Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari, on Monday in Bauchi called for synergy between his agency and the media in tackling some of the security challenges of the country.
Making the call when he visited the Bauchi Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abari said joint effort in sensitizing members on the need to shun acts that could jeopardize the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, was desirable now, than ever before.
According to him, the roles of the media have gone beyond the traditional “education, entertainment and enlightenment”, but have encompassed a greater challenge of “agenda setting” for the people.
He said that security challenges resulting from disagreements among people on issues that could otherwise be peacefully resolved, to other wider security issues, had made it paramount to intensify sensitization efforts, not only for people to embrace dialogue, but also become security conscious.
“Such discharge of social responsibility calls for synergy between NOA and the media, in view of the fact that our goals are similar.
Borno
Borno State Government on Thursday said it had constructed 1,760 boreholes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to participate in dry season farming in three Local Government Areas.
Director, Engineering Infrastructural Services, Borno Agricultural Development Programme (BOSADP), Mr Abdull Ahmad, said this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Ahmad said the affected persons were located in Konduga, Jere and Damboa Local Government Area.
He said the state government, National Programme for Food Security (NPFS), FADAMA three and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) would jointly sponsor the programme.
He said about N24.3 million had been spent on the programme, adding the amount was expected to cover 70 per cent of the project in the areas.
FCT
The office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Tuesday said it was partnering with the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) to prevent and counter violent extremism in the country.
The Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre (CTC) of ONSA, Commodore Yem Musa, said this while presenting a paper during validation meeting with the members of the two organisations and conveying the message of the NSA to the members
Musa said that the message was on the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in the country.
He said that in August 2016, the working group of the organisation served as a broad-based consultative and multi-stakeholders platform for countering violent extremism in the country.
Kaduna
The Chairman, Committee on Information, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Mr Nuhu Shadalafiya, said the Committees would soon start their oversight functions.
Shadalafiya said this on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen shortly after the Plenary.
The legislator was responding to a petition written to the house by some indigenes of the state over the non- chalant attitude of some companies in their area, especially on Corporate Social Responsibility.
He said the house had received complaints through their members.
“I believe in no distant time, the committees that are relevant to the organisations would begin to go for oversight functions to check the environment.
“See if the environment are friendly and if the products coming out are consumable,’’ Shadalafiya said.
Kwara
The Chairman , Kwara State branch of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria Mr. Babatunde Samuel has cautioned Nigerians against over consumption of junk foods and sedentary lifestyle to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Samuel gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin on Wednesday.
The pharmacist said that people who were overweight had a chance of developing end stage renal disease compared to those of normal weights.
He recommended routine urine and blood tests for people to know the medical status of their kidney before it reached advanced stage.
Lagos
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday urged parents, teachers and the state schools management board to properly monitor children and students in their care.
Owoseni made the plea while briefing newsmen on the arrest of some suspected criminals including 10 secondary school boys aged between 11 and 16 years in Lagos.
“We appeal to parents and teachers in both Secondary and Primary Schools to improve on the monitoring of their children and students in their custody.
“ It gives us concern, as law enforcement agents that schools and homes are no longer doing their duties, but encouraging criminality.
“It is recurring that those we classified as children are taking to criminality,’’ the Commissioner of Police said.
He said that the underage suspects were caught in possession of cutlasses, axes and other dangerous tools.
Owoseni said that the students, during interrogation, claimed they armed themselves because of a conflict between students of two schools in Apapa area.
He said that the students would not be paraded because of their age.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government in collaboration with the World Bank on Wednesday, donated 19 vehicles and 63 motorcycles to the health sector to boost service delivery in the state.
The state Deputy Governor, Mr Silas Agara, while presenting the vehicles to the beneficiaries in Lafia, said the effort was also to facilitate proper supervision for effective healthcare service delivery to the people.
“The quality of primary health service delivery depends largely on the strength of supervision.
“It is in view of this that the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank, supported the procurement of 18 Toyota Hilux vans, One Toyota Hiace bus and 63 motorcycles.
‘’The efforts is through the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) in the state.
“The 13 Local Government Primary Healthcare (PHC) departments will get a van each, three for Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NSPHCDA), while the state Hospital Management Board will get two vans and a bus,’’ Agara said.
Niger
The Niger State Police Command says it has charged two suspects at a Minna Magistrates’ Court with the killing of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Aaron Sunday, serving with Kpakungu Division Minna, by suspected hoodlums.
Mr Zubairu Muazu, Commissioner of Police, disclosed this to the newsmen in Minna on Tuesday.
He said that 14 others were also charged with causing civil disturbances during the incident that led to death of the police officer.
He explained that the command would ensure diligent prosecution of all those allegedly involved in the deadly act.
He said that already, the command had evolved aggressive intelligence gathering to strengthen security in the state .
“ We have deployed armed police operatives in and outside the metropolis for the arrest and prosecution of men of underworld .”
He explained that the command had identified some criminal hideout across the state.
Ondo
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has promised an effective women participation in his government that will supersede the United Nations 35 per cent affirmative action.
Akeredolu said this on Wednesday at the 2017 International Women’s Day celebration with the theme: ‘Women, Be Bold for Change’.
The governor said that day was a time to celebrate the socio-economic and political achievements of women across the globe.
He pledged to involve more women in his administration as well as support their programmes.
“We will take deliberate steps to engender more participation of women in our leadership system.
“We will also take deliberate steps to encourage and increase women programmes in key areas in our administration, especially, in health and agriculture.
Osun
Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State last Thursday said the death of retired Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, the former Military Governor of defunct Western Region, had robbed Nigeria, especially Yoruba race, of a patriotic elder statesman.
Aregbesola, who made this known in a condolence message by his media aide, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, in Osogbo! said he joined other well-meaning Nigerians in commiserating with the family of the deceased who was the President of the socio-political group, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE).
“General Adeyinka Adebayo served his fatherland well. He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and did his best in all the capacities where he served.
“The history of our country is incomplete without mention of this fine officer.”
Recalling Adebayo’s interests in the growth and the development of the Yoruba race, Aregbesola, said the former President of the YCE stopped at nothing to ensure the unity and progress of the Yoruba people.
Oyo
The National Coordinator, Campus Cult Eradication Foundation (CCEF), Mr Samuel Ejembi, says 248 persons are ready to renounce their membership of various campus cult groups in various tertiary institutions in Oyo State.
Ejembi disclosed this on Thursday at a stakeholders’ meeting with Chief Security Officers (CSOs) and Deans of Students Affairs of all the tertiary institutions in the state, held at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
CCEF is a non-governmental organisation working in conjunction with the Office of Inspector-General of Police (I-GP) to curb the menace of cultism in tertiary institutions in the country.
Ejembi noted that 115 among the 248 persons that want to renounce campus cultism are not students, while the remaining 133 comprises both male and female students.
Plateau
The Plateau Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs Rufina Gurumyen, has challenged women to step up and improve their productive worth in the society.
Gurumyen said this at the celebration of the International Women’s Day organised by the Association of Women in Colleges of Education (WICE), North Central Zone.
She described women as mentors, role models, icon of peace and symbols of integrity in the society.
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