The federal government yesterday said train services on Port Harcourt to Aba route will start operation by the end of March.

The Port Harcourt-Aba rail project is part of the larger Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad project initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The Managing Director Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Fidet Okhiria, disclosed this in Port Harcourt after leading a delegation to test-run the reconstructed of Eastern Narrow Guage Rail line.

He said workers were currently putting finishing touches on the tracks to ensure that full train operation could begin within the month.

“I am impressed with what I saw today, especially being able to ride the locomotive and wagon on the tracks.

“Last time we visited, we could not use the train because the contractor said it was not proper to run on the train due to imbalance of the tracks.

“The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, has directed that the Port Harcourt route be connected to rail as well as initiate the linkage of Onne Port,” he said.

Okhiria expressed confidence that the contractor would complete the ‘tampering’ of the railroad within two weeks, preceding the targeted three weeks for the train services to resume.

“We are pushing the contractor to make the track safe by deploying semi-automatic signalling of the machine points, rather than manual operation.

“Despite resource challenges, the contractors are doing their best, and our goal is to achieve this within the next two weeks.

“With this, we aim to commence passenger train services, hopefully within March and fully resume transporting people from Port Harcourt to Aba by the end of March,” he assured.

The managing director said the project design team had started designing a rail track to connect the Port Harcourt-Aba railroad line to the Onne sea port.

He stated that NRC had begun collaborating with the port’s terminal manager and leading engineers to ensure a smooth project delivery.

“The initial design has been done and handed over to us. We look at it, make corrections and seek approval. Once approved, work will commence,” he added.

Regarding transport fares, Okhiria mentioned that due to the current high cost of diesel, commuters might have to pay higher fares than what was obtainable before.

He said if NRC could not cover 100 per cent fuel cost, the corporation would aim to generate at least 50 per cent from passengers to sustain operations.

“Additionally, we will assess the conditions of the roads with intent to cover at least 50 per cent of the road costs.

“The government is working with relevant security agencies to ensure adequate security of the rail line, and the linkage of security devices from the trains to the control room.

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actors John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu and Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri.

The president described the actors as geniuses who through their art brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians.

He encouraged the bereaved to “take solace in the truth that even though these beloved Nigerians have passed on, they will always live through their works which will remain an inspiration and a fount of good cheer for many.”

He also commiserated with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), and the entire creative community, assuring them of his support, thoughts, and prayers in this time of grief.

Sisi Quadri died on Friday at the general hospital in Ogbomoso where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. His death coincides with the release date of his latest movie, Anikulapo: Rise of the Specter, where he played one of the three ghosts in the mystic epic series directed by Kunle Afolayan.

Mr Ibu died died of cardiac arrest after he had a relapse about a week ago and was rushed to Evercare hospital in Lagos on Saturday.

Mr Peter Obi,  2023  presidential candidate of the Labour Party,  has  mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor,  Mr John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls  that Mr Ibu died on Saturday,  March 2 at  age 62.

The death of the comic actor was announced by Emeka Rollas, National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) on his Instagram  page on Saturday.

Rollas said  that Mr Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor.

In a condolence message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi stated that Mr Ibu’s death was a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. “His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy, and spread happiness. When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.

“Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.

“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days, and the entire Nollywood family. We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Nollywood veteran actor, Kenneth Okonkwo  has also mourned the death of  Mr Ibu. Okonkwo, a renowned actor, lawyer and chieftain of the Labour Party,  took his Instagram page @iamkennethokonkwo to bid Mr Ibu  farewell, saying  he has lost a friend, brother and colleague.

He said that Ibu  started his acting  career under his watch, adding that it was painful to bid him goodbye.

According to him, Mr Ibu captured the world with his  splendid performance in comedy, by carving his own unique path in Nollywood and succeeded on his own peculiar terms at his own pace.

“Farewell to John Okafor (Ibu), just lost a friend, brother and colleague.

His footprint will remain indelible on the sands of Nollywood.

” May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing,” he wrote.

NAN also recalls that in October 2023, the actor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that might require amputating  one of his legs.

The actor appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills.

He also shared a video of himself lying in a hospital bed, expressing his fear of losing his leg. In November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.

His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery.

