NIGERIA NEWS
Peter Mbah’s Visionary Leadership and the Rebirth of Security in Enugu State – THISDAYLIVE
By Malachy Agbo
In recent times, Enugu State has witnessed an extraordinary surge in human and economic traffic. Flights into the state—especially during the Yuletide—are often fully booked regardless of the airfare, which typically spikes due to high demand. “Going east” is now the rave as more Nigerians choose Enugu as their preferred destination. The same pattern repeats across land transport: more visitors, more businesspeople, more returning families.
This renewed confidence is not accidental. It is a direct testament to the marvellous and visionary leadership of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, whose strategic, courageous, and unprecedented reforms have repositioned Enugu as one of Nigeria’s safest and most economically vibrant states.
On assuming office, Dr. Mbah made it quite clear that insecurity, which had deeply affected the social and economic life of the state, was unacceptable. He approached the challenge with a clarity of purpose and an unshakeable resolve, implementing a well-thought-out blend of kinetic and non-kinetic measures aimed at restoring peace while tackling the root causes of crime.
Central to his security philosophy was the recognition that growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, as he had envisioned, was contingent on building a safe, predictable, and stable environment for residents and investors.
Today, that vision is no longer an aspiration, it is a lived reality.
One of Dr. Mbah’s earliest and most courageous actions was the decisive termination of the illegal Monday sit-at-home order. Effective June 5, 2023, he announced that Enugu would no longer surrender its economic life to non-state actors. He rallied market leaders, businesses, civil servants, schools, and industries to reclaim their sense of enterprise and dignity. Though the decision initially stirred mixed reactions, it soon proved visionary. Within months, Mondays in Enugu fully bounced back to life. To many back then, it sounded too good to be true; but it is a reality – markets, banks, schools, and industries now operate with confidence, putting behind them years of fear and paralysis.
In a similar fashion, Mbah signed Executive Order 002, mandating the removal of illegal street barricades that once made parts of Enugu almost inaccessible. The move restored free movement, defeated criminal control of local spaces, and revitalized urban commerce.
Driven by the understanding that modern security requires speed, intelligence, and technology, Dr. Mbah replaced the largely inactive urban patrol with a new, agile force by launching the Distress Response Squad (DRS), with 150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-enabled cameras, aiding 24/7 surveillance operations and spearheading a rapid response capability across the entire state. This bold step restored public trust and signalled a shift to data-driven policing.
In early 2024, the governor established the Enugu State Security Trust Fund, a mechanism modelled after global best practices for sustainable security financing. The Fund has since mobilized private-sector support for security operations, equipment, and logistics, reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to peace.
On January 6, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned Enugu’s ultramodern Command and Control Centre, an AI-powered hub linked to hundreds of surveillance cameras and the DRS patrol network.
This facility has fundamentally transformed crime prevention and response through automated threat detection, real-time crime monitoring, rapid deployment of officers and evidence-based policing. As a result, the state has recorded over 80% reduction in violent crimes, a figure unprecedented in the region.
Last week, Dr. Mbah inaugurated new ESSTF-procured security assets, including 2 advanced VTOL drones with 100km range, 10 Hilux patrol vehicles, 40 motorcycles for difficult terrains, 400 bulletproof vests and 400 bulletproof helmets.
These two special purpose drones equipped with thermal, night, and AI-assisted cameras, now extend surveillance beyond Enugu’s borders, literally leaving no hiding place for criminals.
Dr. Mbah’s genius lies in understanding that lasting peace requires more than policing. His administration has therefore vigorously pursued poverty reduction and youth engagement through agricultural transformation.
With over 200-hectare farm estates, 300,000-hectare land bank for commercial farming, revival of the Tractor Assembly Plant with 1000 tractors expected within one year, agro-industrialisation programmes, technical/vocational training for thousands of youths, enhanced rural development through the 260 Smart Schools, 1,000km of rehabilitated and new roads, 260 Type-2 hospitals, ongoing construction of 300-bed International Hospital as well as numerous other impactful projects, to mention just a few, Enugu is experiencing a rebirth – in a literal and metaphorical sense. These programmes not only create jobs but agricultural initiatives turning vast swathes of forests – once criminal hideouts – into productive economic zones.
The governor has equally strengthened the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guard networks, integrating them into a coordinated community policing strategy that draws citizens into the collective effort to keep Enugu safe.
