Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Chairman, Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU),
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital branch, Mr Babangida Bingis, has apologised to Nigerians over the three-month strike embarked upon by the union.
Bingis offered the apology when he spoke with newsmen in Bauchi recently.
He said that the union had directed the suspension of the action, adding that members of the union had since resumed work as directed.
“We apologise for the inconvenience the action might have caused and hope that all our issues will be addressed,” he said.
Gombe
President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to generate
power from Dadin-Kowa Dam in Yamaltu/Deba local government area of Gombe state, in addition to assisting farmers, if re-elected.
Jonathan made the pledge when he visited the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar, in his palace in Gombe.
“We are looking at Dadin-Kowa Dam for provision of steady power supply to Gombe State, in addition to assisting farmers in the state,’’ he said.
He said Federal Government’s commitment to farmers in the state could be seen from the provision of fertiliser and other inputs directly to them through the e-wallet system.
Jonathan urged youths in the state to key in to the commercial farming system.
“I also re-assure you that this government will continue to work with the people of Gombe state on how we can continue to move our country forward and move the state forward,’’ he said.
He said that they were at the Emir’s palace to seek for royal blessing and prayers before embarking on their re-election campaign rally in the state.
Kano
The Progressives Youth Wing of the People’s Demo
cratic Movement (PDM) in Kano State has called on the electorate to vote for APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, during the February 14 election.
The chairman of the group, Alhaji Ghali Abdallah, made the call while briefing newsmen in Kano.
He said the group had resolved to support Buhari to enable him bring the desired change in the country.
“’Buhari possesses all the qualities required from a leader as he was tested and trusted,’’ he said.
He, however, urged people to vote for PDM’s gubernatorial candidate, Bashir Ishaq, during the February 28 elections.
“Ishaq is the best among the candidates contesting for the governorship position in view of his good leadership qualities.
Lagos
The police have arraigned a 43-year-old woman, Hajiya
Safiya Yakubu at the Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly receiving stolen wrappers worth N3 million.
The accused, a resident of No. 1, Poultry Road, New Layout, Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna, is standing trial on a charge of receiving stolen property.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Mohammed Garba told the court that one Sanusi Mohammed, of Shop 57, Garki Ultra Modern Market, reported a case of theft of wrappers from his shop by one Amina Ali of Masaka, Nasarawa State on January 21.
Garba said that police investigation in the matter revealed that the accused bought the wrappers from Amina.
According to him, in the course of interrogation, seven pieces of Hollandais wrappers were recovered from the accused person.
Nasarawa
National Coordinator, “Goodluck Jonathan Fulani Sup
port Group” has said Alhaji Hussaini Muhammad, said that Fulani herdsmen would give Jonathan 70 per cent of their votes in the February election.
Muhammad stated this at the interactive session with newsmen at the sideline of the PDP governorship campaign in Kokona local government area of Nasarawa state.
He said that the Fulanis were the highest beneficiary of the Jonathan administration and would reciprocate the goodwill by voting massively for his re-election bid.
Muhammad said that the Fulanis had never had it so good since the return of democratic governance.
Niger
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial
candidate in Niger State, Alhaji Umaru Nasko, has urged youths across the country to shun violence during and after the February elections.
He made the call when he received a Grand Peace Ambassador award by the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) in Minna.
He said youths should not be seen as inexperienced people, rather, they should be given the opportunity to participate in all facets of governance.
He added that, “I accept this Grand Peace award with all sense of humility, responsibility and I pledge not to let Nigerian youths down.
“Today, I stand to advocate that youths should not be seen as inexperienced people, they should be given the opportunity to participate in government activities to gain the needed experience.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has prom
ised to declare public holiday to enable the people collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Amosun made the promise at Ajebo ward 11 in Obafemi/Owode local government area of the state during his re-election campaign rally.
“We can’t just declare holiday when the cards are not ready; we are doing everything to sensitise our people on the importance of the cards,” Amosun said.
The governor promised to commence work on the OGTV- Kajola – Obafe- Ajebo road if re-elected.
He commended the former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who constructed the road during his tenure.
Oyo
The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odugade,
has stressed the need for Ibadan indigenes in Oyo State to promote the tradition, culture and heritage of Ibadan land.
He made the remark in Ibadan at a press briefing to unveil the logo of Oke’Badan festival.
Represented by high Chief Eddie Oyewole, the Ekerin Olubadan, the monarch declared that recognising the culture and tradition of Ibadan land does not translate to paganism.
He said that the Oke’Badan festival, celebrated annually serve as reminder of the historical antecedents of Ibadan people.
According to him, the festival also serves as ‘social melting pot’ where divergent issues affecting the lives of the people are discussed.
Plateau
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
says it will sponsor additional 200 victims of violent conflicts in Plateau to acquire vocational skills, under its Livelihood Support Scheme.
UNDP’s Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Analyst Mr Mathew Alao, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
Alao said that the organisation had just sponsored 149 victims in the state to acquire training in seven vocational skill areas.
The areas the skill covered were on hair dressing, tailoring, knitting, catering and decorations as well as GSM repair, shoe-making, leather works and computer studies.
The official said that the scheme was being supported financially by the government of Norway.
Yobe
Over 30 families who fled Boko Haram attacks in Borno,
Adamawa and Yobe State without contact for several months have reunited at a HIV/AIDS screening centre in Nguru, Yobe State.
Spokesman of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Malam Ibrahim Dankanawa, disclosed this to newsmen in Nguru recently.
Our correspondent reports that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) organised a one-week HIV/AIDS screening exercise for the IDPs to ascertain their HIV status and curb spread of the virus.
“The families fled Baga in Borno, Mubi in Adamawa and Buni-Yadi in Yobe, and we lost contact for several months but this screening center has reunited us,” Dankanawa said.
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.
Akujobi Amadi