Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji
Zannah Mustapha, has, reiterated the state government’s commitment to empower persons with disabilities so as to keep them away from begging.
Mustapha said this during the distribution of food items to 300 persons with disabilities, organised by Hajiya Nana Shettima SWOT Foundation in Maiduguri.
The Foundation was the pet project of the Borno governor’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima.
The deputy governor commended Shettima for the various support she had given to widows, orphans and Tsangaya (Islamic education) pupils in the state.
He said that the state government was determined to ensure that all grievances and problems were carefully looked into to enable the targeted persons to have a sense of belonging.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has warned prop
erty developers in the state to always get necessary government approval before erecting any structure.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Olufunke Falodun, gave the warning at a news conference in Ado Ekiti.
She warned people against indiscriminate erection of structures on water ways, roads and government land.
Falodun said the development had not only distorted development plan but also created avoidable environmental problems, including natural and man-made disasters in parts of the state.
She advised developers to obtain necessary documents and approvals for their properties, adding that the state government would soon embark on verification of building plans.
FCT
The Police have arraigned Sulaiman Daniel, 18,
of Kunchi Kawo, Abuja, in a Grade 1 Area Court, Kado, Abuja for misappropriation of fund.
The prosecutor, Insp. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that Joyce Ekulaman, canteen proprietor, of Utako, Abuja, reported the matter at Utako Police Station, Abuja, on February 11.
He said the accused converted N15,000 paid into his account meant for his employee to his personal use.
“The accused, who served food at the canteen, also stole N40,000 belonging to the employee’’, the prosecutor added.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 309 of the Penal Code.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, granted him bail in the sum of N20,000 and a surety in like sum.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State
recently swore in chairmen, caretaker committees of the 11 local government areas, six new permanent secretaries and six new special advisers.
Speaking at the ceremony in Gombe, the governor said the appointment of the chairmen became necessary, following the expiration of their tenure after two years in office.
Our Correspondent reports that all the chairmen whose tenure expired were sworn in as chairmen caretaker committees of their respective councils.
“You could not have failed to notice that the set of people being sworn in today as local government caretaker committee chairmen require no introduction.
Kano
The Presidential candidate of All Progressives
Congress (APC), Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has condemned the latest bombings in Yobe and Kano states.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Malam Garba Shehu, the candidate expressed regrets over the attacks.
He noted that the attack came on the eve of the first anniversary of the Buni Yadi attack, where dozens of innocent students of Federal Government College in the community were murdered in their sleep.
He regretted the frequency with which terrorists were destroying the lives of innocent Nigerians.
“Although we commend the efforts and sacrifices of our counter-terrorism forces, there is the need for greater vigilance and new strategies,’’ Buhari said.
Kaduna
Malam Nuhu Bature, the traditional ruler of the
Bajju people in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State, has cautioned politicians against unguarded utterances that might lead to crisis in the state.
The Agwam Bajju made the call in his palace at Zangon Kataf when Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State paid him a courtesy visit as part of his campaign tour of the area.
Bature, who spoke on behalf of two other traditional rulers, the Emirs of Ikulu and that of Kamanta, said peace was the bedrock of any development.
He said those seeking to lead the people should at all times demonstrate responsible attitude to issues affecting their communities.
The traditional chief, therefore, appealed to politicians to “watch the kind of statements they make in the media, so as to ensure peace and harmony in the society.’’
Kogi
The kidnappers of the 87-year-old American
woman missionary , Rev. Phyllis Sortor, have reduced their ransom for her release from N60 million to N30 million, an aide of hers said.
The aide, Mr Jacob Ahiaba, told newsmen at Emi Woro community in Ajaokuta Local Government Area last Wednesday that Sortor informed an aide by telephone on Tuesday that her abductors wanted N60 million ransom.
Ahiaba said Sortor made another call later to say that the kidnappers had reduced their demand to N30 million and asked that efforts be made to get the money to secure her release as soon as possible.
Lagos
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State,
Mr Godwin Eke, said last Wednesday that remedial work was being carried out on Wharf Road in Apapa to reduce the rate of accident.
Eke told newsmen in Lagos that the road was being rehabilitated as part of ongoing emergency repair of roads in Apapa.
“We received reports that trucks have been falling there. We now decided to do something remedial, something temporary to reduce the rate of accident there.
“That is part of our plan for the permanent works on Apapa-Tin Can Road.
“It is included in our quantities; there is no contravention; it is part of the emergency repairs that we are carrying out”.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has directed
commercial banks to recognise only Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), as collateral security for their credit facilities henceforth.
The Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr Sonny Agassi, gave this directive during interactive session with the executives of the commercial banks in Lafia on Wednesday.
The commissioner cautioned the banks against granting loans or other facilities to their clients on the strength of Rights of Occupancy (R of O) and other land documents.
He said the C of O was the only registered land document recognised by the laws of the land to serve as collateral security for facilities from the banks.
According to him, accepting R of O instead of C of O will have dire consequences on their businesses after the changes being introduced by the present administration.
Oyo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo
State branch, has urged politicians to make the fear of God their priority in their political activities.
The state Chairman of the association, Ayo Olabisi, made the plea on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.
The cleric called on politicians to observe the rules guiding the electoral processes while exhibiting the fear of God.
“We need to let our politicians know that coming into office is not a do or die affair. It is whatever God says that will come to manifestation,” he said.
Swearing-in of six Permanent Secretaries in Gombe Plc, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (right), congratulating a newly appointed Permaent Secretary, Mr Renos Kabiny, during the swearing-in of the Permanent Secretaries and six Speical Advisers in Gombe State, 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