A 33-year-old Chinese national identified as Chen Wang has been reported stabbed to death in his office at Fujiada Electronics Technology Company Ltd, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Wang, an expatriate and manager of the company, was allegedly killed in his office around noon on Sunday.
The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, yesterday, told newsmen that the incident was reported to the Ogere police division by one Akosile Akinsanmi, a manager at the company.
Odutola disclosed that a manhunt has begun for one Jonah and his unidentified girlfriend for allegedly stabbing the expatriate.
She revealed that Jonah and his girlfriend allegedly broke into the Chinese nationals office, stabbed him, and then fled when the employees of the company were taking their regular break.
The company’s workers were on their routine break when Jonah, along with his girlfriend, allegedly entered the office of the Chinese national, stabbed him, and then fled the scene.
Odutola said, “The company’s manager stated that around noon on January 12, during the workers break, a man named Jonah, whose last name is unknown, along with his unidentified girlfriend, both of whom are still at large, entered the office of Chen Wang, a 33-year-old Chinese national, and fatally stabbed him’
Following the report, Odutola noted that detectives from the Ogere Police Division conducted a scene investigation, during which photographs of the deceased were taken.
She added that the corpse has been deposited at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital for a postmortem examination.
…May persuade a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has berated the Federal Government over the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, tagging it as an additional burden too heavy to bear by the suffering masses.
President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero in a statement yesterday, decried the hike, stressing that the Federal Governments recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, came at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses were grappling with unprecedented economic hardship.
Ajaero also threatened that all Nigerian workers and masses will unite to reject the unjustifiable tariff hike.
He said, “We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people”
He also described the decision, as a clear assault on workers welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.
According to Ajaero, telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 per cent of their wages on telecom charges.
Lamenting the situation, the NLC President argued that for a worker earning the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, this means an increase from ₦7,000 to a staggering ₦10,500 per month or 15 per cent of his salary is a cost that is unsustainable.
He said the hike exemplified the government’s apparent ease in prioritizing corporate profits over citizens welfare.
Ajaero said, It is shocking that the government approved this 50 percent tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.
“This glaring disparity underscores a troubling reality: the government appears more aligned with the interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and citizens it is meant to serve.
“We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?
He insisted that NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase.
He however urged the Federal government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it.
His words, “If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50% hike.
“The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality. Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests”, Comrade Ajaero stressed.
The UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker has reaffirmed the longstanding defence partnership between his country and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and counter insurgency operation in the North-East.
Coaker, who is on a working visit to Nigeria, stated this at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, in Maiduguri yesterday.
The minister accompanied by other senior officials of the UK government, highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations to address security challenges.
The presence of the Honour Guard was a moving experience, symbolising the respect and partnership between the Nigerian and British militaries.
“His Majesty’s Government recognises Nigeria as a key ally and a leader in West Africa. Together, we stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law”, Coaker said.
The minister reiterated the UK government commitment to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and shared impact of global security challenges.
“Your conflict is our conflict and your security is our security. The work you are doing to combat terrorism, particularly through initiatives like Operation Hadin Kai, is commendable.
“We are proud to provide training, expertise and equipment to support your efforts”, he said.
Lord Coaker listed the UK’s contributions to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations to include counter improvised explosive devices training, provision of equipment, and mentorship for the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell in the North-East.
Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander of the OPHK, commended the UK for its sustained support in combating insurgency in the region.
He described the visit as a testament to the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Lord Vernon Coaker and his distinguished entourage to Maiduguri, the Home of Peace, which also hosts the Headquarters of JTF (NE) OPHK.
“This visit validates the strong partnership between our nations”.
Shaibu said the mandate of the task force was to restore normalcy to the region, provide enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, as well as resettlement of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
He noted that the fulfilment of the task force mandate required not only material resources but also regular training and retraining of troops to keep them updated on evolving security challenges.
The commander lauded the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell, supported by the UK, which became a hub for intelligence gathering and dismantling insurgent IED networks.
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, yesterday locked out several civil servants at the state secretariat for coming late to office.
The governor took the action during an unscheduled visit to the state secretariat in Makurdi.
Alia visited the secretariat at about 10:35 am to inspect ongoing renovation works, including the installation of new lights, when security personnel attached to his convoy locked the gates which prevented several civil servants to access their offices.
He toured several ministries at the secretariat and expressed unhappiness about truancy as commissioners and other senior officials were absent from work.
Alia addressed a section of civil servants and expressed his concerns about their poor attitude to their duties.
He said, “With what you are doing, you are creating a vicious circle for your families. You cannot get money and be uplifted because you are cheats and because of the effect of what you are doing.
“The work I do is not for me, but for those who don’t know that I am the governor and those who will see me and not recognise me.
“I’m appealing to you because I have a quick way of getting your names and firing you as I have the power to do so. I am speaking to you as a priest and not as governor and telling you the dangers of what you are doing.
“It is not about me. Who is government? All of you here are the government. Even in the family, somebody governs the home and there are rules. And in every government there are rules. I am not frustrated but I do not want you to be doomed.
“See what you can do if not for yourselves but for the people you are caring for and are behind you because they are the ones to take the heat.
The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has told the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that so much is expected from the Commission in conducting free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections that meet international standards.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle spoke at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INECs first quarterly consultative meeting held in Abuja yesterday.
Dantalle pointed out that credible election is imperative for sustainable democracy and development, insisting that the electoral body must get it right in 2025, especially with off circle elections coming in Anambra.
The Council called on the Commission to commence preparations for the 2027 general elections immediately to enable it put in place all requirements in due time and to meet the expectation of Nigerians.
He said that while preparations for the Anambra State gubernatorial election are on, the Commission should also activate its Election Project Plan (EPP), Strategic Programme of Action (SPA), the 2022 2026 Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan Implementation Programme (SPIP) for the 2027 general election.
“To whom much is given much is expected, INEC should know that fellow compatriots count on it for transparent elections that will usher in visionary leaders who will transform the nation, IPAC said.
“The Commission should justify the confidence reposed in it, put its act together and improve on previous performance.
“There is no doubt that the conduct of successful election is a collective responsibility of stakeholders. It is the reason we must rebuild trust in the electoral process.
“Low voter turnout in previous elections is worrisome and a sad commentary in our democratic process. This narrative must change! We must continue to work together in ensuring electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box and the mandate of the people”
IPAC urged stakeholders to support INEC in discharging its statutory duties which are essential in consolidating and strengthening constitutional governance.
Similarly, the Council urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the on-going Constitution and Electoral Act amendments, as time is of the essence, and as well ensure diligent and speedy consideration and passage of the 2025 appropriation bill.
“We also urge citizens to be alive to their civic responsibilities and ensure that those they voted into office should give genuine account of their stewardship. Their performance will determine their fate in future elections”, it added.
Expectations of Nigerians are becoming higher. Governments at all levels should articulate and implement people-focused programmes and projects that will assuage their sufferings and foster economic growth, political stability, social justice, religious harmony, and national security and unity.
A Nigerian man, Sunday Omisakin, who was granted a pardon by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Facility for allegedly breaking into a house and stealing a TV worth ₦600,000, barely 8 days after he was pardoned for stealing chicken.
Omisakin, who was listed as number eight on the governor’s prerogative of mercy list signed on December 26, 2024, had been pardoned for a minor offense.
However, on January 3, 2025, he was arrested for allegedly burgling a residence in Osogbo and stealing the television.
The suspect was arraigned before the Osun State Magistrate Court in Osogbo, presided over by Magistrate Adekanmi Adeyeba, on two counts of burglary and theft.
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, in Bauchi State has provided a lifeline for kidney patients by cutting dialysis costs by 70 percent.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Wednesday, by the Head of the Public Relations Unit, Usman Koli, who said kidney fee has now been reduced from N40,000 to N12,000 per session to ease the financial burden on patients.
According to him, the Chief Medical Director, Professor Yusuf Bara, expressed optimism about the programme’s impact.
He revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had provided extensive support, including the supply of consumables and the donation of a new dialysis machine to enhance the hospitals capacity.
This initiative reflects the governments commitment to delivering quality healthcare to Nigerians, especially during these challenging economic times.
So far, over 45 patients have benefited from the subsidized dialysis sessions, Koli stated.
The hospital emphasized that the effort aligns with its mission of providing affordable, high-quality healthcare and building public trust in the healthcare system.
Meanwhile, a kidney patient, Magaji Galadima has lauded the initiative, describing it as life-changing.
This program has brought hope to many of us who couldnt afford treatment before, he said.
The hospital also assured the public of its commitment to sustaining and expanding similar programmes in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, ensuring accessible healthcare for all citizens.
A 22-year-old Precious of Oroakpo community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, has admitted to the police that he sold one of the triplets of a family in the community for N200,000 to two Yahoo boys, who later killed her in the area.
Precious who was paraded alongside the elder sister of the triplets by the Police said the remains of the little girl were buried in a shallow grave in the community, adding that at the time he was arrested by community youths, he had not been given the N200,000 promised him by the Yahoo boys.
He said: “They are triplets about 10 years old and sisters to my girlfriend (pointing at his girlfriend standing beside him). I first told my girlfriend that she should give me one of the triplets to sell to the boys but she refused, walked away from me. I went to her again.
“But later I sent somebody to call one of the little girls, when she came, I led her to the boys who killed her in the village in my presence and buried her.
“I was arrested by the community youths the following day when they were looking for the little girl.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, who paraded the two suspects said the elder sister in her confessional statement admitted that the boyfriend earlier informed her of his plan, which she did not concede to, adding that the elder sister, however, failed to raise the alarm or even alerted her parents of the sinister plot by her boyfriend.
The boyfriend came to the elder sister of the triplets to give him one of the triplets, so they could use for rituals. She declined but she did not raise any alarm, either by reporting to her parents or the community. That same day one of the triplets got missing, the police spokesman said.
He said the girl only notified her parents when the child went missing and they were looking for her.
While they were looking for her, that was when the elder sister remembered that her boyfriend had earlier asked for one of the girls to use for money making rituals. She raised the alarm, told her parents and they brought in the community youths, who later arrested the boy.
