Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
The Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselm Umorem, says most people prefer to co-habit because they do not want to make lasting commitment to one another which most times lead to divorce.
Umorem said this in Abuja recently in his homily at SS Peter and Paul Parish, Nyanya, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Our correspondent reports that bishop spoke on the occasion of the celebration of the parish’s feast day.
The event saw parishioners display different cultural attires with assorted foods and drinks to mark the feast.
The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which is observed on 29 June.
Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State has registered 35, 909 new voters as part of its preparations for the 2018 gubernatorial election in the state.
The INEC ‘s Administrative Secretary in the state, Dr Muslim Omoleke, said this recently in a statement.
He said that the figure was generated from the ongoing continuous-voter registration in the state.
The statement was released to journalists by INEC’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin.
Omoleke, giving a breakdown said that 35,909 eligible voters comprising of 18,193 males and 17,716 females were registered as at June 29, 2017.
Kano
Some residents of Kano have expressed shock over the news of the death of Alhaji Yusuf Maitama-Sule, an elder statesman who died in the early hours of Monday
Our correspondent reports that since the news of his death broke, people have continued to troop to his two residences to confirm and share their sorrow with his family.
Some people who spoke to our correspondent shared their sorrows towards the loss of the man whom they said spent his entire life for the development of the country.
A resident, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi, said Kano has indeed entered a pathetic situation for losing an elder statesman like Maitama-Sule.
He said late Sule mentored and advised the late Emir Ado Bayero.
A relation of the deceased, Hajiya Amina Ahmad, said Kano had lost a father whose advice kept the town alive
Kastina
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has described the death of Dr Yusuf Maitama-Sule as a great loss to Nigeria.
Masari,who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran, yesterday in Katsina, said that Maitama-Sule died at the time when the nation needed people like him to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country.
‘’It is with sadness and great sense of loss that I received the news of the death of the elder statesman and fine gentleman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, ‘Danmasanin-Kano’.
‘’His death ranks as one of the saddest moments for the nation in recent times, as it robs Nigeria of one of its voices of reason whose level of patriotism was supreme.
‘’His death came at a time of great tribulations for the nation, when his interventions would have come very handy.
Kebbi
The Dan Masanin Yauri emirate in Kebbi State, Alhaji Audu Lambu has described the death of elder statesman,Dr Yusuf Maitama-Sule as a loss of an icon.
Lamba told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi last Monday that the deceased was an embodiment of knowledge, humility, trust and selfless service to humanity. Lamba said Miatama Sule was his mentor who always advocated traditional title holders to uphold honesty, fairness and equity as advisers to the emir.
“I met him in 2000 after my appointment as Dan Masanain Yauri and he had been my mentor on public lifestyle.
Kwara
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Kwara State said last Monday that it arrested and prosecuted 197 motorists for violating traffic rules during the last Eid-el-Fitr celebration. The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Mr Sunday Maku, told newsmen in Ilorin that the offenders committed a total of 204 traffic offences across the 16 local councils in the state. He said private and commercial vehicle owners were among the offenders.
“Some of the offences committed by the motorists were dangerous driving, refusal to use seat belts, over-loading, expired vehicle particulars and lack of speed limit device in their vehicles.
Lagos
The Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN) has advised the public to be clear and precise about the kind of restructuring they are seeking for the country.
The National Chairman of the movement, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, told newsmen in Lagos on Monday that he gave the advice in view of the need to ensure that not just a few elites, but every citizen benefitted from the exercise once it was carried out.
”We should be very careful what we mean by restructuring. ”Is it to restructure Nigeria so that the elites of this country who have been monopolising the resources of the nation to the detriment of the average Nigerian will just continue to corner the resources?
Plateau
Former Nigerian envoy to Switzerland, Alhaji Yahaya Kwande has described Maitama Sule, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, as “a great patriot, who was clean both in body and in heart”.
“Maitama Sule was a great Nigerian. He was very patriotic. He worked for a united Nigeria and shall be sorely missed,” Kwande told newsmen, last Monday in Jos.
Kwande was reacting to the news of the death of the elder statesman, who passed away in Kano last Monday. He was aged 87.
Osun
A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on government at all levels to invest in tourism and culture to boost the economy and create more jobs. Oyintiloye representing Obokun Constituency, made the call during the 2017 edition of Obokun Festival recently in Ibokun, Osun.
The lawmaker noted that if proper attention were paid to tourism and culture; it would not only serve as alternative source of income, but also reinforce the fight against social vices. Oyintiloye who is the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, said government’s investment in tourism and culture would result in job creation.
Oyo
We will not allow you as husband and wife to destroy the future of your innocent children through your unbridled violence and hooliganism, this eight-year-old marriage is hereby dissolved, an Ibadan Customary Court sitting on Mapo Hill ruled last Monday.
The President of the court, Mr Ademola Odunade said the union between Sule Olayiwola, an Arabic teacher and his wife, Omolara, was dissolved on grounds of threat to life, battery and lack of care.
He said:” Since Omolara and Sule have chosen to live like rat and cat, we will not allow them to destroy the future of their innocent children.
“The marriage is hereby dissolved and the custody of the four children produced by the union is hereby awarded to their mother, Omolara.
“Sule shall pay a monthly feeding allowance of N10, 000 for the upkeep of the children and also be responsible for their education and other welfare matters.”
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, has warned its lecturers against extorting money from students in exchange for marks. The Director of the Consultancy Unit of the polytechnic, Mr. Ibrahim Dauda gave the warning last Monday during an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
Dauda said the unit would sanction any of its lecturer or staff member caught in the act.
“Any staff in this unit that is caught collecting money from students as gratification or under any guise will face the full wrath of the law.
“Also, any students caught offering money or any gift as gratification to any staff of the unit to get favour will, equally, be sanctioned,” he said.
He stressed that the unit had zero tolerance for corruption and warned those in the habit to desist.
Dauda also advised the students to shun all social vices as anyone caught would face disciplinary action.
Sokoto
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged Nigerians to eschew all forms of violence, criminal acts and behaviour capable of dividing the country.
He made the call recently in Sokoto at a one-day National Prayer Rally organised by Nigeria Prays.
“We should value the lives of our fellow human beings that God has created for a purpose. May we never take lives with impunity.
“We are offering fervent prayers that Nigerians will never raise their hands against one another.
“They should love one another irrespective of religious, ideological, political and ethnic affinities,” he added.
Gowon, the National Convener, Nigeria Prays, appealed to Nigerians to collectively pray for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.
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