Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Police command in Bauchi said it had arrested 10
suspected rustlers in the state.
The Spokesman of the command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, said this while briefing newsmen in Bauchi.
Mohammed said the rustlers include Yusuf Abdulkadir, Dare Karimu, Mamuda Sulai, Abdulkadir Usman, Ali Sulai, Maiwada Jahono, Buba Ali, Hassan Sale, Sale Jakudu and Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed.
He said the suspects were arrested on Dec. 10, at about 2:40 p.m. by police detectives attached to Dass Division with the help of Danga Vigilante Group.
Mohammed said the suspects had before their arrest engaged the police in fierce exchange of gunfire at Dajin Village,Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State said he had
kept his promise to the people of Masev, Ihiarev, Nongo Development Association (MINDA) by ensuring that Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, a youth from the area, would succeed him.
Suswam stated this while playing host to MINDA Youths Emancipation Moment at the Government House, Makurdi.
our correspondent reports that Tarzoor won the December 8 governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
“We in Benue have decided to hand over power to the youths because they represent our future.
“The same thing is happening in the United State of America, Britain, among others, where youths are doing very well in leadership positions by ruling the biggest countries in the world, he said”.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ekiti State,
has remanded three accused persons, Sunday Daramola,20, Tope Olatunji,27, and Seun Adeniyi, 20, in prison for allegedly raping a teenager.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Bamikola Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec.8 at Okeoja St., Igbemo -Ekiti.
Olasunkanmi alleged that the accused persons, on the said date, unlawfully gang raped the girl, inflicting grievous harm on her.
According to him, the offence is punishable under Section 516 and 358 of the Criminal Code Law, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
He added that the case file had been forwarded to the office of the State Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Kano
The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO)
has concluded all the necessary arrangements to import 100, 000 pre-paid meters for distribution to customers in 2015.
The Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Jamilu Gwamna, made this known at Customers’ Interactive Session on Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) in Kano recently. Our correspondent reports that the forum was organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to sensitise electricity customers on the CAPMI.
He said the measure was necessary in order to reduce incessant complaints by customers on crazy billing as well as to ensure effective service delivery.
“Even though, they may not be enough, but we can start with this number since we will continue to bring them in batches,” he said.
Gwamna said the company had also planned to invest in solar power but the issue of land was the major challenge facing the company.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has voted in
favour of autonomy for local government councils in the country and the abolition of states’ electoral commissions.
In a unanimous decision, the house said that scrapping electoral commission in the states and autonomy for local government councils were in the interest of peace and grassroots development in the country.
our correspondent reports that the decision was part of the assembly’s contribution to the amendment of the nation’s 1999 Constitution.
Presenting the matter earlier, Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, urged members to consider the bill above personal interest.
Moving the motion on both issues, the Deputy Majority Leader of the house, Mr Yahaya Usman, said, “My colleagues, in the interest of peace and speedy development across the country, there is need for the autonomy for local governments.
“This is because local governments are closer to the people at the grassroots.
Niger
The Niger State Government says it has distributed 128
motorcycles to agricultural extension workers in the state, to ease their mobility.
Managing Director of the Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authourity (NAMDA), Alhaji Baba Madugu, made this known in Minna.
He said that the programme was in collaboration with the international donor agencies, adding that it would improve the dissemination of modern technologies among rural farmers.
Madugu said that female extension workers would also get 20 per cent of the motorcycles.
“This is the second phase of the distribution of 128 units of motorcycles to our extension workers, who are the front line staff of delivering the mandate of NAMDA.
Ogun
Mr Tunde Awolana, the General Manager of Ogun State
Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), said the corporation required N608 million to function effectively in 2015.
Awolana disclosed this in Abeokuta while defending the 2015 budget proposal of the corporation before the Ogun House of Assembly.
He said the corporation was expected to generate N200 million as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with a recurrent expenditure of N298 million and N310 million for capital expenditure.
The general manager explained that the capital projects would include improving the signal strength of its AM and FM channels in order to increase the audience base and media rating.
On her part, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Yewande Amusan, presented a total expenditure of N547 million for 2015.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has donated six 36-seater
buses to three tertiary educational Institutions in the state.
The institutions include the state university, state polytechnic and the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.
Presenting the vehicles in Sokoto, Wamakko said each of the institutions was given two buses.
He said the vehicles were provided to alleviate transportation problems of the Institutions, adding, “the buses will also help in boosting their sources of revenue and reduce heavy dependence on government.
“I must express my appreciation to the various leaders of the institutions for their contribution in boosting standard of education in the state.”
Taraba
The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Immigration
Service (NIS) has repatriated 11 nationals of the Niger Republic who were residing in the state illegally.
The NIS State Comptroller, Mr Habibu Haruna, disclosed this at a news briefing in Jalingo.
Haruna said the immigrants were arrested because they entered into the Takum axis of the state without valid traveling documents.
He said the aliens did not have the required traveling documents as stipulated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The comptroller, who was represented by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Solomon Gisilambe, said that the presence of the foreigners raised fears amongst residents of Takum.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Eye Centre, Gusau, has treated 15,000
patients of various eye diseases from 2012 to date.
The Assistant Chief Nursing Officer in charge of the centre, Alhaji Lawwali Hassan, said this in an interview with in Gusau on recently.
Lawwali said that the centre had recorded many successes in the treatment of various eye diseases.
According to him, the centre was owned by the state government but funded by Sightsavers International which provided medication and other components needed for the operation.
“The centre is established within King Fahd Abdul’aziz Women and Children Hospital, Gusau, and the patients mostly treated are those suffering from cataract, while others are with trauma and foreign body removal.
L-R: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State and PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
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