Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Makurdi Magistrates’ Court has remanded five accused
persons, including two brothers, in prison custody for allegedly killing a herdsman, Dahiru Idris.
Those remanded were Adah Effeche, Gabriel Ejeh, Daniel Ugwueke, Sunday Ugwueke and Boniface Onoja of various addresses in Edumoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue.
They were arraigned on a two count-charge of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.
They were charged with punishable under Sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code of Benue, 2004.
Prosecutor Terzungwe Kajo told the court that the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Okpokwu to State CID on December 28, 2015 via a letter for investigation.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Government said that it had recorded one case
of the dreaded Lassa Fever.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olurotimi Ojo, made this known at a Stakeholders Forum on Lassa Fever in Ado-Ekiti.
Ojo said that the patient was discovered at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti at the weekend.
“The state has confirmed a Lassa Fever case that is being managed at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti.
“The patient is stable and has commenced treatment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government has said that no fewer than 500,000 children will be immunised against measles in all parts of the state between January 28 and February 1, 2016.
FCT
Tourists and guests have called on hotel owners in Abuja
to provide better security and improve their facilities to justify the high charges on services.
The respondents made the call in separate interviews with newsmen.
Mr Franklin Andrew, a tourist from Canada said that he was visiting Africa for the first time and decided to start with Nigeria, adding his experience in terms of security was not too pleasant.
“I have been to other countries where people use encoded keys to protect their rooms; it was only at the Protea and Transcorp Hilton hotels that I used a card to open my room doors.
“When I wanted to experience a close-to-nature-touch, I went to another hotel; here in Abuja, where the experience was nothing to write home about.
Jigawa
The Sole Aministrator of Malammadori Local Government
in Jigawa State, Alhaji Ali Alkali, said the council had adopted measures to control soil erosion in the area.
Alkali stated this in an interview with newsmen recently in Malammadori.
He said that the council had implemented steps to control erosion at Maudachi burrow pit which he said, was threatening road and adjourning farmlands.
He said that the council had sought for the intervention of the state’s Ministry of Land for boundary definition of the pit site.
“We called for clear demarcation of boundary between Malammadori and Hadejia local government areas on the eroded land, this will facilitate effective management of the pit,” he said.
Kaduna
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and
Non-Formal Education (NMEC) says it is targeting a literacy-target of five million people in 2016.
Its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Jibrin Paiko, said this in Kaduna at the opening of a two-day workshop on coordination and management of non-formal education in Nigeria.
Our correspont reports that the workshop was jointly organised by NMEC and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
It was for executive directors of agencies for mass education from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
According to Paiko, the workshop is designed to provide the managers with skills and schemes that will serve as a guide in achieving the set target.
Katsina
Sheikh Dayyib Haruna-Rasheed, National Leader, Madinatul
Ahbab Waltalmiz Islamic Schools, has called on parents and community leaders to support teachers on inculcating moral training in children.
Haruna-Rasheed made the call at the graduation of 23 students who mastered the reading of the Holy Qur’an from the Fayamasa Malumfashi branch of the Madinatul Ahbab Waltalamiz Islamic Schools.
He said the school was set up to provide moral training and education on Islam, including inculcation of the right ideologies and knowledge on interpretations of the Holy Qur’an.
He, therefore, urged parents to support the schools in promoting religious ideals and morality in their children.
The cleric disclosed that the organisation had established 474 schools in 450 communities located in Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Kwara
An Indian philanthropist, Mr Naranbai Patel, has pledged
a donation of N25 million to support researchers at the University of Ilorin.
This is contained in the university’s bulletin, according to the bulletin, Patel, who was impressed by the collaboration between the University of Ilorin and Uka Tarsaida University (UTU), Bardoli, India, sent a letter to the University of Ilorin’s Vice Chancellor.
The bulletin said that in the letter, Patel, promised to redeem his pledge in five equal installments of N5 million over a period of five years.
It said the philanthropist expressed confidence in the ability and visionary skills of the university administration under the leadership of Prof. Ambali.
Lagos
A 70 -year-old man, Mutairu Afolabi, has sought the
dissolution of his 36 years marriage to Monsurat, 60, over alleged bleaching and conversion of his wife to Christianity.
Afolabi told the court that as an Imam his wife’s conversion from Islam to Christianity had brought him shame.
He said that the marriage was consummated in 1980 and produced four children, from age 20 to 33.
“The smell of her body since she started bleaching is not good for my health, why should she be bleaching at her age, she now a grandmother.
“Her name is Monsurat before I married her, my wife is now known in the whole Celestial Churches in Lagos; I’m an Imam how do I explain that.
“She goes out at will, without my permission, she curses a lot and I can see that her curse is coming to pass in the lives of my children.
“I told my wife that I have diabetes the next day she started singing that God should add honey and sugar to her life.
Nasarawa
The police have arraigned a 29-year-old trader, Agbo
Michael, in a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, over the alleged theft of his neighbour’s generator.
The accused, who resides behind the Catholic Church, Aso, Mararaba, is standing trial on a two-count charge of house breaking and theft.
According to the Prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, one Itodo Leonard of same address with the accused reported the matter at the Aso Pada Police station on January 18.
Adaji said on the same date at about 2 p.m., the accused broke into the complainant’s house and stole the generator, valued at N31, 000.
“The accused also stole the sum of N10, 000 which the complainant left at home, when he went to work.
Ogun
A 39-year old man, Emeka Uboh, has appeared before an
Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ogun, for allegedly damaging a gate and other items worth N100,000 belonging to one Boniface Ibeh.
Uboh, who resides at No. 11 Banjo St., Ishaha, Ota, Ogun, is facing a two-count charge of malicious damages and threat to life.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Itaita Ebibomini, told the court that the accused committed the offences on October 11, 2015 at about 12:00pm at No. 3, Agbala Itura, Ishaha in Ota.
Ebibomino said that the accused damaged a building gate and other items worth N100, 000, property of Ibeh.
He said that the accused also threatened the complainant with a broken bottle.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has directed the state
Ministry of Health to suspend the proposed increment in tuition fees of state-owned schools of nursing, health technology and midwifery.
Mr Kamil Oyedele, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, gave the directive in Osogbo when the management of the ministry appeared before the committee for the defence of its 2016 appropriation bill.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Temitope Oladele, in her defence had told the committee that one of the ways the ministry could boost its revenue generation for the year was by increasing its tuition fees.
Plateau
An elder statesman, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, has
commended the success so far recorded in the fight against corruption and challenged the judiciary and the police to “play their roles effectively”.
“The Federal Government’s fight against corruption is gaining the right momentum and is in line with the cardinal goal for which President Muhammadu Buhari was voted into office.
“What remains is for the judges and police to play their own roles, so that the suspects would be convicted if culpable, to serve as a deterrent and also rid the nation of this canker-worm,” Kwande told newsmen in Jos.
According to him, the constitution is clear on how to tackle the menace.
Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, arriving the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory where he is standing trial over alleged misappropriation of N32billion arms fund in Abuja on Friday. The case was adjourned till February 4 for the hearing of the Ex-NSA’s application for stay of proceedings.
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