Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC)
says it will officially inaugurate the 2014 Christian pilgrimage to Israel on Saturday, October 18, commencing with pilgrims from FCT.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr John-Kennedy Opara, said this during a news briefing ahead of the transportation of the first set of 250 pilgrims on Saturday.
Opara said that the commission planned to transport and could even surpass its target of 30,000 intending pilgrims during this year’s exercise which would end in December.
He said the commission had put all necessary measures in place to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage and urged the media to collaborate with the commission in sensitising intending pilgrims.
“The good news is that come October 18, 2014, we will commence the airlifting of the 2014 intending pilgrims to Israel as approved by Mr President.
Gombe
The new Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State Univer
sity, Prof. Ibrahim Musa-Umar, has advised the institution’s academic and non-academic staff to work together to uplift the university.
Musa-Umar gave the advice while taking over the affairs of the institution from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Mahdi, in Gombe.
He called on the staff to make more efforts to ensure academic excellence and discipline in the university.
He assured the government and people of the state, as well as staff and students of the university that he would sustain the success recorded by his predecessor.
The vice-chancellor lauded his predecessor for laying a solid foundation which made the institution a force to be reckoned with in spite of the challenges he encountered.
Kaduna
Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State says
he would re-contest for the gubernatorial seat of the state in 2015.
Yero said this in Kafanchan, Kafanchan Local Government Area, Kaduna State, through his deputy, Mr Nuhu Bajoga, while on a visit to traditional rulers in Southern Kaduna.
Yero said he had since obtained nomination form from the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.
He urged the people to disregard any insinuation that he would be stopped from contesting in the election, saying such speculations were aimed at misleading the public.
Kano
The Kano State Government last Tuesday at the
ongoing National Agricultural Show in Nasarawa State has displayed some exotic wildlife such as lion, hyena, pythons, ostriches and crocodile.
These animals from the Kano State Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency, added an aesthetic flare to the show as many participants trooped to the Kano pavilion to see these wild animals.
Different species of other commonly found animals such as tortoise, antelopes and vultures were also on display to show wildlife diversity in the state.
The Deputy Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Kano State Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency, Mr Mohammed Ado, said the agency was committed to wildlife preservation.
Kwara
Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara State has re
quested the state House of Assembly to confirm the appointment of Mr Emmanuel Kolo as the new Auditor-General for Local Government.
The governor made the request in a message to the House, read by the Speaker, Mr Rasak Atunwa, during a plenary.
Ahmed said the request conformed with the constitution.
Also during the plenary, the Deputy Speaker, Prof. Gana Yoissa, while seconding a motion for an adjournment, criticised metrological agencies for failure to give adequate information on weather forcast.
Nasarawa
A 30-year-old Abuja-based hair stylist, Becky Solomon,
who allegedly stole N50,000 and also escaped from lawful custody, has been arraigned in a Grade 1 Area Court, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The accused, who resides at Karu, FCT is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and escape from lawful custody.
According to the prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, the accused, together with one Victoria Adeky who is still at large, committed the offences at 11: 45 p.m. on October 6, at Karu, Abuja.
Adaji told the court that the accused stole the sum of N50, 000 from a customer, Mrs Rose Adams who came to make her hair.
“Becky stole the money from the customer’s purse in the salon when she stepped out to make a call,” he alleged.
Ondo
The police in Ondo State has arraigned a 36-year-old
trainee driver, Kayode Akinbuwa, in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court for alleged manslaughter.
The accused, whose address and occupation are unknown, was arraigned on a five-count charge of manslaughter, dangerous driving as well as driving without car particulars, road worthiness certificate and driver’s licence.
The prosecutor, Insp Zedekiah Orogbemi told the court that the accused drove a Toyota Carina car marked HS 134 EKY dangerously on a public highway and caused the death of a 65 -year old farmer, Ebunola Iji.
Orogbemi said that the farmer was returning from his farm on September 19 at about 1.30 p.m. on the Erinje-Ayeka road in Okitipupa.
The prosecutor said the accused committed an offence contrary to sections 5, 6, 10(2), 10(4) and 10(5) of the Federal Highway Act, Cap. F13, Vol. VI, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Ogun
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Prof. Olusoga Olusanya, Ijebu-Ode, has been kidnapped.
Our correspondents gathered that Olusanya was on his way back from the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, when he was abducted by unknown gunmen last Monday evening.
He was said to have visited FUNAAB where he served as an external invigilator at the ongoing postgraduate examination when he was ambushed on a bad portion of the Sagamu/Ore expressway.
The don was abducted alongside his driver, with the latter dropped by the abductors on the highway at Odogbolu.
The news of the abduction of the DVC forced the university Senate to abruptly postpone its emergency meeting earlier scheduled for Tuesday.
Oyo
The Yoruba Youths Congress (YYC), a socio-cultural
group, last Tuesday announced its endorsement of Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate.
The National Leader of the group, Olalekan Hammed announced this to newsmen in Ibadan.
Hammed said that the group believed Buhari was good enough to fly the APC presidential flag, having considered his past records.
“Retired General Buhari is an attested disciplinarian who was able to curtail corruption during his regime as the Head of State of the nation between 1983 and 1985.
“His landmarks as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) are also still very evident in tertiary institutions of learning in the country,” he said.
Plateau
The Chairman of Riyom Local Government in Plateau
State, Mrs Josephine Piyo, has said that 27 people died in an attack by gunmen on Bachi District of the area on Thursday.
She said a joint team of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on visit to the area that the attackers torched 70 houses and left them in rubbles.
Represented by the Council Secretary, Mr. Alex Kundang, the chairman said the attack also led to the displacement of no fewer than 3,520 people from their homes.
She said those displaced were currently staying at different camps for Internally Displaced Persons in the area.
Piyo described the situation as pathetic and that urgent national attention was needed to address the situation as the attacks on Riyom people had become recurrent.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Othniel Likkason (left), presenting a gift to the best student of Immaculate Conception Secondary School (icss), Miss Ruth Enekhai, during the school’s graduation in Bauchi, 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