Today, Enugu can confidently host large scale conferences like the 2025 NBA Conference, and boasts vibrant nightlife across New Haven, Ogui, Presidential Road, Damija Avenue, as residents no longer fret over their safety. The result is an all-time increase in investor confidence, bustling economy and renewed sense of safety and pride among Ndi-Enugu.
The sense of assurance that Enugu’s strengthened security stirs can be glimpsed in this comment by Rt. Rev. Onyekachi Onyia, Trustee of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund: “If terrorists are able to get through Enugu, the entire South East is finished. We cannot afford to leave Enugu porous.”
The transformation of Enugu State’s security architecture under Dr. Peter Mbah is a study in courage, innovation, and visionary governance. By combining technology with community engagement, policy reforms with enforcement, and economic expansion with social stability, he has delivered what many thought impossible – a peaceful, secure, and thriving Enugu State.
Under Dr. Mbah, Enugu is not just safer—it is becoming a model for Nigeria and a beacon for the entire South East. Truly, tomorrow is here.
Dr. Malachy Agbo, is the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State
- A Nigerian lady has shared her experience with Harrison Gwamnishu, an activist accused of ‘stealing’ ransom money
- In a post shared via the X app, the lady described the activist as her ‘brother’, stating that she trusts him more than the police
- Speaking further, the lady made it clear that nothing would ever make her think less of him or stop supporting him
A Nigerian lady publicly defended activist Harrison Gwamnishu after allegations surfaced that he diverted part of the ransom collected during a kidnap case involving a couple.
The issue sparked mixed reactions online, with several social media users questioning his role and criticising him over claims that a part of the money expected to reach the kidnappers never did.
Lady says nothing can make her think less of Harrison Gwamnishu.
Photo credit: @efeom/X.
Source: Twitter
Lady calls Harrison her brother, defends him
Netizens placed the well-known activist under intense scrutiny and spoke about his conduct and integrity.
Read also
Man shares what people should learn from Harrison Gwamnishu’s case, asks 3 deep questions
In the midst of the uproar, a lady on X with the handle @efeom recounted her personal encounter with him and firmly aligned herself with his side.
She recalled times when he had come to her aid during difficult periods and stressed that her support for him came from long-standing trust rather than public opinion.
The lady explained that her connection with him went beyond mere online familiarity and described him as her ‘brother’.
According to her, no amount of public criticism would alter her view, as she believed his actions over the years had spoken clearly enough for her to stand by him.
She maintained that the negative comments circulating about him did not match the person she knew, so she found it unreasonable to condemn him based on accusations she did not personally witness.
The lady also expressed frustration with those urging her to distance herself from him.
Read also
“I knew him”: Man shares experience with Harrison Gwamnishu amid controversy, post trends
Lady recounts how Harrison Gwamnishu helped her when she was in trouble.
Photo credit: @efeom/X.
Source: Twitter
In her words:
“Harrison is my brother; he has helped me when I was in trouble. Harrison is my friend. He is from Delta State, and you want me to speak badly about him because of what exactly? If you must know, I trust Harrison more than the Nigerian police. Nothing on earth will make me think any less of him. All of you saying Efe stop supporting him you’re mad. But wait o some of you want me to talk bad about someone who sacrifice his sleep to make us sleep? Nigeria Na wa o.”
Reactions as lady defends Harrison Gwamnishu
Nigerians stormed the comments section to react to the post.
Bishop Ikechukwu said:
“Please is this the same Harrison that told the world on Facebook that he had kidney failure and needed millions to be donated for him? I mean the Harrison that started anioma garri business with investors and didn’t finish it for one reason or the other. Chinmark boy?”
Read also
“I removed millions”: Man reveals truth about Harrison Gwamnishu amid social media allegations
Ovie said:
“This is set up, if only they know how much Harrison has recover and given back to victims.”
Andre reacted:
“He comot 5m or not!!! They said he got the kidnappers number himself so who gave him. He will rot in jail he is an accomplise.”
Chris Ikea added:
“Twisted and disgraceful logic. No wonder the likes of Evans, Yahoo plus guys and kidnappers have people that defend them.Afterall these people spend a lot in clubs, boutiques, car malls and real estate industry, growing the economy of the areas they operate or live.”
