The celebration, which commenced with a symposium organised in his honour at Rivers State University on Thursday, August 21,2025, got to a resounding climax on Friday at Suntai Event Centre in Port Harcourt, where people from all walks of life, including business associates, friends, well-wishers, relatives, community folks, traditional rulers, and admirers, gathered to pay glowing tributes to the celebrant.

Before then, a well attended thanksgiving service was held that same Friday at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Okoro-Nu-Odo, to honour him and return gratitude to God Almighty for the fruitful and eventful life and accomplishments of the Emohua leader and icon.

The service which was officiated by Rt Rev Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, Bishop of Niger Delta North had other renowned and respected clerics like Most Rev(Dr) Blessing Enyindah, Dean, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion); Rt Rev(Dr) Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta; Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, Bishop, Diocese of Evo; and Ven Solomon Eze Nelson, Archdeacon, Okoro-Nu-Odo; among others lined up as officiating ministers.

The service lived up to its billing, as it featured powerful and soul-lifting praise and worship; point-blank prayers; and beautiful renditions, which electrified the entire atmosphere, essentially packaged to thank God for the life of the celebrant.

However, the crowning moment actually came when the who is who, the crème de la crème of the society, thronged the terraces and fabulously decorated expansive hall of Suntai Event Centre, to celebrate Eze Onuekwa, amid accolades, aplomb and panache, wining and dining, and clinking of glasses with him and all.

The chairman of the colourful ceremony, Chief Evans Woherem, who was represented by Eze(Prof) Christian Akani of the prestigious Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, praised the celebrant for his youthfulness in spite of clocking 80 years, generosity, humility, humaneness and selfless services to the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, the Niger Delta and Nigeria, and called on all and sundry to emulate his good legacies and simple disposition towards life and existence.

Goodwill messages also poured in in torrents to underscore and salute the doggedness, resilience, astuteness and uniqueness of the endearing life of the celebrant, with Prof Emenike Wami, the Ochia Ohna Ikwerre(XIV), taking the lead.

Prof Priye Iyalla, the wife of late renowned writer, novelist and playwright, Dr Elechi Amadi, held the audience spellbound as she masterfully reeled out the profile of the celebrant, amid intermittent applause from the crowd.

The Tiv Community from Benue State, resident in Rivers State, were not left out, as they honoured and decorated Eze Onuekwa in their complete traditional regalia.

Cultural displays from Baptist Church, Rumuowhor; ADNA Wogbuji Dancing Group, Egbeda; Tiv Dancing Group; and Promoter Eze and Rumu-Mgboh Emohua Wrestling Group, equally added colour and grace to the occasion, with the celebrant and his wife, Dame Ann Onuekwa, joining them to wriggle their waists and bodies in ecstasy.

In his response, the highly elated celebrant, Eze Onuekwa thanked all those gathered to celebrate with him, saying, celebrations would never cease in their homes, and attributed everything he represents in life, including his modest accomplishments to God.

Eze Onuekwa, while addressing newsmen, harped on the need for hard work among the youths and members of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, as a way of sustaining and giving meaning to the motto of the organisation, which he noted is anchored on peace, unity and progress.

He specially thanked God for sustaining his life, and for making everything possible for him and his family, saying, he was joyous that he has today become an octogenarian and elder statesman in Rivers State.

His son and medical practitioner, Dr Samuel Chizia Onuekwa expressed delight that people from far and near had come together to celebrate the father, whom he described as a role model and great inspirator.

He said it was a good thing that the children were celebrating their father when he is alive, stressing that the last time Eze Onuekwa was celebrated in such magnitude was 20 years ago, during his 60th birthday celebration, and prayed God to grant him many more years in good health.

Among dignitaries who graced the event were Senator Andrew Uchendu; Chief Sampson Agbaru; Prof Emenike Wami; Dr Peter Didia; Eze(Prof) Samuel Ugo Onyeka; and a host of others. Justice Iche Ndu(rtd); and C O Kattey were among personalities that attended the thanksgiving service, while the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi led the academics who graced the symposium, alongside Eze G A O Omodu.

In a statement on Saturday, Amagbein condemned IYC leaders who took a protest to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, demanding the sack of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited.

The IYC had claimed that the protest was due to non-performance, financial mismanagement and other allegations, but Amagbein refuted the claims.

Amagbein accused the IYC of derailing from its core mandate and delving into partisan oil surveillance politics.

“Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil); Dr Samuel Ogbuku, MD/CEO of NDDC; and Chief Dennis Otuaru, the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, are all Ijaw people, but sadly, nobody remembers this to thank Mr President.”

“It is so said that oil politics in the Niger Delta has infiltrated into the affairs of the IYC, and its leaders have allowed surveillance contractors to direct policy statements of the youth body.”

The Tide source reports that Ojulari had said NNPCL is under attack over his leadership stance.

The Akwa Ibom State Director of NOA, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the appeal in Uyo at the weekend during a sensitization programme organized by the Federal Information Center with focus on the milestones of Tinubu’s administration.

Mkpoutom, who was represented by Mrs Atim Otoyo, Deputy Director Planning, Research and Strategy, recalled that Tinubu on assumption of office on May 29, 2023, had embarked on ambitious reforms and initiatives that would better the lives of Nigerians.

He said the President’s focus is on revitalizing Nigeria’s economy by swiftly addressing the fuel subsidy crisis that had long plagued the nation’s finances.

According to him, by removing fuel subsidies, resources are now reallocated towards critical areas such as infrastructure and social welfare programs.

“This bold decision, although met with public discontent due to rising fuel prices, was a necessary step towards fiscal responsibility,” he said.

Mkpoutom also stated that security remains a paramount concern in Nigeria, stressing that Tinubu’s administration has prioritized the issue since the onset of his administration.

“His administration has focused on strengthening the military and security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry and separatist movements. This includes boosting funding for the Armed Forces and implementing community policing strategies to foster better relationships between law enforcement agencies and local communities.

“President Tinubu’s administration has championed various projects aimed at improving transportation networks, electricity supply, and public amenities as well as initiating programs to create technological hubs to promote digital literacy among young Nigerians,” the NOA official said.

Opeifa apologized at a press conference at the NUJ FCT secretariat in Abuja on Sunday.

The apology comes after NUJ FCT condemned the unwholesome treatment meted out to its members who were covering the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment incident.

The NUJ demanded a public apology from Opeifa over the incident.

In his apology on Sunday, Opeifa said he was carried away in the heat of the moment.

“I wish to offer my apology for the regrettable remarks I made, which were not only directed at a seasoned journalist but also reflected unfavourably on the NUJ FCT and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ.

“Acting in the heat of the moment under pressure, and in my attempt to ensure safety, I made certain unkind statements. For this, I take full responsibility, and I am sorry.”

Chairman of NUJ FCT, Grace Ike, had called for calm among journalists over the incident.

Recall that six passengers were injured after the Abuja-Kaduna rail derailed in Jere on Tuesday.

They said the call became necessary following recent revelations made by the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari.

Ojulari, in a meeting with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, on August 29, according to the group, exposed deep rooted corruption and operational decay within Nigeria’s refinery system particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, and signed by CNPP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema and CNCSOs National Secretary, Ali Abacha, the two groups urged the president to urgently address what they described as a systemic rot in the oil sector.

According to them, Ojulari disclosed that the NNPCL had been losing between N300 million and N500 million monthly at its refineries, despite injecting nearly 950,000 barrels of crude oil of which, only 40% is reportedly processed. The poor performance, they said, reflects years of mismanagement and deliberate sabotage.

The statement also quoted Ojulari as revealing that the Port Harcourt Refinery’s so-called “old” and “new” units were designed to function as a single integrated system not separately, as previously claimed. This misunderstanding, allegedly sustained through strategic misinformation and neglect, has seriously hampered rehabilitation efforts.

While commending Ojulari’s courage and transparency, he described his disclosures as a validation of their long standing warnings about entrenched corruption under former NNPCL leadership.

“Efforts to expose these schemes in the past were met with media blackouts, intimidation, and suppression. profit claims made under Kyari were “absurd” and contradicted by soaring subsidy payments”,the groups lamented.

The coalition argued that Nigeria’s persistent economic hardship is inextricably linked to unchecked corruption within the NNPCL.

They insisted that unless the petroleum sector is fully cleansed, the country would remain mired in poverty, inefficiency, and dependency on fuel imports, calling for a comprehensive, independent, and transparent judicial inquiry into NNPCL’s operations from 2017 to 2023.

The group also asserted that the scale of alleged corruption is beyond the scope of conventional anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The groups further demanded the arrest and prosecution of Mele Kyari, citing unresolved allegations including fraudulent subsidy claims, shady crude swap deals, and missing oil revenue.

The CNPP said failure to act, would amount to a dangerous endorsement of impunity.

This was disclosed by the Director-General, Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors, Mr Dele Oyelude in a statement he made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday.

While disclosing that the Vice-President is renowned for his loyalty to superior authority, he described him as the most loyal second-in-command the country try ever has in history.

Ads by

He said the Vice-President is an asset for the party and President Tinubu re-election bid and urged the party leadership not to be swayed by rhetorics, as there is no opposition strong enough to discard the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

His words, “Vice President Kashim Shettima is the most loyal, calm and resourceful Vice President in the history of Nigeria. A core progressive party leader with track records across board. He was an exceptional professional in the banking sector before joining politics. His experience in the banking sector has helped his political journey to be a loyal leader.

