Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Benue State Police Command last Tuesday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Raphael Tyokua, over alleged criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, house breaking and theft.
Tyokua was arraigned before a Makurdi Upper Area Court 2.
According to the prosecutor, Mrs Omaye Ujeta, one Kputu Orya, who resides behind ‘E’ Division Police Station, Makurdi, reported the matter at ‘E’ Division Station, Makurdi.
Ujeta quoted Orya as saying that Tyokua, a resident of Anta village, Makurdi conspired with two others still at large, broke into his office at Aggo School, along Abua King Shuluwa Road, Akpehe in Benue, and robbed him.
She further quoted Orya as saying that the accused and his accomplices entered into the office through the ceiling, and stole two hp laptops with their chargers, valued at N110,000 and N45,000 cash.
FCT
An FCT Area Court Judge, Abubakar Sadiq, last Tuesday sentenced a driver, Mubarack Umar, to eight months imprisonment for stealing a tricycle.
The court sentenced Umar, 23 of Galadimawa village, Abuja, after he pleaded guilty to a count charge of theft.
The court, however, gave him N40,000 option of fine.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Dalhatu Zannah, had told the court that on July 4, one Ayuba Musa of Kado Life Camp, Abuja, reported the incident at the Utako Police Station.
Zannah said that Musa reported the matter for proper investigation which led to the arrest of the convict.
According to Zannah, the convict committed the offence on July 3 at about 10 p.m. along Obafemi Awolowo expressway, Jabi.
Gombe
Farmers in Gombe State have commended the state government for its procurement and sale of fertiliser at subsidised rates to farmers in the lead up to the 2017 farming season.
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo recently announced that a bag of NPK fertiliser would be sold at N4,800 and a bag of Urea fertiliser at N5,800, as against their prevailing market prices of N8,500 and N5,800 respectively.
Some of the farmers, who spoke to newsmen in Gombe last Tuesday, expressed delight at the development.
One of the farmers, Malam Bala Garba, said that the subsidy came at the right time, particularly when many farmers were in dire need of fertiliser for their crop to grow.
Garba said that the gesture would boost their productivity and promote the food security of the state and the country at large.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government says it has treated over 29,000 cases of acute malnutrition in children in the last six months.
The State Nutrition Officer, Mr Saidu Umar, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Jos at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s mid-year review meeting.
Reports say that the review meeting organised by the UNICEF Field Office in Bauchi was aimed at reviewing the UNICEF’s activities in various sectors working in Plateau and Jigawa States.
Umar said that the treatment was carried out in 64 Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centres in 12 local government areas of the state.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government says it spent N360 million in subsidising farm inputs given to farmers under the N1 billion Agriculture Intervention Scheme.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Mr Bamidele Adegoke, said this in Ilorin on Tuesday while presenting seedlings and other inputs to members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
He said that the state government would also support farmers in land clearing and ploughing of about 2,500 hectares of land in different parts of the state under its Off-takers Demand Driven Agric Scheme.
The commissioner said the state government was committed to diversifying the state’s economy by creating agro-allied jobs and provision of input for industries.
Lagos
The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency(NiMet), Prof. Sani Mashi, has faulted calls in some quarters for the creation of a separate and parallel Climate Change Agency (CCA).
Mashi, who made this known while speaking with newsmen in Lagos last Tuesday, said the establishment of such body would amount to a duplication of functions already being carried out by NiMet.
He said NiMet was established by an Act of Parliament in 2003, to provide weather services in marine, environmental and bio-meteorology for climatic and human health activities.
According to him, all stakeholders were in agreement that it had been carrying out this role both effectively and efficiently, and therefore, saw no reason for the creation of a new body with similar functions.
Nasarawa
A 27-year-old applicant, Maria John, was last Tuesday arraigned in an Upper Area Court, Masaka, Nasarawa State, for allegedly aborting a six-week-old pregnancy.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Frank Swem, told court that the accused committed the offence on July 7, at about 6.30 p.m., in Akwango, Masaka.
Swem said that the matter was reported by the accused’s boyfriend, Kingsley Ephraim, at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Masaka, on the same date.
He also said Ephraim told the police that his girlfriend (Maria), who was six weeks pregnant for him, told him that she had aborted the pregnancy.
Niger
A Magistrates’ Court in Minna last Tuesday sentenced a 25-year-old security guard, Musa Isah, to three months imprisonment for stealing N500 from an accident victim.
Isah was arraigned on a count charge of theft, contrary to Section 287 of the Penal Code.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Gunduma Ibrahim, told court that the convict, residing at M.I. Wushishi Estate in Minna committed the offence on July 15 at about 4 p.m.
Ibrahim said the convict went to a fatal accident scene in Minna under the guise of rescuing the victims.
Ogun
The Police in Ogun State last Tuesday brought eight men before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ota, for allegedly belonging to a secret cult called ‘EYE’ Confraternity.
The accused persons were: Adewale Ibrahim (23), Ajasa Olalekan (28), Adams Ahmed (28), Ojeniyi Michael (29), Remilekun Subaru (27), Oyelumade Gbenro (29), Ezra Jackson (24), and Akinyelu Kunle (26).
According to the Prosecutor, Cpl. Mustapha Abdulkareem, the accused persons, with no fixed addresses, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawfully belonging to a secret cult.
The prosecutor told the court that the accused persons, and others still at large, committed the offences on July 13, at about 3.00 a.m. at Ilogbo, Ota.
Ondo
A 48-year-old security guard, Sola Ikumapayi, was last Tuesday in Okitipupa, Ondo State, discharged and acquitted of the offence of assaulting and injuring his son after hitting him with a glass cup.
An Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court which gave the ruling, however, fined him N20,000.
The Magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, warned the accused to refrain from committing such criminal act in future.
The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault brought against him.
Earlier, Police Prosecutor Zedekiah Orogbemi told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 12 at 8.00 a.m. at Akinloye Estate, Okitipupa.
According to Orogbemi, the accused threw a glass cup at his son, who was running away from him following a squabble.
Plateau
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has advised media content managers to be very wary of what they sent out to the public as that would determine Nigeria’s direction.
Mohammed, in a speech at the National Broadcasting Commission’s 2017 Summit, last Tuesday in J0s, said that media content was like food in the body.
“Food is a necessity, but not every food is good for the body.
“It is often said that we are what we eat. Junk food is unhealthy for our health.
“It follows, therefore, that junk information is not good for our health, stability and growth as a nation.
“Content managers must thus be very sensitive; they must always weigh the possible impact of what they broadcast or publish, to the stability and development of our country,” he said.
Sokoto
A committee set up by the Sokoto State Government to verify the actual number of students entitled to its scholarship says it has uncovered 706 “ghost” students.
Its Chairman, Mr Shehu Wurno, announced this on Tuesday in Sokoto, when he presented the committee’s report to Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Wurno said that the committee visited 40 tertiary institutions within and outside the country where it verified and confirmed 14,532 students as qualified for the scholarship.
“We have also confirmed that N544,613,724 is the total cost of students registration for the year 2016/2017 academic session, while N143,560,855 is the allowances to the verified students.
“We have also verified and confirmed that N688,174,579 is the actual amount owed as students registration and allowances for the current 2016/2017 session,” he said.
Tambuwal, who thanked the committee for its efforts, restated his administration’s resolve to give top priority to the education sector.
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