Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Chad and Niger, Dr
Hans-Rudolf Hodel, has urged Nigerian youths to work towards a peaceful general elections.
Hodel made the call in Yola while interacting with staff and students of American University of Nigeria, Yola, on democracy in Switzerland.
He said that violence in any form must be avoided, insisting that dialogue had remained the best way of resolving any conflict.
He lauded the university’s authorities for what he described as ”quality education” being provided to students, adding that education was the bedrock of all developments.
According to him, an educated population will ensure peace and prosperity of a nation.
On bilateral relations with Nigeria, Hodel said that Switzerland, currently with a population of eight million people, supported Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and established its embassy in the country in 1961.
He said currently Switzerland has about 60 companies doing business in Nigeria with Nestlé being the most popular among them.
Borno
The Borno State government said it planned to explore the
possibilities of completing the long awaited Biu Dam project using its own resources.
The state Governor, Kashim Shettima, stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Aliyu in his palace in Biu.
Shettima said the government had been worried over the continued abandonment of the dam in spite of its socio-economic potential.
He added that the state government had already paid its counterpart funding for the completion of the project.
“The state government has paid its counterpart fund for the completion of the dam but the Federal Government is yet to release its own for the commencement of work on the site.”
He said that the dam, when completed, would assist in tackling the problem of perennial water shortage as well as providing water for irrigation farming for the people.
The governor added that his administration had executed many developmental projects worth about N10 billion in the area since his assumption of office in 2011.
He named some of the projects to include the construction of the Miringa-Gunda road and reconstruction of Government Secondary School (GSS) Miringa.
Shettima said the administration also carried out mass overhaul of structures at Government Secondary School, Marama, as well as upgraded general hospitals in Biu, Kwaya-Kusar and Bayo local government areas.
Responding, the Emir thanked the governor for the visit which he described as historic.
FCT
A coalition of women, youths and persons with disability
in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections.
They said, at a rally in support of APC’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in Abuja, that the party was better prepared to address the plight of vulnerable groups in the country.
They stated that women and the youth had been abandoned for too long while the welfare of disabled persons had been neglected.
National Coordinator, Harbingers of Change for Buhari, Hajiya Hasiya Suleiman, a member of the coalition, said that though the present administration had done its best, it was time for Nigerians to embrace change.
She said that Buhari represented the change that vulnerable groups in the country had yearned for in the past 15 years of democratic rule in the country.
Suleiman said that the group was committed to its support for Buhari’s candidacy ”till the results of the elections are announced”.
Kaduna
Authorities of Shehu Idris College of Health Science Tech
nology, Makarfi, Kaduna State, have shut its main campus following a fire outbreak in the female hostel.
Our correspondent learnt that the fire destroyed 25 rooms in the “female hostel block B” and left 200 students without accommodation.
The Provost of the college, Mr Musa Garba-Abdullahi, told newsmen that the college had been closed and examinations suspended.
“We have already started the first semester examination, which we are supposed to have completed on Wednesday, February 12, but this ugly incident happened.
“We decided to shut down the main campus and the examination suspended till further notice,” he said.
The provost, however, said that there was no loss of life because the incident happened while the students were writing their examinations.
Kwara
The Vice Chancellor of Al-hikmah University, Prof Suleiman
AbdulKareem, has urged the Federal Government to extend its grants and financial assistance to private universities as part of measure to provide quality university education to youths.
Abdulkareem made the call at the 10th matriculation of the institution for the 2014/2015 academic session in Ilorin recently.
He also stressed the need for both the federal and state governments to continue to give priority attention to education through adequate funding, by providing basic infrastructural facilities.
The vice-chancellor noted that apart from being the best legacy a nation could bequeath to its youths, education is also the pivotal which the national development rests.
He, therefore, cautioned the newly admitted students against examination malpractice and other immoral behaviours, saying that the university had zero tolerance to them.
Lagos
The President, Society for Women in Taxation (SWIT), Mrs
Justina Okoro, has called for synergy between tax institutes and governments to combat double taxation in the country.
Okoro told newsmen in Lagos that many companies had crumbled as a result of double taxation.
“This also is retarding rapid industrial growth in the country, especially now that the country’s benchmark of crude oil is dwindling, we should encourage diversification and industrial growth,” she said.
She said that multiple taxations could discourage diversifications and industrial expansion.
“I urge all tax stakeholders to join hands to resolve this challenge. A good tax system should be targeted at consumption and not at investment.
“And whether consumptions or investments, none should be doubly taxed,” she said.
Oyo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has
urged Nigerians not to be frustrated by the shift in the dates of the general elections.
Chairman of ASUU, University of Ibadan chapter, Prof. Segun Ajiboye, made the appeal while reacting to postponement of the February elections on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajiboye said that Nigerians should rather ensure that they collected their Permanent Voter Cards before the rescheduled dates for the elections.
He described the INEC decision as a serious setback for Nigerian democracy.
“We condemn the shift in the dates for the polls but, however,we encourage Nigerians to keep calm in the face of unnecessary provocations.
“The decision is a serious setback for Nigerian democracy. But we should remain steadfast. Let us organise and not agonise,” he said.
Plateau
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
in Plateau, has started the distribution of more Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), especially for those who registered in November 2014 in the state.
The commission’s Head, Voter Education and Publicity in Plateau, Mr Imahiyereobo Osaretin, told newmen in Jos, that the distribution began last week.
Osaretin explained that the PVCs were for those who registered in November 2014, while those who registered in 2011 and were yet to collect theirs, could also collect their cards.
“We have collected over 1. 3 million PVCs from our headquarters for those, who registered in 2011 and we have so far distributed more than 1.2 million out of the number brought to us, which represents 88.3 per cent.
”No fewer than 643,241 PVCs have again arrived from our headquarters solely for those who registered in 2014, and we have started distribution immediately,” he said.
He said that prospective voters, who registered in 2011 and had yet to collect their PVCs, should return to their registration centres as the newly arrived PVCs also had some of the missing ones.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government said it was sponsoring 42
students in Niger and Burkina Faso to obtain bachelor’s degrees in French.
Chairman of Sokoto State Scholarship Board, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo, made this known at the inauguration of an eight-month Intensive Preliminary French Programme for 70 persons in Sokoto recently.
Kalgo, represented by the Director of Administration of the board, Alhaji Salihu Galadanchi, said the first batch of 17 students were pursuing their first degrees in French at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger Republic.
Another batch of 25 students will be leaving for the University of Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, for a similar programme.
“The board has also paid registration fees for fresh, returning , spill over and amnesty students at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
“The gestures are aimed at grooming interested and qualified indigenes to pursue degree programmes in French language.
Taraba
The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, Mr Ademola
Omole, has warned governorship candidates of vari
ous political parties against attacking opponents at campaign rallies.
Omole gave the warning at a meeting with governorship candidates of political parties in Jalingo where an accord to end attacks on opponents was later signed by the candidates.
The commissioner decried the clash among political parties in Suntai village which claimed two lives, warning that the command would come hard on anyone that went against the terms of the accord.
Our correspondent reports that seven out of the 15 governorship candidates in the state signed the accord.
From Left: Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar Iii and Governor Aliyu Wamakko, during Governor Amaechi’s visit to the Sultan in Sokoto on Thursday
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