“Tinubu-Shettima combination is intimidating and a threat to any political opponent to defeat. Their experience as both former Governor and Senator is reflecting in a smooth, progressive and productive administration. Kashim Shettima should not be replaced. He is a perfect match for APC victory and Nigeria’s greatness.

Opposition parties are threatened at a mention of Tinubu-Shettima. The fear of this intimidating fusion has scattered the major opposition party and sent coalition party to a journey of no return.

“I read of the national party leadership of the APC calling for an open primary contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Though Democratic but there is no perfect force as Tinubu-Shettima that can shatter the house of the opposition coalition and completely restore the glory of Nigeria. None of them should be changed”.

The ultimatum was issued in a communiqué following the association’s 77th General Executive Council meeting in Kano State, signed by the National President, Comrade Philip Adebanjo Ogunsipe, and the National Secretary, Comrade Shehu Nura Gaya.

The duo accused the government of failing to honour agreements and neglecting the polytechnic sector, while expressing disappointment with the government’s perceived insincerity in addressing these issues despite previous efforts to resolve them through dialogue.

According to the communiqué, their demands include the non-release of the new schemes and conditions of service, delayed constitution of the renegotiation committee for the 2010 agreement, non-release of the 2023–2025 NEEDS Assessment Fund, and non-payment of various arrears comprising promotion arrears, the 25/35 per cent salary review arrears, wage awards, as well as full implementation of the new minimum wage, among others.

SSANIP warned that failure to meet these demands within the specified timeframe (starting August 27, 2025) would lead to a nationwide shutdown of polytechnic services.

The members of the union asserted, “Based on the above, the union demands immediate action on the listed issues within 21 days beginning from 27th August, 2025, or we will be left with no option than to withdraw our services across the nation.”

Furthermore, SSANIP expressed disappointment with the government’s perceived insincerity in addressing the issues despite previous efforts to resolve them through dialogue.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed in a statement that the successes followed renewed operational strategies, which have improved security and allowed farmers to return to their fields without hindrance. He assured that the momentum would be sustained throughout the farming season and beyond.

In the North East, Kangye said troops arrested 11 terrorist collaborators, rescued five hostages, and recorded the surrender of one fighter linked to the Abu Ayuba syndicate in Kwayari village, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on August 20.

He added that several ammunition, logistics supplies, illicit drugs, vehicles, motorcycles, and the sum of ?70,050 were recovered, while improvised explosive devices were safely detonated in Abadam, Gwoza, and Mobbar LGAs.

Similarly, in the North West, troops arrested 35 suspected terrorists and rescued 76 hostages during clearance operations.

Meanwhile, In the South East, nine suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) were arrested in operations across Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Anambra States.

Kangye further disclosed that troops in the South South arrested 48 suspects, including 33 oil thieves, and destroyed 12 illegal refining sites. Recovered products were valued at ?443,153,650 and included 294,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 188,450 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Troops also discovered 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, eight boats, 16 storage tanks, pumping machines, and other items.

He said additional operations in Delta and Rivers States led to the arrest of 13 suspected criminals and the rescue of two kidnapped victims in Sapele, Aniocha North, Ughelli, Ahoada, and Onelga LGAs.

Kangye reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain committed to tackling insecurity and sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.

In a separate condolences message, the Governor described the late IGP as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son, whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.

On his part, the Speaker said the late former Inspector General of Police was one of the Owan Nation’s greatest, finest, and brightest achievers.

According to the Governor, we have lost a great mind, a dedicated public servant, and an exceptional leader.

“Arase was a man of integrity and honour who served our nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication.

“That his tenure as the 18th Inspector-General of Police was marked by significant reforms and commitment to professionalism and community policing.

“While we mourn his passing, we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose, impacting positively on all who came in contact with him”, he said.

Okpebholo extended his deepest sympathies to the Arase family and the entire Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and for the Almighty God to grant his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

The Speaker, in his message, described as a great shock, the passing of a great leader, brother and Owan son, former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

?

?”I am devastated by his demise and it is indeed a black Sunday for the Owan Nation.

?

?”I pray for the soul to find eternal rest in God’s bosom, while God comforts the wife, children, family in particular, and the Owan Nation in general, which he served while in active service and retirement”, he stated.

?

?He noted that the Owan Nation is in mourning and prayed for God’s comfort.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operatives intercepted 104,900 capsules of tramadol concealed in a fuel tanker at the Abuja-Kaduna toll gate on Friday, August 29. A suspect was arrested in connection with the consignment.

In Zaria, Kaduna State, another suspect was arrested with 34.15kg of cannabis sativa, while in Maiduguri, Borno State, NDLEA officers arrested a man found with 30,640 pills of tramadol, 7,940 tablets of rohypnol, and ?7.9m cash.

The agency also reported the arrest of a 75-year-old man and others in Anambra State with various quantities of cannabis and opioids, while in Taraba, a 71.5-hectare cannabis farm was destroyed, with over 178,000kg of cannabis set ablaze.

Ads by

Further operations across Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kano, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Ekiti states led to the seizure of over 500,000 opioid pills, processed cannabis, codeine-based syrup, and other narcotics, with several suspects taken into custody.

In what the agency described as one of the largest seizures of its kind in Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives recovered 5.3kg of “Loud” and “Colorado” strains of cannabis and a small quantity of methamphetamine from a location in Ado-Ekiti.

The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers for the operations and urged continued efforts under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. The agency also carried out sensitization activities in schools, communities, worship centres, and traditional institutions nationwide during the week.

Ordu said this in his presidential address at the 1st session of the 6th synod of the Diocese which held at the St Andrew’s Anglican church Rumuobiakani .

The theme of the synod was “Biblical One Another; The imperative of Life Together Within The church community”

The cleric who described the act as sacrilegious also called on those who are involved in the criminal act to desist in their own interests and that of their generations.

“These events are not just criminal, they are down right sacrilegious

“A theft against God’s House and his people.It is truly alarming to think that such acts could only have been committed by individuals who know the area well or have studied it closely ”

The Cleric urged those involved to repent before the wrath of God falls on them

“Please to those who are involved in these criminal acts, please repent, stop what you are doing and turn away for the kingdom of God is near ”

Meanwhile Rt Rev Innocent Ordu has called for brotherly love among the Christian community.

Speaking on the theme of the synod which was “Biblical One Another The imperative of Life Together Within The church community”he said the theme seeks to emphasis and draw our attention to those things we must do to one another

“Our fellow brothers and sisters with whom we particularly share in the day to day fellowship of the church, whether at local church Station level, Diocesan, National or at our different ecumenical fellowship level ”

The cleric who used several biblical texts to buttress his message urged Christians to love one another, as love is a characteristic of the life of Jesus Christ.

Also speaking on the political situation in Rivers state,Ordu called for a return to Democratic rule in Rivers state while the 1999 constitution be amended to ensure that decampees automatically loose their seats.

He also called for the accomodations of the traditional institution in constitutional amendment while condemning the hast for campaign ahead of the 2027 election when there is hunger in the country.

Speaking later on Chief Barrister Emmanuel Izuehie described the synod as a great success

Izuehie who was chairman synod planning committee said the synod was one of the best in the Diocese.

John Bibor

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, made this declaration at the Government House in Port Harcourt, last week during a high-level courtesy visit by a delegation from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The NEMA delegation was led by the Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele.

Addressing the delegation, Ibas emphasized the critical importance of community awareness and proactive measures.

He pointed to the state’s recently concluded multi-agency flood simulation exercise in Mbiama, Ahoada West Local Government Area, as a cornerstone of its strategy to boost public sensitization and operational readiness.

“It is our prayer that disasters do not come our way,” the Administrator stated.

“But as you know, the impact of last year’s flood in Rivers State was severe; hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, farmlands were destroyed, and entire communities were cut off. It is therefore crucial that we take proactive steps to mitigate such impacts should they occur again,” he added.

Highlighting the state’s concrete actions, the Administrator outlined several key initiatives already underway including upgrading selected Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to serve as better-equipped havens should displacement occur.

He also said concerted efforts are ongoing to desilt canals and drainages, particularly within Port Harcourt and its environs, to improve water flow and reduce the risk of urban flooding.

Meanwhile, he said the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) has been further empowered to intensify refuse disposal operations and maintain cleaner streets to prevent blockages that exacerbate flooding.

In a significant move to institutionalize disaster management, Ibas also announced that the state has begun the process of establishing the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (RVSEMA).

This agency, according to him, will serve as a dedicated, state-level body to further strengthen coordination and response capacity.

“I feel truly encouraged by this partnership with NEMA. It is a step in the right direction toward keeping our people safe. I want to assure you that the state government will deploy all available resources in pursuit of this goal,” the Administrator added.

In his remarks, the leader of the NEMA delegation, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, commended the Rivers State Government for its visionary leadership.

He described the Mbiama Flood Simulation Exercise as “the best of its kind ever organized in the state,” praising its effectiveness in demonstrating the deployment of local and state resources for a coordinated emergency response.

Dr. Bandele reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to a robust and sustained collaboration with the Rivers State Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control 2025.

The partnership is aimed at ensuring a seamless and effective disaster preparedness and response framework for the benefit of all residents of Rivers State.

Ibas, who personally monitored the electoral process across several local government areas, stated he was highly encouraged by the commendable conduct of voters and election officials, which created a calm and secure atmosphere for the exercise.

