Nation
THE STATES
Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State (left), receiving budget report from the Chairman of Budget Review Committee and the State Head of Civil Service, Mr Abdon Gin in Bauchi, yesterday.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado, says youth
restiveness would be given priority in the life of this administration in the state.
Gidado stated this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
“There is no two ways about it, we will go into the issue of youth restiveness from day one.
Beyond youth restiveness, Gidado said, security of lives and property will also be accorded priority because without security, without peace, we cannot operate,” He said.
He said the new administration would explore the potentials of the traditional institutions in the state, by allowing it play its role to ensure the security of lives and property.
Ekiti
A 34- year- old driver , Adefisayo Ademola, has been
arraigned in an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Picnic valued at N1.3million.
The prosecutor, ASP Isah Atanegbe, told the court that the accused person and one other now at large, stole the vehicle, with registration No. REL 358 AA, property of one Mr Segun Albert.
Atanegbe said that the accused committed the offence on June 20, 2015 at about 7 a.m. at Ayus Hotel, in Akure.
According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 383 and punishable under sections 516 and 390(9) of Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
FCT
The new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,
recently hinted that his administration’s vision would be partly anchored on the dedication and discipline of officers and soldiers.
Buratai said this when he formally took over from his predecessor, retired Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, as the 20th Chief of Army Staff in a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Though the new army chief did not make further comments about his vision and mission for the army, he assured his predecessor that the present level of discipline would be maintained.
Buratai praised his predecessor for leaving behind a reformed army that was again the pride of the nation.
He said the military under his command would strive to sustain the achievements of the previous army administration and even surpass them.
Gombe
Chief of Tangale in Gombe State, Malam Abdu Maisheru,
has stressed the need for communities in the state to organise forum to appraise mid-term performance of their political representatives.
The monarch made the remark in Biliri recently during a lecture organised by Mr Rambi Ayala, a member of Gombe State House of Assembly, representing Billiri East constituency.
Maisheru, who was represented by Mr Naamn Toyyo, the district head of Todi, said that such forum would enable elected political office holders to give account of their stewardship.
He specifically urged the people in his domain to create the forum for the assessment of the performance of their representatives at the state Assembly.
The monarch cautioned against blackmail and campaign of calumny against political office holders and urged his people to always engage in constructive criticism.
Kaduna
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has solicited
the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen healthcare services in the state.
El-Rufa’i, who made the call when he received officials of the World Bank in his office, said healthcare delivery remained a priority of the administration.
He disclosed that the government would forward a bill to the state House of Assembly to streamline activities of its Primary Healthcare Development Agency for effective service delivery.
The governor pledged that the administration would redeem its counterpart obligation to all donor agencies and intervene decisively in areas where resistance was recorded in polio immunisation.
Kebbi
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations
Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Kebbi State, has urged people in the state to desist from indiscriminate felling of trees, bush-burning and conversion of farmlands to filling stations.
The state coordinator of the agency, Malam Haliru Muhammad, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, such acts increase the menace of deforestation and desertification.
He said that government at all levels were exerting more efforts towards afforestation because of its benefit to the environment and human beings.
He urged citizens to emulate government by planting trees as well as encourage the growing of gardens in their courtyards and around their houses.
Lagos
The Director, Muslims Right Concern (MURIC), Prof.
Ishaq Akintola, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the problem of overcrowded prisons and enhance the living standards of the inmates.
Akintola, who made the plea in his Ramadan message in Lagos, said Nigerian prisons were notorious for being overcrowded, dirty, and unfit for human habitation.
“Contrary to international best practices, the Nigerian prison system has become an institution for the devaluation of Allah-given fundamental human rights,” he said.
The director felicitated with the leader of Nigerian Muslims, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) for the Sallah celebration.
Nassarawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has cau
tioned its graduate trainees in Nasarawa State, against engaging in acts capable of rubbishing the scheme.
NDE Director-General, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, gave the warning on Friday in Lafia at the end of a one week training programme “Graduates Attachment Scheme (GAP).”
No fewer than 50 unemployed youths in the state took part in the training, which was on a special accounting software “Peachtree.”
Represented by the agency’s Director of Special Public Works, Mr. Monday Dalyop, he said that the training was to enable the unemployed graduates acquire skills for self reliance and to contribute their quota to national development.
Niger
Presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections of the
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Dele Atunbi, has vowed to secure media salary structure? for journalists in the country.
Atunbi made the promise while campaigning at the Niger State council of the NUJ in Minna recently.
“If I become president, the media salary structure will be gotten with ease by virtue of our contributions to the development of the country,” he said.
Ogun
A housewife, Adetutu Kobiti, has urged an Ijebu-Ode Customary
Court in Ogun State to dissolve her four-year-old marriage to her husband, Gbenga, for alleged incessant physical abuse.
Adetutu, 29, also told the court that Gbenga was no longer providing for her and their three-year-old baby girl.
The petitioner said that her estranged husband resorted to violence any time she challenged him over his infidelity.
Adetutu, therefore, urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her the custody of the child but with the proviso that the respondent be responsible for the child’s upkeep, including her school fees.
Our correspondent reports that Gbenga was absent in court. The Court President, Mr Timothy Olufunwa, consequently adjourned the case till September 18 for further hearing.
Oyo
The Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan has dissolved a seven-year-
old marriage between Romoke and Adeshina and her husband Moruf, for threat to life and gross irresponsibility.
The Court President, Mr Ademola Odunade, held that any misunderstanding in a family that involved threat to the life of a partner was not worth it.
Odunade held that Adeshina’s plea to settle the rift between him and his wife was belated as he ought to have put his home in order before now.
“In the interest of peaceful coexistence, the husband and wife relationship between both of you has ceased to be henceforth.
Sokoto
Wamakko Local Government of Sokoto State, has distributed three
ambulances and 50 motorcycles, to boost healthcare delivery in the area.
The Caretaker Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Ahmed Kalambaina, said in Wamakko that the items were procured under the Millennium Development Project (MDGs).
He said that the ambulances would serve Fanare, Wamakko and Kalambaina communities, while the 50 motorcycles were for health workers and public enlightenment officers in the 11 wards of the area.
“These vehicles are provide d to ensure improvement in the provision of quality healthcare to the people.
Kaiambaina disclosed that apart from the vehicles, assorted drugs were also provided to 12 Primary Health Centres in the area for distribution free to the people.
Zamfara
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Zamfara State Com
mand, yesterday cautioned drivers in the state to avoid dangerous driving before, during and after the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri.
The Sector Commander Mr Amos Thilza,, told newsmen in Gusau that the command had received operational directive to that effect from the headquarters in Abuja.
He said that the command would do everything possible to ensure accident-free celebration in the state.
According to him, the operation will involve traffic control, especially at praying grounds; public enlightenment campaign on radio and television and at motor parks.
The official said that excessive speeding would be thoroughly checked, while the ban on the use of mobile phone during driving would be enforced during the operation.
He urged the public to cooperate with the FRSC during the period, and also solicited the collaboration of other security personnel, to ensure the protection of lives and property.
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