Nation
THE STATES
Gov. Samuel Ortom Of Benue State (left), welcoming the Primate, Anglican Communion of Nigeria, Most Rev. Nicholas Ukoh, during the visit of Bishops of the communion to the Governor in Makurdi, recently
Adamawa
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in
Adamawa, Alhaji Yamusa Shuaibu, said the governor may appoint more than 20 commissioners into the state executive council.
Shuaibu who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Yola, said the action was to give a sense of belonging to every constituency in the state.
Shuaibu who did not give the total number of nominees in the list, said 10 slots were reserved for technocrats.
He explained that the decision to have technocrats in the cabinet was in line with the recommendations of the State Transition Committee.
“The list consisted of 10 technocrats; there are some ministries that need to be handled by the technocrats, if we are to progress,” Shuaibu said.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has distributed 72 motor
cycles and assorted improved seedlings to Agricultural Extension Officers and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in order to boost food production in the state.
Dr Illiyasu Gital, Programme Manager, Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP), made this known on Sunday in Bauchi in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
Gital explained that 50 of the motorcycles were purchased by the state government, while the Federal Government donated 22.
He further explained that the motorcycles donated by the Federal Government were allocated to the sub-zonal offices, to be used by extension officers.
Ekiti
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti,
Prof. Isaac Asuzu, said contractors handling projects for the new universities were largely responsible for the slow pace of development of the institutions.
Asuzu stated this in Oye-Ekiti when a team of journalists monitoring the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects in tertiary institutions visited the university.
He said contractors handling various projects have been delaying giving one excuse or the other in spite of the huge sums that were being released by TETFund.
The VC expressed the determination of the new universities to develop fast and meet up with their counterparts as well as attain global standards.
FCT
An Abuja Federal High Court has granted bail to former
Adamawa Governor, Murtala Nyako, his son, Sen. Abdulazeez Nyako, and two others, charged with N40 billion fraud by EFCC.
The accused were arraigned by the anti-graft agency on Wednesday and remanded in its custody, pending the hearing of their bail application filed by their counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN).
The trial judge, Justice Evoh Chukwu, while delivering ruling after hearing arguments from defence counsel Agabi and EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacob (SAN), granted the four accused bail in the sum of N350 million each.
Chukwu also ordered that each accused person must provide two sureties or alternatively, one surety who must be a director in any Federal Government establishment.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),
Jigawa Command, has said it had arrested a syndicate that specialised in stealing goats in Birnin-Kudu Local Government Area, Jigawa.
The Commandant of corps, Malam Muhammad Gidado, told newsmen in Dutse that seven members of the syndicate were arrested at their hideout in Rumbun Wuya, near Birnin-kudu.
Gidado said the suspects were arrested for stealing a goat belonging to Malam Kanku Wuroji of Rumbun Wuya village.
He said the suspects confessed to be members of a gang that had been terrorising members of the community.
Kaduna
The Anglican Bishop of Wusasa Diocese in Zaria,
Kaduna State, Rt. Rev. Ali Buba-Lamido, has advocated death penalty for corrupt public office holders.
He made the call at the Sixth Synod of the Wusasa Diocese of the Anglican Communion, held in Zaria, Kaduna State.
According to him, the death penalty option is the only way to put public officers in Nigeria in check.
Buba-Lamido said the call became imperative in view of the fact that corruption could kill more people than a conventional weapon.
“If our leaders know that they would be prosecuted if found corrupt they would be on their toes to avoid corrupt practices,” he said
Lagos
The Federal Government is collaborating with the UN
Special Envoy on Global Education to ensure security in all schools in the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr MacJohn Nwaobiala, disclosed this in an address he delivered at the annual Speech and Prize -Giving Day ceremony of King’s College Lagos.
The permanent secretary, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said the collaboration was aimed at providing a pragmatic response to the protection of schools.
He added that it was also to prevent future attacks in schools across the country.
According to him, the initiative is equally in a bid to ensure uninterrupted education for the Nigerian-child.
Niger
The Niger Government has declared curfew in Paiko
Local Government Area of the state following a violent clash between Hausa and Gwari youths that left one person dead.
This is contained in a statement signed on Saturday by Dr Ibraheem Dooba, Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello.
The statement urged the citizens to be law abiding, eschew violence and demonstrate the abiding peace for which the state was known for.
Our correspondent learnt that aside the one person that was confirmed dead, many people were injured as cars and buildings were also destroyed.
Ogun
A university lecturer, Dr Dapo Odukoya, has urged the
new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acting Chairperson, Mrs Amina Zakari, to emulate and sustain Prof. Attahiru Jega’s legacy.
Odukoya, a senior lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ijebu-Ode last Sunday.
He said Jega had not only raised the bar for INEC in the preparation and conduct of elections in the country, but also served with integrity and sincerity of purpose.
He added that “Jega’s INEC must be scored high for political neutrality and integrity.
Plateau
A Jos-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr
Garba Pwul, has urged federal and state governments to step up efforts in curbing insecurity in the country.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
He said government needed to do more in checking the increasing number of attacks on innocent Nigerians by insurgents.
The legal luminary was reacting to Sunday’s planting of bomb in ECWA Church in Tudun Wada, near Federal Secretariat, Jos, by unknown persons.
Pwul condemned the action in strong terms.
He said “even though the problem has been rooted over time and no one expects a miracle to happen overnight or expects a sudden seizure of violence and insecurity, there should be proactive and stringent measures toward tackling the menace.
Taraba
The Deputy Controller in charge of Jalingo Prison in
Taraba State, Mr John Ali, has appealed to Governor Darius Ishaku, to assist in the relocation of the prison.
Ali said there was need to move the prison to a more spacious and conducive environment within the state capital.
The deputy controller, who made the call when he addressed newsmen in Jalingo, said the present location of the prison had been swallowed up by urbanisation.
He expressed regrets that there were residential structures surrounding the prison which was built about 99 years ago.
He said relocation of the prison to a spacious environment would enable its management to embark on better rehabilitation and reformation programmes for the inmates.
Ali noted that due to the constraint of space, the prison which ideally had capacity for 250 inmates, was currently housing over 600 inmates.
Yobe
Yobe Emergency Management Agency has disbursed
N61.8 million to 87 traders who lost their properties to insurgency and fire outbreaks.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Musa Isa, while disbursing the money in Damaturu, said 87 persons affected by fire disasters and insurgency attacks in 2014 and early this year benefited from the assistance.
He said the assistance was intended to provide succour to victims of the disaster to re-engage in their trades.
Musa advised other victims and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to be wary of fraudsters selling forms purportedly issued by SEMA for similar assistance.
Alhaji Muhammadu Kalli, chairman, Damaturu Local Government Council, advised beneficiaries to invest wisely into their businesses.
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