A former Minister of Education, Professor Fabian Osuji, is dead.

He died Wednesday morning at the age of 82. Family sources said he returned from the United States on Saturday, where he had been holidaying, and was treated for undisclosed ailments. He was A Minister of Education during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Born Fabian Ngozichukwu Chinedum Osuji on 20 January 1942, he attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri, Government College, Umuahia, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State and the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. He performed his Post-Doctoral Research at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London. He became a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan in 1973, a post he held till 1981. He was also a Visiting Scientific Fellow at the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

He became a Dean of the College of Science, Dean of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and member of the Governing Council of Imo State University. He was appointed Professor of Applied Biology, at St. John’s University, New York (CUNY) USA (1997-1999).

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has denied reports that the Military destroyed camps belonging to the Eastern Security Network, (ESN), around Eke Ututu market in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

IPOB charged the Nigerian Government to stop linking ESN to acts of criminality.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the more the

Nigerian government tries to destroy the group, the more they will jeopardize their reputation locally and internationally.

The statement reads partly: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great prophet and liberator, MaziNnamdiOkwuchukwuKanu, debunks the fallacious and fabricated blackmail from the Nigeria military that they have destroyed ESN, camp around Eke ututu local market at Orsumoghu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

“It is a pity that the Nigerian government and her military are still bent on blackmailing IPOB and ESN even when they know the truth. In previous press releases, IPOB have called out Simon Ekpa’s led criminal gangs operating the said camps who initially paraded themselves as ESN and later metamorphosed into the Liberation Army as those terrorizing the innocent community of Uli, Lilu, Nnewi South and Orsumoghu.

“It is crystal clear that those creatures operating around Eke ututu ancient market were not ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers. “The more the Nigerian government tries to destroy IPOB, the more they will jeopardize their reputation locally and internationally.

“Biafrans and the international community know the truth and those behind the sponsored insecurity in the Southeast.

The people of the communities where these criminals camped knew that those people perpetrating criminalities in their communities are not ESN operatives or IPOB volunteers. IPOB and ESN operatives are freedom fighters and not criminals.

“The Nigerian government and its security agencies should do themselves a favor and stop linking ESN/IPOB to their gimmicks and antics of criminality. We are an upright freedom fighting movement focused on the peaceful restoration of Biafra Nation, through a UN supervised referendum when common sense finally prevails among the Nigeria government handlers.

“Using criminal elements to impersonate and blackmail IPOB’s self-determination movement are efforts in futility.”

The House of Representatives on Thursday,  passed for third reading, a Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps.

The Bill was jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu and House Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, among others at plenary in Abuja. The bill is titled: “Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Peace Corps to facilitate Peace, Volunteerism, Community Services, Neighbourhood Watch, Nation Building and for Related Matters”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill sought  to give statutory backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria. However, less than two months after the passage, a motion for rescission on the Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill, 2023 was moved on the floor of the house by Rep. Francis Waive (PDP-Delta). Waive noted that after the passage of the Bill, new facts emerged that would strengthen the functions and the operational structure of the corps.

He added that this was why the house rescinded its decision on the Bill and recommited it to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration and passage. The Bill sought to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as a body, charged with the responsibility to develop, empower and provide gainful employment for  youths. When enacted, the act would   facilitate peace, volunteerism, Community Services, Neighborhood Watch and Nation building.

NAN reports that by this passage, the Nigerian Peace Corps establishment Bill would be making its way to the Senate for concurrence and eventual transmission to the President.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Taraba State University chapter, on Thursday, appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to pay the N1.7 billion accumulated earned Academic and promotional allowances owed to staff of the university since 2014.

This is even as the Union lamented the prolonged delay in the payment of their withheld salaries, noting that with each day passing without the payment of these outstanding salaries, the financial strain on their members intensifies, pushing them further into distress and uncertainty.

Addressing a press conference at the ASUU house at the Taraba State University, the Chairperson of the Union, Dr. Garba Mbave, said the non-payment of promotion arrears and withheld salaries, not only create financial strain for members, but also erodes their morale and diminishes their trust in the fairness and integrity of the institution.

