registration cards would be issued the cards, saying that the decision to distribute the cards at polling units was to facilitate easy collection by voters.
Kwara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State
has described the state government’s announcement of N3, 000 salary increment for workers as a “booby trap”.
The PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief Rex Olawoye, said last Tuesday that the said salary increment amounted to a deceit on the part of the state government.
Olawoye added that the said N3, 000 increment was a political gimmick to hoodwink patriotic workers to vote All Progressive Congress (APC) government back to power in 2015.
He called on the state government to clear the air as to whether the N3, 000 increment was monthly or annually.
Niger
The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commiser
ated with former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, over the death of his father-in-law, Alhaji Halilu Chiroma.
A statement issued in Minna by the Forum’s Chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger signed by Gov. Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Danladi Ndayebo, described the incident as “painful’’.
It said Chiroma’s death came at a time when his parental support and guidance were most needed and urged Buhari to be consoled by the fact that “from God we are and unto Him we all shall return’’.
It prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the bereaved family, especially Gen. Buhari’s wife, Hajiya Aisha Halilu-Buhari, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Osun
Chairman of Osun State House of Assembly Commit
tee on Education, Science and Technology, Folorunso Bamisayemi, says the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.sc) is “unjust and unfair’’.
Bamisayemi said this in an interview that there was no evidence to show that degree holders were more superior to HND holders in terms of competence.
He said that the training of HND graduates was to complement the degree holders, adding that it was high time government removed the dichotomy and recognised both the B.sc and HND holders and treat them as equals.
Bamisayemi however commended the Federal Government for setting up a committee to resolve the issue surrounding the dichotomy, saying “it is a right step in the right direction’’.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Teachers Service Board is to train
3,223 teachers in modern teaching methodology as part of effort to deepen and strengthen the profession to enhance improved performance and teaching outcomes.
Jelani said that the training was aimed to ensure the provision of effective and sustainable primary and secondary education in the state.
“If teachers are given qualitative training from the grassroots level, the output of our schools will contribute to promote sustainable educational development. Training is a continuous process and not something that you will come and finish in one day; we have already compiled names of our teachers for training and we will group them according to their levels and areas of training need and very soon the training will commence,’’ he said.
Jelani said that teachers training programme was part of the state government’s commitment to promote both primary and secondary education in the state.
L-R: Representative of the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (nema), Mr Eugene Eze, Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sagir Saleh and Governor Isa Yuguda, at the presentation of relief materials by nema to Bauchi State Government in Bauchi, yesterday. 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