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Benue

Authorities of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi,
have shut down the institution indefinitely following cult activities which led to the death of four students and one security guard.
The institution’s Information Officer, Mr Dzerka Fanafa, said in Makurdi that the decision to close down the school was to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Fanafa told newsmen that the crisis broke out on Tuesday in some of the hostels built by independent developers and resulted in the death of one student.
He said the university authority swiftly intervened to contain the situation by inviting the security agencies to prevent further hostilities by the students.

Ekiti

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has appealed to
members of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ekiti State chapter to call off their two-week old strike.
Fayose, represented by his deputy, Dr Olusola Kolapo, made the appeal at the 10th Congress Meeting of the organisation in Ado-Ekiti.
He charged the principals to show understanding in the face of present economic depression that had critically affected about 29 states of the federation.
Fayose explained that the present economic challenges could not support the payment of three months’ salary being demanded by the workers.
He further explained that the state government was unable to meet the demands of civil servants because the three months allocation from the federation account could no longer pay a month’s salary.

FCT

The Society of Women Engineers, Technology and Sci
entists (SWETS) says it plans to educate residents of the Federal Capital Territory on climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation.
The SWETS Chairperson, Mrs Vera Ogwatu, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to her, the development is part of the SWETS Africa Community Project, with a view to building resilience in the local communities to climate change.
“Also to raise a younger generation with the right attitude and mind-set to promote environmental sustainability and sustainable development.
“ The project consists of the following aspects: enlightenment programme, introduction of alternatives to fuel wood project and Change the Light Bulb campaign (200 to 250 households),“ she said.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Government says it has approved the
release of N1 billion to the state’s Agricultural Supply Company as loan to procure farm inputs for farmers.
This is contained in a statement issued in Dutse by Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, and made available to newsmen.
According to the statement, the approval was given during the state executive council meeting which was held recently.
It explained that the loan would enable the company to purchase fertilisers, improved seeds and other farm inputs for the forthcoming farming season.

Kaduna

A Non-Governmental organisation based in Kaduna,
Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiative (SAESI), has called on residents of the state to always keep their surroundings clean to enhance healthy environment.
The Controller General, SAESI, Yahaya Mohammed, made the call  in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
He also called on residents and business owners in the state to refrain from accumulating waste around their surroundings.
According to him, most of the strange diseases so many people contacted today are because of the dirty environment they live in.
Kwara

The Kwara State House of Assembly has adminis
tered oath of office on Mrs Victoria Afolayan, a newly elected lawmaker representing Oke-Ero Constituency.
Afolayan, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, was elected at a bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC) on May 28.
Our correspondent reports that the new female member is the wife of the deceased member, Mr Musa-Moses Afolayan, who died on Jan. 30.
Speaking at her inauguration, the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, said Afolayan had submitted duly certified asset declaration form from the Code of Conduct Bureau and satisfied other requirements of becoming a member of the House.

Lagos

A 44-year-old businesswoman, Adenike Rodoye, has
lost her 20-year-old marriage to her husband, Durojaiye, because she was always tearing his boxers so as to rape him.
“My wife has turned my boxers to rags as she always tears them to rape me,” he told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State.
The president of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, after he had listened to the couple, said that he was convinced that they could no longer live together as husband and wife.
Omilola said that he had to dissolve the union after the petitioner had insisted on the divorce.
The president added that several interventions made by him to reconcile them felt on deaf ears.

Niger

The Niger State Government has approved N46.2 billion
as 2016 appropriation bill for its 25 area councils.
Alhaji Kabir Abbas, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Minna.
He said “the late presentation of the 2016 local government budget was because of transition of leadership from the past administration to the present.
“The change in leadership of caretaker of the past administration to director of personnel management to caretaker again before the election of local government chairmen.
“When the budget was to be presented, the local government chairmen and the emirate councils requested for time to make contributions, which led to delay up until now.”

Ogun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has, granted am
nesty to 17 prisoners serving various jail terms in the state.
He also commuted the death sentences passed on four other prisoners to life imprisonment.
This is contained in a statement signed by Juwon Soyinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.
He said the gesture was part of activities marking the 2016 Democracy Day and June 12 remembrance anniversaries in the state.
According to the him, the governor’s gesture is in line with the power conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

Osun

Two  men, who allegedly stole a dog belonging to a
church, were arrainged before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court.
The accused  Oguntoro Segun, 22, and Ayinla Seyi, 27 are facing charges of theft and conspiracy.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Fagboyinbo Abiodun, the accused committed the offences on June 4 at about 8.30 p.m. at United Missionary Church of Africa’s premises behind Vision Oil, Dada Estate, Osogbo.
Abiodun said the accused sneaked into the church’s premises, tricked the dog belonging to a man, Ajilore Temidayo and bolted with it.

Sokoto

The Chairman, Sabon-Birni Local Government in Sokoto
State, Alhaji Idris Gobir, promised to provide farming inputs at government-controlled rates for farmers in the area.
Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto that providing farming inputs was part of the council’s efforts to encourage farmers in the area to produce assorted food crops.
He said the farming inputs would be provided at the council’s 11 wards to enable farmers have direct access to them.
The chairman said the local government administration would encourage youths and women to participate massively in all-year-round farming.

Zamfara
The Defence Headquarters Committee on Persistent
Farmers/Herdsmen Clashes in the country is currently in Zamfara as part of its fact-finding tour to affected states.
Our correspondent reports that the Committee arrived in Gusau, the Zamfara capital on Tuesday for a two-day visit, where it met with the state’s  acting Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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