Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Federal Government said last Tuesday that it is addressing the challenges against poverty eradication in the country.
The National Coordinator, National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Mr Peter Paka, said this in Yola.
Paka spoke while flagging-off a three-day training of community based targeting team of the federal government cash transfer programme to the poor and vulnerable in Adamawa.
He described lack of proper coordination and weak synergy between tiers of government as some of the major factors affecting the smooth implementation of poverty eradication programmes in the country.
He regretted that several poverty eradication programmes were set up by previous administrations, but the interventions were not translated into reality because of poor targets and performances.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State House of Assembly has placed embargo on sales of lands in some local government areas that were identified with petroleum resources.
The chairman,House Committee on Information,Hon.Ibrahim Hassan stated this last Tuesday during a meeting with stakeholders and the Presidential Sub-committee on Economic Development in Bauchi.
He said that the measure was to prevent the sales of such lands to people that were not indigines of the state.
“We learnt that in Alkaleri and Kirfi local government areas, some people are selling off their lands to people that are not indigines of the state.
“The state House of Assembly has stop Red that action because the areas are endowed with petroleum resources.
“We do not want incidences where we sell out lands and when it is time to start drilling the available natural resources, it becomes something else,” he said.
Benue
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Benue State Command, Mr Chidiebere Nkwonta, has advised commercial drivers and other stakeholders to install the speed limiting device to avoid arrest and prosecution.
The Sector Commander gave the advice on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi.
According to him, the FRSC held meeting with stakeholders such as commercial drivers and some private vehicle owners.
“We have met with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
He said that the meeting was to remind the drivers to make sure they install the speed limiting device on or before the enforcement date of February 1.
The commander urged them to comply with the directive, saying the enforcement was nationwide.
Ekiti
The police have arrested two persons in Ayede Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, following a violent protest which trailed the alleged killing of one person by a traditional ruler in the area.
The protest, which lasted for hours, was said to have been ignited when the victim identified as Seyi Oladipo was allegedly shot dead by the traditional ruler over a land dispute.
Sources told The Tide that the land in dispute was at Orisunmibare located between Ayede Ekiti and the neighbouring town of Itaji Ekiti.
The 40-year-old father of three was allegedly shot on the hand by the traditional ruler who then fled , resulting in the protest by youths in the aggrieved community.
The swift deployment of policemen from the Oye Police Division prevented a breakdown of law and order.
Gombe
The Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Gombe State chapter, has appealed to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the prices of speed limit device to make it affordable.
Publicity Secretary of the associationMalam Abdullahi Muhammad, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday.
The Tide reports that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has declared February 1 as the official date for the enforcement of the use of the speed limiting device in the country.
Muhammad said, “N48, 000 is too much for the limiting device, going by the current economic situation in the country.
Kaduna
Ahead of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week which started on February 1, a Muslim woman has donated chairs to a Church and a pastor decorated a Mosque both in Kaduna to boost inter-religious tolerance and harmony.
Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, a Peace Ambassador, told newsmen in Kaduna last Tuesday that the donation was also to promote mutual respect and better understanding between Muslims and Christians in the state and the country in general.
She said the World Interfaith Harmony Week was to promote peaceful religious co-existance and dialogue on peace, share love, unity and encourage togetherness, irrespective of faith.
The week, beginning from February 1 to February 7 every year extends the Two Commandments by adding “Love of the Good” and “Love of the Neighbour”, she said.
Katsina
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has allocated 4,722 hajj seats to Katsina State for the 2017 hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the state hajj board, Alhaji Muhammed Rimi, told newsmen last Tuesday in Katsina State.
“The commission has directed us to start collecting hajj deposit from intending pilgrims and we have begun collecting the deposit in the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
“The board has directed each pilgrim to deposit the sum of one million naira, pending the final announcement of the actual hajj fare by the commission.
“We have begun preparation for the 2017 hajj exercise, as the board had already secured accommodation at Mecca and Medina at strategic places near the Holy Mosque.
Lagos
The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, last Tuesday reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the growth and development of the transportation sector.
Sirika gave the assurance in Lagos while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the listing by introduction of Medview Airline on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
The minister commended Medview for taking the bold step of going public, saying it was an indication that Nigerian airlines were getting healthier.
“I think this is very good, and it is a plus for us, because it shows the confidence that Nigerians are beginning to have once more on our industry,” he said.
Sirika charged other entrepreneurs within the sector to emulate Medview Airline by running their businesses in such a way that would be beneficial to the country at large in the long run.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC), says it plans to spend N900 million on the conduct of local government elections in the state.
Chairman of the commission Dr Abdullahi Modibbo, disclosed this in Lafia recently while defending the commission’s budget before the State Assembly Committee on NASIEC, Multilateral Cooperation and Community Development.
He said that the commission plans to use card reader machines for the polls.
Modibbo told the committee that the card reader had been successfully used in three states of the federation and Nasarawa would not be an exception.
Ogun
The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a bill upgrading Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) to a University of Science and Technology.
The Majority Leader, Mr Adeyinka Mafe, moved the motion for the third reading of the bill during plenary in Abeokuta and was seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Olawale Alausa.
The bill was originally entitled ” A bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of Moshood Abiola University of Technology and for Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students Connected Therewith.’’
The bill is now entitled : “ A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology and for Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students Connected Therewith.’’
Oyo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, says the dispute on the creation of 35 Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) by the state government will be settled out of court.
The monarch said this last Tuesday after a closed door meeting with Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
The Tide reports that 15 village heads had approached the court on issues bordering on the newly created Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) in the state.
One Chief Oladokun Abiola and 14 others from Oyo- East Local Government Area had approached the court claiming that the LCDAs would ostracise them from their ancestral land.
Justice John Tsoho of an Abuja Federal High Court had on January 20 granted an interim injunction stopping the local government election scheduled for February 11 in the original 33 Local Government Councils and the newly created 35 LCDAs in the state.
Sokoto
Governor Tambuwal of Sokoto State, has advised residents of the state to endeavour to pay their taxes regularly to enhance service delivery.
The governor gave the advice on Tuesday in Sokoto while declaring open the 2017 Stakeholders’ Budget Summit.
The summit was organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, in collaboration with the state chapter of the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations.
Tambuwal said: “as it is now, only civil servants pay their taxes and revenues as at when due.
“Other categories of the citizens do not pay while those who pay are not paying as at when due.
Yobe
A cross-section of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yobe State say the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) humanitarian support programmes have facilitated their resettlement. The IDPs made the commendation on Tuesday in separate interviews with The Tide correspondent while reacting to NEMA’s donation of food items to them.
Musa Manu, an IDP resident at Nayi Nawa in Damaturu, said that the Federal Government, through NEMA and other agencies, had gave displaced persons a new lease of life.
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