The Administrator’s monitoring tour included stops at the Emohua Council Secretariat, the Okporowo/Ogbakiri community, Igbu Ogbo village in Ahoada East, and Ogbunuabali town in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, where he observed proceedings and interacted with citizens.

Speaking with reporters in Port Harcourt, the State Administrator highlighted the impressive voter turnout and the serene environment at the polling units as clear indicators that the people of Rivers State are eager to reclaim and participate in grassroots governance.

“I am very happy with what I have witnessed today. The process has been notably peaceful, from the significant turnout to the orderly conduct of both voters and election officials. I am confident that at the end of the day, we will have a credible set of results that we will all be proud of as a state,” he stated.

Ibas further confirmed that situation reports from across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas corroborated his firsthand observations, pointing to a smooth, credible, and largely incident-free exercise.

“Generally, the situation has been calm and seamless across the state. We have not received any major negative reports, which is a testament to the collective desire for peace and normalcy,” he noted.

Emphasizing the significance of the election, Ibas stressed that the people of Rivers have unequivocally shown their desire to elect a legitimate leadership that they can identify with at the local level.

He insisted that the successful poll was in direct alignment with the primary objective of his mandate to stabilize the state and return it to democracy.

“Certainly, all indigenes of Rivers State want and deserve grassroots leadership they can call their own. That is what this process represents,” Ibas explained.

“For me, facilitating this foundational tier of democracy is a core objective of my mandate: to put the state back on its stable, democratic path and to empower its people,” he added.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday, the Administrator urged the appointees to be proactive and deeply committed to delivering on their critical mandates for the people of the State.

The newly inaugurated boards include the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Rivers State Internal Revenue Service Board, and Rivers State Microfinance Agency.

Others are Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme Board, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Board, and Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).

Addressing the education sector, the Administrator stressed the urgent need to enforce discipline, reduce overcrowded classrooms, improve infrastructure, and reverse poor performance indices.

He specifically called on the RSUBEB and the Senior Secondary Schools Board to move beyond their boardrooms and personally assess conditions in schools, especially those in remote areas.

“Accountability must guide every kobo spent,” he warned, while urging the establishment of robust data systems to accurately track enrollment, teacher deployment, infrastructure, and student performance.

The Administrator also challenged the Internal Revenue Service Board to automate systems, reduce the state’s dependency on federal allocations, and plug revenue leakages.

According to him, building public trust and transparency is the cornerstone of effective tax collection.

“The work you are about to embark on is not just about collecting taxes. It is about financial sustainability, trust, and accountability,” he stated.

He further tasked the Microfinance Agency with stimulating the local economy by improving access to credit for micro and small businesses, thereby empowering grassroots entrepreneurship and fostering economic growth.

On healthcare, which he described as both a moral responsibility and a strategic priority, Ibas pledged that the government would achieve its goal of providing affordable and free healthcare for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.

“This programme is not only about healthcare; it is about dignity, security and the promise of a better quality of life,” he said.

He described the teaching hospital as a critical treatment center and a vital training ground for future health professionals, noting that “the progress we make here will directly influence the quality of healthcare delivery across the state and beyond.”

Addressing the Board of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), the Administrator was unequivocal, stating that sanitation is an issue of public safety, not mere aesthetics.

He called on the board to lead a comprehensive and disciplined approach to waste management.

“The task before this board is urgent and enormous. You must lead the charge to rid our cities and communities of filth,” he said, adding that, “This is not just about clearing waste, it is about instituting a system of efficiency, sustainability, and discipline.”

He disclosed that the government has already procured modern equipment for waste collection and landfill management and is constructing access roads to dump sites to improve operational efficiency.

He challenged the board to explore innovative ways to convert waste into valuable assets such as energy and industrial raw materials.

“Around the world, waste is being transformed into power and products. Our state cannot be left behind,” he said.

He also called for strict enforcement of sanitation laws and greater public awareness.

In his concluding remarks, the Administrator reminded all newly appointed board members that their appointments are a call to service, not a privilege.

The ceremony, held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, marked a historic recognition of the city’s legacy and a bold commitment to its future as a continental energy leader.

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, reaffirmed the State government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where energy investments can thrive.

He pledged robust security, fiscal discipline, and investor-friendly policies to make ventures in gas, crude refining, and petrochemicals both viable and profitable.

“Port Harcourt is Nigeria’s energy heritage and the cradle of the nation’s industrial dreams,” the Administrator stated.

“From the discovery of oil in Oloibiri to the establishment of refineries and petrochemical complexes, Rivers State has carried the weight and promise of Nigeria’s prosperity. This investiture affirms our history, but it does more. It challenges us to go further. Port Harcourt is not just Nigeria’s energy capital, it is destined to become the energy capital of Africa.”

To consolidate this new designation, the Administrator outlined a strategic five-pillar plan: Energy Diversification: Expanding into renewables such as solar, wind, and hydro, alongside petroleum and gas.

He also outlined local value addition to deepen local content to ensure the people of Rivers State are active participants in every link of the energy value chain.

Others include building a regional energy hub with world-class infrastructure and pipelines linking Nigeria to Africa and beyond; safeguarding rivers, farmlands, and communities to ensure sustainable development; supporting the re-enlistment of Port Harcourt into the World Energy Cities Programme (WECP,) and hosting an Annual International Energy Conference and Exhibition.

The State Government extended an invitation to the private sector to invest with courage and responsibility and urged the youth to bring their creativity and innovation into the energy space, solidifying Port Harcourt’s status as the heart of Nigeria’s energy present and future.

A key outcome of the event was the announcement of a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Rivers State Government and the Society of Energy Editors.

This partnership, as revealed by the Society’s Chairman, Malam Yakubu Lawal, is designed to open doors for international investment, elevate the city’s global prestige, and establish an annual international conference to showcase Port Harcourt alongside 15 other globally recognized energy cities.

The keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who provided a historical context of Port Harcourt’s energy journey since 1956.

The university don emphasized the critical need for diversification into gas and renewables and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, balanced energy journalism, and educational reforms to empower youth with future-ready skills.

According to the results released by the Rivers State independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), yesterday, the APC won the chairmanship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Opobo Nkoro, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana local government areas.

APC also won in Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche, Omuna, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.

The Commission, however, said the PDP won in Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government areas.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Michael Odey, who announced the results at the Commission headquarters in Port Harcourt, said Ofori Owolabi of the APC scored 28,755 votes to emerge winner of the election for Abua Odual while Solomon Ochomma, also of the APC, emerged chairman elect for Ahoada East after scoring 54,509 votes.

Odey said Eugene Epelle also of the APC scored 84,125 votes to emerge winner in Ahoada West, while Bob Fubara was elected the chairman-elect for Akuku Toru after scoring 63,593 votes.

Similarly APC chairmanship candidate Lucky Otuo Promise emerged chairman-elect for Andoni after scoring a total of 126,181 votes, APC’s George Onengiyeofori emerged winner in Asari Toru after scoring 56,383 votes, while Pepple Blessing Abinye garnered 13,543 votes to emerge winner in Bonny Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates elected include Michael John Williams who scored 16,536 votes to emerge chairman-elect for Degema Local Government; Obarlllormate Ollor (77,452) for Eleme; Dr Chidi Julius Lloyd (114,380) for Emohua; Njoku Boniface (100,649) for Etche; Confidence Deekor (96,478) for Gokana, while Wobodo Charles got 62,746 votes to emerge winner in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Other APC winners from the APC include Akuro Tobins (32,285 votes) for Okrika; Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (38,530) for Omuma; James A James (38,822) for Opobo Nkoro; Vincent Nemieboka (36,374) for Ogu/Bolo; Hon Mbakpone Okpe (70,080) for Tai LGA, while in Oyigbo, Okechukwu Akara scored 101,495 votes to emerge winner.

Meanwhile, the RSIEC chairman announced Dr Gift Worlu of the PDP with 328,823 votes to emerge winner in Obio Akpor; Shedrack Ogbogu, also of the PDP, scored 51,051 votes for Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, while in Port Harcourt City, Sir Alwell Ihunda garnered 235,054 votes for PDP to emerge winner.

The APC also cleared the councillorship seats in Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Khana, Oyigbo, Bonny, Eleme, Etche,Tai, Khana Opobo/Nkoro and Degema local government areas.

Similarly APC councillorship candidates also emerged winners in Asari Toru, Degema, Akuku Toru, Gokana and Khana while PDP cleared the councillorship seats in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt city, and Ogba Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Areas

Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions has passed a vote of confidence on the just concluded local government election in the State.

National Chairman of the forum, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Eri said all the chairmen across the country were in Port Harcourt to monitor the election as well as gain experience in an election under emergency rule.

John Bibor & King Onunwor

To this effect, a movement restriction has been declared by the joint security services in the state starting from Friday 12 midnight to Saturday 6pm during the period of the scheduled Saturdays local government council elections across the state.

The restriction order affects all entries and exit borders across the state and only those on essential duties are permitted to move during the election period.

The order is geared towards achieving a free and fair election across the 23 local government areas of the state as well as to protection of live and property during the period of the election.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju announced this restriction during a joint press briefing between the security Services in the state and the State Independent Electoral Commission,(RSIEC) yesterday, to reiterate their preparedness for the conduct of the local government area elections holding on Saturday 30th August, 2025 across the 319 wards in the state.

Adepoju who is the chairman of the group accompanied by other sister service commanders in the state disclosed that the security agencies in the state are fully prepared for the exercise especially in the areas of manpower and security deployment.

