Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa The Adamawa State Fadama Office says it has supported three fish farmers groups with inputs worth N408,000. Malam Dalhatu Girei, the communication officer of the programme told newsmen that the objective was to encourage fish farming and increase the income of the groups. Girei said the office was currently working with 19 fish farmer groups across the state. He identifed one of the three groups being supported as Fada B women fish farmers in Tola village in Mayo Belwa Local Government Area. According to him, 1,800 fingerlings, 300 bags of feeds and 20 sachets each of antibiotic and stress drugs were given to the group. FCT The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has constituted an eminent persons committee to proffer ways of addressing disputes that arose from its just concluded primaries. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Buba Galadima, the National Secretary in Abuja. The statement stated that approval for the constitution of the committee was granted by the National Executive Committee of the party for some states in the federation. It added that members of the committee in some cases were not card carrying members of any political party. The statement quoted Galadima as saying that the essence of the committee was to “harmonise contestants in some constituencies and to advise the party on the way forward’’. The committee, according to the statement, is expected to examine the social and political environment and assess its dynamics and variables. This, it said, was with a view to recommending candidates that would ensure electoral victory in each constituency. Gombe Dr Abu Muazu, the Head of Public Health Department at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, has advised adults to drink, at least, five litres of water daily. Addressing patients at the hospital last Thursday, Muazu said the measure would go a long way to aid the physiological system, especially the kidney. “The medically recommended quantity of water for every adult is a minimum of five litres daily. “This helps a lot in cleansing the digestive system, making it easier for the kidney to discharge its responsibilities without any stress. According to him, the recommended quantity of water for children depends on their weight. The doctor, however, said that women, who were practising exclusive breast feeding, were exempt from the practice. Muazu condemned the practice by some people, who ate solid food without drinking enough water. Jigawa The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Mohammadu Sanusi, has appealed to his subjects to turn out en masse and participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise. Sanusi, who gave the charge last Thursday in Garu-Kudu ward in Dutse where he registered, advised residents in his domain to exercise patience no matter how long it would take to register. He noted that voting was one way Nigerians could exercise their civic responsibility, saying voters would have the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice. Sanusi also enjoined husbands to allow their wives to register in order to promote gender equity. He appealed to politicians not to engage in acts that would jeopardise the unity and mutual co-existence among the people. Kaduna The Police in Kaduna say they are yet to arrest one Mubarak, alias Best Keeper and seven others, who allegedly murdered one Sunday Onoja. Onoja, 25, a sachet water vendor, was last Tuesday allegedly stabbed to death by Mubarak at Kabala Doki, Kaduna, at about 5 p.m. The Police Public Relations Officer, Malam Aminu Lawal, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Kaduna, said the police were still investigating the incident. Lawal said that the parents of the suspects were being held by the police, but that they were in “protective custody” against possible attack from the relations of the deceased. Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State last Thursday, urged the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), to make nation building its priority. He made the call in Kano at the national delegates’ conference of NAWOJ, which has the theme: “Media Women and Development: The Challenges of Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)”. “Your role is more like that of a middleman. You educate the general public on government activities and vice-versa. “It is good to assess yourselves and ensure that you engage in nation building so as to promote unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians in order to move the country forward,” he said. Earlier, Alhaji Haruna Dederi, the state Commissioner for Information and Sports, had remarked that women had the capacity to make a difference in any country. Katsina The Katsina State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Sabo Ringim, last Friday warned politicians in the state against using thugs to foment trouble during election campaigns. Ringim gave the warning in Katsina at a joint meeting of various security agencies on election security. He said that the command would not allow thugs to breach the peace during any political activity, stressing that it would deal with anybody found wanting. According to him, the state command is prepared to ensure the security of lives and properties during and after the general elections. The commissioner called on politicians in the state to give the police all the necessary support and cooperation to ensure violence-free election campaigns in the state. In his remark, Alhaji Abubakar Wara, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, expressed appreciation with the security provided at all the registration centres across the state. Kebbi The Kebbi State Government has disbursed N1.98 billion to its 21 local government areas for the January monthly allocation. Alhaji Abubakar Kardi, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi last week that N2.1 billion was received by the state from the Federal Government for the month. He said that in accordance with the provisions of the law, some statutory deductions were made and N527.9 million, representing 25 per cent, was allocated for rural infrastructure projects. Kardi said N357.4 million was for payment of UBE primary school teachers, N45 million for local government service commission and N11.6 million for servicing of joint account committees. The commissioner said N4.2 million was allocated for social security welfare, while N6.3 million was for the army and police joint patrol. He said that Birnin Local Government Area received the highest allocation of N65.8 million, while Zuru Local Government Area got the lowest allocation of N39.4 million. Kardi advised the councils to utilise the resources judiciously in executing projects that had direct positive impact on the people, warning that strict punitive measures would be taken against officials who diverted or mismanaged the funds. Lagos The Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Dr John Akanya, has appealed to importers to be patriotic when importing goods. Akanya told our correspondent in Lagos last Thursday at the presentation of a quality certificate tagged “ISO 2008” to Dangote Cement Plc that in spite of efforts to stamp out substandard products, some businessmen still imported such goods. He said the trend was his major regret, noting that “despite the organisation’s milestone achievements under my tenure, some unscrupulous importers still cut corners and import substandard products. “It’s regrettable that some importers still circumvent the law and import substandard products that can destroy the lives of innocent Nigerians. “My vision is for the average Nigerian to abide by standards, be orderly as far as quality standard is concerned and make consumers have value for their money. Ogun The Ogun State Government has approved 150 per cent salary increase to its medical and health workers in line with the Enhanced Medical and Health Workers Salary Scale (OGEHESS). Mr Sina Kawonise, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, announced this in a statement issued last Friday in Abeokuta. The commissioner said that the gesture was aimed at boosting the morale of the medical and health workers. The new wage (150 per cent increase) has increased the monthly wage bill of the health sector in the state by N300 million. “This increase is the fourth for medical and health workers since the inception of the present administration in May 2003,’’ the commissioner noted. He said that to further demonstrate its concern for the health of the people, the government had established new or rehabilitated existing general hospital in each of the 20 local government areas. Kawonise added that government had also provided one health centre, complete with the appropriate manpower and state-of-the-art equipment in each ward. “From 1,175 in 2003, workers in the health sector in the state increased to 3,085 by 2010, while the number of hospitals increased from 26 to 29. Sokoto No fewer than 100 patients of the Ammanawa Leprosy Hospital in Dange-Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, have been registered in the ongoing voter registration. Mr. Moses Kayode, a Registration Officer at the hospital’s registration unit, told newsmen there was a large turn-out of the patients to exercise their civic responsibility. He said that all the materials needed for the conduct of exercise had been provided by INEC. He said: “I don’t have a problem registering eligible voters as all the materials needed for the exercise are in good condition.” Most of the registration centres in Dange-Shuni and Tureta Local Government Areas witnessed large turn-out of people. Alhaji Mande Usman, Chairman of Tureta Local Government, told The Tide in Tureta, that already the council had embarked on a campaign to mobilise voters to participate in the exercise.
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