Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Monday Ogoh, a 27-year-old driver, who resides be
hind AP Filling Station, Aliade, Benue, was on Monday arraigned before a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court for allegedly robbing two of his passengers of N735,000.
Ogoh was charged with criminal conspiracy and robbery, punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Benue and section 1 (1)(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004.
According to the Police Prosecutor, Insp. James Zungwe, the case was transferred from Aliade Divisional Police Headquarters to the State CID Makurdi through a letter dated December 31, 2015 zungwe said that the letter stated that Moses Adoh of Abulu-Ulu LGA of Delta reported the matter at Aliade Police Station in December 2015.
Borno
The Borno State Government said that it had inaugu
rated a 12-man committee to capture biometric data of its workforce.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Jidda Shuwa, who stated this in a statement in Maiduguri, said that the committee was inaugurated by Gov. Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri.
He quoted the governor as saying during the inauguration that the objective of the exercise was to remove loopholes or infractions that might impede implementation of government policies and programmes.
“The biometric of the state workforce will also ensure effective and qualitative workforce and create employment opportunities as confirmed vacancies will be filled up,” the governor was further quoted as saying.
FCT
The residents of Karu Local Government Area of the
FCT has called on the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, to provide them with a general hospital.
Alhaji Suleiman Musa, the Sarkin Hausawa of Karu, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Musa explained that a tertiary medical facility was initiated by former FCT minister Nasir El-Rufai for the community, but suffered neglect by his successors.
According to him, the structure put in place by El-Rufai was eventually handed over to an Indian firm under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“However, the exorbitant services being offered by the Indians are beyond our means and as such most residents do not patronise the hospital.
“If this project is actually designed for the benefit of poor Karu community, the APC change government should urgently address the situation,’’ said the traditional ruler.
Jigawa
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Ni
geria (MACBAN) has urged the Federal Government on the provision of welfare services to nomads in the country.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Muhammad Kirowa, made the plea while speaking with newsmen in Dutse.
Kirowa particularly urged the government to provide adequate grazing lands, watering points, cattle routes and dams for Fulani herdsmen across the country.
He recalled that President Muhammad Buhari had while heading the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), planned to address some major issues affecting the welfare of nomads including problems of grazing lands, watering points and cattle routes.
Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Moro’a
chiefdom, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, is to hold a-10-day consecration prayers for peace and unity in the chiefdom.
The chiefdom’s secretary of the association, Rev. Mapunu Yohanna, made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
Yohanna explained that the prayers, which would be held in the 10 districts of the chiefdom, were organised in collaboration with the Moro’a traditional council.
According to him, the prayer is to consecrate the people and rededicate them to God as well as strengthen the prevailing peace and unity in the land.
“This prayer has become necessary in view of the current atmosphere of insecurity, mistrust and suspicion among the people along ethnic, religious and political divide”.
Kastina
The Federal University, Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, has
given 11 students, who graduated with First Class degrees, automatic employment.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. James Ayatse, made the disclosure in Dutsin-ma at the maiden convocation of the institution.
Ayatse said that the students graduated from 11 departments in the Arts, Management/Social Sciences and Education faculties.
‘’I am glad to inform you that the university’s Governing Council has approved that appointment letters of the First Class graduands be issued to them during this ceremony,’’ he said. Division.
Kwara
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS)
has constituted a committee to enlighten people in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on the signs, symptoms and prevention of Lassa fever.
Mrs Moradeyo Abidoye, Chairperson of the society in the area, said this during an interview with newsmen in Omu-Aran.
She said that the assignment would take members of the committee to markets, churches and mosques, where they would also sensitise the grassroots on other similar ailments.
The chairperson called for adequate public awareness on how to prevent the outbreak of Lassa fever, especially at the grassroots.
Lagos
The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Com
mittee on Finance, Mr Yinka Ogundimu, has said that the legislature would ensure the full implementation of 2016 budget by the executive arm of government.
Ogundimu told newsmen in Lagos that the legislature had the constitutional responsibility through its oversight functions to ensure that the executive arm implemented the budget to its letter. .
According to him, the House through its standing committees would ensure strict compliance to the Appropriation Bill as passed by the Assembly on December 31, 2015. The lawmaker said that the legislative arm would ensure that the executive arm stressing that the assembly would fulfill its statutory responsibilities to the citizens of the state without any hindrance. “If, we members of the legislative arm perform our oversight functions dutifully, there is no way the executive arm will be smarter than us.’’
Nasarawa
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has
appealed to the three tiers of government to make teaching of both Islamic and Christian Religious Knowledge to be compulsory subjects in the school curriculum.
Abubakar made the call during the closing ceremony of the 30th National Qur’anic Competition in Lafia on Saturday. “
Ogun
The Chairman, Ogun State House of Assembly Commit
tee on Health, Mr Akinpelu Aina, has urged the federal and state governments to take awareness campaign against Lassa fever to rural areas.
Aina, representing Ado Odo Ota I constituency, made the call in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen.
The lawmaker said this had become necessary following the increasing number of casualties of the disease.
He said that people living in rural areas were more prone to the disease because of their environments
Aina urged the Federal Government to pay more attention to the health of the citizens.
He, however, commended the Minister of Health, Dr Isaac Adewolu, on steps taken so far to prevent the spread of the disease.
“Ogun State Government has also taken a bold step by setting up three isolation centres in its bid to contain any case of an outbreak of the dreaded Lassa fever”.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has charged clubs
and associations in the state to support government policies aimed at developing the state.
He made the call at the investiture of Prof. Ezekiel Idowu as the 18th President of the Omo Aj’orosun Club, Ibadan.
Ajimobi said that the contribution of everyone in developing the state was obligatory, urging them to “ stop playing the ostrich.’’
“You all should be at the fore front of Ibadan progress. Irrespective of our status in the society, we are all responsible to the society, “he said.
He urged the people to shun character assassination, politics of bitterness while rallying for unity and peace among the citizenry.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, former president of the club and one time Secretary to the Oyo State Government, stated that the club was non-political as stipulated in its constitution.
Alli said that the club had contributed immensely to the development of Ibadan and the state at large, promising that it would continue to do more.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government will assist the victims of the
fire that razed the tubers, vegetables and fruits market in Sokoto, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, has said.
Our correspondent reports that the market popularly called ‘’ kasuwar daji’’ was razed by fire recently.
The fire destroyed no fewer than one hundred shops, an articulated vehicle loaded with yam tubers, among others; but no life was lost and nobody sustained injury.
The State deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, who visited the market on behalf of the governor, commiserated with the affected traders.
He expressed shock at the extent of damage caused by the fire and prayed Allah to compensate and reward those who lost their shops and goods.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right), presenting an Award of the Icon of Democracy’ to former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, at the 2016 Annual National Political Summit in Abuja on Monday
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