Nation
THE STATES
Governors at the inauguration of National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.
Adamawa
An Islamic group, the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’iquamatis
Sunnah (JIBWIS), has said it rendered support to about 200,000 orphans nationwide within the past four years.
The National Chairman of the group, Shiekh Bala Lau, made this known in Yola in an interview with newsmen.
Lau said the gesture was part of the organisation’s contribution to empower the needy in the society.
He said the assistance was in areas of foodstuff, clothing and education.
He warned that depriving the underprivileged, particularly orphans, access to education and the needed moral upbringing would make them end up constituting problems to the society.
Bauchi
The Psychiatric Ward of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Uni
versity Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH), Bauchi, is to be renovated and upgraded to meet the challenges of the time.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr Yusuf Jibrin, gave this indication in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
He said that this measure would provide a comfortable atmosphere for both staff and patients in the ward.
According to him, some wards in the hospital had earlier been renovated to meet global standards.
Speaking on the hospital charges, Jibrin said that ATBU TH was one of the few tertiary health institutions in the country with moderate fees.
He said that the aim of charging moderate fees, was to make quality service affordable to the less priviledged members of the public.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has
said the agency had embarked on sensitisation to avert disasters in the state.
The General Manager of the Agency, Mr Femi Osasona, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
He said that the agency had lived up to its responsibilities in saving the lives and properties of the residents.
“We have ensured that disasters, such as flood, fire outbreak and others did not affect the resident in their various environments.
“The agency had organised workshops, seminars and carried out house-to-house campaign with the assistance of major stakeholders to educate the people on disaster management.
FCT
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Fri
day, urged the Federal Government to enact a compressive Nuclear Law to authorise nuclear activities in the country. The Head of IAEA Integrated nuclear Infrastructure Review Team to Nigeria, Mrs Anne Starb, gave the advice at the closing ceremony of a nine-day meeting of the team’s mission in Abuja with the theme “Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission in Nigeria.’’Starb said IAEA was ready to assist Nigeria to develop necessary infrastructure for the successful implementation of nuclear power programme.
She said the purpose of the meeting was to identify the areas of progress and to provide recommendations to existing project in Nigeria.
According to her, IAEA planned to work with relevant institutions like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and other supporting institutions to fully implement the project.
Gombe
A Guest Speaker at a Ramadan Lecture, held in Gombe,
Malam Muhammad Lawan, has admonished Muslims on the importance of eating ‘balanced diet’ during the Ramadan period.
Speaking at the 5th Ramadan Tafsir, organized by the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Gombe state, Lawan said eating ‘one type of food’ should be avoided, as much as possible.
According to him,eating balanced diet will give people the good health to enable them worship God with vigour in the holy month.
He suggested that such diet should contain protein, vegetable, minerals, among others, to help protect people from infections and other diseases.
He also urged those fasting, to always go for natural fruits instead of bottled or packaged drinks that contained chemicals and other preservatives.
He further cautioned people against sleeping immediately after meal, adding that the habit could cause weakness, indigestion and other stomach problems.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it had arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly impregnating a minor.
The State Commandant of the corps, Mr Muhammad Gidado, told newsmen that the suspect, a resident of Kanti Quarters in Katoge village, was arrested in Kazaure Local Government Area.
He said that the matter was reported by the mother of the victim to the men of the corps operating in the area.
The commandant said when the suspect was invited and interrogated, he confessed to having canal knowledge of the girl many times.
According to him, a clinical test conducted showed that the victim was carrying a four-month-old pregnancy.
Gidado said the suspect would soon be charged to court.
Kogi
The Federal Government has been urged to raise aware
ness campaign level on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
Some physicians made the call in separate interviews with newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday on the sideline of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Dr Abdulrahman Jafar, Medical Consultant, Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, said government at all levels should intensify efforts in the fight against the menace of drug abuse.
Jafar stressed the need for government to secure legislation that would discourage drug abuse and illicit trafficking, adding that its agencies should ensure its enforcement with all seriousness.
Lagos
Some experts last Friday blamed youths involvement in
drug abuse to failure of moral values and lack of parental training.
The experts who spoke to newsmen in separate interviews blamed parents over their inability to raise their children in decent and religious way.
A research analyst and an expert on International Relations, Mr Tony Ufoh, said youths were engaged in illicit drugs due to bad upbringing. Mr Deji Alejo, said the peer group pressure, lack of drug education, awareness on its danger contributed to its abuse by some youths.
He alleged that the youth were not well educated on the dangers of drug abuse, saying that was why the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) needed to do something urgently.
Ondo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
has mourned the death of 11 students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ondo State, who lost their lives last Friday in a road mishap. The Vice President (National Affairs) of NANS, Ayenuro Gbenga, expressed the mood of the association in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure. He said “it is with caring thoughts that the national secretariat of NANS regrets and commiserates with the teeming Nigerian students and the Olabisi Olabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, over the death of 11 students of the institution.
“Words seem inadequate to express our sadness over the incident. “The loss of a loved one is always an unfathomable tragedy which is compounded when such death occurs at an unripe age. “May their hearts and souls find peace and comfort,’’ he said.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has reaffirmed his
administration’s commitment toward tackling the security challenges facing the state.
Lalong, who spoke to newsmen at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, on his return from a two-week trip to Brazil, also promised to clear the arrears of state government workers’ salaries.
The state government on Tuesday declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs as part of its efforts to end midnight killings in the state.
The governor assured state government workers that their salaries would be paid regularly.
Last week the workers, who were owed eight months salary arrears, were paid two months salaries.
Sokoto
A Sokoto-based legal practitioner, Mr Ferdinand Okotete,
has advised the National Assembly to promulgate legislation that would set up special courts to prosecute public officials and contractors who handled failed projects.
Okotete told newsmen in Sokoto that such courts would ensure quick dispensation of justice.
He, however, said that the courts would need the political backing of President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed in their assignment.
Okotete said that competent and honest Nigerians should be given the opportunity to take charge of the special courts.
He said that all cases before the EFCC and ICPC should be taken to the special courts to ensure quick dispensation of justice.
Taraba
The TY Danjuma Foundation, through Chagro Care Trust,
an NGO, last Saturday commenced medical intervention in the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Taraba.
The Programme Assistant of the Foundation, Mr Emmanuel Ishaku, said in Jalingo that the research conducted by the foundation had revealed the IDP required immediate medical care and food.
Ishaku said the foundation had gone into partnership with many credible NGOs with skilled personnel to handle various health challenges facing the IDPs in the state.
The Executive Director of Chagro Care Trust, Mr Danjuma Adda, said the organization was moved by the plight of IDPs and decided to approach TY Danjuma for sponsorship and it accepted.
Zamfara
The Gusau Emirate Council in Zamfara State has distributed
food items and clothes to 3,300 orphans and the less privileged as Ramadan welfare package.
The Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, announced this in Gusau at his palace while distributing the items to the beneficiaries.
The emir said that out of the 3,300 beneficiaries, 1,040 were orphans who were assisted with food items and clothes, while the remaining 2,260 were less privileged persons who would benefit from food items only.
He added that the beneficiaries were drown from the 13 districts of the emirate by the emirate and in collaboration with the state’s Zakkat and Endowment Board.
He said the assistance came from the state government, the emirate council and well-to-do individuals who assisted through the emirate’s Zakkat and Endowment Committee.
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