Nation
THE STATES
Ogun
Ogun State Government says it has concluded plans to establish mini power plants that will generate 47 megawatts of electricity at N7.2 billion in the first quarter of 2010.
Governor Gbenga Daniel made the announcement in Abeokuta, while receiving a Chinese delegation and officials of CSI Nimbo Electrical Company, a manufacturer of power plants.
Gov. Daniel said government had concluded arrangements to send 20 public servants, including technicians, engineers and administrators to China to acquire necessary skills in the assemblage and management of mini plants.
Gombe
Gombe State Judiciary said it has disposed-off 17, 153 civil and criminal cases while 2,733 were still pending in the state high and Area courts in the year under review.
The State Chief Judge, Mr Hakila Heman, who disclosed this during the celebration of the 2009/10 legal year in Gombe stated that a total of 19,886 cases were registered in the last legal year as against the preceding year where 19,380 cases were recorded in the state.
Justice Heman said that 2,723 cases were still pending in the state high courts and courts of Appeal Seasons were held in Gombe Dukku and Kaltungo respectively.
He also said that the yearning of establishing registry courts in the state had been taken care of as the state judiciary had obtained the license to establish courts that would oversee marriage contract agreements in the state.
Kaduna
Kaduna state government has denied claims that it is marginalising the Southern part of the state, describing statements credited to some indigenes of the area as “bizarre and mischievous.”
Addressing journalist on the issue, Deputy Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa said all the actions of Governor Namadi-Sambo, do not harbour sectional, primordial or parochial interests.
Yakowa said despite pledges to develop all sections and all sectors of the state, the government takes special interest in providing social amenities in the southern part of the state as a way of fulfilling promises made by the Governor during his campaigns for gubernatorial seat in 2007.
Bauchi
The ill-health of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who is receiving treatment in far way Saudi Arabia, has taken a toll on the act of governance in Bauchi State as the Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda now shuttles between Abuja and Bauchi a development that has slowed down activities at the Government House over last couple of weeks, investigation has revealed.
The development, according to the investigation, was caused by the fact that Yuguda, like his Kebbi State counter part, is the son-in-law to the country’s first family, a situation that is already creating anxiety in the state capital.
While that is going on, investigations have revealed that some of the major projects embarked upon by the administration as soon as it came to power in 2007 including the Ningi Buna Road, Alkakri-Futuk Road as well as the State Secretariat (press centre) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have all been abandoned.
Kwara
Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki yesterday denied recent media reports that he was owing the sum of N8.4 billion being outstanding debt of three companies allegedly linked to him.
The governor, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr Mas’ud Adebimpe, described the claim as frivolous, mischievous and a calculated attempt to mislead the unsuspecting public and drag his name into the mud.
The governor was reacting to a paid advertorial sponsored by a group called Renaissance professionals in some national dailies of Monday and Tuesday December 7 and 8, 2009, respectively.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, the group had alleged that Dr Saraki owned three companies Linkers Nigeria Limited, Skyview Properties and Joy Petroleum, which all enjoyed the controversial waivers from Intercontinental Bank Plc.
“To put the records straight, it is no longer news that Dr Saraki had resigned his appointment as a director in all companies where he had interests, including the two mentioned in the paid advertorials Linkers Nigeria Limited and Skyview Properties Limited just as he is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the two companies as portrayed by the faceless group.
“Neither the governor nor any member of his family was at any time whatsoever a shareholder or director of Joy Petroleum Limited,” the statement said.
“As regards the other two companies, we wish to state that Linkers Nigeria Limited, which was alleged to be owing the sum of N1.89 billion, has paid N1.7bn, which amounted to over 90 per cent of the loan,” the statement explained.
“Regarding Skyview Properties, the purported loan was a “margin facility,” which gave the total control of the management of the said shares, for which the loan was secured to the bank in addition to the value of the shares, the company went ahead to pay N343 million.
FCT
Senate’s proposal to establish a joint monitoring board of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of corruption against the anti-graft bodies, received the disapproval of the EFCC chairman, Mrs Farida Waziri.
The monitoring board, which the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, is proposing to include in its amendment of the EFCC an ICPC Acts, according to Senator Solo Akinyede, chairman Senate Committee, would comprise secretaries of both agencies.
But speaking at a session on Wednesday, where she defended EFCC’s 2010, N7.68bn budget, Naziri stated that while she was not against being monitored, she warned that care must be taken to ensure that the proposed body does not create additional problems for the fight against corruption.”
Ogun
A lecturer at the University of Agriculture Abeokuta (UNAAB), Prof Philips Adetiloye, has urged the Federal Government to deregulate the salaries of public servants alongside the planned deregulation of oil sector.
Making the call at a news conference in Abeokuta, Adetiloye said it would amount to “dishonesty” if the government did not review the salaries and wages of the workers alongside the oil deregulation policy.
He argued that the only antidote to corruption in the public service and institutions was the payment of justifiable wages and salaries to workers.
Borno
The federal government has been accused of paying lip service to the proposed reform of the Nigerian Police even as the insecurity of lives and properties in the nation has been hinged on the need to have a “new” police.
This was the view expressed at the workshop organised by a pro-human rights group, Cleen Foundation in Maiduguri where the federal government was advised to be more committed to the proposed reforms of the Nigeria Police as the only alternative to move the force from its conventional policing to scientific one.
At the workshop which was to enlighten policemen on issues bordering on human rights, the deputy-executive director of the foundation, Oluwakemi Okonyodo said government ought to be serious and committed to the reforms of the police.
Lagos
In its bid to ensure a clean and healthy environment, the Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Konsadem Consortium to develop the 1st Modern Integrated Solid Waste Management System in Lagos.
The Integtrated Solid Waste Management site according to the governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), located in the Epe area of Lagos will be designed to accept a maximum 900 tons municipal waste daily.
Accordingly, the system to be established comprises of a material recovery facility where glass, plastics, paper and metal are processed for recycling.
In addition, a composting facility for the conversion of food scraps and green waste such as wood and foliage, into organic soil conditioners and a bale fill facility for storing all residual waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
Oyo
It was a weekend of sadness and agony in the camp of former Oyo State governor, Rasidi Ladoja as 19 persons believed to be his supporters perished along Ado-Awaye-Okeho road on their way to a funeral ceremony.
The victims included, former women leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mrs Bose Adedigba, Hakeem Adokola, Tajudeen Afolabi, Toyin Adeyemi among others.
The former governor, devastated by the incident hurriedly returned home from a social outing and cancelled all forms of meetings and appointments in sympathy and condolence with the fallen aides.
Osun
Federal Government has mapped out a ten-year education plan as part of the commitment to restructuring and repositioning the educational sector in response to some identified challenges.
Speaking Saturday at the 37th Convocation of Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile Ife, President Musa Yar’Adua, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Education, Dr. Sam Egwu, noted that the federal government will soon come out with strategies.
According to the president, the strategies which has been initiated was aimed at making the universities in the country globally competitive, and also make it more liberal and affordable.
Yar’Adua said in the short term, in addition to the increased statutory allocation of funds to education in the national budget, it has streamlined the educational Trust Fund to achieve enhanced focus on the education sector.
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