The boyfriend confessed that he took the little girl to two boys who wanted the child. He said they approached him for the child, promising to pay him N200,000.
He said they had not given him the money when he was arrested by the community and the boy confessed that right before him that the boys killed the girl when he brought her.
At press time, the Yahoo boys who killed the little girl were still at large. Precious who sold the child to them said he didn’t know where they were, adding that he never met them before he had the deal with them.
An Abeokuta High Court yesterday. sentenced 22-year old Jamiu Malomo to death by hanging for killing a sex worker identified as Asisat Akande.
The reports indicated that Malomo stabbed the deceased to death with a knife after a misunderstanding following his refusal to pay his balance of N2,000.
The convict, after having carnal knowledge of the deceased, paid N8,000 instead of N10,000 that was initially agreed.
The incident happened on July, 18, 2021 at about 9:30pm at Ori-Apata community, Oke-Aregba, in Abeokuta.
Malomo who was 18-years old when the incident occurred pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was convicted on a one count charge of murder.
Delivering judgment, Justice O. Ogunfowora convicted Malomo, holding that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that he was guilty of the offence as charged.
The judge held that the evidence presented by the prosecution was tenable and therefore, sentenced Malomo, to death by hanging.
He said, You are hereby guilty of killing Asisat Akande as preferred against you. You will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on you.
Earlier, during the trial the state prosecuting counsel, Mr A.M Adebayo, Deputy Director Public Prosecution, said the convict picked Asisat Akande, the deceased, who is a sex worker, from a bar in the Panseke area and took her to his house for sexual pleasure.
After having carnal knowledge of the deceased, she demanded for N10,000 which was their agreement, but he refused to give her the the complete money saying he had N8,000.
The situation led to an argument between him and the deceased, which made the convict to bring out a knife from his pocket and stab her on the neck.
The stab resulted to the instant death of the deceased, he said.
The prosecutor noted that the convict was arrested by men of the police at the 3AD club in Panseke, where he wanted to pick another girl for sexual pleasure
He said that the offence committed contravened the provisions of Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun 2006.
The Imo Deputy Governor, Lady Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, has called on well-to-do Imolites to embrace the Shared Prosperity Initiatives of the Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, to help the government to impact more lives.
The Deputy Governor made this call on Saturday, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Umunohu, Amakaohia, in Ihitte/Uboma local government area of the State, during the Priestly Silver Jubilee celebration of Rev. Fr. Dr. EmekaEmeakaraoha and 25 years of his free medical mission, under his foundation, “Rev. Fr. Dr. EmekaEmeakaraoha Foundation”.
The Deputy Governor felicitated the celebrant and the people on behalf of the Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, as she also extolled the good and excellence of Rev. Fr. Emeakaraoha and his foundation. Hear her;
“On behalf of our dear Governor, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma, CON, and the Government of Imo state, I bring to you, hearty felicitations, while wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.
“In the same vein, I welcome all the guests, including the foreign agencies and partners, to this auspicious occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebration of our brother’s priestly ordination and commemoration of his Foundation’s 25 years of bringing succour to his and our people of Ihitte/Uboma, in the form of free medical treatment, in collaboration with foreign medical partners.
The Deputy Governor also encouraged the people to take advantage of the free health services, while calling other wealthy Imolites to emulate Rev. Fr. Emeka’s kind gesture to the people.
“While I enjoin everybody to take advantage of the commendable opportunity presented to us by our brother, let us commit him, his family and foundation in the safe hands of God, as I call on other well-to-do individuals in the state to take a cue from Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Emeakaraoha and key into the Shared Prosperity Initiatives of our Governor”.
The Bishop of Okigwe Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Solomon Amatu, in his message, while congratulating Rev. Fr. Emeakaraoha for the milestone he has achieved in his priesthood, enjoined people to take seriously, the things of God, sow passionately in humanity and serve God in truth and spirit.
Rev. Fr. Emeka Emeakaraoha, has through his foundation attracted to Imo state (Ihitte/Uboma) foreign missionaries, including, medical doctors, mostly from Germany and Australia, to offer free medical services to his people.
Highpoint of the occasion was the commissioning, by the Deputy Governor, of the Event Center, built at the parish by the foundation.
Many dignitaries, including the Senator representing Imo North (Okigwe) senatorial zone at the National Assembly, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, attended the August occasion.
The former Minister who has been in the United Kingdom, UK, since she left the shores of Nigeria claimed that the money linked to her in the media as a loot actually belonged to a Nigeria’s oil magnate, Kola Aluko.
Breaking her silence in the matter through her counsel, Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, Mrs Alison Madueke insisted that there was nothing like “Diezani Loot”, since she had no hand whatsoever in the issues surrounding the forfeiture of the money by the owner.
Stating her position, the former minister said the $52.5m came from a vessel seized by the American government from Kola Aluko and which was later sold and proceeds returned to the federal government of Nigeria.
Her denial of ownership of the money was contained in a lengthy press statement issued yesterday by the Chambers of Mike Ozekhome SAN and titled ” There is no such thing as Diezani Loot “.
Part of the statement read “My chambers makes this intervention in the public domain as Solicitors to Diezani Alison-Madueke (DAM) ,the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, HMPR.
“As her Solicitors, we are fully versed in and conversant with her present ordeal and the entire facts surrounding her matters both here in Nigeria and abroad. So, we write from the vantage position of one that is aware of the cocktail of lies that have been spurned around her cases in the last ten years.
“Many of the narratives are outrightly false; some others sheer outlandish speculations; and most, simply bizzare stories cooked up by her traducers to extract a Shylock’s pound of flesh from her for reasons she does not know and cannot even fathom.
“This intervention therefore seeks to correct this skewed narrative and set the records straight for purposes of history. Many Nigerians often talk about wanting ‘technocrats’ to be involved in governance. They desire that people with character and integrity should join politics.
“We agree with them. However and regrettably too, now and again and many a time, the same people not only allow, but actually join the bandwagon to mob-lynch those who chose to serve the nation.
“And we often do this insidiously, covertly and overtly, even when there is no concrete or even any iota of proof that such public officers ever abused their offices or stole from public coffers.
“It is therefore surprising and of great concern to us, to see the level of sustained vilification of an innocent Nigerian citizen who has not yet been tried and found guilty of any offence known to law by any court of law whether in Nigeria or abroad. The person at the receiving end is Citizen Diezani Alison-Madueke (DAM).
“We note with concern the recent deliberate attempt to link her with what has been described as a civil forfeiture of a yacht Galactica, the sale of which was said to have yielded $52.8m to the US government; which sum has since been repatriated to Nigeria.
‘This is a clear example of the mischievous and cruel sport of tarnishing the image of the lady through a bouquet of consistent, persistent and unrelenting cocktail of falsehoods and misinformation.
“The purveyors of this line of misinformation term it “name-and-shame”. To sell the storyline, the architects ensured they attached Diezani’s name to a recovered yacht which is not in any way linked to her.
“They now falsely termed it “Diezani loot”. Nothing of the sort ever happened. She was never involved in the purchase, use and sale of the said yacht.
“The yacht Galactica, from information readily available in the public domain and in open sources, was purchased by Mr Kola Aluko who had used the vessel until he agreed to its forfeiture to the United States of America.
“The yacht Galactica was neither owned nor ever used by our client. DAM has in fact never set her eyes on the yacht. Kola Aluko is an experienced businessman who had been in business well before DAM came into office as HMPR.
“The only tenuous basis for deliberately linking DAM to the said yacht is the false narrative that the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) which were entered into between Kola Aluko & Jide Omokore’s Atlantic Energy companies and NNPC, were allegedly corruptly awarded to the said companies by DAM. DAM was not the GMD of the NNPC as so did not and could not have awarded the said contracts.
“We plead, as her lawyers, with all and sundry that she be accorded fair hearing and that the process of these UK court proceedings be allowed to take their natural course to avoid prejudice to her in the ongoing subjudice UK proceedings against her.
”Those purveyors and peddlers who habitually spin these outrightly false, unfounded, defamatory, unintelligent and indefensible narratives to denigrate and humiliate her should please find better use of their time and leave DAM alone.
“Let the law take its natural course without interference. We humbly pray”, the statement said.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 86 persons following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred at the Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State, on Saturday.
It was earlier reported that a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol lost control and eventually caught fire, claiming at least 50 lives.
However, a statement issued yesterday morning by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said about 86 dead bodies were recovered from the scene.
Our correspondent gathered that the death toll may rise as several persons, who were critically injured, are currently battling for life.
The statement said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun also extended “heartfelt condolences to the government and the good people” of the state.
The IGP, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on roads across the nation, warned firmly against the “negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents”.
The police boss directed all State Commissioners of Police to “strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) of their respective State Commands, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies, to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways”.
The IGP further charged vehicle owners and drivers to “ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by the traffic rules in order to prevent any tragedies”
The Federal Government has mourned the victims of petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, expressing condolences to the government and people of the state.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda described the incident in a statement yesterday as tragic, noting that it claimed many lives and destroyed property.
While expressing concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions in the country, the Minister warned motorists against reckless driving that could endanger innocent lives.
Yilwatda urged them to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations at all times.
“I am deeply saddened by the frequent occurrence of tanker explosions in the country, which always leads to loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.
“I share in the pain of the community who lost their loved ones in this devastating incident,” Yilwatda said.
He also offered his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The minister, however, applauded the swift response of Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State and his team, especially the State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Fire Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
He also thanked the Nigeria Police and other concerned Nigerians who assisted in evacuating the victims from the scene.
According to the Director-General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the incident resulted in 86 fatalities, with 80 individuals buried in a mass grave and the rest handed over to their families for burial.
It was earlier reported that over 50 persons lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion along Dikko-Maje road in Niger State on Saturday.
However, Baba-Arah said the death toll from the incident has risen to 86.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reiterated his determination to transform Abia into a model state, free from discrimination based on geographical origins.
According to him, anyone who resides, works, and pays taxes in Abia is entitled to enjoy the same rights as others in the state.