“We have done due diligence, we are all synergizing for the election and we will participate fully and want it to be a successful.

Adepoju urged members of security agencies providing security during election to be careful and civil while dealing with members of the public and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations governing the elections.

“We don’t want to hear complaints against security agencies. No arms and weapons carrying at polliing boot. VIPs are not allowed to come with their armed security aides to the the polling boots. All hands should be on deck.

“The security operatives and LGA administrators have alot to do to ensure the election is a success” he stated.

He averred that prior to the election, the security services in the state carried a joint operations across some criminal hideouts where many criminals were arrested and cultists chased out of the state.

According to him, all arrangements are have been put in place for a peaceful election and will be achieved.

Adepoju used the opportunity to announce that a joint control room has been designated at the state police command headquarters where each of the security agencies will be represented to receive compliant from members of the public on election related issues.

He further disclosed that the security agents will conduct show of strength across major streets in Port Harcourt and it’s environs to announce their full readiness and strength as well as boast public confidence.

He called on trouble makers to run away from the state because adequate security officers have been mobilised on ground to respond to any distress calls and deal decisively on trouble makers during the election.

Adepoju further enjoined eligible voters to come out and vote for candidates of their choice as their safety and security is assured.

On his part, Chairman of RSIEC, Michael Odey described security as an integral part of the election and assured that the commission will deliver a credible election in the state.

He explained that the commission took assessment of terrian of LGAs in course of preparation for the election taking into consideration riverine and upland terrain.

The RSIEC Boss disclosed that movement of non sensitive materials have started leaving commission to LGAs, while sensitive materials will be dispatched to LGAs accompanied by security agencies today.

He further disclosed that ADHOC staffs for the election have been adequately trained for a smooth exercise.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service have repatriated 51 more foreign nationals convicted for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The latest group of deportees, according to a statement by the EFCC, yesterday, includes 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian.

The repatriation, which took place yesterday, brings the total number of convicted foreign nationals deported in the ongoing exercise to 102 since its commencement on Friday, August 15, 2025.

These convicts were among the 192 foreign nationals apprehended during a recent sting operation conducted by the Commission in Lagos.

The operation followed actionable intelligence regarding the activities of one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates operating within Nigeria.

The EFCC statement read, “This exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Nigeria is not a safe haven for international criminals.

“The successful conviction and repatriation of these individuals send a clear message: we will not tolerate the use of our nation’s digital space for illicit activities that undermine our economy and national security.”

The Commission stated that further deportations are scheduled to take place in the coming days as the exercise continues.

NELFUND To Stop Students’ Upkeep Loans During Holiday

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) says the upkeep loan disbursement is now strictly tied to the academic session of each institution.

NELFUND made this known yesterday in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

“In line with this directive, students shall only be entitled to upkeep loans for their current academic session. Upon the conclusion of an institution’s academic year, upkeep payments for that session shall automatically cease.

“Consequently, students who transition into a new academic year will no longer receive upkeep disbursements for the preceding session,” Oluwatuyi said in the statement.

NELFUND further stated that interested loan applicants are required to apply for the loan at the beginning of every academic session to be eligible for both institutional charges and upkeep for that particular session.

“To ensure accuracy and transparency, the NELFUND loan portal is being automated to reflect this adjustment. The portal will henceforth display only the upkeep loans that have been collected by each student within the relevant session.

“Institutions are therefore strongly advised to upload their academic calendars and sessional information in a timely manner to guarantee that their students receive the full upkeep benefits due to them for an entire academic year,” he stated.

Apart from institutional loans disbursed directly to institutions, beneficiaries of the student loan scheme enjoy monthly disbursement of N20,000 which amounts to N240,000 yearly.

With the new directive, students will only enjoy the monthly N20,000 during academic session while payment will be ceased when students embark on holidays.

The trainees, who had completed a four- month training in script writing, film production and make-up are beneficiaries of the HYPREP sustainable livelihood programme, aimed at providing high demand skills to Ogoni youths in the lucrative creative arts and entertainment industry.

Zabbey described the Creative Arts training as well as other programmes and interventions as HYPREP’s strategic sustained effort to create alternative sources of livelihood.

”Targeted capacity building for Ogoni youths and women remains a central strategy in HYPREP’s livelihood restoration and improvement efforts. Our goal is to reach every part of the Ogoni community and ensure that no group or talent pool is left behind. This training is a deliberate step to empower young people who aspire to make their mark in the creative and entertainment industry”, he said.

While commending the trainees for producing four short films within the training period, one of which was premiered at the ceremony-Dirty Festival, the Project Coordinator noted that the training would serve as a springboard into the industry, and enable them earn a living, become entrepreneurs, and open new doors of opportunities for themselves and their communities. The three other movies are Open Pain, Bomu and Green War.

He enjoined them to utilise their skills and platforms to promote civic responsibility, peace, and environmental sustainability, urging them to ensure that Ogoni is heard in the right way, speak for HYPREP and highlight the progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report.

Other speakers at the event, including the Director of Technical Services of HYPREP, Prof. Damian-Paul Aguiyi; Dr Ovunda Ihunwo, Head of the Theatre Arts Department of the University of Port Harcourt; Chief Douglas Experience, the Project Coordinator of Halibiz Consult Limited; and Mrs Josephine Nzidee, Head, Sustainable Livelihood of HYPREP, all applauded HYPREP for the training, and charged the trainees to maximise the opportunity.

The trainees were later presented certificates of participation.

Visibly elated Ms Lebee Tornwe, one of the beneficiaries, thanked HYPREP and the Project Coordinator for offering the trainees the rare opportunity to acquire skills in the creative arts and entertainment industry, and expressed delight that Dr Ihunwo and Halibiz Consult Limited gave their all in grooming them.

With the wrapping up of the Creative Arts training(100), HYPREP has trained 230 Ogoni youths in high demand skill sets ,viz; seafaring(100); and aviation (30). The Project will this year, commence training in other skill areas, including Mechatronic, Aviation, Full-Stack Development, Commercial Diving, Underwater Welding and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Still in the offing is the training for Ogoni Persons Living with Disabilities in five skill sets- fish farming; basic computer skills; photography; fashion and design; and shoemaking in line with their Needs Assessment and HYPREP’s policy of inclusivity.

The coalition of CBOs, whose activities is centered on enhanced community health services and optimal benefits, held the training in Port Harcourt on 14th and 15th of August, with participants from various platforms rekindling their commitments towards improved service delivery in communities.

The centre piece of the training was to promote the operational mechanisms, compliance and adherence to the Community System Strengthening (CSS) and Community Led Monitoring (CMS) frameworks.

The training also harped on the objective of educating communities on how to take control of ownership and management of health facilities and rest for improved and better service delivery.

Participants at the training were educated on the operational modalities of the national community led monitoring plan and the importance of accurate data collection, presentation analysis and validation for optimal health services.

A lead discussant at the training, Pastor George Ihua Maduenyi, during his lectures urged the participants to take advantage of the training to enhance their capacity in community health services delivery, particularly in the collection of data, monitoring, accuracy, validation to foster sustainable community led health advocacy and impact.

The training emphasized on the need for collective efforts among the CBOs to encourage communities to take lead and pivotal roles in the management of resources, surveillance, gathering of data, sustainable community led health initiatives, and advocacy for health rights.

Lead discussants and facilitators of the training from various health based CBOs lent their wealth of experience and expertise during the sessions which were participatory and highly interactive.

Another major focus of the training was on governance structure, partnership, sponsorship, financial sustainability, monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, accountability and creating a template for public, private trust funds for long term benefits.

Bemene Taneh

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested 116 suspects in a series of coordinated raids aimed at tackling illicit drug activities across the capital city.

The operations, carried out by officers of the Anti-Narcotics Section between August 1 and August 21, 2025, targeted identified black spots in Asokoro, Trademore, Mapape, Kurudu, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Jikwoyi, Utako, Life Camp, Zuba, and Karshi.

The command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, yesterday,  said items recovered from the raids included various illicit substances, hard drugs, and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.

She said after thorough screening, 89 of the suspects were released, while the remaining individuals have been charged in court for offences including public nuisance and possession of illicit drugs.

The statement partly read, “In a sustained effort to rid the Federal Capital Territory of illicit drugs and related crimes, Police officers attached to the Anti-Narcotics Section of FCT Police Command carried out several coordinated raids across identified black spots from 1st August 2025 to date.

“The operations, which covered areas including Asokoro, Trademore, Mapape, Kurudu, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Jikwoyi, Utako, Life Camp, Zuba, and Karshi, led to the arrest of 116 suspects. Recovered exhibits include various illicit substances, hard drugs, and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.

“Following diligent screening, 89 suspects were released, while the remaining offenders have been charged in court for public nuisance and possession of illicit drugs and substances.”

Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, urged residents to support ongoing security operations by staying law-abiding and shunning hard drug use and trafficking.

“While the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao Adewale, lauds the effort of the operatives, he reaffirms the Command’s commitment to ensuring a safe and drug-free capital city.

“He also urges residents to remain law-abiding, shun all forms of hard drug abuse and trafficking, and support ongoing security efforts,” she said.

The PDP made the application in four separate suits dated August 20 and filed by its counsel, Rapheal Oyewole.

The lawmakers include two senators and two members of the House of Representatives.

They are Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi for Osun Central Senatorial District; Omirin Olusanya, who represents Atakumosa East/West and Ilesa East/West Federal Constituency; and Taofeek Ajilesoro, representing Ife Central/East/North and South Federal Constituency.

