Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Chief Audu Ogbe, has distributed improved variety of cassava stems to farmers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
While distributing the stems which were developed by the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP-Nigeria), Ogbeh said they were enriched with Vitamin `A’ to enhance nutrition.
The minister said government’s agricultural programmes were targeted at ensuring availability of food to the people. .Ogbeh said farmers deserved all forms of support from government and Nigerians, adding that it was their efforts that had prevented food crisis in the country.
FCT
The Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC),
Mr Abdullahi Candido, has called on residents of the council to cultivate the habit of protecting government’s projects in their localities.
He made the call in Abuja, while inaugurating some completed projects embarked upon by his administration as part of activities to mark his 100 days in office.
Our correspondent reports that some of the projects inaugurated were a community borehole at Karshi, blocks of classrooms at Azhata and a skills acquisition centre at karu.
The chairman also laid the foundation of a new market in Kurudu, which is to be built under a public-private-partnership arrangement to decongest the existing market.
Kaduna
The Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Ini
tiative (SAESI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has trained 97 youths in Kaduna on various environmental challenges.
The Controller-General of SAESI, Mallam Yahaya Mohammed, made this known in Kaduna recently during the passing out parade of new intakes into SAESI.
Mohammed said that the training had empowered the youths with adequate knowledge on how to tackle environmental problems in their areas.
He said that the training of the youths would complement the effort of the government as well as enhance the operation of the organisation.
Kano
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kano
State chapter, has expressed concern over late distribution of fertiliser under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme in the state.
The State’s Secretary of AFAN, Alhaji Garba Bichi, made the observation in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Bichi said though the scheme was a pilot programme, but the commodity should have been distributed much earlier than now.
He, however, commended the mode of distribution, adding that the exercise was going on smoothly in spite of the challenges faced by farmers at the initial stage.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government says it will construct a
dam in Danja Local Government Area in order to boost sugarcane production and irrigation activities in the state.
Governor Aminu Masari told newsmen in Katsina that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese firm on the project.
“Channels will be constructed, while the existing sugarcane factory will be upgraded to boost sugar production for both domestic and foreign consumption,” he said.
Masari regretted that the Danja Sugarcane Factory, established for over 25 years ago, was neglected by previous administrations.
The governor said its revival had become imperative to hasten the diversification of the state’s economy.
He said the project would also assist to create job opportunities, since the dam would enhance all-year-round cotton and rice farming.
“Research once showed that Katsina had comparative advantage in cotton and rice production as it produced 60 per cent of cotton in the country.
Kwara
A legal practitioner in Ilorin, Kwara State capital Mr
Jude Obi, has blamed parents for indecent dressing that he describes as rampart among ladies across the country.
Obi said this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, noting that parents were the major cause of the rampant indecent dressing, especially among ladies.
He added that most parents taught their daughters indecent dressing by pampering them right from childhood.
The lawyer noted that most parents would go to the market to buy dresses that were transparent for their daughters to celebrate.
“This had changed the mentality and mode of dressing for many females on the street; the parents are only misleading them”, he added.
Lagos
The Lagos State Government says owners of build
ings recently demolished in Ikoyi area of the state were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said in a statement that the government had noted with dismay the disobedience of building regulations and resolved to remove illegal structures.
“In our effort to maintain a sustainable and organised environment, the government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.
“We have documentary evidence of service of all statutory notices; the buildings were also marked with the X red oxide to also call the attention of the owners to physical planning contraventions,” he said.
Nasarawa
Governor Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State has
inaugurated a 27-member tripartite committee to re-negotiate and resolve the lingering face-off between the government and striking workers over review of workers’ salaries in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Presidential Lodge in Lafia, Al-makura said that the state government set up the committee to resolve the dispute on the salary amicably.
Our correspondent recalls that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state embarked on strike on June 28 to protest downward review of their salaries by the state government.
He said that the renegotiation was necessitated by the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to end the impasse between government and labour.Oyo
An Ibadan-based general physician, Dr Tosin
Odusanmi, says untreated worm infestation in children could lead to malnutrition, poor learning abilities and stunted physical development.
Odusanmi, who works with Alafiatayo Hospital, Ibadan, said this in Ibadan while speaking with newsmen recently.
According to him, children were more disposed to worm infestations than adults.
“Worm infestation remains a major problem in children due to poor or unhygienic conditions and practices.
“It remains one of the main problems that hinder children’s physical growth and development because worm infestation produces nutritional deficiency and anaemia in children, “ he said.
Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Plateau
State Command, has convicted 25 motorists in Jos over various road traffic offences.
The Corps Public Education Officer in the state, Mr Andrew Bala, disclosed this to newsmen in Jos.
Bala said that the offenders were apprehended via a mobile court exercise carried out by its officers and men on patrol.
He said the exercise took place on some highways within Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
Sokoto
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has
decried the reduction of the Federal Government’s allocation to the education sector from 11 per cent in 2015 to eight per cent in 2016.
The ASUU Sokoto Zonal Coordinator, Dr Lawal Argungu, made this known at a press conference in Sokoto.
“The way FGN treats the funding of education in this country makes it difficult for ASUU to believe the sincerity of the government in reforming the education sector in Nigeria.
”It is certainly quite possible for us to reposition our educational sector appropriately if we put our priorities right in this country in spite of the apparent economic hardship.
Zamfara
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has ad
vised communities in Zamfara State to join Community-Based Social Health Insurance Programme (CBSHIP), to access quality healthcare services.
The Coordinator of the scheme in the state, Alhaji Yusuf Uwais, made the call during the flag-off of the programme in Kaura town, Kaura-Namoda local government area of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the NHIS has licenced three organisations to run the programme in the state.
The organisations are Garetawa Mutual Health Intervention in Tsafe local government, Gusau Mutual Health Association for Gusau local government, and YOPA Mutual Health Association in Kaura-Namoda local government.
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