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Bauchi

Bauchi State Government  has said it spent N9.73
billion in seven years on various projects under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the state.
The State Focal Person, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, made this known in an interview with newsmen  in Bauchi recently.
Ibrahim said the amount was spent on the construction of 60 Primary Health Care Centres, 24 Clinics, 27 blocks of classrooms and 627 VIP latrines.
Others were purchase of 60 ambulances, drilling of 427 boreholes, construction of 40 dispensaries, four units of health centres, equipping of health centres and supply of drugs.
He said that renovation of health centres, classrooms, installation of Solar Inverters, supply of drugs, medical equipment, school furniture under 2012 Conditional Grant Scheme gulped one billion naira.

FCT

The presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democ
racy, Dr Rafiu Salau, on Saturday pledged to create two million jobs if elected into office in next month’s election.
Salau made the pledge while unfolding his manifesto in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
To attain such a feat, Salau said his administration would ensure more local content involvement in the exploration and sale of crude oil as well as shipment by local maritime companies.
He said: “First, a minimum of 70 per cent of the exploration of the crude oil in the nation must be done by local companies.
“Whatever the profit made by local companies will be invested in the economy of the nation. This will go a long way in increasing the revenue that will be generated in the industry.

Kano

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Kano
State chapter, on Friday directed all its members in the state to go on an indefinite strike.
Mr Suleman Aliyu, the secretary of the union in the state, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Kano.
He said the action was part of decisions taken by judiciary workers to persuade the Federal Government to grant autonomy to judicial arm of government.
“The union has ordered all it members to start an indefinite strike action from Friday, meaning that all courts in the state will remain closed indefinitely,” he said.
According to him, the action is necessary following the alleged failure of the Federal Government to implement a verdict of a Federal High court of the January 13, 2014.
“We have passed the directives to all our members in Kano and they have complied because we went round and we are satisfied with the level of compliance”, he said.

Kwara

One person died while several others sustained inju
ries in a lone accident that occurred last Saturday at Eleyin Village on the Ilorin-Omu-Aran Highway in Kwara State.
The accident involved a truck with registration number Lagos KRD 457 XJ which was loaded with food and household items.
The vehicle, our correspondent  learnt , was said to be heading to Ilorin from Kabba in Kogi when the incident happened.
An eyewitness said that the driver of the truck suddenly lost control and rammed into a PHCN pole before spilling its content in the bush.

Lagos

Some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly
have urged INEC to embark on sensitisation campaigns on procedures for collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the voting process.
The lawmakers told newsmen  on Saturday in Lagos that the campaign was necessary specifically because of the newly introduced PVCs.
Mr Abiodun Tobun (APC-Epe I) urged the electoral body to take proactive measures in sensitising the electorate on collection of PVCs.
“I think INEC should prepare more for the elections in term of public sensitisation on PVCs collection and the voting process.

Nasarawa

The All Progressives Grand Allaince (APGA) last Sat
urday presented the immediate past Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, as its governorship candidate in Nasarawa State.
The party also presented Mr Ibrahim Abu as Maku’s running mate in February’s governorship election.
The Chairman of the party in the state, Chief John Amako, presented Maku and his running mate in Lafia to the party’s officials and supporters from the 13 local government areas of the state.
“By this pronouncement, all rumours making the rounds that Maku is not the governorship candidate of APGA in the state should be disregarded,” Amako said.

Niger

The General Manager, Niger State Emergency Manage
ment Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Shaba has said that no fewer than 395 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are residing in the state.
He told newmen in an interview on Sunday in Minna that most of the IDPs were from the north-eastern zone of the country.
“We have 107 IDPs from Kalaah Hong Madagli in Adamawa that are living in Gurara Local Government and 288 IDPs from Gwoza in Borno residing in Shiroro Local Government.
“Those living in Gurara claimed that they followed their relatives and they are camping in Dikko Central Primary School, Gurara.
“Some of those residing in Shiroro also claimed that they are fishermen with women and children from Doron Baga in Borno, a riverine area.

Osun

The Deputy Chief Imam of Ife Central Mosque, Alhaji
AbdulHammed AbdulSemiu, has called for unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
AbdulSemiu made the call during Friday prayers that marked the birth of Mohammed at Ife Central Mosque, Enuwa, Ile-Ife.
He said that it was remarkable that last week Thursday, Christians celebrated the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and Muslims were now celebrating the month of birth of Prophet Mohammed.
He said that meant that there should not be any disagreement between the two religions but cordial relationship.

Plateau

The Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area in Pla
teau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, on Saturday confirmed  that seven persons were  killed in recent attacks on some parts of the area.
Mutfwang told a news conference in Jos that the area witnessed some security challenges in which lives were lost.
He said the attacks occurred in Maitumbi, Jwak-Maitumbi, Kyampus, Mai-Rana, Sarbot and Kantoma villages and their immediate environs.
According to him, the enemies struck in the night of Dec. 26 and shot one Mr Yoila Micah dead in his residence in Jwak-Maitumbi.
He said that while the community was recovering from the attack, the gunmen struck again on Tuesday and shot two men riding on a motor-cycle, killing and beheading one Longji Mikyes while another unnamed person escaped with gunshot wounds.

Sokoto

Senate President David Mark last Saturday called on the
people of Sokoto North Senatorial District to return Sen. Ahmed Maccido to the Senate in 2015.
Maccido (PDP-Sokoto), is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation.
Mark made the call during the distribution of motorcycles, water pumping, sewing and grinding machines purchased by Maccido to the constituents in Sokoto on Saturday.
Mark was represented by former Senate Leader and PDP gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 general elections in Sokoto State, Amb. Abdallah Wali.
Mark explained that Maccido’s re-election would enable him to continue with the good work he had been doing in line with the manifesto of the PDP.

From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos last Tuesday

From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos last Tuesday

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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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