The plaintiff had, in the originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1725/2025, FHC/ABJ/CS/1728/2025, FHC/ABJ/CS/1727/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CS/1726/2025, sued Messrs Fadahunsi, Fadeyi, Olusanya and Ajilesoro, respectively, as the 1st defendant in each of the cases.

While the president of the Senate is sued as the 2nd defendant in the suit against the senators, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is named as the 2nd defendant in the matter against the two House members.

However, the National Assembly, Clerk of NASS and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are listed as 3rd to 5th defendants in the suits, respectively.

The party, which sought six questions for determination, asked whether, by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution 1999 (as amended), a senator or House member such as the lawmakers are not liable to forfeit their legislative seats after resigning the membership of the plaintiff political party on whose platform they were elected, before the end of the term for which they were elected, devoid of any division, merger and/or faction in the plaintiff’s political party.

The PDP, therefore, prayed the court to declare that the continued occupation of the legislative seats by the four lawmakers after defecting from the party on whose platform they were elected, without satisfying the express provision under Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, constitutes a breach of the constitution and renders their seats vacant by operation of law.

It also prayed the court to make an order of mandamus compelling the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to forthwith declare their seats vacant accordingly.

The PDP urged the court to direct Messrs Akpabio, Abbas and INEC to discharge their constitutional duties as provided by the law by declaring the seats vacant and initiating processes for the conduct of bye-elections into the vacant seats in the senatorial districts and constituencies.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has faulted the Federal Government’s approval of new private universities despite its recent announcement of a seven-year moratorium on establishing new tertiary institutions.

ASUU, in a statement signed by its President, Christopher Piwuna, yesterday, questioned the rationale for the move, saying access to university education in Nigeria was no longer a challenge.

He said, “ASUU also watched in awe as the Federal Government announced the seven-year moratorium; they proceeded to announce the establishment of nine new private universities.

“If we agree that access is no longer an issue, why is the NUC giving more licences to private universities?

“While ASUU acknowledges the rights of private individuals to establish universities, education must be tightly controlled to ensure quality.”

The union lamented what it described as the “scandalous proliferation” of universities, accusing past and present administrations of using licences as political patronage.

The statement added, “The government must therefore promote quality education and shun profiteering in the education sector.

“We have 72 federal and 108 state universities, and 159 private universities, bringing it to a total of 339 universities, giving each state and the FCT an average of nine universities, excluding polytechnics and colleges of education.

“So why not place a moratorium on both public and private? Past and present administration must cover their faces in shame for this scandalous proliferation of universities.

“Failure to do this will continue to erase our universities from world rankings.

“University administrations and the regulatory agency must equally share in the blame for the wrong staff mix highlighted in the minister’s pronouncement.”

While commending the government for eventually adopting its call for a moratorium, ASUU warned that creating more private institutions would worsen poor staffing, erase Nigerian universities from global rankings, and devalue degrees.

“For more than 10 years, our union has cried aloud about the harmful effects of establishing mushroom universities that the government has no plans to develop.

“In total disregard for time-tested planning and ideas that hitherto went into establishing universities, we have watched universities turn into compensation for political patronage.

“So, ASUU was not surprised when the Minister of Education stated that over 30 universities had zero subscriptions for admission.

“We have drawn the attention of the authorities to the fact that spreading scarce resources over a large surface area was meaningless and wasteful,” the union stated.

The Federal Executive Council had on August 13 approved the suspension of new federal tertiary institutions for seven years to strengthen existing ones.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, had argued that many universities were operating below capacity, with some northern institutions having fewer than 1,000 students.

“Several federal universities operate far below capacity, with some having fewer than 2,000 students.

“In one northern university, there are 1,200 staff serving fewer than 800 students. This is a waste of government resources,” he stated.

Meanwhile, ASUU reiterated its demand for the government to address lingering issues affecting public universities and academics, including the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, revitalisation funds, outstanding salary arrears, and promotion backlogs.

The Director of SSI, Prophet Efe Cyril Edah, who highlighted the importance of the organisation while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said he was motivated to establish the body after recognising the fact that several persons were suffering in the Niger Delta and needed help without such help coming forth.

He noted that the organisation was established to reach out to such persons in critical sectors like education, health and youth empowerment.

According to him, the SSI, which is a social impact arm of his church, the Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry was established to restore hope to the hopeless and neglected people of some communities in the Niger Delta, including widows and orphans.

He said the organisation is targeting Ogoni communities, Eleme and Ahoada in Rivers State; and other communities in Delta, Akwa Ibom and Edo States.

Prophet Edah, the General Overseer of Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry gave more insight into the activities and goals of SSI in his welcome address during the body’s first strategic meeting in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the meeting marked a significant milestone in the body’s shared journey to bring hope, dignity and practical hope to those who need it most.

As the social impact arm of his church, he said the organisation was birthed from a vision to restore lives, uplift communities, and be a beacon of light to the disadvantaged, especially in the Niger Delta and other underserved regions of Nigeria.

He disclosed that the mission of SSI is rooted in action, by transforming lives in critical sectors of the society, including education, health, youth empowerment, emergency humanitarian relief, and most especially, the empowerment of women.

The SSI Director said, “We are committed to ensuring that women in underserved communities gain access to education, vocational training, entrepreneurial opportunities and the advocacy needed to secure their rights. In doing so,we align ourselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), particularly those that promote gender equality, social inclusion and economic independence.”

He further noted that the first strategic meeting of the organisation was more than an administrative gathering, as it is the birthplace of its strategic direction, strategically designed for the members and other participants to chart its course; strengthen its operational structures; and define clear priorities that would enable it to maximise impact and sustain growth.

He, therefore, urged the members to think boldly, plan wisely, and act decisively, saying, “Remember, the work before us is not for personal gain, but for the transformation of lives and the upliftment of communities, who without our intervention may remain unseen and unheard.”

On his part, the Programme Coordinator of SSI, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma, presented a comprehensive report, highlighting the organisation’s recent achievements, which included strategic partnerships with government agencies, embassies and international organisations; the launch of the GROW-Her Project, empowering women and girls in the Niger Delta; a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with CDF-GWDN; a scholarship award programme, benefiting underserved students; and targeted humanitarian interventions for Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs).

The meeting equally featured an online introduction session with S SI’s international partner, signalling the organisation’s expanding global collaboration network and readiness to align with international best practices in humanitarian response and development work.

It was also revealed that the day’s proceedings reaffirmed the body’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) through grassroots impact, strategic partnerships, and faith-driven compassion.

With this bold and audacious initiative, analysts and keen observers said it is clear that SSI has set a clear foundation for growth, accountability, and greater humanitarian reach across Nigeria and beyond.

During the meeting, key executives of the organisation were officially presented their appointment letters, including Mr Ogieriakhi Osayuwamen Pedro as Financial Director; Barrister Ekwebelem Chikwendu as Legal Director; and Evangelist Destiny Ese as Welfare and Logistics Officer, among others.

The Programme Director, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma said in an interview that he was amazed when the Director introduced the idea of establishing the social impact arm of the Solution Prayer Divine Ministry, saying, he tapped into the idea and resolved to assist SSI achieve its goals using his vast connections and expertise.

He said it is Biblical and also compulsory for churches to have their social impact arm like SSI, stressing that while healing is the spiritual dimension, feeding the flocks with physical food is the social dimension.

Ambassador Onakpoma stressed the need for perceived disadvantaged persons in the society not to be neglected and abandoned but to be encouraged that they still have hope.

According to him, the youths should avoid crime and embrace peace.

NYCOP made the call in a communique issue over the weekend after an emergency Congress in Port Harcourt and signed by its President, Comrade Raymond Nwibani Marcus.

In the communique, NYCOP endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s appointments of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees (BOT) members of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), particularly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Nwika Deeyah as Chairman of HYPREP’s BOT.

It respectfully appealed to the President to consider appointing a representative from the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) under the leadership of Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, being the pioneering social vehicle for Ogoni advocacy since the inception of the Ogoni struggle, adding that it would significantly contribute to the decision-making process.

The body commended the overall management of HYPREP and urges the President to continue funding the HYPREP project.

NYCOP furthermore recommended considering the conversion of HYPREP from a project to a full-fledged agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The communique also stated that NYCOP thanked President Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology, and for appointing key staff, forming a dialogue committee, and initiating infrastructural projects like the Eleme axis of the East-West Road and the Bonny-Bodo Road, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and economic prospects.

In solidarity with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the endorsed President Tinubu’s second-term bid, saying it believes his leadership embodies the aspirations of the Ogoni people and Nigerians at large.

“After thorough consideration of the Disciplinary Committee’s report, NYCOP resolves:

” To indefinitely suspend Comrade Nade Nade Burale from his position as Secretary General due to misconduct.

“To declare Comrade Saviour Imeabe persona non grata on Ogoni youth issues, given his actions’ potential to instigate crisis in Ogoni and beyond” the communique stated.

NYCOP in his resolution issued a 7-day ultimatum to former HYPREP BOT Chairman Mike Nwialeghi to explain the $100 million HYPREP fund investment, warning of potential litigation.

NYCOP reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ogoni youth interests and preventing personal aggrandizement.

According to the communique the resolutions demonstrate NYCOP’s efforts to promote the collective welfare and advancement of Ogoni youth.

“We will no longer tolerate any individual or group using the name or issues of Ogoni youth for personal aggrandizement.