Speaking at a wedding ceremony in Aba, Governor Otti commended Mazi Clement Owunna, CEO of STARLINE, for his unwavering commitment to Aba’s development, despite facing numerous challenges.
The governor revealed that individuals like Mazi Owunna, who share his vision for a rebuilt Abia, inspired him to leave his lucrative banking job and lead the charge for Abia’s liberation
“You know, in the old structure where they say you are from Imo, you are from Anambra, etc, in that structure, he (Clement Owunna) believed in Abia.
“I said to myself, so, I have stayed here and become a very successful Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, but by the time you retire, there would be no home to go to.
“So, I sacrificed that job and started struggling for almost ten years, and today, we are here,” the Governor stated while encouraging the people to prayerfully stick to and work on their dreams, saying that if it does not happen today, it will happen tomorrow or next.
He described his achievements in the last 19 months as a dress rehearsal, assuring that greater things are coming.
“What you see in Abia State in the last 19 months is actually what I will call dress rehearsal. You ain’t seen anything yet. I’m not boasting, I know what this State can do.
“The first thing we abolished is State of origin. If you stay here, if you live here then you are from here”, the governor asserted amidst applause from the audience
He explained that when he said he was going to appoint Ide John Udeagbala as the Mayor of Aba North, people doubted him, but he appointed him, and he went on to transform Aba North’s local government headquarters in just a year.
He said the same thing happened recently when he appointed Edo-born Benson Ojeikere as the Head of Service of the State; some people said he’s from Edo, hence, should not be appointed.
He said that he conducted an examination and oral interviews for the prospective candidates; Mr. Ojeikere came top and was appointed.
“The other day, I appointed somebody as the Head of Service of the State; some people say he is from Edo; I don’t know about that.
“He came here in 1999 and he has been here. He didn’t come on his own volition.
“God brought him here through Youth Service, and he distinguished himself as the best corper, and he was retained in the Civil Service… And somebody wants to tell me he’s not from Abia State”‘, he stated.
“What we are building here is a model State. No matter what anyone says, we are focused and determined. If you come to Aba in the next year, you will probably not recognize Aba.
“Very close here, there was an abandoned project called Enyimba Hotel. You would probably see a Radisson Blu sitting on it.
“And then you see a conference center by the side and you see another leisure park opposite it. This is our place, we must fix it”, the Governor declared.
He thanked the people for being supportive of his administration and assured them that he would never tamper with the State’s resources but would use them to fix the State.
The marriage ceremony attracted very important personalities from all walks of life, including the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti, who attended with her husband.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s challenges, emphasising that these obstacles are surmountable.
Speaking in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State over the weekend, during the commissioning of the Soybean Plant and Refinery of the CSS Group and the birthday celebration of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Jonathan weighed in on the importance of collective effort in nation-building.
The event was attended by dignitaries including former Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma; Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri; former Cross River State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade; former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen; and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy.
Jonathan cautioned against the increasing trend of migration, popularly referred to as “Japa,” urging Nigerians to contribute to the development of their homeland.
“You don’t need to Japa. Those countries you are running to were built by people. We must build this country together, and invest in it so that the youths can get jobs. We must not run away from our responsibilities. This country belongs to all of us, and we must not abandon it,” he said.
Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri echoed Jonathan’s sentiments, stating, “There is hope in Nigeria. So those who want to Japa, please, don’t Japa. Nigeria is a blessed country. If we all key into what the private sector is doing, no one will Japa.”
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), addressed the nation’s food security issues, calling for urgent action to tackle hunger caused by high food price inflation. “The level of hunger in Nigeria is too high due to very high food price inflation,” he said, emphasizing the need for accelerated efforts to expand food production, lower food costs, reduce import dependency, and support local farmers.
Adesina recounted, “There is no doubt that Nigerian farmers can feed Nigeria. They did when I was Minister of Agriculture under President Jonathan. The price of rice at the time was N8,000 per bag; today it is over N100,000 per bag.”
He called for bold programmes and policy support for farmers and agribusinesses to develop agricultural value chains.
He also revealed that the African Development Bank, in partnership with the federal government and other stakeholders, is implementing a $538 million programme to develop special agro-industrial processing zones in eight states: Cross River, Imo, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, and the FCT.
He added, “The second phase of the special agro-industrial processing zones will cover all remaining 28 states in Nigeria. The SAPZ-Phase II is planned with a financing target of $1 billion, from the African Development Bank, the Arab Bank for African Economic Development, and the private sector.”
Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma expressed optimism about Nigeria’s role in Africa’s progress, stating, “If positive things happen in Nigeria, we are happy because Africa can only get it right when Nigeria gets it right.
There was jubilation in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital following the pipe-borne water supply to the town began after nine years of non-existence of public water in the state.
The residents of Abakaliki woke up early morning to see water rushing in their taps which triggered jubilation and happiness across the major roads and streets.
Many residents due to the scarcity of water occasioned by dry season were seen with many gallons to fetch water which was rushing freely waiting for people to fetch it.
For many years, residents of Ebonyi State had not been enjoying a supply of pipe water from the State Water Board/Cooperation due to the inability of successive administrations to fix the existing water schemes due to negligence leaving the residents to depend on or resort to well water, borehole and sachet water.
Some of the residents who spoke to our reporter expressed happiness and gratitude to Governor Francis Nwifuru who took the bull by the horns to embark on rehabilitation of various water schemes in the state.
Some of the residents namely; Pastor Kingsley Maduakor, Joy Ajah, Cynthia Echiegu, Monday Alegu, and Joseph Nwojiji among others commended Governor Nwifuru for restoring the supply of pipe-borne water in the capital city after many years.
“I have been spending thousands of naira weekly on water due to scarcity of water. With the pumping of public water, we are grateful to the governor because water is life. We have been drinking all manner of water including the ones called pure (Sachet) water before now.
“We appeal to the governor and his team to sustain the pumping of public water to the streets to end scarcity of water, reduce cost of buying sachet water and drinking of bad water in the town” Maduakor pleaded.
The Acting Commissioner of Water Resources, Mr Franklin Chikaodili Ukah who monitored the pumping of the water from the Ezilo water scheme to the water reservoir at Abakaliki said that Governor Nwifuru was determined to provide potable water to the residents of the state.
Ukah who also moved around the streets of Abakaliki to monitor the supply of water to the various residential houses, expressed shock that some individual taps were damaged causing leakages and thereby wasting the water.
The streets the Commissioner visited in the Abakaliki metropolis include; Ezeobodo, lane by Nnorom Street, Goddy Ogbaga Avenue, Emefo, St. Patrick primary school Kpirikiri and Udemezue Street where the residents were shouting praises for the government of Nwifuru for restoring water supply.
He, however, warned landlords and caretakers of residential houses to repair and safeguard their water pipes and taps, stressing that defaulters would be arrested and their houses be sealed for economic sabotage.
He said that the Ezilo water scheme has commenced the supply of water while the largest scheme at Oferekpe has been completed waiting for a test run and full supply of water to Abakaliki.
“We have water schemes in Oferekpe and Ezilo which has been completed while the Ukahu and Ishiagu scheme is nearing completion. When the schemes are completed, water will be reticulated across the state” Ukah assured.
A child trafficking syndicate that specializes in stealing children from Ondo and Osun States have been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command
The suspects, Lukman Isiaka, 43; Abosede Olanipekun, 23; and Sabira Izuorah, 62, were apprehended with no fewer than 14 babies and toddlers that had been trafficked to Anambra State since 2023.
The babies and toddlers were recovered from the ‘orphanage’ of Izuorah in Ihiala, Anambra State, where they were trafficked to by Lukman and Abosede, who are both a couple.
Among the stolen babies were three weeks old, two weeks old, and two months old, among others.
While being paraded at the police headquarters in Akure, Izuorah, who claimed to have retired as a Director from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Anambra State, admitted to having received the children from the couple.
“Lukman and his wife brought a total of 11 children to me. I don’t pay them; it is the adoptive parents that pay them. The adoptive parents don’t pay me; they give us food items and supplies.
“I stopped Lukman and his wife from bringing children for me in November, 2024. All the children were no longer with me, but I went to recover them from their adoptive parents. It didn’t start with me, and it will not end with me.”
On his part, Lukman, stated that Izuorah introduced him and his wife to the illicit trade when he left Ondo State to work in Anambra as a bricklayer.
According to him, Izuorah always pays him N500,000 per child, which she in turn sells to her prospective buyers for N1 million and above.
“I have been stealing children since 2023. I have given a total of 11 children to Izuorah. The method my wife and I use to steal the children is when we are going, and we see any child roaming about, we now call them that we will buy soft drinks and biscuits for them.
“She normally gives us N500,000 for each child that we bring to her. I met Izuorah when we went to Anambra to work. I’m a bricklayer. She was the one who introduced me to the business after training me, and since then I have been giving her children.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, Wilfred Afolabi, stated that the arrested couple led the police operatives to Anambra State, where Izuorah was arrested and moved down to Akure.
“During interrogation, the suspects admitted to abducting the child and other children from Ondo and Osun States and selling them to Sabira Izuorah, ‘f,’ age 62 years, in Ihiala, Anambra State, at the rate of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000) per child.”
Soludo said that 200 patrol vehicles had been procured and would be active in the nooks and crannies of the state.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced a reward that could be as much as N5 million for a whistleblower who gives information that will lead to the arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers.
It is also available for anyone with information that would lead to the discovery of their campsites and their round-up in the state.
Soludo made the announcement at the formal launch of Operation ‘ Udo Ga-Achi’,l (Peace shall Prevail), a joint security intervention force, on Saturday in Awka.
He said the security initiative was designed to safeguard the lives and well-being of all residents and visitors in the state.
According to him, there is a need for collective action to fight insecurity as the acts and dynamics of criminality have evolved and become hydra-headed.
“We are taking decisive action on security with the formal launching of Operation ‘Udo Ga-Achi’ because we are determined to fight criminality and ensure Anambra becomes the safest state.
“We need people in the communities to give information to security agencies through our toll-free line – 5111.
