Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A Benue State-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), House of Hilkiah Foundation, says educating the girl-child is a veritable tool that can help to minimise gender-based violence in the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Miss Dorothy Akende said this in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Makurdi.
He, therefore, urged the three tiers of government to focus more on girl-child education.
Akende said that the group had been involved in advocacy, encouraging communities to educate the girl child through its humanitarian services and education initiatives.
The founder of the NGO added that aside supporting education initiatives, the group had continued to fight retrogressive cultural practices on the girl child in the country.
Borno
The Nigerian Army on Sunday said it had foiled a bomb attack and killed three female suicide bombers in Konduga Local Government Council of Borno State.
A statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations Brig. Gen. Sani Usman and made available in Maiduguri on Saturday night, said the incident occurred at Kawuri village of the council.
Usman said that the female suicide bombers were killed when they tried to attack a military formation in the area.
“Troops of 103 Battalion, Operation Lafiya Dole, on Saturday morning, neutralised three female suicide bombers trying to infiltrate their location at Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The female suicide bombers, who were on obvious mission of committing mayhem, were spotted by a vigilant sentry while trying to access the military location.
FCT
The Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj.-Gen. Johnny Hammakim, says more still need to be done to check violent extremism in the country even though Boko Haram has been degraded.
Hammakim said this last Monday when he declared open a four-day course on “Leadership in Counter-Terrorism and Counter, Violent Extremism’’ for senior military officers, police, para-military personnel and other stakeholders.
The course is organised by the resource centre in collaboration with the Peace Building Development Foundation (PBDF).
Hammakim described terrorism as a dynamic challenge where various issues come up every day.
“The ability to identify those issues and educate these stakeholders is very important that is why we are organising this course,’’ he said.
Gombe
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB), says transportation of pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia for the 2017 hajj will begin on August 2.
The Secretary, Gombe State MPWB, Alhaji Usman Gurama, announced this last Thursday in Gombe, when he briefed newsmen on activities for the 2017 pilgrimage.
He said that preparations had reached about 95 per cent, and urged the pilgrims to abide by the flight schedule.
“When we talk of preparation for this year’s hajj, as far as Gombe State is concerned, we can say it is almost over, because we have achieved more than 95 per cent level of preparation so far.
“At this material time, we are close to even commencing the airlift of pilgrims.
Kaduna
Governor Nasiru el-Rufa’i of Kaduna State last Sunday appealed to parents to inculcate fear of God in children to ensure decent society and facilitate national growth.
He made the plea at award presentation ceremony for Qur’anic memorisation and Islamic quiz completion held in Zaria.
The competition was organised by Rep. Abbas Tajuddeen (APC Zaria) for schools in 13 wards of his constituency.
el-Rufa’i, represented by Executive Secretary, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheik Hussaini Tsoho-Ikara, said the call was necessary because fear of God was a key to success.
While stressing the importance of religious education in shaping peoples’ life, el-Rufa’i observed that in life, there was nothing better than engaging in the services of the holy Qur’an.
Kano
The Nigerian Export and Promotion Council (NEPC), has proposed to the Federal Government the approval of five billion naira to support industries in the country.
The NEPC Executive Director Mr Olusegun Awolowo, made this disclosure last Monday during an inspection visit to some industries in Kano.
“One of our major aims for this visit is to find out the challenges these companies are facing and find a way to see how we can assist them in addressing them.
“The intervention is part of the Federal Government’s Export Development Fund for industries for pre-shipment incentive for exporters, which has been stopped three years ago,’’ he said.
Lagos
An Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Olawale Oba, has advised pregnant women to embrace vaginal birth rather than Cesarean Section (CS) if they have no medical condition warranting it.
Oba, who is a Senior Registrar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
“There are so many misconceptions about CS and vaginal birth; some women think that giving birth through vagina can slack their vagina.
“Some women are asking for cesarean section based on the fact that vaginal birth is painful.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly in Lafia last Wednesday passed a resolution, urging Gov.Umar Al-makura to arrest, prosecute and sack government officials found diverting fertilisers in the state.
The resolution was sequel to a motion on the matter, which was moved by Assemblyman Abubakar Kana (APC-Kokona West), Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, said that such action would serve as a deterrent to others and help in boosting food production in the state.
He called on farmers to report any case of diversion of fertilisers in their communities to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Niger
Wife of the Niger State Governor and founder, RAISE Foundation Cancer Screening Centre, Dr Amina Bello, said last Thursday that the foundation would partner with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), to empower women in the state.
Bello said this when members of the state chapter of the association paid her a courtesy visit in Minna.
The foundation, an NGO, was established to raise awareness and spur affirmation on issues affecting the survival and growth of women and the girl-child.
Bello said that through the partnership, both organisations would engage in advocacy for improved reproductive health rights,awareness campaign on maternal and child health and development of the girl-child.
Ogun
For breaking into a church and stealing a set of drums valued at N75,000, a 44-year-old man, Prosper Onaka, is to spend the next three years in prison, an Ogun State court ruled last Monday.
An Ota Magistrates’ Court ordered that Prosper Onaka should be sent to jail for three years for breaking into a church and stealing a drum set worth N75,000.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr S.O. Banwo, who gave the ruling, did not give the convict an option of fine.
The Tide source eports that Prosper, whose address is unknown, had pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of stealing and burglary brought against him.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 11 at 6.30.p.m. at Iyana-Iyesi near Ota.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has described the death of the popular playwright, Adebayo Faleti, as a huge loss to the Yoruba language and cultural heritage.
In a condolence message issued on Monday in Osogbo by his media aide, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said Faleti was a ‘complete man of the theatre – an actor, director, choreographer and designer ’ who created performance spaces influenced by traditional architectural forms. ‘’
He said the appearance and dressing of Faleti spoke volumes of his origin, adding that he was always ready to advocate the promotion of Yoruba language and culture.
”I received with great sadness, news of the passing away of one of Nigeria’s gifted scholars, culture icons, nationalists and top-on-the-shelf dramatists, Pa Adebayo Faleti.
”The death of the playwright, theatre director and teacher was a huge loss not only to the creative world alone but also to the world of Yoruba language and culture heritage which he promoted till his death,’’ he said.
Yobe
A team of 25 doctors and other medical personnel have conducted successful surgeries, blood transfusions, emergency cases and general consultations for 650 patients at a medical outreach in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State.
Chairman MaiGoje Foundation, Dr Mohammed Goje, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen last Sunday in Damaturu.
He said the foundation, Smile Mission and Edushine Organisation on Saturday, organised the outreach to provide healthcare service to the people.
According to him, the decision to organise the retreat is due to lack of functional health institution in Buni Yadi since the residents returned after their displacement by insurgents.
Goje said the doctors came from Kano, Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and Damaturu to provide free medical services to the community.
He said the outreach attended to cases of gynecology, pediatrics, dental, ear, nose and throat, and general ailments.
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