Nation
THE STATES

President Muhammadu Buhari (5th right), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (5th left), Chairman, Centenary City Board, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (4th right) and Board members of Centenary City, during their meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently. Photo: NAN
Bauchi
Some disengaged staff of National Identity Management Commis
sion (NIMC) resident in Bauchi, have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene for them to be paid their complete entitlements.
Making the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, their spokesperson, Malam Idris Balarabe, said following the controversy surrounding the manner of their disengagement, the then National Assembly, under the leadership of David Mark and Waziri Tambuwal intervened.
“After joint consultation between House of Representative and Senate, an agreement was reached in 2013 that each disengaged staff be paid one year salary as take home severance allowance.
“Up till now, we are yet to be settled or reinstated.
“We believe that the Almighty God, would guide Mr President and give him the gracious mind to consider our plight , as well as give it the urgent attention it deserves,” said Balarabe.
Ekiti
An Ikole Magistrates’ Court in Ekiti State yesterday sentenced two
landlords, Omoniyi Ajayi and Ola Olowolafe to five and seven months jail term respectively, for violating environmental sanitation laws.
The Magistrate, Mrs A.S. Okunbule, however, gave the landlords option of N5,500 and N7,000 fines respectively.
Our correspondent reports that the convicts first appeared in court on Aug. 25 on charges bordering on failure to provide toilets, indiscriminate defecation, among others.
Mr Tunde Famuyisan, prosecuting officer, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Ikole Local Government, said the landlords owned houses located at No.101, Oke-Owa St. and No. 2, Ilado St. Odo Ayedun Ekiti, respectively.
FCT
The Head Teacher, FCT School for the Blind, Mrs Regina Dung,has
decried the high cost of learning materials for blind students in the country.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Dung said that these materials were not available in the open market and cost a lot of money to order them from the specialised stores.
“Their learning materials is on the high side — braille machines, braille paper, a slate and stylus — they are not just in the open market where you just walk into and buy anything.
“All these are materials that we use in teaching the blind, even the stylus, which is used for mathematics, is not in the open market.
“You have to place order in designated stores which are located only in Jos and Lagos.
“For example, their biro costs N1, 000; but if it is foreign, it goes for N1,500 compared to the N20 biro of the regular students.’’
Gombe
Hope Spring International, an NGO, said it has spent over N6million
to construct boreholes to provide water for some communities in Gombe South and Central Senatorial Districts.
Mr Rambi Ayala, Director of Operations of the NGO, stated this on Thursday in Ladongor-Lawampe and Powishi-Amtadwang villages of Billiri Local Government Area where two boreholes were declared open.
Ayala, who is currently the member representing Billiri East Constituency at the Gombe State House of Assembly, said 15 boreholes were constructed by the NGO in three years.
He said that the boreholes were part of the humanitarian services of the organisation.
“We are preparing to do more in the coming months,” he said.
Jigawa
Association for the Advancement of Women in Nigeria (ASSAWIN),
yesterday organised a one-day sensitisation workshop for pregnant women, nursing mothers and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), in Birninkudu local government area, Jigawa.
The Programme Manager of the NGO in the state, Miss Chinelo Amechina, told newsmen in Birninkudu that the programme was aimed at promoting safe motherhood and safe delivery among women in the area.
She said the effort was also to improve on the livelihood of women and children in the council.
The manager explained that the beneficiaries were drawn from Chiako, Birninkudu and Babaldu towns, respectively.
According to her, the beneficiaries include 80 pregnant and nursing women, 15 men (husbands) and 15 TBAs.
Kaduna
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has called on
stakeholders to support the efforts at standardising vocational training in line with global best practices.
This call is contained in a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Gwarzo, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement stated that the standard in skills acquisition and vocations could be achieved through the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF).
According to the statement, NVQF is an instrument for the development, classification and recognition of skills, knowledge and competence acquired by citizens through various trainings and skills acquisition.
Katsina
Katsina State Government has ordered that all structures on water
ways and grave yards encroaching on the road across the state should be demolished.
Chairman of the Special Sanitation Taskforce in the state, Alhaji Aminu Danarewa, announced the directive yesterday during a visit to Dandutse grave yard and waste disposal centres in Funtua.