“For whistleblowers, anyone that gives us credible information that leads to the arrest of any kidnapper or armed robber or information that leads to rounding up of criminals in a camp will be paid a bounty of any amount up to a maximum of N5 million (depending on the class of criminal).
“We encourage each community to design and execute its security programme. On a monthly basis, any community with zero crime will get a reward of N10 million,” he said.
The governor said 2000 personnel drawn from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and vigilante group known as ‘Agunechemba’, had been mobilised for the operation.
Soludo said that 200 patrol vehicles had been procured and would be active in the nooks and crannies of the state.
“This operation is designed to tackle the rising insecurity in Anambra, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug epidemic, criminal idolatry, land grabbing, touting and other violent crimes.
“On the part of the government, be rest assured that we are determined to take the criminals head-on and quadruple our efforts in security.
“For our long-term survival, we must rise and fight together. If you see or know something, say or do something! Silence means complicity,” he said.
Earlier, the governor signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill 2025 into law to legalise the new security initiative in the state.
He also announced Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi as the Chairman of, the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council.
Speaking on behalf of Security Commanders, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono-Itam, commended the state government for the initiative and promised the readiness of security agencies to ensure Anambra is safe and secure.
Senator Chris Anyanwu has dared former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, to bring forward the “lengthy letter of apology” he claimed she wrote to the military government of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
Anyanwu was imprisoned from 1995 to 1998 for treason after reporting on a purported failed coup d’état against Abacha’s government. Following the death of Abacha in June 1998, she was released by his successor General Abdulsalam Abubakar on health grounds.
Ohakim, 67, recently alleged while speaking with journalists that Anyanwu apologised to Abacha “and owned up that she told lies in order to sell her magazine.”
He also threatened to “publish a copy of that apology for Nigerians to see the type of person she really is.”
Addressing Ohakim’s claims and other comments he made about her autobiography “Bold Leap,” Anyanwu, 73, said in a statement made available to TheNiche on Sunday: “One thing to emphasize is that BOLD LEAP is my autobiography, meaning l wrote about myself not lmo State, Imo Government or former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. It is about my whole life and my life traverses many places outside Nigeria. Imo State and its toxic politics of the time were merely small chapters to what is a long story. BOLD LEAP is not an Imo story. No. It is not at all.
“I observe that Governor Ohakim had not read the book when he spoke. He spoke in rambling generalities not on specifics; went into the book review to borrow the observation of the reviewer on production. But with all the hot air he blew, he totally avoided talking of my accounts of some of the unforgettable things he did as Governor. He spoke like a man who took one look at himself in the mirror and went beserk. No, he should relax and read the full book. Then reflect. Things have got to change in lmo.”
She further said, “And finally, that bizarre story about a letter to Abacha, (may his soul rest in peace). How does a man of Governor Ikedi’s age and standing in society sit down and conjure up an asinine, egregious lie about someone writing apology to Abacha and the federal government. Is it intelligent to tell tales that are so hair-brained they can make a dog laugh?
“No one could write Abacha or his government and it became Nigeria’s greatest secret. How did it happen that a document that could have provided the propaganda hungry administration its greatest campaign weapon globally got locked up and no one else mentioned it, wrote about it in the numerous books written on that era in these 30 years? Except Ohakim!! Where was this letter written; when was it written, by whom and to whom was it given? And how did it happen that it was only lkedi Ohakim that had access to it? And by the way, where was lkedi Ohakim 30 years ago, in the DAYS OF TERROR when people were fighting, dying, escaping and suffering for Democracy? Was he helping the oppressors? There had to have been a relationship with the administration for them to have handed him this ‘dud’. Ohakim must explain this; explain what he did for a living at the time and what qualified him to keep Abacha’s secrets. When we get a glimpse into his opaque professional past, then we will appreciate why it is not beyond the realms of possibility for him to weave and fabricate this great lie.”
“And now, I dare Governor Ikedi Ohakim to produce the letter in his possession in court before forensic experts before the eyes of the world,” she continued. “He should remember it was a global story not just local and there were some who knew better. Coming out and telling this joke will make him an international clown. But Let him produce the letter he got from Gen. Abacha and government. Federal Government is a continuum. It should verify the letter in Ohakim’s hand, explain how it manifested and who produced it. Now, the letter writer will be tested for forgery. Let us understand that the games people played in their childhood may not carry them through old age.
“This time, His Excellency will not go on unchallenged. He has claimed to have a letter. He has threatened to publish it. I dare him to bring that letter physically (not publish). Bring it to be tested for forgery. Governor Ohakim has the right to reply any publication about him but he must know that he is to do so within the ambit of the law.”
Taking a swipe at Ohakim, Anyanwu, a veteran journalist, further said: “I have a great deal of respect for the office of Governor. It is not an office to be trifled with. The job is brutal, thankless and killing at times. And the weight of office is very heavy. And that is why even when they are out of office, society continues to hold them in high esteem and to rate their opinion highly.
“When a former Governor speaks, people listen and a certain level of decorum, decency and factuality or truthfulness is expected of him. It is completely aberrative to hear an Excellency depart from that standard to engage in street brawls and beer parlor talk. If he does, he invites insult.
“I do not know how to respond to Governor IkediOhakim’s latest public spat without running the risk of being found guilty of disrespecting the office he once held. But with due respect, I must engage with him on this matter because being a former Governor, people automatically assume that what he says is factual, truthful and reliable. But where it is clear that he deliberately set out to deceive and manipulate the public with egregious lies, then the facts must be publicly put straight before an idea from an old habit of lying and making up stories gets taken for truth.
“First, let me say that that trash-talking, recklessly libelous individual frothing in the mouth that spoke in that interview could not have been Ex-governor Ohakim. There must have been a mistake. Did he actually say all those things? I hope not. I am compelled to make this statement to address a claim reportedly made by him about me recently in the interview he granted journalists.”
The acclaimed journalist and politician defended the integrity of her memoirs, describing it as a book of the times.
“In that interview, he complained about my autobiography, BOLD LEAP recently presented to Nigerian readers. Bold Leap is a book of the times: elegantly crafted, brutally scrutinized and edited by some of the most gifted writers and editors in the country. One may argue about perspective but on factuality and historical correctness, Bold Leap is unassailable. So, if Governor Ohakim argues of a substantial factual error, I would say, “bring it on”. If it’s a matter of perspective, I would say: “it’s your perspective or mine”. There’s no one way of seeing the universe; no correct way of writing about me. It is as I deemed fit. The story is mine. I have written it and I did so with respect and compassion for others and due regard for the laws of the land.”
The Royal Family of Odenigbo, of Akpakwume community, Udi Local Government of Enugu State, has made a “Save-Our-Soul” call on Governor Peter Mbah over the continued incarceration of its 86-year-old blind monarch, Igwe Ekwueme Odenigbo by the Enugu State Police Command.
Children of the monarch, Pastor Solomon Ekwueme and Ozioma Roseline Ekwueme who addressed newsmen at a press briefing in Enugu, appealed to Gov Mbah to come to the aid of their ailing father and their younger brother from “unlawful incarceration.”
They also appealed to the senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Osita Ngwu; the Executive Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hyginus Ogbonnia Agu and well-meaning Nigerians “to come to our help and effect the immediate release of our 86-year-old blind father and our younger brother from the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Enugu formally known as Prison.”
“It is heartbreaking for us to be called back to Enugu that our aged and blind father, a retired elder in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the king of our community has been locked up by the Nigeria Police and charged to a Magistrate Court and subsequently sent to prison at the behest of a man that has been nothing short of a terror to the entire people of Akpakwume community.
They alleged that “on the 23rd of December 2024, a man identified as Chief Okolo barged into the our father’s palace with over 20 boys bearing guns, axes and matches. They tossed our father, the Igwe, around like a piece of rag, held our mother the Lolo to a chokehold, beat up some persons that were in the compound that tried to mount a resistance.
The same man forced himself into our fathers’ room, took his Certificate of Oath, Staff of Office and royal crown.”
They also alleged that: “He also made away with some of our fathers’ portraits, official stamp and some cash from donations for the planned cabinet inauguration of his new Igwe-In-Council scheduled for 31th day of December 2024 and gifts from his subjects for the Christmas festivities.
“He claimed that the governor, Dr. Peter Mbah and the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo had dethroned our father and authorised him to carry out his action.
“This is a decision the people of Akpakume are yet to receive any formal communication till this date and have never heard any announcement by the Governor or Commissioner substantiating it.”
But in a swift reaction, the Commissioner, Deacon Ogbodo, told newsmen that the monarch was undermining the state government and had been suspended.
He accused the monarch of giving authorization to a company, Eta-Zuma Mining Company to mine in the community without the state government’s knowledge, playing double standard and causing crisis in his community.
Ogbodo, however, he admitted that some of the items the monarch’s children accused the man, Chief Okolo, aka Zion of taking away from the palace on December 23, such as Certificate of Oath and Staff of Office were in his office.
The Incident, the monarch’s children said was duly reported to the police and followed with a petition to the Inspector General of Police by their father’s counsel, Anthony Ani (SAN), but the police had not acted on It.
“The petition met no response, and the police made zero arrests with regard to this criminal incidence,” adding that Chief Okolo had been bragging that nothing would happen because he had the full backing of the governor and the commissioner,” they claimed.
When contacted, Chief Okolo denied the allegations levied against him, insisting that he was the real victim, claiming that his house, a duplex, was burnt to ashes by the youths working for the Igwe.
He said the monarch was working against the constitution of the community and refused to listen to voice of reason, adding that law would take its cause in the matter.
Tragedy struck in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, as a 70-year-old man, Mr Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs Atagoshi, were reportedly beheaded over a land dispute.
The gruesome incident occurred after the suspect allegedly lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue.
Their headless bodies were later discovered in the bush.
It was gathered that the woman, a secondary school teacher, had earlier purchased a piece of land in the community, which some individuals subsequently claimed.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed that the assailant invited the victims to the bush, where the heinous crime was committed.
Edafe said, “The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them.
“On the same day, vigilantes apprehended one Emeke with two human heads. He was mobbed and set ablaze by angry residents. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the human heads belonged to the father and daughter.
