Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the planned changes require broader consultation.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the appeal in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

A member of the House Committees on Youth and Defence, the lawmaker described the NYSC as a strategic national institution whose founding objectives should be preserved while reforms are considered.

His comments followed the Federal Government’s unveiling of what the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.

The proposed reforms include: restructuring the orientation camp into three phases, introducing 11 specialised career streams for prospective corps members, strengthening skills acquisition programmes, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally made attire and appointing a civilian as Director-General of the scheme instead of a military officer.

The proposals have generated mixed reactions, with some stakeholders welcoming the changes as a step towards modernising the scheme, while others have expressed concerns about their potential impact on its original objectives.

Agbese said reforms are necessary but argued that they should not diminish the NYSC’s role in promoting national integration and supporting national development.

According to him, the scheme has, over the years, contributed to key sectors including education, healthcare, elections and emergency response, in addition to fostering unity among young Nigerians.

The lawmaker also expressed reservations about the proposal to appoint a civilian as Director-General of the scheme, stating that its military leadership tradition has contributed to discipline, patriotism and national preparedness among corps members.

He called on President Tinubu to establish a broader review committee comprising security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth groups and other stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the proposed reforms before implementation.

Established on May 22, 1973, under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon, the NYSC was created to promote national unity and reconciliation after the Nigerian Civil War by deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin.

For more than five decades, the scheme has supported government programmes in education, healthcare, elections and community development while promoting cultural integration among Nigerians.

The proposed reforms represent the most extensive review of the NYSC since its establishment and have reignited debate over the future direction of the national service scheme.

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it spent more than ₦8 trillion outside the 2026 budget, describing the reports as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the International Monetary Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.

The government said the allegations, which referenced comments attributed to the IMF Representative in Nigeria and the Fund’s report, wrongly suggested that about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product was expended outside the approved budget.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.

The rebuttal comes after IMF disclosed that Nigeria left public spending equivalent to about 2% of GDP unreported in recent official budgets, obscuring the country’s true financing needs and making the fiscal deficit appear smaller than it actually was.

Speaking in Lagos, IMF Resident Representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, said, “So far we think that there are about two per cent of GDP of expenditure that were not reported that should be reported and should be recorded, so that this statistical discrepancy will disappear.”

Reacting, opposition figures, including Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of entrenched corruption and called for probe

But Oyedele said the Federal Government does not operate a “shadow budget” or spend public funds outside the constitutional and statutory framework.

“The Federal Government has noted recent public commentary alleging that approximately two per cent of GDP amounting to over ₦8 trillion was spent outside the approved budget based on references to the IMF Representative in Nigeria and the Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.

“These claims are incorrect and risk misleading the public regarding the government’s financial management,” the statement said.

Oyedele explained that under Sections 80 to 83 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution, public funds could only be withdrawn and spent in accordance with the Constitution and laws enacted by the National Assembly.

He said Federal Government spending was undertaken through duly enacted Appropriation Acts, Supplementary Appropriation Acts and other statutory authorities approved by the National Assembly.

The minister added that multi-year capital projects implemented across different budget cycles and approved capital rollovers were recognised components of public financial management and should not be misconstrued as spending outside the budget.

“It is inaccurate to suggest that trillions of naira have been secretly spent outside legislative approval. Such allegations should have identified the specific projects purportedly executed without appropriation or legal authority and present credible evidence in support of the claim,” he said.

Oyedele also clarified that statutory transfers, debt service obligations, first-line charges and intervention mechanisms established by Acts of the National Assembly formed part of Nigeria’s public finance framework.

He listed statutory allocations to development commissions, revenue collection costs retained by designated agencies, separately approved capital budgets for some agencies and the Federal Capital Territory, security and infrastructure interventions, disaster response programmes, and debt servicing obligations among expenditures authorised by law.

“These expenditures are neither secret nor illegal. They are established by law, disclosed in various fiscal reports, and subject to applicable oversight, audit and accountability mechanisms,” he stated.

The minister further rejected suggestions that the reported amount represented an increase in Nigeria’s fiscal deficit.

“A fiscal deficit is determined by the relationship between total government revenues and total government expenditures. Whether a capital project is financed through annual appropriations, supplementary appropriations, statutory transfers, approved intervention mechanisms, or other lawful financing arrangements does not, by itself, increase the fiscal deficit,” he added.

