Nation
THE STATES
FCT
Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir has called for value orientation and reorientation for Nigerians.
Abdul-Kadir who made the call in Abuja said Nigerians below the age of 18 years should go for orientation, while those between the ages of 18 years and 35 years should go for reorientation as they fell within the definition of youth as stipulated in the National Youth Policy.
He said lack of orientation had made people not to obey laws because they did not value the laws.
Abdul-Kadir noted that the impunity with which Nigerians violated the law was not an exclusive preserve of public officials and that the trend had become a general societal problem that could only be addressed by looking inward and telling ourselves the truth.
Gombe
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Gombe State chapter, has condemned the killing of nine women on polio immunisation duty in Kano on Friday.
The Chairman of the association, Dr Jauro Degri, while briefing newsmen in Gombe, described the development as unfortunate considering the efforts made by various stakeholders in the country to eradicate the polio disease.
The chairman said that such attacks were capable of undermining the efforts by stakeholders toward the eradication of polio in the country.
Degri called for more measures aimed at protecting health workers and those involved in delivering healthcare services in the country.
He also urged Nigerians to support the National Health Bill, currently at the National Assembly saying, when passed it would go a long way in improving healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
Kaduna
Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State has said the government had provided N1 billion to empower youths under the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P).
Speaking in Zaria at the inauguration of new executive members of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Zaria branch, Yero, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yahaya Aminu, said the amount was meant to enable the youth in the state to get something doing.
The governor said the programme would train the youth on different trades, establish places of work and provide them with take-off grants, and urged youths to always promote peace in whatever they did to sustain the prevailing peace in the state.
Kano
Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso of Kano State has condemned the killing of nine polio workers in Kano.
Kwankwaso, who made the condemnation in a special broadcast, described the attack as shocking.
The governor condoled the state and the families of the victims and prayed for the souls of the deceased, assured the people that “government will not relent in its efforts to treat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, polio and malaria throughout the state’’.
He added that the administration would provide more educational and job opportunities to the teeming youths in the state.
Gunmen attacked some polio immunisation centres in Kano on Friday and in the process, killed nine female workers.
Kwara
The wife of Kwara governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, has called on parents and guardians to give more attention to the education of their children and wards to secure their tomorrow.
Ahmed, who made the call in Ilorin in an interview, described education as a veritable tool for building a virile nation, advised parents to give their children home training.
She said that home training was the basic requirement needed “to turn around the future of the child and society for good.’’
“There is need for parents to redouble their efforts in giving quality education and home training to their wards in order to make them useful to themselves and the society at large. “The future of our children lies in how much love and concern we have for them and that behooves on us to discharge our responsibilities as expected,’’ she said.
Lagos
The Canadian International Trade Minister, Mr Edward Fast on Saturday called for the strengthening and growth of Canada-Nigeria relations in the area of education.
Fast who made the remark when he visited the International Learning Network (ILN) in Lekki, Lagos State, said that he would also hold discussions on other fundamental areas that would benefit both countries.
“I think most of you know that Canada has perhaps the highest quality and level of education in the world”. “I just want to say to all of you students and to your parents whoever you may be, you will feel at home in Canada and welcomed,” he added.
Ogun
The Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Bimbo Ashiru, says the current suspension on dredging activities in the state continues until operators comply with laid down regulations.
Ashiru stated this in Abeokuta at a meeting with members of the Sand Dredgers Association in the state.
The commissioner insisted that nobody could carry out dredging activities in the state until he had obtained necessary permit and approval from the state government.
Ashiru explained that anyone who intended to dredge in the state must seek and obtain an approval from his ministry.
Oyo
Former Minister of Sports, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has told PDP members in Oyo State to be more committed to building the party.
Adedoja said in Ibadan that there was nothing more important than for members to do everything possible to make the party stronger.
He said the party had achieved remarkable progress in bringing everybody together in the state.
Speaking on speculations of his governorship aspiration, Adedoja said he was currently concerned with the welfare of members and less concerned about contesting an election.
Plateau
No fewer than 5,000 ghost workers are in Plateau civil service, Mr Yakubu Jang, the Special Adviser, Special Duties, to Plateau governor, has said.
Jang, who is chairman of the Biometric Data Capture Committee, authenticating the state’s 21,000 workers, made this known in an interview in Jos.
He said that 11,176 workers had so far been cleared and certified as authentic, adding that only those cleared would be paid the January salaries.
“We have set up an appeal panel to determine their cases. So at the end of the day, we may end up with about 16,000 workers. There is practically nothing about the other 5,000 “employees’’.
Sokoto
Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State, Alhaji Shua’bu Gambo, has called on officers and men of the command to be polite while dealing with members of the general public.
Gambo gave the advice in an interview in Sokoto .Gambo said that officers and men of the command had been taught, practically, on how to demonstrate courtesy while discharging their primary responsibility.
The police boss explained that, plain clothes security personnel had been deployed on foot patrols across the state to gather intelligence reports to boost the security situation in the state.
He also called on the people to avail police with useful information; about people of questionable movement to sustain the peaceful atmosphere the state was known.
Yobe
The police in Yobe confirmed the killing of three Korean health workers in Potiskum by unknown persons.
The Commissioner for Police in the state, Alhaji Sanusi Rufai, said in Damaturu that the health workers were killed in the early hours of Sunday.
Rufai said that the workers, three men and one woman were posted to the Potiskum General Hospital.
Sanusi explained that investigations had commenced to unveil those behind the murder of the expatriates.
In its reaction, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the state condemned the killing of the Korean health workers.
Zamfara
A Magistrates’ Court in Gusau, Zamfara, has remanded two men in prison custody over alleged theft of 17 cows.
The accused, Muhammad Muhammad, 30, of Bakinwa village in Wanke near Gusau, and Umar Mareri, 30, of Mareri Area of Gusau, are facing a three-count charge of brigandage, conspiracy and theft.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Longwan, told the court that the three conspired on October 5, 2012, invaded and stole the herds of cattle belonging to one Yahya Mustapha of Kanwuri area of Gusau.
Longwan said that the accused persons stole the 17 cows, whose value was yet to be ascertained and disappeared, but were arrested by the police two days after the incident.
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