“Their headless bodies were found in the bush.”
Edafe added that the main suspect is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
An angry husband, Sholola Kazeem residing in Ring Road community in Owode Egba, Ogun State, has been arrested for attacking his wife, Sholola Mutiat, with hot oil, severely peeling her skin in the process.
Sholola also stabbed the wife on her head with knife before neighbours rescued and rushed her to the hospital in the area.
Ogun police spokesperson, who is a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the assault said it was a gender based violence and that it happened on Saturday.
CSP Odutola said the victim was taken to Ore Ofé Hospital for medical attention while the suspect had been apprehended and currently undergoing investigation.
“The Divisional Police Officer in Owode Egba division has promptly intervened in a case involving gender-based violence and assault against a housewife, leading to the arrest of her husband for causing various injuries to her.
“On January 18, 2025, at about 12:20 hrs the divisional police officer received a report from members of the Ring Road community regarding an incident involving Sholola Kazeem, a male resident, and his wife, Sholola Mutiat, who reside at the same address.
“It was reported that Sholola Kazeem, in an uncontrollable anger over a misunderstanding, poured hot oil over his wife’s body and also stabbed her in the head,” she said.
A Magistrate at the Ikeja Magistrate Court Lagos, Olasanmi Ogunkanmi, slumped and died shortly after returning from a three-week pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The late Ogunkanmi, aged 58 who also served as a pastor, had traveled with the first group of Lagos pilgrims and was reportedly in high spirits upon his return before his sudden death on January 1, 2025.
Conflicting accounts surround his death.
Some sources claimed he slumped and died at his residence, while others said he went to bed that night and never woke up.
Ogunkanmi was widely respected for his dedication and humility during his career.
On January 17, 2025, Bishop Stephen Adegbite of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission visited the family at their Ikorodu home to offer condolences.
He assured the widow of the commission’s support and urged her to remain strong.
According to Adegbite, ”It was not an accident that late Magistrate Ogunkanmi died the night he successfully returned from performing holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem. The occurrence makes his death providential.”
“Your husband lived a well fulfilled life on earth, it is therefore not how long one lives on earth that matters but how well.”
He prayed that the good Lord will certainly comfort the family at this moment of their bereavement.
A service of songs will be held on February 6, 2025, followed by his burial on February 7, 2025, in Lagos.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a suspected internet fraudster, who allegedly killed its operatives during an operation in Anambra State.
It was gathered that the suspect opened fire on the EFCC operatives during an operation on Friday, killing an operative in the process and injuring another.
According to an official of the anti-graft agency, who spoke to our correspondent, the slain officer was buried in Sokoto on Saturday, adding that the suspect is being detained at the EFCC’s zonal headquarters in Enugu State.
“The incident was a very unfortunate one; the dead officer has been buried today in Sokoto; the incident shows the dimension that internet fraud is taking.
“The guy (suspect) has also been detained at our office in Enugu today,” the source said.
The spokesman for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, did not respond to calls put to his mobile phone.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that a suspect attacked EFCC operatives, resulting in one death and a serious injury to another official.
According to him, the command responded to a distress call on Friday, arrested an unnamed suspect, and recovered a pump-action gun in the Ifite area of the state.
“Anambra police operatives in the early hours of 17/1/2025 responded to a distress call at No. 1 Ekwutife Close, Ifite, and arrested one suspect and recovered one pump-action gun, where operatives of the Economic Financial Crime Commission Operatives on investigation activities were attacked by a suspect, which resulted in the death of one and serious injury to another of the operatives,” the police spokesperson said.
Ikenga further stated that the police have commenced an investigation into the incident, adding that further developments will be communicated.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a petition against Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, before the National Judicial Council, accusing her of judicial misconduct in handling his trial.
The petition, dated 13 January 2024, was addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who also serves as the Chairman of the NJC.
Kanu alleged that Justice Nyako’s actions during his trial had caused him “incalculable and continuing damage,” including the deprivation of his liberty.
Justice Nyako is presiding over the seven-count terrorism charges brought against Kanu by the Federal Government.
The petition, supported by an affidavit sworn to by Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, detailed allegations of misconduct, including the judge’s refusal to reinstate Kanu’s bail, which he argued was a violation of the Constitution.
In the petition, Kanu stated, “Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako currently presides over Court 2 of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
Her conduct amounts to judicial fraud and non-adherence to the Constitution and established rules of law.
“Her refusal to reinstate my bail despite the Supreme Court’s determination constitutes disobedience to Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and courts to enforce decisions of the Supreme Court.”
Kanu further accused the judge of disregarding constitutional provisions and the rule of law, describing her conduct as a violation of his fundamental rights.
The petition read in part, “Wherefore, the complainant prays the Council to discipline Her Lordship, Honourable Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako in accordance with the pertinent rules for disciplining erring judicial officers.”
The Catholic Diocese of Warri, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood following his reported marriage in the United States.
This was made known in a statement titled: ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, jointly signed by Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev, Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
The statement alleged that Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with one Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on 29 December 2024, noting that the footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media.
By his this action, the church said that Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon law of the church.
“Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“On November 30, 2024, Rev Fr Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.
“The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of this marriage has been widely circulated on social media.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333). He retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of this decree in accordance with Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates a willingness to reform.
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement said. (Sunday Vanguard: Text, Excluding Headline)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent Nigeria and his principal, President Bola Tinubu at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, scheduled for Davos, Switzerland.
A statement by the Presidency yesterday noted that the Vice President will join other world leaders, top business executives and representatives of development partners at the meeting to discuss the state of the world economy with the view to improving its conditions.
While in Davos, Shettima will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders as well as participate in workshops and forums slated for the annual gathering.
Among events slated for the VP include, a workshop entitled ‘Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets’, organised by the African Development Bank in collaboration with the World Economic Forum to boost the flow of capital into Africa’s frontier markets, to scale solutions that build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient continent.
It is slated for the Congress Centre in Jakobshorn.
Top on the agenda will be an announcement of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing, HRI, Roadmap for Africa, in partnership with the African Development Bank, AfDB, and foster partnerships between public and private sector leaders interested in mobilizing investment in Africa’s frontier markets, among others.
The statement added that the Vice President will attend a dinner for heads of state, government and international organizations, as well as Annual Meeting 2025 Crystal Awardees, the International Business Council and Strategic Partners slated for Kurpark Village, Eiger.
The number two citizen of Nigeria will also co-chair a forum on ‘Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa’ slated for the Pischa Congress Centre.
The Presidency explained that the session will provide a dynamic platform for forward-thinking dialogue on digital trade and the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol adopted by the AU heads of state/government in January 2024.
Shettima will attend, as a panelist, a Stakeholder Dialogue entitled, ‘Global Risks 2025’.
The Global Risks Report highlights an increasingly volatile global landscape, marked by accelerating geopolitical, technological and environmental challenges. The event is slated for the Aspen 2 Congress Centre in Davos.
He will be accompanied by top government functionaries including Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, Aisha Rimi, and will return to Abuja at the end of his engagements in Davos.
Ex-Miss Nigeria and former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs Edna Ibru (nee Park) has passed away.
Ibru, wife of Olorogun Felix Ibru, the first civilian Governor of Delta State between 1991 and 1992, died in her 80s on Wednesday, in a London hospital after a brief illness.
The deceased, who was Miss Nigeria 1964, and the first Nigerian/African to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe, had two children for Ibru.
The Ibru family of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom in Delta State confirmed the death of the former first lady in a statement issued by her son, Dr Paul Ibru, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.
“Our amazing mother passed into glory on Wednesday 15, January 2025 after a brief illness”, the statement partly read.
It continued, “Until her death, she was full of life and we never expected her to leave us so soon but we cannot question the will of God in her precious life.
“She was a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, down to earth, full of stories all of the time, and we will miss her very dearly.”
Paul added that arrangements for her burial would be announced by the family later.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has announced plans to release the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on February 4.
This year’s theme, “The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating climate impacts.
NiMet publishes its annual predictions of climatic variables, including rainfall and temperature patterns, during the first quarter of the year.
This initiative aligns with its mandate to provide critical guidance to the government and public on weather, climate, and water-related matters.
According to the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike; “The Seasonal Climate Prediction highlights vital weather and climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in the following sectors during the year; agriculture, aviation, disaster risk management, health, oil & gas, telecommunication, tourism, transport (Water and Land), power (hydro and renewable), water resources management, etc.
“The socioeconomic implications of the expected rainfall and temperature patterns for some sectors of the economy are also presented in the publication”.
The forecast information provided in the SCP document includes the onset and cessation dates of the 2025 rainy season; the length of the cropping season; the total amount of rainfall expected in all the 774 Local Government Areas of the country; temperature (January – May) as well as Malaria and Meningitis vigilance forecast.
The Seasonal Climate Prediction document is a national document and the public presentation attracts guests from the public and private sectors, development partners, non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic community, farmers associations, etc.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will perform the presentation of the publication alongside its summary for policymakers and translations in three major Nigerian languages, and State of the Climate in Nigeria.
FGN/NDDC/IFAD Assisted LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT FAMILY ENTERPRISE-
NIGER DELTA (LIFE-ND) PROJECT
IMO STATE PROJECT COORDINATING OFFICE (SPCO)
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are implementing a Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta states (LIFE-ND).
To facilitate implementation of the project, the partners want qualified and competent personnel from the region to fill the underlisted vacant positions in Imo State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO).
1. Environment and Climate Change Officer.
Main Responsibilities.
The candidate will assist the project in ensuring that the environment and climate change is mainstreamed in project activities.