Danarewa said that the visit was part of the ongoing three-day special sanitation exercise embarked upon by the state government.
He directed the Director of Finance and Administration of Funtua Local Government Council, Alhaji Bishir Maikano, to compile the lists of ‘’offensive’’ structures which would be demolished in the area
Danarewa, who is also the Special Assistant to the state governor on Sports Development, said that his committee had the mandate to carry out the demolition.
Kogi
A Lokoja-based legal practitioner, Mr Joel Usman, has commended
the anti corruption posture of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Usman, who gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, said that the effort had positive influence on all the sectors of the nation’s economy.
He said that the gains of the government’s anti-corruption crusade could be seen in improved power sector.
Usman said that the effort had also paid off as ‘’everyone is sitting up including the anti-graft agencies.”
“In NNPC, some of the refineries that were not working for some years have started working at almost optimum capacity without any major repairs,’’ he said.
Lagos
Gov.ernorAkinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has promised to sup
port massive investment in modern medical equipment to meet the health challenges of residents of the state.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the promise at the inauguration of Clinix Healthcare, an Ultramodern Diagnostic Centre in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
He said that private sector participation in healthcare delivery, had complemented efforts of government and yielded tremendous dividends through qualitative healthcare.
“We are delighted that the private sector partnership has yielded another state-of-the-art health facility, with the opening of this ultramodern diagnostic centre.”
Nasarawa
The Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof.
Mohammed Mainoma,has commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for providing funds for educational advancement in the institution.
Mainoma lauded the fund in an interview with newsmen in Keffi yesterday.
He said that the special intervention from TETFUND and Presidential intervention fund had not only changed the physical structure of the university positively, but the academic activities of the institution through staff training and execution of infrastructural development.
He said: “The university management is working tirelessly to ensure that it lifted up the institution to a world class standard, that is why the university is embarking on projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the students and staff for the benefit of all.
“All these efforts of infrastructural development is geared towards achieving academic excellence and to create more conducive environment so as to uplift the university to international standard and to enhance teaching and researching, among others.
Niger
The Niger State Government says it has commercialised
the services of the state’s cultural troupe.
The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mr Kabir Danasabe, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna yesterday.
Danasabe said that the action was taken in order to expand the scope of the troupe as well as increase internally generated revenue.
“The state cultural troupe before now entertained people with little or no fee while government invests huge amount of money to keep them going. This cannot go on forever.
“We made the hiring of the state troupe a full commercial venture in order to attract revenue for government.
Ogun
No fewer than 14 persons were yesterday confirmed dead
in two separate accidents at Ogunmakin on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Our correspondent reports that the accidents occurred on Wednesday and Thursday in the early hours of the morning.
The first one, which occurred on Wednesday at about 4:05 a.m., involved two vehicles and claimed 10 lives.
Eyewitnesses said a trailer with registration number LSR 392 SB loaded with cows and more than 27 passengers collided with another trailer marked XE 444 KTU.
The eyewitnesses said a total of 30 people were involved in the crash with 20 injured while 10 were confirmed dead at Ifeoluwa hospital in Ogunmakin.
Osun
An Osogbo High Court has fixed September 15 for definite
hearing in the suit filed by Justice Folahanmi Oloyede against the Speaker of Osun Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam, and 10 others.
Justice Aderibigbe Adebayo adjourned the matter for definite hearing in a short ruling yesterday.
He ordered counsel to the plaintiff, Mr Lukman Ogunsetan, to serve the defence counsel with the petition personally before the adjourned date.
Earlier, counsel to the respondents, Messers Adewole Afolabi, Surajudeen Ajibola and Adedapo Adeniji had told the court that Ogunsetan did not serve their clients petition personally.
Zamfara
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),
has expressed its readiness to forcibly evacuate over 2,000 household in Gangare, Zamfara, to avoid casualty in case of flood.
The NEMA’s Coordinator in-charge of Sokoto Operations Office, Mr Thickman Tanimu, made the disclosure in Gusau, in an interview with newsmen.
He explained that the household would be evacuated from Gangare area near river Gusau, in the state capital.
Tanimu said that the agency had organised training for stakeholders in disaster management on the importance of waste management and flood mitigation.
“Based on the report we received from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) the state government had over ten years ago directed the people to vacate the area.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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
Nation
TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building
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