Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB), has decried the low enrolment of students from the North East region into technical schools in the country.
The NABTEB North East Zonal Coordinator, Mr Gabriel Yalamu, said this in an interview with newsmen in Yola last Monday.
Yalamu, who described the situation as “worrisome”, said that the development was among the major factors hindering the economic growth and contributed to the security challenges in the zone.
He attributed the development to the lack of commitment by some state governments, organisations and wealthy individuals from the region.
FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, last Monday urged Nigerians to speak less on the planned amnesty for Boko Haram to allow the committee to perform its responsibilities.
Enang spoke in Abuja ahead of Tuesday’s resumption of the Senate from a two-week Easter recess and said it was necessary for Nigerians to avoid comments capable of escalating the lingering insecurity in the country.
“This is to allow the committees and persons saddled with these responsibilities to concentrate on their jobs and contact the appropriate persons and extract the appropriate commitments.
“Lets us allow those saddled with these responsibilities to work. We should be positive and optimistic on the expected outcome,’’ he said.
Enang said the conference of four Senate Committees on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) had the responsibility to determine the modality for the public hearing on the bill.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Haruna Wakili, has approved the immediate removal of Malam Abba Ibrahim as Principal of Government Secondary School, Maigatari.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Malam Ismail Ibrahim, and made available last Tuesday in Dutse, directed the principal to hand over the administration of the school to the Vice-Principal (Administration), Malam Sabiu Tsmaiya, pending the appointment of a new principal.
The former principal was also directed to report to the ministry for further directives.
Meanwhile, the state government has approved the re-appointment of Prof. Garba Goje as Rector of the Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, for a second term.
The statement explained that the appointment was with effect from April 25. According to it, Goje’s re-appointment is based on performance.
Kano
Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board said last Tuesday it would collaborate with the ward development associations in the state to ensure cleanliness of the environment.
Director of Solid Wastes of the board, Alhaji Ismail Bello, said in Kano that the partnership had resulted in appropriate waste disposal and evacuation of refuse within the metropolis.
He said “we have community associations that liaise with us. We have established a rapport that ensures that when they want to embark on sanitation, our staff are notified, so as to apportion a day for the exercise. “
Bello also said that the board was already working toward evacuation of drains to allow for free flow of water during the forthcoming rainy season.
“Our men are already engaged in 24-hour service in clearing of refuse across the city .
Kebbi
The Chairman, Northern Houses of Assembly Speakers’ Forum, Alhaji Habibu Musa, has commended the Federal Government’s proposed amnesty to Boko Haram.
Musa, who is the Speaker of Kebbi House of Assembly, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi last Monday that amnesty was a major step toward solving the security challenges in the country.
He said dialogue was the potent means adopted the world over to resolve conflicts, stressing that amnesty would provide the required avenue for issues to be resolved peacefully.
Kogi
Kogi State Water Board says it will soon embark on the disconnection of pipes illegally connected to offices, business premises and residential houses in Lokoja and its environs.
The General Manager of the board, Mr Vincent Abakpa, said in Lokoja on Tuesday that this measure had become necessary due to the refusal of water users to heed several warnings from the board.
He said that those found guilty of the illegal connection would be made to face the law as staff of the board had been mandated to go round and identify culprits.
Kwara
An Ilorin Area Court last Tuesday dissolved the five-year-old marriage between one Aminat Tunde and her husband, Jimoh, over lack of a child in the union.
The 43-year-old house wife had approached the court to dissolve the marriage over the lack of a child in the marriage.
The petitioner, a resident of Fate area of Ilorin, also told the court that her husband was too harsh and fond of placing curses on her.
According to her, their marriage was contracted in 2008 and was yet to produce any child. She prayed the court to end the marriage, saying her husband was making life difficult for her.
Her husband did not object to the prayer of his wife, saying, she was free to go. “My wife’s wayward life style has forced me not to have any pity for her situation,” he said.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, has warned residents of Ado-Odo in Ado-Odo/Otta Local Government Area to shun violence or risk imposition of curfew in the area.
He was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mr Muyiwa Oladipo.
The youths were protesting the alleged refusal of Akanni to visit one of his rivals to the throne who was in the hospital following an auto crash involving the monarch and the man.
The action resulted in a reprisal attack by supporters of the monarch resulting in violence in various parts of the town.
Amosun, however, cautioned the residents against violence to avoid the wrath of the state government and assured the people that the government would set up a committee to investigate remote and immediate causes of the crisis.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has warned road contractors handling road projects across the state against low quality work.
The Chairman, House Committee on Works, Mr Abiodun Awolola, gave the warning during the committee’s oversight visit to Ede North and Iwo Local Government Areas of the state.
Awolola, who particularly condemned the work done on Iyalode road in Iwo, ordered the contractor in-charge to stop work on the project due to poor quality of work.
Oyo
A former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, last Tuesday said his political opponents were behind the rumour making the rounds that he was a murderer.
Speaking against the backdrop of the renewed political violence in Ekiti State, Fayose told newsmen on phone that the rumour was part of a smear campaign ahead of the 2014 governorship election in the state.
He said: “ my popularity in Ekiti ahead of the 2014 governorship election is a dilemma to my opponents and that is why they are looking for any opportunity to blackmail. I am not a murderer as they claimed. Nobody or court has arraigned me for murder in the last seven years. Are we saying that the system is not working?’’
Fayose, a PDP governorship aspirant in the election, said his political opponents had nothing to use in campaigning against him. “It is all political gimmicks and intrigues. They are running a failed propaganda,’’ he said.
Fayose appealed to his supporters to remain resolute and shun acts capable of heating up the polity.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government has threatened to blacklist non-performing contractors, saying that it is no longer prepared to tolerate “unserious people’’.
The state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Solomon Maren, gave the warning while inspecting ongoing projects in Langtang on Monday.
“We are tired of revoking contracts and will soon start collecting a data of non-performing contractors to shut our doors against them,’’ he said.
Maren warned contractors handling government projects to improve in delivering quality jobs and on scheduled time.
He warned that government would not tolerate a situation where some firms frustrate its desire to improve the living standards of the populace.
Maren decried the slow pace of work on the five- kilometer Langtang Road and declared that the job was being delayed.
According to him, this road has taken too much time. I can’t see how a five kilometer road will take you more than two years to finish.
Sokoto
The Chairman, Sokoto North Local Government, Sokoto State, Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi last Monday urged the three-tiers of government to empower youths to check restiveness in the country.
Abdullahi said in Sokoto that proper investment in youths would prevent them from being used as agents of destruction, noting that the lingering insecurity in the country would be resolved if government produced policies and programmes aimed at providing jobs to the teaming unemployed Nigerians.
He also called on the Federal Government to work out modalities that would revamp the nation’s ailing companies.
Abdullahi called on wealthy Nigerians to complement government’s efforts by setting up companies to create jobs, and identified poverty and unemployment as factors responsible for the insecurity situation in the country.
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