Specific Duties.
a. Assist to ensure that the inclusion of climate resilience and environmental data collection in the baseline Studies to be undertaken.
b. Assist in capacity building of incubators and incubatees in ECC mainstreaming areas and activities.
c. Support linkages with institutions and stakeholders involved in ECC issues.
d. Support the preparation of Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Basic Climate Risk Analysis at the commodity cluster level.
e. Assist in the application of manual for environmental training on sustainable agricultural enterprises.
f. Assist in the documentation of baseline information for projects locations / clusters using GPS, Remote sensing and field surveys using GIS.
g. Assist in developing crop agro-ecological suitability maps.
h. Assist in General supervision, monitoring and certification of works of service providers engaged for physical climate change and environmental projects.
i. Assist in revising and update the draft project implementation manual to include climate change adaptation and environmental management.
j. Support the development of a framework for measuring resilience among the target beneficiaries including indicators to be monitored within the M & E system for climate change.
k. Support the development of a technical manual for environmental training on sustainable agricultural enterprise as needed.
Qualification and Experience
A minimum Bachelors Degree in Environmental Engineering/Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management with three years experience.
a. Display of knowledge of climate change adaptation and environmental safeguards and familiarity with government policies and that of other critical stake holders.
b. Conversant with the Niger Delta region working environment.
c. Good written and oral communication skills.
d. Good writing skills and good computer skills.
e. Demonstrate team spirit, good interpersonal and conflict management skills.
f. Integrity and confidentiality.
g. Interpersonal and time management skills
2. State Financial Inclusion Officer.
Main Responsibilities.
The State Financial Inclusion Officer will be responsible for promoting financial inclusion among Project beneficiaries (Incubatees), ensuring access to financial services, account opening, Savings, remittances, payment systems, Insurance, providing financial literacy education as well as Off-taker, and Pre-financier arrangements. The Specialist will work closely with the National Financial Inclusion Specialist at the National Project Coordinating Office (NPCO), and relevant stakeholders in implementing financial inclusion activities.
Specific Duties.
a. Facilitate access to credit through partnerships with financial institutions and non-bank institutions.
b. Encourage Savings and the use of digital savings platform, for the Incubatees.
c. Assist incubatees in opening bank accounts or other financial accounts.
d. Promote and facilitate the use of mobile wallets for financial transactions.
e. Develop and keep record of financial inclusion metrics of the Incbatees, number of accounts opened, and transaction volume of Incubatees business.
f. Provide financial literacy education and trainings to incubatees on topics such as entrepreneurship mindset, Insurance, budgeting, saving, digital literacy, financial goal setting, risk management strategies, right time to obtain loans, loan management , loans repayment procedures, calculation of interest rate on loans, investing, retirement plan, etc.
g. Develop financial education materials for literacy education. h. Offer one-on-one financial counseling to incubatees.
i. Promote and facilitate access to insurance products for incubatees by linkage to NAIC, and other private Insurance firms.
j. Facilitate access to remittance and payment systems for incubatees.
k. Ensure Incubatees understands and maintains accurate and proper record/bookkeeping.
l. Develop partnerships, support engagements and collaborate with public and private sector institutions involved in financial inclusion services to provide such to LIFE-ND beneficiaries – e.g NIRSAL PLC, NIRSAL MFB, NAIC, BoA , BoI, SMEDAN, Nicert, NEPC, NIPC, MFB’s, Sterling bank, Wema bank, NDE, Federal Ministry trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and FMAFS.
m. Prepare and submit monthly and quarterly reports on financial inclusion activities to the State Project Coordinator and the NFIS.
n. Develop partnerships with off-takers and pre-financiers. o. Offer one-on-one financial counseling to incubatees.
p. Advocate for policies and regulations that promote financial inclusion.
q. Develop FI activities for the annual work plan and budget (AWPB).
Qualification and Experience.
a. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Agribusiness, or a related discipline.
b. At least 3 years of experience in financial inclusion, banking, microfinance or other financial institutions, preferably in roles related to financial inclusion.
c. Experience in promoting financial inclusion among rural communities, smallholder farmers, or low-income households.
d. Experience in managing projects related to financial inclusion, including financial action planning, implementation, and evaluation.
e. Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make recommendations.
3. Market Enterprise and Development Officer.
The main duty of the market Enterprise Development Officer is to support the implementation of marketing strategy in the state.
Specific Duties Include:
a) Carry out market research and analysis for the products of the Agribusiness value chain engaged by LIFE- ND beneficiaries in the states.
b) Develop business strategies that can help in expanding market reach, increasing sales, and fostering business growth.
c) Identify new business opportunities and partnership that align with the agribusiness goals of the project.
d) Design and implement effective marketing campaigns to promote the products produced by LIFE-ND beneficiaries. This will include digital marketing, and advertising tailored to the agribusiness products promoted by the project.
e) Build strong relationships with customers of the project beneficiaries and gather feedback that will lead to improved products, customers satisfaction and loyalty.
f) Understand and plan for fluctuations in market prices, changes in consumer demand and potential supply chain disruptions with the aim of Identifying market risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
g) Ensure that marketing agreements between LIFE-ND beneficiaries and Off-takers are perfected and understood by the parties concerned.
h) Negotiate with off-takers to get best prices for LIFE-ND beneficiaries.
i) Advise on best marketing Strategies to achieve maximum sales in terms of when, how, and where to market their products.
j) Facilitate prompt payment from Off-takers to LIFE-ND beneficiaries.
k) Submit monthly report on activities undertaken.
Qualification an experience.
Educational qualification: University degree or equivalent in Business administration, Marketing, Economics, or any related field.
Experience: Minimum of three years experience in:-
a. Market analysis and business development.
b. Extensive knowledge of marketing strategies, policies, and procedures.
c. High level of communication, and interpersonal skills.
d. Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
e. Proven work experience in sales and marketing of Agricultural products
f. Must be highly innovative and persuasive.
g. Being a team player.
4: Nutrition Officer.
The Nutrition Officer will be responsible for the facilitation of nutrition mainstreaming in project interventions in the Niger Delta region.
Specific duties.
· Facilitate the analysis of nutrition gaps along the supply chain of priority commodities in the project locations.
· Facilitate the periodic food survey and report dissemination on
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP).
· In collaboration with selected relevant institutes and/or private sector, facilitate the promotion of value added products development and consumption among project beneficiaries.
· Organize nutrition publicity on project nutrition activities; facilitate the development and testing of appropriate campaign messages, tools and materials to promote nutrition education, social and behavioural change communication.
· Facilitate capacity building and training sessions on nutrition- sensitive agriculture for project staff, implementers, nutrition officers,ADPs and extension workers.
· In collaboration with other stakeholders and partners, facilitate the activities on HomeGrown School Feeding Initiative, vegetable garden and integrated homestead food production.
· Establish and maintain working relationships with the line ministries (such as health, gender, education) to build synergy in nutrition-sensitive interventions in LIFE-ND.
· Track and document substantive data and information on nutrition-sensitive activities and maintain regular technical reports on nutrition outcomes, nutrition indicators and food security as linked to project interventions.
· Work collaboratively with the technical specialists on gender and climate in documenting interface on nutrition outcomes.
Qualifications and experience required.
· University degree from an accredited institution in the field of Human Nutrition, Food Science or equivalent in a field related to Food Security.
· At least 3 years’ experience in, and demonstrated understanding of food and nutrition initiatives in rural development. Knowledge of the Niger Delta region is an advantage.
· Experience in previous food survey and/or nutrition programme is required.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another local language in Niger Delta region is essential and desirable.
· Experience of interacting with a variety of internal and external stakeholders is desirable.
· Strong project coordination skills; and basic knowledge on gender and climate change issues is desirable.
Reporting and location.
The officers will report directly to the State Project Coordinator. The position will be in the State Project Coordinating Office located in Owerri.
NB: The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years in the first instance, renewable subject to satisfactory performance.
METHOD OF APPLICATION.
Interested persons should submit applications with detailed CV online on or before the 28th of January, 2025 deadline date.
The application should be submitted to the address below:
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off a Chinese supermarket in Abuja for allegedly selling expired products labeled exclusively in Chinese without the required English translations.
NAFDAC, in a statement yesterday said that the supermarket, located at Azba Mall, 2 Durban Street, Wuse 2, is managed by Chinese nationals who claimed they were in the process of obtaining a NAFDAC license and translating product labels into English, in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Director of Investigation and Enforcement of the NDLEA, Pharm. Shaba Mohammed, who led the enforcement, said the action followed credible information about regulatory violations at the supermarket.
“We conducted due diligence to verify the claims,” he said.
Mohammed said the agency will continue its investigation to determine how such products, which violate labeling regulations, were imported into the country without being intercepted.
He added that the investigation would extend to the warehouse where the goods were stored, noting that 90 per cent of the products on the shelves were labeled in Chinese.
“This action aims to protect public safety by preventing the sale of these items,” he emphasised.
“Selling products labeled in foreign languages without English translation is a clear violation of our laws. If a product is labeled in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, or Hindi, it must have an English translation. More than 90 per cent of the products we found were labeled in Chinese.”
He also highlighted concerns about Nigerian customers being unable to read the labels. “Some of the products are expired and still being sold,” he pointed out.
“Even if the supermarket had a Global Listing permit, the products should have been labeled in English. They have not provided any NAFDAC documents for these items. This is unacceptable, which is why we had to seal the supermarket,” he said.
He stressed that NAFDAC will invite operators of the supermarket for a thorough investigation.
“You cannot operate in Nigeria and disregard our laws. This is a country, and we have rules that must be followed,” Mohammed stressed.
John Mahama has taken the oath of office as Ghana’s new president in a ceremony attended by world leaders.
Our correspondent reported that the former President was declared winner of the 2024 presidential election on December 8th after defeating his main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mahama, who served as Ghana’s 12th President between 2011 and 2017, found his way back to power through re-election.
The Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, had on Monday departed Lagos to attend the inauguration.
The event took place in Accra, the capital of the Republic of Ghana.
The counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has advocated community collaboration between citizens and security agencies to combat the growing insecurity in the South-East.
In a press statement yesterday, Ejiofor emphasised the importance of eliminating political compromises, by fostering proactive responses in communities through effective collaboration and collective responsibility to tackle the growing rate of insecurity in the region.
He also commended the security agencies for the arrest of one of the masterminds of the Ihiala killings, describing it as a significant achievement in tackling crime in Anambra.
He urged communities to actively identify and confront the criminal elements to restore peace in the region, adding that the criminals should be treated as such and not as “freedom fighters or defenders of any cause”.
