Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri
on Saturday cautioned residents of Borno State against embarking on street protests, saying such was not allowed under emergency rule, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The division’s spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, in a statement, said, “Some unscrupulous elements, under the guise of (being) concerned indigenes of some parts of Borno, intend to stage a protest in Maiduguri.
“We are calling on these miscreants to stop their plans. We are also reminding all residents that Borno is under a state of emergency declared by the Federal Government.
“Consequently, such protest is unlawful and anyone involved in such acts will have himself to blame.”
Usman said the military was working hard to root out suspected terrorists from the state.
“We wish to assure the good people of Borno and indeed all law-abiding citizens that the military is doing all it could to root out terrorists causing mayhem in the society.
“Therefore, we solicit your continued support and understanding in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the country,” he said.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government has expressed worry
over the rate of rape incidence which stands at seven to 10 cases in recent months.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, who spoke to reporters in Dutse, the state capital, said the judiciary has mapped out a plan to effect quick dispensation of cases at the courts.
Abdullahi said his ministry in collaboration with the justice sector and law reform commission have embarked on mass enlightenment campaign to reduce their occurrence adding that the state chief judge, in line with the quick dispensation of cases, had ordered the hearings on criminal cases on daily bases.
He said the state government recently organised a stakeholders’ meeting, where security agencies were educated on the state’s laws and how some cases are to be handled.
“We in Jigawa State are making efforts to ensure that justice is done to all parties on any criminal offence,” he added.
Kano
The Kano State Hisbah authorities said on Wednes
day in Kano that they arrested 200 persons for street begging in Kano municipal area.Hisbah is the law enforcement arm of the sharia law. The Deputy Commander, Operations, Hisbah Board, Malam Yusuf Nabahani, told newsmen that preliminary investigations indicated that the beggars were new to the city. Nabahani also said that most of those arrested claimed ignorance of the ban on street begging by the Kano State Government.”We plan to return all of them to their various communities after making inquiries. We will warn them never to return,” he said. One of those arrested said that his community was facing famine, adding that there was not much farm activities for him to undertake. Another batch of 15 beggars, which was arrested by the board, was given assistance by the state government to start their own businesses.
Kwara
Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said yes
terday his administration has redeemed the N17 billion bond obtained in 2009 for infrastructural development projects.
Ahmed, who announced the redemption at a meeting with stakeholders in Ilorin, the state capital, expressed satisfaction that Kwara had met its obligations under the bond.
He said the N17 billion was utilised for the Kwara State University Malete, the International Aviation College, Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre, the Ilorin Township Stadium, Ilorin Water Reticulation Project (Phase One) as well as road and electrification projects.
The governor said information from the capital market indicates that the market is excited and reinvigorated to subscribe to the state’s proposed N23 billion bond for infrastructural development.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has approved an addi
tional N97 million for securing befitting accommodation for its pilgrims participating in the 2014 Hajj. The state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Andullahi Faskari, said this recently at the opening of an enlightenment workshop year’s intending pilgrims at Matazu, in Matazu Local Government Area of the state. Faskari said the state government had earmarked N15 million for the workshop which would be conducted in the 34 local government areas of the state. Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, Faskari also said the government was making arrangements for the feeding of the pilgrims.
Kaduna
A former Minister of Finance and Agriculture, Mallam
Adamu Ciroma, said in Kaduna on Saturday he lost interest in Nigerian politics because of the insincerity of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party on rotational Presidency. He said rather than abiding by the agreement on rotational presidency, the party leadership scuttled it soon as former President Umaru Yar-Adua died in 2010.
Ciroma, who spoke on the Liberty FM, Kaduna, insisted that somebody from the North should have completed Yar’Adua’s tenure and not President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ciroma said, “I was there when the party was moving the Presidency between the North and the south. And this President was there when General (Olusegun) Obasanjo presided over the agreement in the PDP, which agreed that the movement of the Presidency from North to South should be based on two terms. While assessing the party since 2011 to date, the former minister expressed concern over the current security challenge in the land.
Lagos
Former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon.
Jokotola Pelumi, at the weekend, decried the treatment being meted to delegates from the state at the National Conference, who he said were not allowed to present Lagosians’ views, declaring that the delagates might refuse to sign the final report of the Confab. Hon. Pelumi said he had the mandates of elders and leaders in the state to speak on the issue noted that similar national conferences occurred under late Sani Abacha and Chief Obasanjo’s administrations, but the opportunities were squandered, Pelumi pointed out that Lagos State had its own delegates at the Confab with a mandate to present the people’s demands that should form part of the new constitution in the making, but that none of them (delegates) were recognised by the Confab secretariat to speak on the floor whenever they moved to do so.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has criticised
the acquittal of governor, Tanko Al-Makura, saying that the seven-man panel did not exist in the first instance to warrant any verdict.
The House also served notice it was going ahead with the removal of the governor despite the dismissal of the 16 offences levelled against him by the panel.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Security, Baba Ibaku, who announced the rejection of the panel’s verdict in Lafia, said that there was no going back on the impeachment move against the governor.
He said the panel set up by the Chief Judge, Justice Umaru Dikko, to investigate 16-count charge against the governor violated Section 188 Subsection (5) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, describing its sitting as illegal.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government has urged those hunting
for Wild Life and Games Animals to suspend their activities forthwith in the state as part of measures to curtail the outbreak of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Nigeria. Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun in a statement said such huntings facilitate the outbreak of the disease as they pose some risks.
The Commissioner however assured that the risk of slaughtered animal at the state’s slabs having Ebola Virus is False saying that the rumoured outbreak in slaughtered cattle should be discountenanced.
While noting that transmission is relatively easy through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, sweat and vomit of infected animals commonly monkeys or fruit bats, she advised that domestic pets be screened especially at night in environments that are known to have significant bat populations or areas that serve as migratory routes for bats.
Osun
The Transition Monitoring Group has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the smooth conduct of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
TMG, which is a coalition of civil society groups, said the Osun election was an improvement on the Ekiti State governorship election, which held in June.
The Deputy Chairperson of TMG, who led the team to observe the Osun election, Hajiya Goroso Giwa, told our correspondent that the conduct of the Osun election was very commendable, except for some hitches in the some parts of the state.
Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa State (2nd right), laying foundation stone for the senate building of the State University at Kafin-hausa recently. 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