Nation
THE STATES
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State (middle), inspecting the drawing for construction of Nyanya-Gwandara motor park, in his effort to decongest Abuja/Keffi highway in Lafia recently. With him are the Project Consultant, Mr Shehu Tukur (left) and others.
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima
Abubakar, has promised to use her experience in the private sector to improve the state’s health sector.
Abubakar gave the assurance in Yola yesterday while addressing staff of the ministry on her assumption of office.
Abubakar, a daughter of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, said she had been informed about staff constraints and shortage of skilled manpower in the ministry.
She gave assurance that her office would collaborate with development partners to address such inherent challenges confronting the sector.
“I have been briefed by the Permanent Secretary on some challenges being faced by the ministry.
“These challenges include dilapidated and ill-equipped health infrastructure across the state.
Benue
The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Terkimbi
Ikyange, has assured the people of the state that the current assembly would produce quality legislation that would enhance quality healthcare delivery in the state.
Ikyange gave the assurance yesterday while interacting with heads of both federal and state governments owned health institutions in the state.
He stated that the assembly through its legislation and oversight function would ensure that health providers in the state deliver effective, efficient and timely services to the people.
He stressed that the assembly would not accept anything short of quality health delivery, adding that a healthy nation is a wealthy one.
FCT
An Abuja-based Pharmacist, Mr Osa Egwebe, has advised
against indiscriminate use of herbal medicines, saying the action can cause liver cirrhosis.
Egwebe said in an interview with newsmen in Abuja that some herbal medicines in use in Nigeria were not scientifically tested.
According to him, herbal drugs just like other medicines if not clinically tested, can be potentially poisonous and harmful to the body.
Egwebe said if drugs were not clinically assessed, they had a high risk of causing adverse reactions.
He said consuming such drugs was harmful to the body as the practice posed the risk of toxicity to the kidney, liver and other organs.
Gombe
Seven United Nations (UN) agencies on Monday
promised to support Gombe State in addressing its challenges to enable it move forward.
Madam Ratidzai Ndhlovu, United Nations Funds for Population Activities (UNFPA) Resident Representative in Nigeria, made the pledge on behalf of other agencies during a meeting of the agencies in Gombe.
“I wish to reiterate the commitment of the seven UN agencies, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR, UNDP, IOM and OCHA to support Gombe in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the state,” she said.
According to her, the UN agencies will facilitate effective growth and empowerment of all citizens, by ensuring that the state reaped from areas it had comparative advantage.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government has disbursed more than
N3.3 million to 249 persons affected by flood disaster in Guri Local Government Area of the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Alhaji Babandi Sale, made this known, when he visited the affected families at Musari village in Guri.
Sale said that the amount was distributed to families whose houses were ravaged by flood in the area.
He explained that some 60 families received N20, 000 each, while 186 other victims were given N10, 000 each.
Sale added that the state government had also donated N30,000 to families of one person, who lost his life in the disaster.
Kaduna
The Council of Imams and Ulama in Kaduna State, says
the effort by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in recovering stolen wealth from past corrupt officials, was commendable.
The resolution was passed in Kaduna after the council’s annual conference.
The Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Baban Tuni and the Secretary-General Yusuf Arrigasyyu, presented the resolution.
Kano
A former Councillor in Wudil Local Government in Kano
State, Alhaji Salisu Utai, has advised Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to resuscitate the various irrigation sites located in different parts of the state.
Speaking to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday, Utai said rehabilitating the irrigation sites was necessary in order to create job opportunities for the teeming number of unemployed persons in the state, especially rural dwellers.
Kogi
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Kogi State has
demanded the immediate payment of N32 billion salary arrears owed teachers in public primary schools in the state.
The state NUT Chairman, Mr. Suleiman Abdullahi, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja yesterday.
Abdullahi said that N23 billion was the outstanding arrears of the new minimum wage, while N8.7 billion was unpaid leave grants for four years.
The NUT chairman decried the development, and said that it was already taking a heavy toll on the education sector.
Kwara
A Zoologist at the University of Ilorin, Prof Uade
Ugbomoiko, has cautioned people to beware of contacting pubic lice through sexual intercourse.
Ugbomoiko gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin yesterday.
He explained that contagious parasite such as Amoebae, Trichomonas, Giardia, Scabies and Pubic lice were parasites contacted through sexual process.
“Pubic lice are parasitic insects found primarily in the public or genital area of human beings and this pubic lice is found worldwide and occurs in all races, ethnic groups, and all levels of the society,” he said.
Lagos
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has commended
President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing its member, Mr. Babachir Lawal, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
This is contained in a statement issued by NCS President, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, in Lagos yesterday.
It stated that Lawal, an engineer, was a committed member of the society and a professional to the core.
The statement stated that that SGF had immense experience in the private and public sectors before he established his own consulting firm in 1990.
Nasarawa
The traditional ruler of Agwada Community, Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, has urged farmers and herdsmen in the community to ensure continued peaceful co-existence and not to disrupt the farming season.
He said that peaceful co-existence between farmers in the area and Fulani herdsmen will go a long way to boost food production in the state.
Sadiq, who is the Osu Agada, told newsmen in Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area on Tuesday that the people were mainly farmers and herdsmen.
He said their continued peaceful co-existence would boost their farming activities to the benefit of the state.
Ondo
The Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Prof.
Olukoya Ogen, Ondo State, has assured its graduates that steps are being taken for their mobilisation for National Youth Service Corps.
Ogen made the promise when he addressed the graduates who gathered at the gate of the institution in Ondo recently.
“The management of the college will do everything possible to find solution to the problem.’’
He commended the students for their peaceful conduct and urged them to exercise patience while effort was being made to address the situation.
Oyo
Some aggrieved pensioners of Union Bank Plc have
appealed to stakeholders in the industry to prevail on the bank to complete the actuarial valuation of its pension legacy assets.
The Coordinator, Mr. Augustine Onun, Aggrieved Pensioners of Union Bank Plc, Ibadan Zone made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
Onun said that their members had been facing serious financial challenges due to the slashed monthly pension allegedly caused by the bank’s inaction on the valuation of its pension legacy assets.
Plateau
The National President of Government Secondary School,
Shendam, Old Students Association, Mr. Philip Gompang, has blamed the infrastructural decay in secondary schools in Plateau on government’s takeover of schools.
He told newsmen in Jos that the facilities in the schools were not maintained after the takeover.
Gompang said that most of the schools did not cultivate a maintenance culture after they were taken over by the government.
He also said that the standard of education in the state consequently fell as most public schools did not have the enabling environment to impart knowledge to students.
“How can you teach effectively when your buildings are dilapidated, your roof leaks and there are no library materials or computer facilities?
“The standard of education must surely decline, “ 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