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THE STATES

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Benue

Ex Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Sam Ode, has
pledged to reform the Benue local government administration system for effective and efficient grassroots development.
Ode said this in Makurdi while declaring his intention to contest the PDP governorship ticket in the state.
He blamed poor institutional governance and policy leakages for the inability of the local government administration to properly play its historic role in the development process of the country.
“The local government is the closest tier of government to the generality of our people.
“Yet, due to policy leakages and poor institutional governance, the local government has not been placed to properly play its historic role in the development process of the country.”

Bauchi

The Tax Enforcement Team of the Federal Inland Rev
enue Service (FIRS) has sealed the premises of the Bauchi State Investment Company (BIC) and Abdulrashid Tyre Company over alleged tax evasion.
Our correspondent  reports that the FIRS officials, led by the Tax Controller, Mr Richard Magaji, sealed the firms in Bauchi recently.
The sealing of the companies, followed the inability of the companies to pay various sums amounting to over N22 million.
Magaji told reporters at the BIC premises that the company had an outstanding balance of N8 million to pay to the FIRS.
He said that official and personal efforts made by officials of the FIRS to get BIC to pay even part of the debt had proved abortive, noting that the FIRS had no option than to seal up the premises.

FCT

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has called
on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces in their fight against insurgency in the country.
Gowon made the call recently at the Church of Nigeria’s end of year thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Abuja.
He said recent happenings in the country indicated that the insurgents were not after Christians alone, stressing that all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethno-religious backgrounds, are potential targets.
“It is the responsibility of every Nigerian not only the armed forces to do whatever they need to do in order to restore peace to our country.
“Dealing with the problem of insurgency that is disturbing the country requires the cooperation of all Nigerians, whether you are a Christian or a Muslim.

Kano

Former military Head of State and APC presidential
aspirant, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has urged Nigerians to be security conscious so as to curb the activities of insurgents in the country.
Buhari made the call while speaking with newsmen shortly after he visited victims of Friday’s bomb attack at the Murtala Muhammed Hospital in Kano recently.
“There is nothing we can do about it other than for people to be more vigilant and security conscious.
“There is the need for people to be more vigilant at mosques, churches and schools, as well as wherever they may find themselves,’’ he said.
The former Nigerian leader, however, called on Nigerians to support security agencies in their bid to check the dastard acts being perpetrated by the insurgents.

Kaduna

Former Sole Administrator, Zaria Local Government,
Alhaji Umar Ibrahim-Rabagaddama, has advised politicians aspiring for different elective positions in the country to play politics without bitterness.
He told newsmen in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday that the call became imperative in view of the current political scenario in the country.
Ibrahim-Rabagaddama is aspiring to be the PDP flag bearer for House of Representatives seat of Zaria Local Government.
“I want to urge all aspirants across the country to play politics without bitterness and resort to campaign of issues which will facilitate national growth and development.
“Let me use this medium also to call on electorate to vote credible candidates with vision and mission who will provide quality and good representation,” he noted.

Kwara

Thirteen governorship aspirants on the platform of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara said they had agreed to abide by the outcome of Saturday’s governorship primary in the state.
The aspirants, who jointly signed an undertaking, promised to work for whoever emerged as the candidate for the success of the party at the poll.
A copy of the undertaking was made available to newsmen in Ilorin recently.
The Publicity Committee Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Rex Olawoye who confirmed the meeting, said the 14th aspirant, Mr Dele Belgore, did not sign the undertaking because he was not at the meeting.

Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos, recently, ordered the
release of five employees of the All Progressives Congress (APC), detained by the Department of Security Service (DSS).
The employees: Chinedu Atuche, Fayemi Olaposi, Augustine Onuchukwu, Ebun Ilori, and Esther Enemy, were arrested on November 22.
The officials of DSS, accompanied by the police, had raided a building which houses the APC’s data office on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.
The DSS said the raid was informed by intelligence report that some unwholesome activities were being perpetrated within the said building.
Justice Mohammed Yunusa ordered their release while ruling on a suit filed by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on behalf of the applicants, seeking enforcement of their fundamental rights.
Also joined in the suit is the Nigeria Police Force.
Osun

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said 94
persons were convicted for traffic offences in Osun between September and November.
The FRSC Sector Commander in the state,Mr Muhammad Hussaini, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo.
Hussaini said 43 offenders were prosecuted and convicted in September, while 51 offenders were convicted by mobile courts in November.
He said the offences include: failure to use seat belt; driving without valid vehicle particulars and licences; drunk driving; driving against traffic and dangerous driving.
The sector commander said the courts had ordered the convicts to pay fines ranging from N2,000 to N50,000, depending on the offence committed.

Ogun

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said one
person died and 14 others sustained various degrees of injuries in an accident that occurred along the Toll-Gate at Sango-Ota in Ogun recently. The Sango-Ota Unit Commander of the FRSC, Mr Omatu Sunday, told newsmen in Sango-Ota that the accident occurred at about 9:50 a.m., due to alleged carelessness of a Dangote Group driver.
Sunday said the accident involved five vehicles, including an Acura Jeep with registration number GGE-447BJ, a commercial bus with registration number KSF-537 XK, Toyota Jeep with registration number YAB-103 RU, a Dangote trailer with registration number XA 364-GKP and IVECO truck with registration number KTU-394 XJ.
He said that the brake of the Dangote trailer that was heading to Lagos failed and ran into four vehicles which resulted in the death of a conductor in a commercial bus while 14 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Sokoto

A former board member of the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN), Alhaji Sa’idu Gumburawa, has said that the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 will sustain the success of the ongoing transformation agenda.
‘’ So, the endorsement of Jonathan as the sole presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) is a welcome development and a good omen for the party, Nigerians and Nigeria,’’ Gumburawa told newsmen in Sokoto recently.
Gumburawa, who represented the Kware/Wamakko Federal Constituency in Sokoto State on the platform of the PDP, also expressed happiness that the party is waxing stronger at all levels.
The former lawmaker, who is now a chieftain of the PDP in Sokoto State, further expressed optimism that Jonathan was capable of surmounting all the current challenges plaguing Nigeria, including security.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto (right), presenting Rice and Cash to the needy in Sokoto, recently.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto (right), presenting Rice and Cash to the needy in Sokoto, recently.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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