Nation
THE STATES
Nigerian Ambassador to Gambia, Amb. Esther Ausu (left) and President, FCT Indigenous Women Forum, Mrs Rifkatu Chidawa (right), decorating the President, National Council of Womewn Society (NCWS), Mrs Nkechi Mba, during a countesy visit by the members of the forum to NCWC Presidnet in Abuja on Wednesday.
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government has warned that any person or
group caught diverting relief materials meant for Internally Displaced Persons would be punished.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Martins Babale, gave the warning during the distribution of relief materials to communities affected by floods in the state in Yola.
Babale said the government was aware of the activities of some “heartless’’ agents who were in the habit of diverting relief materials meant for the poor to themselves.
He said any person found wanting would be punished.
He said government would no longer tolerate the activities of elements that were in the habit of sabotaging government efforts.
Meanwhile, Malam Haruna Furo, Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, said seven local government areas were seriously affected by floods between August and September.
Furo added that “property, including houses, farmlands and domestic animals worth hundreds of millions of naira were swept by the floods.”
Borno
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,
recently visited crisis prone areas in Borno State to get firsthand information on the ongoing war against insurgency in the area.
Mohammed told Governor Kashim Shettima during a courtesy call that he had paid an inspection visit to Bama town and other crisis prone areas in the state.
“We went straight to Bama and when we got to Bama, we got firsthand information on the scale of destruction and garbage that the Boko Haram terrorists left behind.
“I hope that with this visit, my colleagues in the media will show more understanding in reporting the efforts in the war against terrorism.
‘’We are much more informed about the horror of the war.
Mohammed commended the state government for its rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction projects embarked upon in some villages destroyed by the insurgents.
FCT
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has underscored
the need to strengthen basic education.
Adamu, made the call at the 14th quarterly meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) with chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Abuja.
The meeting with the theme “Consolidating Basic Education in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward’’ brought together SUBEB chairmen from the 36 states of the federation.
The minister, who was represented by Mrs Anne Okonkwo, Director Basic and Secondary Studies, Federal Ministry of Education, said the theme was apt in the change era.
According to him, providers of basic education are making efforts at ensuring quality education delivery through various infrastructure and teachers development programmes.
He added that these programmes, however, faced with unprecedented challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, poor funding and the out-of-school children syndrome.
Jigawa
Governor Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa State has presented N137.2
billion budget proposal to the State House of Assembly for the 2016 fiscal year.
The governor said that the N137.2 billion budget for 2016 was 37 per cent higher than the figure for 2015.
He said that N62.2 billion (46 per cent of the budget) was for recurrent expenditure while N71.3 billion (52 per cent) was for capital expenditure.
Badaru said that N2.4 billion and N600 million respectively was earmarked for stabilisation and contingency funds.
He said that N43.5 billion, which represents 32 per cent of the total appropriation bill, was earmarked for the education sector.
He said that the 32 per cent earmarked for education exceeded the 26 per cent recommended by UNESCO.
The governor said that N20.4 billion was appropriated for health services, N39.2 billion for the economic sector while N7.4 billion was budgeted for the agric sector.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government said in Kaduna, that it would spend
N31 billion on road expansion and construction, housing and transportation.
The State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Mr Hassan Mahmud, said the construction of the roads would boost economic activities.
Mahmud said that a rapid rail transit system would be constructed to link the Kaduna metropolis to the Ring Road through Rigasa to the city.
He said that the Kawo Bridge will be expanded to tally with on-going road expansion within the area.
According to Mahmud, public housing will be built through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with interested developers and packaged with mortgages.
“The government also intends to provide street lighting in our major urban centres to improve security, encourage our economic activities at night, and enhance the quality of life of our residents,’’ he explained.
Katsina
Kafur Local Government branch of the Katsina State Metal Workers
Association on Tuesday presented 106 furniture items it repaired free-of-charge for pupils of Kafur Model Primary School, Kafur to its head teacher.
The chairman of the association, Malam Tijjani Adamu, said the gesture was the union’s efforts to uplift education in the state.
Adamu said it was also part of the association’s corporate social responsibilities (CSR) to the school under the leadership of its State Chairman, Alhaji Abbati Abdulrasheed.
He said the association had also repaired metal furniture in the health sector across the 34 local government areas of the state.
