₦airaland Forum

*Emerges 'Overall Winner' of 5th Edition of National Tertiary Admissions Performance - Merit Awards (NATAP-M)


Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was yesterday (Tuesday, 8th July, 2025) presented with a N500 million Mega Award by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).



The premier university clinched the monetary prize as the overall winner of the 5th edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards (NATAP-M) for the combined admission years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.



ABU became the overall winner having emerged as the "best institution with an aggregate of 14 points in the overall category comprising all five elements of the Mega Award."

A statement by the Public Affairs Directorate, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (TKU), Tuesday July 8, 2025, said that the Hon Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmed, presented a N500 million cheque and a certificate of award to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed.



The Minister was assisted in the presentation by the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede and other top staff members of the Board.



Two members of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University - Prof Mato D Dogara and Dr Claris Ujah - were present at the historic occasion.



The Registrar, Ahmadu Bello University, Malam Rabiu Samaila, and the institution's Admissions Officer, Malam Mohammed Aminu Garba, were in the company of the Vice-Chancellor.



Speaking at the occasion, the JAMB Registrar, Prof Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede,

said the award was introduced to encourage national spread in the admission of candidates and promote internationalisation of tertiary institutions.



He also said the award was essentially to bring about national unity through institutions admitting candidates from all states of the federation, as well as create healthy competitions among the tertiary institutions.



The JAMB Registrar further said it was to bring about transparency in the admission process across the nation, and bridge the gap in gender inequality by encouraging the female gender to aspire for tertiary education.



Receiving the award, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, thanked JAMB most sincerely for the honour, saying that they would continue to do the needful to ensure that the Nigerian universities rise in the university rankings globally.



The Vice-Chancellor also expressed gratitude to the institution's Governing Council, Senate, and alumni for pushing the university so high to achieve the great feat.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly condemned the killing of unarmed protesters in Kenya by security forces.

Frank who described the killings as barbaric and unacceptable in a democracy, pleaded passionately with President Williams Ruto of Kenyan to urgently halt the killings by calling the security agencies to order.

The Kenyan police had fired to disperse demonstrators in Nairobi marking the 35th anniversary of pro-democracy rallies on Monday, where police said 11 people were killed and about 567 arrested nationwide in the latest anti-government protests to end in bloodshed.

The demonstrations mark the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba - meaning "seven-seven" - protests of July 7, 1990, which launched Kenya's push for multi-party democracy.

The death of blogger, Albert Ojwang in police custody last month has given the protests fresh impetus, fuelling anger against the authorities and bringing hundreds onto the streets, according to Reuters.

“It is time to stop these avoidable murders,” Frank said, while urging the Kenyan Government to follow the rule of law in bringing the protests to an end.

He called for immediate release of all detained protesters by the Kenyan Police and commiserated with families who have lost loved ones to the protest.

“They would be remembered as those who died fighting for a better future for their country,” he said.

He reminded Ruto, his friend, that the peaceful and unarmed protesters now being killed and thrown into jails for advocating for good governance, voted despite intimidation and harassment to elect him to office.

“The right thing to do is not to kill them but to dialogue with them,” he said. “This is democracy. You were elected and these were the people who believed in you and voted for you and it is their constitutional right to protest if they are dissatisfied with your administration.”

According to him, the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters is a direct breach of international law, especially the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

“This nonsense in Africa has to stop where African leaders will be killing peaceful protesters unnecessarily,” he said. “But when they need the vote of the people, they will dance with them and make all kinds of promises.”

He called for immediate sanctions against the Ruto and his administration and a travel ban on chiefs of police that shot protesters with live ammunition.

He called on the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump and the United Nations to intervene and call Ruto to order over his dictatorial actions.

“It is wrong to kill protesters. Instead of killing them, it is the duty of government to protect them,” he said. “We saw recently when there was protest against Trump. They did not deploy the National Guard to kill the protesters but rather to protect them and that is what democracy is all about.

“This is a time for Trump to speak out for those young Africans being killed for demanding good governance and to see to it that they get justice,” he said.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors to investigate and prosecute Ruto and his security chiefs for the ongoing killing of innocent youths.

He urged the protesters to be courageous and resolute in their demand in spite of the high highhandedness of the security forces against them.

He condemned the leadership of the Africa Union for their irresponsible act by not speaking up in the face of a heinous crime being perpetrated against youths in the continent.

“African heads of state and governments only speak when a coup takes place and one of their own is affected and that is the only time they are relevant. This is most unfortunate,” he said.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has cautioned leaders of the coalition out to wrest power from President Bola Tinubu in 2027, to remain focused on their goal.

He warned that any attempt to exclude any region from participating in the contest to select a presidential candidate for the coalition would result in a stillbirth for the movement.

He also commended the leaders of the coalition for doing a great job so far and urged them not to be distracted by selfish agitation targeted at derailing their objective which is to galvanize opposition to win the 2027 presidential election.

Frank in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said Nigerians need a competent and compassionate president that would help restore the waning glory of the country and not one elected based on ethnic sentiments.

“Nigeria needs a president for all Nigerians, not president for northern or southern Nigeria.
We need a president that will help tackle and solve the nation’s myriad of challenges, both political, social and economic - like insecurity, unemployment, poverty, deteriorating health and education systems, among others.

He said: “For 2027, the president can come from anywhere, whether north or south. Let the Nigerian electorate vote their choice, whether from north, south, east or west.

“All I'm saying is that Nigerians need a better president, a people's president that will be elected based on popular mandate.

“If a Southern or Northern candidate is popular enough for Nigerians to vote for him across board, let him emerge as the president.

“Those saying that the South alone must produce presidential candidates for 2027 should perish the thought because their utterances are not only divisive but cast members of the coalition from the remaining five geopolitical zones as mere tools to attain the presidency.”

The Bayelsa-born political activist further declared that what should be of concern to the leaders of the coalition in the current dispensation
should not be about region but capacity and general acceptability across the country.

“What Nigerians want is a candidate that is competent and suited for the job.
If you say you are popular enough, what are you afraid of? Go for primaries and let there be free and fair primaries.

“If a Northern candidate wins, fine ans good. If a Southern candidate wins, fine and good. They should all support any candidate that emerges to win the presidential elections,” he said.

He noted that for those claiming that the South should be allowed to complete their remaining four-year-term from 2027, “how does a Southern President or a Northern President even benefit the south or the North. People from the regions of all the successive presidents either the South or North have always complained of neglect.

“ Southerners have complained against Jonathan and Obasanjo that they did not do anything. Now, we have a Southerner as president, they are still complaining but continue to insist for another term.Ditto, Northerners have complained about Buhari for not doing anything for them.

He added: “I am opposed to the argument that a Northern aspirant should not contest. If it is a Northern aspirant that will give Nigerians the type of president we are looking for in Nigeria, let that aspirant run for the 2027 presidential election.

“If it is a Southern aspirant that will give Nigerians progressive governance let that aspirant contest, emerge as candidate, and win the presidential election. The South should be careful and urgently refrain from agitating for this so-called Southern presidency.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, urged the coalition not to succumb to any ethnic blackmail masked by agitation for a Southern Presidency.

“Everybody in the coalition is equal and there must be equal opportunities for all. What is paramount is not the issue of North or South. It's the issue of who will rescue Nigeria. Who will end insecurity. Who will end poverty. Who will end unemployment and human rights abuses, among others,” he said.

He declared that “What Nigerians need is leadership irrespective of religious affiliation of ethnic extraction.

“Since we attained democracy in Nigeria from 1999 till date, the South has benefited from the politics more than the North in terms of the number of years it has ruled the country from 1999 till date.

“Obasanjo had eight years, Yar’Adua had two years, Jonathan had six years, Buhari had eight years and Tinubu has had two years with two more years to go.

“Therefore, it is clear that by 2027, the South would have benefited 18 years while the North only 10 years. So who has benefited more since 1999?

“As a southerner, I stand for the truth even though it may be bitter. Nigeria is one and what we need is leadership with experience.

“Democracy is all about contests and there should be open and fair contest. I am calling on the new leadership of the ADC to ensure free, fair and open primary elections to choose a presidential candidate for the coalition. There should be no zoning.”

He warned that the agitation for a Southern candidate by some members of the coalition can lead to crisis that would further divide the country along regional lines.

“If we talking about a better Nigeria, what we should look for is a change that will benefit the people, and a president elected by generality of Nigerians not whether from South or north,” he said.

A new Brand Ambassador, Anteyi Grace Ene popularly known as AGEless, was at the weekend, unveiled just as erudite sports administrator and Chairman of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Chief Dr. Paul Edeh Esq, launched a real estate company named Signature Edge.

The high-octane event, which held inside the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, was well-attended by a teeming class of societal men and women including captains of industry, business executives, politicians, among others.

The real estate company’s founder and Chairman, Chief Edeh, at the unveiling, gave an overview as well as unique descriptive highlights of Signature Edge with its trademark Living The Future.

While describing the making of the real estate firm as historic and symbolic, Chief Edeh said the choice of Ageless is because her personality attributes resonate with the characteristics Signature Edge stands for.

The football club owner cum real estate doyen emphatically stated that Signature Edge is anchored on integrity and affordable opportunities, offering a wide range of building options to suit every individual’s taste amidst a variety of choices.

He said, “Signature Edge was born out of a conviction that every home, every space, and every investment should carry a mark of lasting value. We see real estate not merely as structures of brick and mortar but as living statements of who we are and what we believe the future must hold.

"We are here to set a new pace guided by integrity, inspired by culture, enabled by technology, and driven by a commitment to make decent shelter accessible for all. Whether you are seeking a sanctuary for your family, a fertile ground for enterprise, or a strategic portfolio for generational wealth, Signature Edge stands ready to bring that vision to life.

"Our approach is simple yet profound. We do not just sell property; we deliver the dignity of belonging, the security of ownership, and the promise of tomorrow. That is the Edge in Signature Edge the extra mile, the thoughtful detail, the unwavering standard that will become a reference point in Africa’s real estate landscape.

"With every project, we will bring the home to you rather than have you chase after it. In five years and beyond, Signature Edge will be the mark that elevates lives, communities, and the continent at large.”

He said the vision of establishing Signature Edge is one that will stay ahead and remain relevant for subscribers or those who seek to acquire property through it, adding, “We are a visionary real estate company building Africa’s future through culturally inspired, tech-enabled, and community-centred property development, sales, investment, and management.”

On what inspired Signature Edge with its logo featuring a thumbprint, Chief Edeh, with years of experience in real estate development, said, “The newly formed company seeks to supply what is culturally unique to everyone, and our vision is to ensure that every Nigerian, whether you have or not, should have a decent home over time.

"We believe that we are bringing to the fore a real estate company that in the next five years will be a pillar upon which every other real estate firm identifies. We seek to achieve this by bringing the home to you, rather than you looking for it.”

The company’s number one man then announced that already, Signature Edge has struck mouth-watering deals in about 24 hours after it was launched.

He said the company now has available property in Abuja, Lagos, Namibia, and parts of Africa.

The Brand Ambassador, after committing to pacts with Signature Edge, assured of her readiness to use her wealth of experience and reach to elevate the fortunes of the firm.

She said, “I am sincerely committed to justifying that trust which the Board and Management of Signature Edge have placed on me. Building on previous experience, I believe that my skills will bring tremendous success for the company. We will certainly achieve great things together.”

