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THE STATES
FCT
The police have arraigned a 20-year-old drycleaner,
Ezekiel Aerepera, in an Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, for forgery.
Aerepera of Gbagalape, Phase 1, Abuja, is facing a two-count charge of cheating and forgery.
The Prosecutor, Donaldtus Aba, told the court that the complainant, Patrick Adah of Angwan Dadi, Nyanya, Abuja, reported the matter at the Nyanya Police Station on July 13.
Aba said the defendant had in April forged the complainant’s signature of his Diamond Bank account at Nyanya branch, Abuja, and withdrew N11,000 from the said account.
He said the defendant was, however, arrested at the bank by the security men.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened sections 368 and 322 of the Penal Code, which the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The presiding officer, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
Jigawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Jigawa
State said it trained 179 youths, including 50 women in various income-generating trades within six months.
The NDE’s State Coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo, announced made this in an interview with our correspondent in Dutse.
Sambo said that the female beneficiaries were trained in tie and dye making under the Directorate’s Women Employment Promotion (WEP).
According to him, 40 young men drawn from Dutse were trained in auto-mobile mechanic, tailoring, carpentry and electrical installation under the agency’s Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS).
The coordinator said the B-NOAS beneficiaries were given N2,000 allowance for three months period.
He said another set of 50 from Auyo Local Government Area was also trained in interlock making, GSM repairs, motorcycle repairs, tailoring and electrical installation, under the NDE’s Basic Community Training Scheme (CBTS).
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command, said that it had ar
rested 13 suspected kidnappers and 10 armed robbery suspects in various operations it conducted in July.
The command, in a statement by its spokesman, ASP. Aliyu Usman, also said nine street gang members, locally known as ‘Sara Suka’, two notorious criminals and three others were also arrested during the period.
He said that 12 of the suspected kidnappers were those who abducted the Sierra Leone Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Maj. Gen. Alfred Claud-Nelson on Abuja-Kaduna highway on July 1.
Our correspondent reports that the envoy, who had since regained freedom, was abducted while on his way to attend a graduation ceremony at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji.
Kano
The Federal Government has earmarked over N300 mil
lion for the rehabilitation of the Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Road.
The Zonal Coordinator, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr Sani Mohammed disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
He said that already, preparations were in top gear for the opening of the tenders for the contract in the first week of August, while work on the road is expected to commence in September.
“I want to use this opportunity to inform the various communities living along the road that work on the road will soon commence.’’
He assured that the Federal Government would ensure that the contract was awarded to a reputable contractor, in view of its contribution to socio-economic development of the people of Kano State and other neighbouring states.
Kogi
The immediate past President of Kabba Students’ Union,
Mr Adebayo Eseyin, has called on students to make adequate use of the newly-stocked community library to enhance their academic performance.
Eseyin told newsmen in Lokoja that the renovation and equipping of the library came at the right time.
He explained that Kabba students had waited too long to realise the completion of the library.
He commended the sons and daughters of Kabba, who had in one way or the other contributed to the success of the project. Eseyin, however, lamented that the needs of the students in the community were enormous and required immediate attention.
Kwara
The Director-General of Bureau of Lands in Kwara State,
Alhaji Ibrahim Salman, has denied reports that shops beside Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin, had been recommended for demolition.
Salman refuted the allegation while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin recently.
The director general said that he was not aware of any visit by the regulators where such recommendations were made, adding that bureau had a standing inspection team to ensure safety of projects. According to him, the only structure that was discovered to be defective had been demolished and no other shops collapsed during construction.
Lagos
A self-employed man, Afeez Raheem, 31, who allegedly
shoplifted some edibles, home utensils and clothing has appeared before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.
The accused, whose address was not disclosed in court, pleaded not guilty to the offence of stealing preferred against him. The police prosecutor, Cpl. Mary Ajiteru, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 10, at about 1.50p.m.
Ajiteru said Raheem with others still at large shoplifted at the Eleganza Shopping Complex, Ajah, Lagos State. “Raheem and his gang invaded a particular shop within the complex and pretended to have bought one or two items.
Ondo
The police in Ondo State have arraigned a 52-year-old
woman, Grace Ikuomola at an Okitipupa Magistrate Court for standing surety for her accused son who allegedly jumped bail.
The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi told the court that the accused, Adeola Ikuomola, 28, on Jan. 15 at 1:00pm at Ayeka in Okitipupa allegedly collected N250,000 from one Omoyele Akindoye under false pretence of processing visa to Dubai. Orogbemi said that since then, Ikuomola who stood surety for her accused son had failed to produce him in court as part of the bail conditions.
Osun
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community,
has charged the new acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anthony Elujoba to try as much as possible to normalise the situation on campus without further delay.
The members of the community made the appeal in separate interviews with our correspondent in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr Ademola Oketunde, expressed satisfaction with the appointment.
Oketunde said that Elujoba’s emergence as the acting Vice-Chancellor was people’s choice and therefore advised him to try as much as possible to correct all the previous administration’s errors.
He charged him to make welfare of the staff and students a priority, adding that transparency and accountability should be the watch words in his administration.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Women Affairs,
Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi,said that about N2 billion loan had been accessed by the state from CBN for small and medium-scale enterprises.
Abdullahi disclosed this at a ministerial briefing in Sokoto.
She said that out of the loan, 60 per cent would specifically go to women to enhance activities of small- scale enterprises in the state.
She said that the ministry had set up an enlightenment committee to sensitise women on the need to participate in the programme.
“The sensitisation campaign is expected to educate women on the need to properly utilise the loan for the purpose it was made for towards boasting commercial activities in the state’’.
Yobe
The Yobe State Committee on Resettlement and Reha
bilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), has donated 75 wheel chairs to eight hospitals catering for displaced persons in the state.
Secretary of the committee, Alhaji Musa Jidawa, who presented the wheel chairs, said that the gesture was in recognition of the efforts of the hospitals in meeting the healthcare needs of displaced persons.
“Yobe government enjoyed the excellent partnership and synergy among health care providers in treating victims of insurgency and other displaced persons in the state.
“The working cooperation between the hospitals and other government agencies saved a lot of lives in the wake of attacks on communities in the state. “The cooperation among medical institutions had saved many victims of bomb blasts and all forms of attacks by insurgents on the communities.
“Government appreciates this synergy and, we hope to develop this working cooperation, assist the health facilities to serve the people better” 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