Adamu said that it was part of the union’s contribution to relieve the government of its burden in uplifting the standard of education in the state.
Kwara
Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, has approved the release of N3.2billion for the completion of outstanding capital projects in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued in Ilorin, by Dr Muyideen Akorede, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Communications to the Governor.
Akorede said the money would be used for the completion of projects in Education, Energy, Health, Roads, Works and Justice sectors.
Akorede quoted Gov Ahmed as saying that the funds were released after the recent verification of the state’s outstanding capital projects.
He also said that the approval was based on authenticated and duly certified stages of completion of work on each project.
He also quoted the governor as saying that the release of funds would ensure timely completion of work on the various sites.
Lagos
The Lagos State Government says over N98.3 billion worth of
property were salvaged while about N16.4 billion property were lost to various fire incidents from January 1, 2015 to date.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, made the disclosure at a news conference recently in Alausa, Ikeja.
Oladejo said that over 1,667 emergency calls were responded to within the period.
He warned residents against the use of fireworks during the Yuletide, especially at this period of harmattan, saying it posed a great challenge and might lead to fire outbreak.
Oladejo said that the government was committed to the protection of lives and property of residents and therefore solicited the compliance, cooperation and understanding of all.
Niger
Youths in Lambata have blocked the major highway leading into
Minna, the Niger State capital.
The youths were protesting the relocation of the Lambata market by the state government.
Malam Hassan Adamu, a fish seller in Lambata, said that the road was blocked since Monday evening.
“The youths came out late night to block the road due to the stopping of market activities by government.
“The Izom people wanted the Lambata and Izom markets to operate simultaneously, but there is opposition from Lambata,” he said.
ASP Elkana Bala, Police Spokesman, confirmed the blockage to newsmen saying security had already been deployed to the venue.
Oyo
Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has set aside tribunal judgment and
declared Sen.Buruji Kashamu of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), winner of Ogun East Senatorial District seat.
Kashamu had challenging the judgment of the tribunal delivered in Abeokuta by Justice Tobi Ebiowel that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in 110 polling units in the district.
Mr Dapo Abiodun of All Progressives Congress (APC), had challenged the declaration of Kashamu by INEC at the tribunal as the winner in the senatorial election of March 28.
The Court of Appeal chaired by Justice A.G. Mshelia, unanimously agreed that Abiodun did not lay a credible foundation for the admissibility of the documents tendered to the tribunal.
Mshelia said the tribunal was wrong for laying emphasis on the documents tendered by Abiodun and using it as a basis for nullification of election of some polling units.
He, however, nullified the judgment of the tribunal and declared Kashamu as the winner of the election.
Plateau
The Court of Appeal sitting in Jos has upheld the judgment of the
National and State Assemblies tribunal nullifying the election of Vincent Bulus Venman of PDP as a member of Plateau State House of Assembly.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bage ordered the conduct of a fresh election in Langtang South State Constituency where he was elected to represent within 90 days.
Bage said the lower tribunal was right in disqualifying the PDP candidate, who was an ex-convict, from the contest.
He said that Venman had not met the requirement of the law to qualify for the state pardon granted him by the former governor of the state, Sen. Jonah Jang.
The court said while the former governor had the right to grant pardon to Venman, he did not follow the due process of law that requires the report of an amnesty committee as a condition for exercising the right.
The appeal court, however, refused the prayer of the APC candidate, Mr Jackson Danladi, that he be declared winner of the election following the disqualification of Venman.
Sokoto
Alhaji Danmadami Isa, Sokoto State Chairman, APC, has called
on supporters of the party to vote for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming local government election in the state.
Isa made the call in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto.
“it is only when you ensure all the party candidates win the election that projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the governed will be implemented.
“I, therefore, implore all supporters to come out en-mass to sustain the party’s political change.’’
Isa said that the candidates contesting in the election would complement the efforts of the state and Federal Government in the execution of meaningful projects for the people.
He explained that political change should start at the grassroots with the election of credible candidates that would move their local government areas forward through the implementation of capital projects.
Isa also advised voters not to sell their permanent voter cards but to safeguard them and cast their votes for the party’s candidates.
The chairman called on supporters of the party to shun all forms of violence to ensure a smooth exercise.
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