Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Officials of Adamawa State Hunters Association
assisting the military in the fight against insurgents in the state have called for public support and prayers for victory over the insurgents.
Officials of the association made the call in an interview with newsmen in Yola, saying their members were committed to contributing their quota toward curbing insurgency in the country.
Philips James, the Secretary of the hunters association, said “we need the peoples’ support and prayers. We also need government’s assistance in this assignment.”
James urged the public to be vigilant and be security conscious, as well as prayerful for victory over the insurgents.
Borno
The Bama Development Foundation, an NGO, said
yesterday that it had registered 180,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Bama taking refuge in Maiduguri.
Malam Mohammed Hassan, the Chairman of the foundation, stated this at a news conference in Maiduguri.
Hassan said that the IDPs were in four camps in Maiduguri.
According to him, the IDPs are those displaced during attack on the town by insurgents in September.
“We have recorded about 180,000 IDPs from Bama taking shelters in four different camps in Maiduguri as at October 31.
“The camps are located at the Yerwa Girls Secondary School, Women Teachers College, NYSC Orientation Camp and Government Girls College, Maiduguri’’, he said.
FCT
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr
Olusegun Aganga, said the Federal Government had identified 100 companies to be rewarded for contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Aganga told newsmen in Abuja that the private sector was behind the country’s ranking as number one economy in Africa and one of the top 10 economies in the world.
According to him, over the last three years Nigeria has attracted more foreign direct investments and more local investments than any other economy in Africa.
“Earlier this year, the prestigious Wall Street Journal Frontier Market Settlement index which surveyed blue chip companies in developed economies ranked Nigeria number one country of global interest to investors.
”We are proud of these achievements because it is investors that create jobs for our people, wealth, facilitate economic growth and generate income for the government.
Kano
The Kano State Government said it spent N754.8
million on the construction of 74 public toilets in 74 rural markets in the state.
The State Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Alhaji Garba Durbunde, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano recently.
Durbunde said that the provision of the toilets which was also supported with solar-powered boreholes was to stop open defecation in the communities.
He said that the projects were executed in the last two years, adding that they were jointly financed by the state government and benefitting local government areas.
He said that N407 million was spent on the construction of the boreholes while the toilets gulped N338.8 million.
Katsina
Malam Ado Sama’ila, the Education Secretary,
Dandume Local Government Education Authority in Katsina State, has urged parents to encourage their daughters to study in tertiary institutions in order to maximise their potentials.
Sama’ila made the call in an interview with newsmen in Dandume.
He said it was important for parents especially in rural areas to stop the habit of preventing their daughters from obtaining higher qualifications after secondary school.
The education secretary said that the practice limits the abilities of girls to contribute more meaningfully to societal development.
Lagos
A Consultant Public Health Physician, Dr Abdul-
Hakeem Abiola, said last Wednesday that lack of toilets was putting public health at risk.
Abiola, who works at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on the World Toilet Day.
“Human faeces or human excreta is a source of infection and it is an important cause of environmental pollution.
“The health hazards of improper excreta management and disposal are one: it can cause soil pollution; it can cause water pollution; it can cause the contamination of foods and it can lead to propagation of flies, which can act as vectors for many diseases.”
Nasarawa
The Governing Council of Nasarawa State University
(NSUK), Keffi, has approved the appointment of Prof. Yakubu Ngwai and Dr Sa’adatu Liman as new Deputy Vice Chancellors, Administration and Academic respectively.
Notice of the appointment is contained in a statement signed by Prof. Muhammed Mainoma, the Vice Chancellor of the university, made available to newsmen on Thursday in Keffi.
The statement quoted Mainoma as saying “the decision to confirm the appointment of the two officers was taken at the meeting of the council, in line with the law that established the university.
“The confirmation of the appointment, which is for five years, starts with immediate effect.’’
Our correspondent reports that until their appointments, Ngwai was the Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, while Liman was the Head of Department of Islamic Studies and Deputy Dean Students Affairs.
Oyo
A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan,
has remanded a 45-year old John Jimoh in prison custody for allegedly issuing a dud cheque.
The Chief Magistrate, Alhaja Fatima Badrudeen, remanded Jimoh in Agodi prison pending his arraignment at the Federal High Court in Ibadan.
Jimoh, residing on Banji Street in Akuru Elebu area of Ibadan, was arraigned on a two-count charge of issuing a dud cheque to and obtaining money from a bank without paying back.
Jimoh was alleged to have obtained the sum of N500, 000 loans from Apex Trust Micro Finance Bank in Ibadan on September 4 with a promise to repay.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Adewale Amos, said Jimoh promised to repay the money within 30 days as agreed with the bank.
Sokoto
Journalists from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara State have
called for adequate budgetary allocation for the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in the country.
The journalists made the call at the end of a two-day media sensitisation/ review meeting on strategies to interrupt the transmission of the wild polio virus.
No fewer than 49 journalists attended the meeting held between November 17 and November 19, which focused on polio in the context of immunisation and child survival.
“There should also be the timely release of funds and physical involvement of PEI and other child-survival issues.
“Media practitioners and their organisations should continue to utilise their special positions in the society to strengthen and sustain the polio eradication and other child-survival programmes,’’ they said.
Taraba
Journalists who die in the line of duty should be given
post humous awards, Alhaji Bello Yero, Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba State, has suggested.
Yero made the suggestion while interacting with newsmen in Jalingo recently.
Extolling the virtues of journalists across the world that died in the line of duty, he said the slain journalists were heroes who deserved honour even in death.
“It is my considered view that such journalists should be given post humus awards.
“Journalists in Nigeria had the track record of covering violent conflicts even though it had often put their lives in danger.
Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau (2nd left), going through a plan of a Bridge at the Secretariat junction, Yakubu Gowon way, during inspection of road projects in Jos recently.
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