“These situations we have been subjected to have the potential to disrupt industrial harmony and compromise the productivity and effectiveness of our workforce.  The prolonged delay in the payment of Earned Academic Allowance has created significant discontent and frustration among our members. The non-payment of these allowances, not only undermines the commitment and dedication of our academic staff, but also poses a threat to the overall industrial harmony within our educational institution.

“The accumulation of these unpaid allowances since 2014 has only exacerbated the grievances and discontent among our academic staff. We urge the government to take decisive action to address this pressing issue and prioritise the prompt payment of the outstanding Earned Academic Allowances and withheld salaries owed to our members.

“Without a pension scheme in place for members of staff, we are faced with the challenges of financial insecurity and uncertainty. This is an unacceptable situation that highlights the urgent need for action.” While commending the governor for the renovation of students’ hostels and slashing of fees for undergraduate students, the union urged the government to take decisive action on the issues of outstanding earned academic allowances, withheld salaries, promotional arrears, and construction of a parameter fence for the university.

The Nigeria Insurance Corporation says it has reimbursed deposits of 179 rested microfinance and four primary mortgage banks across the country.

The Managing Director of the NDIC, Dr. Bello Hassan, stated this at the NDIC Special Day during the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Thursday.

Hassan, who was represented by the NDIC’s Deputy Director, Communication, Hauwa Gambo, insisted that the corporation’s priority was the protection of Nigerian depositors’ funds of licenced banks in distress. According to him, in carrying out its statutory functions, the corporation has introduced the Single Customer View framework to expedite payment to depositors of closed banks. Besides, he added that the NDIC has enhanced its collaboration with the judiciary for speedy prosecution of failed insured banks which has resulted in resolving long-drawn cases of closed banks such as Fortune and Triumph Banks liquidation.

According to him, the efforts have significantly improved the debt recovery rate which enabled the corporation to declare 100 per cent liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors of more than 20 deposit money banks in liquidation.

The NDIC boss said the corporation had achieved remarkable success in reimbursing depositors during the recent closure of 179 Microfinance Banks and four Primary Mortgage Banks, ensuring timely payment of insured sums.

He said, “Our priority at NDIC is the protection of Nigerian depositors. We are dedicated to safeguarding depositors’ funds from the adverse effects of bank failure

“The corporation has introduced the Single Customer View framework to expedite payment to depositors of closed banks. The Corporation has enhanced collaboration with the judiciary for speedy prosecution of failed insured institutions.

“This concerted effort has resulted in resolving long-drawn cases of closed banks such as Fortune and Triumph Banks in liquidation.

Moreover, we have utilised Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms and out-of-court settlements, revitalising our liquidation activities.

“These efforts have significantly improved our debt recovery rate, enabling us to declare 100 per cent liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors of more than 20 deposit money banks in liquidation.

“The Corporation achieved remarkable success in reimbursing depositors during the recent closure of 179 Microfinance Banks and 4 Primary Mortgage Banks, ensuring timely payment of insured sums.”

The bill to designate Anambra State as a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sparked controversy in the Senate on Wednesday, with members expressing differing views during the bill’s second reading.

Senator representing Anambra North, Tony Nwoye, introduced the bill seeking to amend the NDDC Act N86 LFN 2004 to include Anambra State. However, the bill did not progress past the second reading as lawmakers voted against its passage.

Citing information from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Senator Nwoye argued that Anambra State meets the criteria to be recognized as an oil-producing state. The lawmaker highlighted that the RMAFC, during its 139th Plenary Session on July 27, 2021, approved the attribution of 14 oil wells to the state, including Nzam 1, Anambra 1, 2, 3, Ogbu-1, Alo-1, Amesi 1, 2, 3, 4, and Enyie 1, 2, 3, 4.

In an attempt to persuade his colleagues to support the bill, Senator Tony Nwoye informed the Senators that the official allocation of 13% mineral derivation revenue has commenced from November 2021 until the present date.

