Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has flagged-off the first batch of military empowerment programme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa State.
Speaking at the ceremony in Malkohi Camp near Yola recently, Buratai, represented by the Acting GOC 3 Division, Jos, Brig Gen. Benjamin Ahanatu said the programme was organised to assist the displaced persons.
Buratai said the military, in addition to security provided humanitarian services, adding that the military would partner with stakeholders in that direction.
“The Army will continue to partner with other stakeholders whenever the need arise in areas of security and humanitarian services,” he said.
Benue
A student, Miss Stella Merkyaa who suffered multiple injuries from a gas explosion on July 18, died last Tuesday morning, Benue State Commissioner for Health,Cecilia Ojabo, has confirmed.
Our correspondent reports that Merkyaa, a student of the School of Midwifery, Makurdi suffered the multiple burns when her cooking gas exploded on her in the hostel.
The commissioner said that government had supported the deceased “in every possible way “ in her battle to survive the accident.
The deceased moved through four hospitals – Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State Teaching Hospital Makurdi, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Bingham Teaching Hospital, Masaka where she died.
FCT
The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria is collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to train aviation professionals and immigration officers in West Africa on travel documents management.
Deputy Rector at NCAT, Mr Dauda Yahaya disclosed this at the commencement of the training entitled: “Control of Authenticity and Validity of Travel Documents at Airport Borders”, in Abuja, recently.
Yahaya explained that ICAO had requested NCAT to facilitate the training with a view to enhancing the capacity of airport officials in combating the cases of fake travel documents.
“It was a request from ICAO that NCAT should host this training to improve the knowledge and skills of people handling our borders, particularly in the airport”, he said.
Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command arrested 19 suspects for allegedly committing various offences in the last two weeks, according to the Commissioner of Police, Attahiru Olukolu.
Olukolu disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Gombe recently.
According to him, the suspects included those who broke into the house of a teacher and removed 16 laptop computers meant for the education of his students.
He said based on information from members of the public, 14 of the computers were recovered. The commissioner said that some of the suspects were arrested for armed robbery, homicide and rape.
Kwara
Pastor Segun Olawale of Divine Favour Chapel, Ilorin has warned youths against violence and hooliganism in the November 18 local government elections in the state.
Olawale, who gave the warning in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen said that youths must say no to violence as election draws near.
He said youths must not allow themselves to be used as thugs to scatter polling units during elections.
The cleric also advised them to shun violence and be disciplined . “Youths must be seen as symbol of peace. They should go out to use their thumb to elect their favourite representatives instead of being lured into violence by politicians”, Olawale said.
Lagos
A 24-year-old load carrier, Abdulhayu Gomni appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly bolting with customer’s loads worth N350, 000.
Gomni, who is facing a theft charge, however, pleaded innocent to the offence.
The prosecutor, ASP Richard Odigie told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 20 at about 6:30 p.m at Carlos Plaza, Lagos Island.
Odigie said that the accused ran away with 35 bundles of materials valued at N350, 000 belonging to Stanley Oforma.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has announced the merging of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal with the High Court.
Governor Umaru Al-Makura announced the merger during the retirement and valedictory court session in honour of the President of the state Customary Court of Appeal Justice Jibril Idrisu.
Al-Makura, who was represented by his Deputy, Silas Agara said the decision was based on the advice of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“Government has observed that over the years, the Customary Court of Appeal has continued to record less number of cases”, he said.
Niger
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Niger State Command has deployed 28 special trained officers to Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas to tackle kidnapping and banditry.
Corps Commandant in the state, Mr Philip Ayuba disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He noted that the special force was also provided with modern working facilities to protect lives and property along the axis.
He explained that the deployment was a normal routine posting to ensure that the corridor was safe from any form of security threat.
Osun
No fewer than 500 rural traders have been sensitised on the importance of hand washing at Olufi Market, Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.
Our correspondent reports that the hand washing campaign was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Ayedaade Local Government.
Addressing the traders, a UNICEF consultant, Mrs Bidemi Omopariola said that “hand washing with soap was an easy, effective and affordable do-it-yourself protection that prevents infections and saves lives.’’
Omopariola said that the importance of hand washing could not be over emphasised at this critical period of reported outbreak of Monkey-pox in some states in the country.
Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Pankshin Unit in Plateau State has promised to sanction motorists for overloading and non-possession of Drivers’ Licence.
The Unit Commander, Mr Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, said this at a news conference in Pankshin in preparation for the command’s forthcoming ember months campaign beginning in Plateau Central Zone today.
“FRSC is taking nothing to chance, as we will go for drivers who are fond of indulging in overload and non-use of drivers’ licence during the period.
“This is because it has come to our notice that these two key rules are being deliberately flouted by motorists in the hinterland at the expense of precious lives of innocent commuters.
“This, we shall resist vehemently and impose tough sanctions,’’ the Asstant Corps Commander said.
Sokoto
Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC- Sokoto) has urged politicians and wealthy Nigerians to focus on the welfare, security and comfort of the citizens and assist by providing jobs.
The lawmaker made the plea in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Bashir Mani.
Wamakko’s message came at the end of the screening and aptitude test for applicants of the Computer Graduate Recruitment Exercise which he facilitated.
The lawmaker, who was represented by his Director of Administration, Alhaji Al-Mustapha Alkali also advised the wealthy never to waver in uplifting the citizens in preference for priority attention to their selfish interests and desires.
“We, either as politicians, appointed officials or wealthy individuals should always strive to accord top priority to the provision of the basic needs for the people”, he said.
Zamfara
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) says it has started training 100 youths in five vocational skills in Zamfara State.
The skills are phone repairs, computer appreciation, confectionery, knitting as well as tie and dye.
The state NDE Coordinator, Mr Alhassan Muhammad, told newsmen in Gusa that the training was under the Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS).
He said that the scheme was initiated by NDE as part of its measure to provide more employment opportunities to youths.
He said that the trainees comprised of 50 male and 50 female drawn from 14 Local Government areas of the state.
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