” Our mandate is clear: to promote the collective welfare and advancement of Ogoni youth” the communique said.

NYCOP passes a vote of confidence in Hon. Emmanuel Nwika Deeyah, acknowledging his impeccable credentials and credibility to lead the BOT of HYPREP effectively.

Kiadum Edookor

The delegation, made up of athletes, coaches, sports secretaries, medical and media crew, security operatives, and top officials, left Lafia on Saturday and touched down in Ilorin with high hopes of conquering their zone.

Team Nasarawa will slug it out in five major sports—football, basketball, handball, volleyball, and hockey—against rivals from Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, and the FCT. The qualifiers are held from August 16 to 18, 2025, at the Kwara State Stadium, with the team departing on the 19th.

Director of Sports Organising, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mallam Ubah Musa, who is leading the delegation, said the team is fired up to make the state proud.

“Our boys and girls are ready. They know what is at stake, and they will give everything to qualify for Asaba. The expectations are high from our governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and from the good people of Nasarawa State. We won’t disappoint,” Musa assured.

Winners from the zonal eliminations will fly the North Central flag at the National Youth Games proper, scheduled for August 26 to September 6 in Asaba, Delta State. All 36 states and the FCT will compete.

Since its inception in 2013, Team Nasarawa has never missed an edition of the Games, and this year, they say it’s “all or nothing.”

Nigeria has stepped up its push to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games with a high-level meeting in London between officials of the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

According to a press statement made available to Sunday PUNCH, the delegation, led by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, met CGF executives to discuss Nigeria’s expression of interest, submitted earlier this year, and to review the next stage of the bidding process.

The team also included NSC Director-General Bukola Olapade, NOC President and International Olympic Committee executive member Habu Gumel, NOC Vice-President Solomon Ogba, and Secretary-General Tunde Popola, alongside technical experts and advisors.

Talks in London centred on the country’s objectives for staging the Games, as well as requirements for the final bid.

According to the NSC, issues discussed included the Code of Conduct for candidate cities, communication protocols, timelines, and the expectations of the federation.

The CGF has recently introduced new measures aimed at making the event more sustainable and affordable for hosts. Nigerian officials said the meeting was an opportunity to align the country’s vision with those reforms.

Highlighting the domestic context, the NSC said the delegation presented the reforms underway in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu, which places hosting major sporting events at the centre of national economic and cultural development.

“The NSC believes hosting the Commonwealth Games will deliver immense value to Nigeria,” the commission said, stressing that the event would contribute to wealth creation “across sports, diplomacy, economy, culture, and social development.”

Nigeria is now expected to prepare its final submission before the August 31 deadline.

Officials said the document would be forwarded subject to presidential approval, with the CGF scheduled to announce its decision before the end of the year.

A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.

Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.

President Tinubu congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.

President Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.

The State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), revealed this during a sensitisation campaign of the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Friday.

He explained that the government is engaging the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management systems, covering pre-flood measures, interventions during flooding, and post-flood recovery projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.

Ibas, in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, last Friday, said the initiative forms part of the state’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding through awareness, prevention, preparedness, and community participation.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Administrator urged the committee to go beyond responding to disasters and instead anticipate vulnerable areas, reduce the impact of flooding, and equip residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.

He added that the State is enforcing environmental laws to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal, illegal dumping, and construction on flood plains, which worsen flooding incidents.

According to him, effective flood management requires collaboration between the public sector, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, as government alone cannot tackle the challenge.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) wasted no time in condemning the treatment meted out to Emmason. In a strongly worded statement, the body described the incident as “a flagrant violation of her fundamental human rights” and called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the airline staff. The NBA stressed that while passengers must adhere to safety rules, such compliance should never be extracted through intimidation, violence, or humiliation.

Following the altercation, Emmason found herself arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court and remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, a location more commonly associated with hardened criminals than with errant passengers. In a surprising turn of events, the Federal Government later dropped all charges against her, citing “overriding public interest” and concerns about due process.

Compounding her woes, Ibom Air initially imposed a lifetime ban preventing her from boarding its aircraft. That ban has now been lifted, following mounting public pressure and calls from rights groups for a more measured approach. The reversal has been welcomed by many as a step towards restoring fairness and proportionality in handling such disputes.

While her refusal to comply with crew instructions was undeniably inappropriate, questions linger about whether the punishment fit the offence. Was the swift escalation from verbal reminder to physical ejection a proportionate response, or an abuse of authority? The incident has reignited debate over how airlines balance safety enforcement with respect for passenger rights.

The Tide unequivocally condemns the brutal and degrading treatment the young Nigerian woman received from the airline’s staff. No regulation, however vital, justifies the use of physical force or the public shaming of a passenger. Such behaviour is antithetical to the principles of customer service, human dignity, and the rule of law.

Emmason’s own defiance warrants reproach. Cabin crew instructions, especially during boarding or take-off preparations, are not mere suggestions; they are safety mandates. Reports suggest she may have been unable to comply because of a malfunctioning power button on her device, but even so, she could have communicated this clearly to the crew. Rules exist to safeguard everyone on board, and passengers must treat them with due seriousness.

Nigerians, whether flying domestically or abroad, would do well to internalise the importance of orderliness in public spaces. Adherence to instructions, patience in queues, and courteous engagement with officials are hallmarks of civilised society. Disregard for these norms not only undermines safety but also projects a damaging image of the nation to the wider world.

The Emmason affair is not an isolated case. Former Edo State Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, once found himself grounded after arriving late for an Air Peace flight. Witnesses alleged that he assaulted airline staff and ordered the closure of the terminal’s main entrance. This is hardly the conduct expected of a statesman.

More recently, a Nollywood-worthy episode unfolded at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, involving Fuji icon “King”, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1. In a viral video, he was seen exchanging heated words with officials after being prevented from boarding an aircraft.

Events took a dangerous turn when the aircraft, moving at near take-off speed, nearly clipped the 68-year-old musician’s head with its wing. Such an occurrence points to a serious breach of airport safety protocols, raising uncomfortable questions about operational discipline at Nigeria’s gateways.

According to accounts circulating online, Wasiu had attempted to board an aircraft while he was carrying an alcoholic drink and refused to relinquish it when challenged. His refusal led to de-boarding, after which the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, imposed a six-month “no-fly” ban, citing “unacceptable” conduct.

It is deeply concerning that individuals of such prominence, including Emmason’s pilot adversary, whose careers have exposed them to some of the most disciplined aviation environments in the world, should exhibit conduct that diminishes the nation’s reputation. True leadership, whether in politics, culture, or professional life, calls for restraint and decorum, all the more when exercised under public scrutiny.

Most egregiously, in Emmason’s case, reports that she was forcibly stripped in public and filmed for online circulation are deeply disturbing. This was an act of humiliation and a gross invasion of privacy, violating her right to dignity and falling short of the standards expected in modern aviation. No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be subjected to such degrading treatment.

Ibom Air must ensure its staff are trained to treat passengers with proper decorum at all times. If Emmason had broken the law, security personnel could have been called in to handle the matter lawfully. Instead, her ordeal turned into a public spectacle. Those responsible for assaulting her should face prosecution, and the airline should be compelled to compensate her. Emmason, for her part, should pursue legal redress to reinforce the principle that justice and civility must prevail in Nigeria’s skies.

Some members of the rice farmers’ associations have blamed the continuous hike in the price of the product in Nigeria on the activities of unscrupulous farmers and middlemen in the sector.

The rice farmers’ leaders made this known in separate interviews with The Tide source  in Lagos.

The vice-chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Sakin Agbayewa, said the consistent fluctuations in the price of rice could be linked to human manipulations in spite of the government’s efforts.

“As regards the high price of rice, I think we are taking one step forward and five steps backward.

“Some few months ago, the Federal Government came out with a waiver, giving some companies a small waiver to import rice into the country in order to crush the price. And while that was on, did they mobilise the local farmers? That is where the issue lies.

“Although few farmers were empowered by the Federal Government with a 75 per cent reduction on the cost of production, others were given fertilisers for free.

“Now, the question is this. Those local farmers who were empowered, did they really cultivate anything?

“The main issue is that the rice price hike can be linked to a cartel that wants to frustrate government’s effort,” Agbayewa said.

According to him, while the waiver was on, they actually imported rice into the country, and the price came down, but while they were importing, they were also warehousing.

“Now that the importation waiver is over, the cartel is creating artificial scarcity.

“Also, some of the farmers who cultivate local rice—it’s not that we do not produce enough, but some farmers only capitalise on the shortage in the system.

“And with the shortage, they are now repacking local rice in foreign bags for selfish reasons. They do this to sell at high cost because they know Nigerians have this high taste for foreign things.

“There is a high level of insincerity and dishonesty among our people. Some unscrupulous farmers, middlemen, and even retailers can be blamed for the current hike,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Mr Raphael Hunsa, called on the government to relate with the real farmers for the price of rice to drop.

“The price of rice will continue to go up if the government fails to support local rice farmers.

“The price will go higher and higher because cultivation of local rice is quite different from importing rice.

“And what we can do to resolve the issue of consistent price hikes in rice is to support the rice farmers in the right way.

“Though government is trying, and we don’t dispute that, but they should let their interventions get to the right hands.

“They should invite local rice farmers to a roundtable for formulation of the right policies and programmes for the sector.

“So, we know our problem, they should ask us and we will tender our problem. It is now left for the government to resolve the problem through the normal channel. And with that, the price of rice will come down,” Hunsa said.

