Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
A group of unknown gunmen has kidnapped the mem
ber representing Toungo Counstituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Usman.
Usman was said to be kidnapped by the gunmen who stormed his residence at Kofare Ward of Yola around midnight.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adamawa Police Command, Mr Othman Abubakar, said the lawmaker was taken away at gunpoint.
He however said that the police were investigating the incident.
Bauchi
Arewa Youths and Women Coalition for Good Gover
nance (AYWCGG), a Bauchi-based non-governmental organization, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to be fair to all in their zoning formula.
The North East Coordinator of the group, Alhaji Aminu Sidi, made the call at a press conference in Bauchi.
Sidi said that Nigerians had entrusted the future of the country in the hands of APC because of their belief that the party would help restore the country’s lost glory.
He called on the leadership of the party, to be fair, just and carry every geo-political zone along in its power sharing formula, to reflect the aspiration of Nigerians, who voted APC as the nation’s ruling party.
FCT
The Federal Government has agreed to go into partner
ship with the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in its Youth Education Development project.
The Country Representative of the institute, Mr Dickson Omoregie, made the disclosure in a statement issued recently in Abuja.
The Education and Youth Development Department of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is expected to host ICD in its Youth Education Development project.
The project will be domiciled in the youth ministry because of government partnership, to gain accessibility and easy dissemination of information, Omoregie stated.
Gombe
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has presented relief materials to over 1,000 individuals and organisations affected by bomb blasts, insurgency attacks and fire disasters in Gombe State, recently.
Our correspondent learnt that the affected groups comprised those affected by the bomb blast at Dukku motor park and fire disaster in some areas of Gombe metropolis and Billiri town.
Others are victims of insurgency attacks in Gombe metropolis, Dadin Kowa, Hinna and Kwadon towns of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Gombe the Head of Operations, NEMA, Gombe, Alhaji Ahmed Minin, said the materials were to serve as succour and not compensation to the victims.
Jigawa
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in
Jigawa State, Alhaji Ubali Hashim, has called on the Federal Government to complete the Hadejia Valley project to encourage agricultural activities in the area.
Hashim told newsmen in Hadejia, Jigawa State, that the call was imperative in order to mobilise participation in agriculture, accelerate paddy rice production and reduce poverty in the country.
He said that the project would open up lands for irrigation farming in Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Borno states.
He added that more than one million farmers in Jigawa could be engaged when the project was completed as it would immensely contribute to sustainable socio-economic development of the state.
The APC leader also advised the new administration in the state to utilise the agriculture and water resources to address the problem of unemployment among youths.
Kaduna
Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, has solicited the assis
tance of the Federal Government and other stakeholders for funds to support the less privileged in need of legal services.
The Director-General of the Council, Mrs Joy Bobmanuel, made the appeal on Friday in Kaduna in an interview with newsmen.
The Legal Aid Council was set up to assist the less privileged who could not afford legal services in courts.
Bobmanuel said the council was constraint by inadequate funding from both the federal government and international donors.
She said that additional funding would help the council assist more persons in need of its services.
Kwara
Women in three rural communities in Kwara State would
be sponsored under a girl education programme by the Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication, an NGO.
The Chief Executive Officer of the centre, Alhaji Sulaiman Kareem, disclosed this recently in Tunga Maje, Kaiama local government area of the state at a community dialogue.
The forum was convened to chart a new course on ways to improve girls’ education in rural communities, he said.
Kareem noted that the NGO, a partner of Actionaid Nigeria, was working in three communities of Tenebo, Tunga Maje and Gatte because of the decline in girls’ enrollment in schools in the area.
According to him, the centre will set up business for the women and proceeds from it would be spent on sponsorship of girls’ education alone.
Lagos
The Librarian, National Open University of Nigeria
(NOUN), Dr Ukoha Igwe, has called on librarians in schools across the country to step up efforts in sustaining school libraries.
Ukoha made the call at the close of the week long Nigeria International Book Fair, held in Lagos.
According to him, the libraries remain the power house of knowledge, adding that without them, there will be no innovation.
He said that librarians must be able to develop their capacities to improve on library services.
The NOUN librarian said that for librarians to remain relevant, they must ensure that they train and retrain, to be at par with new technologies and other developing trends.
Ukoha said that libraries should be torchbearers that must constantly provide light for people to come out of darkness.
He said that the failure of libraries to provide light for people would promote conflicts among the young people in the society.
Nasarawa
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa
State, has commenced the digitisation of keeping information relating to patients.
The Medical Director of the centre, Dr Joshua Giyan, stated this during the inauguration of the new technology at the information management unit of the centre in Keffi.
He said that the move was part of the centre’s commitment to ensure that patients’ information were kept safe as well as to ensure quality service delivery for the benefit of all.
“The aims and objectives of this new technology are to ensure that patients’ information is kept for a longer period without entertaining any fear.
“The new device will help to curb cases of misinformation about patients’ details,” he said.
He said that all modalities had been put in place for proper maintenance of the new device, to ensure its durability.
Oyo
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan(UI), Prof. Isaac
Adewole, says in Ibadan, that the institution would partner Galilee Institute of Management, Israel, in the areas of research development.
He said that the two institutions would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)that would include modalities to deepen? research in technology and health.
Adewole, who spoke at the ?64th Interdisciplinary Discourse of the Postgraduate School, decried under-funding of research in Nigeria.
The vice-chancellor said that Nigeria cannot compete globally without strengthening research.
“The successes recorded in Israel are a pointer to the fact that only Nigerians can turn around positively the fortunes of Nigeria with determination and commitment” he said.
He urged the incoming administration to invest in research, and properly fund tertiary institutions in order to place Nigeria tops among the comity of nations.
Yobe
The Nigeria Red Cross Society has distributed relief ma
terials to 3,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yobe State under the Presidential Initiative for the North-East zone.
Red Cross Distribution Officer for Yobe, Malam Kabir Umar, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
“Under this Programme, we have carefully screened 3,000 genuine victims of insurgency to benefit from the package.
“The beneficiaries who are taking refuge in Damaturu, Potiskum, Fika and Geidam were screened and authenticated by leaders of the affected communities.
“The society is working in partnership with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for easy location and identification of the victims to benefit from the programme,” Umar said.
R-L: Apc Taraba Gubernatorial Cadidate, Senator Aisha Alhassan, President-elect, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman of APC in Taraba State, Alhaji Jika Hassan and Chief Whip Rep Ishala Baurau during their visit to President, elect, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja
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