Nation
THE STATES
Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie (middle), addressing members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (Nans), protesting over sacked Vice Chancellors, at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja yesterday
Bauchi
Bauchi State Police command has arrested a suspected
female child kidnapper, while trying to escape with the victim.
The spokesman of the command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, said the suspect, Maryam Mohammed, 22, of Gabi in Soro town was arrested on May 6 by the police detectives attached to Soro Division.
Mohammed said that the suspect allegedly kidnapped an eight-year-old girl, Azizah Shitu of Soro town, who had been declared missing since May 4.
He said that the suspect was arrested at Kamfanin Kutare on Bauchi – Maiduguri Road, while trying to board a car with the victim to an unknown destination.
Borno
The Shehu of Dikwa, Borno State, Alhaji Muhammad
Masta II, has appealed to the Victims Support Fund (VSF) to assist in rebuilding his palace in Dikwa.
Masta made the call at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Borno Government and the VSF on the rebuilding of some public structures in Dikwa.
He said the rebuilding of the palace would enable him return home after staying in Maiduguri for three years.
“I want to remind the VSF that my palace also needs urgent attention. ‘My subjects came to my abode in Maiduguri last week urging me to request for the rebuilding of the palace as soon as we arrive here for the ceremony.”
FCT
The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has
expressed support for the amendment of the Civil Aviation Acts in order to enhance performance in the nation’s aviation industry.
Sirika disclosed this while receiving reports from the Ministerial Committee on the Review and Amendment of Civil Aviation Acts and the Committee on the Assessment of Aviation Security in Abuja.
He said that the existing Civil Aviation Acts in Nigeria was first enacted in 1964 and first reviewed in 2006, adding that the amendment was done in a rush which made it inefficient.
The minister added that for the aviation industry in Nigeria to achieve the needed change, efficient laws must be in place.
Kano
Kano State Government said it would construct six
feeder roads in the three senatorial districts of the state.
The State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Muhammad Garba, said this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.
Garba said two feeder roads would be constructed in each of the senatorial districts to facilitate movement of people and to boost economic activities in the rural areas.
The commissioner said the council had also approved N8 million for the conduct of second round of training for traditional birth attendants in the state.
“The council has approved N12 million for the implementation of May and October round of Immunisation Plus Days.
Katsina
A Non Governmental Organisation, Emeka Offor Foun
dation, has donated 60,000 books worth N1.5 billion to tertiary institutions in Katsina State.
Presenting the books to Governor Aminu Masari in Katsina, the chairman of the foundation, Chief Emeka Offor, said the gesture would enhance growth of education in the state.
“We are here to support Katsina State with these books having seen its giant strides in the education sector.
“We expect the state Ministry of Education to coordinate and supervise the distribution of the books to the targeted institutions in the state”.
Earlier, a board member of the Foundation, Mr Howard Letters, said the foundation had donated books, reading materials and computers worth 22 million Dollars to some African countries.
Kebbi
The National Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders As
sociation, Alhaji Kiruwa Zuru, has declared support for Federal Government’s efforts to find a permanent solution to the recurring clashes between farmers and herdsmen.
Zuru made the declaration in an interactive session with Journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
He was responding to the recent violence that occurred in some parts of the country that affected peaceful co-existence among communities.
He said the recent Presidential directive for security agencies to deal with perpetrators of the violence was a positive development and laudable.
Zuru asserted that it was alien for the Fulani herdsmen to be carrying weapons in the country and called for the prosecution of those carrying arms.
Lagos
The United State Under Secretary of State for Civilian Se
curity, Democracy and Human Rights, Ms Sarah Sewall, has urged Africans to realise that genital cutting was harmful to girls and women’s health.
Sewall, who made the appeal in a teleconference with journalists from across Africa, said it was time for Africans to shun such practice and “move into modern world.’’
According to her, about 95 per cent of African girls and women have been subjected to some form of cuttings and genital mutilations.
“We believe that girls and women have to be able to live their lives as beings, just like boys and men in our communities.
“That means that, they need to have their health and physical integrity”.
Niger
Endwell Model Science School, Minna has inaugurated a
vocational centre and home economics laboratory to boost early development of children.
The Chairperson, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Hajiya Dije Bala, Endwell Scheme Board of Trustees while inaugurating the centre and laboratory, said the centre would help in empowering the students.
She said that Endwell Model Science School, Minna “is the school built by the Niger chapter of NUT.
“The idea behind the establishment of this vocational centre and home economics laboratory is to equip the children for future development.’’
Bala said that it was better to equip the children with vocational skills and home economics study to ensure their early development.
Ogun
Former Minister of State for Education, Senator Iyabo
Anisulowo, has lauded Ogun and Federal Governments for providing platform for inter agencies collaboration in the security sector.
Anisulowo made the commendation when she received a delegation from the State House of Assembly in her residence at Ilaro.
She said such collaboration among various security outfits led to her release from captivity.
She said her release was a divine grace arising from inter-agency collaboration which included the Local Vigilante Service in Yewa North.
Ondo
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said that
the ministry embarked on Vitamin A food bio-fortification to reduce death rate and boost nutrition in the country.
Adewole, who was represented by the Director of Nutrition, Dr Chris Isukpunwu, disclosed this at the launching of 2016 planting season for bio-fortified vitamin A cassava and maize.
Our correspondent reports the programme was organised by Harvestplus Nigeria, at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure.
HarvestPlus is an international organisation leading a global effort to improve nutrition by developing and disseminating staple food crops that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
The theme of the programme is ‘Scaling Up Bio fortification Investment in Nigeria.’
Adewole noted that vitamin A was one of the five major nutrients of the body, adding that many children under the age of five die due to measles, which is caused by lack of vitamin A.
Plateau
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Pla
teau State has trained 25 youths on digging of concrete wells to boost water supply to curb perennial water scarcity in the state.
The Plateau NDE Coordinator, Mr Stephen Ndaks, while briefing newsmen in Jos, said that the trainees were the first to be trained in Concrete Well and Water Catchment Training Scheme (CWWCTS) by NDE.
“The scheme involves digging and excavation of the earth crust, casting of concrete to case the well and to prevent collapse of the well.
“The scheme creates employment by training youths in the techniques of digging and casing of the well with concrete.
“The scheme in addition, is to provide sustainable job creation by facilitating the provision of portable water in our communities or households,” he said.
The coordinator explained that the trainees were taught both theory and practical aspects of digging a concrete well.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State command of the National Drugs Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a female youth corps member currently serving in Zamfara State with 9 kilogrammes of Indian hemp.
The Commandant of the agency in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto.
Idris said the suspect was serving in Gumi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and was arrested along Sokoto-Gusau road in Sokoto State.
He said that the suspect had confessed to being initiated into the business by a fellow corps member.
He said the suspect had boarded a luxury bus from Onitsha in Anambra State to Sokoto, from where she would board another bus to Gumi in Zamfara State, when she was arrested at a check point in Sokoto.
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