Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Federal Government on Thursday announced the confirmation of Alhaji Dahiru Bobbo as the substantive Public Complaints Commissioner for Adamawa.
The news of the confirmation was contained in a statement issued in Yola by the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Hamman James.
Bobbo was the Registrar, University of Maiduguri and a onetime Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service in the defunct Gongola State. He had also served as the Director General, National Boundary Commission.
It said that the commission was soliciting “usual cooperation from general public to enable it discharged its duty effectively in the state.
“I would like to reiterate that the Commission’s mandate as a grievance-handling body, includes the investigation of the conduct and administrative excesses in government ministries, private companies and their officials. “This is with a view to providing social justice for individual citizens,” the statement further stated.
Borno
The Borno Government said last Thursday that it planned to renovate the Gwoza General Hospital to improve its condition.
Governor Kashim Shettima said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, in Gwoza, headquarters of Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA).
Shettima expressed regret over the hospital’s current dilapidated condition.
“We are going to award contract for a complete overhaul of the structures at the hospital. “We will also equip the hospital with the standard facilities befitting of its status as a general hospital,” he said.
Shettima pointed out that the contract would be awarded in the next two months for work to commence.
“We will insha Allah (by the grace of God) award contract for the renovation of the hospital in the next two months. “I believe that the project will be completed and commissioned in the next nine months so that individuals can start benefiting,” he added.
Jigawa
The prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities
have gone up in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State as Muslims count down to the Ramadan fast.
That the prices of food items such as rice, beans, yams, vegetables and beverages had increased by between 15 per cent and 20 per cent.
A 50kg bag of rice now cost N9,200 as against N8,000 previously while a bag of beans sells for N18,000 compared to N12,000 it sold about a month ago. A tin of groundnut oil jumped to N7,200 from the former price of N6,200.
A big tuber of yam now cost N600 as against N300 while a crate of egg now sells for N750 as against N680.
Malam Bayero Aliyu, a trader, attributed the price increases to security challenges in some parts of the northern states, adding that the situation made it difficult for traders to go to some places to buy food items.
Malam Haruna Ibrahim, a customer, also appealed to traders not to increase the prices of their commodities.
Ibrahim said that Ramadan was a holy month when Muslims should be merciful to one another.
Kaduna
The New Nigerian Newspapers (NNN), has sacked 30 workers as part of measures to reduce the company’s running cost.
The Managing Director of the company, Malam Tukur Abdurrahman, said in Kaduna on Thursday that the affected workers were sacked for redundancy.
He said those affected included drivers, secretaries, radio, fax and telephone operators.
“We have drivers but no vehicles to drive. We even have a driver that is now blind. Also, we have secretaries to officers that do not exist and fax operators, which we no longer use.”
The managing director advised the sacked workers to present their documents to their contributory pension providers to get their entitlement.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), NNN chapter, Ibrahim Adamu, said those affected included six workers in Lagos and 24 in Kaduna head office.
Adamu said although the management of the company explained the reason for the exercise, the action was untimely.
Kano
The Kano State Government, says it has purchased various foodstuffs worth N150 million for Ramadan free feeding.The Kano State Government, says it has purchased various foodstuffs worth N150 million for Ramadan free feeding.
This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Bala Salihu, the Director of Press to the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Ganduje. This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Bala Salihu, the Director of Press to the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Ganduje.
The food items included bags of rice, beans, sugar, cooking oil, flour and take away containers.The food items included bags of rice, beans, sugar, cooking oil, flour and take away containers.
The statement quoted Ganduje as saying that 10 mosques and three Quranic schools from each of the eight metropolitan local governments had been selected as distribution centres for the foodstuffs.
Katsina
Vegetable sellers in Funtua, Malumfashi and Kafur markets in Katsina State have complained of low patronage as the Ramadan fast draws nearer.Vegetable sellers in Funtua, Malumfashi and Kafur markets in Katsina State have complained of low patronage as the Ramadan fast draws nearer.
The Chairman of the Vegetable Sellers’ Association at Malumfashi Market, Malam Yakubu Haruna, that the quantity of vegetables and other items being supplied from nearby villages to township markets, had dropped due to the scarcity.The Chairman of the Vegetable Sellers’ Association at Malumfashi Market, Malam Yakubu Haruna, that the quantity of vegetables and other items being supplied from nearby villages to township markets, had dropped due to the scarcity.
Haruna said that the prices of commodities were high this year compared to last year, and urged customers to bear with the situation, adding that the prices at the market would soon stabilise.Haruna said that the prices of commodities were high this year compared to last year, and urged customers to bear with the situation, adding that the prices at the market would soon stabilise.
He expressed the hope that patronage would be high when fasting commenced and called on his co-traders not to capitalise on the situation to increase prices of items. He expressed the hope that patronage would be high when fasting commenced and called on his co-traders not to capitalise on the situation to increase prices of items.
In Funtua, another vegetable dealer, Malam Ibrahim Dandayi, also complained a medium sized basket of tomato sold for between N3,500 and N4,000 while a bag of fresh pepper went for between N7,000 to N8,000.
Kebbi
Pilgrims from Kebbi will be provided with improved accommodation, medical care and welfare during the 2012 Hajj to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims from Kebbi will be provided with improved accommodation, medical care and welfare during the 2012 Hajj to Saudi Arabia.
Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Usman Bello, who made the promise in Birnin Kebbi during a meeting of the board, said that transportation of the pilgrims would also be improved. Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Usman Bello, who made the promise in Birnin Kebbi during a meeting of the board, said that transportation of the pilgrims would also be improved.
Bello urged members of the board to work out modalities to reduce the hardship faced by pilgrims in the Holy Land.Bello urged members of the board to work out modalities to reduce the hardship faced by pilgrims in the Holy Land.
Nasarawa
The Criminal Justice Committee members in Nasarawa State, met last Thursday in Lafia to find ways of decongesting prisons in the state.
The Public Relations Officer of Nasarawa State High Court, Mr Enoch Maku, said that the meeting was necessitated by the overcrowding of prisons in the state.
The PRO also said that the essence of the meeting was to ensure speedy administration of justice in order to decongest the prisons.
Maku said to achieve the objective, the Criminal Justice Committee, chaired by the Chief Justice of the State, Badamasi Maina, made some resolutions concerning the responsibility of the various stakeholders.
Oyo
The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) lastn Thursday
urged Nigerians to be security conscious, saying confronting the nation’s current challenges was a collective business of all stakeholders.
The body made the plea at a forum in Ibadan to herald its crusade tagged: “ Night of Wonders.’’
Speaking at the forum, NBC Central Workers Committee Chairman, Rev. Johnson Adeleke, said the terrorist attacks in some parts of the country required divine intervention to tackle.
Adeleke urged Christians to pray fervently in order to assist the nation to overcome its current challenges.
The Vice President of NBC, Rev. Dr Gold Anie, also said government and security agencies must be given support to tackle the current security challenges.
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