Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof, Ibrahim Garba, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, his wife, Dr Bolutito Olyinka, President, Nigerian Mining and Geo-Sciences Society, Prof. Gbenga Okunola, Vice Chancellor, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Prof. Isa Funtua and Vice Chancellor, Mountain top University, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, at an appreciation dinner of the society for the Vice Chancellors and corporate sponsors in Lagos on Saturday.
Bauchi
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, has
urged youth in the country not to allow themselves to be used by some selfish individuals as retrogressive tool.
Dalung made the call in an address at the close of a one-day gathering organised by “Muryan Talakawa Awareness Initiative” in Bauchi.
He urged the youth to support and protect the present government they had voted into power to enable it succeed.
Dalung further urged them to stand up against some detractors, who were voted out of power but were still hanging on the “fence” trying to use the youth to cause havoc.
He said that the present administration would accord high priority to youth empowerment to enable them contribute their quota to the development of the country.
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has com
mended the Military for their sacrifice in restoring peace in the North-East.
Shettima stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.
“ The military has recorded tremendous achievements in the past six months, we are now consolidating the emerging peace in the state.
.“It is wrong for anyone to say that the Boko Haram are in control, yes you might have pockets of them trying to foment mischief, but eventually, we shall overcome the hiccups.
“We are all living witnesses to what is happening in Borno, you and I know that in the last couple of months Ngala was liberated by the military, so also was Bama, Gwoza, Dikwa, Mafa andso many other communities that were hitherto under the terrorists’control.
FCT
President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled the virtues of
Hajiya Fati Koko, popularly called Maitalla Tara, who passed away at age of 95 years.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president.
The statement recalled that late Koko, had waited nine hours in Kebbi early 2015, to donate one million naira to Buhari as the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buhari described her as “a woman with a good heart, who stood by her convictions, and gave sacrificially.
“Hajiya Koko had offered virtually her life’s savings to candidate Buhari then, saying she admired his honesty, discipline, and stand for truth.’’
Kano
Kano State Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA) has
warned members of the public against construction of unprofessional speed breakers along township roads in the state.
The agency was established by former Governor of the state, Alhaji Rabi’u Kwankwaso, to ensure maintenance of township roads in the 44 local government areas.
The Managing Director of the agency, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
He said that indiscriminate dumping of refuse and digging on the roads, among others, were putting the roads into bad shape.
“Such bad practices cause environmental degradation and are harmful to vehicle owners, when left unchecked.
“When you do things unprofessionally on roads, many damages are expected to happen and such things can cause damage to vehicles,” Aliyu said.
Kebbi
The General Manager, Kebbi State Environmental Pro
tection Agency (KESEPA), Alhaji Musa Umar, has warned farmers against bush burning.
Umar gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Brinin Kebbi.
The general manager said bush burning had negative impact on soil conditions, as it caused its inability to absorb and retain water.
“Bush burning reduces nitrogen in the soil, which slowed growth of crops. The act also causes air pollution and reduces quality of the soil,’’ he said.
Lagos
Traders at the Rauf Aregbesola Market, Iyana Ipaja,
Lagos, have appealed to the Lagos State Government to intervene in the impasse between them and Alimosho Local Government council.
The local government threatened to eject the traders to pave way for the demolition of the structures to upgrade the market.
The traders told newsmen in Lagos that this was the second attempt by the local government authorities to forcefully eject them from the market.
According to the traders, in 2012 when the market was under Egbeda/Akowonjo Local Development Authority, the council asked them to submit their allocation papers for an upgrade of the market.
They said that the upgrade was suspended when their lawyer challenged the council after an advice from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ogun
State Command, says it has arrested over 35, 734 traffic offenders between January and December 2015, for various offences.
The Sector Commander, Mr Adegoke Adetunji, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta recently.
Adetunji said the offenders were arrested for offences such as speeding, overloading, refusal to use seat belt and making phone calls while driving.
He said others were arrested for failure to use crash helmets, reckless driving and driver’s license violation.
Oyo
The Head of Cassava Weed Management Project, In
ternational Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in Ibadan, Dr Alfred Dixon, has advised farmers to avoid using blunt cutlass to cut cassava stems.
Dixon told newsmen in Ibadan that cutting the stem with blunt cutlass will damage the stem, thereby stunting the growth of tubers of the cassava.
“The edge you are putting in the soil has to be very fine such that the root will be able to come out of it.
“So, farmers need to cut with a sharp object on a soft ground; not on a stone or hard wood.
“Also, using a blunt object will destroy the point the plant will grow, thereby causing low yield, “ he said.
The cassava breeder also urged farmers to be careful with the planting measurement while planting.
Plateau
Plateau State Commissioner for Environment and Min
eral Resources, Mr Abdullahi Abbass, has lamented the pilfering of property of the state-owned Kaolin factory in Barikin-Ladi, that was gutted by fire recently.
The Commissioner, who expressed his displeasure when he visited the factory , appealed to host communities to always guard and protect government facilities.
“These facilities are in your midst and of much advantage to you, so they must be protected by you,” he told the community leaders.
Abbas was particularly angry that some hoodlums even took advantage of the incident to rush into the factory to steal some office furniture.
He expressed joy that the thieves were promptly apprehended in by the security men.
Sokoto
A member of Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji
Sani Yakubu ( APC-Gudu), says he has earmarked N 800,000 for disbursement to 200 female students from his constituency who are currently studying in various boarding Secondary Schools across the state.
Yakubu stated this in Sokoto when he gave an update on his special bursary scheme for female children.
According to Yakubu, each of the 200 beneficiaries would be given N 4,000 transport money.
‘’ In the same vein, each of the female students will be given a carton of indomie noodles, a set of uniforms and a ‘hijab’ covering.
‘’ Similarly, each of them will be given a school bag, a dozen exercise books and mathematical set, among others.
Yobe
Acting Chairman, Gujba Local Government of Yobe State,
Alhaji Mai Musa, said people who fled the area due to the Boko Haram insurgency, had returned to their respective communities and engaged in irrigation farming.
Musa disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen in Damaturu.
He said residents of Wagir, Nyakire, Mutai, Buni Gari, Gujba, Katarko and Garin Itace, who fled their communities had mostly returned.
“The people have engaged in irrigation farming in most of the communities, while business activities have picked up in the village markets,” he said.
The chairman said except Buni Yadi, headquarters of the local government, most of the communities had returned and engaged in various means of livelihood.
“As you know, Buni Yadi, has since been liberated and occupied by the security but, they have yet to be authorised by the residents to return ,” he said.
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