Some of those who spoke at the event, including a governorship candidate for the Anambra 2025 election and a former Speaker, hailed the concept and ideology behind Signature Edge and predicted that the company will soon make an incredible impact that will surpass ages.

Highpoint of the event was the symbolic signing of a long-term agreement between Signature Edge and Brand Ambassador AGEless.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has faulted statements made by former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and former Governor of Kaduna State to.the.effect that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The forum in a statement issued by its President General, Yerima Shettima said, he finds it imperative to clarify the position of the AYCF concerning the allegations against INEC's purported frustration of opposition political parties, particularly in light of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

"Firstly, it is essential to recognize that the electoral process in Nigeria is governed by established procedures that are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. The assertion made by Amaechi that INEC is intentionally obstructing the efforts of opposition parties is not only unfounded but also reflects a misunderstanding of the electoral framework that governs party registration". He said.

Shettima posited that INEC’s requirements, which include the submission of office addresses and the identification of party officers, are standard protocols that must be adhered to by all political entities seeking registration, adding that it is critical that all parties, including the ADA, comply with such guidelines to maintain the integrity of our democratic processes.

"The AYCF finds it disheartening that, in their frustration, Amaechi and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai have resorted to making sensational claims rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand.

"The ADA’s challenges in meeting INEC’s requirements should not be attributed to any alleged bias or conspiracy on the part of the commission. Instead, it is a reflection of the need for all political parties to engage in diligent preparation and adherence to the rules that govern our electoral landscape.

"Moreover, it is apparent that the ADA's formation is driven by a sense of urgency and desperation, particularly as the political climate shifts in anticipation of the 2027 elections. The AYCF acknowledges the right of any group to seek political representation; however, we must also emphasize that the legitimacy of such efforts hinges upon their compliance with the legal framework set forth by INEC". He said.

The forum also emphasised that the notion that INEC should compromise its standards to accommodate the ADA, is not only impractical, but also undermines the principles of democracy that they strive to uphold.

"el-Rufai’s skepticism regarding INEC’s willingness to register the ADA further illustrates a growing trend among political leaders to cast doubt on the electoral process rather than engaging constructively with it. Such rhetoric can be detrimental to the democratic ethos and may inadvertently disenfranchise the very constituents these leaders claim to represent. It is crucial for political leaders to foster an environment of trust and cooperation with electoral bodies, rather than perpetuating narratives of mistrust and conspiracy.

"As AYCF, we call upon all political actors, including Amaechi and el-Rufai, to exercise restraint in their public statements and to focus on building a political culture that is rooted in respect for democratic institutions. The future of our democracy depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to work within the established frameworks to achieve their political aspirations". He said.


The AYCF reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process in Nigeria.

"We urge all political parties, including the ADA, to adhere to INEC’s guidelines and to approach the registration process with the seriousness it deserves," the statement added.

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has slammed President Bola Tinubu led-Federal Government over the exclusion of Nigeria among select African countries for commerical opportunities by US President, Donald Trump.

This was contained in a statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant, Public Communication to Atiku.

The statement which was titled, ‘Tinubu’s Failure Is Complete: Nigeria Sidelined By Trump, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Presidential candidate in 2023, said despite Nigeria’s $500bn economy, Trump ignored Nigeria due to “chaotic presidency” in the country currently.

Atiku said, “On July 9, 2025, President Donald Trump will host five African leaders at the White House to discuss “commercial opportunities.” The invited nations are Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal.

“Not Nigeria. Not the continent’s most populous nation, the Giant of Africa which had an economy of $500bn and was among the world’s five fastest growing economies before the cancer called the All Progressives Congress inflicted this blessed nation.

“This exclusion by the Trump administration is not a diplomatic oversight. It is not a scheduling error. It is a verdict — scathing in symbolism and staggering in implication. A verdict on Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chaotic presidency, his divisive chairmanship of ECOWAS, and the complete evaporation of Nigeria’s diplomatic relevance.

“How do we explain it? Tinubu inherited an ECOWAS of 15 member states and left it gasping for breath with three countries pulling out and 40% of its land mass gone. Once Africa’s diplomatic compass — the nation that gave weight to regional consensus and global negotiations — Nigeria has now become an afterthought. Ignored. Sidelined. Stripped of influence. While others are summoned to negotiate Africa’s future, Nigeria is not even in the room.

“And while our Foreign Direct Investment has plunged to historic lows, Tinubu’s men lounge in St. Lucia, sipping champagne in the face of national decline. South Africa is negotiating trade frameworks with Washington. Nigeria is invisible.

“And let’s now kill the lie that’s been allowed to linger for too long: Gilbert Chagoury is not a Trump ally. He does not hold the keys to the White House. He has no diplomatic leverage in the Trump administration, having been listed as one of the major donors to the Clinton foundation.

“The illusion of his influence has collapsed under the weight of reality. Nigeria wagered its international standing on a mirage — and lost.

“As chair of ECOWAS, Tinubu did not build bridges; he burnt them. His erratic, self-serving approach fractured regional cooperation, turning Nigeria into a polarizing force rather than a rallying point.

“From Giant of Africa to diplomatic ghost — Tinubu has finished the job. He has squandered our legacy, diluted our stature, and silenced our voice on the world stage.

“This isn’t just an embarrassment. It is a disgrace — a resounding declaration that Nigeria, under this administration, has lost its way.$

Atiku therefore posited that the African Democratic Congress, ADC is ready to rescue Nigeria from damage done by Tinubu led-Federal Government.

“Well, we are glad that the coalition through the ADC is here to rescue Nigeria from these urban bandits. The damage is deep — but so is our resolve. And the mission to reclaim Nigeria’s honour has already begun.

“History may not be kind to this government. But history will remember who stood up to end it,” he stated.

Nigerian Meteorology Agency (NiMet) will establish a mini-Automatic Weather Station (AWOS) at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria to support licensing requirements for the operation of the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIPR-1).


This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, made available yesterday.


Also, the agency will collaborate with the institution’s energy research centre towards the promotion and downscaling of Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), as well as maintain the meteorological instruments installed in the mini-automatic weather station.

Yet again, NiMet will permit the institution’s staff and students with interest in teaching, knowledge acquisition, research and training in climatology/meteorology and have access to the agency’s meteorological and climate data or information for research activities subject to the NiMet data policy.

The resolve by NiMet to do all these things for the centre was contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) both parties – NiMet and CERT – signed for collaborative research and development activities.

In pursuance of the collaboration, both parties equally agreed to jointly work together to carry out research activities leading to world quality outputs in meteorology/climatology, nuclear science and technology, as well as material analyses.

The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, signed the collaborative research deal on behalf of the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), while the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, signed for NiMet.

The MoU signing took place in Abuja on Monday, 30th June, 2025, establishing the terms and conditions under which the collaborative research activities will be carried out and funded.

Under the agreement, NiMet additionally undertook to identify locations to carry out gaseous and NORM mapping around airports as well as provide cost and expenses for use of consumables necessary for the enhanced instrumentation training in nuclear science research.

On its own part, the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) undertook to provide a suitable land space for the establishment of the mini-automatic weather station in addition to providing adequate infrastructure for effective running and maintenance of the station.

The centre is also obligated to provide technical support in developing soil fertility analysis to enhance NiMet’s capacity in seasonal climate predictions and climate-smart agricultural practices.

CERT is to develop NiMet’s capacity to carryout gaseous mapping, analysis of harmattan dust and NORM evaluation of airports, as well as train the agency’s staff in basic and applied nuclear science and related analytical techniques for environmental analysis.

The centre will also use its expertise to encourage and facilitate conduct of collaborative high-impact inter-agency research in climatology, meteorology, nuclear science and technology and their implications.

CERT will further use its research expertise to enhance the capacity of NiMet in the provision of products such as E-SCP, Annual Climate Review Bulletin, Quarterly Climate Review Bulletin, Agro-Meteorological Bulletin, and Drought and Flood Monitoring Bulletin.

The Registrar, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Malam Rabiu Samaila; the Director, Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Prof. S.A. Jonah; and the Administrative Secretary, Physical Planning and Municipal Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Malam Hamza Sani, witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

*Speaks At ABU Awareness Week Public Lecture



The Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna, Prof Aishatu Yusha'u Armaya'u, says human brains are constantly under siege as a result of the chaos of urban living and the growing culture of sleepless productivity.



Prof Armaya'u, who chaired this year's Brain Awareness Week Public Lecture organised by the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University Chapter, said people were living in a world that constantly pushes the boundaries of human resilience.



The lecture, christened 'Brain on Burnout: The Impact of Environmental Stressors, Substance Use, and Sleep Deprivation', was held today (Tuesday, 1st July, 2025) at the Auditorium of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.



"From the pressures of academia and the chaos of urban living, to the creeping reliance on substances as coping mechanisms, and the growing culture of sleepless productivity, our brains are constantly under siege". she said.





According to a statement made available by the Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, dated Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Prof Armaya'u, who described this year's lecture theme as timely and necessary, also said the brain yet remained the most powerful tool for thinking, for learning, and for healing.



She described the event as not only a scientific exploration but also a public health call to action.



"It is a moment to reflect on how we, as individuals, institutions, and a society, must begin to protect and prioritise brain health with the same urgency we accord physical wellbeing", she further said.



Prof Armaya'u said she was thrilled that the event brought together neuroscientists, mental health professionals, policy makers, educators, and the public.



According to her, it was only through collaboration that the stigma around mental health could be dismantled.



In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, described the lecture as apt given the importance of brain health in human endeavour.



The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Prof Wilson Hamman, said brain remained the most powerful tool that helps in decision making as well as building relationships that shape the world.



Earlier in his opening remarks, the President, Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University Chapter, Prof N M Danjuma, urged participants to listen attentively and share their knowledge wisely.



There were a total of four presentations at the occasion by different medical professionals.



Dr Aliyu Muhammad of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Kaduna spoke on 'Mental Health: An Overview', while Dr A A Sadeeq of the Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University, talked on 'The Neuroscience of Stress: Impact of Stressors on the Brain'.



Dr A S Isa of the Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria made a presentation on 'The Role of Sleep in the Regulation of Stress'.



Dr Zainab Mohammed Bello of the Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria spoke on 'Digital Trap: The Impact of Social Media and Screen Time on Sleep and Brain Functions'.



Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to some selected personalities in recognition of their commitment and tremendous support towards the promotion of healthy living.

The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, has approved the appointment of Prof Abdullahi Abubakar as Acting General Manager for ABU Estate Management Company.

The company, as an incorporated subsidiary of Ahmadu Bello University, is charged with critical responsibility of managing, maintaining, and optimising the institution's real estate assets, including staff quarters, rental housing, commercial properties, and land assets within and outside the campuses.


According to a statement by the Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria dated Tuesday July 1, 2025,
Prof Abubakar, who was Head of Department of Architecture, is presently the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Design.

Abubakar's appointment, according to the Vice-Chancellor, was in furtherance of the university's commitment to reposition and restructure its strategic service units for greater efficiency, transparency, and financial viability.

A letter to Prof Abubakar by the Vice-Chancellor conveying the new assignment also said the appointment was in recognition of his experience as a former Head of Department and his professional standing as an architect of repute.

"It is expected that you will bring to bear your proven capacity for strategic planning and operational discipline in restoring accountability, functional service delivery, and innovation within the company", said the letter.

The appointment, which is with immediate effect, is for an initial period of six months pending the establishment of a permanent management structure of the company.

