Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has presented relief materials to hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in six satellite camps in Monguno, Borno State.
Alhaji Muhammad Kanar, the NEMA North-East Zonal Coordinator, presented the materials to the IDPs at a ceremony in Monguno, headquarters of Monguno Local Government Area.
Kanar said that the gesture was aimed at providing succour to the IDPs who were rescued by the military from suspected Boko Haram hideouts.
He urged them to consider their predicament as an act of God and utilise the items judiciously.
Kanar said the exercise would continue as more people were expected to be rescued by the military in their current war against terrorism.
FCT
The President of the Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) has accused state governments of neglecting state universities established by their predecessors.
ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, levelled this accusation while briefing newsmen in Abuja recently.
Ogunyemi noted that the general problem of under-funding of Nigeria’s public universities was very alarming in state-owned universities.
According to him, many states have failed to fully implement the 2009 agreement in which they participated.
“State governments have been neglecting universities that they established and some state governors are going ahead to establish new ones while those brought to life by their predecessors in office are neglected to rot and die,” he said.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government says it treated
30,141 severely malnourished children in 12 local government areas of the state between January and June this year.
The State Deputy Nutrition Officer, Malam Saidu Adamu, disclosed this at a Mid-Year meeting with UNICEF Bauchi office and State Government in Dutse recently.
Adamu explained that the figure of those cured with malnutrition represented 75 per cent, defaulters rate was 15 per cent while death rate of 10 per cent was recorded within the period under review.
He said that 120 health workers had been trained on Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) in six months.
Ogun
A 31-year-old, Rotimi Adekunle, who allegedly
stole a Samsung Galaxy phone worth N22,400 from a woman’s bag at a bus stop, is facing trial at an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on a charge of stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Ozimini told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 2 at about 9.30 a.m. at Camp Junction in Abeokuta.
“Adekunle was caught in the act by an official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who was on duty at the junction.”
Ozimini alleged that some phones were also found on him when he was apprehended.
Kaduna
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
has arrested an imposter claiming to be a Lt. Col. and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Orndiir Terzungwe, Public Relations Officer, Kaduna state Command of NSCDC, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
“We received a distress call from our personnel who was on duty at WATCON factory located around Gamji Gate,” he said.
Terzungwe said on getting the report, NSCDC personnel visited the scene and got one suspect who gave his name as Obi Gerard, male, 50 years.
Kano
The Federal Government says it has commenced the re
view of the cost profile of all its revenue generating agencies.
Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, made the disclosure at a two-day National Revenue Retreat in Kano.
The retreat was organised by the Ministry of Finance as part of government’s effort to brainstorm on how to shift emphasis from oil to non-oil revenue.
Adeosun said that the measure was necessary in order to ensure that maximum operating surpluses were declared and remitted in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
She said that the ministry had commenced a number of audits of a range of agencies that would provide the government improved visibility into the revenue and cost profiles.
Lagos
The Agege Local Government Administrator in Lagos
State, Mr Gbenga Abiola, said skills acquisition, good environment and security remained his cardinal agenda.
Abiola told newsmen in Lagos that protection of lives and property, skills acquisition, as well as quality and affordable education would be given attention.
The sole administrator, appointed in June by the state government, said he intended to make the council area “livable.”
“When you have a conducive environment business will thrive. When we have healthy people, then we will have people to govern. We must make the environment of Agege livable”.
Nasarawa
An educationist, Mr Nze Uchendu, has appealed to Ni
gerians to protect indigenous languages from extinction.
Uchendu made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
He decried the neglect of indigenous languages for foreign ones, a situation, which he said was incompatible with the nation’s multi-cultural setting.
“Nigeria as a country is blessed with over 300 languages, but because of colonisation the English language from another continent, has become the official language of the country.
“Many Nigerians have started to see themselves as English people and see it as a crime to speak Nigerian indigenous languages.
Ondo
An Ore Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State has remanded
a 32-year-old driver, Muisi Ishola, in prison for allegedly knocking down a Federal Road Safety Corps marshal.
The Magistrate, Mr Banjo Ikusika, gave the order following the inability of the accused to meet his bail conditions.
The accused, who is standing trial on a two-count charge of dangerous driving and attempted manslaughter, was granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The court also ordered that the sureties must be civil servants on grade level 12 with a year’s tax clearance and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Ibrahim Ogundeyi, told the court that the accused had on July 12 along Ore-Lagos Expressway driven a Suzuki Zubaru car marked BDG 976 DJ dangerously.
Plateau
The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari has do
nated materials worth millions of Naira to more than 500 less privileged persons in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau.
The beneficiaries include widows, orphans and the physically challenged who gathered in the council for the materials.
Our correspondent reports that some of the materials donated include bags of Semovita, Wheat Flour and cartons of Spaghetti and Indomie noodles as well as cash presentation.
Represented by the Council’s Chairman, Mr Stephen Jings, the wife of the president explained that the gesture was out of her desire to alleviate sufferings of the less privileged in the country.
“This Government is not ignorant of the plights of the less privileged in the country and as such it has decided to reach out to them in its own little way”.
Yobe
A community leader in Yobe State, Alhaji Zannah
Babagana has called for government’s support in the rehabilitation of the over 120 women and children rescued from insurgents by security operatives in Gwargware and Kur villages in Borno.
Zannah is the village head of Kukareta community in Yobe.
He made the call when the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), donated tarpaulin, foodstuff and clothes to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kukareta.
The community leader said that the women and children who were rescued from Gwargware and Kur villages in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno bordering Yobe, were now taking refuge in Kukareta village.
“Government and other NGOs must supplement the efforts of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency in feeding the IDPs.
“Some of the displaced persons in the self-established camp have returned to their communities.
“But the arrival of these women and children rescued from the two villages has created more feeding challenges in the camp,” 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