Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State last Monday commissioned Women Education and Empowerment Initiative Multi-purpose centre in Yola.
Speaking at the occasion, Nyako said the state government would continue to fight poverty through women empowerment progrmmes.
He commended the effort of his wife, Hajia Zainab Nyako, for her focus in establishing the centre, stating that the development would go a long way in empowering women in the state.
In her remarks, Hajia Zainab Nyako, said about N50 million was spent in building the centre.
She said the centre had trained more than 7,000 women in the state on various skills, adding that the centre, which could accommodate 800 people, would also serve as a source of revenue generation.
According to her, the construction of the centre was achieved through the collective activities of philanthropists, donor organisations and other well-meaning individuals.
Benue
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Jibril Okutepa, has suggested that the powers of the National Industrial Court (NIC) be reduced to allow efficiency in the discharge of its duties.
Okutepa, who stated this at the inauguration of the NIC on Monday in Makurdi, said the jurisdiction of the court was too wide at the moment.
He said that section 254 (C) of the 1999 constitution, which vested the powers of exclusive jurisdiction on labour matters on the court, should be reviewed to enable it perform more efficiently.
He regretted that the lawyers, who disregarded court orders and denigrated Judges in the media, were never punished in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Okutepa said the indiscipline in the bar was encouraged by the bench and called on Judges to enforce discipline against erring lawyers to restore sanity in the judiciary.
In his remarks, the President of the Court, Justice A.B Adejumo, said the court was a specialised one, whose duties could not be shelved owing to its peculiar nature.
He assured that cases before it would be dispensed expeditiously for the purpose of stabilising the polity.
Borno
The wife of Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, last Monday flagged off a training programme for 40 unemployed youths in Maiduguri to fight youth restiveness and poverty.
Shettima said that the beneficiaries would be trained in three trade skills, including tailoring, knitting and computer operation.
She explained that the programme was facilitated by her organisation known as Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya Children (SWOT) Foundation, adding that the major objective was to eradicate poverty by empowering youths in various trades.
Shettima said that the training was packaged in partnership with the agency for mass literacy to ensure maximum result.
She said that the foundation had procured equipment for distribution to the trainees at the end of their training, and urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously because of its importance for their future.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government last Monday in Dutse said no fewer than 100 less-privileged people living with HIV/AIDS would be empowered in 2013.
The Executive Secretary, State Agency for the Control of AIDS (JISACA), Dr Bashir Ahmed, made this known during a meeting with the state chapter of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN).
Ahmed explained that JISACA would collaborate with the state Ministry of Economic Development to empower the people.
According to him, the empowerment programme for those with the disease will keep them busy and provide them with job to carter for their daily needs.
“Apart from this effort, every month we give N20, 000 each to nine HIV/AIDS Facility-Based Support Groups in the state as a standing order to enable them to carry out their activities effectively,” he added.
The state Chairman of NEPWHAN, Alhaji Ahmed Sarki-Nopa, thanked the State Government for the support, and pledged to continue to embark on more awareness campaign against the spread of the disease in the state.
Kaduna
A husband, Mohammed Gardi of Hayin Danmani, Kaduna on Monday forfeited a N15, 000 dowry to get divorce from his wife.
Gardi’s wife, Yasira Isa had gone to the Shari’a Court II, Kaduna on Jan. 26 asking it to dissolve the marriage. She told the court that she was ready to return the dowry paid by the husband, as she was no longer in love with him.
The presiding officer, Khadi Ibrahim Inuwa had told the woman that her prayers would be granted if she return back the dowry. The pronouncement by the judge prompted Gardi of Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna to decline the offer.
He said he would forfeit the dowry in recognition of the “two children we had’’, and said prayed the court to restrict her from visiting his house so as not to create any problem with other members of his family, especially his aged mother and wife.
Inuwa granted the request and barred Isa from the house but directed that the children be allowed to visit their mother once a month and to attend any event by her family “to enable them get fully acquainted with their mother’s relatives”.
Kebbi
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its plan to embark on indefinite strike in Kebbi, over delay in the payment of salary to primary school teachers.
The state Chairman of the union, Malam Aliyu Dallami, said on Monday in Birnin Kebbi that the strike was suspended pending the outcome of an exercise being conducted by local government councils.
He urged teachers to be patient and cooperate fully to ensure success of the exercise, adding that officials of the union would be involved in the exercise to ensure that none of its members was victimised.
Dallami advised teachers whose names were not included in the payment of the N18,000 minimum wage to participate in the exercise, and said the union was expecting the state government to inform the union what it was doing to rectify the anomalies.
He expressed concern over the decision of the local government chairmen to reduce the number of teachers on their pay roll.
Kogi
The General Manager, Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA), Mr James Odiba, says the agency spent N445.8 million on the execution of community projects in the past four years.
