Nation
THE STATES
Governor Akinwunmi Ambodi of Lagos State (right), presenting a souvenir to the German President, Mr Joachim Gauck, during his visit to Lagos State, recently.
Adamawa
An Abuja based Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO),
Adventist-Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), is rendering support to 514 households of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa State.
The Emergency Management Coordinator of the group, Mr Peter Odiahi, disclosed this at the presentation of relief materials to some households in Michika Local Government Area of the state.
Odiahi said that the gesture was part of efforts by the organisation to assist returning IDPs to integrate them to the society.
He explained that the organisation with the support of the UN Foods and Agriculture organisation (FAO), had provided the IDPs with various agro food processing machines to improve their livelihoods.
According to him, ADRA as an International NGO, has been working in partnership with the FAO, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in providing humanitarian services to displaced persons in seven local government areas worst affected by activities of Boko Haram in Adamawa.
Bauchi
Nigerien citizens living in Bauchi State have expressed
optimism that Sunday’s general elections in their country would reflect the wishes of the electorate.
Some of them, who spoke to newsmen in Bauchi, said they were satisfied with the arrangement made by their country’s electoral body.
They were particularly pleased with the opportunity given to Nigeriens in diaspora, to exercise their franchise.
They however said the number of vehicles provided to enable them travel to designated states to cast their votes, were inadequate.
One of them, Abubakar Mohammed, said six vehicles were provided in Bauchi for them to travel to Kano, the nearest voting centre, as such only few of them could make it.
Borno
Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Dalori Camp
II along Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, have called for improved living conditions in the camp.
The IDPs made the appeal while speaking to newsmen during a visit to the camp by the UNHRC.
According to them, some of the challenges they face included inconsistent and poor feeding, poor sanitary conditions, lack of proper medical attention, deplorable sanitary condition and poor security.
The IDPs said although the government was trying, they needed improved welfare, urging the government and NGOs to take their welfare as a priority because they are Nigerian citizens who are just victims of circumstance.
Malam Abatcha Ali, the Men’s Leader of the camp, said in spite of the best efforts of government, displaced persons continue to suffer hunger and other deprivations in the camps.
Gombe
Citizens of Niger Republic residing in Gombe State, have
called on whoever emerge president of the country, to sustain the collaborative effort in the fight against insurgents.
Speaking with newsmen in Gombe, they said that the progress of Niger Republic, Nigeria and other neighboring countries depended on restoration of peace to the region.
They also admonished losers in Sunday’s general elections in the country, to exhibit spirit of good sportsmanship in defeat, while urging winners to be magnanimous in victory.
A Nigerien, Bala Buzu, said whoever would be elected president, should join hands with Nigeria and other countries in the fight against insurgents.
According to him, a lot of people in Niger, Nigeria and other countries are suffering as a result of the activities of insurgents.
Kaduna
Kaduna State Government on Sunday, tasked religious
leaders to assist monitor projects that are being executed within their areas, by ensuring that contractors give the communities value for their money.
The Director- General of Interfaith Matters, Engr. Namadi Musa gave this advice in a press statement made available to newsmen.
According to the statement in sensitisation meeting with Muslim and Christian religious leaders in the three senatorial zones, Musa urged them to report any project that is being shoddily executed to relevant authorities.
It stated that Governor Nasir El Rufa’i had started fulfilling his campaign promises with the ongoing school feeding programme, roads, hospitals and schools rehabilitation across the state.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has set aside the sum of
N2.5 billion for the rehabilitation and upgrading of Ajiwa Water Treatment Plant to solve the perennial water scarcity faced in Katsina metropolis.
Governor Aminu Masari gave the figure while inaugurating the Association of Retired Civil Servants of the state Water Board in Katsina.
Masari said that the water treatment plant, which was constructed and commissioned in the 1970’s, was neglected by the previous administrations despite serving the Katsina State capital and its environs.
He said that the plant would not be able to provide enough water for the citizens of the metropolitan area due to obsolete facilities that had been overstretched.
The governor revealed that the rehabilitation work at the plant would include replacement of outdated equipment as well as laying of new pipes to provide additional 40 million litres of water daily to the metropolis.
Lagos
Lagos State Police command said it had begun
investigation into the death of one Afape Fatai, who allegedly committed suicide in his kitchen.
The command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Oladapo Badmos, in a statement said the incident happened on Saturday at about 6 am at No. 28, Orioji Olarenwaju Close, Ijaiye in Lagos.
It stated that the deceased, whose age, marital status and occupation were not mentioned, allegedly hung himself with a rope in his kitchen.
“Police detectives from Meiran Division visited the scene, photographed and examined the corpse.
“The police later visited the scene of the crime, removed and deposited the body at Ijaiye General Hospital morgue.
Nasarawa
The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations
(NACOMYO) has urged residents of Nasarawa State to avoid rats in order to prevent Lassa fever.
The National President of NACOMYO, Alhaji Kamal’ddin Akintunde, made the call at a one-day awareness campaign on Lassa fever organised by the Nasarawa State chapter of the organisation in Karu.
He said that the call had become imperative due to the effects of Lassa fever on human health and the socio-economic development of the country.
“First and foremost, I want to commend the state chapter of NACOMYO in organising this awareness campaign in Kube, Beti, Kare and Kugwaru, among other communities of Karu.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government says it will sanction any
household that has no registered waste bin and prosecute anyone caught dumping refuse indiscriminately in the state.
The Chairman, Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mr Shina Fadamitan, told newsmen in Akure that the move would ensure cleanliness in the state.
“It is an offence for any household not to have a registered waste bin in Ondo State and anybody caught dumping refuse will be prosecuted according to the laws of the land.
“We have made this decision because we have noticed that there is an increase in the number of illegal dumping sites across the state.
Oyo
Dean, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof.
Juwon Arotiba, has called for the introduction of Bio-Medical Engineering courses in more tertiary institutions in the country.
Arotiba made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said if more tertiary institutions would introduce such courses, the problems of inadequate and ineffective medical equipment in Nigerian hospitals would be resolved.
Arotiba defined Bio-Medical Engineering as biological or medical application of engineering equipment.
“It is the application of biological techniques (as genetic recombination) to create modified versions of organisms (as crops), especially.
Plateau
The Catholic Bishop of Pankshin Diocese, Most Rev. Michael
Gokum, has urged Christians to support the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-Eastern part of the country.
The Bishop said this during the launch of the 2016 Lenten Campaign of the diocese in Pankshin, Plateau State.
He said that this year’s campaign was to raise funds to support IDPs, less privileged and the destitute in the society.
The theme of the campaign is: “the Right to Security and Sustainable Development Goals.’’
‘’We are all God’s creation brought into existence by one living God, so there is the need to extend support to the have-nots.
“In our world today, there are many who can’t afford a single meal in a day, others don’t have where to lay their heads, while very many don’t have what to wear.
“A lot of people in our society, especially those in the north-eastern part of our country have fled their places of abode because of the incessant attacks by Boko Haram; these people need support.
Yobe
Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Yobe, Alhaji
Umar Kukuri, has urged the state government to conduct elections into the 17 local government councils as required by law.
Umar made the call in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu while reacting to the inauguration of local council caretaker chairmen appointed by Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam.
“IPAC was expecting the state government to conduct election into the local councils after the expiration of the former councils in December last year,” the IPC chairman said
He said political parties in the state had commenced preparations for a new election before the appointment and inauguration of the new caretaker chairmen.
“The council wishes to remind the state government of the constitutional provision which recognises elected officials for local government councils.
“As a state under the national ruling party, we hope the provisions and sanctity of the constitution will be respected and protected,” 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