Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government said it had gazetted 30
grazing reserves and registered more than 1.5 million herds of cattle in the state.
The state Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Isa Salihu, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
Salihu said that the development was in line with the Federal Government effort to establish grazing reserves in the interested states.
“We have 72 grazing reserves in the state, out of which 30 are already gazetted.
“5,000 hectares of land was allocated to the Federal Government for the establishment of national grazing reserves.
Bauchi
Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has
appointed 15 new permanent secretaries (PS) as part of his administration‘s ongoing civil service reform.
A statement signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Bauchi, Alhaji Bello Illelah, said the appointment would reinvigorate the civil service.
Illelah said the appointment, which takes immediate effect, was also aimed at better service delivery to the people of the state.
He named Sa’idu Maikobi, Garba Magaji, Sani Ahmed and Dr Bala Lukshi, as some of the newly appointed permanent secretaries.
The SSG also said that: Aliyu Jibo, Nasiru Yelwa, Musa Wadata, Ahmed Misau and Yahuza Adamu were among the newly appointed permanent secretaries.
FCT
The ECOWAS Court has expressed concern over non
implementation of its judgment by the members’ states.
The Vice President of the Court, Justice Micah Wright told newsmen in Abuja that only three out of 15 member states had put in place mechanism to execute the court’s decision.
“The court has experienced a couple of hardships or impediments as you say in the dispensation of its work, for example, notably in the execution of the judgment of the court.
“The court as you know does not have a police and the court does not execute or implement its own decisions, the court depends upon the goodwill of the member states.
“So, when the court renders a judgment, the court forwards the judgment to the member states and requests the member states to execute or implement that judgment – that is one of the impediments we have”.
Kebbi
The Coordinator, National Teachers Institute (NTI) in
Kebbi State, Alhaji Salman Maiwada, has warned students of the institute against non payment of their first semester course fees.
Maiwada gave the warning in Birnin Kebbi during a sensitisation workshop on the need for the students to pay the course fees.
He said that records showed that only 44 per cent of the 3,000 students in the institute in Kebbi paid their registration, project and teaching practice fees.
He said that prompt payment of the fees would enable the institute print course modules and other academic documents and also pay tutors their course allowance.
Kogi
A medical practitioner, Ademola Adeola, has advised
Nigerian youths to refrain from drug abuse and trafficking so that they could have healthy and promising future.
Adeola told newsmen in Lokoja that youths’ involvement in drug abuse and trafficking in drugs could lead to crime.
It could also cause untimely deaths; destruction of lives, families, societies and the nation in general, he said.
According to him, the lives of many youths are being destroyed by illicit drugs annually and this has constituted a serious threat to public health, security and the wellbeing of humanity.
Kwara
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics
(SSANIP), Federal Polytechnic, Offa chapter, has implored the Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu to name a substantive rector for the polytechnic.
The SSANIP chairman, Chief Bankole Ayodele, made this call on Tuesday in a release he issued in Ilorin, a copy of which was made available to newsmen.
According to the release, SSANIP expresses its confidence in the Minister of Education and the Federal Government to announce the most qualified person as the substantive rector of the institution.
“We also appeal that this announcement be made without any further delay so as to ease unnecessary tension on campus,” SSANIP chairman added.
Lagos
A teenage boy, Lateef Nurudeen, has been arraigned in
Lagos for allegedly snatching a woman’s handbag containing N30,000 and a phone.
Nurudeen, 18, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of theft at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Ishola Samuel, said the accused had on June 22 snatched a handbag from a woman (names withheld) under the bridge at Iyana-Ipaja, a Lagos suburb.
Samuel said the bag contained an android phone valued at N22, 000 and N30,000 cash.
“The accused was apprehended by the police following an alarm raised by the complainant.’’
Nasarawa
A Child Rights Activist in Nasarawa State, Mrs Justina
Alu, has called for the establishment of child right advocacy clubs in secondary schools in the country.
The activist, who made the call in an interview with our correspondent in Lafia, said that the clubs would enable children to understand their rights.
She noted that the establishment of advocacy clubs in schools across the state and the country at large would enable children to speak out whenever their rights were violated.
According to Alu, series of laws have been promulgated by the national and various state assemblies across the country to protect the rights of the child.
Ondo
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
has arrested 66 drug offenders in six months in Ondo State.
The state Commander of the agency, Mr Mohammed Sokoto, disclosed this at a news conference to mark this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Akure.
The commander revealed that the agency seized 1348.62 kg of cannabis sativa and destroyed 367, 016kg (36. 7tons) of cannabis farms.
Sokoto said the agency would not relent in its effort to reduce the circulation of illicit drugs in the society.
Osun
Medical practitioners have called for more funding of
public healthcare, saying the state of the sector in Nigeria is worrisome.
The Managing Director of Alaafia Hospital, Dr Niyi Ogini, told newsmen in Osogbo that the present condition of the health sector in the country required urgent attention to meet contemporary needs.
He identified lack of modern equipment and adequate skilled human resources as some of the challenges facing the sector.
Ogini, who is the former Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Osun, advised government to pay more attention to the sector, especially the primary healthcare.
Also, a senior physician at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Dr Bolaji Ojo, said special university of medicine should be established to produce necessary manpower for the sector.
Oyo
The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training,
Ibadan, said it had trained farmers on control of armyworm which recently invaded maize farms in the South West.
Dr Oluwakemi Odeyemi, Entomologist at the institute, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
Odeyemi said the pest, called Spodoptera Frugiperda, was the first of its kind in West Africa.
She said the insect, which ravaged maize fields at an alarming rate, also affected farms in other parts of the country.
The entomologist advised farmers to maintain good field hygiene, regular monitoring, burning of crop residues as well as allow ploughed fields for at least a week to expose the insects to heat and birds.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has promised
to equip the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) to keep the state clean.
Speaking while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation in Jos and environs, Lalong said that a clean environment was needed to stay healthy.
He assured the people that his administration was committed to providing equipment needed by PEPSA to do its work.
“This is the first time I am monitoring the exercise since I became governor. I have seen what is going on and what is needed to be done.
“The agency has made some requests that are before me and I will immediately address them to enable the agency to do its work better,’’ he said.
He appealed to the people to take sanitation seriously, pointing out that it would help them to stay healthy.
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