Specifically, the Acting General Manager is expected to ensure the fulfilment of the company's foundational mandates that include among others management of university residential properties located within the campuses and other locations like Kabba, Kano, Jos, Abuja, Lagos, and Zaria.

He is also to conduct a comprehensive audit and inventory of university lands across the country and work with the University Management Committee to ensure the updating of existing Certificates of Occupancy and acquisition of same for lands that do not have.

The new appointee is equally expected to develop and implement a framework to engage students on SIWES and internship placements, leveraging the company's operational projects for learning exposure and practical training.

In addition, he should create opportunities for students to earn modest stipends through structured involvement in facility management, design support, and maintenance services.

While congratulating Prof Abubakar on the appointment, the Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that Abubakar's leadership would mark a new era of transformation, responsibility, and service excellence in ABU Estate Management Company.

By PHRANK SHAIBU


As Nigeria inches towards the defining moment of the 2027 general elections, one thing is clear: the battlefield is already drawn, and the gloves are off. It is no longer a mere contest between parties; it is now a Battle Royale — a historic confrontation between the ‘Urban Bandits’ who hijacked the system in 2023, and the ‘Political IDPs’ — the displaced patriots forced out of the corridors of power but not out of relevance.

Let’s be blunt. The so-called Urban Bandits are not reformers; they are political gangsters in agbada — powered by bullion vans, electoral manipulation, and Machiavellian deceit. They have no vision, only ambition. They rigged themselves into office, but not into the hearts of the people. Their leadership has birthed suffering, deepened insecurity, and turned hope into a currency of fraud.

On the other side, stand the Political IDPs — those who were cast out not by failure, but by fraud. They are the true custodians of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. Men and women who have paid their dues in the fight for justice, equity, and development. They are political refugees only in form, not in influence. If anything, they have gained strength in exile.

And here's why the Political IDPs will beat the Urban Bandits in 2027:

1. They Have the People’s Sympathy and Trust

The Urban Bandits climbed to power by deception. They promised “renewed hope,” but delivered renewed hardship. Fuel is unaffordable, the naira has collapsed, and food prices have become a daily affliction. Nigerians, now awake, remember who truly stood with them when it mattered. The Political IDPs are not tainted by this failure. They are seen as the robbed, not the robbers — and in 2027, the robbed will rise with the people behind them.


2. Unity of Purpose vs Greedy Fragmentation

The Urban Bandits are already imploding. Their house, is a house divided against itself — racked by infighting, betrayal, and competing godfathers. The so-called “renewed hope” was nothing but a resume for recycled cronies and unfit sycophants. On the other hand, the Political IDPs are uniting. Driven by a shared hunger for justice and a common pain, they are coming together — from Atiku to Obi, from Rotimi Amaechi to El-Rufai — not just to win, but to rescue.

3. Moral High Ground

The Urban Bandits used propaganda, fake bishops, and state machinery to silence truth. But 2027 will not be 2023. Nigerians now know who is who. The moral credentials of the Political IDPs may vary, but none of them wears the stench of ballot snatching, academic fraud, and identity theft. When moral bankruptcy becomes state policy, even the indifferent become revolutionaries.

4. The Power of the Youth

The Sorosoke Generation, and millions of disillusioned first-time voters from 2023 are not going away. If anything, they are getting angrier, louder, and more strategic. The Urban Bandits may have mocked their hashtags, but they will soon learn that hashtags grow into hurricanes. The Political IDPs, particularly with youth-inclusive coalitions, are positioned to harness this energy and translate frustration into votes.

5. The Economy is the Ultimate Campaign

No amount of propaganda can cover hunger. No PR can spin poverty. When salaries are worthless, businesses are folding, and hope is taxed, no amount of billboard worship or ‘thank you’ rallies can save you. The Urban Bandits have failed the economy, and Nigerians are counting every kobo. In contrast, the Political IDPs are armed with alternatives — not slogans.

6. International Backing is Quietly Shifting

The global community is watching. The embarrassment of the Tinubu presidency — from gaffes on the world stage to the opacity of his past — is not lost on foreign diplomats and partners. In private conversations, many now view 2023 as a mistake they hope Nigerians will correct in 2027. This sentiment will translate into less tolerance for rigging and more appetite for credible alternatives.

Conclusion: The Tables Are Turning.

In 2023, the Urban Bandits outwitted a divided opposition. But in 2027, it is no longer about wits — it is about will. The Political IDPs have suffered long enough. They have regrouped, retooled, and reawakened. Their pain has become purpose. Their exile has become a weapon. And their hunger — not for power, but for justice — is now shared by millions of Nigerians.

The Battle Royale is coming. And this time, it will not be fought in backroom deals or pre-recorded speeches. It will be fought in the streets, on the ballots, and in the hearts of the people.

And when the dust settles, history will remember that the Political IDPs rose — and the Urban Bandits fell.





Phrank Shaibu, is S.A Public Communication to the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar

*Institution emerges among top 10 globally at ‘Power the Community 2025’ design contest




Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), has once again, demonstrated its glowing influence in sustainable development and innovation as it recorded an outstanding performance at ‘Power the Community 2025’ International Design Competition.

The university was represented by two teams – Terra Haven and Shika Oasis – at the online international contest organised by Energy Mentors, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainable practices in the energy field.


According to a statement from the Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
ABU, Zaria, dated June 30, 2025, the competition was the second annual event put together by Energy Mentors which provides a “unique opportunity” for students to showcase their creativity and skills in designing energy infrastructure for communities of their choice.

Energy Mentors is based in Sugar Land City, Fort Bend County, Texas, United States.

The competition was open to undergraduate, graduate, and even high school students from across the world to apply their knowledge and skills to solve a real-world challenge while competing for a share of the $31,000 prize pool, with the grand prize being $10,000.

The recently concluded global event featured entries from 18 countries, and two students’ teams from Ahmadu Bello University emerged among the top 10.

The entries of the winning teams – Terra Haven and Shika Oasis – embodied ABU’s strength in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and community-focused development. Their performance has, indeed, positioned the university on the global map of sustainable energy research and development.

Dean, Faculty of Environmental Design, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Abdullahi Abubakar, announced the students’ feat when he briefed the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, on the outstanding performance of the teams at the online global contest.

Prof. Abubakar, who briefed the Vice-Chancellor along with the instructors and the winning students, explained that the teams had spent several months developing innovative solutions for sustainable energy infrastructure.

The Dean, who lauded the students’ dedication and innovation, said the teams were guided by a cross-disciplinary committee of instructors from both the Faculty of Environmental Design and the Faculty of Engineering.

“They represented not only the university but also the entire country, Prof. Abubakar said.

Abubakar quoted a popular adage, ‘Start where you are, do what you can, use what you have’, which according to him, was an apt reflection of how the teams overcame limited funding to produce world-class designs.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, commended the students for their “exceptional performance”, stressing that ABU had the capacity to solve global problems.

“If this were a national competition, you would have taken the first place”, the Vice-Chancellor told the winning teams.

Prof. Ahmed pledged the university’s full support towards further development and potential real-world implementation of their designs in nearby communities, with possibilities for federal adaption.

He also highlighted the international value of the certifications awarded to students and described them as international brands.

The Vice-Chancellor further reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence as the university management was committed to ensuring “you win even more competitions”.

Members of Shika’s Oasis led by Morgan Ufuoma (Mechatronics Engineering) were Cuorge B. Emmanuel (Urban and Regional Planning), Umar Zainab (Glass and Silicate Technology), Okaekwu C. Nixon (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering), Effiong Bassey (Industrial Design), Ismaila blessing Salamatu (Architecture), Usman Aisha Amani (Architecture), and Agada Williams (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering).

Terra Haven had Adule Yima (Industrial Design) as the team lead with Sani Samaila Dogo (Quantity Surveying), Augustine O. Joy (Architecture), and Bello Omeiza Awwal (Building) as members. Others were Yahaya Faiza Oiza (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering), Ojo David Oladimeje (Urban and Regional Planning), Owoeye Ayomide (Glass and Silicate Technology), and Adegoke Labeeb (Mechatronics Engineering).

Department of Building’s Prof. A.M. Stanley chaired the five-member committee that coordinated the sustainable energy infrastructure design competition from the university.

Other committee members included Prof. Shittu Abdulmajid, Department of Urban and Regional Planning; Dr. Y.Y. Badiru, Department of Architecture; Aminu Yusuf Zubairu, Department of Mechatronic Engineering; and Dr. Abdullahi Sule Argungu, Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering.

*As Erelu Fayemi, Lawmakers, CSO leaders, others rally support




A development expert and former regional head in Nigeria of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), Dr Margaret Fagboyo, has launched a Non Government Organization (NGO) known as Inclusive Pathway Development Initiative (IPADEV) to promote social justice in the country.

The NGO has a clear vision of promoting an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of gender, background, or status, has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to sustainable development.

The launch at the weekend in Abuja, which coincident with the 50th birthday of the founder and the Executive Director, Dr. Fagboyo, had prominent Nigerians, including Ekiti State Governor (represented), Senators, many House of Representatives members, Ekiti State House of Assembly members, top government officials and Civel Society leaders, among others in attendance.

Speaking with newsmen on the birth of the NGO, Mr. Fagboyo said she decided to found the organisation as a means to give back to society positively.

According to her, a life without service is a life in pain. And I pray that this new chapter, that the Lord will make it fulfilling for me, fruitful, purposeful, impactful.

"All I have to say is gratitude. Gratitude for what God has done in my life. Gratitude for what God has taken. And like I said in my speech, I choose gratitude over regrets. I have not regretted anything. If there's anything I have regretted, it's like not taking steps when I am supposed to take them.

You know, I lean back at some point. But at 50, I told myself that anything that I want to do, I'll go for it. I want to continue to raise the bar. I want to continue to make impact.

"And I thank God for the birth of IPADEV. I also want to use that opportunity to give back to the society. Like I said, I have a tripod journey. I worked with development partners for 18 years. I worked with government for three years. I have been in the NGO space for three years. And I said, with all these experiences, it should not die within me. Let me give back to the society. And that was what brought about IPADEV.

"And I pray that we will use the platform to give back to the society, to also take care of the traditionally left behind. You know, the Sustainable Development Goals say, leave no one behind. And that is the reason behind IPADEV. We don't want to leave anyone behind. We want an inclusive government. We are the old, the women, the young, the people living with disability can also engage and contribute and also benefit from the society."

When asked on what Nigerians should expect from the organization in the next ten years, Dr. Fagboyo said: "Well, in the next 10 years, I want to see IPADEV on high sky, contributing to gender equality, contributing to inclusion, contributing to accountability.

"I want to see us as an NGO that will be leading, I will be a young NGO that has just been created but making waves in the next 10 years. We are also going to learn from the people we met in this space. And you know, the civic space is shrinking. And there is discussion about how do we revive that shrinking space? And that is why IPADEV is also coming on board to contribute its own quota to the society."

She however, pleaded with the
National Assembly to pass an inclusive bill so that women can have their space, be included, and can occupy positions that are meant for them.

Speaking with newsmen after the launch of IPADEV, founding Executive Director of the Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, said Dr Margaret Fagboyo has had a distinguished career having worked with DFID for 18 years, worked in government for four years as Special Adviser to Governor Kayode Fayemi on SDGs and worked with Centre LSD for three years.

Dr. Otive said: "So, what I expect from her is that she will be focused on these areas and initiate programmes that will change the tragedy. For instance, we know that women are not treated well. They are discriminated against in Nigeria. All indexes indicate that Nigeria is one of the worst countries in the world in terms of women empowerment, especially women in leadership positions.

