Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The District Head of Bakaro in Bauchi State, Alhaji Nura
Jumba, has commended an advocacy group, Journalists Against Polio (JAP), over their proactive initiatives which led to reduction of polio cases in the state.
Jumba, who made the commendation on Saturday in Bauchi said the activities of JAP in the state had in the last five years led to eradication of the scourge, especially in 2012, when it was declared free of polio.
He said, “I want to thank JAP for being very proactive in their contributions that ensured that the problem of polio eradication in Bauchi State was successful. “The district and village heads were all under the directive that we should do anything within our powers to see that this programme of eradicating polio in Bauchi State succeeds. The international donors brought in money to see that we eradicate polio not only in Bauchi State but in Nigeria as whole,” he said.
Borno
The Borno State Government said last Saturday, that it
would maintain its status of a polio-free state this year.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Salma Kolo, stated this at the launching of the Polio Immunisation Plus Day campaign in Maiduguri.
Kolo said that government would also strive to enhance the quality of life of women and children through its free Maternal and Child Health Care Services.
She also said that the state government had in the last two years laid a solid foundation for enhancing health care delivery. Speaking at the launch, Mrs Shettima advised women in the state to take advantage of the free health care services by visiting hospitals regularly.
Shettima, was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Inna Galadima.
FCT
The Deputy Senate President, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing electoral reform by the National Assembly would yield an improved electoral system.
A statement issued by Special Adviser (Media) to Ekweremadu, Mr Uche Anichukwu, said in Abuja on Wednesday that the assurance was given in his democracy day message to Nigerians.
Ekweremadu said the the ongoing reforms would soon be concluded to further consolidate the country’s democracy and prepare the nation adequately for the 2015 general election.
“Fifteen years of unbroken democratic rule is something to be proud of, especially for a country with our kind of history. “We also have every reason to be proud of what we were able to achieve in the 2011 general election following the widely applauded electoral reforms,” it said.
Gombe
Vice President Namadi Sambo and House of Representa
tives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, last Saturday, urged Muslims to live in peace with one another and adherents of other faith.
Sambo and Tambuwal, who made the call at the 28th Maulud (birthday) of the late Senegalese Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass, in Gombe, urged Muslims to continue to pray for peace, unity and development of the country in particular and the world in general.
He urged Muslims to emulate the good virtues of the late Islamic scholar as well as those of Prophet Mohammed.
Also, Tambuwal said peace was inevitable for the development of any society, adding that Muslims should pray for peace, unity and development of Nigeria.
Kano
Fage local government council of Kano State has
pledged to eradicate all child killer diseases in the area. The Interim Management Officer of the council, Alhaji Hayatu Musa, made the pledge last Saturday at the launching of the 2014 4th round of polio immunisation in the area.
Musa said that the council would not relent in its efforts at ensuring healthy children and mothers in the council area and commended traditional rulers in the area for their contribution to the polio eradication campaign.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has expressed its readi
ness to collaborate with the Federal Government to fight insurgency.
Governor Tanko Al-makura, who made this known at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai, in Lafia, on Saturday, said the collaboration became imperative because of the security challenges facing the state and some parts of the country.
According to him, the activities of insurgents have negatively affected our lives and the socio-economic development of the country.
“Peace is the panacea required for the development of any society. No society or nation can experience meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancor, violence and confusion. I want to assure the people of my administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional and religion leaders to fight insurgency in the country for the benefit of all,” Al-Makura said.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger last Saturday urged
Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), to prevail on past leaders of the country to help curb insurgency rocking the Northern region.
Aliyu, who is the Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), made the call at the maiden convocation of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger.
He expressed the hope that security challenges in the Northern states could be surmounted in the next three months and insisted that with concerted efforts from prominent Nigerians, the unbearable situation in the North would soon be a thing of the past.
The governor, who is also the visitor to the university, urged tertiary institutions in the country not to limit instructions of students to academics alone.
The Chairman of the university endowment fund, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, announced that the fund was yielding results.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly last Wednesday, ex
tended the tenure of 18 local government caretaker chairmen by six months.
The motion for the extension was moved at plenary by the Majority Leader in the Assembly, Mr Ifedayo Akinsoyinu. Akinsoyinu also represents Ondo West Constituency II in the Assembly.
The motion was seconded by Mr Banso Adeyinka, who represents Akoko North-West Constituency I.
Akinsoyinu said the motion for the extension followed the request from the governor for the extension of the tenure of interim caretaker chairmen in the state.
He said the extension of the tenure of the chairmen became imperative given its expiration on Wednesday.
Oyo
A former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof.
Taoheed Adedoja has suspended his 63rd birthday anniversary celebration because of the continued abduction of some school girls in Chibok, Borno.
In a statement, he issued in Ibadan on Saturday, the former minister said that he would focus on prayers for the release of the students.
“As I turn 63, it is very disturbing that some of the children from Chibok that we are supposed to be celebrating with are still being held captive by the Boko Haram group. “In view of the agony and pains being experienced by the girls’ parents, guardians and Nigerians in general, I have suspended the usual activities relating to my birthday.
Plateau
Women and children were worst hit by the twin explo
sions that rocked Terminus Market in Jos, on Tuesday afternoon, the wife of Plateau governor, Mrs Talatu Jang, has said.
Jang, in a statement issued by her Press Secretary, Akila Kasham, said she was deeply saddened by the incident noting that the incident took place at a time considerable progress had been made in the peace building process.
She described the incident as “a heartless, evil minded attack by agents of darkness,’’ saying their action was a clear demonstration of the height of man’s inhumanity to man.
Jang condoled with the families that had lost loved ones and wished the injured a quick recovery and also appealed to Plateau residents to cooperate with the authorities and law enforcement agents by providing any useful information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government said on Friday, that it raised
one million assorted tree seedlings for the establishment of shelter-belts across the state to combat desertification.
The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Idi Gubana, announced in an interview in Damaturu, the state capital, that the shelter-belts are to serve as wind breakers to reduce the effects of winds that cause erosion, leading to the desert moving further into the hinterlands.
He said the state government was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Environment to implement the Great Green Wall Programme aimed at establishing orchards and tree plantations to serve as shelter-belts, adding that government has provided land for the Green Wall project.
Gubana said the ministry had evacuated refuse dumps in the five major towns to check water stagnation and outbreak of diseases, and intensified sensitisation campaigns against illegal felling of trees, bush burning and arbitrary disposal of refuse, adding that the efforts were yielding positive results.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (left), discussing with President Goodluck Jonathan at the funeral service of former Lagos Governor, Sir Michael Otedola in Lagos last Friday. 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