According to him, investigations should inform appropriate and unbiased classifications of offenders, adding that the tendency to prematurely associate every violent crime in the South-East with IPOB/ESN, even before the commencement of investigation and without thorough investigations, weakens citizens’ participation in combating our common enemies who thrive on fear and bloodshed.
The statement read in part, “I watched the trending video of one of the masterminds of the Ihiala massacre, who has been arrested by security agents. Security is indeed a collective responsibility, and we commend our security agents for their significant achievements in tackling crime.
“While appreciating this progress, I humbly offer the following observations for consideration: The self-confessed murderer, responsible for recent heinous acts in Ihiala and its environs, appears to be an indigene of the Ihiala community, not an outsider from any neighbouring state. The accomplices he mentioned in the clip are reportedly residents within the community, rather than hiding in remote forests as previously assumed. This underscores the need for greater community vigilance.
“While publicising this confession helps raise awareness about the culprits terrorizing our land, I believe making it viral at this stage may be premature. These individuals are criminals and should be treated as such. They are not freedom fighters or defenders of any cause – they are agents of chaos, darkness and destruction.”
He added, “The tendency to prematurely but mischievously associate every violent crime in the Southeast with IPOB/ESN, even before the commencement of investigation and without thorough investigations, weakens citizens’ participation in combating our common enemies who thrive on fear and bloodshed.
“Security must not be left solely to government agencies. Communities must actively identify and confront these criminal elements to restore peace. Investigations should inform appropriate unbiased classifications of offenders.
“No true Igbo or Biafran will align with these heartless criminals who kill, maim, and kidnap their own people. They are soulless and should face justice for their actions. Effective collaboration between citizens and security agencies is essential. It eliminates political compromises, fosters proactive responses, and significantly curbs violent crimes in our communities.”
He, however, prayed for the eradication of the bad elements, guided by strong political will.
“May God heal our land and restore peace to Ihiala, Anambra and the entire Southeast, Amen.
“Let us all rise to the challenge, take responsibility for our security, and work together to reclaim the sanctity of our communities. United, we can overcome,” he added.
There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the disengaged seafarers of the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line, NNSL, after 28-years of liquidation as Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, has began their verification over their unpaid benefits
There are strong indications that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, may shut down the nation’s ports, next week over the perceived industrial accidents epidemic in the nation’s ports leading to deaths and various degrees of injuries including permanent disabilities to workers.
It would be recalled that on December 11, 2024, during the Dockworkers’ Day celebration in Lagos, the President-General of MWUN, Prince Adeyanju Adewale, raised the alarm over the hazardous working environment in the ports and called on the federal government to address the unsafe working conditions by ordering terminal operators to provide protective wears among others to employees.
Two weeks later, on December 25, 2024, an industrial accident at Five Star Logistics, Lagos, during vessel operations at berth nine, claimed the life of a Dockworker, Kazeem Adeshina
Earlier in December 2024, an industrial accident at PTOL, Port Harcourt, Rivers State left Uwem Cyprian Ekeke with permanent disability losing his entire fingers.
According to MWUN, among others, recent serious avoidable industrial accidents included the “one involving Opeyemi Black on October 6, 2018 at Josepdam Port Services Terminal, Lagos, where he lost three of his fingers. Another accident was at PTOL, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, involving Kingsley Akin where he permanently lost his legs in 2022.”
Following the Christmas Day death of Kazeem Adeshina, MWUN on December 27, issued a 14 ultimatum to the federal government to address the Union’s safety concerns failing which members would down tools and embark on strike.
MWUN’s ultimatum to the government through the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, signed by Oniha Erazua, (a Deputy Secretary-General) on behalf of the Union’s Secretary General, Felix Akingboye, expires early next week.
The Union has threatened that members would down tools and withdraw their services if, at the expiration of the ultimatum, its demands are not met.
Among others, the ultimatum reads, “The incident of incessant accidents in our ports during stevedoring operations is getting alarming. This has become worrisome because of the number of reports we get from all the ports, terminals, and Jetties. A quick investigation into the remote causes of these accidents indicates that Safety and health protocols are not put in place and where in place, are not enforced by all the Stevedores. This is further heightened by the negligence of Stevedores engaged by terminal operators who often renege on paying compensations to these accident victims.
“In cognizance of the above scenario, we have written several letters to terminal operators to implement and enforce safety protocols to no avail. Indeed, we have cited the ISPS code, the ILO Convention on safety and Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the need for port/stevedoring operators to put them in place and enforce it due to the hazardous nature of dock operations.
“Consequent to the foregoing, the Union demands for the enforcement of safety standards in the Port/Stevedoring operations. Specifically, we seek your interventions in enforcing the provision and maintenance of workplaces’ equipment and methods of work that are safe and without risk of injury to health; Provision of information, training and supervision necessary to ensure the protection of workers against risks of accidents or injury to health arising from or in the course of their employment; provision of personal protective equipment and protective wears for employees, including life-saving appliances such as communication radio, safety boots, nose guards, helmets, working gear and so on.
“Provision of sufficient safety personnel to adequately man point of operation, berth, stacking areas, warehouse and so on; Provision and maintenance of suitable and adequate first-aid and rescue facilities for example ambulances and provision of safe means of access to ships, holds, staging, equipment and lifting appliances.
“MWUN will not sit idly and watch the avoidable decimation of our members through Sherlock stevedores whose only interest is capital and profit and the detriment of the life and safety of our members.
“Consequently, the Union issues a 14-day ultimatum starting from the date of this letter within which period we urge that you enforce and engage the stevedore on improving the safety and health of their employees. At the expiration of this ultimatum, we will be forced to withdraw the services of our members in all ports, jetties, terminals and oil and gas platforms nationwide.
“We are assured that your expeditious intervention will bring improvements to safety standards regarding stevedoring/port operations and ameliorate the incidences of accidents in our ports. Whilst looking forward to your urgent intervention, accept the assurance of our utmost regard and continued cooperation.”
The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order for the dismantling and withdrawal of all military checkpoints and road blocks in the Southeast even as they call on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to cede the presidency of the apex Igbo cultural organization to Rivers State, warning against hand-picking of any individual.
The group made their feelings known to journalists in Umuahia on Tuesday, through their President, Mrs Nneka Chimezie, after a general meeting/inauguration of the group in Umuahia, Abia State. She said the numerous road blocks have made the zone look like a war zone.
She disclosed that the checkpoints have become humiliating for pedestrians and motorists plying the highways in the region as people who use the roads are often subjected to interrogations, raising their hands while crossing the checkpoints, beatings reiterated that the region should not be subjected to this level of humiliation.
She also noted that the phrase, “unknown gun men” should not be used because, the gun-men are known, adding that they were imported to the Southeast by enemies of Ndigbo to destabilize it.
Mrs Chimezie wondered why a former militant leader, Asari Dokobu, who openly said that he was contracted by the authorities to destroy the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast was left to walk around as a free man while the zone is being destabilized by the so called unknown gunmen.
“This character came to a national TV to say that his group is fighting alongside the military in some part of Imo State and nobody has arrested him for questioning, also no one has even made efforts to stop the activities of his men, yet, we’re looking for the unknown gunmen.
“Are they not the unknown gunmen? Why should such a character be left to move around without questioning by the authorities? She asked, even as she used the opportunity to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB.
Speaking on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention; Mrs Chimezie noted that the situation has worsened the security situation in the zone. She therefore solicited for the reestablishment of community and village vigilantes across the zone.
“We recall that at the beginning of the invasion of the Southeast, vigilantes in many villages and communities were disbanded as the military claimed it wanted to fight insecurity singlehandedly. Now, it has proven that it cannot do it alone as the security situation has continued to worsen.
“I advocate we go back to the community vigilantes to safeguard our places and entire southeast”, Mrs. Chimezie noted.
She said for equity and justice the president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo should be ceded to Rivers State, as she warned against handpicking of any individual by some persons to fill the vacancy on January 10, 2025.
“The current Ohanaeze Presidency should go to Igbos in Rivers State; unless they come out clearly to say that they’re not Igbo, then it should return to Abia State”, she reiterated.
Speaking on why IWA was establish, she revealed that the group was formed to promote Igbo language and culture, train Igbo children on decent behaviours as well as make them speak the Igbo language and practice the culture in addition to ensuring that women and children in Igbo land maintain a lifestyle of purity, honesty, respectability and uprightness as depicted in the culture.
In her lecture, Prof Mrs Nkechinyere Ohaike of the National Institute of Nigerian Languages, Aba (NINLAN) warned the Igbo not to allow their the Igbo language go extinct in the near future as predicted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) she admonished Igbo women to always teach their children their language and culture.
Prof Ohaike, who is a professor of Translation Studies in Igbo Language called for institution of scholarships for students studying the Igbo language as well as inauguration of dancing and citation competitions in the states across Igbo land. She also suggested the making of the language a compulsory subjects in primary and post primary schools in Igbo land.
Contributing, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Godwin Asomugha condemned the practice whereby parents in Igbo land prevent their children from speaking or practicing the Igbo language and culture, described such behaviour as out of order.
In her speech, Umuahia chapter of the IWA, Pastor Mrs Ijeoma Umunna and a retired Permanent Secretary in Abia State, Lady Chinedu Brown in their separate responses assured that the group will pursue with vigour the interest and welfare of women particularly Igbo women in the state. called on the women to come together and form cooperative for their own benefits.
The Enugu State High Court has issued an interlocutory injunction restraining some chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from interfering or destructing the upcoming election of the apex Igbo sociocultural organization.
The court issued the injunction restraining Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Richard Ozubu from interfering in the committee inaugurated by the current President-General, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu.
Respondents in the matter include, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu(for himself and as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo), Ambassador Okey Emuchay 4. Ejiofor Onyia, Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Richard Ozubu
On January 10, Ohanaeze Ndigbo would elect its next President-General following the expiration of the tenure of late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Iwuanyanwu who died earlier in the year was replaced with Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu who will hold the forth until January 10.
