Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The women wing of Christian Association of Ni
geria (CAN) in Benue State, last Thursday held a one day fasting and prayer session for children, youths and the conduct of peaceful elections in Nigeria.
Rev. Hannah Ikyernum, the chairperson, CAN women wing in Benue State told newsmen in Makurdi that the prayers were aimed at averting violence during the polls.
She said that since the youths and children were usually the worst victims during electoral violence, there was need to organise such prayer sessions to commit the political processes into the hands of God.
“ We have also discovered that in any political crisis, the death toll is usually high hence our resolve to pray against such death rate in our state and country,” she said.
Ikyernum appealed to parents to ensure that their children and wards were of good conduct.
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has presented relief materials to widows of slain soldiers currently fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in Maiduguri.
The Director, Search and Rescue of the agency, Air Commodore Chris Otegba, presented the materials to Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, the GOC of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.
Otegba, who represented the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, said the action followed directives of President Goodluck Jonathan.
“We are here on the directives of President Goodluck Jonathan to present relief materials to widows of slain officers of the disvision.
“The idea is to lend support to the widows who lost their bread winners.
Ekiti
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency,
(NDLEA), Ekiti State Command, has warned secondary school students against drug abuse.
The Principal Staff Officer (PSO) in Charge of Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the command, Mr Peter Njoku, gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti.
Njoku spoke during a seminar organised for An-saru-deen Comprehensive High School students, Ado-Ekiti.
He said that hard drugs were dangerous to health of human beings, especially young people who were in secondary school.
He advised them not to take Indian hemp, cocaine, and other harmful substances that could damage their brain, kidney and lungs.
The PSO also urged the students to disconnect themselves from drug addicts, in order not to lure them into the business of peddling of hard drugs.
FCT
FCT Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Com
mission (FRSC), Mrs Susan Ajenge, has advised applicants of new drivers licence to patronise any of the 29 accredited driving schools in the territory.
Ajenge, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, also stressed the need for the applicants to learn driving skills and obtain the certificates, accordingly.
She said applicants could go to any of the 29 accredited driving schools closer to them in order to get adequate driving skills as well as certification.
“There are 29 accredited driving schools spread all over the territory at the service of the public who are interested in learning how to drive safely on the roads.
”They will ensure that their trainees have adequate driving skills before they issue them certificates, so that they will not put the reputation of their schools at stake.
Jigawa
The US-based National Health Institute (NHI) said it
would conduct a study on kidney diseases in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa.
The NHI representative, Dr Akinlolu Ojo, said this when a team of medical experts paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, at his palace.
Ojo explained that the research would identify type of kidney diseases, causes and ways of prevention.
He said that the study would guide the institute in its plans to come up with a comprehensive intervention programme.
“We will carry forward research on kidney failure in Hadejia; this is sequel to a complaint to the institute by a native of the area on the high prevalence of the disease.
“The institute will develop an intervention project to address kidney problem in the area,” he said.
Kano
The Kano State Government has said it would collaborate
with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to export handmade products locally produced by women.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Dr Binta Jibril, said this while receiving the NEPC Zonal Controller, Alhaji Abdullahi Mamman, in Kano.
She said the collaboration would help in marketing the products within and outside the country.
“Some indigent women are talented and specialised in various skills that attract investors from within and outside the country.”
Jibril, however, said most of the women were ignorant on how to export the products.
She said the recent bazaar and exhibition of handmade products organised by the ministry was aimed at showcasing them to investors.
Lagos
A 27-year-old man, Ibrahim Adeleke, who allegedly broke
into a pastor’s house at night and stole some valuables, has appeared in an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is being tried on eight-count charge, bordering on felony, burglary, stealing and assault.
Prosecutor Mary Ajiteru, said the accused with others still at large, attacked the pastor, Abayomi Awolaja with an axe before carting away property valued at N77, 100.
She told the court that the accused committed the offences at No. 1A, Raji Fashola Ave., Unity Estate, Offin, Ikorodu, on June 28, 2014 at about 1.00 a.m.
He listed items stolen as a Nokia android phone, other phones, a driver’s licence and ATM cards, all valued at N77,100.
Oyo
A veterinary expert, Dr Mutiu Oladele-Bukola, has cau
tioned poultry farmers against contaminated chicken feeds.
Oladele-Bukola of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR and T), Ibadan, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
According to him, feeding is an important aspect of poultry rearing as it affects the health of the birds positively or negatively.
He, therefore, urged farmers to always give uncontaminated and well balanced feeds to the birds in order to get a befitting and healthy poultry.
He said “ready-made feeds that are already bagged should be given for the first four weeks of the chicken.
“Also, the chicks at that stage must be given foundation stock from reliable sources.’’
Plateau
The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency
(SEMA) has said that 70, 000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are currently taking refuge in the state.
The SEMA Director of Administration, Mr Biser Longnam, told newsmen in Jos that the IDPs were from the Northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
Longnam said that some of the displaced persons were from Nasarawa and Taraba states, who left their homes because of communal clashes in the communities.
“We have 70, 000 IDPs currently in the state, 36, 000 of them are taking refuge at different locations in Plateau North senatorial district.
“Some of the IDPs are camping in Namu in Quan’Pan Local Government Area and other places in the Southern part of the state,’’ he said.
Zamfara
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has commenced an awareness programme to sensitise stakeholders on the dangers of violence before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Assistance Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operation Office, Mr Thickman Tanimu, said in Gusau that the outreach programme was to ensure orderliness during the polls.
Tanimu, who spoke at a workshop on election violence organised for youth, religious leaders and community-based organisations in Zamfara, said such awareness was critical to free, fair and credible polls.
He urged the participants to carry the message of peace, accommodation and respect for the electoral laws, in order to ensure peaceful and successful conduct of the general elections.
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