He said the IMF’s observations focused on improving the comprehensiveness, timing and presentation of fiscal reporting rather than questioning the legality of government expenditure.

According to him, Tinubu had already asked the National Assembly during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill on December 19, 2025, to end the practice of operating multiple and overlapping budgets and instead adopt a single, harmonised budget framework.

Oyedele said the Federal Government remained committed to prudent fiscal management, transparency and accountability, noting that recent reforms had strengthened budget credibility, revenue administration, treasury management and the digitalisation of government financial processes.

“The Federal Government will continue to uphold the rule of law, maintain transparency in the management of public resources, and work with the National Assembly, oversight institutions, development partners and the Nigerian people to further strengthen fiscal governance in line with international best practices,” he added.

He urged members of the public to base debates on accurate facts and a proper understanding of Nigeria’s constitutional and fiscal framework, warning that misrepresenting technical observations as evidence of unlawful expenditure undermined informed public discourse.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said citizens’ support is indispensable to achieving national security objectives.

Shaibu stated this yesterday, at the inauguration of a renovated community primary and secondary school in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The COAS said the inauguration was part of the Nigerian Army’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The interventions include: the complete renovation of classroom blocks in both the primary and secondary school sections, the provision of desks, the construction of three new toilets, the distribution of writing materials, new uniforms and school bags for pupils and students, among other items.

While noting that the interventions cut across the three senatorial districts of the state, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army has commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones to foster public support and enhance civil-military cooperation.

Shaibu said, “Today’s ceremony provides the Nigerian Army yet another opportunity to foster public support, enhance cooperation and promote community development with the good people of Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, through the renovation of the community primary and secondary school.

“We are also renovating community secondary schools in Luusue, Khana Local Government Area, and the community town hall in Oyigbo Local Government Area (Rivers South-East), as well as providing a solar-powered borehole in Degema Local Government Area (Rivers West), all in Rivers State.

“As an Army, we recognise the indispensable role that the people play in supporting our efforts to achieve national security objectives within a joint, multifaceted and dynamic security environment.”

He explained that the people’s trust, cooperation and active participation remain vital to the success of the Army’s operations, adding that enduring security can only be achieved through strong partnerships among the military, other security agencies and the communities they are sworn to protect.

“This understanding informs the essence of our non-kinetic operations under this Civil-Military Cooperation Project scheme, which remains the cornerstone of our efforts in this regard.

“To this end, the Nigerian Army has successfully commissioned over 250 intervention projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones. These include the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, community town halls, laboratories and roads, as well as the provision of solar lighting systems, boreholes and Information and Communications Technology facilities.

“These projects are designed to complement existing infrastructure provided by the government,” Shaibu added.

The Army Chief expressed delight at the large turnout at the event, describing it as a reflection of solidarity with the Nigerian Army and a demonstration of a shared understanding of the significance of the project.

He said it also underscored the people’s support in enabling the Nigerian Army to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

The Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe has decried the unexpected inferno that devastated the expansive, popular and ever-busy Eke-Ukwu Okigwe daily market, while describing the incident as unmitigated disaster. In a press statement voicing unalloyed solidarity for victims of the fire incident as endorsed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Uwa, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe lamented that amazing number of traders, artisans and other classes of business owners depending on the market for their daily bread lost their goods and shops to the inferno. According to Chike Olemgbe, the Eke-Ukwu Okigwe is not just a place for buying and selling, it is also, a rallying point for communal life, economic and socio-cultutal engagements for people of Imo and neighbouring states in the Southeast zone of Nigeria. Chike Olemgbe who also represents Ihitte-Uboma state constituency in the Imo state apex legislative house described the incident as a big blow to the economy of Southeast, while urging all the victims, particularly, shop owners to bear the huge loss with courage and faith in God. The Imo State House of Assembly Speaker expressed the hope that the state government in conjunction with Okigwe local government and security agencies, would leave no stone unturned in efforts to unravel the cause of the disaster.

Fuel marketers have declared that their filling stations will stop selling petrol should the Federal Government try to enforce price control.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, issued the warning on Tuesday during an interview with our correspondent.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, warned on Monday that the government would not tolerate profiteering and other practices that exploit fuel consumers. Lokpobiri said that, though the era of government-fixed petrol prices was over, deregulation did not mean regulators should abdicate their responsibility to protect consumers.

