Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
An Adamawa-based NGO, Mana Foundation for Grassroots Development, says it donated sporting facilities to youth centres in Adamawa to enhance sports development in the state
The Director of the foundation, Miss Amina Gadzama, said in Yola on Saturday that it donated volleyball, table tennis and scrabble facilities to youth centres in the 21 local government areas.
Gadzama said that the donation would ensure development of the games.
She said that the gesture was to encourage the youth to develop their sports talents and to enable them make a living through sports.
Gadzama said the foundation had also concluded arrangements to organise inter-school football competition for girls in junior and senior schools in the state.
“A football competition will be organised for girls schools, the competition will be conducted at local government and state levels. ’’
Gombe
Farmers in Gombe State are hopeful that 2012 farming season will yield good results in the agricultural sector.
Some of the farmers, said the weather signs had indicated that the season would bring a lot of blessings.
One of the farmers, Alhaji Mohammed Bula, said that from all indications, this year’s farming season would be a successful one.
“Like our forefathers told us that if there is a serious hammattan and too much heat in the year, we are going be blessed with a good farming season and we have observed it this year,” he said.
He said that he had been farming for over 20 years, adding that every year he realised about 300 to 500 bags of Sorghum or Millet.
Bula urged the State Government to ensure early supply of fertiliser to farmers at subsidised rate.
Malam Adamu Babawuro, also a farmer, predicted that Gombe would be among the states that would produce large quantities of grains, which the country would benefit from.
Babawuro expressed the belief that the loans given to farmers by the government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry would help in ensuring success during the farming season.
Another farmer, Musa Ajiya, advised the government to accept farm produce as repayment of the loan given to the farmers.
Kano
The new President of the Kano State Chapel of National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), Hajiya Amina Usman, has pledged to wage war on the rampant cases of rape in Kano State through advocacy.
Usman made the pledge in Kano on Saturday while being sworn-in as President of the chapel.
She said that her administration would ensure massive support of NAWOJ members, adding that she would operate an open-door policy.
“We hope to follow the foot steps of our predecessors who worked tirelessly to see that NAWOJ awakened from its long slumber,” she stated.
Usman said that NAWOJ would collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the training and re-training of its members.
“We are willing to assist and organise social gatherings and offer assistance to children at the orphanage homes in the state so they can feel the impact of our organisation,” she said.
Kogi
The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, on Saturday in Lokoja reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing an improved working environment for its civil servants.
Awoniyi spoke after being decorated with the state’s new identity card by the Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Moses Atakpa.
The Deputy Governor who solicited the continued support of workers said an improved working environment would help the state in the attainment of its transformation agenda.
“Only a virile and well co-ordinated civil service will help in implementing government policies for the attainment of set-goals,’’ he said.
Awoniyi pointed out that the state government would provide every facility and working tool needed for effective service delivery by the civil servants.
“This is because government is committed to securing an improvement in the well-being of the citizenry,’’ he said.
The Deputy Governor commended the state’s civil servants for living up to their official responsibilities since the inception of the present administration in the state.
Kwara
A Nigerian-born American Preacher and President for the World Revival Mission, Pastor Sam Aweda, says that only righteousness will bring the nation back to the path of sanity and prosperity.
Aweda, who spoke with newsmen said “we have found ourselves a highly religious nation in crises of moral laxity.”
The clergyman, who came into the country to organise a one-day conference tagged: “A Day of Commitment to Godliness and Nation”, said he would reach out to many stakeholders during the religious endeavour.
The event is slated for Ilorin, the Kwara capital, on May 5.
Aweda said: “If we remove poverty in the land, those things which people list as problems, for which they sleep nights in places of worship, will disappear.’’
“Poverty is the root cause of many illnesses that afflict many people. How will someone not be sick, when he cannot get balanced diet to eat?.
Lagos
A Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has advised youths to be more committed to sports.
Oladunjoye said in Lagos that the Lagos State Government was planning to engage the youths through sports.
“Sports is to encourage young players, and give them a sense of belonging; in essence, making them responsible citizens,” he said.
Oladunjoye said the Lagos State Government would scout for up-and-coming sports talents at the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF), scheduled for November 27 to December 9 in Lagos.
He said such talents would be groomed to become professionals in their chosen sports and thus make a living through sports.
“We want to take advantage as the host state to engage Lagos youths and athletes to take whatever sports they participate in, to the next level,” Oladunjoye said.
Ogun
The police last Sunday foiled a robbery attempt at a branch of Guarantee Trust Bank in Kuto, Abeokuta, a statement said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the attempted robbery took place at 5 a.m.
It said the robbery suspects had stormed the bank, carrying different equipment, such as hammers, a gas cylinder, chisel and others, for the operation.
Adejobi said the suspects engaged the State Anti Robbery team in a gun duel, adding that the team, supported by the Quick Response Squad, forced the robbers to flee.
He said that the suspects left with bullet wounds and were forced to abandon their tools.
“‘The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, has ordered immediate investigation combing of the vicinity and investigation into the attack.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) begind a 16-day tour of the 23 local governments of the state to assess development at the grassroots.
A statement signed by its chairman, Labaran Dundaye and secretary, Bashir Mani, said in Sokoto on Sunday that the tour was sequel to the approval granted by Governor Aliyu Wamakko .
According to the statement, the monitoring tour is aimed at assessing the achievements of the state and the local governments in the last five years.
“It is also aimed at boosting the rural coverage by the working journalists in the state, as well as enhancing the entrenchment of democracy,’’ it added.
The six chapels of the NUJ in the state, as well as the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Veteran Journalists, would all be represented on the tour.
Taraba
Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State has charged the State Tourism Development Board to live up to expectations of marketing the tourism potential of the state.
He warned that failure to do this would compel government to withdraw its sponsorship of the annual Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival.
Suntai gave the charge last Saturday at Ibi in Ibi Local Government Area of the state at a ceremony to mark the 2012 Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival
He observed that a situation where people were invited for a jamboree using government resources to enjoy themselves and go away without any revenue accruing to government was no longer to be encouraged by his administration.
He complained that “four years after the board came into being we are yet to see if tourism in Taraba State can be turned into a revenue generating venture. “
He noted that this had remained a great challenge for members of the board.
“In the next two years if you cannot change your ways of handling the tourism issue in the state I will quietly withdraw from this unprofitable venture because Nwonyo Fishing Festival would have to be transformed to a revenue generating festival,” Suntai said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Sa’ad Abubakar, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, said that progress was being made in the tourism sector in the state.
He said that the board had been working relentlessly to involve the private sector in the tourism sector of the state.
Abubakar noted that the level of involvement of MTN, Zain and Zenith Bank among others in this year’s edition of the festival was a major breakthrough.
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