The order tagged: “An order of interlocutory Injunction,” sighted by DAILY POST, reads: “AN ORDER OF INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION restraining the 5th, 6th and 7h Respondents whether by themselves, their agents, partners, servants, representatives or privies, howsoever described from, interfering with the Electoral Committee inaugurated by the 2nd Respondent on 27th December 2024 and chaired by the 4th Respondent and/or conducting elections to the Office of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo (the 1st Respondent) or any other Office, contrary to the Provisions of Article 11 of the 1st Respondent’s 20044 Constitution (The Constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo enacted on 27th January 2004) pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
“Applicant seeks to preserve the res having reasonably perceived that the subject matter of the intended suit is in danger of being alienated, wasted, damaged and bastardized by the 5th, 6th and 7h Respondents without having recourse to the provisions of the 1st Respondent’s Constitution.
“Applicant applies for an Interlocutory Injunction prior to substantive suit being heard to restrain the act of lawlessness of the 5th, 6th and 7h Respondents complained of, from affecting the elections into the offices of the 1st Respondent in accordance with its 2004
Three persons, including two women, have been crushed to death in a ghastly motor accident yesterday morning at Takie Roundabout in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
It was gathered that the accident happened when a container-laden truck lost control and overturned onto a commercial tricycle, killing its three occupants instantly.
The incident happened around 9:30am, leaving people in the area in shock.
According to an eyewitness, the truck lost control while negotiating a bend around the roundabout, causing the container to fall and crush the tricycle, commonly referred to as ‘Keke NAPEP’.
It was gathered that two female passengers and the tricycle operator were trapped beneath the container.
Despite rescue efforts, all three were eventually discovered dead.
Authorities are currently working to remove the container from the road to ease the free flow of traffic in the area.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution when approaching the accident site.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has commended Akokwa women for uniting to assist their community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their people, while calling on other women groups in different communities of the state to take a cue from Akokwa women.
The Governor said this, Sunday, through the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Compound, Akokwa, in Ideato North Local Government Area, as the Akokwa Digital Ladies (ADL) held her maiden cultural fiesta, tagged “Akokwa Festival, 2024”
The Governor was impressed with the organisation of the women, the unity that exists within them, their commendable initiatives and the clinical execution of the august event.
He expressed an overwhelming joy that the women were making positive impacts with great zeal to sustain the peace and development in their communities.
The Governor said, “Women holding a carnival of this nature, accommodating everybody, especially the youths will foster peace, unity and progress, guiding youths to positive thinking and discouraging them from actions capable of breaching peace and order.
“If this gesture is sustained, it will bring massive development, encourage investors, promote, tourism and guarantee the overall fortune of not only the Akokwa community but also the state.
The organisers of the monumental occasion, Akokwa Digital Ladies (ADL), is a group of enterprising women of Akokwa descent, either by birth or marriage. It is a non profit and non governmental organisation, poised to impact their community and change the narrative of their people.
In her address, the convener and leader, Akokwa Digital Ladies, Nneoma Lady Maria Ihionu, thanked the Governor for showing a formidable presence in their function through his deputy, acknowledged the giant strides of the Governor in the state, while promising their continued support for the 3-R administration.
Many activities like singing, dancing, match pass/parade, cultural display, ‘akukouwa’, concert, debate, Christmas carol/fireworks and awards to distinguished Akokwa sons and daughters marked the event.
Interestingly, Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, who went in company of her husband, Chief (Barr) Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, received, on behalf of the Governor, the salute of honour from different Women groups, as they matched/paraded in their magnificent attires and costumes, while the founder of Akokwa Digital Ladies, Nneoma Lady Maria Ihionu, was one of the award recipients.
The epoch making event had prominent Imo sons and daughters including the Chairman, Ideato North Local Government Area, Arch. Chukwunonso Okparaeke, member representing Ideato in the House of Representative, Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, traditional rulers, captains of industries, business moguls, different youth and women groups in attendance.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has signed into law the Imo State 2025 Appropriation Bill hiked by the State’s Assembly to N807b from N756b, pledging full and faithful implementation of the budget.
Signing the bill into law at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri, Monday, Governor Uzodimma noted that what the lawmakers did by increasing the original figures he presented before them few days ago shows an alignment between the Executive and the legislature in providing essential services to the people.
The Governor who further expressed his satisfaction over the expeditious passage of the appropriation bill and tinkering with the original numbers, said that what had been done by the Assembly shows that the lawmakers have challenged the executive to commence work without delay on the 2025 budget.
The appropriation signed into law still maintains the Governor’s consistency in allocating huge chunk of the budget to capital expenditure in 2025 to the tone of Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N694,786,041,220) or 86.09 per cent of the total sum.
For the recurrent expenditure, One Hundred and Twelve Billion, Three Hundred and Two Million Naira (N112,302,000,000) of 13.91 percent was approved.
In the now signed budget, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development gets N297,509,312,778 or 42.8%, the Ministry of Transport, N101,010,000,000 or 14.5% and the Ministry of Power and Electrification, N74,755,479,042 or 10.8%.
In the same vein, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was allocated N50,020,000,000 or 7.2% of the budget,
the Ministry of Education, N49,460,000,000 or 7.1% while the Ministry of Health gets N31,933,234,000 or 4.65%.
Governor Uzodimma’s short remarks after signing the appropriation bill reads: “I have just signed into law the 2025 Imo State Appropriation Bill, which now has the force of law and serves as the financial operational manual for the state.
“While I initially proposed a budget of Seven Hundred and Fifty-Six Billion Naira for the year, the State House of Assembly, in its wisdom, adjusted it to N807 billion. It shows the alignment between the Executive and the Legislature in providing essential infrastructure and services to the people of the State.
“The total 2025 budget, as amended by the Assembly and signed into law, is Eight Hundred and Seven Billion, Eighty-Eight Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N807,088,041,220).
“Capital allocation: Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Million, Forty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Naira (N694,786,041,220) (86.09%)
“Recurrent allocation: One Hundred and Twelve Billion, Three Hundred and Two Million Naira (N112,302,000,000) (13.91%)
“I commend the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for the expeditious passage of the Appropriation Bill and for increasing the initial budget estimate. This patriotic gesture challenges the executive to commence work immediately.
“As outlined in my recent budget speech, this Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities is designed to drive the economic transformation of our state through improved infrastructure and industrialization. Beyond focusing on making our economy one of the fastest-growing in the region, we aim to position the state as a prime destination for genuine investors.
“The following allocations to core ministries underscore my resolve to strengthen economic growth in 2025:
1) Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development: N297,509,312,778 (42.8%)
2) Ministry of Transport: N101,010,000,000 (14.5%)
3) Ministry of Power and Electrification: N74,755,479,042 (10.8%)
4) Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: N50,020,000,000 (7.2%)
5) Ministry of Education: N49,460,000,000 (7.1%)
6) Ministry of Health: N31,933,234,000 (4.65%)
“My dear people of Imo State, I pledge to fully and faithfully implement this budget to achieve its goals. We will create expanded economic opportunities through investment and job creation. Ndi Imo shall be the beneficiaries.
“I urge everyone and all stakeholders to support this administration in our endeavor to set Imo State on a path of sustainable development.
“Thank you, and God bless you.’
Earlier in his speech ahead of the signing, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe explained that the appropriation bill presented to them was carefully crafted, a situation that made their job easy and seamless.
He noted that the proposal shows that the Governor is determined to give Imo people “Expanded Economic Opportunities” as contained in the budget.
Informing the Governor why members of the State House of Assembly were at the Exco Chambers, the Clerk and the Legislative Head of Imo State House of Assembly, Barr. (Mrs.) Chinelo Emeghara said it was in fulfillment of the constitutional requirements of (Section 100 Sub-section 1, 2 and 3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
She emphasised: “This final stage of signing the appropriation bill into law is derived from the presentation of the bill before the House by the Governor as provided in Section 121 Sub-section 1 of the same 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
Present at the ceremony were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Senators representing Imo North and Imo West, Patrick Ndubueze and Osita Izunaso respectively.
Others include Federal House Member for Okigwe North, Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha, the Secretary to State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and Members of the State Expanded Exco.
The Speaker was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. KanayoOnyemaechi, the House Chairman on Budget and Appropriation and other Members of the House of Assembly.
The umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has said the year 2025 should be devoted to fighting insecurity, corruption and other challenges hindering the development of the country.
In a New Year message by the national chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the IPAC said it was only by the grace of God that Nigerians survived the socio-economic hardship of 2024.
“It was unprecedented in the history of our dear nation. We are grateful to God for His mercies, protection and care which have reinforced our hope and faith in consolidating our democracy and building a strong, united, stable, progressive, equitable, prosperous and just society in 2025.”
He said as the umbrella body of all the registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC would continue to lead from the front to ensure good governance and the well-being of the people.
He added that the council would vigorously pursue its Peer Review Mechanism set up to evaluate the milestones achieved by governors in the implementation of the sustainable development goals in the states, the legislators on effective, vibrant and robust representations, oversight functions and law-making, as well as monitor progress of the recent financial autonomy granted to the 774 Local Governments in the country as the government closest to the people.
“Council was at the vanguard for financial autonomy to the third tier of government as it is for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) that conduct local government polls which turn out to be charades and mockery of the nation’s electoral process as various SIECs have become rubber stamps of the governors who appointed them; and demands that INEC be empowered to conduct all elections in Nigeria as it has the capacity to do so. IPAC’s comprehensive proposal for the ongoing Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments has since been submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and inclusion,” he said.
He promised that the council would also intensify its roundtable series where crucial national issues are identified, assemble competent resource persons and stakeholders to chart the way forward that will deepen our democracy.
He said to eliminate the fielding of candidates with questionable credentials for elections, IPAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators (CIFCFIN) on 28th August 2024.
“This ensures that every document, credential, and piece of information associated with candidates is rigorously examined for authenticity and accuracy to prevent undue disqualification of candidates who won elections with fraudulent credentials by the court. Often the candidates with the second highest votes take their positions, who are not elected by the people, thus depriving the political parties that sponsored them the much needed victory. This will further sanitise and strengthen the nation’s electoral process. Council will implement it in 2025 as it continues to champion free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections,” he said.