The minister spoke in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 2026 General Counsel and Legal Advisers Forum organised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

His remarks came amid renewed public concerns over the failure of refiners and importers to lower the gantry prices of petroleum products even as crude prices fell from a high of $120 during the US-Iran war to as low as $72 a barrel.

On Sunday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission expressed concern over what it described as possible consumer exploitation in the downstream petroleum sector following the failure of fuel prices to decline significantly despite the sharp drop in global crude oil prices.

During the Monday engagement, the oil minister told the NMDPRA to ensure Nigerians are not exploited by fuel marketers. “As part of the requirements of deregulation, prices have to be determined by market forces. The NMDPRA has a unique responsibility, compounded by the PIA, to ensure not only that products are available but also that unnecessary profiteering is stopped.

“Yes, the market is definitely deregulated, but that doesn’t limit deregulation… What is important is the reality of the situation in the industry. Primarily, market forces have to determine prices. But we also have a responsibility as a government to ensure that there is no profiteering. The PIA specifically vested (that power in) government institutions, including the NMDPRA,” Lokpobiri said.

However, the IPMAN spokesman denied allegations of profiteering, saying many marketers are running into losses with the series of reductions carried out lately by the Dangote refinery.

Ukadike said the Federal Government should first investigate the root cause of the current high petrol prices and boost competition by making sure its refineries work, stressing that marketers will sell what they buy.

He warned, “Marketers will shut down if they try somehow to enforce price control. We are going to shut down our stations nationwide. You can’t be regulating a deregulated market. You can’t tell me how much to sell my product without trying to know how much I bought it.”

Recounting the ordeals of marketers, he said, “We, the independent marketers, are losing money. We bought petrol at a particular rate a few days ago; on our way to our filling stations, there was a reduction. We have been struggling with the price. We have been struggling against financial losses. We are also struggling against stagnation due to low patronage of our products. Because those marketers who are purchasing now are purchasing at a lower price, and they are selling cheaper.

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the minister has the power to intervene in ensuring consumers are not exploited. However, he said this must be in consultation with major stakeholders in the sector.

“The minister of petroleum has the power to intervene in ensuring that Nigerians are treated fairly. The NMDPRA has the power, and so does the FCCPC. However, these decisions to discipline or not to discipline should follow stakeholder practice.

“We have the petroleum stakeholder conference that is being headed by the minister. And I think that this is the time for the minister to convene a meeting of all the stakeholders to unravel what the scenario is and what the situation is and make a decision that is beneficial for Nigerians. That’s what I think we should do,” he said.

Gillis-Harry maintained that the government should act without the consent of the stakeholders. “They have the right to intervene, but if they do that and the stakeholders have a different view, that will be difficult. And that’s why the minister should mandate a meeting to speak to all stakeholders as fast as possible.

“The minister has the power to intervene in matters like this, and every stakeholder, including the refineries, must comply,” he submitted.

Meanwhile, the NMDPRA spokesman, George Ene-Ita, told our correspondent that he was yet to be briefed about the plans of the management as far as the matter is concerned. “I’ve not been briefed. I don’t know the action the management wants to take,” Ene-Ita replied.

The reports said that petrol currently sells at prices ranging between N1,140 and N1,210, depending on the location.

President Bola Tinubu has explained the reasons he approved the recent National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, reforms.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle yesterday, the President said the changes are aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and preparing them for national development.

According to him, the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Monday, were part of his administration’s promise to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

“On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973.

“On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise,” Tinubu said.

The President further stated that although the NYSC had served the cause of national unity for more than five decades, the country’s changing realities required a new approach.

“For 53 years, the NYSC has served the cause of national unity. That mission remains important and must be preserved. But the Nigeria of today demands more,” he added.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has revoked the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks across the country for failing to comply with regulatory requirements.

The apex bank announced the decision in a statement issued yesterday by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, stating that the revocation takes immediate effect.

According to the CBN, the action was taken in line with its powers under Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial InstitutionsAct (BOFIA), 2020.

The bank explained that the affected microfinance banks failed to meet the conditions required to continue operating as licensed financial institutions.

