Nation
THE STATES
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (left) and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State (right), acknowledging cheers from the crowd on arrival, at Tafawa Balewa Square, venue for the inauguration of some security equipment, during the working visit of the Vice President to Lagos State as representative of President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.
Borno
The Victims Support Fund (VSF) says it has so far donated
millions of naira to 16 hospitals across the North East Zone for the treatment of Boko Haram insurgency victims.
The Vice-Chairman of the Fund, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Tumsa said that the VSF had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the benefiting hospitals to ensure that the money was put to proper use.
“A total of 16 hospitals have so far benefited from our cash donation toward facilitating free treatment for victims of terrorism across the North East Zone.
“It is imperative to note that we also signed an MoU with the beneficiaries before presenting the donation, “ he said.
Tumsa explained that the objective was to ensure judicious utilisation of the fund.
Ekiti
Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has urged the people
of Oke-Ako to remain calm as security agents try to fish out those who killed two persons in the community recently.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Lere Olayinka.
The statement condemned the attack by suspected herdsmen on residents of Oke Ako town in Ikole Local Government Area of the State.
“Fayose described the attack which claimed two lives as the height of callousness on the part of the cattle rearers.
“He warned the perpetrators to desist from such heinous crime as he would not guarantee whether there could be reprisal attacks if repeated on the town or elsewhere.’’
It added that the agents of the devil must be fished out and punished accordingly.
FCT
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas,
said the Nigerian Navy had in its 60 years of existence developed the capacity to address Nigeria’s maritime crimes and related threats.
Ibas stated this at the interdenominational church service for Nigerian Navy’s Diamond Jubilee in Abuja.
The CNS said the navy had developed capacity both in platforms and the requisite expertise to secure the nation’s oil infrastructure and contain piracy in Nigeria’s maritime territory.
“Over the years, commendable successes have been made by the Nigerian Navy to build its capacity to discharge its duties as enshrined in the laws.
“These efforts have made the navy to be less-dependent on foreign sources for partnership as reflected in the modest achievement of local construction of boats or seaward defence platforms.
Kano
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has directed all
intending pilgrims to 2016 Hajj to Saudi Arabia to go for mandatory medical test.
The hajj will commence on May 25.
The Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Nuhu Badamasi, gave the directive in an interview with newsmen in Kano recently.
Badamasi said the medical test was necessary because no intending pilgrim would be allowed to travel to the Holy land without knowing his or her health status.
According to him, the mandatory medical test is in compliance with the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Kogi
Area Court Judge Mr Timothy Salihu, and Alhaji Aliyu
Okeme, retired Chief Inspector of Area Courts in Kogi State, kidnapped on May 19, have regained their freedom.
Our correspondent, recalls that they were abducted at gun-point on Idah-Lokoja road in the Eastern flank of the state on their way to Idah.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Yakubu Usman, who confirmed their release, said they were found between Itobe and Ajegwu on Itobe-Anyigba road.
It could not confirmed if their families paid ransom for their release as the kidnappers had demanded one million naira.
Kwara
The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area of
Kwara State, Alhaji Alhassan Bagudu, has called for improved funding of local government councils to ensure infrastructural development at the grassroots.
He made the call in llorin while speaking with newsmen recently.
Bagudu noted that the challenges confronting local councils included lack of portable water and other necessities of life.
Bagudu said improved funding of the councils would bring rapid social economic development to the grassroots.
The measure, he said, would also check rural urban drift and create employment opportunities.
He noted that lack of funds had seriously affected development in local government areas.
Lagos
A septuagenarian, Elder Taiwo Shoyode, has advised
the Federal Government to adopt the socio-economic policies that boosted the economy of the defunct Western Region in resolving the country’s economic quagmire.
Shoyode, father in-law to Vice-President Yemi Oshinbajo, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen at a free health progarmme, sponsored by a philanthropist, Dawodu Olatunji.
The programme, “Health is Wealth’’, is a free malaria test and drugs outreach, held at Solomon Hall, Mushin, Lagos recently.
Shoyode urged the new generation politicians to go back and study the socio-economic agenda of the then Western Region to tackle the issues of economic downturn.
He said the laudable programmes embarked upon and implemented well by the Obafemi Awolowo-led western region remained the best economic policy that might address the present day realities.
Nasarawa
The Nassarawa State Government says the report of the
recent Bank Verification Number (BVN) exercise it conducted will expose workers receiving double salaries.
The Nasarawa State Accountant General, Alhaji Mohammed Musa, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
He said the report of the exercise was in consonance with the state government’s resolve to rid the civil service of corrupt practices and ensure proper accountability.
“We embarked on this exercise to see how we can further reduce some of these leakages and corruption in the system,” he said.
According to him, civil servants caught to be enjoying multiple salaries will be made to face the wrath of the law.
Ogun
The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has called
on intending pilgrims to augment their 2016 interim Hajj fare from the initial sum of N800,000 to N1.180 million.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, made the call on Saturday while briefing news men in Abeokuta.
Rasheed said this was to enable the board to remit the required funds to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abuja, before the deadline.
According to him, the board has resolved to fix the fare at N1.180 million tentatively, pending the Federal Government’s final decision on the concessionary exchange rate.
Ondo
Four students of the Federal University of Technology,
Akure, died in a road accident on the Akure-Ilesha Expressway in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The spokesman of the Police Command in Ondo State, Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said that 11 others sustained various degrees of injuries.
Our correspondent reports that the students were returning from Ibadan after attending a religious programme.
Joseph further confirmed that the remains of the students were deposited at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, where those injured were hospitalised.
No fewer than 15 students were in the Hiace bus when the accident happened.
Oyo
Assistant Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria
(CRIN), Ibadan, Dr Abiodun Adedeji, has urged the Federal Government to produce defined policies on cocoa production and marketing.
Adedeji made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said it was necessary for the government to have policies on cocoa farming with appropriate institutional framework to boost its production.
The Plant Pathologist said such policies should be consistent and that which could not be affected by change of government.
“There should be a well resourced regulatory body with specified functions to promote cocoa sector.’’
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, has decried the
abuse of Local Government Joint Account by some governors, saying he does not interfere with funds meant for local governments in the state.
Lalong stated this at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.
He said that even though he did not support the local government autonomy, he abhorred a situation where a state governor would exercise undue interference in the joint account.
“ I heard stories that in some states what they do is that when the money comes, they collapse it into one account and decide what goes into each local government.
“I fought against it as a Speaker, I cannot be part of it; so when the money comes, it is meant for the local government.
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