"So, I expect that she will join all others to push the frontiers of gender equality and women empowerment.
Particularly, in terms of community development, that she will promote active citizen participation because that is a key issue in Nigeria.

"We have a political elite that has captured the state.They have captured the legislature. They have captured the judiciary. They have captured the media. So, we want active citizens so that we can move forward."

Also, a popular activist and former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, said Dr. Fagboyo was launching the NGO at the right time to advance the cause of inclusivity in Nigeria.

"We are talking about inclusivity of women because what we have is male parliament in Nigeria and she has been through some of the roads.

"For her to be 50 and having gone through such a wonderful career and rededicating herself to the service of humanity, this is the time to come because we have more than half of Nigerians live below the poverty line.

"The women need help, children need help, everywhere you are looking at help and so her coming on board at this time is quite special and we welcome her into the fold because in civil society there is a lot of burden of the kind of rot we have in the society now. You know what we are facing right now, that people are living in an existential environment, people are trying to exist, no longer just survivors, just refugees.

"So we expect so much of her but we are willing to, we have welcomed her and we are happy that when she's celebrating her 60, it would have been 10 years of IPADEV and contribution to humanity. It's the best place to be."

A youth group known as Omenuko Ndigbo United has raised concerns about how Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, is behaving in the current plans to unite opposition parties for the 2027 elections.



In a statement released on Thursday in Owerri, signed by the group’s President, Comrade Benjamin Madu, said Mr. Obi is not showing real interest in working with other opposition leaders to challenge the ruling APC.



“We are not happy with Peter Obi. Instead of joining hands with others to rescue Nigeria, he seems to be focused only on himself. This is not the time for selfish politics,” the group said.



They accused Obi of repeating what he did in 2023, when his actions helped divide the opposition and made it easy for APC to win.



According to the group, the 2027 election is very important for Igbo people, and they must not make any mistake this time.



“The current president is from the South. This is the best time for Ndigbo to push for the presidency. But we need unity. If Obi leaves the coalition, it will be harder for an Igbo person to become president in 2027 or even in 2031,” they warned.



They also questioned whether Obi might secretly be working to help APC and President Tinubu, saying his silence and lack of involvement in the coalition are suspicious.



“Obi is not fully part of the plans, and it’s starting to look like he is playing another game. We need to know what he really wants,” they said.



They added that recent attacks on Obi by APC supporters like Reno Omokri remind them of similar tricks used in the last election to create confusion. They also mentioned that journalist David Hundeyin had warned the opposition not to repeat past mistakes.



The group asked Peter Obi to come out and say clearly if he wants to join the coalition or not.



“Nigerians deserve honesty. Peter Obi should stop pretending and tell us where he stands. We will not allow what happened in 2023 to happen again, especially if it will hurt the Igbo cause,” they concluded.

By; AHMED BALARABE SA’ID





“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus.” — Martin Luther King Jr.These timeless words of Martin Luther King Jr. find renewed relevance in the people-centered leadership of Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye.



In a political landscape often walled off by protocol and distance, Aguye has chosen a path anchored in deliberate presence, active listening, and unfiltered access.



As the representative of Lokoja/Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, he has demystified public office, turning access into a bridge between power and the people over the past two years.In a country where political power frequently insulates office holders from those they serve,



Aguye stands out as a refreshing exception. Nigeria’s democratic journey is littered with examples of leaders who, by design or default, remain distant from their constituents.



This disconnection often stems from either a willful neglect of public concerns or, conversely, a popular withdrawal of support. Rarely are leaders exempt from both.



This is why Aguye’s approach, opening the corridors of power with a striking sense of audacity, has drawn such attention. In both rural villages and urban centers, his name is spoken not with cautious reverence but with the warmth that familiarity and presence invite.



What makes Aguye remarkable is not merely the position he holds, but how he holds it. In demystifying political office, he has shown that true representation need not be cloaked in aloofness or hierarchy.



Constituents don’t have to scale bureaucratic walls to be heard, many already have his number, his attention, and more importantly, his trust. At town halls, in markets and mosques, and during social gatherings, his presence is not a token appearance but a constant affirmation of belonging.



Democracy thrives when access to leadership is open, and withers when it is denied. Aguye’s openness has produced a quiet ripple effect: constituents are no longer passive recipients of governance but active contributors in shaping it.



Whether setting development priorities, resolving community disputes, or pushing for inclusion in federal programmes, his leadership draws strength from collective input. He has fostered a culture where feedback flows unimpeded, concerns are swiftly elevated, and solutions reflect the realities on the ground. In a country where political detachment is too often the norm,

Aguye has turned listening into a tool for transformation, restoring dignity to the simple act of being heard.Consider the recent rehabilitation of feeder roads in underserved Koton-Karfe communities, an intervention born directly from consultations with farmers and transporters during one of his unscheduled visits.



Or his hands-on response to flood alerts in Lokoja last year, where he worked alongside emergency agencies to ensure timely relief and resettlement for displaced families. These efforts were not top-down directives; they were people-driven, responsive, and rooted in genuine dialogue.If access is the foundation of Aguye’s public service, then impact is the architecture built upon it.



That impact is visible and far-reaching across Lokoja and Kogi Local Government Areas: in roads, schools, water, youth empowerment, and legislative engagement.



From tackling erosion in Rimi and Koton-Karfe to initiating drainage works in Agbaja, Aguye has translated campaign promises into visible transformation. His commitment to human capital is just as compelling: over 80 students have received full academic scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and logistics.



More than 1,000 youths have undergone vocational training in poultry, livestock, and fisheries, with each participant supported by a ₦50,000 grant to launch their enterprise.



For Aguye, accessibility also means presence, especially where it counts most. His regular outreach initiatives, like the free summer school program that mobilized 23 schools and dozens of volunteer teachers, reflect a proactive strategy to close learning gaps.



In times of festivity or emergency, from distributing food and clothing during holidays to deploying solar streetlights after disasters, he has shown up with more than sympathy.



He’s delivered practical solutions, safety, and dignity.His investment in electrification is another clear marker of grassroots connection. Over 50 communities across Lokoja 1, Lokoja 2, and Kogi LGA now benefit from new or restored solar lighting, boreholes, and high-capacity transformers.



Projects such as the electrification of Okumi, Tanahu, and Gegu, or the installation of a 500KVA transformer in Adankolo, aren’t just infrastructure, they’re symbols of inclusion and long-denied recognition.



At the national level, Aguye’s legislative focus extends his accessibility beyond his constituency.



Through motions on expanding the Lokoja-Abuja highway, addressing hazards at the Felele axis, and advocating the dredging of the Lower Niger River, he is channeling local concerns into the federal arena.



His sponsorship of seven strategic bills for agricultural institutions, tourism, vocational training, mining, and bio-energy positions Lokoja/Koton-Karfe for long-term relevance in national development discourse.



In truth, Hon. Danladi Aguye is not just redefining political representation for Lokoja/Koton-Karfe; he is reimagining what public office could mean for Nigeria. His example proves that access isn’t a luxury to be rationed by position; it’s a civic necessity, safeguarded by mandate.

By remaining visible, approachable, and responsive, Aguye affirms a vital but often-forgotten truth: power belongs to the people, and those most worthy of it are those who never forget that.



On a personal note, I’ve witnessed moments that speak volumes. I have seen him take torrents of phone calls from constituents with a level of patience that would overwhelm most. In those moments, he makes clear that access is not just a principle but a duty.



Even when concerns were raised about his lack of police security, his response was calm and consistent: “My life belongs to Allah, and my mandate is to serve, not to be shielded.”

In a time when public trust in institutions continues to wane, Aguye’s model of open-door leadership offers a hopeful alternative. His is a politics not of performance but of presence, not of slogans but of service.



He reminds us that democratic progress doesn’t always come from sweeping reforms.

It can begin with a single leader who listens, shows up, and delivers.Aguye’s audacity of access is a quiet revolution; one that molds consensus by engaging, acts with courage, and leads from among the people. In the mirror of his service, we glimpse the promise of a more connected, more compassionate Nigeria.



SA'ID, a Communications Strategist and Senior Special Assistant to Hon. Aguye, writes from Abuja.

*Zonal Coordinator commends Seme Command for outstanding service and infrastructural improvement








The Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD has received the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone A Lagos, Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih, on Wednesday June 25, 2025, who was on a working visit to the Seme Area Command, located at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake.





A statement signed by the Customs Public Relations Office, Seme Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, made available on Wednesday, said that the visit was aimed at assessing the Command’s operations, engaging with officers and aligning strategic goals across the zone.



Welcoming the Zonal Coordinator and his entourage, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as a morale booster and a reaffirmation of the ACG’s commitment to operational excellence and oversight.



He said, "..your presence today is a testament to your commitment to strengthen the operations of the Zone, ensuring that the Commands and Units deliver their mandates as enshrined in the extant laws." He presented a detailed overview of the Command’s mandates and achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation and border security.



Comptroller Oramalugo disclosed that between January and May 2025, the Command generated over ₦3.57 billion in revenue and facilitated export consignments of 220,300 metric tonnes, valued at ₦47 billion Free on Board (FOB).



He also highlighted anti-smuggling efforts that resulted in seizures worth ₦889 million, including the interception of expired pharmaceuticals, marijuana and corrosive mercury, which were handed over to the relevant security agencies for further investigation.

The CAC acknowledged several challenges facing the Command, such as a Seven (7) year power outage, poor road infrastructure, non-functional scanning equipment, and border porosity. He emphasized ongoing advocacy for infrastructure upgrades, deployment of modern surveillance tools, and deeper collaboration with sister security agencies and local communities to address these concerns.



In his remarks, ACG Charles Orbih lauded the leadership of the Seme Area Command for initiatives such as the renovation of the COWA building, upgrading of the sports complex, and the recent commissioning of the officers' mess.



He described these projects as symbolic of the Command’s alignment with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who has anchored the Service’s transformation agenda on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.



ACG Orbih highlighted the Zone’s impressive contributions to national revenue, noting that the Zone accounted for 79.8% of the NCS’s ₦1.3 trillion revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025.



He also reaffirmed the Service’s modernization journey through initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, and B’Odogwu platform, the indigenous Customs Clearance system.



(7) He further noted that the Service’s operational strategy for 2025 is guided by Seven (7) strategic focus areas, including trade modernization, enhanced risk management, operationalization of the NCS University, strengthening International partnerships under the AfCFTA framework, implementation of a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and promotion of open governance through increased transparency framework and stakeholder engagement.

According to him, these initiatives are already producing commendable outcomes.



Concluding his visit, ACG Orbih charged Officers and Men of the Command to continue upholding professionalism, integrity, and innovation, stressing that the bar has been raised for Zone A.



In his words, "as we move forward, the bar has been set higher for Zone 'A'. Our previous achievements, impressive as they are, should serve as stepping stones rather than resting points. "We must leverage our strategic importance to push beyond these accomplishments, innovating and adapting to meet the evolving demands of our nation's economy and security needs."



He expressed confidence in the ability of Seme Command and other units under the Zone to not only sustain but surpass current achievements in service to the nation.