Odiba who made the disclosure in an interview in Lokoja.said the money was spent on 232 micro projects in various communities.
He said 126 of the projects were completed last year, adding that 44 projects were ongoing while 62 would be flagged off soon.
The projects, according to him, centre on Education, Rural Electrification, Environment and Natural Resources, Gender and Vulnerable groups, Health, Socio-economic, Transport and Water.
Kwara
The Federal Government will commence the dredging of Asa River in Ilorin, the Kwara capital, within the next three weeks.
Mr Tunji Morounfoye, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, who disclosed this in an interview in Ilorin said the contractor for the project has already been mobilised to begin the work.
Morounfoye assured the people of the state that the contractor would execute the job on time in line with specifications. He said the project, when completed, would further enhance the economic activities of the state.
The commissioner stated that the” expansion of the Asa River will put an end to annual flood being experienced in some parts of the state capital”.
The commissioner praised the effort of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr Bukola Saraki, for ensuring the award of the contract, and reiterated the determination of the state government to continue providing amenities that will make life more meaningful for the people.
Ogun
No fewer than six persons, including three children, were confirmed dead in a lone accident near Sagamu interchange in Ogun on Monday.
The Sagamu Unit Commander of the FRSC, Mr Lanrewaju Ogundele, told newsmen that the Toyota Hiace bus marked Sokoto GWD 20 XA was heading to Lagos from Sokoto.
He said the visibility of the driver was impaired by the early morning foggy weather, forcing him to run into a stationary empty container parked off the road.
“Nineteen persons were involved but six died while others are in very critical conditions as we speak and receiving treatments at Idera Hospital in Sagamu.
“The corpses of the three children as well as that of the two male and one female adult had been deposited at Fakoya Hospital Mortuary in Sagamu, he said.
“It is very important for drivers to be very careful when they drive in a foggy weather condition, especially when visibility is impaired.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Monday in Akure passed a budget of N152.5 bilion for 2013 fiscal year, increasing the initial sum of N151 billion presented by Gov. Olusegun Mimiko, by N1.5 billion.
The House Majority Leader, Mr Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, moved the motion for the passage of the bill, lauding the effort of the committee, headed by Chief Fidelis Akinwolemiwa.
Akinwolemiwa had also appealed to the government to adhere to the provisions of the budget in line with the needs identified.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Samuel Adesina, called on the executive to implement the budget to the fullest.
The committee chairman also advised the government to take steps necessary to ensure that the anticipated internally generated revenue target of N12 billion was exceeded.
Akinwolemiwa explained that the committee approved the additional N1.5 billion, having discovered the need for the added sum.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has inaugurated a special ambulance service scheme for emergency cases.
Flagging off the “Osun Special Ambulance Service Scheme (OSASSA)” scheme in Osogbo, Monday, Aregbesola said the ambulances would provide first aid at the scene of accidents before taking victims to hospital.
He said the programme with 31 ambulances would promote quality health care delivery service and reduce deaths in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Temitope Ilori, said the scheme was part of the six integral action plans enunciated by Aregbesola in which the health sector was crucial.
Ilori said many victims die from preventive deaths at the scene of accidents due to multiple reasons such as distance, traffic jams and poor public cooperation, adding that ambulance service would totally eradicate these.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has signed the state’s 2013 appropriation bill of N115.8 billion. The State House of Assembly passed the bill last week.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Sokoto, the governor urged workers in the state to work with the fear of God.
“With the assenting of the 2013 appropriation bill, respective MDAs are now responsible for ensuring effective implementation of the 2013 budget. “I must categorically state without mincing words that we, on our part, have discharged our responsibility. “As such, the onus lies with all the public functionaries in their respective duty posts to ensure that the overall interest of the good people of Sokoto state is protected,’’ he said.
Alhaji Lawalli Zayyana, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, said that the Assembly was modestly blessed with working tools and logistics to carry out its activities.
“Only a month back, about N220 million was expended on the procurement of committees’ vehicles to further strengthen oversight activities. “Happily enough, about N1 billion has been voted in the 2013 budget for the comprehensive rehabilitation and repairs of the assembly complex,’’ Zayyana said.
Zamfara
Zamfara State Primary Education Board on Monday began a two-week training for supervisors of English Language in primary schools toward reducing the rate of failure in the subject among pupils.
A member of the board, Alhaji Mahe Rini, said at the opening of the conference that the training was aimed at enhancing the participants’ proficiency in teaching the subject.
Rini said pupils in both private and public schools lacked enough understanding of the subject and as such the participants were selected from both segments of the school system.
He gave an assurance that the board would work toward removing all bottlenecks to the improvement of standards in the subject.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Director of Primary Education in the board, Alhaji Na-Allah Gummi, urged the participants to work hard to achieve the objectives of the training.
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