See the post below:
Man addresses Harrison Gwamnishu’s alleged theft case
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a young man made a statement after popular activist Harrison Gwamnishu was accused of stealing.
The statement by the young man comes after another individual claimed Harrison stole N5.4 million from ransom money.
Source: Legit.ng
The Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid calls for his removal.
Matawalle described recent attacks on his integrity and credibility as “coordinated, malicious, and politically sponsored.”
He said critics targeted him for opposing attempts to sabotage the President’s security agenda.
“Public service, especially in a nation facing complex security challenges, demands courage, consistency, and commitment to truth,” he said.
Through his former Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle highlighted his achievements as Zamfara governor in tackling terrorism and banditry.
He warned that politically motivated smear campaigns would neither intimidate him nor distract him from defending the country.
“The allegations are baseless. The agenda is political. The truth is clear,” Matawalle said.
He stressed that banditry predated his administration and noted that his government worked with the federal government, traditional rulers, and security agencies to implement structured responses.
Matawalle accused detractors of fabricating stories after losing political relevance and failing personal expectations.
He detailed his security record, including establishing high-level security committees, intelligence architecture, and local vigilance units.
The former governor said he shut down telecommunications temporarily to allow military operations against bandits without hindrance.
He cited other achievements, including dismissing compromised traditional rulers, retrieving arms, requesting additional federal troops, rescuing kidnapped victims, and deporting Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.
Matawalle also highlighted humanitarian support, including relief materials, medical care, and assistance for displaced persons and victims of banditry.
He said these interventions led to over a year in Zamfara without attacks or kidnappings, a milestone recognised nationally and internationally.
Matawalle added that he played a key role in the rescue of recently abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State despite intimidation.
He accused some political figures of exploiting the rescue for personal gain and attempting to embarrass the federal government.
“My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains total,” Matawalle said.
He affirmed that no propaganda or political blackmail would deter him from his duty to Nigeria’s security.
Matawalle praised security officers for their professionalism during operations and said critics fear ongoing reforms in national security.
“Some of the loudest voices today work to undermine national security for election purposes,” he said.
He concluded that media campaigns would not influence the President’s judgment and reaffirmed his commitment to the Constitution, the President, and Nigeria’s security.
“No intimidation, smear campaign, or political sabotage will deter me. Justice will prevail,” Matawalle said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, received six governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a private session at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, which was held away from the public eye, immediately drew attention within political circles as no details of the agenda were released.
The governors—Jigawa’s Umar Namadi, Edo’s Monday Okpebholo, Ekiti’s Biodun Oyebanji, Kogi’s Usman Ododo, Sokoto’s Aliyu Sokoto, and Kebbi’s Dr. Nasir Idris—arrived at the State House earlier in the day and were ushered straight into the President’s office for the discussion.
According to information gathered by POLITICS NIGERIA, the session lasted less than an hour.
Despite the short duration, the quiet nature of the visit has fueled speculation about the issues that may have been discussed, especially as the country continues to grapple with rising security concerns in several regions.
Insiders within the Villa did not provide any insight into the purpose of the gathering, and officials of the Presidency also kept sealed lips.
The timing, however, aligns with ongoing political consultations ahead of crucial national and party activities expected to shape the coming months.
Attempts by journalists to speak with the governors after the meeting proved unsuccessful, as they all declined to comment and moved swiftly out of the State House premises.
However, more updates will be provided as fresh details emerge.
NastyBlaq has shared an emotional reflection ahead of the festive season as he marks his second Christmas without his mother.
“The ache still hits like the first”
In a heartfelt post, he admitted that the pain remains as sharp as it was the first year after her passing.
“This is my second Christmas without my mom, and the ache still hits like the first. I’d give anything for one more holiday with you,” he wrote, expressing the depth of his grief.
His message resonated with many who have also lost loved ones and find celebrations difficult without them.
His openness sparked a wave of empathy online, with many users joining the conversation to share their own experiences with loss, appreciation, and the lingering emotions tied to the festive period.
The comments quickly turned into a supportive space for people coping with bereavement.
Social media reactions
@My_joy_has_come: “With the rate at which people post how much they miss their mom so much I think am not even loving my mom enough as I should. God bless you mom, thank you for giving me life. Appreciation tweet for everyone who still have their mom and to those who don’t have her stay safe.”
