Nation
THE STATES
un Resident Coordinator, Ms Fatma Samoura handing over unfpa Health Kits to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno during her visit to Maiduguri last Thursday.
Adamawa
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has advised Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa not to sell relief materials donated to them by the agency and other donors.
The state Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Sa’ad Bello, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
Bello said the advice became necessary as some beneficiaries of relief materials sold the items.
He said that on many occasions when such relief materials were seen in the market, people accused NEMA officials of selling them.
“Not for sale is boldly written on the materials. I want to appeal to the public to report any person seen selling the materials to the nearest police station,’’ Bello advised.
Benue
Concern Universal, an NGO, said it has received a grant
of N642 million from the Department for International Development (DFID) to scale up sanitation and hygiene in Cross River.
The Programme Manager of the organization Mr Nanpet Chuktu, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi.
He explained that the grant would be used for implementing the Community-Led Health Improvement through Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion (CHISPIN) in Nigeria.
He said the programme was expected to run for three years in similar design of the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Programme with emphasis on activities at the local areas.
Chuktu said using the Community Led Total Sanitation approach, no fewer than 702, 000 persons in Biase, Ikom and Yala local government areas would benefit from the programme.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced two students of
Ekiti State University (EKSU)- Akintunde Olumide and Oladapo Olaoluwa, to three years imprisonment each for belonging to secret cults.
Justice Mosun Abodunde, in her judgment held that the prosecution established a case of secret cultism against the two convicts beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge said that the police found in their custody, a small cutlass, black head warmer band, black T. shirt, and black trousers during investigation.
The judge held that the short cutlass was not the type used for agriculture or weeding grass.
“It is not a tool for education, it is a weapon of danger and incriminating, and should not be seen within the school premises,’’ she added.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has urged
traditional rulers in the state to sensitise their subjects on the need to guard against fire outbreaks.
Dankwambo made the call when he visited the Emir of Pindiga in Akko local government area.
He said traditional rulers had an important role to play in sensitising their subjects against fire disasters in view of the recent reports of fire outbreaks in parts of the North.
He advised the public to always switch off electrical appliances before closing from businesses, offices and their houses when going to bed, to avoid fire outbreaks.
The governor also advised people to desist from storing petroleum products in their houses, warning that such act may lead to fire outbreak.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government says it wants some Chinese com
panies that have indicated interest to invest in agriculture to establish their factories in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Kabiru Ali, made this known when he briefed newsmen in Maigatari on the visit of the Chinese investors to the state.
“Basically, what we want these Chinese to do is to establish the factory here in Jigawa so that the state will be buying in bulk the equipment we need.
“Also, other states will come to Jigawa and buy the equipment they need,’’ Ali said.
Ali said that Chinese were in the state to see the possibility of establishing a factory for the manufacturing of small farm equipment.
Katsina
Sen. Mustapha Bukar (APC-Katsina North) says he is
training 710 youths in Computer and Information Technology (ICT) in Katsina State.
Bukar stated this in Daura at the opening ceremony of the training programme.
He said that the training would be conducted by the Global Plus ICT in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) sponsored by him.
According to him, the beneficiaries will be trained in three months, after which a certificate would be given to each trainee.
He pointed out that the programme would complement the state government efforts at making people of the state computer literate.
“Computer education is regarded as backbone of societal development worldwide, but our youths are left behind in that area,’’ he said.
Besides, Bukar said that the trainees would be empowered with working materials and capital to enable them establish their businesses and become self-reliant after the programme.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has awarded N11 billion
contracts for the renovation of schools and provision of furniture, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Shehu Adamu, has said.
Adamu said while briefing newsmen in Kaduna that N7 billion would be spent on the renovation of 420 secondary schools, while N4 billion was for the provisions of furniture.
According to him, the state has a total of 4, 225 primary schools and 524 secondary schools, most of which are dilapidated.
“The contract entails the complete renovation of the schools, construction of toilets facilities, provision of solar-powered motorized boreholes with overhead tanks, and construction of new classes where necessary.
“For the furniture, the contracts were awarded for the provision of more than 770,000 units of furniture to be distributed across the state”.
Nasarawa
A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, has admitted
a 28-year-old wheelbarrow pusher, Friday Bebaca, to bail in the sum of N100,000 for alleged extortion.
Bebaca of Aso Junction Mararaba was arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and extortion.
The presiding officer, Mr Albert Maga, in his ruling, ordered the defendant to produce one surety in like sum.
Maga ordered that the surety should have a fixed address, reasonable means of livelihood, and also reside within the jurisdiction of the court.
He adjourned the case till April 15 for further hearing.
Prosecutor Friday Adaji had told the court that Musa Abubakar of Aso Pada, Mararaba, reported the matter at ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Mararaba, on March 30.
Adaji said the defendant conspired with two others now at large to attack the complainant along Mararaba Junction while he was coming back from work.
Oyo
The Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) said it
has partnered with the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) to fight sickle cell in the country.
The President of the foundation, Prof. Adeyinka Falusi, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
Falusi said that the foundation was forging collaboration with NYSC as part of efforts to promote awareness and education on preventive approach to the disease.
“The objective of NYSC is to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community.
“The corp members are distributed nationwide and SCHAF is initiating a partnership with the NYSC to serve as a vehicle of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) prevention.
Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Pla
teau has said that its Mobile Court has been a vital tool to check unqualified drivers and vehicles from plying the highways.
The state Public Education Officer of the commission, Mr Andrew Bala, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
According to him, the mobile court activity has been a vital tool that the corps is using to reduce the number of unqualified drivers and vehicles from plying highways.
“Mobile court proceeding has given our men on patrol the opportunity to charge traffic offenders and they are given a fair hearing when arrested.’’
Niger
Twenty thousand rice farmers in Niger would be as
sisted with a N1.8 billion loan, under CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme within the next four years, Niger Coordinator of Agriculture Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN), has said.
The Coordinator, Malam Hussaini Iliyasu, stated this in Minna at a stakeholders’ meeting.
Our correspondent reports that the Rice Value Chain Investment Project Multi Stakeholders’ meeting was held between the State Ministry of Agriculture, IFAD, CBN and the association.
Zamfara
The Emir of Gusau in Zamfara, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, has
refuted rumours of his purported death being peddled across the state.
In a statewide broadcast on the state –owned radio station the emir assured the people of the state that he was still alive.
“I want the people to know that I am alive, but I will soon go to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment,” he said.
The monarch said the announcement was necessary in order to clear the air over rumours being peddled by some people that he had died.
The emir, however, thanked his well wishers for their concern over his well-being and urged them to continue to pray for him.
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