Nation
THE STATES
The General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye (left), with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during the cleric’s courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-ife, yesterday
Borno
Barely a week after Dalori village in Borno State was
attacked, Boko Haram insurgents in a convoy of 10 bicycles laden with explosives and petro-bomb also attacked Alomari and Malari communities, killing 10 people, including four women and torching two villages.
The insurgents, according to Tijani Ahmed of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), burst into the villages through the northern flanks that adjoin Mafa-Dikwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of the state.
“We alerted the military on phone but before the soldiers reached the villages from Alau Dam military post, the gunmen fled after several houses were set ablaze, and abandoned the food items they snatched yesterday,” said Ahmed.
A military personnel, who was not authorized to speak on the twin incidents, also said: “The insurgents have resorted guerrilla warfare, without attacking any military post or base in the theatre war of Operation to Lafiya Dole. Before our troops reached the affected villages, ten kilometres from this post, the terrorists fled towards the Mafa-Dikwa axis on bicycles.”
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court has dissolved a 15-year-
old marriage between Azeez Yemisi and her husband, Kehinde for desertion and lack of care for her and the children.
Yemisi, 35, a resident of No. 10, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, told the court that she had been responsible for the upkeep of the children and the payment of the first child’s school fees.
The mother of three said her husband packed out of the house when he knew that she was pregnant for another man.
She claimed that she had remarried and likewise her husband, and therefore, urged the court to dissolve the marriage.
Kehinde, 45, a resident of No. 97, Idemo, Ado-Ekiti, said he deserted the house when his wife took in for another man.
FCT
President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has
ruled out the possibility of reversing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy excluding some imported goods and services from the list of items valid for forex in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.
Saraki, while responding to a request by the Tomato Sub-Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), seeking his intervention to lift the exemption by the CBN on certain imported goods, said based on the present economic realities, difficult decisions are necessary to be taken to overcome the challenges.
The Senate President, who addressed the tomato paste producers when they paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, said: “It is high time we start telling ourselves the home truth as a nation, we are where we are because of our refusal to take hard decisions.
“As a country, we have to chart a new way different from the past, and that path is going into manufacturing as we cannot continue to remain an import dependent country,” he said.
Kano
Executive Secretary, Kano State Scholarship Board, Prof.
Fatima Umar, said the State Government had approved N500 million for payment of outstanding scholarship to 1, 550 students studying in 11 foreign institutions.
Umar disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano.
She said the state government had also given an approval for settling the allowances of 91, 000 students currently studying in tertiary institutions in the country.
The executive secretary said the gesture was part of the government’s resolve to provide scholarship to Kano indigenes pursuing academic courses at home and abroad.
According to her, the present administration is committed to funding the professional courses of 108 Kano state indigenes currently pursuing professional courses at the Nigeria Law School.
Katsina
Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced N700, 000
as the minimum deposit for each intending pilgrim from the state wishing to perform the 2016 hajj.
The Executive Director of the board, Alhaji Muhammad Abu Rimi, made the announcement in Katsina at the inauguration of committees for the distribution of hajj seats for the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had allocated 4,463 seats to the state for the 2016 exercise like the previous year.
He said that the board would conduct ballot for hajj seats and registration of intending pilgrims across the 34 local government areas simultaneously on February 20.
Kwara
The Kwara State House of Assembly yesterday held a
valedictory session in honour of a departed member, Hon. Moses Afolayan who represented Oke-Ero constituency in Kwara South Senatorial District.
Afolayan died on January 30, 2016 at his residence in llorin following an illness.
Our correspondent reports that the valedictory session was attended by top government functionaries, former legislators and family members of the deceased.
The Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, declared the session open with a condolence message from the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The governor in his message read by the Speaker , described Afolayan’s demise as a colossal loss to the state.
Lagos
The Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology
(NIFST) has tasked manufacturers and governments on the need to use modern technology in packaging food items.
The National President of NIFST, Dr Chijioke Osuji, gave the charge in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Osuji said that the use of modern food packaging was inevitable for the country to advance in the value chain of the food business.
He said that it would enable packaging to be done properly, especially when it had to do with export.
“While within Nigeria, we may prefer unattractive unpackaged products just like our fore-fathers did, but a foreigner may not buy into it even while still within the country.
Ondo
The Ondo/Ekiti Command of the Nigeria Customs Service
(NCS) generated N15.13 million in January 2016, up from N12.86 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Filibus Machu, made the disclosure in Akure when the Customs Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Mr Eporwei Edike, visited the command.
Machu said that the command generated N193.12 million in 2015
“Our command generates revenue from duties paid on intercepted vehicles,’’ he said.
“I have observed since January 14 when I resumed in this command that all the officers are respectful.
Osun
An housewife, Mrs Mukaila Kafilat, has asked an Osogbo
Customary Court to dissolve her marriage to her husband, Mr Mukaila Olaoye over allegation that her husband had attempted to kill her.
Kafilat told the court that, “I was sleeping one day when I felt hands around my neck and discovered my husband was trying to strangle me to death.
“But for the intervention of our neighbours, I would have been dead by now’’.
She told the court with tears streaming down her face.
She also accused her husband of lack of interest in her and that he does not love her any more , which is the reason he had stopped caring for her and their children.
Oyo
Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has
advocated strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP), Act, 2015.
Mrs Ajimobi stated this in Ibadan at an event to commemorate the international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation.
The governor’s wife who was addressing a group of women in the state said that the law prohibits female genital mutilation and other unwholesome practices against women.
Mrs Ajimobi noted that it was the duty of everyone to ensure that the traditional harmful practice of genital mutilation stopped.
She explained that victims of the harmful practice suffered a great deal “socially, psychologically, physically emotionally and sexually’’.
Plateau
The Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), Alhaji Mohammed Modibbo, says the new hike in electricity tariff is to address decades of neglect of critical infrastructure in the power supply chain.
Modibbo told newsmen in Jos that the new investors in the power sector inherited dilapidated infrastructure which must be replaced to enhance efficiency.
“Some transformers were even older than 50 years and certainly could not cope with even basic distribution.
“So the little upward review will help to mitigate negative cash flow that has bedevilled the sector,” he said.
Modibbo spoke against the backdrop of nationwide picketing of electricity formations by labour unions protesting the recent tariff hike that took off last week.
He said that increased power generation by the private firms was being hindered by the inability to pay their gas suppliers.
Sokoto
Lawmakers from the Sokoto State House of Assembly
yesterday visited their counterparts in Lagos State to know more about the Lagos Traffic Law.
Our correspondent reports that the delegates were led by Mr Sanni Yakubu, the Chairman, Sokoto State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transportation.
Yakubu said the Sokoto Assembly was motivated by the successes of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Traffic Law, to make the trip.
He said the legislators had a proposed traffic law before them and embarked on the journey to seek advice from their counterparts in Lagos.
According to him, the lawmakers decided to visit Lagos State, being the centre of excellence with viable traffic laws.
He said that Sokoto State could learn a lot from Lagos in the area of traffic control and management.
“We came to the Lagos State House of Assembly based on the laws before us on traffic management and control in Sokoto State.
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