Nation
‘Security Agents Need Higher Education To Defeat Bandits’
The Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Anglican Communion, Bishop Timothy Yahaya, has said that for the country to win the war against banditry and kidnapping, the nation’s security men must be upgraded educationally and in quick response to the activities of the criminal elements.
Yahaya spoke to journalists, yesterday, at the premises of Christ Anglican Church, Kaduna, before ordaining five of his members into Priesthood and 12 others as Deacons.
He advised that the Federal Government should open recruitment depots across the country to recruit thousands of police and soldiers to wage war against the bandits.
He said the number of criminals in the bush has outnumbered the number of security men fighting them, adding that the minimum academic qualifications for the nation’s police should be a national diploma.
“I want to believe that at the national level our leaders have accepted the reality that it is not an easy task for Nigerians. And, therefore, I want us to work in various dimensions; number one dimension is that we must declare state of emergency on security in Nigeria. We need state of emergency.
“We are supposed to open depots across the country to recruit soldiers and police in thousands to beat these men in the bush because it is like the number of the men we have in the bush has outnumbered our security men. We need a security emergency.
“Number two, our recruitment process has to change because these criminals are degrees holders, Masters holders, and if we must beat them, the minimum requirement into the Nigeria police should be national diploma so that we can have sharper people that can beat these modern criminals we have around.
“I want to say that the economy of Nigeria is very sick. We must do something about it. We are talking about diversification; it is not just with mouth to see the reality of diversification.
“Nigeria can feed the whole of Africa. And that will give us a clean economy in this country. We should make sure that whatever we are doing we should cause a revolution in the power sector.
“And I want to speak to Nigerians that if we want to move ahead, we must ensure the relationship between agriculture and industry and by so doing we will find out that our country will be great. And those in the ministry of trade, commerce, and industry have to be very careful.
“We import toothpicks to Nigeria, we import envelopes to Nigeria, we import tissue paper to Nigeria.
“It means that our hard-earned currency going out of this country for things that are not necessities of life. We should cut down rubbish and import only what is necessary in this country.
“And let me add that we should patronise made-in-Nigeria goods so that this country will be great again. When we stop importing rubbish, we are creating jobs in our country. Don’t export our hard-earned money to the world,” he said.
On Priesthood ordination, he said, “we are very careful not to ordain unworthy people because the world has been saturated with ministers, but ministering nothing.
“So, we are very careful that the men we are ordaining and sending out today are trustworthy, credible, reliable, dynamic, and pragmatic men to make impact and change our generation.
“These ones are with a difference. We want to call on all leaders that have authority to ordain to be very careful who they ordain because even the Bible says don’t be quick to lay your hands on who you want to ordain.
“The difference between a motivational speaker and a priest is that a priest is declared in the hands of God to preach reality, while a motivational speaker moves your emotions, makes you to be excited for a few minutes. Having been excited, you realised that reality is not with you.
“A true man of God preaches reality with you for eternity. And I can tell you that we are not only having motivational speakers, but we also are not having people who have become ministers of finance of the gospel, who have made merchandise of the gospel, nonsense of the gospel, and that is what we are out to correct so that by our generation and time, we don’t get these wrong people in position of leadership.
“Whoever is ordained is a leader and therefore I want to challenge pastors all over the world and even political leaders to know that leadership is trust, in leadership you are expected to deliver goods and services that are expected by your people.
“If you are a pastor you are expected to deliver in three forms; in spirit, in God, and in body, that means you are a complete human being. And it is expected that you are at your duty post 24 hours because people will be in one crisis or the other.
“Today if people could preach against drugs peddling, drug abuse in our country will come to barest minimum.
“If our children are trained by ministers as they grow and we bring back Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and bring more teachers of CRK to teach the reality, I believe our citizenry will be better today.
“Therefore, I call on our leaders, whoever is there, that leadership is a trust, one day we shall give an account of it.
“Remember that as a good leader there are legacies you will leave behind that you will be remembered for.
“Do you want to be remembered for stocking money in water tanks, hiding money in soakaways, the number of houses you bought in Dubai, how you looted your people, dilapidated houses, potholes on roads, your IGR is increasing and there is no development anywhere, or the good things you have done for the people? Remember that there is a day of reckoning when you shall give an account of leadership.
“The Priests have to be very prayerful, because without God nothing is possible, they have to speak out to men in authority and leadership, they should not be political, not to take sides, they should remain neutral to be able to tell the truth to power.
“We must live by example, people must see us as the people they can trust, the people they can believe and relate with, the people that bring solutions to the problems of our country.
“Today, I believe that the problem of Nigeria will become a thing of the past if we look unto God and live exemplary life, tell ourselves the truth.
“No matter your faith, no matter your religion, you are supposed to be nationalistic and patriotic to this country. It is my prayer and desire that we all become patriotic in this country,” he said.
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