He also urged local rice farmers not to sell off the interventions provided by the government, but should utilise them for the growth of the sector.

“We will also use this opportunity to tell our farmers that any input being given to them should not be sold.

“They should not sell it out. They were given the input for continuity.

“The continuity is what government is after. So let government continue to try their possible best to help farmers and not relent,” the RIFAN boss said.

On his part, a rice dealer at Oja Oba Market in Agege area of the state, Mr Mustafa Aliu, said the price of rice rose few weeks back due to the expiration of the waiver on rice imports.

“The price of rice is currently between N70,000 and N80,000 for a 50 kg bag. We can only sell it the way we bought it.

“There is no foreign rice among my products. I sell only local rice, and it’s clean and healthy,” Aliu said.

Also, another trader, at Iddo area of the state, Mr Temitayo Hakeem, said, “With the high demand for foreign rice, we will continue to witness this rise in the price of rice.

“There are bags of rice that still sell as high as N145,000 or N150,000, depending on the choice of the consumer,” Hakeem said.

The Tide reports that a 50 kg bag of local rice currently sells between N65,000 and N80,000, depending on the species.

The same quantity sold for between N45,000 and N55,000 two months ago.

This marks a rise from $16.5bn in June 2024, representing a $1.7bn—or roughly 10.3 per cent—increase within one year.

The latest figures from the IDA’s financial statements show that Nigeria first climbed to third place in 2024, up from its previous position as the fourth-largest borrower in 2023, and has maintained this ranking into 2025.

The IDA is the concessional lending arm of the World Bank Group, offering low-interest or interest-free loans and grants to the world’s poorest countries.

Debt owed to the IDA typically comes with long maturities and generous grace periods, but the growing balances highlight both the scale of Nigeria’s financing needs and the degree of its reliance on concessional funding.

It was learnt that during the fiscal year from July 2023 to June 2024, Nigeria received at least $2.2bn in new loans from the IDA. This means that a total of $3.9bn IDA loans have been disbursed to Nigeria in two years, between June 2023 and June 2025, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

This borrowing does not include any outstanding loans from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is separate from the IDA.

Bangladesh remains the largest IDA borrower globally, with its debt stock increasing from $20.5bn in June 2024 to $22.6bn in June 2025. The South Asian country continues to dominate the exposure table, accounting for the largest single share of the IDA’s loan portfolio.

Pakistan follows as the second-largest borrower, with its debt rising from $17.9bn to $19.3bn over the same period. India, which in prior years ranked ahead of Nigeria, remains a significant IDA borrower despite a decline in its exposure.

Its outstanding debt fell sharply from $15.9bn in June 2024 to $14.2bn in June 2025, a drop of $1.7bn, largely due to repayments outpacing new disbursements.

Ethiopia rounds out the top five, with its debt stock rising from $12.2bn to $14.0bn in the 12-month period. The other countries in the 2025 top ten list reflect shifts in the IDA’s lending profile.

Tanzania’s debt surged from $11.7bn to $13.7bn, moving it ahead of Kenya, which also saw a significant increase from $12.0bn to $13.0bn. Vietnam’s exposure fell from $12.0bn to $11.6bn, causing it to drop in the rankings, while Ghana’s debt climbed from $6.7bn to $7.2bn.

Côte d’Ivoire entered the top ten in 2025 with $6.2bn, displacing Uganda, whose debt stood at $4.8bn in 2024. Overall, the IDA’s top ten borrowers accounted for 61 per cent of its total exposure in 2025, down slightly from 63 per cent in 2024.

This concentration shows the relevance of the Single Borrower Limit, which caps lending to any single country at 25 per cent of the IDA’s equity.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the SBL was set at $51.0bn—up from $47.5bn in FY25—well above the current exposure levels of the largest borrowers, meaning the limit is not presently a binding constraint.

Nigeria’s continued presence near the top of the IDA debtor table reflects its persistent financing gap for development spending, particularly in infrastructure, energy access, and poverty reduction programmes.

While IDA loans offer more favourable terms than market borrowing, the steady accumulation of such debt adds to Nigeria’s overall public debt burden, raising questions about debt sustainability.

The World Bank had approved a total of $8.40bn in fresh loans to Nigeria over the past two years, according to data obtained from the Bank’s official website.

The approvals, covering June 2023 to August 2025, cut across 15 projects in energy, education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and governance.

The amount comprises $1.95bn from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $6.50bn from the International Development Association.

Meanwhile, data from the Debt Management Office showed that Nigeria’s total debt to the World Bank rose to $18.23bn as of March 31, 2025.

This marks a $420m increase in just three months since December 2024, when Nigeria’s total exposure to the World Bank stood at $17.81bn.

The DMO data showed that borrowings from the International Development Association, the concessional financing arm of the World Bank, rose from $16.56bn in December 2024 to $16.99bn in March 2025.

At the same time, loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development — the non-concessional lending window of the World Bank — remained unchanged at $1.24bn. In total, the World Bank Group now accounts for $18.23bn, or about 39.7 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt stock, which stood at $45.98bn as of March 2025.

This reflects a marginal increase in the World Bank’s share of the debt portfolio, up from 38.9 per cent recorded in December 2024 and 36.4 per cent at the end of 2023. Further analysis indicates that the World Bank now constitutes 81.2 per cent of Nigeria’s total multilateral debt, which reached $22.43bn in Q1 2025.

This represents a rise from the 79.8 per cent share recorded at the end of 2024 and underlines the central role the institution continues to play in Nigeria’s financing framework.

Economist and CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, earlier said that the rising World Bank commitments to Nigeria should be examined within the context of the country’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and annual budgets, which already provide for both domestic and foreign borrowing.

He noted that deficit financing is a common feature of budgets worldwide and is not inherently wrong, as it allows governments to make critical investments without waiting to generate all the required revenue upfront.

However, he stressed that borrowing should always be backed by sound economic reasoning and clear development priorities. Yusuf emphasised that the key issue is debt sustainability, which depends primarily on the country’s revenue capacity to service its obligations.

Without a strong cash flow to meet repayment schedules, he warned, Nigeria risks falling into a vicious cycle of borrowing to service existing loans, which would perpetuate fiscal vulnerability.

He said it is essential that projects funded by loans directly support the economy’s capacity to repay. According to him, Nigeria should be cautious with foreign loans due to the exchange rate risks they pose, noting that domestic debt is generally easier to manage.

Excessive foreign borrowing, he warned, could put pressure on the country’s reserves and further weaken the exchange rate. He stressed that a disciplined approach to debt sustainability will be crucial for Nigeria to avoid long-term fiscal distress.

The group made the demand in an open letter dated August 16, 2025, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and made available to newsmen, yesterday.

A member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Auyo (APC, Jigawa), had in a viral video alleged that lawmakers part with between one million naira and three million naira to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.

In the letter, SERAP urged Akpabio and Abbas to “name anyone that may be involved in the alleged bribery and to ensure the recovery of any proceeds of bribery,” while also calling for the protection of Auyo as a whistleblower.

“The allegations that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills and proposals at the National Assembly are a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.

“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.

“Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or running of the National Assembly,” the organisation stated.

SERAP maintained that “the allegations that lawmakers are paying up to ?3 million as bribes in exchange for presenting motions and bills make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”

The group warned that if the National Assembly leadership fails to act within seven days, it would consider legal actions to compel compliance “in the public interest.”

“Referring the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions,” it noted.

Auyo had alleged that “you have to pay from ?3 million, ?2 million, or ?1 million to present [a bill].

“And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”

The game at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda tips off at 5:30pm Nigerian time, with victory guaranteeing Nigeria top spot and direct passage to the quarter-finals on August 20 and defeat leaving them vulnerable to dropping into the qualification placement round a day earlier.

The D’Tigers have opened their campaign in style, brushing aside hosts Angola before overpowering reigning champions Tunisia 87-66 on Friday.

Josh Okogie was the star against Tunisia, pouring in 33 points to continue his standout tournament form.

Nigeria and Cameroon have faced off three times in AfroBasket competition since 2009, with the D’Tigers leading the head-to-head 2-1.

Their most recent meeting came in the 2017 quarter-finals, when Nigeria triumphed 106-91.

Cameroon, however, arrive in Luanda with their own ambitions. The Lions have averaged 83 points per game at the tournament so far and lead Nigeria in both rebounds (46 to 42.5) and assists (18 to 15), which underlines their capacity to test the West Africans.

A win would hand Nigeria valuable rest days before the quarter-finals, while also reinforcing their credentials as title contenders in Angola. For Cameroon, toppling the D’Tigers would not only earn first place in Group B but also provide a psychological boost ahead of the knockout stages.

Nigeria forward Devine Eke expressed delight after the team’s latest victory, but maintained that the players are keeping their focus on the bigger prize. He stressed that while the result was important, the ultimate goal is to win the championship.

Eke highlighted how the D’Tigers stuck to instructions and worked as a unit, crediting the collective effort for the team’s strong display. He pointed out that every player embraced their responsibility, which made the difference in securing the win.

“We feel good about the win. The job is not done, but I feel we can win this whole thing. We feel really good. We executed well. We followed our coach’s game plan. Everyone played their role, and if everyone continues to do that, anything is possible,” Eke said.

The 31st edition of AfroBasket, hosted by Angola for the fourth time, runs until August 24. Nigeria last won the competition in 2015, and after a strong start, belief is growing that they can mount another championship run.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi also maintained his push for a spot in the season-ending finals with another consistent outing in the men’s shot put at the event.

