Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly
have agreed to contribute 50 per cent of their salaries to the development of the state.
The Majority Leader, Alhaji Musa Mahmud, made this known in Yola while speaking to newsmen.
Governor Mohammed Jibrilla had last Monday said 50 per cent of his salary and that of his deputy would be donated to the state.
He also urged the state’s lawmakers to consider donating part of their salaries to the state.
Mahmud told newsmen that the lawmakers made the sacrifice willingly in view of the financial condition of the state.
FCT
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has
reiterated the need to end early and forced marriage, saying that it constitutes a serious human rights abuse.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, made the call in Abuja at an event organised by the commission to mark the Day of the African Child.
Angwe, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Harry Obe, said that early and forced marriage could represent a threat to both the child and the society.
“Early and forced marriage is a serious human rights abuse, which threatens not just children, but the society at large.
“This menace undermines the rights and development of children as it impacts on their emotional, physical, psychological, health, education, economic well-being and dignity.
Gombe
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has began the distri
bution of food items to 1, 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gombe State.
The items were presented to the IDPs by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar on behalf of the organisation.
He said that the gesture was to support the IDPs as they struggle to regain themselves after their traumatic experience in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents.
The Emir urged the inmates to be patient as the items would not be enough for all of them.
He said that a screening committee set up by the JNI had identified families in dire need of assistance, who would benefit from the gesture.
Jigawa
An environmentalist, Malam Sadiq Ado, has called on
the Federal Government to ban tree felling to check deforestation in the country.
Ado made the call in an interview with newsmen in Hadejia, Jigawa.
The environmentalist also called for the adoption of practical measures to encourage development of alternative energies to curb use of fuel wood.
He said the measure was imperative in view of the quantum of destruction of forest resources through tree felling.
Ado listed the effects of tree felling to include extinction of wildlife, desert encroachment, soil erosion, flood and climate imbalance.
Kaduna
The Director-General of the National Youths Service
Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, has challenged corps member to be agents of change and promote core societal values.
Olawumi gave the charge when he visited Batch “A” stream B corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kaduna.
“As young men and women you are going to be the vanguard to drive the change from some negative aspect or vices within the country to positive ones.
“You must imbibe the virtues of honesty, loyalty, integrity, hard work and sacrifice for the good of your country”, he said.
He advised the corps members to imbibe good qualities that would lead to the realization of their potentials as prospective leaders of the country.
Kano
The Kano State Hisba Board has distributed rice and
cooking oil to 1,200 widows who have children.
The Director General of the board, Dr Abba Sufi, presided over the distribution of the items in Kano.
He explained that the items were donated by an Islamic Group, Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), to assist orphans and other less privileged persons during forthcoming Ramadan.
Each of the beneficiaries was given one bag of rice and a gallon of cooking oil.
Sufi called on wealthy individuals and corporate organisations to support the poor, especially during the forthcoming Ramadan fast to earn the blessings of Allah.
Kogi
An appeal has gone to the three tiers of governments
and citizenry in Kogi to embark on massive afforestation to minimise global warming and preserve its ecosystem .
The Vice President, North Central of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Mr Nuhu Anyegwu, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Idah, Kogi.
Anyegwu also suggested that sustained environmental enlightenment programmes should be organised to encourage positive actions that will preserve the ecosystem.
He added that Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) must be carried out by relevant professionals before embarking on any major project.
Lagos
A university don, Prof. Michael Akur, has called for
more autonomy for local governments to boost business activities at the grassroots.
Akur, a political science lecturer at the University of Jos, gave the advice in a telephone interview with newsmen.
He said that policies of local governments for grassroots development were the more viable approach to grow enterprises in those areas.
Akur said that granting more autonomy to local governments would aid the growth of local businesses.
“Independence for local government is sacrosanct for entrepreneurship at the lowest level of government of government to improve,’’ he said.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has
expressed determination to block all revenue leakages in order to shore up the state’s finances for enhanced development.
Al-Makura said at the inauguration of a task force on illegal collection of revenue in Karu area of the state, the administration would explore all available revenue sources to enhance its earnings.
The governor was represented by Mr Muazu Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, at the inauguration in Lafia.
He said the task force was empowered to review activities of Karu Area Planning and Development Authority regarding revenue collection.
Plateau
The Governing Council of the University of Jos
(UNIJOS) has approved the promotion of 17 readers to the rank of professors and 22 others to that of readers.
This is contained in statement signed by Abdullahi Abduallahi, Principal Assistant Register, Information and Public Relations, UniJos, and made available to newsmen in Jos on Tuesday.
The statement said some of the promotions took effect from October 1, 2013 while others took effect from October 1, 2014.
The new professors include: Ahmedu Ibrahim Musa, (Religion and Philosophy) ; Gideon Umezurike Egezie, (Human Physiology); Grace Mebi Ayanbimpe, (Medical Microbiology); Noel Nenman Wanang (Pharmacology); Nyager Elizabeth, (Theatre and Film Arts); and Agaku Jacob, (Theatre and Film Arts); who was promoted post-humously.
Others who were promoted to professors are : Ikonji Ogaji, (Pharmaceutical Technology); David Pam Yakubu, (Zoology); Bakwa Dirting Dakup (Physics); and Barnabas John Kwaha (Physics).
Taraba
The Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU),
Taraba State University chapter, on Tuesday said that the state government should give cash-backing to the N100 million cheque issued to it.
It said that it would suspend its three-month-old strike as soon as the state government fulfilled this condition.
Dr Reuben Jonathan, the chapter’s chairman, gave the condition in Jalingo while reacting to the call by the government that the union should suspend the strike.
The state government gave the union a bounced cheque for N100 million in March, as part payment for the lecturers’ outstanding allowances of over N400 million.
Jonathan, however, urged the government to fulfill its commitments.
He said that though the bounced cheque was issued by the immediate past administration, the present administration should respect the earlier agreement “because government is continuity”.
Zamfara
The Emir of Anka in Zamfara State, Attahiru Ahmad,
has received his certificate of appointment as the Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effrun in Warri, Delta.
The Emir received the certificate at his palace in Anka from the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akaehomen Akii Ibhadode.
Speaking at the occasion, Ibhadode said: ‘’ we are here in Anka to present the certificate of appointment as chancellor of our great university following your appointment by the Federal Government few months ago’’.
‘’The Federal Government considered your capacity and ability in line with your academic records in both Islamic and Western education and your commitments towards the development of education in Nigeria,’’ 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