The CBN said the decision followed the identification of one or more regulatory infractions, including insufficient assets to meet liabilities, closure of operations without the approval of the apex bank, prolonged inactivity and cessation of financial intermediation, failure to commence business within 12 months of receiving a licence, and failure to maintain the required minimum capital unimpaired by losses

Explaining the rationale behind the move, the apex bank stated:

“The revocation of the licences is part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial sector, protect depositors, and ensure that licensed institutions comply with current laws and regulatory requirements.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to promoting a safe, sound and resilient financial system and will continue to take appropriate supervisory and regulatory actions, where necessary, to maintain public confidence in the Nigerian financial system,” the statement said.

… As IIRS Chairman leads strategic stakeholders’ engagement on OCORA

…One community, one revenue agent

The Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) organised a Stakeholders’ meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Dr. Chuck Chukwuemeka, Local Government Chairmen and Revenue Officers of the LGAs, IIRS Revenue Heads, representatives from Interswitch, Compumetrics Solutions Ltd, and members of the Interim Market Committee at the Imo Digital City Limited to advance the implementation of the One Community One Revenue Agent (OCORA) initiative.

The Executive Chairman (IIRS), Mr. Justice R. Okoye (FCA) outlined the initiative’s objectives and implementation strategy, urging stakeholders to take ownership of the state-led reform. Participants also engaged in an interactive session and pledged their support for the successful rollout of OCORA.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for finance and coordinating economy, Dr Chuck Chukuemeka  commended the stakeholders and urged them to fully embrace this technological Reforms.

The engagement reflects the commitment of the administration of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma CON, to building a transparent, technology-driven revenue system in Imo State.

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia 
It was a sad day for the people of Umuosu in Isiala Ngwa North LGA on Friday, after an unidentified tricycle operator who offered a free ride to six pupils after school, sent four of the older children to buy fuel for him and drove away with two of them.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, Rtd, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking on the abduction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, Rtd, described the incident as unfortunate and assured that the state government is making frantic efforts to rescue the children. He described the incident as a case of child trafficking.
He revealed that the incident happened after school on Friday and should be a source of concern for parents.
“Six pupils were carried by a keke, and then four of the six pupils were sent to go and buy fuel, after which the other two were abducted. That is a typical case of child trafficking.
“The state government is aware. We have set the ball rolling to make sure that we recover them. We actually acted on false information and went to somewhere in Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, but it turned out that the information we got was wrong. The CP has contacted CPs of the neighbouring states,” Ubah stated.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the state government has officially commenced the enforcement of restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and security of citizens across the state.
He also noted that government has established a toll-free public complaint system to enable residents to report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse, or other infractions by security agencies and task force personnel, to ensure transparency and accountability in the enforcement process.
He recalled that the enforcement of the restrictions was initially scheduled to commence on June 22, 2026, but was postponed by one week in what he described as “a rare display of compassion by the people-oriented government of Dr. Alex Otti.”
He reiterated that the state government recognizes that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihood and movement, and fully appreciates the concerns raised by affected operators and members of the public.
“It was in demonstration of this understanding that the government sanctioned the postponement of the commencement date to enable affected persons to comply with the new regulatory requirements and make necessary adjustments,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner announced that, as contained in an advisory recently issued by the government, the penalty for violation of the restriction remains Twenty Thousand Naira, N20,000.
He made it clear that impounded motorcycles would only be released upon fulfillment of all applicable registration, documentation, verification, and other statutory requirements. He further clarified that private motorcycles would continue to enjoy free passage provided they are duly registered and documented, but are not permitted to carry passengers.
He said, “All commercial motorcycle operators are permitted to operate only within approved jurisdictions and must wear officially approved state government-issued identification vests while carrying out their operations. All motorcycles, tricycles, and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be properly registered and documented in accordance with government regulations,” he disclosed.
Prince Kanu appealed to residents, transport operators, community leaders, and the general public to cooperate with relevant authorities in support of the initiative. He thanked citizens for their understanding and support since the restrictions were announced, maintaining that no economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life.
“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We will continue to ensure that Abians and residents can live, work, and move about freely in a secure environment,” Prince Kanu stated.
On infrastructure development  the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Works has continued to intensify road construction and maintenance activities across the state.