@Men_Too_Cries: “So sorry about your mum, grieving is real and aching too. We pray you find peace within yourself to know your mum is always with you and so her prayers too.”
@Goz: “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way, brother. No competition here… it’s been 26 years for me. I just wish I could recall her face without needing to look at a photo.”
@fan_Black_Gun: “Swrs bro this hurts so bad. Lost mine this April, 10 days after her birthday.”
The reactions showed how deeply NastyBlaq’s message touched people, bringing together individuals who understand the weight of celebrating holidays without a parent.
Many encouraged him to stay strong while sharing their own journeys through grief, turning the post into a reminder of how universal and enduring loss can be.
Check the post below…
The Federal Government has announced a new digitisation programme that will transform treasury operations, eliminate paper-based processes, and enforce full transparency across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) beginning January 2026.
This is according to an update issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and seen by Nairametrics on Monday.
According to the OAGF, the reforms are anchored on four new circulars issued.
The OAGF said the circulars form part of a broader national strategy to modernise public finance, block leakages, deter corruption, and enhance Nigeria’s fiscal resilience using digital tools.
“The reforms introduce strict cashless collection, a new mandatory e-receipt system (FTeR) beginning January 1, 2026, and full-scale rollout of the Revenue Optimisation (RevOp) Platform—a unified digital ecosystem for monitoring, reconciling, and optimising government revenues,” it stated.
Nairametrics recently reported that the Minister of Finance Wale Edun revealed that billions of naira belonging to the Federal Government remained outside the Treasury Single Account (TSA) until as recently as August 2025.
Cash transactions banned across MDAs
In a circular dated 24 November 2025 and signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi, the government expressed concern over the continued acceptance of physical cash at MDA transaction centres despite existing Treasury Single Account (TSA) and e-payment policies.
“The Federal Government has observed with great concern, the continued physical cash collection of Government revenues at various transaction centres of Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDAs). This action contravenes the provisions of e-payment policy, Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy and its Implementation Guidelines covered in extant circulars,” the circular stated.
He added that persistent violations of the rules had been recorded across agencies and warned that the practice must stop immediately.
The circular, therefore, directed that: “collection and/or acceptance of physical cash (in Naira or other currencies) for all revenues due to Federal Government is strictly prohibited,” he noted.
E-receipts become mandatory from January 1, 2026
In a separate circular dated 26 November 2025, the Accountant-General announced the rollout of the Federal Treasury e-Receipt (FTeR) system, which will take effect on January 1, 2026.
According to the OAGF, the FTeR will become the only valid and legally recognised receipt for all federal government transactions, replacing all paper-based and manually issued receipts.
The agency said the mandatory e-receipt marks a major shift in how citizens and businesses pay for government services, how payments are verified, and how MDAs account for inflows.
“This is a major shift in how Nigerians pay for government services and how such payments are verified. It directly affects citizens, businesses, MDAs, financial institutions, and digital service providers,” the OAGF stated.
The OAGF stressed that the circulars operationalise the Minister of Finance’s broader economic reform agenda—one focused on reducing human discretion, eliminating cash handling, enforcing full audit trails, and enabling real-time digital monitoring of government revenues.
The reforms are expected to boost efficiency, improve fiscal discipline, and support revenue mobilisation efforts as Nigeria deepens its shift toward a fully digital public finance architecture.
Why this matters
By eliminating physical cash collection and enforcing digital tracking through the RevOp and FTeR systems, the government reduces opportunities for diversion, under-reporting, and manipulation of receipts.
This means more of Nigeria’s actual revenue will be accounted for, helping fund national priorities.
Many countries have moved to fully digital treasury systems to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
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.Presidency launches patrotism campaign
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerians to be ambassadors of truth and not weapons of misinformation but to always highlight the progress, innovation, and peace the country is making.
He also tasked the citizenry to embody the Citizens’ Charter of National Values through integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence.
Speaking at the official launch of “My Nigeria, My Responsibility” with the theme ‘Reigniting Patrotism through responsible citizenship and leadership’, the President, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declared “Your responsibility is to own our story: Be an ambassador of truth. In the digital age, do not weaponize misinformation. Highlight the progress, the innovation, the peace.
“Your responsibility is to live our values: Embody the Citizens’ Charter of National Values through integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence, in your workplace, community, and online interactions.”
