Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State government has presented 775 bags of rice and N10 million cash assistance to the people of Kodomon Community affected by the crisis in Demsa Local Government Area of the state.
Presenting the foodstuffs and cash at a ceremony in Kodomon, the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Martins Babale, said the measure was part of the recommendations of the Panel of Enquiry set up by the government to investigate herdsmen/farmers clashes in the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mallam Ahmed Sajoh, said some herdsmen who lost 47 cattles were given some amount of money to cushion the lost.
In her welcome address, the Chairman, Demsa Local Government Area, Mrs Wale Fwa, lauded the government for the concern shown, and promised to ensure that the items donated reaches the intended people.
Borno
Some Maiduguri residents have decried the high rate of crime among youths in the area.
This is coming against the backdrop of the fight against insecurity to the state and the North East zone.
Some of the residents, who spoke with newsmen in Maiduguri, said: “peace and normalcy are back in Maiduguri but what is still lacking is law and order as citizens go about doing their normal businesses.
Others appealed to the security agencies to take measures that would foster peaceful coexistence through effective enforcement of law and order.
FCT
Consumers of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) also
known as cooking gas at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried an abrupt increase in the cost of re-filling the various cylinders.
Some of them said that the increase was further depleting their income, coupled with the current increase in the price of foodstuffs.
A survey in the domestic gas depots showed that the cost of re-filling a 12.5kg gas cylinder had risen to between N3,700 and N4,500, against the earlier cost of N3,200.
The price of a 6kg cylinder went up to N2,200 against N1,900 being sold earlier.
Jigawa
Prices of locally produced rice have shot up by more than 20 per cent in Hadejia, Jigawa State.
Hadejia and Malammadori markets investigation showed that prices of the commodity have increased significantly in spite of the steady supply of the foodstuff.
A 100-kilogramme bag of local rice now sells for between N29, 000 and 36, 000 as against its previous price of N26, 000, respectively.
Price of beans has also shown similar hike as a measure is sold at N600 as against N500 before.
However, prices of imported rice had indicated a slight decrease, as a 50-kilogramme bag of the commodity now sells at N17, 500 and a measure for N1, 020 as against its old price of N18, 000 and N1, 100, respectively.
Kaduna
Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has recorded high turn out of prospective pilgrims making deposits for the 2017 Hajj.
Acting Executive Secretary, Imam Hussaini Tsoho-Ikara, said the bulk of those who had so far paid their deposits were from rural areas.
Tsoho-Ikara said in Zaria that the board had introduced measures to block unscrupulous elements from defrauding the intending pilgrims.
Kano
The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika,
says the runway and taxi pavement of the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport are in perfect shape.
Sirika said this during a facility tour to the airport in Kano. He said the existing runway had the capacity to carry all types of aircraft, adding that he had high confidence in the airport facility.
The minister said the ongoing new terminal project at the airport was at advance stage, saying the contractor has not given any definite date of completion.
Kebbi
The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Alhaji Sani Sami II, has urged youths in tertiary institutions to work hard, so that they could be self-employed after leaving school.
Sami made the call in Zuru when the Principal of the School of Health Technology in the area, Alhaji Musa Abdulkadir, met with students of the institution on a courtesy visit to his palace.
The Emir said the era of relying on white collar jobs was gone, stressing that the engagement of youth on self-sustaining entrepreneurship would ensure rapid development in the society.
He urged them to ensure they use their initiative, not only to become self-employed, but also job creators.
Kogi
The Kogi State of Living Faith Church, Lokoja, David
Popoola, says it takes spiritual warfare and personal responsibility for prophecies to be fulfilled in the life of a Christian.
Popoola made the disclosure in his sermon entitled: “Gateways to operating in the supernatural “ in Lokoja.
The state pastor said no prophecy could fulfill itself except by spiritual warfare of prayer and fasting to bring the prophecy into reality.
Taking his lesson from the Book of James 5 v 17 and 18, he urged the congregation to participate actively in the 21-Day prayer and fasting of the church.
Kwara
The PDP will challenge the legality of the inauguration of Transition Implementation Committees (TICs) in the 16 local government councils in Kwara State.
The Chairman of PDP in the state, Mr Iyiola Oyedepo, made this known in a statement issued in Ilorin after a meeting of critical stakeholders of the party.
According to the chairman, the implementation of TICs is illegal and this informed the party’s resort to legal process. Oyedepo said the party had perfected the legal papers and assembled a team of lawyers to challenge the implementation of the TICs in court.
Lagos
The Best Graduating Student of the 2015/2017 set at
Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Ireti Akinsola, says the current national economic recession is an opportunity for the country to develop its other sectors.
Akinsola, a Geology graduate with CGPA of 4.89, said in Lagos that the over-reliance on oil had greatly affected other sectors of the economy such as the solid minerals.
“I think this recession should have taught us a big lesson not to put all our eggs in one basket. It is time for us to wake up to the challenge, he said.
Ogun
Workers of Sagamu local government, Ogun State, have been charged to make diligence, sincerity and unity their guiding principles in the new year. The Chairman, Sagamu local government, Hon. Femi Kafaru gave the advice during the interdenominational service held at the council premises to usher the year.
Kafaru expressed appreciation to God for seeing the workers through 2016, while thanking God for the opportunity to see another year.
He urged the workers to continue to maintain existing cordial relationships amongst themselves in order to foster unity and progress at the council.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has lauded the
commitment of the Nigerian military in defending, uniting and ensuring peace in the country.
Lalong spoke at the Armed Forces Remembrance Mass at Church of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Zaramaganda, Jos.
The governor said that the military had given its best to keep Nigeria one, pointing out that some of them had paid the supreme price in the course of duty.
Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Nicholas Rojas, said the day was a great one in the life of soldiers, and appreciated Plateau citizens for their prayers.
Rev Fr Cletus Ikpa, who celebrated the Mass, prayed for the families of the fallen heroes, ex-service men and those still in active service.
Sokoto
The Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State has demolished hideout of criminals, popularly called Banchu village in the area.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Abubakar Bashire, said in Sokoto that the illegal village was destroyed on Tuesday, January 3 by security operatives.
The illegal village, he said, was located near Dogon-Daji town and it had became a criminals’ safe haven.
“All sorts of criminality like prostitution, armed robbery, kidnapping, gambling and murders were going on in the village,” he added.
Yobe
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Yobe State has appealed to the state government to introduce Christian Religious Studies in public schools. The state CAN Chairman, Rev. Jibrin Joshua, made the call when he briefed newsmen in Damaturu.
According to him, despite the constitutional provision for freedom of worship, the teaching of Christian religious knowledge is prohibited in Yobe and some Northern states.
Jibrin urged government “to revisit the policy and give our children the privilege of Christian religious education.”
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