Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, the Minister for Special Duties,
said on Saturday that it was illogical to link the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents to the Federal Government.
Turaki said this while speaking at the PDP Presidential Rally held in Maiduguri.
He described individuals peddling such romour as “most unpatriotic.’’
“It is an open secret that government does not have a hand in the current insecurity facing us.
“Although, some people have been spreading falsehood linking government with the problem,” Turaki said.
“The people of Borno are well known for their intelligence. I am sure that they know very well that government cannot have a hand in this mess,” he said.
FCT
Australia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria has appealed
to political parties and their candidates to refrain from violent acts and inflammatory speeches ahead of the February general elections.
Mr Jonathan Richardson, gave the advice on the occasion of the celebration of Australia Day in Abuja.
Our correspondent reports that the Australia celebrates its National Day on January 26 every year to commemorate the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788.
Richardson said that Australia was, however, confident that the poll would be peaceful.
He welcomed the Abuja Peace Accord of January 14, and appealed to all the stakeholders to abide by the non-violence pact.
He said, “Australia wishes Nigeria every success in holding free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State said that
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would emerge victorious at all levels in the state in the February general elections.
Dankwambo, who spoke to newsmen in Yola shortly after presiding over a stakeholders’ meeting, said the meeting had resolved all issues within the party in the state.
“I am here on a mission of the PDP to meet some of the stakeholders in Adamawa on how we will move the party forward.
“We met and discussed on how we can carry everyone in the party along to face the February general elections.
“I see Adamawa as one of our strong base and by the grace of God victory is certain,” Dankwambo said.
Also speaking, Prof. Jibril Aminu, a PDP Board of Trustee member, urged those who felt aggrieved and had already left the party to return, saying everyone would be carried along.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has urged traditional
rulers to caution their subjects against harassment of any leader in the name of politics. Lamido gave the advice when he stopped over to pay homage to Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Adamu, during the ongoing campaign tour in the area. He said that the recent attacks on leaders were bad for the country’s democracy and tasked monarchs to educate their subjects on what leadership was all about and how people should honour and respect those in power.
“I am not happy with the ugly development where our youths are used to boo leaders during political campaigns. It is a bad precedent that everyone must rise against.
“As Nigerians, we have been living peacefully, people from the North have been living and doing business in the South and those from the South have been living and peacefully doing business in the North, therefore, we have to avoid doing anything that will endanger their lives.’’
Kaduna
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
said it would use 35, 000 ad hoc staff in Kaduna State for the forthcoming general elections.
The commission’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Alhaji Yusuf Hadejia, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna recently.
According to him, the ad hoc staff will include National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, students of tertiary institutions and facilitators from universities.
He said training had already commenced for staff as the commission was getting set to conduct hitch-free and acceptable polls.
Yusuf added that materials for the elections had started arriving, noting that “we have commenced the collection of non sensitive materials from Abuja, and we are organising series of workshops ahead of the elections.’’
Kwara
No fewer than four shops were saved from being de
stroyed by fire in Ilorin following the quick intervention of the men of the Kwara Fire Service.
Our correspondent reports that the incidence occurred opposite Yusjib Industrial Medi-care Hospital in Offa Garage area of Ilorin recently.
The Fire fighters, who got to the scene of the inferno early enough, were able to put out the fire in good time before it could escalate.
Some sympathisers told newsmen that the fire was triggered by an unknown person, who was burning debris in the yard behind the shops.
He explained that his men were informed of the fire incident and quickly rushed to the scene.
Lagos
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Re
view of Nigeria’s National Defence Policy, said the outcome of its work would enhance the efficiency of the armed forces.
AVM Mohammed Umaru (Rtd), gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Lagos
Umaru said, following the committee’s two-day stakeholders’ interactive session in Lagos, the outcome of its work had so far been fruitful.
“From all indications we expect to have a result-oriented review that would ensure the efficiency of the armed forces.
“In Lagos for instance, the sessions dwelt on issues bordering on the people and the efficiency of the armed forces,” he said.
Nasarawa
The Andoma of Doma in Nasarawa, Alhaji Aliyu Onawo,
has cautioned politicians to desist from campaign of calumny ahead of the February polls.
Onawo gave the advice in Doma when the Nasarawa State governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Innocent Lagi, visited his palace to seek royal blessings.
The traditional ruler noted that the ongoing campaigns by the politicians dwelt more on personality rather than on issues and this could heat up the polity as well as instigate violence.
He urged the politicians to eschew bitterness and violence in the overall interest of the country, saying that they should focus on issue-based campaigns for the election.
Plateau
Senator Gyang Pwajok, the PDP governorship candi
date in Plateau State, has decried the ‘utter neglect’ of the tourism sector, and promised “massive investment’’ toward reviving it, if elected governor.
“The tourism sector is the pride of Plateau. It should actually our main source of revenue but that has not been possible because the sector has been neglected over the years.
“There are more than 250 tourist attraction sites and my plan is to develop these sites to international standard, so as to attract local tourists and open up Plateau to investors,’’ he told newsmen in Jos.
According to him, the potential in the sector is vast and has the capacity to rake in revenue and create employment for many because the multiplier effects of a robust tourism sector cannot be quantified.
“Plateau people also have all manners of annual cultural festivals; we shall work toward packaging these festivals to attract more visitors,’’ he said.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has distrib
uted 10,000 bags of rice and N10 million to the needy in 85 districts spread across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The chairman of the State’s Zakkat and Endowment Committee, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki made this known in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto recently.
Maidoki, who supervised the distribution of the commodity, said that the governor had also provided N 10 million to be given to all the beneficiaries.
“Each person will get a bag of rice and N 1,000 to transport it.
“The gesture is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the beneficiaries,’’ he explained.
Speaker of House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminubello Tambuwal (right) with Ogun State Governor, Senator Amoseun Ibikunle and his Lagos State counterpart, Alhaji Fashola, during the APC presidential rally in Port Harcourt, recently.
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