Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The International Committee for Red Cross and Red Cres
cent said it had established family data base to assist in reuniting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East region.
Alhaji Aliyu Maikano, the officer In- Charge of Red Cross on IDPs, disclosed this in an interviews with the newsmen in Yola.
Maikano said the center was established to reunite victims of insurgent attacks, who fled their communities and settled in camps across the region.
“The Committee has established family data bases in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe for internally displaced persons in the North East region.
“The development is to re-unite families who were separated due to insurgent attacks.” Maikano said.
FCT
The National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, retired Col. Mika
Gayya, has appealed to the people who made pledges to the legion during the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day to redeem them.
Gayya told newsmen in Abuja that out of the N105 million pledged, only N30 million had been redeemed.
According to him, unsuccessful efforts have been made through the Presidency to ensure that the pledges were redeemed.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has asked that we should contact all those people who made the pledges.
“We followed the right channel to make sure that those people were contacted but up till this moment nobody has paid a single kobo of the remaining outstanding money.
“We have taken steps through the Presidency because those that made pledges were invited by the presidency.
“So, it is only right that we remind them through the presidency that they made some pledges to the Nigerian legion that are yet to be redeemed,” he said.
Gombe
The Gombe State House of Assembly has commended
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo’s efforts on the implementation of the 2014 budget.
Speaker of the House Alhaji Inuwa Garba, gave the commendation during the 2015 budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Gombe.
He said that the budget had received a very serious attention and it was translated into action that impacted much on the socio economic development of the state.
According to him, it is now time for the state government to look toward the enhancement of its internally generated revenue base, for the development of the state.
“The oil price seems to be on a downward trend, day-by-day and it is what the entire nation depends on.
“This is a very serious problem, as it affected the economy of every part of our social life.
Kano
The Kano State Government has released N492.9 million
for the payment of scholarship allowances to its 23, 685 students in tertiary institutions across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Usman Ririwai, said this when he briefed newsmen in Kano recently.
He said the payment, which would be made through the students’ accounts, was for 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 academic sessions.
“The state government has released the money for the payment of the allowances and the payment has since commenced through their accounts.
“In the next couple of days all the students will receive their allowance through their accounts in various banks,” he said.
Ririwai assured that the state government would ensure that all outstanding students’ allowances were paid before the expiration of the present administration.
Lagos
My wife always demands money from me before allow
ing me to have sex with her, a retired civil servant, Mr Chibuzo Obiedefu, on Thursday told an Igando Customary Court, Lagos.
Obiedefu, 50, told the court that his wife, Philomena, whom he married seven years ago, was denying him sex.
“My wife is always starving me of sex and if she will allow me, she will ask me to pay for it.
“And if I refused to give her money and wanted to sleep with her by force, she would hit me with any dangerous weapons she could lay her hands on,” he said.
The petitioner accused his wife of infidelity and alleged that she was dating a policeman in their area.
“Philomena is cheating on me; she is having an affair with a policeman and whenever I cautioned her, she will flare up,” Obiedefu said.
He pleaded with the court to dissolve his seven-year-old marriage because he was tired of the relationship and he was no longer in love.
Responding, the 40-year-old businesswoman denied all the allegations.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has under
scored the need for political direction for the successful maintenance of security in the country.
He said this at the launch of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Week in Minna.
Aliyu said that this would give the members of the armed forces the moral and psychological impetus to conduct their constitutional duties effectively and efficiently.
“I believe with the right political will the issue of the current security challenges can be tackled within a given time frame.
“But we need to do a correct and honest assessment of the situation.
“We are yet to get a proper perspective of the security situations. New information emerges every day.
“When we get all these variables correctly, we can then be able to say to the armed forces finish the insurgency in six months and it will be done,” he said.
Oyo
A dietician and Head, Department of Dietetics, Univer
sity College Hospital(UCH) Ibadan, Mr Tunde Ajobo, said that headache, yellow urine and constipation were bold signs of dehydration.
Ajobo told newsmen in Ibadan that having persistent and constant headache might be a sign of losing body fluid or dehydration.
“Every human body constantly loses fluid and these means you are also losing essential salts like sodium and potassium that are in the fluids you are losing.
“The salt loss actually changes the chemical makeup of the blood and the brain in turn is super sensitive to that change, and that sensitivity triggers a headache.
“The headaches get worse depending on how much water one loses. The more water you lose, the more your blood volume drops, which cause less oxygen flow to the brain.
Plateau
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdio
cese of Jos, Plateau, has urged Nigerian leaders to be sincere and honest in tackling the insurgency affecting some northern states.
Kaigama, who is also the President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), made the statement in Jos in an interview with newsmen.
He described terrorism as `a negative manifestation of the ills of the Nigerian state,’ adding that terrorism would always rear its ugly face due to “some underlining but multidimensional factors.”
“Nigerians are too aesthetic in everything they do. We concentrate so much on doing the outward things, but seemingly forget to dig deeper to find lasting solutions to our problems.
“Leaders in this country — political, religious, and traditional must be sincere and honest in their dealings to bring an end to insurgency,” he said.
Taraba
The Taraba State Police Command has advised mosques
and churches in the state to acquire hand metal detectors in order to beef up security around them.
ASP Joseph Kwaji, spokesman of the command, gave the advice during an interview with the newsmen in Jalingo.
Kwaji said the devise would enable officials of the worship centres to thoroughly search worshipers before allowing them entry.
He said the advice became necessary in view of the security situation in the North-East.
He also advised individuals who were planning to organise social gatherings to acquire the facility and use same to prevent possible attack by terrorists.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board, has
shared N4.08 million to more than 500 less-privileged people as Zakat in the state, the Board’s Chairman, Alhaji Liman Dan’Alhaji, said.
Dan’Alhaji made the disclosure during the distribution of the cash in Gusau, saying the Zakat distribution was an annual event.
He said “the money collected this year is more than the amount collected in previous years and we decided to share it to the beneficiaries.
“The beneficiaries include the deaf, the blind, the crippled and some Islamic scholars.
“They all received between N10,000 and N20,000, which is higher than the N5,000 shared in 2014.”
The Executive Secretary of the board, Malam Bashir Surajo, commended the individuals who contributed to the fund.
Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal (left) Speaker, House of Representative flanked by Ogun State Governor, Senator Amosun Ibikunle and Alhaji Fashola of Lagos State at the APC Presidential rally held in Port Harcourt recently. Photo: Ibioye Diama
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