Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on
wealthy indigenes of Adamawa State to come and invest in the State.
Atiku made the call during the inauguration of Madugu Rockview Hotel in Yola.
According to the former vice president, the only way to develop the state is for the well-to-do citizens to invest in it.
“It is unwise for the wealthy citizens of Adamawa to go somewhere and invest while the state is lacking. “I, therefore, advise and challenge any well meaning citizen of Adamawa to come back home and invest in order to move our state forward”, Atiku said.
Governor Muhammadu Bindo of Adamawa expressed concern over poor investment attitude of people of the state.
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) said last Saturday that it planned to collaborate with the Borno Government to enhance the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Our correspondent that about 120, 000 IDPs, drawn from 22 out of the 27 local government areas of the state are taking shelter in 22 camps in Maiduguri.
NEMA Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen shortly after a meeting with officials of the state government in Maiduguri.
Otegbade said that the essence was to enhance hygiene at the IDPs camps as well as ensure improvement in theír living condition.
“What we have agreed upon is more like sharing responsibilities on how to continue to maintain the camps in a very hygienic manner.
Ekiti
The immediate past Speaker of Ekiti State House of
Assembly, Mr Dele Olugbemi, has urged the newly inaugurated legislators to support the administration of Governor Ayo Fayose to bring about meaningful development.
Olugbemi gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
He urged the legislators to cooperate with the Executive to ensure the delivery of more dividends of democracy to the people.
The former speaker said meaningful development could only be achieved when there is cooperation among the three arms of government.
“I want to charge the newly inaugurated legislators that they must cooperate with the administration Gov. Fayose to bring about meaningful development.
FCT
The Federal Ministry of Environment says it will imple
ment relevant actions to achieve sustainable development and environmental protection in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Fatima Mede, gave the assurance in Abuja last a symposium organised to mark the 2015 World Environment Day (WED).
Mede said that the government had established various institutions and mechanisms to address specific issues to ensure environmental protection.
She said that the ministry had also fashioned out relevant policies and action plans to address some environmental challenges such as drought and desertification, erosion and climate change, among others.
According to her, the government has also, through the ministry and her agencies, developed relevant environmental laws and regulations to address some of these challenges.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has
approved the appointment of Mr James Phisagi as Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
This is contained in statement signed by Alhaji Ahmed Usman, the state’s Head of Civil Service, and made available to newsmen in Gombe.
The statement said Phisagi’s appointment was with effect from June 4.
According the statement, Phisagi, 56, was the Permanent Secretary, General Duties at the SSG’s Office.
The acting SSG graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1980 with BSC in Political Science.
Jigawa
The Kiyawa Local Government Council of Jigawa State
last Friday said it is targeting more than 80,000 children for vaccination against polio in the ongoing immunisation.
The Manager, National Programme on Immunisation (NPI), in the area, Alhaji Ashiru Mu’azu, said this through the council’s Information Officer, Malam Abdullahi Yakubu, in Kiyawa.
Yakubu said that, according to the NPI Manager, the state government has supplied 78,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPVs) for the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The official said the exercise would be conducted under the supervision of the council chairman and his councillors.
According to him, the council had provided 135 cartons of sweets to woo children to participate in the exercise.
Kano
The former Director, Research and Documentation Unit,
Ado Bayero Foundation, Alhaji Ado Kurawa has described the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as the most influential monarch in the history of Kano Emirate Council.
Kurawa made the remark at the first memorial lecture of the revered traditional ruler in Kano on Sunday.
The lecture, titled “The Contribution of the late Emir Ado Bayero to the Development of Islam in Kano”, was organised by the Bayero University Kano.
According to him, the late monarch was an important asset in promoting mutual understanding and resolving conflicts between different ethnic and religious groups.
“Bayero who reigned for 50 years contributed immensely to the development of Islam in the state through donation to Islamic organisations.
Kebbi
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has advo
cated making of history as a compulsory subject in schools to enable young Nigerians to understand the society better.
The sultan made the call at the 10th Anniversary of the Coronation of the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar.
He urged the youths to study the history of their traditional institutions and values, stressing that facts of history will guide their attitude towards the promotion of peace, love and education.
According to him, study of history will enable students to ascertain facts about past and appreciate roles of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, unity and coexistence of diverse people of Nigeria.
He also called on community leaders and to promote both Islamic and western education for the rapid development of society.
Lagos
A member of the 7th Federal Assembly from Lagos State,
Dr. Samuel Adejare, has called for regular summits between past and serving lawmakers where they could share experiences.
Adejare, who represented the Agege Federal Constituency I under the All Progressives congress (APC), told our correspondent last Friday that such summits would help to deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
He urged the Institute for Legislative Studies to regularly organise meetings between past and serving lawmakers at all levels for them to exchange ideas and share views on law making.
Nassarawa
The Catholic Bishop of Lafia, Dr Mathew Ishaya, has
called on Nigerians to give the much-needed support for President Muhamadu Buhari’s administration.
He said such support to the new government and political leaders would ensure its success.
Ishaya, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lafia, said no government could achieve any meaningful development and progress without the support and prayers of its citizenry.
He said: “Our role is to preach peace, unity and to advise our members and other Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.
Ishaya also called on the people not to relent in their prayers for the success of the new government and reminded them that “prayer is key to the success of every individual or government.”
Osun
The Programme Manager, Rural Water and Environ
mental Sanitation Agency in Osun, Alhaji Olaposi Adiatu, has described provision of potable water in a dirty environment as invitation to water-borne diseases.
Adiatu made this assertion in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo recently.
He said the provision of potable water in an unhealthy environment is automatically inviting diseases.
According to him, in as much as provision of potable water is essential, it would be counter- productive to have it in a dirty environment, as this could lead to contraction of various kinds of water-borne diseases.
”We have made it clear to our people that one of the major prerequisite to provision of water in their communities is their commitment to environmental sanitation, ” he said.
On the Millennium Development Goals’ projection of water for all by the year 2015, the RUWESA boss expressed his reservation about the attainment of this goal by the stipulated period.
Taraba
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA), Donga, has donated N5million worth of relief materials to 2,926 victims of gun attacks in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba.
Alhaji Muhammed Sidi, Director General of the agency, presented the items to the three camps of Tor Damisa, Model Primary School and Dozomga.
Sidi told the internally displaced persons (IDPs) that the relief materials were meant to alleviate their sufferings and not compensation to what they have lost.
“I want to make it clear that this relief materials we have brought to you is to alleviate your sufferings while the government is trying to restore peace in your communities.
“You must, therefore, try on your part to tolerate one another and assist government in finding lasting solutions to the unfortunate attacks in your communities,” he said.
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