Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The National Population Commission (NPC) in
collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union (EU), have begun the training of birth registrars in Adamawa State on the use of automatic device.
The Director Vital Registration Department of the commission, Dr Babagana Wakili, said in Yola that the training was to boost birth registration exercise in Adamawa and Kebbi selected for the pilot project.
Wakili said Adamawa and Kebbi were selected for the pilot project in view of the states’ poor record in birth registration, being the least in the north.
He said that the success of the pilot project in Adamawa and Kebbi would facilitate the expansion of the programme to other states.
Borno
The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has
provided emergency health support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in liberated communities of Mafa and Dikwa in Borno State.
WHOs spokesperson, Ms Kulchumi Hammanyero, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri, said the gesture was in response to the critical needs of the IDPs.
Hammanyero said that the WHO Acting Country Representative, Dr Rex Mpazanje, presented the materials at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
She also said that the gesture was aimed at intervening in the critical health sector of the area.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Commissioner for Water Resources,
Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, has urged the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to ensure sustainable collation of data on Hadejia, Jama’are, Komadugu, and Yobe River Basin.
Garba made the remark at the sensitisation workshop on 2016 Flood Prediction, Prevention and Mitigation in Hydrological Areas in Dutse.
The commissioner said that 15 million people are getting livelihood directly or indirectly on the river basin.
He urge NIHSA to increase the level of cooperation and synergy to Jigawa government, in ensuring sustainable data collection, collation and dissemination between all stakeholders on this basin and the country.
Kaduna
The Chief Magistrate Court, sitting at Kings Road,
Sabogari, Zaria has adjourned a case of N26 million registration fees scandal in Federal College of Education (FCE), Zaria to October 25 for definite hearing.
The case is between the Commissioner of Police and six others comprising Emanuel Toyin, Mu’azu Rufa’i, Bello Hassan, Bashir Lawal, Ahmed Yusuf and Shittu Toyin.
The case involved N26 million registration fees paid by 1,128 students into the Federal College of Education account but is yet to be credited into the college TSA account.
The prosecutor, Nasiru Suleiman had earlier told the court that it was a case of criminal conspiracy.
Kano
The Kano State Police command has warned the people
of the state, especially those who organised and conducted religious processions, to desist from the act or face the wrath of the law.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Majiya, and made available to newsmen in Kano.
“The Kano State Police command under the leadership of CP Rabiu Yusuf is sounding a warning, especially to people who organise and conduct processions in the name of religious rite.
“The commissioner of police boldly warned that the command would not relent in ensuring law and order prevail on any religious group or sect that is trying to become a threat to public peace and order,” Majiya said.
Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command has banned all forms
of processions, rallies and unlawful assemblies by ‘religious groups or any group of people’ in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Salisu Agaisa, and made available to newsmen in Katsina.
Agaisa said that “any person(s) caught violating this order will be arrested and prosecuted”.
“The command wishes to inform the general public that it has banned all forms of processions, rallies, gatherings and unlawful assemblies under any guise throughout the state,” he said.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency says it has
successfully completed the 2016 hajj operation with the return home of 4,105 pilgrims that performed the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Alh Bala Sakaba, the Executive Chairman of the agency, told newsmen that the last batch of 296 pilgrims arrived the state through the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, the pilgrims arrived on Monday with their luggage “in high spirit and good health.”
The chairman lauded the conduct of the state pilgrims while in the Holy Land. “Our pilgrims proved gentle and they complied with the rules and regulations of the Saudi-Arabian authorities.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government says it is making plans to
establish a pilot model school for both the physically challenged and able bodied people in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Mahmud Ajeigbe, disclosed this
in Ilorin when he received the leadership of the Kwara State chapter of the Association of Persons with Joint Disability.
The commissioner said that the ministry would liaise with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to make good the plan.
According to him, the school is being conceived to accord persons with disability a sense of belonging and to address issues of discrimination against them.
He added that the idea was to make access to education in the state all-inclusive, irrespective of status.
Lagos
A Lagos court has slammed a N300, 000 bail on an
unemployed man, 32-year-old Debo Adisa, for allegedly stabbing a man with a broken bottle at a hotel for refusing to buy him a beer.
Adisa was released on bail on Tuesday by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court after he pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. The Magistrate, Mr A.A. Adesanya, who gave the ruling, said the accused should produce two sureties as part of the bail condition.
Adisa, whose address is unknown, is being tried for breach of the peace and assault.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. George Nwosu, the accused committed the offences on October 3 at Donmorgan Hotel, Dopemu, Lagos.
The case has been adjourned to November 28 for mention.
Nasarawa
The Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State, Dr Shehu Chindo-
Yamusa, says only farming can take Nigeria out of the current economic recession if properly harnessed.
Chindo-Yamusa made the assertion when some farmers in his emirate conducted communal labour on his farm located at Saura Area, Keffi .
According to him, God has blessed the nation with fertile land that if properly harnessed, can provide abundant food for the country.
He said Nigerians should collectively go back to the farm and engage in both rain-fed and dry season farming to boost food production.
Ogun
A 23-year-old man, Ukanwa Justice, who allegedly stole a
laptop valued N82,000, was on Tuesday charged before an Ota Magistrates ‘Court in Ogun.
Justice, whose address is unknown, pleaded not guilty to the charge of stealing.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 23 at 12.00 p.m. at Living Faith Church, Canaan Land, Ota.
He said that the accused stole a laptop valued N82,000 belonging to one Oluyori Dele.
Mustapha said that the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Vol.11, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I. Adelaja, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Osun
A 26 year-old man, Raman Lasisi, has appeared before an
Osogbo Magistrates’ Court over alleged breach of public peace.
Lasisi is facing a charge bordering on breach of peace.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Ajayi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 7, at about 12:00p.m., at Pavilion night club, Technical College area, Osogbo.
He said that the accused conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace within the premises of the club.
He said that the owners of the club drew the attention of the Police to the unruly behaviour of the accused which led to his arrest.
Oyo
A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs
Olawunmi Oladeji, says girl-child education is crucial to the economic development of the country.
Oladeji, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, said this while speaking with newsmen against the backdrop of the International Day of the Girl-Child.
The International Day of the Girl-Child is marked every October 11.
This year’s edition has as theme: “ Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: What Counts for Girls.’’
The theme was informed by the need to ensure programmes, policies and services effectively respond to the specific needs of the girls.
Plateau
Students of University of Jos whose unmarked examination
scripts were burnt on Saturday are to rewrite the affected papers.
The Registrar of the institution, Mr Monday Danjem, announced this in a statement issued in Jos on Tuesday.
The fire, which lasted for six hours, gutted the university’s library complex which equally housed the faculties of social science and management studies.
Danjem said the examinations had been rescheduled to a date to be communicated to the students by their respective heads of departments.
The registrar said the remaining examinations would resume on Tuesday while all examinations scheduled to take place on Monday, October 10, have been rescheduled.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Zari’a-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto highway.
The governor made the call in Sokoto when he received Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing who paid him a courtesy visit.
He said that the call became necessary in view of the importance of the highway which links almost all the states in the North-west geopolitical zone.
He thanked the Federal Government for the on-going rehabilitation of Sokoto-Jega-Kontagora road.
Tambuwal appealed to the federal government to reimburse the money the state government expended on the rehabilitation of federal roads.
He pledged that his administration would complement Federal Government’s effort to improve power supply in the country.
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