Nation
THE STATES
L-R: An Editor with the FRCN, Alhaji Abdulhamib Mariya, the station Manager, Freedom Radio, Dutse, Adamu Ladan and Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Lawal Ado, during a courtesy visit by Nigerian Guild of Editors to Governor Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto on Friday.
FCT
A Kado Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, yesterday sentenced
two men, Ali Idris and Shamsu Ibrahim, to one month imprisonment each for stealing a generator tank.
The convicts, who both reside at Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, had pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, said the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.
Sadiq, however, gave them an option of N5, 000 fine each.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that a police patrol team from Utako Police Station, Abuja, arrested and brought the accused to the station on July 20 for stealing the generator tank.
Jigawa
Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa on
Tuesday said his administration had taken measures to address the shortage of 4, 500 teachers in primary and secondary schools in the state.
Badaru told members of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals (ANCOPs) who paid him a courtesy visit in Dutse, that he had engaged a consultant to recruit qualified teachers to bridge existing gap.
He also said that the administration would introduce a new technology to enhance teachings and learning in the state.
Badru said that his government would also give enough incentives to teachers to motivate them to deliver quality teaching to students.
He said the government had approved payment of its 2013 counterpart fund to the National Basic Education Commission, to enable it access vital funds for schools expansion and provision of furniture.
Kaduna
Stakeholders in child protection are to embark on massive
awareness campaign as part of efforts to push for the domestication of the Child Rights Acts in Kaduna State, an official has said.
Acting Director, Social Welfare and Child Development, Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Musa, discused this to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Musa said that several residents of the state were still not aware of the contents of the Acts and the need for its domestication at the state level after the National Assembly did it in 2003.
According to him, the awareness campaign has become necessary to enlighten the public about the contents and gains of the acts following increasing rate of child abuse in the state.
Musa said the enlightenment campaign would be done using media outfits, churches, mosques, community-based organisations and town-hall meetings.
The director said that the stakeholders would also carry out advocacy visits to relevant faith–based institutions, traditional rulers and government bodies, to seek their support.
Kebbi
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kebbi State
yesterday dismissed the petition filed by the PDP governorship candidate, retired Gen. Bello Sarkin-Yaki, challenging the election of Governor Atiku Bagudu.
Bagudu of the APC was returned elected as governor of the state by INEC at the April 2015 general election.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kazem Alogba, who delivered the verdict in Birnin Kebbi, said the petitioner failed to adhere to the process of filing a petition.
He averred that the petitioner abandoned the petition by filing for a free hearing notice behind time.
Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, however, objected to the decision of the tribunal, stressing that an appeal would be filed at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.
Kogi
The Nigerian Association of Hospital and Administrative
Pharmacists, yesterday in Lokoja expressed concern over the poor rating of Nigeria’s health system by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to the association, WHO in its recent report placed Nigeria in the 187 position out of 190 countries in its rating of global health systems.
The association, in a communiqué signed by its National Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Ndah-Ameh, suggested a multifaceted approach involving all health professionals to change the trend.
It said that improvement of health indices in Nigeria remains a collective agenda requiring holistic approach anchored on the triple framework of people, process and structure.
The association reiterated that pharmacists remained an integral and indispensable professional group in the delivery of quality healthcare to patients in Nigeria.
It frowned at the“ irrational use of drugs” in the country which had resulted in avoidable morbidity and mortality.
Kwara
The Zonal Transport Officer (ZTSO), Federal Road Safety Com
mission (FRSC), Ilorin Zonal Headquarters, Mr Godwin Zawua, has urged religious leaders to allow staff of his commission deliver lectures on road safety in mosques and churches.
Zawua made the request in Ilorin yesterday in his speech at the meeting of the Senate of Catholic Priests of Ilorin Diocese.
He said such enlightenment lectures could help in the effort at reducing carnage on the highways.
He said FRSC was also ready to assist in the training and retraining of students, priests and clergies at seminaries and theology schools.
He thanked the Catholic Priests Dioceses in Ilorin for giving him the opportunity to talk to them on road safety precautions.
Lagos
An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Tues
day ordered the remand in Ikoyi Prisons of an alleged cult-member charged with the murder of Femi Egbekunle and Saliu Maja- during a street-fight.
