Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, has
said that the Boko Haram insurgency is a great setback to western education in the state.
Garbai made this known when he received members of the senior course of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information in his palace in Maiduguri on Monday.
He said that even before the advent of the Boko Haram insurgency some people were hesitant in embracing western education as they concentrated in Qur’anic education.
Garbai added that although various administration in the state had been able to convince the people on the advantages of western education, massive destruction of schools by the insurgents had resulted in great setback.
“The Boko Haram insurgents have further worsen our condition in terms of western education.
FCT
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal
Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to dismantle unauthorized speed bumps erected on highways nationwide.
The House also urged the ministry to construct pedestrian bridges at dark spots on federal highways, to avoid vehicles knocking down pedestrians.
These decisions followed a motion by Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas (APC-Adamawa) unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.
Moving the motion, Namdas noted that a number of communities along highways had constructed speed pumps to check speeding, and dangerous driving and ease crossing without the permission of the relevant ministry.
Gombe
Alhaji Umaru Goro, The Chairman, Joint Association of
Persons With Disabilities (JAPWD), Gombe State chapter, has implored the State Government to provide free education for his members.
Goro, who is also the Councillor, Muna Ward of Balanga Local Government, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
He said many members of the association were from the less privileged families and that they should be considered for free education to eradicate illiteracy among them.
Goro added that members of the association were talented people in different areas of human endeavours and would contribute positively to the development of the society, if assisted.
Kaduna
Senator Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) has urged
members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to monitor and ensure effective implementation of all projects allocated to the Northern region in the 2016 nation’s budget.
Sani gave the advice while addressing members of the Kaduna State chapter of ACF, who paid him a courtesy visit in Kaduna.
”It is high time for the Northern region to improve on our education, agriculture and all other sectors to boost our economy.
“The ACF should follow to the letter, toward ensuring that all projects earmarked in the Federal Government budget for the region, are being implemented,” he said.
Katsina
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has approved
the appointment of Alhaji Garba Sanda Mani as the new Head of Service of the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Alhaji Abdu Labaran, and made available to newsmen in Katsina.
“Your selection is in recognition of your track record of service and on the conviction that you will serve faithfully, diligently and in the best interest of the state,” the statement said.
It said the appointee was born on October 15, 1959; he began his working career in 1983 in the old Kaduna State as a Master Grade II officer in the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
It said Mani is a graduate of political science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1982.
Kwara
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has inducted 53 new
members of the Batch B medical graduates of the institution.
The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Ibrahim Abdulmumini, who addressed the new doctors, urged them to treat patients with love and passion. Represented by a member of the Council, Mrs Zainab Saádu, the registrar, however, cautioned that indiscipline would not be tolerated.
He said “the MDCN will not hesitate to sanction erring doctor who does not uphold the rules and regulations of the Council.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdulganiyu Amballi, said all facilities had been put in place to enable doctors from the institution to compete internationally. Represented by Prof. Gabriel Olatunji, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Technology and Information, Amballi urged the new doctors to be good ambassadors of the university wherever they found themselves.
Lagos
For allegedly threatening to bathe a pastor with acid and destroying his church, a 40-year-old Muslim cleric, Saheed Gbadamosi, has been hauled up before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
A resident of Aboru area of Iyana-Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, Gbadamosi, is being tried for breach of peace, assault and threat to life.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. George Nwosu, the accused committed the offences on September 4 at his residence.
He said the accused with others still at large conspired and assaulted Pastor Emmanuel Ugbo by beating him, destroying church property and threatening to pour acid on him.
“The accused and others also threatened to bathe him with acid if he refused to stop converting his `clients’ to his church.”
Ogun
An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State has granted a
N200, 000 bail to two men – Adelaja Oketunbi and Araoye Lukman, who allegedly destroyed 40 pieces of block and other materials valued at N20,800 at an estate.
The accused, Oketunbi, 46, and Lukman,50, whose addresses were unknown, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and malicious damage.
Prosecutor Abdulkareem Mustapha told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences at 3.00 p.m. at Mercy Land Estate, Onigbongbo in Atan area of Ota.
Mustapha said the accused conspired and damaged 40 pieces of blocks and other materials, all valued at N20,800.
The offences contravened Sections 351 and 451 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The duo pleaded not guilty.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone
11, Mr Dan Bature, has advised officers of Nigeria Police to key into anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Bature made this known during his official visit to the police command in Ondo, recently.
The AIG said that police should be a major stakeholder in the fight, saying that discipline, which was the hallmark of the present administration, must be the focal point of police.
According to him, there must be high level of uprightness, transparency in the endeavours of the force.
He added that police must be indulged in intelligence policing, saying that police should not relax on their duties.
Osun
Eight persons have appeared before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court in Osun State over the theft of 1,000 chickens from a poultry farm.
The accused include Odebiyi Yinka, 20, Ayoola Samson, 20, Cecilia Ochilla, 35, and Elizabeth Akira, 30.
Others are: Oyelami Tajudeen, 30, Regina Philip, 40, Grace Odelia, 35, and Akira Hanna, 24.
The accused and others at large are facing charges bordering on stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Taiwo Adegoke told the court that the accused committed the offence between the months of May, June and July at Erin-Osun, Osogbo.
Adegoke said the accused conspired with others now at large to steal 1, 000 chickens owned by one Mrs Titilayo Akulo.
Plateau
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has com
mended the Plateau Government for launching an action plan to end violence against children.
The UNICEF Communication Officer, Bauchi Field Office, Mr Samuel Kaalu, made the commendation in a statement in Jos recently.
He said the launching of the plan had enlisted Plateau as the fourth state in Nigeria to do so.
He said the survey conducted in 2014 had revealed high prevalence of violence against children in Nigeria, which necessitated the launch of a National Action Plan by President Mohammadu Buhari in September 2015.
Taraba
The Taraba State Branch of the Igbo Welfare Associa
tion has awarded scholarships to 100 orphans studying in various secondary schools in the state.
The President-General of the association, Mr Mazi Nwokeocha, made the announcement in Jalingo while disbursing money to beneficiaries.
He said that the 100 beneficiaries were children of the association’s dead members.
The president-general said that each beneficiary received N15, 000 as assistance to continue his/her education.
Nwokeocha said the gesture was initiated by the association in 2007 to give families of dead members a sense of belonging.
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