Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State; Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, and Gov. Abdullazeez Yari of Zamfara, at the 19 Northern Governors Forum’s meeting in Kaduna on Friday.
Adamawa
Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla of Adamawa has
approved the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Sanda, the Gangwari Ganye (paramount ruler of Ganye), as 2016 Amirul Hajj.
A statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmad Sajoh in Yola noted that the five-man Amirul Hajj team has Alhaji Nuhu Bawandu as Deputy Amirul Hajj and Alhaji Musa Ahmad as Secretary.
Sajoh stated that the governor had also approved the reconstitution of the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He noted that the reconstitution of Board was occasioned by a new law passed by the state’s House of Assembly assented to by the governor.
Ekiti
A retired forest guard, Mr Olagunju Ajeigbe, has
called on state and local governments to be proactive and take stringent measures to address the indiscriminate felling of trees in the South-Western region.
Ajeigbe made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ikole, Ekiti.
He condemned the activities of some timber contractors in the region, adding that indiscriminate felling of trees would lead to some consequences in the future.
He expressed worry that failure of government to act fast would cause more damages to cash crops such as palm trees, kola-nut and cocoa trees
FCT
The Healthwatch Forum, an NGO, has urged
Nigerians to hold government responsible for any failure in service delivery.
A public health consultant and Editor of Nigeria Health Watch, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, made the call at the Healthwatch Forum with the theme “Active Citizenship for Health’’ in Abuja.
He noted that health issues were not adequately captured in the political agenda of the government.
Ihekweazu described the forum as a process of making government accountable to its responsibilities, among others.
Gombe
A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Society
For Family Health (SFH), says it will equip 57 primary health care centres in Gombe State.
SFH’s Programm Manager, Mr Abare Galadina, disclosed this in Gombe at a Thematic Round Table for Stakeholders in the health sector, organised by Inganta Rayuwan Iyali (IRI) project BBC Media Action.
He noted that virtually all the primary health care centres in Gombe were ill equipped, adding that the centres would be equipped between January and August 2016.
Jigawa
A Corps member, Mr Kalu Ndukwe, has
constructed three toilets at his Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) in Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa.
Ndukwe, who is serving at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Gagarawa, said he spent N290,000 to construct the facilities.
He said the gesture was to discourage open defication among students of the school due to inadequate toilet facilities in the area.
The corps member said the initiative would also enhance sanitation and hygiene among the students.
Kano
A Kano Magistrates’ Court has sentenced seven
women to three months’ imprisonment for engaging in prostitution and immoral acts.
Binta Musa, 19, Maryam Garba, 19, Zulai Usman, 21, Fatima Tijjani, 20, Sadiya Ibrahim, 18, Maryam Mustafa, 17, and Ali Bashir, 20, were convicted on a two-count charge of prostitution and immoral acts.
The convicts pleaded guilty to the offences.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Khaleel sentenced them to three months’ imprisonment with an option of N 10,000 fine for each.
Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has
called on Federal Government to resolve the lingering problem of insecurity, power outage and fuel scarcity and other issues affecting the masses.
A statement signed by the association’s Public Relation Officer in the 19 Northern states and the FCT, Rev. Joseph Hayab, in Kaduna, said that Nigerians were suffering and there was urgent need for government to act.
“The popularity of the present administration in the country is rapidly diminishing due to the prevailing problems of insecurity, power and fuel scarcity.
Kwara
An Omu-Aran Upper Area Court in Kwara has
granted N1 million bail to three accused charged with theft of N8.8 million cooperative funds.
The accused Sola Adewumi, Modupe Awotayo and Oyeyipo Sunday were also granted two sureties each in like sum.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and theft.
The court also ordered them to report daily for one month at the office of the Omu-Aran Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Lagos
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James
Enwinstle, said that Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme annually costs her about N132billion ($660million) annually. Entwistle, who made this known in his message to mark this year’s World Malaria Day, said that despite Nigeria’s current ‘’tremendous progress’’ in malaria elimination, much commitment was still needed.
He spoke on the theme “Ending Malaria in Nigeria for Good’’, in Nigeria, the National Malaria Elimination Programme estimates malaria costs the Nigerian economy about 132 billion naira ($660 million) annually.
Oyo
A housewife, Asiata Lamidi , has told a Mapo
Customary Court in Ibadan that she was not the cause of her husband’s ( Muritala Lamidi) impotence.
Asiata told the court that she decided to call-it-quit with Lamidi because he was spreading the rumour around that she was responsible for the dysfunction of his manhood.
“My stay under the same roof with Lamidi as husband and wife will no longer be possible because he has slandered my name.
Ondo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has impounded an NNPC branded tanker for diversion of 11,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The state Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Adeyinka Ayinla, who briefed newsmen after the incident in Akure, ordered that the product be sold to the public at the official pump price of N86.
Ayinla said that the tanker marked FST 309 XR, was caught by the officers of the command while discharging the 11,000 litres of PMS at Satabest filling station, located along Ijoka road, Akure.
“As at the time the tanker was caught, it had already discharged about 11,000 litres of the product in the filling station.
Sokoto
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)
has distributed 11,200 litres of petrol free to motorists at the Basat Multi Trade Nigeria Ltd filling station in Sokoto.
Our correspondent reports that the filling station, which was sealed for hoarding, was also fined N1 million.
The agency meted out the punitive measures to the independent filling station during an enforcement exercise led by its Sokoto Zonal Operations Controller, Mr Mohammed Makera.
It was observed that each motorist was given 30 litres free, while motorcyclists each received five litres.
Similarly, three other independent filling stations were sealed and fined N 100,000 each per pump for under delivery and selling above the government approved pump price of N 86.50 per litre.
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