The accused, Gbenga Shodiya, whose address was not disclosed, is facing a three-count charge bordering on murder and unlawful killing before Magistrate O.O.A. Fowowe-Erusiafe.
Fowowe-Erusiafe ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons for 30 days pending the receipt of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).
She also directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file to be forwarded to the DPPs for legal advice saying the court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute murder cases.
Nasarawa
The Chairman, Wamba Local Government Council of Nasarawa
State, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu-Wayo, has called for 24 hours security surveillance in the area to check incessant robbery attacks on communities.
Shuaibu-Wayo made the appeal yesterday while briefing newsmen after the joint security and peace meeting of the area in Wamba.
He said that the strategy would curtail the activities of men of the underworld so as to enable the people of the area sleep with their two eyes closed as well as to go about their normal business without fear of attack.
“The aim of this joint security and peace meeting is to brainstorm on ways or how to ensure peace in this local government and the state at large because no nation or society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour, confusion and security challenges.
“The security challenges facing our area, the state and some parts of the country had not only affected our lives negatively but had also affected the socio-economic development of the country negatively.
Niger
A Minna Magistrates’ Court yesterday ordered the remand in
prison custody of a man, Samaila Umar, for allegedly committing rape.
The accused was arraigned in court on a 6-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, rape, mischief, resisting arrest and causing grievous hurt.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Daniel Ikwoche, told the court that one Isiaku Abubakar reported the matter at the Lapai Divisional Police station on July 21.
Ikwoche said that the complainant alleged that he was on his way to Lapai from Minna, with a girl, when the accused and four others, now at large, attacked him at a point between Takuti and Cheche villages with gun, cutlass and sticks.
He said the complainant further alleged that the suspect had carnal knowledge of the girl, and robbed them of N256, 000 as well as other valuables.
Ogun
A 30-year-old female sales representative, Adeola Salami, was
yesterday arraigned before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of N2.6 million, property of King’s Court Ideal Anchor Ltd.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, the accused committed the offence on June 20 at King’s Court Anchor Ltd, Ibara in Abeokuta.
He said that the accused, who was an employee of King’s Court Ideal Anchor Ltd., sold an assortment of recharge cards worth N2.6million.
The prosecutor submitted that the offences contravened Sections 383 (2) and 390 (6) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of fraudulent conversion and theft, was represented by Olokede Obadina.
Oyo
An Iyaganku Senior Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku yes
terday sentenced a scavenger, Saudiq Olatunji,18, to 23 days imprisonment for stealing 56 pieces of casted iron rods from an uncompleted building.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Patricia Adetuyibi, who handed down the judgment, said Olatunji should serve the term with hard labour.
Adetuyibi said that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to other scavengers who steal in the guise of scavenging.
Olatunji was arraigned before the magistrate on a one-count charge of stealing.
Our correspondent reports that the convict was arraigned on July 22 and had pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Plateau
The police on yesterday arraigned two mechanics, Shuaibu Saleh,
23, and Abubakar Mohammed, 25, in a Jos Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a car.
The accused persons, both of Bauchi Road, Jos, were charged with criminal conspiracy and theft.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Thomas Ahmadu, told the court that one Francis Nimyel of Abbattior Jos, reported the matter at the A Division Police Station on July 29.
Ahmadu said that on the same date, the complainant alighted from his car to see a friend at the Old Bukuru Park, when the accused persons attacked him and made away with his Toyota Camry car valued at N950, 000.
He said that the accused also stole Nimyel’s wallet which contained N20, 000, three ATM cards, driver’s licence and two cell phones valued at N23, 000.
Taraba
Some residents of Jalingo yesterday urged the police to intensify
surveillance against fraudsters operating in Taraba State.
They told newsmen in Jalingo that increase in the activities of the fraudsters was a matter of great concern to the populace.
Alhaji Saidu Abdullahi, who lost N15,000 to two fraudsters on Friday, said they posed as estate agents, collected his money and vanished after promising him a two-bedroom flat.
Another victim, Miss Rifkatu Adda, claimed that she surrendered N9, 000 to a fraudster in Dorawa area of the town after she was hypnotised on Sunday.
The state correspondent of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, Mr Sylvanus Viashami, was however lucky to escape the antics of a fraudsters who called his cell phone.
Our correspondent gathered from victims that the fraudsters mostly operate around Mile Six, Sintali and Duwala market areas of Jalingo.
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