*Governor BAO, Fayemi, Adebayo, SGF's wife, others to honour Ekiti-born celebrant



*Speaks on her regrets, visions for Nigeria







It would be a celebration galore this weekend as former Special Adviser on former Governor Kayode Fayemi on Development Partnerships and SDGs, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, roll out drums in celebration of her 50th birthday, taking place at at BMO Event Arena, Abuja.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), will lead his predecessors, former Governors Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adedayo, including the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Regina Akume, to celebrate the 50th birthday of an Ekiti-born development expert, Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Fagboyo, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.





The event billed to take place at BMO Event Arena, Inside RiverPlate Park, will also have other prominent personalities such as Ondo State First Lady, Seun Aiyedatiwa, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, many House of Representatives members, top government officials, top CSO leaders, development experts and many other diplomats.



Born on the 23rd of June, 1975, to the respected family of Pa Cyril Akanbi Bello and Mrs. Mary Olanike Bello from Oke-Emo Quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Dr. Fagboyo is a multi-disciplinary development practitioner whose work has made meaningful impacts across Nigeria and beyond. With over two decades of professional experience, she has carved a niche in international development, gender advocacy, and institutional partnerships. She currently serves as the Director of Development at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), one of Nigeria’s leading think tanks dedicated to strategic leadership and sustainable development.



The celebrant was a key member of the Ekiti State Executive Council from 2019 to 2023 serving under Governor Kayode Fayemi as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnerships and SDGs.



Prior to her public service, she spent a remarkable chapter of her career with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), rising through the ranks to become Regional Coordinator and Acting Head of Office, leading programs in the South West, South South, and South East regions.



Her leadership in promoting social inclusion and gender mainstreaming remains a reference point in development work.



Speaking with newsmen Wednesday in Abuja, on her expectations for Nigeria ahead of Saturday's event, Dr. Fagboyo said she envisioned a country where institutions work, where justice is blind, where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve.



According to her, as a passionate Nigerian who believes in the immense potential of our nation, my vision for Nigeria is one of hope, transformation, and inclusive growth.



"I long to see a Nigeria where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve – not self. A Nigeria where our diversity becomes our strength, not our division.



"I envision a country where institutions work – where justice is blind, opportunities are accessible, and every citizen feels seen, heard and valued. A land where young people can dream boldly and achieve greatly without having to look beynd our borders. Where women, men, and all marginalized groups are fully included in governance and development.



"Going forward, I expect Nigeria to rise beyond the grip of corruption, insecurity, and poverty. I expect us to prioritize education, invest in healthcare, secure our streets, and harness our vast resources – both human and natural for the common good.



"The road may be long, but I believe in the resilience and brilliance of Nigerians. Together, with vision, courage, and collective action, we can build the Nigeria we all desire – a nation that works, not just for a few, but for all."



When asked whether she had any regret in the last 50 years of her age, the proud mother of three wonderful children and loving wife said life has been good to her.



"At 50, I choose gratitude over regret. Life has been good to me at 50 though I experience some challenges too, but every high and low has shaped the woman I am today – stronger, wiser and more grounded.



"If there is any regret, it would only be moments I doubted myself, delayed my dreams, or dimmed my light to make others comfortable. But even those moments taught me valuable lessons. So, no deep regrets – Just reflections, lessons, and a deeper resolve to live the rest of my life with more intention, joy, and courage. I’m embracing this new chapter with open arms and a heart full of purpose."

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) has formally written a letter to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, asking for a visa ban on the Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the appointed Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd).



The letter directly addressed to the US President Trump in the White House, a copy made available to newsmen, was signed by the Executive Director of NADECO-USA, Lloyd Ukwu.



According to Lloyd Ukwu, the visa ban would be a proportionate response to the serious involvement of Senator Akpabio, Mr. Abas, and Mr. Ibas in this undemocratic act.



The letter, made available to newsmen Friday, reads in part: "The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) wishes to bring to your attention a pressing matter of grave concern regarding the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria.



"On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared an unfounded and unconstitutional state of emergency in Rivers State. He used this declaration to fraudulently grant himself extraordinary powers, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, allowing him to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Sim Fubara, his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the members of the state’s House of Assembly. He subsequently appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State, an act that violates both the Nigerian Constitution and internationally recognized democratic principles.



"It is crucial to note that the President's illegal actions could not have succeeded without the support of the Senate, led by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, as well as the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abas.



"This action not only undermines the democratic foundations of Nigeria but also disregards the will of the people of Rivers State, who elected their governor through a lawful democratic process. As a global champion of democracy, the United States has a vested interest in promoting and protecting democratic values worldwide.



"In light of this, I respectfully request that the President direct the United States Department of State to impose a visa ban on Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and his family, Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Tajudeen Abas and his family, and the illegal Administrator, Mr. Ibas, along with his entire family. This measure would serve as a strong statement in support of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, reinforcing the United States' commitment to these fundamental principles.



"By taking this action, the United States would send a clear message that it will not tolerate actions that undermine democracy and the will of the people. I believe this measure would be a proportionate response to the serious involvement of Senator Akpabio, Mr. Abas, and Mr. Ibas in this undemocratic act."



NADECO-USA's letter also revealed that the organization was making efforts to consider a similar visa ban request for Senator Akpabio and his family, Mr. Abas and his family, and Mr. Ibas and his family from the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).



"In addition to the actions mentioned above, NADECO USA will utilize all available legal and political avenues, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Senator Akpabio, Mr. Abas, Mr. Ibas, and their associates are held accountable for their harmful efforts to undermine Nigeria’s emerging democracy and destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region.



"NADECO USA would appreciate your consideration of this request and your subsequent action. I am confident that you, as the President of the United States, through the Department of State and your Embassy in Abuja, will continue to promote and support democratic values in Nigeria."

Ahead of the Africa Continental Beach Volleyball Tournament billed for Morroco from June 23 this year, Nigerians have been guaranteed of podium finish.

National Beach Volleyball Coach, Kayode Ajilore expressed this when speaking to sports writers at the camp of the team at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Thursday June 19, 2025.


"So far so good. The training is so fine. The players are cooperating and they are nice players. It's really nice. We are proud.any injury free.

"In beach volleyball, Nigeria is a threat to any other country because this will not be the first time that we are meeting. We met before and this time around, I believe Nigeria is a team to beat," he said.

He explained that Nigeria will put other countries on their toes.


"With the help of God, we are looking forward to winning the tournament," he declared.


Also speaking, the chaperon of the team, Florence Yori said that the camp has lasted for three weeks, courtesy of the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod



"The team has been here for the past two weeks. They're in good state of health. We've not had any casualty.

"They train both morning and evening. And the environment, the weather has been fair, has been good.

"Like, you know, the present is always there for the players. So everything, the feeding has been good.

"And they've had enough playing time. I think they are prepared for the competition," she said.

Speaking further she disclosed that there are only about 18 .players in camp.

"The president is taking care of their feeding, their toiletries, their medicals and everything.
It's the president, even where they are staying. Though it's not too, like we know we don't have a hostel, a proper hostel here, but the place was fumigated, we have cleaners, and the accommodation is okay," she said.

Speaking further, she said she is confident the team will make Nigeria proud.

" I have confidence in the team, both the male and the female.
I have high hopes on them.
If they play according to instructions and then according to the game they are training here, they will do very well.
They will make the country proud," she said.

Also speaking, one of the male team players, Augustine Uche said they are proud to be camping ahead of a national assignment.


"We are here for a national assignment, preparing for a tournament that is supposed to be held in Morocco from the 23rd of this month.


"By the special grace of God, we've been here for over two weeks by the special grace of God.
And the training and everything is intense in preparation for the tournament in Morocco.


"We're about 16, let's say, yes.m
Both male and female, yes.

"For the time being now, we know there are teams like Morocco teams, Gambia, Kenyan and Rwandan team, which we will battle are also present," he said

Answering if they are scared of any team, he said none can subdue Nigeria.


"There are no threats because we have a capable coach that has been drilling us for the past two weeks and we believe we'll get there, we'll definitely make the country proud," he said.


The female team captain, is Esther Mbah Onyinye while fielding questions, said that their preparation has been good.

"The preparation is good. I'd say we are ready and with all the training and drills we've received from our coaches, I think we are okay," she said.

For another male player, Emenike Collins Ezike, who plays for Nigeria Customs, but on national assignment, he said that they are all our to excel at the Africa Continental Cup to gain qualifications for the World Championship.



He said that their expectations are our expectation is nothing short of bringing back the trophy to Nigeria


"On behalf of me and my teammates and the coaches our expectation is nothing
less than bringing back
the medal, the trophy, back to Nigeria.

"With what the coaches have been giving to us, it's very intense and it's very good. I think with what we have now, it's really good, we are good to go.

"They have been taking good care of us at the camp. The food, everything is okay and our morale is high," he said.



It was gathered that the teams will depart Nigeria for Morroco on Sunday.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted a one-day sensitization and public awareness campaign on petrol tanker accidents and fire outbreaks in Katsina State. The campaign aimed at educating key stakeholders and the public on the dangers associated with tanker-related incidents and fire emergencies.



The event was held in two segments. The first segment featured a stakeholders’ meeting at the Katsina State Old Government House conference hall, drawing participants from various emergency response and security agencies.



Delivering a technical presentation, the State Commandant of the Federal Fire Service, ACF A. Aliyu, highlighted common causes of fire outbreaks, with a focus on tanker explosion incidents. He also outlined preventive strategies and proposed collaborative approaches to mitigate future occurrences.



A representative from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emphasized the importance of safe driving practices and the protection of lives and property, especially in the handling and transportation of petroleum products. A general discussion followed, during which stakeholders expressed concern over the growing frequency of tanker-related accidents and the urgent need for concerted preventive measures.



Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaidah Umar, the Head of Operations for NEMA Kaduna Office, Mallam Sulaiman Muhammad, reiterated the agency’s commitment to coordinated disaster management. He stressed that proactive engagement with critical partners such as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police, FRSC, and the Nigerian Red Cross is vital in addressing emerging emergency threats.



“The need for proactive and joint response efforts in disaster management requires strong collaboration,” he said. “NEMA continues to demonstrate this through sustained partnerships aimed at achieving effective and timely disaster response.”



The second phase of the campaign focused on direct community engagement, particularly targeting tanker drivers. NEMA officials, supported by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), visited fuel stations and tanker parks across Katsina. During the outreach, educational materials including posters and fliers were distributed to raise awareness on safe fuel handling and accident prevention.



The campaign underscores NEMA’s ongoing commitment to public safety and the reduction of fire-related disasters through education, collaboration, and community engagement.

A group known as Tinubu Next Level has criticized the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for allegedly masterminding the fiasco that greeted the APC North-East zonal meeting on Sunday.



The group, in a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Ango Zubair on Wednesday, noted that the action of the Zulum-led dissidents brought, “rude embarrassment to President Bola Tinubu and APC members across the country.”



The statement said further it was basically the prerogative of the zonal branch of the party to endorse a candidate of its choosing in any given election.



The statement reads in full: “We wish to register our utter displeasure to the actions of Governor Babagana Zulum in insisting that the zonal endorsement accorded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be extended to Vice President Kashim Shettima.



“We find such a stance as being rude and orchestrated to embarrass the President and every member of the APC in Nigeria and abroad.



“It is within our rights to endorse the President for re-election, such as it is the right of the President to make the pick of his running mate in an election.



“Asking the North-East zone of the party to force the President’s hands into appointing Shettima as his running mate is against the principles of democratic politicking in a presidential system of government.



“For emphasis, Vice President Kashim Shettima will not be the first Vice President to be dropped in a second term bid, and he would not be the last.



