Nation
THE STATES
FCT
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO),
Traffina Foundation Community Health, said it had distributed over 4,000 delivery kits to women in 2014 to improve their reproductive health.
The Founder of the group, Mrs Chinomnso Peters, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen.
Peters tagged the initiative as “One Kit Saves 2’’ project.
Our correspondent reports that the contents of the kits include: cord clamp, a piece of white cloth, pampers, mentholated spirit, pad for mothers, and chlorxy-G Gel for prevention of infection in newborn.
She said the contents of the kits would assist pregnant women who could not afford the required materials at the point of delivery.
She said that through the efforts, they had been able to save more than 10,000 lives.
Katsina
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA) in Katsina State has decried the high rate of abuse of psychotropic substances among teenage girls and women in the state. The substances are: cough syrup with codeine, nail polish cleaner, lizard faeces and rubber solution.
The NDLEA Commandant in the state, Hajiya Maryam Sani, made the remark while speaking with newsmen in Katsina.
We are worried about the involvement of teenage girls and women in the abuse of psychotropic substances. This is disheartening. All stakeholders should join hands with the agency to bring an end to the menace,’’ Sani said.
Kebbi
The Birnin Kebbi Local Government Council in Kebbi
State has procured 2,500 additional water pumping machines worth N7.5 million for distribution to farmers in the area.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Musa Dan-Illela, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Dan-Illela explained that the machines would be distributed to registered farmers in electoral wards in the area.
According to him, the Agriculture Department had been mandated to ensure equitable distribution to beneficiaries. He said the machines would be distributed to farmers on soft loan to be repaid in two years; the measure would encourage commercial production of wheat, rice and vegetables.
The chairman said each machine was purchased at a cost of N30,000.
Lagos
The Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Oluseyi Will
iams, has charged civil servants to renew their commitment to service in the New Year and work assiduously to move the state forward.
Williams gave the charge at the Inter-religious Thanksgiving Service organised by the state government in Ikeja to usher in the First Working Day of the year.
According to her, the workers can only justify the confidence reposed in them through more efficient service delivery and greater impact on the state and its people.
“In the New Year, you should work together more as a team. You should shun envy and other things that do not promote harmonious working relationship.
If anyone is doing well in your office, do not envy him, rather learn from him and let him be an inspiration to work harder. Envy is not good, it causes problems in the workplace,’’ she said.
Williams said the state government was committed to the welfare of workers and would continue to take steps to improve the lot of civil servants.
Nassarawa
The Association of Plateau Indigenes in the Diaspora
(PIDA) has urged for support to Sen. Gyang Pwajok’s gubernatorial ambition to enable him win the 2015 governorship election in the state.
The National President of the association, Mr. Golu Moses, made the call while addressing newsmen after the National Executive meeting of the body in Lafia.
He stressed that the position was arrived at after wide consultations devoid of primordial sentiments to zoning, religion, ethnicity or partisanship.
He said: “The aim of our meeting was to discuss on ways forward and on how to achieve our association’s objectives for the overall development of the country.
Niger
Rev. Musa Dada, the Chairman, Niger Christian
Association of Nigeria(CAN), has called for one week universal prayers and fasting for peace in Nigeria.
Dada made the call in an interview with newsmen in Minna recently. He said “normally, CAN organises prayers and fasting every first week of the year to prepare Christians for the New Year and to seek God’s intervention for the country. This year’s one week prayer and fasting will run from January 5 to January 11.
“We do this every first or second week of a new year to prepare people for the year and to ask for God’s guidance and protection.
“Christians across the state will be praying for peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections.
Ogun
Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, a member of the Ogun
State House of Assembly, has defected to the Labour Party.
The lawmaker told newsmen in Abeokuta that he had picked the Labour Party’s ticket to contest the House of Representatives election for Ijebu North, East and Ogun Waterside Constituency.
Adegbesan said he left the PDP after consultations with his supporters, adding that the move to the new party would enable him achieve his political dream.
“I left the PDP after consulting with my people and they gave me the go ahead.
“ I also want to let you know that more PDP lawmakers whose interests were not protected by the party will defect to other parties. As a politician, we need to do everything possible to bring the dividends of democracy to the door steps of our people.,” he said.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, has ap
proved the appointment of 17 permanent secretaries, state Accountant-General, Auditor-General and that of the Auditor General of Local Government.
Ajimobi revealed the new appointment during the annual Inter- religious Service held at the Oyo State Goverment House, Agodi, Ibadan.
He said some retired senior directors were also considered in the new appointments.
He added that “the appointment is in line with the restoration agenda of the present administration to give adequate reward to dedicated civil servants in the state,” he said.
He said the aim of the present administration was to reposition the state civil service with a view to making it one of the best in the south west region in terms of renumeration and welfare package.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Zakat Committee said it had
spent about N927. 6 m on 7,000 physically challenged persons and other indigent persons across the state.
The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki told newsmen in Sokoto that the money was released to the committee by the Sokoto State Government in 2014.
According to him, N549.6 million out of the amount was spent on the payment of monthly allowances to physically challenged persons in the 23 local governments of the state.
“There are nearly 7,000 physically challenged persons benefiting from the state government’s gesture, and they are each being given N6,500 monthly.
Taraba
The nationwide strike embarked upon by Judicial
Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has halted court activities in Taraba. The judicial workers were demanding for financial autonomy and JUSUN had earlier gone on warning strike in July last year.
Mr Hamza Yahaya, the state Chairman of JUSUN, told journalists that the state chapter was simply complying with the directives from its national body.
Mr Boniface Iorkumbur, a lawyer, described the strike as unfortunate.
He said “it is unfortunate that this strike is happening.

From Left: Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State; Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (nphcda), Dr Ado Mohammed and Chairman, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-illelah, at the presentation of the Unicef and Eu Medical Support Materials for Maternal and Child Health Care in Birnin Kebbi recently.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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