Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has warned civil
servants in the state against involvement in partisan politics, saying that those found culpable will be made to face the consequences.
Fayose handed down the warning while addressing the public servants on Grade level 01-17 at the State’s Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, recently.
He said civil servants, by their training and orientation, had no business in party politics, adding that workers’ partisanship in politics had the tendency of destroying the entire service.
According to him, there is no crime in a particular civil servant having sympathy for one political party or the other or voting in an election, explaining that such a scenario will turn out to be something else when it is done to the extreme.
He said his government had no plan to politicise the civil service and urged the workers to also keep off partisan politics in their own interest.
FCT
The Chairman of Bwari Central Market, Alhaji Shehu
Mohammed, has advised the area council against demolition of market stalls, to promote commercial growth of the area.
Mohammed gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Bwari, recently.
He appealed to the council to redesign the place, to achieve a meaningful growth in the volume of business taking place in the area.
“I urge the government to look into this issue of demolition; it is disturbing us, everyday we are thinking of it, so many people in this market have vacated based on the planned demolition.
“Our economy is depreciating; our capital is going down because of this very issue; customers are no longer coming steadily to the market. Why, because of demolition of a thing.
“It is not building that is market, it is people; so, when people are vacating the market, others will stop coming there” he said.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has ap
proved N750 million for the establishment of the state’s Geographic Information Services (GOGIS) to ease land administration in the state.
The Surveyor-General (SG) of the state, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
Umar said the system, when fully implemented, would ensure easy access to land information and reduce land dispute.
He said the project would enhance revenue generation as well as connect all ministries, departments and agencies to enable the state chief executive easy access to the activities of the ministries online.
“GOGIS will reduce shoddy deals in land administration; any time you want to find anything, you will just click and find your files.
“There will be no overlapping which generates shoddy deals and there will be recertification of certificate of occupancy which will generate revenue as an amount will be charged for that.”
Kaduna
The Jama’atu Nasrul Islam (JNI), has cautioned Nigeri
ans not to react negatively to the shift in the date of the general elections announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday.
A statement signed by JNI Secretary General, Dr Khalid Abubakar expressed concern over the ‘uproar’ being generated in some quarters by the shift in the date of the polls.
The statement, made available to newsmen in Kaduna, called for restraint and caution on the part of politicians.
It urged politicians not hit up the already tense political situation in the country.
The statement stressed the need for Nigerians to be patriotic, responsible, tolerant and committed to peace and stability in the country before, during and after the elections.
Kano
Traders at the Kofar-Wanbai Market in Kano have called
on the federal government to intervene in the activities of some customs officers allegedly confiscating goods in some parts of the country.
The spokesman of the traders, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the call while addressing newsmen in Kano recently.
He wondered why goods purchased from the eastern part of the country meant to be delivered to the north part were being impounded by custom officers.
“Despite the directive given by the Comptroller-General that goods bought from one part of the country should not be confiscated but they still ignore the directive,’’ he said.
He noted that the activities of such officers were capable of denting the image of the service when the Comptroller- General was making effort to sanitise the operations.
According to him, some of the affected traders have recorded huge loss within the last one year.
Kebbi
The Wife of Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Zainab Dakingari,
has distributed empowerment tools to women in Zuru Local Council of the state.
Dakingari distributed the tools at a PDP governorship candidate, Gen. Bello Sarkin-Yaki’s political rally in Zuru.
Our correspondent reports that the items include 414 deep freezers, 700 irrigation pumps, 200 sewing machines.
She said that the donation was to encourage women to be self-reliant and urged the beneficiaries to utilise the items judiciously to improve their economic status.
She urged the women to obtain their PVCs and vote Sarkin-Yaki as the most appropriate replacement of her husband.
“Gen. Sarkin-Yaki has served the nation competently and has unblemished record and was never found wanting, “she said.
Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested the son of
an ex-police officer on alleged charges of threatening another person with a gun and illegal possession of firearms.
Mr Salihu Garuba, the state’s Commissioner of Police, said this while addressing newsmen in Ilorin.
Garuba said that the accused person (name withheld) was arrested on Feb. 6 at Tanke, Ilorin, while threatening one Al-Amin Lukman with a gun during a rift between them.
He said the suspect was the son of a late Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Nasarawa State.
He said when a search was conducted at the suspect’s residence at Tanke area of Ilorin, a beretta pistol; a revolver pistol and a locally-made double barrel gun were recovered.
Other items recovered, Garuba said, include: 133 pieces of 7.62mm ammunition; 28 pieces of .9mm ammunition; 22 pieces of 7.6mm ammunition; three Bullet proof vests; a respiratory and a complete set of body protector.
He said three blasts; a hand grenade; 11 smoke cartridges; 86 live cartridges; 42 pieces of 5.5mm; two pieces of .36mm ammunitions; and two pairs of handcuffs with key, were also recovered.
Lagos
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has ap
pealed to the Federal Government to provide easy access for farmers to obtain agricultural loans.
The National Secretary of the association, Mr Okon Edehoema, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that many farmers could not boost their production capacity due to lack of access to government guaranteed loans.
According to him, there are many bureaucratic bottlenecks preventing farmers from benefiting from financial incentives provided by the Federal Government.
“Many farmers have not benefited from various agricultural funds because of stringent conditions put in place by disbursing agencies.
“Some state governments usually divert funds meant for small scale farmers to service other causes.
“They end up issuing paltry sums to the farmers and call it empowerment,’’ he said.
Taraba
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has
donated additional relief materials worth millions of Naira to the 27 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Taraba.
The Head, Gombe operations office of the agency, Alhaji Saidu Ahmed, presented the materials to the state government in Jalingo recently.
In his remark at the occasion, Ahmed said the additional materials were presented to the IDPS camps following a request from the state government and an assessment of the needs of the camps carried out by NEMA
He said the materials included 900 bags of assorted grains, 100 bags of sugar, 100 bags of salt, 100 bundles of roofing sheets and 500 bags of nails.
Others are 500 pieces of blankets, 1,000 pieces of nylon mats, 300 pieces of mattresses and 500 pieces of ceiling boards.
Also presented are 50 kegs of vegetable oil, 2,000 pieces of mosquito nets, 1,500 pieces of guinea brocade and 2,000 pieces of wax prints.
Zamfara
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Zamfara has
repatriated a total of 150 immigrants who illegally entered Nigeria from neighbouring countries, this year.
The State Comptroller of the Service, Mr Shehuri Sadiq, stated this at a news briefing in Gusau recently.
Sadiq said the aliens were arrested during the ongoing mop-up operation and removal of irregular immigrants in the state.
He said the raids were carried out in areas including Bungudu, Mada, Mado town, Gusau, Samaru, Filin Jirgi, Gada biyu and Damba.
Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke receiving an ipad made in Calabar phone and ipad Assembling plant from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Arch. Darius Ishaku during a courtesy visit, shortly after the graduation ceremony of first batch of 100 graduates from the Centre in Calabar.
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