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Benue

A 28-year-old student, Japhet Fahonum, has appeared
before a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court, charged with raping a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl.
Fahonum, who resides at Benseer Street, Owner Occupier, Makurdi, is facing a one-count charge of rape.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Terzungwe Kajo told the court that a brother of the victim reported the case at the “E’’ Division Police Station, Makurdi on January 1.
Kajo said that the complainant alleged that the accused lured his sister, who is mentally challenged, out on the night of the fateful day and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

FCT

Some education stakeholders have blamed poor standards
in Nigeria’s basic education system on the absence of quality teachers, poor infrastructure and inadequate funding.
The educationists made the observation in separate interviews with newsmen across the country.
Mr Ishaya Tabat, a lecturer with Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, said that dearth of quality teachers and poor funding remained the major set-backs to efforts at strengthening education at the basic level.
Tabat said that 90 per cent of teachers in primary and junior secondary schools lacked the basic training needed to teach at that level.
Jigawa

Alhaji Ali Alkali, Sole Administrator, Malammadori Local
Government of Jigwa State, has urged members of the state’s taskforce Committee on Revenue to be diligent in their duties.
Alkali told newsmen in Malammadori that it was imperative for the committee to be fair and just in the discharge of its duties.
He said that such commitment to duty would ensure financial probity and boost the council’s revenue base.
The sole administrator commended traders’ associations and cooperative bodies for their support to the committee, adding that the gesture had facilitated smooth operation of the committee.
Kogi

The new Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said
that he was ready for action and determined to give the state a new direction.
He also said he would use President Muhammadu Buhari as his model for governance, stressing that  his administration would have zero tolerance for corruption.
Bello, in his inaugural address, laden with emotion as he wept while recognising notable personalities in his life, especially his late father, said it would not be business as usual with him at the helms of affairs in the state.

Kaduna
The Senate Committee on Defence, has  commenced in
vestigation into the Army/Shiite clash in Zaria, Kaduna State, which occurred on December 12, 2015.
Chairman of the committee, Senator  Ahmad Lawal told newsmen in Kaduna shortly after a meeting with Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai, that their interaction with all interested parties would be in secret.
“We have come for a courtesy call and we have had a meeting with the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division.
“We are also meeting the Director DSS and also the Commissioner of Police, “ he said.

Kano
Alhaji Gambo Danpass, a chieftain of All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Kano State, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to use the money recovered from looted funds to develop the education sector.
Danpass gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kano on Saturday,saying that there was need for the Federal Government to use the recovered money to promote education particularly in the area of science and technology.
“The Federal Government should channel the money in the education sector especially science and technology; government needs to encourage students to study sciences,” he said.

Lagos
A 27-year-old commercial sex worker, Faith Imojire, who
allegedly assaulted a policeman, has been arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, who gave no fixed address, is facing a charge of assault.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Mike Unah, told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 21 at No. 14 Aromire St., Ikeja, Lagos.
Unah said the accused assaulted one Sgt. Friday Orah by beating him up and attempting to seize his rifle.
He said the policeman was trying to settle a dispute between the accused and a man who refused to pay her after having sex with her.
“In the process of settling the fight, the man escaped and the accused pounced on the policeman, blaming him for allowing the man to escape.

Nasarawa

A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, has dissolved
the three-year-old marriage between Shehu Habeb and his wife, Marufia Afolabi, for lack of understanding.
Habeb, 38, who resides at Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said that his wife no longer respect him, noting that he was tired of the relationship.
“Please I want an end to this marriage because I cannot continue any longer with the constant misunderstanding and lack of respect.
The petitioner said that the marriage was contracted in 2013 and blessed with a male child.
Marufia, 35, denied all the allegations, saying that Habeb was just tired of the marriage and did not love her anymore.
She said that all effort to settle the issue proved abortive, she therefore, urged the court to grant her husbands request.

Oyo

An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has  fixed February
16 for hearing in a motion seeking to stop the Olubadan-in-Council from appointing the new Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Justice Muktar Abimbola fixed the date at the resumed hearing of a case filed by Chief Adebayo Oyediji and others against the state government, the Council and other contending lines to Olubadan throne.
Our correspondent  reports that Oyediji of Seriki Chieftancy line is claiming that it is the turn of their line to produce the next Olubadan, following the death of Oba Samuel Odunlana.
The plaintiff is challenging the alleged consistent occupation of the throne by the Olubadan chieftaincy line and the Balogun Chieftaincy line.

Ogun

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has petitioned
the Chief Judge (CJ) of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, over alleged unlawful detention of seven persons by Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court, without trial.
The PCC Commissioner for Ogun, Mrs Oluyemisi Dawodu, submitted the petition in Abeokuta when she paid a courtesy call on the Judge.
A copy of the petition made available to  newsmen Dawodu said that the suspects, who are between ages 16 and 23, had been in prison custody since July 19, 2014.
She said the suspects had been kept behind bar on the claim that the court was yet to receive an advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on their alleged crime.
Dawodu said that the perpetual detention of the suspects without trial is an infringement on their fundamental rights.

Plateau
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr
Babatunde Fashola, has advised communities to shun actions inimical to the construction of infrastructure that enhance development.
Fashola made that call while addressing newsmen at the end of an assessment tour of the 132/33KV sub-station in Pankshin, Plateau State.
He said his call became imperative after learning from the state government that the project, since completion, had not been operational due to land dispute involving host communities.
“As you can see here in Pankshin sub-station, the problem we have is that the community is standing in the way of its own development — right of way to give them power.

Zamfara
The High Level Women Advocacy, a group sponsored
by UNICEF, on Thursday said the high level of poverty in Zamfara is limiting access to education by school-aged girls in the state.
The leader of the group, Suwaiba Barau made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Gusau.
“The major factor limiting the development of girl child education in this state is poverty, because some children have no financial support to further their education to secondary or tertiary schools, some cannot even finish their primary schools.
“Even when government is giving free education some parents cannot take care of their children up to the finishing time.
“Some children are very good, some are brilliant but little financial problem can delay them the chance to move ahead positively in life, which is highly unfortunate,’’ she noted.

Chairman, Army-Shitee Clash Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Mohammed Garba (right), taking oath of office before Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, during the inauguration of the judicial commission of inquiry in Kaduna on Friday.

Chairman, Army-Shitee Clash Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Mohammed Garba (right), taking oath of office before Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, during the inauguration of the judicial commission of inquiry in Kaduna on Friday.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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

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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

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