“What Governor Zulum has expressed by his action and his other supporters is that their loyalty is not to the President, but to Shettima. That is where we have a major disagreement with them.



“If the President so wishes, he could as well orchestrate an impeachment of Vice President Shettima. But President Tinubu, out of the magnanimity of his heart, has not travelled this route in kicking Shettima out.



“If the President has shown decorum in the case of managing the workings of his presidency, the faction led by Zulum has shown lack of it, and that is very disappointing,” the group noted.



It will be recalled that on Sunday, a caucus meeting of North-East APC members held a meeting to announce their endorsement of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Their endorsement left out Vice President Shettima, who hails from the North-East zone.



The action sparked reaction from the pro-Shettima faction, which is led by the Borno State governor, Zulum.



The situation has since thrown the ruling party into a gale of controversy, fueling speculations that President Tinubu would not pick Shettima as running mate in 2027.



The controversy has thus opened the ruling APC to internal wrangling, with the pro-Shettima faction insisting that their support for President Tinubu’s election would be based on Vice President Shettima being on the ticket.

The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted media reports suggesting that the party had endorsed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for any political position during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Hong Local Government Area.



In a statement entitled "Rebuttal: Adamawa APC endorses Tinubu, Ribadu" signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Muhammed Abdullahi, the party described the report as a "mischievous distortion" of the true purpose and outcome of the meeting, which was part of the party’s ongoing grassroots mobilisation tour across local government areas in the state.



“The attention of the Adamawa State chapter of the APC has been drawn to a news item circulating in some sections of the media regarding a purported endorsement of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.



“We wish to state categorically that the report is entirely misleading and misrepresents the purpose and proceedings of the meeting held in Hong," he said.



According to the statement, the gathering was organized to strengthen party unity, reenergize grassroots structures, and communicate the unanimous decision of the state, zonal, and national leaderships of the APC to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.



“The meeting was held in continuation of our ongoing local government tours aimed at mobilising our members and passing down the collective position of the party at all levels—that President Tinubu deserves another term of four years,” the statement noted.



The party clarified that while a vote of confidence was indeed passed in favour of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu—an illustrious son of Adamawa State—for his stellar performance as NSA adding that the position should not be misconstrued as an endorsement for any political ambition.



“There is no basis or justification for endorsing the NSA or any appointee. Appointments are made solely at the discretion of Mr. President. We as a party respect that prerogative and cannot impose or preempt his decisions," Abdullahi added.



The APC maintained that the commendation of Ribadu was purely in recognition of his contributions to national security and the positive image he brings to Adamawa State through his high-profile role in the Tinubu's administration.



“We are proud of Mallam Ribadu’s performance. As an appointee of the President, he has conducted himself with dignity and excellence. That is why we passed a vote of confidence on him not an endorsement for political office,” Hon. Abdullahi clarified.



The party urged the public and the media to disregard any attempts to twist the narrative or sow disunity within the APC fold.



“We caution against reports that are meant to create unnecessary confusion and provoke division within the party. Such falsehoods will not distract us from our mission,” the statement added.



Reaffirming its loyalty and support, to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu the party unequivocally said it remains firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 elections.



“We once again reiterate our unflinching endorsement of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We shall continue to mobilise and sensitize our people to ensure he is returned to office in 2027 with an overwhelming mandate,” the statement noted.

Paul Ibe is Atiku's Media aide & Spokesman

Reno Omokri, you are a classic case study in psychological projection — an insecure man so desperate to escape his own failures that he accuses others of the very flaws that define him.

Credibility and Reno Omokri in the same grammatical environment? Oh, what a mockery. That’s an oxymoron so wild it should be banned by both logic and language.

Reno, you need help. Whether clinical or spiritual, that’s for you to decide. But what’s beyond dispute is that you are a master of treachery, a Judas Iscariot — an unrepentant opportunist whose reputation precedes him like a foul stench. Even those smiling beside you today do so with suspicion, fully aware that your loyalty is as steady as quicksand.

You claim my principal has been "good" to you? Let’s not pretend. That phone call you trumpet was likely just another pit stop in your never-ending pilgrimage for personal ‘goodness.’ Your kind of goodness isn’t ethical — it’s transactional, scavenging like a hyena sniffing out its next meal.

You also said you never attack your friends unless they strike first. Really? Then what did Peter Obi ever do to deserve your endless, pedestrian, vitriolic, and arcebic attacks? Or was his popularity simply a threat to your ego?

You parade yourself as a pastor, but you are a pastor just like Simon the Sorcerer. Your fidelity to God, truth, and even family is non-existent. A man who has no qualms about having two wives preaching morality to others? That’s comedy dipped in hypocrisy. And now, you want a political wife in Tinubu and a side chick in Atiku? Sorry, Reno. Nigeria isn’t your polygamous playground. That riverside romance has failed — spectacularly. Ashawo kobo kobo!

But since you seem obsessed with the idea of credibility, here’s a challenge: instead of clowning around on the imaginary Lagos-Calabar expressway, why not explain how Government College Lagos managed to award a certificate to "Bola A. Tinubu" in 1970 — two full years before the school was established?

Better still, if you really care about truth and character, join the call for the FBI to release Tinubu’s drug records in the United States. Or has your newfound loyalty erased your former fire and fury about his criminal past?

Atenu like you flip opinions faster than a wind-tossed leaflet.

You speak of credibility “unlike others.” Others like who, Reno? The very people you once stood with before you betrayed them for crumbs and clout?

Let it be clear: you are expendable, Reno. Loud, treacherous, desperate — and utterly irrelevant. No amount of delusion or self-adulation will save you from that truth.

Reno, oh, Reno, what a Mockery!

Reno Omokri, you are a classic case study in psychological projection — an insecure man so desperate to escape his own failures that he accuses others of the very flaws that define him.

Credibility and Reno Omokri in the same grammatical environment? Oh, what a mockery. That’s… pic.twitter.com/PUq4SiElbm

— Paul Ibe (@omonlakiki) June 14, 2025

By; MIKE ODEH JAMES







In June 1996, Emmanuel Ogebe was dragged into Nigeria’s Presidential Villa—not for an award or state invitation, but for torture. At the height of General Sani Abacha’s military dictatorship, the young lawyer was detained and beaten by agents under the late military strongman for protesting the assassination of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of detained presidential election-winner Moshood Abiola.





Nearly three decades later, Ogebe sits thousands of miles away in Washington D.C., still campaigning for true democracy and championing human rights in Nigeria—this time across hearing rooms in the U.S. Congress, legal chambers at the International Criminal Court, and refugee camps on the African continent.





“The fight never stopped,” Ogebe said in a recent interview. “We were hunted down for demanding freedom. But freedom doesn’t end at a border and some elected “democrats” are yet to practice what democratic freedom really is.”





Exiled to the United States after his release, Ogebe transformed his personal tragedy into a decades-long crusade for human rights. Now one of the most prominent Nigerian lawyers in the diaspora, he has shaped U.S. foreign policy toward Africa’s most populous country, lobbying lawmakers and international institutions to address the abuses many at home dared not speak of.





Congressional Hallways and Courtrooms





Ogebe’s advocacy has led to several significant policy outcomes. He was instrumental in pushing the U.S. President Obama to designate Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization in 2013, following years of escalating violence in Nigeria’s northeast and reluctance by the State Department. The same year, and again in 2020, the International Criminal Court in The Hague acknowledged the group's crimes against humanity—developments Ogebe fought for and views as long overdue.





His credibility has brought him into consultations with top American leadership. He was tapped for insights ahead of President Bill Clinton’s trip to Nigeria in 2000, and again during George W. Bush’s Africa visit in 2003.





“Back then, few wanted to talk about what was happening in northern Nigeria,” he said. “We had to force it onto the global agenda.”





Ogebe also played a significant role in memorializing Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle. In 1998, he successfully campaigned with fellow exiles to name the corner outside Nigeria’s United Nations mission in New York after assassinated activist Kudirat Abiola. It remains a rare U.S. official commemoration of a Nigerian political figure murdered by the state.





Legal Advocacy Beyond Borders





While his political influence spans continents, Ogebe’s legal career has remained firmly grounded in human suffering.





Over a year ago, he scored a rare victory in Indonesia’s Supreme Court. A Nigerian asylum seeker fleeing the 2000 sharia unrest, trafficked and wrongly sentenced to death, was freed after Ogebe provided pro bono legal support for over 18 years. “It was one of the longest, most exhausting cases I’ve ever taken,” he said. “But, miraculously, justice prevailed and we brought him back home from deathrow after 20 years in prison.” His legal team secured the first successful post-Supreme Court pre-execution appeal for a Nigerian condemned convict in Indonesia.





Ogebe currently serves as Special Counsel for the Justice for Jos Project, a human rights initiative that has documented mass atrocities in Nigeria for more than a decade and a half now. His team has worked with survivors of religious violence, providing legal representation, mental health support, scholarships, relocation and international resettlement and global exposure for communities often left behind by Nigeria’s own justice system.





In 2024 alone, the group facilitated over 2,000 surgeries and medical interventions across internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, slums, and remote villages. Last year, Ogebe delivered $400,000 worth of donated medical supplies to Plateau State, one of the flashpoints of genocidal violence, at the hospital where he was born.





The Long Road from Exile





April 2025 marked 25 years since Ogebe’s return to Nigeria on his first humanitarian mission from exile. It was then he traveled to the Niger Delta’s Ogoni land for the reburial of Ken Saro-Wiwa, the environmental activist executed under Abacha.





Over the years, Ogebe has carried out hundreds of such missions, coordinating multimillion dollar shipments of HIV/AIDS medications and technical equipment to African countries by sea and air. Two decades ago, he served as the pioneer Nigeria Country Representative of a donor agency affiliated with the White House, which funded dozens of community projects, including building 400 houses for flood-displaced farmers in Jigawa State.





His advocacy also helped catalyze the creation of the Victim Support Fund by the Nigerian government, following U.S. congressional delegations that he helped organize which benefited thousands of victims over a decade.





Despite his high-level access and recognition—including the U.S. President’s Bronze Volunteer Award under Barack Obama and diaspora accolades in multiple U.S. states—Ogebe says he remains focused on ground-level impact.





“People remember the big names—Abiola, the politicians,” he said. “But there were many of us who bled too. Many who suffered silently. Some never came out.”





Still Speaking Out





Now a father and seasoned human rights lawyer, Ogebe continues to campaign from Washington and around the world. He has spoken at universities across the United States and addressed global audiences via CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, the United Nations, the Geneva Summit, and the Canadian Parliament.





His work is driven by a simple belief: that democracy is not a finished product, but an ongoing fight. “Nigeria’s future still hangs in the balance,” he says. “And the only way we honor June 12 is by ensuring it wasn’t in vain.”





As Nigeria reflects on 31 years since its aborted 1993 election, the legacy of Emmanuel Ogebe—a survivor of dictatorship, an advocate for the dispossessed, and a lawyer to the voiceless—offers a window into the endurance of justice against the tides of repression.



“In 1996, when I was in prison, several baby girls were born. Little did I know that I would come out alive and that 18 years later when they were kidnapped by terrorists, I would relocate the Chibok girls to be educated in America, my land of exile, and change their destinies. That is to tell you that God orchestrates everything for his purpose ahead of time. I have facilitated over 30 people coming to America - more than one per each year I’ve hear - from different states and tribes. Only one was related to me,” Ogebe marveled.



