Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Wife of the President of Germany, Mrs Gerhild Gauck, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Adebule, President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Joachim Gauck, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, during the visit of the German President to Lagos, yesterday
Adamawa
Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management
Agency, Mr Haruna Furo, said that about 90 per cent of Internally Displaced Persons in the various camps in the state had returned home.
Furo, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola, said the affected persons were from seven local government areas of the state.
“Following recapturing of the areas and return of normalcy, about 90 per cent of the displaced persons in the camps have left.
“The displaced persons that remain in the camps are those whose villages are at the fringes of Sambisa, who felt it is still not safe to go back home,’’ Furo said.
Borno
No fewer than 1,500 women gave birth in 28 Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno State in 2015, the State Primary Health Care Management Board said in Maiduguri recently.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Sule Mene, told newsmen that the deliveries were recorded between January 2015 and January 2016.
Mene said about 14,600 pregnant women received anti-natal health care, psycho-social services and child nutrition support.
He said that the agency had also received about 1,200 severe medical cases, which were referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for proper care.
The official said the agency had established 20 Integrated Primary Health Care Centres for IDPs in all the camps to provide integrated primary health care and referral services.
“The Borno Government has procured health kits for each of the IDPs to help cater for their immediate needs”.
FCT
The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises De
velopment Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Masari, has urged Nigerian youths to imbibe the culture of entrepreneurship in order to check the high level of unemployment.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Ibrahim Kaula, the Head Corporate Affairs of SMEDAN.
Masari spoke when officials of a youths organisation, “Dogara Youths Vanguard’’ paid him a courtesy visit.
He noted that the challenges of unemployment could best be tackled when the youths keyed into various enterprise development and skill acquisition training programmes being organised by SMEDAN.
“Your best option as young men and women is to imbibe the entrepreneurship skills and development of business ideas through a variety of programmes offered by SMEDAN”.
Kaduna
Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Cen
tral, has given President Muhammadu Buhari tips on how to handle his vacation.
He said Buhari needed rest and must avoid anything that could distract him.
A statement he issued, reads: “These are the 11 things our amiable president should do in order to fully enjoy his five days holidays.
“Shut down your Facebook account for the duration of the holidays. “Freeze your twitter accounts for the duration of the holidays.
“Shut down your phone and get a new foreign SIM card only accessible to your immediate family members and instruct them not to give that number to anyone outside of the family. Nigerian SIM card will always have a way of popping up local news through bulk sms.
“Avoid reading newspapers both foreign and local; and if you must read foreign avoid the Africa section”.
Kano
The former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido,
has called on Nigerian youths to promote unity and peaceful co-existence.
Lamido made the call when the executive members of Arewa Social Media Forum, a Non Governmental Organisation, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.
He said that the call was necessary “because youths are the future leaders of the country and have significant role to play to ensure the sustenance of peace and unity”.
“The main issue before you is to ensure that Nigeria is a country of peace because the future is yours.
“In the next 20 years nobody will talk about Sule Lamido or Buhari even if we are alive, but the legacies we leave behind. So, the future is yours,” he said.
The former governor said that as a social media group, members of the forum had the capacity to enlighten people on the need for peace and unity in the country.
Kogi
Some residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, have
decried the new electricity tariff introduced in February, saying its imposition would only add to their burden.
The residents, some of whom are civil servants who are yet to receive their four months salaries made the statement on Saturday in Lokoja in separate interviews with our correspondent.
Stressing that they had been contending with estimated billings all these years in spite of irregular power supply, the respondents urged the government to suspend the new tariff for now.
Alhaji Ocholi Aku, who lives in Adankolo area in Lokoja, said that some consumers who did not have pre-paid metres were compelled to pay electricity bill amounting to N7, 000 each month.
“How will such consumers be able to cope with the new tariff? As I am speaking I cannot boast of electricity for four hours in a day yet my bill is constant”
Kwara
A group, Kwara State Coalition Group, (KSCG), has ap
pealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and other incorruptible judges in the country to prevail on judges handling various fraud cases to deliver justices with fear of God.
It expressed concern about the rate at which corrupt high profile people in the society were purchasing justices in their own favour.
The group, in a statement issued and signed by Saliu Ajia and Secretary, Batuta Sani said such attitude had given the corrupt elements the confidence that no matter the amount they stole, they would eventually get their way.
KSCG, particularly raised the alarm over a recent alleged move by one of the prominent leaders in the National Assembly, who is facing trial on corruption to lure the judges handling his matter to his own side.
Lagos
The Nigerian Navy has commenced Basic Marine Op
eration Course (BMOC) for 40 policemen on countering maritime crimes, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) has said.
Osinowo, who made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Lagos, said that the training would be held at the Naval Training Command, Apapa.
He said that the training would enable the policemen counter maritime crimes like pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, among others.
“The course, which will last for 12 weeks, is targeted at developing the capacity for marine operations for personnel of the marine wing of the Nigerian Police.
Osun
Erstwhile President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Fri
day doubted the ability of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Federal Government to rescue the abducted Chibok girls alive.
Speaking at an event organised by the Staff Club of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State,
Obasanjo affirmed that anyone saying the girls would return was simply lying.
Obasanjo’s reaction follows severalpromises by the current administration that it would rescue the abducted Chobok girls alive.
Obasanjo blamed the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan for trivialising the distress call to rescue the girls on the day they were abducted.
Oyo
A food scientist with Institute of Agricultural Research
and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan, Dr Elizabeth Farinde, has urged the Federal Government to fund biotechnology to ensure food security.
Farinde made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
The scientist said that biotechnology was an improved method to boost food production, stressing that it was reliable and fast.
“Although biotechnology is a bit expensive, it will make work easier for farmers as well as enhance production of more food in the country,” she said.
Taraba
The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev.
Charles Hamawa, has urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to redouble its effort in the campaign for national rebirth.
Speaking with newsmen in Jalingo, Hamawa said the country required aggressive ethical orientation to enable it tackle the menace of corruption, insurgency and indiscipline.
The cleric noted that the lack of conformity to ethical values among the people was responsible for most of the troubles confronting the country.
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