Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has said he is to offer permanent appointments to all casual workers in the state.
He made the announcement last Wednesday in Bauchi when staff members in the Bauchi State Government House, paid him a congratulatory visit in his office.
Yuguda assured them that he would no longer work with any casual worker, saying that he would make every casual staff member of staff a permanent worker.
“Apart from the bona fide indigenes who are staffers, anybody who has lived up to seven years in every state is an indigene state according to the 1999 Constitution,“ he said
He urged junior workers in the state to improve themselves by acquiring more skills through higher education to enable them get promotions in their work places.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded six suspects in prisons custody for alleged murder of one Miss Salewa Ojo.
The suspects are Oladipo Ebenezer, 45; Aluko Folorunsho, 39; Owolabi Ebenezer, 30; Dada Nathaniel, 29; Owolabi Alaba, 26; and Dada Felix, 34.
They were alleged to have murdered the deceased by shooting her with a gun at Iludun-Ekiti in Ilejemeje Council Area on April 25.
FCT
A 42-year-old man was last week arraigned for an alleged attempt to steal N1,555,000 from the account of one Saidu Bayero.
Olusegun Apalara of Itire Road, Lagos, appeared before Chief Magistrate Hafsat Soso of the Abuja Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of joint act, theft and forgery.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Abdul Alhassan, told the court that on April 28, Bayero reported at the station that Apalara and one Olufemi, now at large, connived and stole his UBA cheque slip.
She adjourned the case to May 31 for further hearing.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government has approved N1 billion to boost large scale commercial agriculture in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, announced this last Wednesday in Dutse while addressing newsmen after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.
Abdullahi explained that the money would be disbursed in form of Agricultural Credit Scheme for farmers to go into commercial farming.
He added that the move represents government’s commitment to boosting agriculture as one of the major ways to tackle poverty in the state.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Zonal Command of the FRSC has cautioned motorists on hazards associated with driving in the rainy season in order to save lives and property.
Its Commanding Officer, Mr Samuel Obayemi, last Thursday in Kaduna said that the caution was aimed at reducing casualties of road crashes during the wet season.
Obayemi said motorists should desist from using second-hand tyres during the season as the tyres could lose their grip due to the wetness of the road, thereby resulting in brake failure.
Kano
Kano State Governor-elect, Dr Rabi’u Musa-Kwankwaso, has said that he will not encourage the production and circulation of films capable of polluting the culture and religion of the people.
“We will, through the state Censors Board, ensure that films produced or circulated here do not negate our people’s religion and culture.”
Kwankwaso made the statement when he received the members of the executive of Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPAN), who came to congratulate him on his electoral victory, in Kano on Thursday.
Lagos
A visual artist, Alimi Adewale, on Thursday said it was absurd for some religious bodies to regard arts as occultism.
Adewale told newsmen in Lagos that some churches misunderstood artworks to be symbols of occults.
He regretted that the situation had led to poor appreciation of artworks in Nigeria.
Adewale said that churches should appreciate visual arts “because their windows are designed with artworks.
“Even Muslims should appreciate abstract designs.
Nasarawa
Fifty inmates of Lafia Prisons have benefitted from an Information Communication Technology programme, organised by Business Information and Training Centre (BITC), Lafia, .Mr Lawarence Adenitan, the Centre Manager, said.
Adenitan made the fact known in Lafia when a delegation of the German Embassy visited the centre last week to review some programmes supported by the German Government in the state.
He said that 25 inmates were currently undergoing the same training and that since 2007, no fewer than 3,382 inmates had benefitted from different training programmes, organised by the centre.
Ogun
Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger last week, told political office holders to ensure judicious use of public resources for the good of the people.
Aliyu gave the advice while receiving visitors in his residence and identified indiscipline among political office holders in managing public fund as the bane of some politicians.
He advised them to be sincere in managing public funds as the people were always monitoring how their leaders utilised public funds.
He said that only prudent management of public resources among political office holders would showcase their integrity and enable them to retain the support and loyalty of the electorate.
Plateau
Vehicle owners in the Jos metropolis are experiencing biting fuel scarcity, forcing many of them to patronise black-marketeers.
Our correspondent who went round the Plateau capital reports that long queues were seen at the filling stations which had fuel in stock.
Tamen Fredrick, a driver waiting to buy fuel at the Mobil Filling Station opposite the Plateau Polytechnic, Jos Campus, told NAN that he had being in the queue since 6 a.m. but had not been served.
Sokoto
The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Soro, said that officers and men of the command were on red alert to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state.
Soro told newsmen in Sokoto that already operational order on how to effectively manage the entire state had been mapped out.
“We have deployed well trained officers for intelligent gathering in and out of the metropolis on foot patrol to enhance security situation in our state,” he said.
He called for active participation from the stakeholders in ensuring peace, progress and political stability of the state.
Yobe
Civil servants in Yobe are celebrating the 65 per cent subsidy on housing granted them by the state government.
Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe announced the package on the 500 housing units that the government sold to the workers on owner/occupier basis.
The governor, who announced the subsidy at the May Day celebration on Sunday, said the gesture was aimed at empowering the workers on home ownership.
Our correspondent reports that Gaidam directed that the beneficiaries pay 35 per cent of the prices of the houses.
Those allocated government quarters between 2006 and 2010 and were initially offered 50 per cent subsidy would also pay 35 per cent instead.
Zamfara
The Secretary of the Election Petitions Tribunal in Zamfara, Hajiya Hannatu Bello, says no petition has been filed at the tribunal in respect of the April 9 National Assembly elections.
Bello made the disclosure to newsmen in Gusau.
She said as at April 30, the expiration of the 21 days of grace for filing grievances arising from the National Assembly elections in Zamfara, not a single petition was received by the tribunal.
Bello also said the tribunal had yet to receive any petition regarding the governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
She, however, said the tribunal was expecting petitions on the governorship and House of Assembly elections held on April 29 before the expiration of the 21-day time limit for collection of petitions.
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