Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, last Tuesday said that the House would consider an upward review or harmonisation of pensions in the state to reflect the present economic realities.
Ikyange made the promise when pensioners from the 23 local government areas in the state staged a peaceful protest within the premises of the assembly.
He said that such review was necessary so that the entitlements that pensioners in the state would be receiving would reflect the present economic realities.
The speaker on behalf of the state legislators sympathised with the pensioners over the delay in the payment of their entitlements.
He said that despite the dwindling revenue of the state, he would ensure that the government improved their conditions.
Borno
A non-governmental organisation, Empower 54, says it has begun distribution of fortified nutritional meals and drugs to 140,000 Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in 19 camps in Maiduguri.
The Tide reports that Empower 54 is an international humanitarian organisation empowering underprivileged Africans, IDPs and refugees through education, health, and self-sufficiency programmes.
Founder of the organization,Mrs Modupe Ozeolua, told newsmen during the distribution of relief materials and drugs to IDPs at Muna garage in Maiduguri, that her organisation had transported foods and drugs worth $3 million to the IDPs.
“Since 2003, we have transformed lives of thousands of underprivileged Africans through our programmes called “Health reforms”
“We conduct free medical missions, distribute medical equipment to under-equiped hospitals and conduct medical seminars to encourage exchange of knowledge between visiting medical personnel and indigenous medical teams.
Kaduna
The Controller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede last Monday said the service was ready to deploy its personnel to Kaduna State International Airport for effective security checks after the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in March.
The controller general told The Tide in Kaduna State after a visit to the airport, that he was impressed with the work going on there.
“I am impressed with the job going on, the airport authority have shown us where immigration arrival and departure gates will be, and based on that we are going to intensify our preparations to arrive on time.”
Babandede, who also visited the Air Border Unit of the service also announced plans to resuscitate it after it was closed down for over 10 years.
“We have problem with it being abandoned for over 10 years, amd since I came on board nine months ago, I want to see the boarder patrol functional.
“The reason for the resuscitation is very simple in a country like Nigeria. Air boarder patrol done by immigration is the best under peace and stability.
Kogi
The Kogi State Government has employed 100 forest guards for effective policing of forests across the 21 local government areas of state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, disclosed this last Tuesday in Lokoja at the training programme organised for the newly recruited forest guards.
She said that the recruitment process had been concluded, while the 100 guards, who were engaged, had undergone different stages of training.
”We have invited qualified resource persons from Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, and National Parks, Abuja, who have been engaging them since last week with regard to their duties as forest guards.
Kwara
The Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, says traditional rulers will continue to rally support for President Muhammadu Buhari for the success of his administration.
The Emir stated this when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in company with six other ministers.
The Tide reports that the visit was on the side-lines of the Federal Government Town Hall meeting for the North Central zone held on Monday in Ilorin.
The monarch said: “Speaking on behalf of majority of traditional rulers of this county, we will offer help anytime and anywhere we are called upon.
Nasarawa
The Chairman of Nasarawa State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Malam Abdullahi Adeka, says the leadership of the union has not mortgaged the collective interests of the workers in the state.
Adeka said last Tuesday in Lafia that the leadership of the union had struggled to ensure government pay workers in full instead of the percentage payment proposed by government.
The workers in the state had accused the union leadership of not presenting their position to a committee set up after the July to August 2016 industrial action over system of salary payment.
Adeka explained that the resistance of the union to the salary cut led to the setting up of the tripartite committee after the strike.
Ogun
The Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Mrs Ibukun Awosika, has urged youths to contribute to national development by “ thinking outside of the box.’’
Awosika gave the advice in Abeokuta last Tuesday at the maiden edition of the Ogun State Youth Convention with theme: “Ogun Youths: Exploring New Frontiers.”
Awosika spoke on the topic: “Improving the Mindset and Ethical Values of Ogun Youths Toward Positive Development.” She encouraged the youths to take ownership of the challenges around them and find solutions to them for their sake and the good of the country at large.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has rejected the 2017 budget proposal of N192 million by the State Property Development Corporation over non compliance with the appropriation law.
The budget was rejected last Tuesday in Osogbo when the management of the corporation appeared before members of the assembly to defend the fiscal proposal.
In his remarks, the House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Kamil Oyedele, said the agency had not been working in line with its yearly budget.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday commenced Bio-metrics data capture and identification card project for tradesmen and artisans in the state.
Ajimobi made this known in a statement issued last Monday in Ibadan by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun.
Arulogun said that the state Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Taibat Adeyemi-Agba stated that the bio-metrics programme would hold at Trans Amusement park, Ibadan by 11.00am.
The statement quoted the commissioner as saying “biometrics and data capturing will avail the Oyo state government information that will serve as the database for providing commercial incentives and welfare packages for the various groups in the state’’.
”The state government will also use the data captured during the exercise for local content in awarding jobs and contracts in the state.’’
Plateau
The Plateau State Government says it will retrieve N76. 8 million from 101 workers that stayed in service beyond their terminal dates.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malam Muhammad Nazif, made the disclosure on Monday in Jos, at the ministry’s monthly press briefing.
“101 persons are to make a combined refund of N76. 8 million for staying in service beyond terminal dates.
“They were fished out after BVN matching service for state employees and pensioners was carried out.”
The commissioner said that a total of 579 persons, including the 101 that overstayed in service, were taken off the salary payroll, saving N68.6 million monthly for the state.
He gave the other reasons for taking some people off salary payroll to include improper documentation, underage and improper placement.
Taraba
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Yola, last Tuesday assured that sale of petrol by black marketers would soon disappear.
The Zonal Controller of DPR for Taraba State and Adamawa Mr Mohammed Alaku, told newsmen in Yola that scarcity of the product being experienced had been brought under control.
He said that the synergy between the department and the security agencies would soon yield positive result of curbing the activities of black marketers.
He also said that more petrol stations were dispensing the product and urged members of the public not to patronise black marketers.
”The fuel scarcity here is under control and the issue of black market will soon be over.
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