He said citizens patriotism is in the taxes they pay, adding that it is the most concrete transaction of trust between a citizen and the state.
The President hinted of plan to launch the National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, come February 2026 to empower Nigerians.
According to him: “This will be your national toolkit to discern truth, resist manipulation, and engage ethically online, building a public sphere worthy of our democratic journey.
“Today, we are called to remember that patriotism is not a spectator sport or a title we claim only when our nation triumphs. True patriotism is an active verb. It is the choice we make every day to be responsible for our nation’s story, its progress, and its image. It is the shared understanding that the destiny of Nigeria does not rest in the hands of a select few in Abuja, but in the daily actions, words, and choices of over 200 million citizens.”
Keynote speaker and Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Kashere, Gombe state, Prof. Umaru A. Pate, said the campaign is not just a slogan but a civic faith, a call to self-accountability, to collective renewal, and to a new kind of patriotism — one rooted not merely in emotion but in thoughtful action. Pate said: “While we call on citizens to act, leadership is also reminded to earn the trust of the citizens by demonstrating accountability, prioritizing national interest over personal interest, ensuring fairness in resource allocation, strengthening institutions, and providing opportunities for the youth”.
Also speaking, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, urged Nigerians to support government initiatives, pay their taxes, embrace and be law-abiding citizens.
Earlier in his opening address, Convener and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Hon. Nasir Bala Ja’oji, said “My Nigeria, My Responsibility” campaign – a flagship citizens’ engagement initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, emerged from the understanding that nation-building is not the task of government alone, but a collective obligation that rests upon each citizen, young or old, public or private, rural or urban.
According to Ja’oji, it’s a deliberate effort to reawaken the spirit of responsibility, patriotism, accountability, and shared ownership of the Nigerian project.
His words: “This administration has consistently emphasized that true progress is anchored on responsible citizenship. Citizens who participate meaningfully in governance, protect public infrastructure, uphold national values, and contribute positively to peace building, community development, and national unity.
“The My Nigeria, My Responsibility initiative is therefore designed to strengthen civic consciousness inspire behavioural change, and empower Nigerians to take active roles in shaping the future they desire.
“This campaign will engage communities, students, professionals, traditional institutions, influencers, and private sector actors across all six geopolitical zones.
“Through advocacy, leadership training, digital engagement, and public sensitization, we aim to cultivate a culture where every Nigerian understands that the choices they make daily, how they speak about the country, how they treat public property, how they vote, how they lead, and how they contribute directly influence the Nigeria we build.”
While appreciating the President, the SSA said under Tinubu’s leadership young people are being empowered, institutions strengthened, and a national identity rooted in pride and purpose is being rekindled.
“As we launch this campaign today, I invite all stakeholders to join hands with the Presidency in driving this new national awakening. Let us inspire our citizens to say “YES” to active patriotism and responsible citizenship and leadership.”
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has taken a swipe at the Federal Government over its rapid intervention in the attempted coup in the Benin Republic, saying the speed of action only highlights how slowly the government responds to the insecurity tormenting communities across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the ADC said the development raises important questions about the government’s priorities, its respect for constitutional processes, and its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives.
The party acknowledged that Nigeria’s prompt response in Benin was commendable, but argued that the contrast with the country’s domestic security failures is becoming too glaring to ignore.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt. We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood,” Abdullahi said.
Even so, the party stressed that any such intervention must still follow constitutional procedures, noting that military or security deployment outside Nigeria requires the approval of the National Assembly, as clearly outlined in the Constitution.
The ADC also raised concerns over what it described as an inconsistent pattern in Nigeria’s foreign interventions. It recalled the government’s hesitation during the instability in Guinea-Bissau, especially at a time when a former Nigerian President was reportedly caught up in the crisis.
“Why were we not as swift in responding to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was trapped there? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?” the party asked.
According to the ADC, such inconsistencies only fuel speculation that Nigeria’s rapid move in Benin may have been influenced by interests outside the country, a perception it says undermines Nigeria’s credibility as a regional leader.
But beyond foreign policy, the party said the Benin action draws attention to something far more troubling; the government’s inability to act with equal urgency against bandits, terrorists, and violent criminals who continue to terrorise Nigerians.
“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has our government demonstrated such outrageous incompetence in dealing with domestic insecurity?” the ADC queried.
