Nation
THE STATES
Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State (left), presenting a souvenir to DHLVisa-Sports Leader, Sharon Abott, during the courier team’s inspection of sports facilities in Bauchi, yesterday.
Adamawa
Following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Taraba State,
the Adamawa State Government has commenced mobilisation of rural communities in the five local government areas sharing boundaries with Taraba State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima Atiku, made this known in Yola while briefing journalists.
“ His Excellency has directed that we fully mobilise the public on precautionary measures and early detection.
“The disease is caused by virus from rats; our people should imbibe the culture of hygiene by covering their food and foodstuff,” Atiku said.
Atiku said all the disease control officers in the local government areas bordering Taraba had been placed on alert to check for any outbreak.
Bauchi
The Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Ministry of
Health, Dr Saidu Gital, said that no case of Lassa fever had been confirmed in the state.
Gital stated this while briefing newsmen in Bauchi on the outbreak of the disease.
He said that although the state had four suspected cases, three were diagnosed to be negative while laboratory result on one was pending.
“The fourth person accidentally came from Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau, but the result is being awaited,” he said.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Health had supplied health personnel, protective equipment and Ribavirin tablets as well as injectable drugs for use when any case was confirmed.
FCT
The Federal Fire Service has said that it will sanction
any person who failes to comply to the National Fire Safety Code in putting up public structures in the country.
The Controller-General of the service, Mr Joseph Anebi, made the disclosure at an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja.
He urged Nigerians to always seek the advice of the service by sending their building plans for vetting and review before embarking on the project.
Anebi, who decried the incessant fire outbreaks in the country, attributed most of the incidents to carelessness of some Nigerians.
He said that the service had fined some filling stations in Kubwa in FCT and Mararaba in Nasarawa State for failing to adhere to the safety code.
EKiti
Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, the wife of Ekiti State Gover
nor, has reiterated her resolve to always celebrate her birthday with the less privileged.
Fayose made this known in Ado –Ekiti, during a short prayer session to commemorate her 52nd birthday anniversary.
The governor’s wife said rather than throwing party or spending on frivolity, she prefers to reach out to people who are incapacitated in taking care of themselves.
She gave succour to about 31 families by paying off their medical bills to celebrate her birthday.
The governor’s wife said the bills were paid in order to encourage the beneficiaries to always make use of government owned facilities whenever the need arose.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Dr
Shehu Adamu-Danfulani, has said that the free education programme of the Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i’s administration has increased pupil’s enrolment by 64 per cent.
Adamu-Danfulani made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Zaria recently.
He said that some parents could not send their children to school because of the school fees of N200.
According to him, the policy decision of the El-Rufai administration to cancel the N200 school fees has increased enrolment in schools by about 64 per cent.
“Until I was appointed a commissioner and until the declaration by Governor El-Rufa’i, I never thought that some pupils could not go to school because some parents could not pay N200.”
Kano
The Kano State Government has confirmed fresh outbreak
of bird flu in the state.
The Director, Veterinary Services in the state Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Shehu Bawa, confirmed the incident in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Bawa said that the outbreak, which resurfaced this week, had so far hit three poultry farms in the state.
“I can confirm to you that the disease has already affected three farms and we have taken samples from other farms.
“So far, we have three poultry farms that have been affected by the disease,” he said.
According to him, the department has already sent the samples to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom in Plateau for confirmation.
Kebbi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi State has
commended the state government for releasing one billion naira for payment of outstanding pension of retired civil servants.
NLC Chairman Murtala Usman made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Usman said the efforts of the state government deserved commrnedation for taking the bold step of settling part of the outstanding pension of the workers.
He said the backlog of pension was more than one billion naira though the pension liability was part of the debt inherited from the administration of Gov. Saidu Dakingari.
He said a committee that would conduct and monitor the payment had since been inaugurated, and they were expected to swing into action by next week.
Kogi
Stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to
absorb personnel of National Blood Transfusion Service Centres across the country laid off following donor agencies withdrawal of their sponsorship.
The stakeholders, who made the appeal in separate interviews with newsmen in Lokoja, said that the government should absorb the personnel laid off across the country.
They said that due to the withdrawal of the sponsorship of the centres by donor agencies, core medical and health personnel were relieved of their jobs across the country.
Mr Friday Ogungbemi, the 2015 Highest Blood Donor at the Lokoja Service Centre said the Federal Government should absorb the personnel into the Federal Civil Service.
Kwara
An Okuta Area Court in Kwara State has dissolved a 13-
year-old marriage between Bilikis Idris and Abdullahi Idris over claim of frequent fighting.
The court presided by Mr Ahmed Yahaya, ordered the couple to go their separate ways without disturbing the peace of the society.
The wife, Bilikis, had approached the court in 2015, seeking the dissolution of the marriage which had produced three children, over allegation that she had no rest of mind in the union.
She pleaded with the court to grant her wish so that she would marry another man that would care for her.
The man, Abdullahi, who was absent in court but sent a letter, consented to the relief sought by his wife.
Lagos
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its com
mitment to end violence against children and ensure safe and secure future for the Nigerian child.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the state, Mrs Lola Akande, announced this while inaugurating the sub-committee on the launch of “Year of Action to End Violence against Children (VAC)’’ in Lagos.
The Tide reports that the programme would be inaugurated in February.
Akande said that VAC was crucial to the state government in view of cases of violence being perpetuated against children in the state.
She said that children were the bedrock of any nation, hence the need to safeguard their future by putting an end to any form of violence against them.
Ogun
The Vice-Chancellor, Bells University, Sango-Ota, Ogun
State, Prof. Isaac Adebayo, has advised all new students to be focused and desist from spending much times on social media devices like chatting.
Adebayo gave the advice at the 11th Matriculation of the institution in Sango Ota, Ogun.
The don urged the new students to be serious in order to face the rigors of academic life, adding that life in the university was different from life outside the world.
“Students should desist from spending much times on social media devices like chatting, and concentrate more on their studies in order to meet competitive global market,” he warned.
He implored matriculating students and under-graduates to empower themselves by acquiring additional skills and professional certificates to boost their future careers.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government says it has taken addi
tional measures to coordinate donors’ assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state to guard against insurgents disguising as donors to infiltrate the camps.
The state Deputy Governor, Abubakar Aliyu disclosed this in Damaturu in an interview with newsmen.
Abubakar, who is also the Chairman, Committee on Rehabilitation and Relocation of IDPs, said it had become necessary to adopt additional security measures for the safety of the IDPs.
“We urge all donors ranging from government organisations to Non- Governmental Organisations (NGO) and philanthropists to liaise with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) while providing assistance to the IDPs,’’ he said.
He said the state government had been providing food, shelter, water, health and sanitation needs of the IDPs in both government and self- established camps.
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