Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Zaki Ahmed, said the command has arrested 131 suspects for alleged kidnapping, rape, robbery and other offences from January 10 to February 28.
Ahmed disclosed this on Friday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command in Bauchi.
He also said that the command had rescued 21 hostages of which 12 were women in Basirka/Balmo forest in Darazau local government area of the state.
“A total of 131 suspects were arrested which include 55 suspected kidnappers; 39 suspected armed robbers; 16 rape suspects and three thugs known as “Sara Suka”.
Borno
The Borno State Police Command on Friday advised residents of the state to be more vigilant by reporting strange happenings around them to law enforcement agents nearest to them.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Damian Chukwu, gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Chukwu was reacting to Friday’s multiple blasts in Maiduguri in which three suicide bombers died and three petrol trucks were destroyed.
He said that the residents must collaborate with security agents by sharing vital information on suspicious movements around them.
“ I want to appeal to the people to be vigilant and be wary of happenings and people around them.
FCT
The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Mr John Howell, has commended the Federal Government on the review of its visa policy, which he said would enhance doing business in Nigeria.
Howell told newsmen in Abuja last Thursday that the new visa policy would boost the country’s economy.
In its efforts to boost the economy and open up business space, the Federal Government in February reviewed visa processes for prospective foreign investors and tourists.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said that the essence of the new visa policy was to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and encourage business travellers and tourists into the country.
Gombe
The Police Command in Gombe State has appealed to government hospitals, private hospitals and clinics to treat patients brought to them with suspicious injuries before reporting to police for investigation.
The command made the call in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Obed Malum, and issued last Friday in Bauchi.
It also advised them not to reject such cases for lack of police report.
It, however, added that such cases should be promptly reported to the police for thorough investigation while treatment continued.
“The essence is to save lives first before any relevant action is taken,” the command said.
It urged the public to inform the police and any other security agency, persons found with suspicious injuries, including gunshot wounds, and assured of the informant’s safety and security
Kaduna
The Sokoto State Government is to establish a fertiliser, tomatoes and cement companies in the state.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal said this last Saturday in Kaduna State while marking the “Sokoto state special day” at the 38th Kaduna International trade fair.
Tambuwal, who was represented at the event by the deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, said the gesture would bring about rapid development and would also boost the economy of the state and the nation in general.
“By the end of the first quarter, two of the companies will begin operation,”he said. He said, the state is also the largest producer of leather, solid minerals, and other precious stones; while most of it remained exploited.
According to him, all machinery have been put in place to reposition and revive collapsed industries in the state.
He said the government is also working with rural farmers in the state to be self sufficient in food production.
Kano
The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Saddiq Abubakar on Thursday pledged to continue to give priority attention to training and retraining of personnel in the service as part of renewed effort to enhance professionalism.
He made the pledge while addressing officers and men of the service at the Air Force Flying Training School in Kano.
Abubakar said the force had sponsored pilot to undergo professional training at home and abroad adding that the welfare of officers and men in the force must be given the needed attention.
This, he said was necessary in order to ensure professionalism and effective service delivery.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force had effected the repair of 13 moribund Aircrafts with the aim of making them serviceable in order to tackle the security challenges in different parts of the country.
The Chief of Air Staff was in Kano to inaugurate two blocks of 63 flats for married officers and one block of 18 by 2 for senior non-commissioned officers.
Katsina
The Katsina State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Saturday warned drivers against conveying passengers in the boot of cars used for commercial purposes.
Mr Abdu Bagadawa, Katsina State Sector Commander gave the warning while speaking with newsmen in Katsina.
He said that any commercial driver caught conveying passengers in the boot of his vehicle would be arrested.
“We have directed our officers and men to arrest any commercial vehicle driver carrying passengers in the boot of his car.
“It is totally unacceptable for drivers to be treating human beings like sheep or goats.
“Transporting passengers in the vehicle boot is dangerous,” he said.
Kogi
The Kogi State Judiciary has offered to train prosecuting officers of its state police command on how to apply Information Communication Technology (ICT) to speed up prosecution.
Justice Nasir Ajanah, who made the offer on Thursday in Lokoja, when the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, paid him a courtesy visit, said that such knowledge was key to quick dispensation of justice.
“Educating prosecuting officers on using the ICT will broaden their capacity in the tackling of high level crimes.
“Criminals use electronics and computers in the commission of crimes; unless the prosecutors are kept abreast of what is going on, it is so easy for criminals to get away with their crimes.
“The judiciary has a computer centre and we are ready to partner with the police to train your officers,” he said.
On measures to ensure quick dispensation of justice, the Chief Judge said that the state judiciary would embark on a two-week special adjudication from March 20.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to collaborating with relevant organisations in its drive to develop the state.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Kisira, stated this on Thursday, in Ilorin, while receiving a delegation from Star Deep Water Petroleum limited.
Kisira noted that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of providing social amenities for the people, adding that there was need to partner with private organisations and agencies to meet the needs of the people.
The deputy governor pledged the readiness of the government to maintaining and sustaining projects provided by the company in the state, particularly in Eruku and Isanlu-Isin communities.
He commended the company for the scholarship awarded to indigenes of the state and across the country.
Lagos
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Saturday advised security officers to be friendly with residents in their host communities, being the primary source of intelligence gathering.
Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, gave the advice at the Passing Out Parade of Cadet Officers Basic Course 29/2016 of the Department of State Services Academy, Ojo, Lagos.
He also urged them to be diligent, disciplined and dedicated to the responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property.
“The constitution makes security a direct responsibility of government.
“The training and retraining of security personnel are part of government strategies to equip security officers with knowledge and skill to discharge their duties.
“The state government will continue to support our security agencies with equipment and facilities to enhance their performances in ensuring security for all,” he said.
Niger
The Niger State Police Command last Saturday confirmed the killing of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Aaron Sunday, serving with Kpakungu Division, Minna, by suspected hoodlums in Barkin-Sale area.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Bala Elkana, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Minna, said it occurred at about 6pm on Friday when the deceased was performing his official duty.
Elkana said that over 13 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that the arrested suspects would help police to fish out the rest of the hoodlums.
He said that the command had declared war on hoodlums in Minna, and urged parents to advise their wards to desist from taking the law into their hands.
“Any youth caught in the act will be made to face the law; it is high time we stop the madness,’’ he said.
The remains of late Sunday have been deposited at the Minna General Hospital morgue.
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