The party argued that no government can lay claim to defending democracy abroad while citizens at home remain at the mercy of violent groups, adding that the first responsibility of any administration is to protect its people.
“A government that can act swiftly abroad must also act decisively at home. The defence of democracy does not begin in neighbouring countries; it begins in the protection of Nigerian lives,” Abdullahi added.
Reaffirming its opposition to any unconstitutional change of government in the region, the ADC said the most effective way to prevent military intervention is for elected leaders to govern responsibly, improve citizens’ welfare, and allow opposition voices to flourish.
“The best possible safeguard against military adventurism is for elected governments to make democracy meaningful to the people by improving their lives and allowing opposition to thrive,” the party stated.
The post ADC to FG: If you can act in Benin overnight, why not protect Nigerians? appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Okomu National Park in Edo, on Monday, said that a baby elephant, which was rescued from an oil palm plantation on November 30, was undergoing rehabilitation.
Conservator of the park, Mr Osaze Lawrence, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the park in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.
NAN reports that the Okomu National Park, in collaboration with the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, had rescued the male calf, about two months old, while it was wandering alone inside the Okomu Oil Palm Company plantation.
The conservator said that workers had quickly stabilised the animal and alerted park authorities.
“It was a very young elephant less than two months old; they gave it water, tried to revive it and immediately called us,” he told NAN.
He said that rangers and African Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation personnel had retrieved the calf and attempted to reunite it with its herd inside the elephant home range, but it still roamed.
“It walked some metres into the wild on its own, and we thought it had returned to the family.
“But a commercial motorcyclist later reported seeing the disoriented calf alone by the roadside.
“At that point, it became clear it could not find its herd; the best option was for us to rescue, rehabilitate and stabilise it,” he said.
He noted that the calf, which had slipped into a health crisis, was under 24-hour veterinary care at an ANI camp within the park.
“We are feeding it with the recommended milk, giving medication and monitoring its strength; it is stabilising and doing very well,” he added
He praised the synergy among national authorities, ANI, Okomu Oil Palm Company, veterinarians, as well as the international experts.
NAN reports that the rescue had drawn international attention, including that of a UK-born wildlife rescue specialist Liz O’Brien, who had flown in from Zambia, to join the efforts.
O’Brien who had gathered about15 years of experience rescuing elephants across Africa, described the case as historic.
“In Nigeria, they have never rescued an elephant like this before; this is the first of its kind,” she said.
According to her, she had travelled to Nigeria because the baby elephant required expert’s intervention, adding that hands-on training for local conservation teams, will help build long-term capacity.
“My main reason for coming was to train people here, so the knowledge stays in the country.
“You cannot always rely on people flying in; We must develop the next generation of wildlife rescuers,” she said.
Meanwhile, on the future of the calf, O’Brien advised that it would require at least two years of milk feeding and several more years of supervised exposure to the wild.
“Wild animals belong in the wild; the aim should be to return him to the area he came from when he is strong enough,” she said.
She noted that elephants needed vast spaces and zoos were not suitable.
On his part, ANI’s Project Manager at Okomu, Peter Abanyam, said that the rescue had revealed a growing conservation awareness among communities around the park.
According to him, the level of local engagement has risen significantly, with more community members showing interest in conservation employment and training.
“When the calf wandered to the main road, community members immediately alerted our gate; this. shows how much the awareness has grown,” he said.
He said that the rescue was intriguing because it involved an African rainforest elephant, which is on the list of wildlife in extinction.
He, however, warned that increased elephant movement could escalate human–wildlife conflict unless an urgent demarcation of park boundaries is completed.
“We will soon grow into a crisis if boundaries are not marked, especially in the southern part, where farms are expanding.
“Communities must know where the park begins,” he added.
The Federal Government on Monday unveiled a N50 million Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), aimed at promoting innovation, research excellence and entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the programme represented a strategic national investment in young innovators and aligned directly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education.
Alausa described the S-VCG as far more than a grant scheme, noting that it was designed to identify high-potential ideas from campuses and nurture a culture of creativity and enterprise among students.
He said beneficiaries would receive up to N50 million in equity-free seed funding, alongside intensive incubation, expert mentorship, and access to networks and critical start-up-building tools.
The initiative, he added, was jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, Afara Initiative, Afrilabs, the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, and Google.
According to the minister, the programme is open to full-time students in federal, state and private tertiary institutions from year three and above, with younger students allowed as team members.