Following this, chaos erupted when Senate President Godswill Akpabio presented Senator Tony Nwoye with a choice to either withdraw the bill for further consultations or subject it to a voice vote among the Senators. Should Lagos, Kogi, Bauchi, and Other Oil Producing States Also Be Included in The NDDC? Akpabio, being the first to contribute to the bill, pointed out flaws in it. The Senate President explained that the current nine member states of the NDDC (Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers) were included due to their geographical location within the Niger Delta, which Anambra State is not a part of. According to Akpabio, if Anambra State were to be included, it would imply that other oil-producing states such as Lagos, Gombe, Kogi, and Bauchi would also be included in the NDDC and recognized as Niger Delta States. Akpabio garnered backing from Senators such as Seraike Dickson, Isah Jibrin, Olamilekan Solomon, and Eshilokun, while Senators Adams Oshiomhole and a few others supported the bill.

In response to Akpabio, the bill’s sponsor Tony Nwoye accused Senator Jibrin Isah (Kogi East) of providing false information to the Senate by claiming that Kogi State has been receiving oil derivation funds since 2022.

He said: “Mr Senate President, I have the record that Anambra State has started receiving 13 % derivation since November 2021, and as of today, Kogi State is not receiving a dime from the Federal Government. He mentioned Kogi and he was trying to misinform the Senate.

” However, Jibrin fired back, admonishing the Anambra lawmaker to limit his argument to his state, saying, “Kogi has started receiving oil derivation since 2022.”

“With due respect Mr. Nwoye I want to limit yourself to your presentation and your state. What happens in Kogi State is not your business. I am telling you that the information getting to me shows that Kogi is getting 13%, Isah stood his ground.” Speaking further over the arguments, Akpabio urged Senator Nwoye not to rely solely on the letter received from the RMAFC, as it only offered clarifications on the 13 per cent derivation of Anambra, not Kogi. The Senate President proposed an amendment that would consider other states, including Kogi, which has recently become an oil-producing state, as well as potential future oil-producing states. Akpabio argued that there was no need for the bill, as Anambra already receives its 13 per cent derivation from the Federation Government and benefits from funds as a member of the host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act bill.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned protesting labour unions in the country against causing unrest. The Nigerian leader gave the warning in his speech on Thursday during the inauguration of the Red Line Rail Project in Lagos.

Tinubu, who said he watched how people are demonstrating across the country over the ongoing hardship, said that unions must not hide under the guise of human rights to cause unrest.“You are not the only voice Nigeria has…” Tinubu said.

Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) members staged a demonstration across the states on Tuesday over the continued rise of the price of commodities, among other economic crises in Nigeria.However, having commended the Governor of Lagos State, BabajideSanwo-Olu, for the Red Line project, and extended his regards to all dignitaries present at the occasion, President Tinubu reiterated that he sees the groaning of the people over the current economic hardship in the country.

He said, “Allow me to throw a jab here. The Labour Union should understand that you are not the only one with freedom and rights. If you want to participate in the electoral process, meet us in 2027. If not, maintain peace. You are not the only voice of Nigeria.”

Tinubu, however, said his administration will not back down on its policies and actions taken to curb corruption and make good use of diverted funds in the public sector.

“When you put people at the focus of your vision and planning, you will understand the value of democracy,” Tinubu said.

The President said the commissioning of the Red Line was the culmination of the vision he nursed 25 years ago when he was governor of the state, calling for more collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and other states to develop railway infrastructures across the country.

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has felicitated with the Board, management and staff of The Punch Nigeria Limited on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the newspaper, The Punch.

The ceremonies for the golden jubilee of The Punch have been slated for this year, though the organisation was founded in March 1973, making her 50 years old in March 2023.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor of Imo State said Governor Uzodimma is pleased to identify with the success story of The Punch encapsulated in hardwork, perseverance, commitment, determination and penchant to serve the public.

The Governor said The Punch did not only build a brand for itself, but for Nigeria where the Board, management and staff ply their trade, noting that where her competitors failed the medium excelled enormously.

Governor Uzodimma who is the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum recalls that the media have a critical role to play in the growth, development and moulding of the Nigerian society, noting that over the past 50 years of The Punch’s existence, the medium has demonstrated willingness to contribute its own quota for the betterment of the country, taking into cognisance, the demands of the journalism profession.

The Governor reminded the medium not to shy away from the practice of development journalism which he reasons, serves as the route that will lead to Nigeria’s socio-economic, political and cultural development.

On behalf of the government and people of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma wishes The Punch many years of service to the society.

The nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28 by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over the high cost of living in the country has commenced in Abuja.

NLC had alerted its members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to protest against the hardship being faced by civil servants in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress had on February 8, issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, following the removal of fuel subsidy.

However, as Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship, the union decided to embark on a two-day nationwide protest to press their demands.

Despite security advisory by the Department of State Services, DSS, the union kick-started the protest in many cities across the country.

Aggrieved Nigerians and workers were seen trooping into the Labour House with security operatives in the early hours of Tuesday.

South East Development Peace Initiative, SDPI, has advised Ndigbo nationwide to resist the urge of joining the much talked about mass protest against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

There has been a nationwide outrage against the current administration with flashes of protests in different parts of the country due to rising inflation, hunger and general hardship. However, despite the growing bitterness, Nigerians in the South East region have stayed away from the protests, raising eyebrows from some prominent Nigerians who questioned why the zone has remained calm despite the biting hardship.

In particular, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, while expressing surprise against situation said:

“I honestly don’t know why the South East is quiet, uncharacteristically quiet….”

Speaking after a meeting of the group in Enugu on Tuesday, its President, Hon Vitus Okechi said that the injustices against Ndigbo in Nigeria were such that they had no reason to protest, as they have faced more challenging situations in Nigeria.

Okechi, a local government chairman in Enugu State, expressed shock that other parts of the country were protesting just because of hunger when Ndigbo had serially suffered deprivation, marginalisation, discrimination, humiliation, neglect, and even higher level of hunger and deprivation.

He said, “Igbo people are used to suffering in Nigeria. Our people have been killed at the slightest provocation; our shops and businesses have been burnt and looted because we are Igbo. “We have been neglected, afflicted, marginalised to the extent that what is happening now is not new to us.”

He recalled the post civil war era when every Igbo person was awarded £20 at a point the government was declaring ‘No Victor, No Vanquished,’ stressing that, “the people survived and heavens did not fall. Nobody protested.”

“Ndigbo were further purnished when the same government banned the importation of stock fish and second hand clothes- two major commodities traded in Onitsha and Aba, all targeted at ensuring that the defeated Igbo people remained down and out. There were no protests. “We have all forgotten the 1974 indegenization policy, when shares and stocks owned by foreigners in businesses in Nigeria were to be relinquished to local interests. “Of course the Igbo had been battered by the war and would not have the financial muzzle to compete. The North and West took centre stage in acquiring these shares and stocks which shifted the economic balance in their favour.

“Ndigbo have been at the receiving end in the affairs of the country and all efforts for equity and justice have fallen on deaf ears. Were there protests, NO!

“Today, the South East is the only geopolitical zone that has only five (5) states and 95 local government areas, while some geopolitical zones have as much as 188 local government areas. “The sit-at-home in the South East is because of the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The sit-at-home has caused the Igbo losses in lives and properties. All the appeals to the federal government for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have been rebuffed as an Igbo problem.

“We have been marginalized in every way. The roads in the South East are abandoned and neglected while the few motorable ones are made taxation points for security operatives. “Outside that, some persons have sworn that no Igbo should be allowed to be president in Nigeria. That is while when it is the turn of the Igbo, political parties threw their tickets open even against their own constitution.

“In political appointments, we are treated like strangers. Even the Federal Character is jettisoned just to deprive the people. We are used to injustices in a country we have contributed immensely to its development. No! We can’t protest.

“We cannot protest because of hunger or any other thing in Nigeria. We have faced worse hunger, worse starvation and we survived.

“Those asking why we are not protesting are doing so to set us up for the slaughter as usual. We all recall several incidences where Igbo protesters were brutally murdered in the past. “No one will achieve that with us now. We are wiser.

“We will continue to show support for President Bola Tinubu. We believe that he knows what he is doing. We are sure that the current hardship will be for the good of the country. “Why didn’t these protests start during former President Buhari who laid the weak economic foundation. “We are bold to support the government of President Bola Tinubu; we will also back him for a second tenure in office. We stand on his mandate.

“In our capacity, as a Pro-Igbo group, we add our voice to the call by Igbo leaders that no Igbo man anywhere should join the current hunger-induced protests,” the former Enugu Commissioner said.