According to him, between June 16 and June 29, 2026, direct labour activities were carried out at 14 locations across the state, with five projects completed and one new project added to the ministry’s maintenance basket.
He revealed that the completed projects include: the construction of the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia-Umueleke Road, Phase One, in Isiala Ngwa North LGA; the 550-metre Uzoma-Ohokobe-Afara-Ohokobe Road to Polygon Junction off Aba Road; Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba; rainy season maintenance works on Ojari Road in Arochukwu; and desilting works along Faulks Road in Aba.
The Commissioner further announced the commencement of a new direct labour project: the construction of Green Avenue Square in Aba. He also revealed that 24 road projects are currently on contract across the state, with contractors making significant progress on the various sites.
“The state government, through the Ministry of Works, continues to push the boundaries in road construction and infrastructure development, with visible progress being made across the state,” Prince Kanu concluded.

… As Ministry of Youth development, SA on Narcotics unveil Nigeria/Japan youth games creators contest 2026

By Fredrick Njoku

The Imo State Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, has officially unveiled the Nigeria/Japan Youth Games Creators Contest 2026, an innovative youth empowerment initiative aimed at discovering and promoting the creative talents of young Nigerians on the global stage.

The programme was unveiled during a world press conference held on June 29, 2026, at the ICT Centre of the Imo State Secretariat. The event was jointly addressed by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs, Hon. Chief Ezechukwu Nnamdi Obonna.

During the ceremony, the organisers launched the official registration portals for the contest.

They urged interested participants to register through https://jnaija.com/contest, while additional information is available via https://janina.com and https://jnaija.com/supporters.

The event attracted top government officials and notable figures in the entertainment industry, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, Hon. Bobby Michael, veteran Nollywood actor Vitalis Ndubuisi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Skill Acquisition, Hon. Chidi Onyewuchi.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ukaegbu disclosed that the initiative was conceived following his official visit to Japan alongside Hon. Obonna, where they established a partnership with Mr. Taku Kato, Chief Executive Officer of Gigbeing Incorporation, Tokyo, Japan.

The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for approving and sponsoring the trip, noting that the partnership was designed to create international opportunities for Imo youths through innovation and digital creativity.

According to him, the state government is committed to ensuring that young people travel abroad for meaningful and productive engagements rather than irregular migration.

He explained that the Nigeria/Japan Youth Games Creators Contest is designed to expose talented youths to the global digital economy while creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Dr. Ukaegbu stated that the competition would enable participants to showcase their creativity by developing gaming concepts centred on Nigerian stories, characters and mythology, thereby

projecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage to the international market.

In his remarks, Hon. Chief Ezechukwu Obonna described the initiative as a strategic intervention against youth involvement in substance abuse, crime and other social vices. He said the programme would positively engage young people by channeling their talents into productive ventures and commended Dr. Ukaegbu for introducing such an innovative project.

Also speaking, Hon. Bobby Michael described the contest as one of the most significant

youth-focused initiatives introduced in Imo State in recent times. He encouraged young people to seize the opportunity to showcase their talents to the world while expressing gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for supporting the programme.

The Special Adviser on Skill Acquisition, Hon. Chidi Onyewuchi, equally applauded the state

government for creating the platform.

He urged eligible youths to register and encourage others to participate.

Veteran Nollywood actor Vitalis Ndubuisi praised Dr. Ukaegbu for his humility, accessibility and

commitment to youth empowerment.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Dorathy Mirikwe, applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for establishing a separate Ministry of Youth Development.

The high point of the event was the official unveiling of the contest registration portal and the presentation of the rewards awaiting successful participants.

The organisers announced that winners will compete for prizes including 1 million Japanese Yen, an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan sponsored by the Japanese partner company, hotel

accommodation, visits to notable tourist attractions, and the opportunity to have their gaming concepts and fictional stories professionally developed into internationally marketed digital games.

They further disclosed that the three overall winners would retain lifetime profit-sharing rights from the commercial success of their games while enjoying full protection of their intellectual property rights.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved hazard allowances for government-employed journalists who were not previously captured.

The governor announced this during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, at Government House, Uyo.

The governor emphasized the importance of extending the allowance to all deserving journalists, especially those working extra hours, such as members of the Government House Press Corps.

He directed the Head of Civil Service to implement the directive promptly, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of citizens and the state’s ongoing development under his leadership.

While highlighting his administration’s recent acquisition of 20 CNG buses, the governor commended the union for its partnership and collaboration with his administration and urged continued support for the state’s development initiatives, particularly in promoting tourism.

In his response, the NUJ Chairman, Nsibiet John, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and highlighted his administration’s achievements, such as revitalizing the union’s Press Centre and appointing journalists to key roles.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Civil Service, and commissioners.