Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested a 24-year-old tricylist, Isah Ma’azu for allegedly snatching 15 cell phones from housewives in Maiduguri. The Commandant of the Corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said that the suspect was apprehended by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and handed over to the Corps.
He said the suspect had swindled 15 cellphones and other valuable items from married women in the metropolis.
He explained that the suspect was disguising as an errand boy and going to the victims’ matrimonial homes under the pretext of delivering shopping or food items from their husbands.
FCT
The Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu will speak at the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria’s maiden anti-corruption workshop scheduled for November.
A statement by ALGON last Tuesday in Abuja said that former Secretary-General of Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani would also speak at the occasion.
The statement signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of ALGON, Mr Odunayo Ategbero said that the workshop would hold from November 9 to November 10 at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja. Ategbero said that Magu would take the anti-corruption awareness to the grassroots as he would speak to principal operators of the 774 local governments of the federation.
Kebbi
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it has provided relief assistance to the recent Kebbi State flood victims. It could be recalled that about 100 households were affected by the flood in Dole-Kaina area of Dandi Local Government Area of the state sometime in September.
The Director-in-charge of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Paul Ohenmu who presented the relief materials to the victims in Birnin Kebbi last Tuesday, said the assistance was meant to alleviate their sufferings.
“This is just a token to alleviate your suffering; we know that it will not be enough to take care of the disaster, but just for you to know that the Federal Government sympathises with you,” Ohenmu said.
Kogi
The Kogi State Government has described as false, rumours that some unidentified men are infecting children with monkey pox virus in schools in the guise of vaccination.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu in a statement by his media aide, Mr Audu Haruna last Tuesday in Lokoja said that government had investigated the claim and found that it was untrue.
According to him, “the rumour is baseless and unfounded, as it is similar to the rumour that gripped Abia, Enugu and Imo a few days back.’’
“The only parts of Kogi where we have an ongoing vaccination exercise is in Yagba West, which will soon be extended to two contiguous wards in Yagba East Local Government Area.
Kwara
A Librarian in the Kwara State Library, Mr Yisa Eleshinnla has urged the State Government to restore the electronic library (e-library) in the library.
Eleshinnla told newsmen in Ilorin last Tuesday that the state e-library had been down for the past seven years and pleaded for its resuscitation. According to him, e-library is needed to enhance students’ performance in their academic fields of study, especially at this present computer age.
government has included the innovation project of the library in the state budget. He attributed the non-functioning of the e-library to mismanagement of facilities and equipment. “But, we have written a lot of memos to the government on this e-library project, but there has not been any positive response.
“E-library has to do with laptops, Internet and stable electricity, but they are all not working”, Yisa said.
Lagos
A creative expert, Temitope Olagbegi has identified too much concentration on politics and entertainment as major factors distracting youths from academic pursuit.
Olagbegi, the Creative Director, Sixth Sense, Lagos, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos said “it has negative impact on their intellectual development’’.
She spoke on the sidelines of the Guardian of Hope (GOH) Foundation Excellence Award for Medical and Surgery Emergency Workers of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. According to her, the over-concentration is luring more youths to the “Get Rich Quick Syndrome’’, which most youths are now embracing in to the detriment of their integrity and diligence.
Nasarawa
A first class traditional ruler in Nasarawa State, Dr Ayuba Audu has advised parents against early marriage of their female children to enable them acquire quality education. Audu, the Zhe Migili of Migili nation, Nasarawa State gave the advice last Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Jenkwe, Jenkwe Development Area of the state.
He appealed to parents and guardians to strive to provide high-quality education for their female wards for the overall development of the country. The Zhe Migili cited the example of Prof. Dinatu Iwala of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, who became the first female professor of the Migili people to buttress his position.
Niger
The Niger State Child Rights Protection Agency has announced the arrest of eight persons suspected of raping four girls in Minna. The Director-General of the Agency, Mrs Mairam Kolo, told journalists last Tuesday that the victims were teenagers hawking wares on the street.
She gave the names of the suspects as : Yahaya Yakuso (50) Yusuf Idris (35) Tukur Buhari ( 35) Mohammed Yusuf, (25) Musa Ibrahim (35) Nasir Abubakar (35) Isah Garba (29) and Ibrahim (30). According to her, the suspects were arrested following series of surveillance by the agency’s officials and tip off from other stakeholders that a gang of rapists were sexually abusing the girls.
Ogun
The Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Dr David Oyedepo has advised tertiary institutions to train thinkable leaders that would provide immediate solutions to the nation’s current challenges. He said that these leaders must “first turn themselves into critical thinkers to reproduce young scholars that will sustain that thinking culture.”
Oyedepo gave the advice at the 54th Meeting of Committee of Deans of Postgraduate Schools (CDPGS) in Nigerian Universities held in his institution last Tuesday.
Ondo
The 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Akure has debunked rumours of harmful vaccination being conducted by some people believed to be soldiers in Ondo State.
There was pandemonium in primary and secondary schools in the state which made parents and guardians to withdraw their children and wards, when rumours filtered in that harmful vaccination was being administered on children.
The Brigade’s Spokesperson, Major Ojo Adenegan said this in a statement issued last Tuesday in Akure.
”The attention of 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure has been drawn to the fake information making rounds in Ondo State that soldiers are administering poisonous vaccine on pupils and students of primary and secondary schools in the state,” Adenegan said.
Plateau
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter has decried the lack of unity among Christians, and declared that the travails of the faithful would only worsen if the Church remained divided.
“The Church today is faced with a lot of problems, but the major one is lack of unity. The challenges are massive; we can only tackle them if we are united and speak with one voice,” Dr. Soja Bewarang, its Chairman, said on Tuesday.
Bewarang spoke at the 2017 Unity Service and Prayer, organised for Christians in the Central Senatorial Zone of the state, and held in Bokkos.
The service, an annual event held in the three senatorial zones of Plateau, is targeted at bringing all Christians together to encourage them to pray for peace, progress and tranquility.
Sokoto
The outgoing UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States, Mohammed Muhuiddin says that there is over 50 per cent decrease in number of out-of-school children in Sokoto State. Muhuiddin made the disclosure last Tuesday at a reception organised in his honour by the Sokoto State Government after the completion of his tour of duty. He said that the number of out-of-school children in Sokoto State which he noted was the highest in the country, had dropped from 69 per cent in 2015 to 37 per cent in 2017.
“The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) for 2016 to 2017 showed that Sokoto State has made appreciable progress, resulting in over 50 per cent cut in the number of out-of-school children.
“It gladdens my heart, seeing the commitment shown by the political leadership and the technical teams set up by the government to work with UNICEF and partner with various sectors for the children of the state”, he said.
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