Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company
(AUMTC)) says it has concluded plans to improve the safety of its passengers by regularly monitoring its drivers.
Mr Tunde Akintola, the company’s Head of Marketing and Communication, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday.
Akintola said that the company had improved its customer care services in the interest of passengers.
“We are in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to give daily pep talks to our drivers on the basic tenets of driving.
“We also mandate our drivers to properly check their vehicles every morning before they set out. This is to ensure comfort and safety of our passengers,’’ he said.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has
promised that his administration would deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state next year.
Dankwambo, who made the promise at the 9th Tangale Cultural Festival “Pissi Tangle”, said “I want to assure you that we will continue to do our best and ensure that we provide social amenities for the development of our people’’.
He said his administration would provide comfortable environment for the people and contribute its very best to the development of the state and Nigeria in general.
The governor said by January 2015 more roads would be constructed in the area, adding that the design of the roads had been completed.
He said the state government would also build the Tal General Hospital which he said would cost N1 billion.
Kwara
The President of Living Faith Church (Winners
Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, says the ministry has six million members in 147 nations across the world.
Oyedepo made the disclosure at a breakfast meeting with members of Omu-Aran Government Secondary School Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) at the Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara.
Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Landmark and Covenant Universities and also a member of OGSSOBA, said that the figure was ascertained at the recent convention of the church.
He advised members of old boys association to rededicate themselves to arresting infrastructure decay in all colleges and institutions across the length and breadth of the country.
“No amount is too small or too big toward the growth, progress and development of the schools,” he said.
Mr Segun Adeniyi, the newly elected president of the association, described Oyedepo as a living legend of the nation’s education sector.
Lagos
The presidential candidate of the KOWA Party, Prof.
Oluremi Sonaiya, has advised Nigerians to elect candidates of credible character, come 2015.
Sonaiya gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
“Everybody talks; the real issue is who will match their talk with action,’’ she said.
The candidate said political office seekers should have a passion for truth, justice and fairness to all, with the conviction that “righteousness exalts a nation and corruption is a reproach and destroyer”.
According to Sonaiya, intending leaders should be concerned with the issues that have bedeviled the country such as unemployment, decayed infrastructure and poor electricity supply among others.
Nasarawa
Mr Labaran Maku, a former Minister of Information,
has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) one week to correct anomalies in the party’s governorship primary in the state.
Maku gave the warning while addressing youths in Wakama Village of Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
He said that he had already written a petition to the appeal panel set up by the national headquarters of the party challenging the outcome of the primaries.
He mentioned the irregularities that occurred during the primary to include shortchanging of delegates names in many LGAs, intimidation and threatening of delegates, among others.
According to him, the fraud committed in the recent PDP governorship primaries in the Nasarawa state is worse than the one committed at party’s primaries in the state in 2007.
Ogun
A 32-year-old man, Oke Oladipupo, who allegedly
obtained N350, 000 under false pretence, was yesterday docked before a Sango-Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State.
Oladipupo, who lives at No. 21, Daniel St., Iyana-Iyesi in Sango-Ota, is facing trial for allegedly obtaining the money from one Mr Kolawole Soyinka, on the pretext of clearing a car for him.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Mustapha Abdulkareem, said that the accused committed the offence on June 7 at No. 2, C.A.C. St., Ewupe, in Sango-Ota.
Abdulkareem alleged that the accused obtained N350, 000 from the complainant under the pretext of assisting him to clear a car from Lagos Port.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Sections 319 (a) and 419 of the Criminal Code Vol. 1, Revised Laws of Ogun, 2006.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has called for
the sustenance of peace in Modakeke in the Ife East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Aregbesola made the call in a message he sent to the 29th Modakeke Akoraye Day Celebration and launching of N500 million Community Development Fund at Modakeke.
The governor, who was represented by Mr Wahab Adeniji, member, Local Education Authority Board, Modakeke, said peace was imperative for any sustainable development to take place.
“My administration is determined to ensure that infrastructure is provided in every part of the state, including Modakeke,’’ he said.
Earlier, Mr Tajudeen Oke, the National President of Modakeke Progressive Union, called on the Osun government to provide basic infrastructure in the area.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has
inaugurated three committees to devise strategies of ensuring total victory for the APC in the 2015 general elections in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the committees were for campaign , reconciliation and contact.
The 33-man state campaign committee is chaired by Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, a one time gubernatorial candidate of the defunct DPP in the 2011 elections while the APP governorship running mate, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, will serve as secretary.
The reconciliation committee is headed by a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Amb. Shehu Wurno, with Dr Yakubu Maccido as Secretary, while the contact committe has the former state chairman of the defunct DPP , Alhaji Umarun Kwabo, as chairman.
Taraba
The PDP Governorship Candidate in Taraba State and
ex-Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Darius Ishaku, has pledged to boost the state’s economy with increased tea production if elected.
Ishaku made the pledge at a news conference shortly after a reception in his honour by supporters and party faithful in Takum recently.
“Taraba is the most resourceful state in Nigeria due to its huge agricultural and mineral resources.
“I want to assure you that coffee production alone can sustain the state’s economy, let alone the entire tea production potential of the state.
“I, therefore, assure the people of the state that I will make use of private partnership to resuscitate the Kakara Tea Factory on the Mambilla plateau.
Zamfara
The Zamfara Co-ordinator of National Directorate of
Employment (NDE), Alhaji Muhammad Alhassan, said that the directorate, under its various programmes, assisted 1,427 people in 2014.
Alhassan told newsmen yesterday in Gusau that NDE, funded by the Federal Government, was meant to provide employment to the unemployed youths nationwide.
According to him, the Zamfara office of the directorate empowered and employed 1,427 youths under its various programmes, including Graduate Coaching Scheme, Graduate Attachment Scheme and National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS).
The co-ordinator said under the schemes, all the beneficiaries were empowered from January to date.
L-R: Out-going Ambassador of Sebia, Mr Rifat Rondic; President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali, during the visit of the out-going Ambassador to the Presidential Villa Abuja, recently.
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