Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Femi Adesina,Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (Nan), Mr Ima Niboro and Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, during a Guild of Editors’ Dinner in honour of two media icons, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu in Abuja recently
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court, has remanded one
Solomon Edward in prison custody over alleged defilement of a 10-year-old girl.
Chief Magistrate, Idowu Ayenimo, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody, and adjourned the case till October 16.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Bankole Olasunkanmi had told the court that the accused committed the offence on August 18 at Iye-Ekiti.
The plea of the accused was not taken, but his counsel urged the court to grant him bail in liberal terms.
The prosecutor, however, objected to the bail application, saying the act of defilement is now alarming.
FCT
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has asked the
National Assembly to initiate a legislation that will collapse the Federal Government-corruption agencies into a single formidable institution.
The group also said the agency which must be adequately funded, should have a department which would be responsible for tracking and verifying source of income of Nigerians living above their means.
National President of the NYCN, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, stated this in Abuja at the official opening of registers to collect signatures in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war.
Ugochinyere, said the registers would be opened in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerian embassies in the United Kingdom, the United States and China for interested youth willing to support the Federal Government graft crusade.
He said the group will on September 17, mobilise thousands of Nigerian youth to stage a mass rally to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; the National Assembly and Presidential Villa, to assure Buhari of the youth’s commitment to his anti-graft crusade.
Gombe
The Senate of the University of Maiduguri (UNMAID), says it
has approved the establishment of its first Distance Learning Outreach Center in Gombe.
The Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit on the Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, in Gombe.
Njodi called on the state government to provide a befitting place for the immediate take-off of the centre.
He said that the approval of the programme by the Senate had made the university an institution that provided both conventional academic programmes and the Distance Learning.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Special Worker Verification Committee has
said it screened 1169 of 1206 teaching and non-teaching staff in Malammadori Local Government Area.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the area, Malam Aliyu Balarabe, who made this know to newsmen in Malammadori, Jigawa, said the exercise was conducted smoothly in all public primary and junior secondary schools.
It will be recalled that the state government had embarked on verification of pensioners, teachers and workers of the 27 local government areas of the state.
The council’s Education Secretary, Mukhtar Mukaddiri, said the exercise would enable the government to make proper planning toward improving the welfare of teachers.
Kaduna
Some Kaduna-based lawyers have urged their colleagues to
support President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption.
The lawyers spoke in separate interviews in Kaduna, while reacting to Buhari’s call on lawyers to desist from protecting crooks.
One of the lawyers, Mr Pascal Nickaf, said the call was timely and even long overdue.
He, however, said that the fight was not a one-man battle but a battle that required the support of all stakeholders.
Kano
The Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids (KSACA),
has asked stakeholders to collaborate with it to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly mother to child transmission of the disease.
The Director General of the agency Dr Sa’adatu Bala, made the call when she paid an advocacy visit to Hasiya Bayero Paediatrics Hospital in Kano.
She said the call was necessary in order to ensure continued support and stronger collaboration between the agency and the hospital to achieve the desired objective.
Responding, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Hafsat Kabir, said that the hospital needed assistance to install some laboratory equipment donated to it by a donor agency, FH1360.
Katsina
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in
Daura, Katsina State, has distributed relief materials to no fewer than 2,000 flood-disaster victims.
The NEMA Director-General, Mr Muhammad Sani-Sidi, who handed over the materials to the victims, said the flood had affected seven local government areas of the state.
According to him, the major cause of the flooding was the blocking of drains with refuse and building of houses on water ways.
He said that the intervention was sequel to the receipt of the report of the disaster and subsequent needs assessment from conducted by the State Emergency Management Agency.
Kebbi
Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has pledged to im
prove girl-child education in the state.
This is contained in statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the governor Alhaji Abubakar Muazu, in Birnin Kebbi.
The statement stated that the governor made the pledge when he received a delegation of a non-governmental organisation, Voices of the Girl-Child Education.
Bagudu described female education as vital to human resource and social development, stressing that education could be conveniently combined with motherhood.
