Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government will no longer supplement
the salaries of Local Government workers in the state, according to Governor Mohammed Abubakar.
Abubakar made the announcement in Bauchi when members of the Bauchi State Committee on Land Administration, led by its Chairman, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, submitted their report to the governor.
“I have augmented the payment of Local Government staff salaries in the last three months and I will not do it any longer.
“The state depends almost 100 per cent on federation account to pay staff salaries and other activities while oil price in the international market has continued to dwindle.
“Both the state and Local Governments must explore avenues on how to improve their Internally-Generated Revenues (IGR), to enable the two tiers of government survive,” Abubakar said.
Borno
The Borno State Government has announced its plan to
return 50,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities in five local government areas this month.
No fewer than 200,000 IDPs from 23 of the 27 local government areas of the state were currently staying in 22 camps in Maiduguri after the communities were sacked by the Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.
The Executive Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Malam Satomi Ahmad, told newsmen in Maiduguri that “we are returning IDPs from communities in five local government areas of the state back to their homes in liberated areas.
“The communities are those located in Monguno, Gwoza, Askira-Uba, Mafa and Dikwa local government areas.’’
FCT
The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has urged
Nigeria’s elite to embrace the change agenda of the Federal Government to make Nigeria great again.
Bello made the call when he received participants of Senior Course 38, Command and Staff College, Jaji, in Abuja last Saturday.
Our correspondent reports that Course 38 participants were on study tour of the FCT administration.
He said that the topic under discussion, “Repositioning Nigeria’s non-oil sector as a major source of revenue’’,, was timely considering the dwindling oil prices at the international market.
The minister further urged Nigerians to have a rethink individually and collectively to agree that “we are really ready for change’’, citing Singapore and Malaysia as good examples.
Jigawa
Dry season farmers in Hadejia, Jigawa State, have ex
pressed worry over hikes in the prices of fertiliser due to its scarcity.
The farmers told newsmen in Hadejia that the trend was seriously affecting agricultural activities.
A wheat grower, Malam Musa Muhammad,said he was experiencing difficulties in sourcing for the commodity due to the exorbitant market prices.
Muhammad said a bag of assorted fertiliser attracts as much as N6,500 in the open market.
He said the situation was discouraging as farmers began cultivation for the dry season, adding, “the price of fertiliser is too high and it might affect productivity.’’
Kaduna
Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria,
Prof. Ibrahim Garba, says the institution has produced 305 Ph.D. holders and 98 First Class degree holders for 2013/2014 academic session.
He stated this in an address at the 38th convocation ceremony of the university held at the main campus, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Garba said: “The Chancellor, Egwe, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu will in today’s convocation ceremony, confer a total of 13,149 First Degrees and 4,598 Higher Degrees and Diplomas to deserving graduates for the 2013/2014 academic session.”
He gave the breakdown as follows; First Class, 89 persons, Second Class Upper, 2,086, Second Class Lower, 7,108, Third Class, 3,161, Pass, 262 and 443 Unclassified Degrees.
According to him Higher Degrees and Diplomas include; 305 Ph.Ds., 2,669 Masters of Arts and Masters of Science and 1,624 Post Graduate Diplomas.
Kano
Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), has de
cried insufficient water supply to irrigation sites by the Hadeja-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA).
The Organising Secretary of the association in Kano State, Alhaji Isah Bawa, made the complaint in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Bawa said the authority had not been supplying sufficient water to the farmers at the time it was most needed.
“This is one of the problems affecting our irrigation activities and we don’t know why.
“When we need the water most, they will not give us,” Bawa said.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State office of the National Teachers Institute
(NTI) said it would increase students enrollment for the Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE),Post Graduate Diploma(PGD) and Degree programmes.
The state NTI Coordinator, Alhaji Salman Maiwada,disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Maiwada said the institute would enroll 3,500 students in the 2015/2016 academic session against the 2600 it enrolled in the previous session.
He said the increase would be across the 14 study centres in the state.
Lagos
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd says it
has earmarked 12 million dollars to provide ultra-modern engineering laboratories in six universities in Nigeria.
The Managing Director of NLNG, Mr Babs Omotowa told newsmen in Lagos that the project involved building, refurbishing and equipping of the laboratories to boos quality of science education and scientists in the country.
Omotowa said that the project, known as University Support Programme (USP) was one of NLNG’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, which started in 2014.
He listed the beneficiaries to include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nasarawa
A 28-year-old butcher, Atom Paul, has appeared in a
Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, for constituting public nuisance.
The accused, who resides at One Man Village, Nasarawa State, was arraigned on a two-count charge of joint act and public nuisance.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, told the court that Insp. Erugeh John and team of policemen attached to Surveillance Section of ‘A’ Divisional Police Station, Mararaba, arrested the accused.
Adaji said that while the police were on patrol, the accused was found inside the notorious jungle of Orange Market fighting with two others at large.
Oyo
Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Federal
Government to further immortalise former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola by naming a major edifice at the University College Hospital (UCH), which was established during his time after the late politician.
Moving a motion titled “Need to further immortalise the late Premier of Western Region, a former Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yorubaland in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of his untimely demise,”Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, representing Ogbomoso North Constituency said “Late Chief Akintola was responsible for the establishment of UCH as a Federal Minister in 1953 and also played a major role in the establishment of the Nigeria Airways in 1958.
He also laid the foundation of Cocoa House, Premier Hotel as well as the founder of University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) who ought to be further immortalized in a bid to appreciate his legacies in Nigeria”.
According to Oladeji, a “political colossus and enigma” like the Late Chief Akintola should be recognised, further immortalised most especially being one of the three patriotic citizens of the country that moved a motion for the nation’s independence.
Yobe
The Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nige
ria (FOMWAN), has distributed sewing machines and livestock to 50 widows who were trained in various vocational skills for self reliance in Yobe.
The Chairperson of the Federation in Yobe who distributed the materials in Damaturu, Hajiya Halimatu Laminu, said the widows lost their husbands to Boko Haram insurgency in the state.
She said the women were trained in sewing, knitting, soap and cream making, baking, groundnut oil and ‘dawa dawa’ food seasoning production.
She added that the Federation was supported with funds by the Media Trust Foundation which it used to train the widows and provided them with machines and raw materials for the take-off of their trades.
Zamfara
Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) said
150,000 rice farmers would be engaged in this dry season farming in Zamfara State as part of effort to ensure food security in the country.
The Secretary of the association in the state, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau.
Muhammad said the association had begun educating people on the need to participate in local rice production to boost their economy and ensure food security.
He said the special intervention programme recently launched by the Federal Government on rice farming had boosted the moral of the farmers.
He said more than 20,000 hectares in Bakalori dam irrigation scheme and Fadama schemes in Maradun, Bakura and Talata-Mafara Local Government areas would be cultivated.
L-R: Director of Sahara Group, Mr Tonye Cole, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr Barnabas Bantx and Executive Director, Safe 54, Mr Shedrack Madlion, during their visit to the Government House in Kaduna on Wednesday
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