“The S-VCG is structured to identify exceptional talent, give them a fair and credible opportunity to succeed, and inspire thousands of others to believe in their capacity to innovate.
“We know that many successful founders did not thrive on their first attempt. But their journey began with a spark.
“This programme exists to light that spark, build a new culture of confidence, and showcase to the world the depth of Nigerian ingenuity.
“Beneficiaries of the S-VCG will receive a comprehensive support package tailored to increase their chances of building viable and scalable ventures,” he said.
Alausa added that eligible ventures must have a CAC-registered business name and be rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM) fields.
He said every application would undergo thorough evaluation, with shortlisted teams pitching before a 12-member expert panel drawn from academia, industry, venture capital and government.
He added that participants would receive feedback and may be paired with complementary teams to encourage collaboration and shared innovation.
He stressed that the S-VCG was expected to accelerate research commercialisation, support intellectual property development, and position students to produce high-impact solutions with global relevance.
“Not every idea will become a start-up, but some will evolve into patents and licensable technologies capable of significant impact,” he said.
Speaking on the overview of the programme, Mr Adebayo Onigbanjo, National Programme Coordinator, Special Programme Unit of S-VCG, said the programme was designed to ignite student-driven innovation.
Onigbanjo said it was also designed to close the investment gaps that have made venture capitalists hesitant to invest in early-stage university ideas.
He said the portal had received 17,914 applications from 402 schools comprising 346 public and 56 private institutions, noting that over 1,000 applications had actually been submitted.
Also, the former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, whose board awards a $100,000 prize annually for groundbreaking scientific innovation, commended the initiative, noting its alignment with efforts to deepen scientific research and innovation in the country.
“This is how students and their mentors can develop impactful inventions that serve global needs but solve local problems,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the application portal was opened on November 17 and will close on January 23, 2026, with the evaluation process to begin immediately afterwards.
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The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof. Teddy Charles Adias, has revealed that the University will be conferring Degrees on 10,272 graduating students across the various faculties of the university and postgraduate school.
Out of these, he said that 9912 students will be graduating with various first degrees, while 360 will be graduating with postgraduate degrees.
Speaking on Monday at the University Premises during a Press Brief sequel to the Maiden edition of the University’s combined Convocation ceremony billed to hold on Thursday, 8 December, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the Convocation was a milestone in the life of the university.
He added that the University will also launch a 100 billion Endowment Fund to support the developmental needs of the university.
The weeklong activities Prof Adias maintained will also be used to honour some distinguished Nigerians who, he said, have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s development with the award of honorary degrees.
He said: We shall be conferring degrees on 10,272 graduating students across our various Faculties and the Postgraduate School. This number, 9912, will be graduating with various first degrees, and 360 with postgraduate degrees.
“We will also launch a 100 billion Endowment Fund to support developmental needs for our university, as well as honour some distinguished Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to our nation’s development through the award of honorary doctorate degrees.
“This convocation is indeed a milestone in the life of our university. It brings together several graduating sets whose academic journeys were shaped by resilience, innovation, and dedication, especially in the years following the global pandemic and industrial disruptions.”
The Vice Chancellor also revealed some of the institution’s achievements which he disclosed as full accreditation for most of their programmes, adding that the university has introduced new ones that align with national priorities and global trends.
“Our staff and students are winning research grants and fellowships, both locally and internationally. We have improved our learning environment with new laboratories, classrooms, hostels, and digital infrastructure to support teaching and innovation.
“Beyond academics, FUO continues to contribute to community development through entrepreneurship programmes and sustainability projects across the state and the nation.”
He maintained that the university’s vision remains clear to position it as a centre of excellence, producing graduates who are globally competitive yet deeply rooted in the values of service, integrity, and innovation.
“In the coming years, we will continue to strengthen academic quality, expand research partnerships, improve digital readiness, and enhance the overall welfare of staff and students.
“These priorities are firmly captured in our strategic development plan, which guides our actions as an institution of the future.” He concluded.
He, however, asked that individuals should partner with the university to build hostels to ease the challenge of accommodation, adding, “We are calling for private partnership, build, operate and leave.
He thanked President Bola TInubu, the management and the people of Otuoke for supporting the university.
The high point of the event was the commissioning of some of the completed facilities by the Vice Chancellor.
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