The wife of the governor, Dr Zainab Bagudu, who accompanied the group during the visit, said female education was paramount in building a virile society.
Kogi
The Catholic Bishop of Lokoja, Dada Olorunmolu, has reiter
ated Catholic church’s position against gay marriage, saying it was unequivocal and the church would not compromise on it.
The Bishop who made this known in an interview in Lokoja , said that approving gay union would amount to standing the Bible on its head.
According to him, the issue is against the teachings of the church and the Bible; it will amount to bending its teachings, its injunctions, just to accommodate what is unnatural.
The bishop prayed for those who indulged in the act, asking God to give them the grace to understand what was right.
Lagos
A coalition of civil society organisations in the country, has
alleged that former President Goodluck Jonathan, deliberately embarked on policies that directly promoted corruption and impunity in public offices during the six years that he administered the affairs of the country.
They, therefore, said it would be a great disservice to the entire Nigerian populace if his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, heeded the advice of those asking that Jonathan should not be probed and brought to book.
The CSOs, which jointly addressed a press conference in Lagos, admitted that corruption in public offices did not begin under Jonathan, but they described the Jonathan’s era as one during which “Nigeria literally became a looting field; where big thieves became bigger; where new and powerful thieves were created; and where big, destructive ‘rats’ and ‘termites’.
Nasarawa
A 21-year-old bus conductor, Shedrach Ezekiel of Mararaba,
has been sentenced to18 months in prison by a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court for stealing a phone valued at N11,000.
The presiding judge, Albert Maga, convicted Ezekiel after he pleaded guilty for the offence of conspiracy and theft.
Earlier the prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji told the court that the convict was first arraigned on August 14 but remanded in custody for his accomplice to be arrested.
Niger
Ward Head, Nuatuko, in Bosso Local Government Area of
Niger State, Malam Usman Aliyu, has, implored the state government to provide the community with potable water and access roads.
Aliyu who made the appeal during interview in Nuatuko, said the only source of water in the community was from Dagbai stream, three kilometres away from the village.
The ward head said the immediate past administration in the state had promised the community a borehole on four different occasions but could not fulfill the promise.
He added that the main road linking the village with Bosso was in a deplorable condition, adding that, “right now, it is not passable, especially in this rainy season.
Ogun
The Ogun State Judiciary has commenced series of refresher
courses for Magistrates, Judicial Assistants, Secretaries, Court Registrars, Clerks and Bailiffs across the state, the Chief Judge, Mrs Olatokunbo Olopade, has said.
Olopade, who made the statement in Abeokuta while speaking with newsmen, said the four-day training was organised in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja.
She said the training was organised to improve the standard and quality of the state judicial system and judiciary staff.
The Director of Studies, NJI, Mr Cyprain Ajah, said the training, which includes Information Communication Technology (ICT), became imperative because of the need to build the capacity of judicial officers and staff.
Ondo
A commercial motorcyclist, Kamil Ibrahim, 25, was arraigned
in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly assaulting a salesgirl who refused him N200 worth of cigarette on credit.
The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused, on July 6 around 7:00 a.m. at Okitipupa market, beat up Bolaji Kusoro, and inflicted injuries on her.
Orogbemi added that the accused was still owing Kusoro N1,000, which made her to refuse further credit facility.
Magistrate Banji Ayeomoni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 and a surety in like sum, and adjourned the case till September 2 for further hearing.
Oyo
Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital
(UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge, has said that the hospital will extend its ongoing Human Papillo Virus (HPV) vaccination to rural areas.
Alonge made this disclosure on the sideline of the ongoing 9th Annual Scientific Conference with the theme “The Role of Pathologists in Oncologic Diagnosis and Management”, in Ibadan.
The five-day conference was organised by the West African Division International Academy of Pathology in conjunction with United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology.
Alonge said cervical cancer was the second silent killer in women, noted that vaccination against the virus was the surest way of preventing cervical cancer in Nigerian women.
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