“We’re not looking for honors but speaking out because of a dangerous trend of historic revisionism. Abacha stole Nigeria’s money. $200 million of it is in litigation in DC court 15 miles from me right now and I have filed briefs urging the court to utilize it for rebuilding terror-devastated communities outside the northeast. Only God could have made it possible that a victim of Abacha is opportune to advocate to a court on how to dispose of his looted assets. But will our rulers ever learn that they’re not God?” he mused.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has lauded Senator Henry Seriake Dickson on speaking truth to power by condemning the anti-democratic actions of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.



Dickson had shortly after President Tinubu delivered his State of the Nation Address before a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country, kicked against the anti-democratic posture of the present administration.



Addressing the press at the National Assembly, Dickson who represents Bayelsa West on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 10th Senate slammed Tinubu for not mentioning the state of emergency he imposed on Rivers State and the arbitrary suspension of including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.



He also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of suppression for not allowing his point of order earlier in the Senate Chamber before the joint sitting session where he moved to complain about letters from the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, seeking Senate’s confirmation of nominees for appointment into the State Electoral Commission as well as Civil and Local Government Service Commissions of Rivers State.



He commended Dickson for his patriotism and courage in pointing out the irony in the Democracy Day celebration with fanfare by the executive and legislature while a state in the country is under military rule.



He described Dickson as a hero and present day defender of democracy in the country by courageously opposing the democratic aberration in Rivers state imposed by Tinubu.



Frank said: "Senator Dickson played the role of a true opposition by speaking the minds of ordinary Nigerians. He did not just make me proud as a citizen of Nigeria, he has made me proud as an Ijaw son.



"He has made me proud as a Bayelsan. He has made me proud as a Niger Delta son and he has made the entire country proud by speaking truth to power against those destroying our democracy and the country.



“He spoke the truth at a time when so many politicians cutting across party divides in Nigeria have become political cowards and sycophants, he came out boldly to speak the truth.



“Posterity will remember him for his principled stance in condemning undemocratic tendencies of he of the Tinubu administration.



“History will never forget him because when Nigerians expected leaders especially those in government to speak the truth, he's the only one who has confronted the truth and the true position of our democracy.”



He lamented that the ruling APC and Tinubu’s Government don't believe in democracy and the rule of law. They believe in impunity, dictatorship and one party state.



He added: “What Dickson has done is akin to what lawmakers often do in foreign countries where democracy is being practiced like the United States and the United Kingdom and even South Africa where you see lawmakers confronting the president with the truth and expectation of the people.



“It might look like he is alone, but we want to let him know that the Nigerian masses are with him.



“Even if his colleagues across party lines may not support him due to cowardice in his bid to save our democracy, Nigerians and the world are with him, and we are encouraging him to do more by being fearless as usual.”



He noted that other members of the National Assembly during the joint session knew that the president's speech was highly laced with propaganda and deceit but because of sycophancy they kept singing the praises of the President.



He added: “We know that with what Dickson has done there might be plans to suspend him the way the Senate did to other senators who have stood up for the truth in the past but let him not be perturbed because God and Nigerians will fight for him.



“For it is better for him to be with God and the people who are in the majority than to take sides with the evil and satanic leaders who are working to destroy democracy in Nigeria.”



According to him, “It is shameful that the minority caucus in the Senate has been totally compromised because if there was a strong opposition, the minority leader of the Senate is supposed to have taken the action that Dickson took.



“Unfortunately, we have a compromised minority leader who is only doing the bidding of the ruling party. Since Abba Moro became the minority leader, he has not been able to condemn or criticize the anti-democratic and unconstitutional policies of government.



“Were Nigeria a country practicing true democracy, someone like Senator Dickson would have been the minority leader of the Senate in this political dispensation.”



According to him, a government that is doing well is not supposed to be forcing or intimidating people to join their political party but this is what we are witnessing in Nigeria where harassment and intimidation of the opposition has become the new state policy.



He condemned politicians who have sold their conscience, history will judge them harshly someday because they see the suffering in the land but have turned their faces away from the people because they want to be in the good books of the ruling party.



“But whether now or later, this government will go and Nigeria will remain and they too would remain to face the consequences of their action and inaction,” Frank said.

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has expressed sadness over the recent loss of lives in Mokwa Niger State and the tragic accident that claimed 22 athletes returning back from Gateway Games in Kano State.



This was expressed in a statement signed by the AYF National President, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, made available to our correspondent yesterday.



"It is with profound sadness and concern that we, the Council and Members of Arewa Youth Forum, received the news of the recent flood disaster that ravaged Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.



'The devastating flood has caused loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of many residents," it said.

The group therefore, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the good people of Niger State.



"We pray that Almighty Allah grants the departed souls Jannatul Firdaus and gives their families the strength to bear the irreparable loss," it prayed.

They commended the Niger State Government, led by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, on the action expedited with regards to provision of humanitarian assistance to the flood victims.



"We also commend the Federal Government for sending the Presidential envoy to the affected area. This combined efforts will undoubtedly go a long way to provide succor and respite to the victims.

"We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly the youth of the Northern extraction, to stand in solidarity with the affected communities and the Niger State Government during this difficult time. We urge the government to develop a long-term plan to prevent such disasters in the future, including the construction of dams, drainage systems, and other infrastructure.

"May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find strength and comfort in the wake of this tragedy. We pray for the speedy recovery of those affected and for the government to take necessary steps to prevent such disasters in the futur," it said.



In a related development, AYF said that is with profound shock and sadness that they, received the news of the tragic accident that occurred in Kano State.



"The accident claimed the lives of 22 young athletes from Kano State who were returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

'We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the departed athletes as well as the good people of Kano. We pray that Almighty Allah grants them Jannatul Firdaus and gives their families strength

"We at Arewa Youth Forum appreciate the swift response of the Kano State and top-notch medical care for the injured survivors.



"We also commend the gesture of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who have offered their condolences and support.

"We equally call on al wel-meaning Nigerians, particularly the youth of the Northern extraction, to stand in solidarity with the bereaved familes and the Kano State Government during this difficult times, May Allah Grant Us Peace

"May the souls of the departed athletes rost in peace, and may their families find strength and comfort in the wake of this tragedy. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," it prayed.

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has disowned trending online audio and video, purported to have featured a conversation with a journalist in which she allegedly claimed that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, blackmailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the Federal Government jails her.



Natasha, while dissociating herself from the said video and audio recording, urged the general public to disregard the said video in its entirety.



A statement the Senator signed personally issued on Wednesday in Abuja, described the purported audio and video as deliberate act of misinformation targeted at damaging her reputation, inciting public distrust, and sowing discord within the leadership of the National Assembly.



The statement reads: "My attention has been drawn to a video currently trending online purporting to feature me in a conversation with a journalist in which I allegedly claimed that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, blackmailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the Federal Government jails me.



"I categorically and unequivocally dissociate myself from the said video and audio recording. At no time did i grant such an interview or engage in any conversation of that nature with any journalist or individual. The voice in the video is not mine and has clearly been cloned and manipulated with malicious intent.



"This is a deliberate act of misinformation targeted at damaging my reputation, inciting public distrust, and sowing discord within the leadership of the National Assembly and the Federal Government. I find this act not only mischievous and criminal but also a dangerous use of technology to spread disinformation.



"The general public is hereby advised to disregard the said video in its entirety. It is false, misleading, and should be treated as a product of desperate elements intent on tarnishing the image of a law-abiding and peace-loving public servant.



" I remain committed to the principles of truth, justice, and responsible democratic engagement. I have already directed my legal team and relevant security agencies to investigate the source of this malicious content, with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.



"The public is further advised to be vigilant and not to fall prey to coordinated campaigns of disinformation and digital impersonation aimed at misleading Nigerians and causing undue political tension."

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kaduna Operations Office, on Wednesday, conducted a simulation exercise and public awareness campaign on fuel-related accidents and fire outbreaks.

The Head of Operations, Mr Suleiman Muhammad, said the exercise aimed to enhance preparedness and strengthen inter-agency collaboration in responding to fuel tanker accidents and fire disasters.

Muhammad told newsmen that the event brought together key stakeholders, including the Federal and State Fire Services, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police, and the Red Cross.

“One of NEMA’s core responsibilities is to mobilise stakeholders, and you can see all the relevant agencies participating today. Disaster management requires strong collaboration,” he said.

He recalled past incidents in Dikko junction, Niger state and other parts of the country where tanker explosions claimed many lives, saying such tragedies could be avoided through proactive measures and joint response.

“In Angwan Romi here, because of the synergy among stakeholders, we’ve been able to curtail potential disasters. Collaboration remains the most effective approach to disaster prevention and response,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Charles Abuul, Deputy Commander of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), warned youths against drug use, especially while driving.

“Accidents don’t only happen on the road or during floods. Domestic, industrial, and road accidents are all forms of disaster. Drivers under the influence of stimulants are more likely to lose focus and cause crashes,” Abdul said.

He urged drivers, particularly trailer drivers, to imbibe lessons from the simulation and always remain alert and drug-free behind the wheel.

On his part, Mr James Ezekiel, Manager of the Trailer Park for Remote Resources, described the awareness campaign as timely and beneficial.



“Most trucks that come into this park are laden with petrol. Any slight ignition can lead to fire outbreaks and loss of lives and property. This exercise has opened our eyes to quick response measures, especially on how to use extinguishers and respond to emergencies,” Ezekiel said.



He said the management had installed fire points across the park, but some had been vandalised. He called for support to refurbish and maintain the facilities.



Ezekiel also appealed to the Kaduna State Government and the Fire Service to station a fire truck in the area to reduce response time in case of emergencies.

“From Maraban Jos to Zaria, there is no stationed fire truck. In case of fire, it takes up to 30 minutes to get a truck from Kaduna. By then, the damage would have been done. We are open and willing to host a fire truck here to protect lives and property,” he added.

The event featured live demonstrations on handling fuel spills, fire suppression, and rescue operations.

Two High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have separately summoned the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi over alleged sexual harassment, defamation and breach of fundamental rights of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.



In suit no: FCT/HC/CV/754/2025 of the federal High Court Abuja presided by Justice Abubakar Idris kutigi, leave was granted to Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the Writ of Summons, Statement of Claim and all other subsequent Court processes including Hearing Notices on the suit to the person of Akpabio and in his capacity as the Senate President.



Also to be served is Mr. Mfon Patrick, the Senior legislative aide to the Senate President and the Clerk of the National Assembly accordingly.



Justice Kutigi who considered the motion NO: M/6603/2025 fixed 9th June, 2025 for Report of Service of the summon.



Justice Kutigi issued the order upon hearing, U.J. Udoh Esq. of counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan on an ex-parte application and a six paragraphs affidavit in support of same deposed to by Hamzat Mogaji, Litigation Manager of Victor Giwa & Associates.



Also, in Suit NO: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, considered by Justice A.O. Otaluka, of the Federal High Court Abuja, leave was granted to the Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the Writ of Summons, accompanying processes and any other court processes by substituted means, on Sen Nwaebonyi.



The decision by Justice Otaluka followed the consideration of the motion ex parte dated 10th day of May 2025 brought pursuant to Order 9 Rule [1 (1) of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Civil Procedure Rules (2025).



The motion NO: M/5277/25 was supported by eight paragraph affidavit, a written address, and hearing Michael J. Numa S.A.N, Learned Silk to Akpoti-Uduaghan.



Case was thereby adjourned to 25th June 2025 on the order of the judge.



