Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has ex
pressed satisfaction with the success recorded by troops fighting insurgency in the North-East.
Represented by Maj. Gen. Hassan Umar, the Chief of Training and Operation, Buratai made the statement during the Combat Support Arms Training Week at the 7 Division Headquarters in Maiduguri.
“I am glad to state that significant progress has been made and several successes recorded especially in the current operation.
“Our troops have been able to carry out timely and synchronised operations in the theatre thereby denying the Boko Haram terrorists freedom of action.
“Success in battle depends largely on the support provided by the supporting arms. We shall continue to do our best within available resources to make improvement in our overall well being.”
Ekiti
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),
Ekiti State command, said establishment of drug free education clubs in secondary schools was a proactive measure to curb drug abuse.
The Public Affairs Officer of the NDLEA in the state, Mr Peter Njoku, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
He explained that several researches and investigations had been conducted and it was discovered that both male and female students in secondary schools take hard drugs.
Njoku said the drug free clubs were being established in schools to educate students on the danger inherent in taking drugs not prescribed by doctors and other harmful substances.
He said the main objective of the agency was to ensure that all students in secondary schools were well informed so as to avoid and reduce the intake of hard drugs.
Gombe
Gombe State Government says it will use technology to
block leakages in its revenue collection drive and improve the economy of the state.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Muhammadu Hassan, told newsmen in Gombe that the plan was aimed at reducing over-dependence on federal allocation.
He said that a lot of measures had been put in place to ensure the state succeeded in providing more dividends of democracy to its people.
“In terms of IGR we are looking at trying to increase the efficiency of collection of all across the revenue generating MDAs and to block leakages at the same time.
“In blocking leakages we intend to use technology, because whenever you have a leakage that means somebody is paying and the money collected by another person is not remitted to government account,” Hassan said.
Jigawa
Jigawa State has got a new Police Commissioner. He is Mr
Henry Fadairo, who until his appointment was the CP in charge of Research and Planning at the headquarters.
He takes over from Alhaji Muhammad Mustafa, who has been redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory Command as the helmsman.
A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, Fadairo, who hails from Ekiti, joined the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent, according to a statement.
The statement, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent in Dutse, was signed by the command’s spokesman, SP Abdu Jinjiri.
Fadairo had also served as the CP of Cross River State.
Kwara
Seven female intending pilgrims from Kwara State have been
disqualified from performing the 2016 Hajji for being pregnant.
The Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajia Fatimah Abolore-Jimoh, disclosed this state, newsmen in Ilorin, recently.
She said the affected women who had paid their Hajj fares in full were discovered to be pregnant during screening conducted by the board.
The scribe said the board took the decision for the safety of the women and the unborn babies.
“The seven women were detected to be pregnant during the medical screening.
“They were disqualified because it a risky to allow them make the trip to the holy land,’’ the executive secretary said.
Abolore-Jimoh said that the women had been informed of their disqualification by the board.
She said the board was ready to refund the Hajj fares paid by the women.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State says
his administration could not conduct local government elections due to the current economic challenges facing the country.
Al-Makura made the remark in Lafia on Monday during the swearing in of Interim Management Committees (IMC) to head the 11 local governments in the state.
The governor said that appointment of IMCs was legal and cheaper to maintain than democratically elected officials.
According to him, the appointments were backed by Section 2 (1-4) of Nasarawa State Local Government (Amendment) Law 2006.
Al-Makura explained that wide consultations were made before the appointments.
“As a listening administration, I want to assure all concerned that where there is a flaw, all necessary actions will be taken to address the issues raised”, he said.
Niger
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said
that about 662, 463 children in Niger State were suffering from malnutrition.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Dr Florence Oni, made this known at a Nutrition Interventions Implementation Review Meeting in Minna.
She said malnutrition was a major cause of death among children under the age of five, adding that Niger had moved from a medium burden to high burden state.
“Malnutrition is real and ravaging our children. Nutrition is not about having enough food to eat but eating right and eating the right proportion of the different variety of foods.
“Malnutrition accounts for more than half of under five mortality rate, as such we must increase the awareness levels of our people on nutrition because Niger State has moved from medium to high burden state,” she said.
Ogun
The Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps
(FRSC) in Ota, Ogun State, Mr Leye Adegboyega, has donated goods worth N150,000 to the Ilo-Awela Orphanage Home, to mark his birthday.
Adegboyega said that he decided to give back to the society to show appreciation for what God had done in his life.
‘’I wish to give thanks and glory to the Almighty God because many of my colleagues had died, but God kept me alive,’’ he said.
Adegboyega reassured the children of his commitment to assist them within the limit of his resources.
He also promised to be visiting them on regular basis to know how they were faring.
Oyo
The Agro Impact Projects Empowerment Initiative, an agri
cultural organisation, has urged government at all levels to train farmers on post harvest management of agricultural produce to boost food sufficiency.
The organisation’s members led by wife of the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), Dr Eyiwumi Olayinka, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
Olayinka implored government to adequately fund research institutes to develop technologies that would enable farmers to preserve excess produce.
“Farmers need to be trained, from time to time, to ensure that they deploy best practices; this will, in turn, help to regulate prices of produce and eradicate scarcity in some seasons,’’ she said.
Plateau
A Jos Chief Magistrate’s Court has sentenced two men,
Azi Itsegok, and Atsen John, to 12 months in prison each for stealing four aluminium windows and a dane gun.
Itsegok, 20, and John 21, both of Lamingo, Jos East, were charged with criminal trespass, housebreaking, theft and receiving stolen property.
The Magistrate, Mrs Oluwatoyin Mafuyai, handed down the sentence after the convicts pleaded guilty and begged for leniency.
Mafuyai did not give the convicts an option of fine, and said that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to engage in similar acts.
She also ordered that the convicts pay N40,500 to the nominal complainant as compensation for the value of the property stolen or spend additional 12 months each in prison.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government will rehabilitate the General Hos
pitals in Dogon Daji and Yabo in Tambuwal and Yabo LGAs respectively, at the cost of over N369 million.
The Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Abdulkadur Jaleni, made the disclosure in Sokoto, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeing of the state executive council.
He said that the project would involve rehabilitation of all structures in the two hospitals, adding that the job is expected to be completed within six months.
“The rehabilitation of the two hospitals is in line with the commitment of the government to provide qualitative healthcare services to the people of the state,’’ he said.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State branch of Nigerian Medical Associa
tion (NMA), says health services in the State are poor and therefore urged the government to solve the problems urgently.
Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Aminu Sakajiki, made the remark at its 4th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Guzau, recently.
“The health sector’s sorry condition is as a result of inadequate facilities, inadequate health workers, especially medical doctors and nurses, and poor remuneration of the workforce.
“Poor implementation of the sector’s health budget is also a major problem’’, Sakajiki said.
The NMA chairman urged the state government to ensure effective recruitment, training and retraining of health workers.
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