The 12th leg of the Diamond League, held in Poland, saw Nathaniel clock 47.31s to finish second behind reigning Olympic champion and world record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway, who stormed to victory in 46.28s, a meeting record and world lead.

Nathaniel’s effort shaved time off previous best and erased the Nigerian record of 47.49s he set on June 13, 2025 in Oregon during the NCAA DI finals, but despite his fine performance he ends the Diamon League qualification campaign ranked ninth with 13 points.With only the top eight progressing, his late entry into the professional circuit, after an outstanding collegiate season in the United States, has cost him a place in the Zurich final.

Amusan, competing in the women’s 100m hurdles, finished third in a loaded field, crossing the line in 12.25s.

The race was won by Masai Russell of the United States in 12.19s, with her compatriot Tonea Marshall placing second in 12.24s.The Nigerian world record holder, however, had already done enough in previous meetings to secure her ticket to Zurich and remains firmly in contention for a fourth Diamond Trophy.

With 23 qualification points, she sits second behind Grace Stark of the US, ensuring a Nigerian will be represented in the women’s sprint hurdles final.

In the women’s 200m, Turkey-linked Ofili claimed third place with a performance of 22.25s behind Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, who took victory in 22.17s ahead of American Brittany Brown in second, who clocked 22.21s.

Ofili’s late introduction to the circuit means her six qualification points leave her 13th in the standings, well outside the top eight required for a finals berth, and with no further races scheduled for her, her campaign comes to a close despite Saturday’s impressive run.

Nigeria’s other representative, Enekwechi, threw 21.56m for seventh place in the men’s shot put.

The event was won by Payton Otterdahl of the United States with 22.28m, followed closely by Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri and American Joe Kovacs.

Enekwechi’s performance keeps him seventh in the qualification rankings with 11 points, and with his place in the Lausanne leg already confirmed, he will have one final chance to earn his spot in Zurich.

Amusan is now the only Nigerian certain of a place in the Diamond League finals, while Enekwechi remains in the hunt as the series heads to Lausanne for its final qualifying round before the grand finale in Zurich on August 27 and 28 where only the most consistent performers across the 14-meeting series will contest for the prestigious Diamond Trophy and a share of the $2.24m prize fund.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure last Saturday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, after a meeting with the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.

Idris, who is currently leading a federal delegation on a three-day inspection of infrastructure projects and citizen engagement programmes across the South-East, said the approval reflected the administration’s responsiveness to urgent national infrastructure needs.

According to him, the Mokwa Bridge, which is a 10-span bridge, serves as a major artery for transportation and economic activities in Niger State and beyond.

“We want to thank Mr. President and we want to thank the Honourable Minister of Works. David Umahi. We jointly discussed this and approached Mr. President, who graciously approved it.

“It means a lot to the people. It’s N16.7bn to reconstruct the bridge — a 10-span bridge,” the minister was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.

The statement noted that Idris underscored the strategic importance of the Mokwa Bridge in regional connectivity, especially for communities and businesses that rely on it for the movement of goods and people.

He praised the swift intervention of the Ministry of Works, saying, “His (Umahi’s) response was immediate and decisive. Experts were dispatched to assess the damage shortly after the bridge was washed away. This is music to the ears of the government and people of Niger State.”

In his remarks, Umahi described President Tinubu as a “compassionate and listening leader” who remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps.

“The President approved the immediate reconstruction of the bridge as requested by the Honourable Minister. He graciously approved because of him,” Umahi said.

Umahi said, “The administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure that critical infrastructure across all geopolitical zones receives attention. What we are seeing is a government that listens, responds and acts swiftly to the needs of Nigerians.”

The minister also noted that the Mokwa Bridge project would not only restore transportation but also boost economic activities that had been affected since the collapse of the structure.

“The swiftness with which the President responded shows that this government places priority on the welfare and wellbeing of the people. The bridge is not just a physical structure; it is a lifeline for communities and businesses. Its reconstruction will bring relief to thousands who depend on it daily,” he added.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN) has picked  26 athletes to represent the country at the forthcoming Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region II Senior Athletics Championships holding between  Monday,  August 18th  and Tuesday, August 19th in Accra, Ghana.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna says the N25.9 million cash seized from one of its members during Saturday’s by-election was meant for the welfare of 5,000 party agents.

On Saturday, police officers arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi with about N25,963,000 at a popular hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.

The police alleged that the seized cash was set aside to induce voters during the polls.

By-elections took place on Saturday in three constituencies in Kaduna — Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Basawa State Constituency, and Zaria/Kewaye State Constituency.

Speaking at a press conference, the chairman of the PDP in Kaduna State, Edward Masha, said the N25.9 million was not meant for vote buying as alleged by the police.

Mr Masha said PDP mobilised over 6,000 agents across the three constituencies for the by-election, adding that the funds were meant for the welfare of the agents and supervisors.

“Let me make it clear that money was for election logistics.

“We have 169 polling units. We have party agents, supervisors, and collation officers across the three constituencies. Even if you give them N3,000 each, it is over N30 million.

“That is the reality. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians”, he said.

The Kaduna PDP chairman alleged that the party has been the target of harassment by security operatives “at the behest of the Kaduna state government”.

He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was weaponising state institutions to intimidate the opposition.

Mr Masha said security operatives on Friday raided the campaign council office of Esther Dawaki, PDP candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.

He alleged that party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 others, were whisked away during the raid.

Ibigide, who had been on the run for three years, was apprehended on Sunday, August 10, 2025, along with one of his aides, Clement Osuya, in Asaba, Delta, while they were trying to move the illegal drugs for distribution.

A statement released yesterday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said, “Ibigide came under searchlight on 19th March 2022 in connection with the seizure of 24.137kg of same psychoactive substance and 10grams of molly, but thereafter went underground.”

Babafemi said that apart from Ibigide, the agency has conducted many high-profile operations across multiple states, arrested suspects, and seized illicit drugs.

“No fewer than six suspects were arrested on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th August when NDLEA operatives supported by the military and vigilantes raided three cannabis farms in Enugu Ezike, Enugu state where a total of 37,500kg skunk was destroyed on 15 hectares of farmland.

“Those arrested include: Ugwuanyi Chinaso, 23; James Negedu, 26; Sopuruchukwu Obido, 22; Ebuka Onu, 30; Ukwueze Sunday, 42; and Oguche Friday; while 74.5kg of the illicit substance was recovered for the prosecution of the suspects.”

In Enugu, he said, “20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol were seized from a suspect Emmanuel Ayogu, 53, by NDLEA officers on patrol along Nsukka road, 9th mile Enugu on Saturday 16th August, two other suspects: Nsubechukwu Achidde, 24, and Osiaja Simple Frank, 41, were arrested with 27.6kg skunk same day at the new market, Enugu.”

The agency said, “In Lagos, a 52-year-old woman Muyibat Mumuni was arrested with her son Faruk Mumuni, 25, by NDLEA operatives at Ladega street, Mushin on Wednesday 13th August for storing and distributing 298 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 149kg while another suspect Emmanuel Samuel was nabbed on Friday 15th August in Ajah area of Lekki where 8.5kg Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis was recovered from their apartment.”

The statement also said,  “Not less than 128,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from a suspect Sani Mohammed,32, who was arrested by NDLEA officers at Jauro Jatau, Gombe, Gombe state on Monday 11th August, while a total of 337, 800 capsules of the same pharmaceutical opioid were seized by operatives on patrol along Okene-Lokoja highway, Kogi state from the driver of a commercial bus, Sulaiman Oyedokun, 47, coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and heading to Kotangora, Niger state.”

Babafemi added that, “a total of 11, 250kg skunk was destroyed on 4.5 hectares of farmland on Tuesday 12th August when NDLEA operatives assisted by Sardauna Emirate Council and the Nigeria Forest Hunters Security Service raided the Tanmiya forest in Sardauna LGA, Taraba state, 29, 840 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect Saleh Babangida, 20, at a check point in Wukari area of the state on Saturday 16th August.

“In Kaduna, two suspects: Mohammed Amdife, 46, and Sulaiman Mohammed, 22, were arrested in connection with the seizure of 22, 640 pills of tramadol and rohypnol at Gwargwaje check point, Zaria and Tudun Wada area of the state. Two other suspects: Caroline David, 51, and Abdulhadi Umar, 30, were nabbed over the seizure of 111.1kg skunk intercepted along Zaria – Kano road.

“At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state, a total of 875,000 bottles of codeine based syrup worth over N6.1billion in street value and 3, 500,000 pills of trodol benzhexol valued at N1.7billion were recovered from five containers under NDLEA intelligence tracking and watch-list during joint examination with Customs Service and other security agencies on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) of the Onne port.

“In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th August recovered 24 bags of skunk weighing 432kg in a bush along Warake-Auchi road in Etsako West LGA, while 130kg of same substance was seized at a warehouse in Sobe, Owan West LGA the following day.

“A suspect Tahiru Madu Manga, 25, was nabbed by NDLEA officers along Zaria-Kano road, with 16kg skunk and another suspect Ibrahim Audu, 47, arrested with 76kg of the same psychoactive substance at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria-Kano road, Kano state on Wednesday 13th August.

“No fewer than 4, 320 ampoules of ketamine injection were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Lagos highway on Monday 11th August with a suspect Akeem Adegun arrested.”

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers involved, urging them to maintain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.