Recall that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, had filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nwaebonyi over claims that she bore six children for different men.



In the suit filed by her legal team led by M. J. Numa, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Akpoti-Uduaghan described Nwaebonyi’s allegation as false and a calculated attempt to damage her reputation.



The Kogi Senator informed the Court that Senator Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Central Senatorial District, had severely damaged her reputation, causing her significant emotional distress and subjecting her to public embarrassment and harm to her credibility.



Akpoti-Uduaghan told the court that Nwaebonyi made false and malicious statements about her during a televised interview on Channels TV’s “Sunrise Daily” programme on March 6, 2025, where he described her as a “gold digger,” a “habitual liar,” and a “habitual blackmailer,” without any lawful justification.



She told the court that in addition to the claim about her having six children with different men, Senator Nwaebonyi also alleged that her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, married her under duress.



Akpoti-Uduaghan further stated that these statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, were intended and understood to depict her as someone who extorts money through dishonest and unscrupulous means as a profession.



Akpoti-Uduaghan told the court that the defendant intentionally made these defamatory statements, fully aware of their falsity, with the aim of discrediting her and justifying her illegal suspension by the Senate.



She further stated that the defendant, a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions of the 10th Senate, made these false and reckless remarks to influence public opinion against her ongoing petition before the Senate.



As a result, Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently serving a six-month suspension, among other requests, sought a court order for a perpetual injunction, restraining the defendant, his associates, agents, and others from further publishing or causing the publication of the defamatory statements or any other damaging words about her.



Natasha, who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment claimed that his aide defamed her character.



Among other reliefs, she asked the court to compel the aide to pay N100 billion in general damages and N300 million in litigation costs.

*Accuses Gov of running 'one-man show'



The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at Governor Alex Otti of Abia state, describing his administration as a “one-man show” driven by propaganda rather than purpose.

Abia State chapter of the party, however, assured the people and residents in the state of a competent hand devoid of propaganda and a one-man show.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners in the state, which held late on Sunday, Abia State APC Chairman, Dr. Kingsley C. Ononogbu, said a “better and truly new Abia” is still possible under the right leadership.

The Renewed Hope Partners is a support group of the party solely mobilizing support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2027 general elections.

According to Ononogbu, the inauguration marks the beginning of the journey aimed at repositioning Abia State for the Renewed Hope Crusade, and I believe so because I can see on the faces of everyone here, the search for a truly new Abia State.

He said: "When we read and listen to social media hype and praises, regarding the state of Abia, one often wonders if it is the same Abia State that we live in.

"Abia State today is nothing but a "A One Man Show" anchored on a very well oiled propaganda machinery. Accountability is long gone. Checks and balances non existent while conflict of interest is now a norm.

"A government of one man show from his private home and for selected friends and cronies. A government where the governor operates as the chief executive, chief accountant and the auditor.

"An administration that would prefer to convert a newly built government house to a 5 star hotel, while operating necodemously from his personal house. And for the roads being built newly, the style of collation, scrutiny, and award of the contracts falls below acceptable standard of state (F&GPC) and best practice."

The APC chieftain declared that the Renewed Hope Partners must come to terms with the fact that they are support groups of the party and must partner with the party in its collective efforts to reach out to the grassroots across the country.

"When our people are well informed, they will stand firmly to rebuke and resist the sugar- coated lies of the deceitful coalition oppositions."

He assured that the party will not only win at the federal level in 2027 "but APC will also win in Abia State."

He also called on all the APC stakeholders in the state to be more united, saying "in the spirit of the ongoing reconciliations as directed by the President and accepted by all the critical Stakeholders of Abia APC , I urge all APC members in Abia State who for one reason or the other have been staying away from the activities of the party in the state to come back home."

It was a moment of reflection, emotion, and deep reverence on Friday, as thousands gathered at King Worship Chapel and Ministry Inc., Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s boldest preachers, Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman.

The funeral, presided over by the General Overseer of King Worship Chapel, Rev. Dr. Sam Magai, was described as a “global event”, a reflection of Azzaman’s cross-border influence and fearless ministry.

Speaking before the massive congregation, Rev. Magi declared: “This is not just a local burial. This is a global gathering. It’s not about how long a man lives, but how well. In the few years of Rev. Azzaman’s ministry, God used him mightily. His voice was heard across Africa and beyond. His life has left a permanent mark on the Kingdom of God.”




In an emotional but composed moment, Azzaman’s widow, Mrs. Agatha Ninali Ayuba, took the microphone to put an end to speculation surrounding her husband’s death.

“Let it be known clearly: nobody killed my husband,” she stated with clarity and conviction.
“I have no regrets. He lived a fulfilled life. David is gone, but he left us with peace, hope, and courage. That is what I hold on to, the legacy he built through love, sacrifice, and truth.”



Her words drew thunderous applause and brought many in the crowd to tears.


Ann Iya Ayuba, the daughter of the late clergyman, spoke powerfully about her father’s character:

“My father was a man of absolute integrity. He practiced what he preached. There was no deception in him. The same truth he declared on the pulpit, he lived at home. He was the same in private and in public.” She said.



Another defining moment came when dozens of converts, most of them former Fulani Muslims, stood to honour the man who led them to Christ.

Led by Evangelist Mohammed Mohammed from Niger Republic, they vowed to continue Azzaman’s work.

“Elijah is gone, but the Elishas remain,” Evangelist Mohammed said boldly.

“Rev. Azzaman gave us boldness. He gave us the Gospel. We will continue with the same fire. We are not afraid. His legacy will not die.” He added.



Their presence at the funeral stood as living testimony to the reach and power of Azzaman’s ministry, one that challenged religious and ethnic boundaries.



The Northern Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, also paid glowing tributes.

“Rev. Azzaman was a fearless soldier of Christ,” he said.

“He was not afraid to speak the truth, whether to leaders, churches, or even governments. He was bold and courageous. You may not always have agreed with him, but you could not deny his sincerity or the clarity of his message.” He declared.



Also in attendance were Rev. Caleb Ma’ji, Chairman of Kaduna CAN; Chief Edward Passy Marsha, PDP State Chairman; former Labour Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Asake; members of the House of Representatives; and church leaders from across Nigeria, Ghana, Niger Republic, and Kenya.



Born on December 8, 1970, in Samaru-Zaria, Kaduna State, David Ayuba Azzaman had a humble beginning but a dynamic journey.

An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, he started his career in education and later worked in the banking sector.

However, a divine call drew him away from secular ambitions into full-time ministry.

He rose through the ranks at King Worship Chapel, serving as Assistant General Overseer, where he gained recognition for his direct preaching, grassroots mobilization, and bold declarations of truth.

His ministry often sparked controversy, especially for his hard-hitting sermons and social commentary, but many regarded him as a modern-day prophet.



The atmosphere at the funeral service was one of both triumph and sorrow. Worship songs blended with weeping. Testimonies were interrupted by silence, as the weight of Azzaman’s absence sank in.

As his remains were lowered into the earth, hands were lifted, voices raised in praise, and tears flowed freely, not only from his immediate family but from converts, elders, and fellow preachers.

For many, it was the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a renewed commitment to the ideals Azzaman lived and died for.


Though Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman has gone, his voice still echoes, through the converts he raised, the ministers he mentored, and the truths he thundered from the pulpit.

His fearless stand for righteousness, justice, and the Gospel will not be forgotten.

As Rev. Sam Magi declared during the final benediction: “His voice may be silent, but his legacy is alive. Let us not mourn without rising to the call. This is the time to stand. This is the time to carry the fire forward.”

A community leader and public affairs analyst, from Ohuhu Umuahia North in Abia State, Chief Uche Aguoru, has called out the state governor, Alex Otti to fulfill his campaign promise on Local Government Autonomy.

Chief Aguoru said governor Otti came into office riding a wave of optimism, promising to restore transparency, accountability, and autonomy to local government councils but two years into his tenure, that promise, just like many others, has been shattered.

According Aguoru, currently local government chairmen, constitutionally empowered to drive development, have become mere figureheads. Not a single council can point to a meaningful project initiated or completed under their current administration.

In a article released to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, titled "Fraud and Maladministration: How Alex Otti Government is Undermining Local Government Administration in Abia State", the community leader discribed the situation as unacceptable and shameful.

He said Abia state currently earns roughly ₦8 billion monthly through the Joint Accounts Allocations Committee (JAAC), translating to an annual intake of ₦96 billion, and ₦192 billion in under two years under Governor Otti.

"And yet, there is no visible impact of this enormous sum on the streets of Abia’s towns or in the homes of its rural dwellers. Where are the roads? Where are the schools? Where is the water? Where is the development?"

While recalling when past administrations earned less than 100 million monthly, he added: "I can still remember, as a young boy during the Orji Uzor Kalu era, how the then Chairman of Aba North LGA, Dr. Iboko Imo Iboko, constructed a giant water reservoir and reticulated water and mounted streetlights throughout all parts of Aba North.

"Chief KC Ugbaja, may his soul rest in peace, embarked on an aggressive rural electrification initiative in Ikwuano LGA while simultaneously improving rural access roads to facilitate the production and distribution of agricultural produce.

"Reverend Sam Ekeledo championed the reconstruction of rural roads, human capital development and empowerment, educational initiatives, and rural electrification efforts.

"Under Governor T.A. Orji (Ochendo), LGA Chairmen and councillors competed with their counterparts in other LGAs on infrastructural development. let me cite a few examples: In Oriendu ward, Chief Chiedozie Ezenwa constructed the Ekeoba Market, while a supervisory councillor, Chief Alozie, provided boreholes. Due to space constraints, I cannot enumerate all the developmental projects accomplished by Chief Ndubuisi Ajunwa as Umuahia North Council Chairman.

"Barrister Jerry Uzosike built shopping malls, rehabilitated roads, and constructed boreholes to improve potable water supply, among many other infrastructure and human capital development projects he undertook as council chairman in Umuahia South.

"Under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe in Isiala Ngwa North built a mini-stadium, reconstructed schools, constructed classroom blocks, and completed rural water and electrification projects. He was a prime example of effective local government administration during the Ikpeazu administration.

"The late Chidiebere Nwachukwu in Umuahia North built motorable culverts across waterways that connected communities in Nkwoegwu and also reconstructed markets, built roundabouts, and was actively engaged in road rehabilitation across all communities in Ibeku and Ohuhu.

"In Isuikwuato LGA, Chima Agbaeze constructed an ultra-modern Central Motor Park in Akara, rehabilitated roads, distributed educational materials, and initiated rural electrification projects, among various other developmental efforts, including security improvements.

"In Umunneochi, Chief Ifeanyi Madu constructed over 200 lockup shops and an ultra-modern market at Eke Eziama Nneato, fenced the FOB Military Base at Lomara Isuochi, built a storey security tower along the Lomara-Nneato road beside Spiritan University Nneochi, reconstructed major rural roads in Umunneochi, and built classroom blocks while distributing educational materials to students."

While asking Governor Otti-led administration to stop what he termed deliberate propaganda, he said:" sentiments are no substitute for truth, emotions and propaganda do not deliver clean water. Leadership demands integrity, not image management. Abia's 17 local governments are not appendages of the governor’s office; they are constitutionally recognized institutions that must be allowed to function independently and effectively.

"Governor Otti must be reminded that he campaigned on the platform of reform, not repression. If he cannot keep his promise to respect the autonomy of local governments, then he must be held accountable, not just by history, but by the very people he swore to serve."