Tragedy strikes as former Lagos deputy governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire loses her only son, Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire.

According to reports, Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire Passes Away

According to reports, Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire passed away after undergoing surgery in Dubai.

Meanwhile, condolences and tributes are pouring in from fans and political dignitaries over his passing.

Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire’s Biography

Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire was a UK-based medical doctor prior to his passing and is survived by his wife and children.

Dr. Adefulire was a respected medical professional based in the United Kingdom.

Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire’s Biography

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire is a renowned Nigerian politician and public servant, born on September 29, 1959, in Lagos State.

Notably, she’s affectionately known as cheerful giver due to her philanthropic nature.

Adejoke’s journey in politics began during the Third Republic when she was elected as a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, becoming the first female lawmaker in Lagos State.

She holds an Honorary Doctor of Arts (Poverty Alleviation and Technology Incubation) from Lagos State University (LASU) and serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

Her dedication earned her numerous awards, including the International Public Servant of the Year Award (2007) and the Guinness World Record for reading aloud to the most children (2011) .

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Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has sponsored 355 Christian pilgrims for the 2025 pilgrimage to Israel, reaffirming his commitment to religious inclusivity and support for the Christian community.

The Executive Secretary of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ibrahim Yakubu Gwallang, disclosed this yesterday at the commencement of the screening exercise for intending pilgrims held at the Board’s headquarters.

Gwallang described the governor’s gesture as a clear demonstration of inclusive governance, noting that the sponsorship reflects Bala Mohammed’s dedication to strengthening unity and supporting Christians in the state. 

He urged the beneficiaries to pray for the governor’s success and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the process.

He further appealed to intending Pilgrims to ensure orderliness, present only genuine documents, and uphold the image of Bauchi State during the holy trip. 

The Executive Secretary expressed gratitude to the governor for his continuous support, assuring that the Christian community will not disappoint him.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Affairs, Pastor Zakka Magaji, congratulated the selected pilgrims and encouraged them to be worthy ambassadors of the state.

He lauded Governor Mohammed for consistently identifying with the Christian population in his administration, offering prayers for God’s continued guidance and wisdom upon him.

This year’s Team Leader, Mr. Haruna Mandabs, pledged a seamless and well-coordinated pilgrimage experience, adding that every effort is being put in place to ensure smooth operations.

The screening exercise is being conducted by officials from the National Christian Pilgrims Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, and medical personnel. 

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By Prisca Sam-Duru

Nigerian art circles are abuzz with anticipation for the forthcoming Uncle Sam Amuka (USA) Exhibition in Lagos, which promises to showcase some of the country’s most brilliant artistic talents.

The USA inaugural exhibition titled, “The Beginning”, is organised by Tourist Club International in collaboration with Vanguard Newspapers.

The exhibition is scheduled to hold at Alexis Gallery, 282 Akin Olugbade street, off Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 16-20 December, 2025.

Among the headliners  is the distinguished sculptor and painter Fidelis Ugochuku Atumah Abiamuwe, widely known by his artistic persona, Atumakanism Afrikanism.

Fidelis Atumah’s participation is expected as a highlight of the exhibition, offering attendees a chance to engage with the powerful, evolving vision of one of Nigeria’s most significant artistic voices.

From Childhood Flair to Artistic Eminence

Born on June 25, 1961, in Obiaruku, Delta State, Fidelis Atumah’s journey into the arts began at the remarkably young age of four. He grew up experimenting with colours in the studio of his father, Martin Atumah, a distinguished painter and academic. This early immersion set the foundation for a lifelong dedication, which he solidified through formal education, earning an NCE in Fine and Applied Arts (1986), a B.Ed. in Sculpture (1993) and an MFA in Sculpture (2015).

A skilled sculptor with a profound flair for painting, Fidelis seamlessly excels in both disciplines of visual art. His academic credentials are matched by his leadership within the community, having served as a senior lecturer and Head of the Fine Arts Department at the College of Education, Warri, and Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Delta State Chapter.

His distinguished career includes over thirty exhibitions globally, with notable appearances at the Guinness Art Exhibition in Lagos (2005), the “Eyes Wide Open” SNA exhibition in Abuja (2017), the New York Art Expo (2019) in Manhattan, and the Street Art Exhibition (2020) in Trenton, New Jersey.

A Narrator of African Identity

Fidelis Atumah is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of African traditional life. He draws inspiration from a diverse tapestry of sources, including masquerades, masks, folklore, mythology, poetry, music, and dance.

His paintings and sculptures are compelling testaments to his profound storytelling ability. They are marked by intricate forms and vivid imagery that reflect African history and spirituality, weaving captivating narratives with a particular emphasis on Nigerian history. Beyond cultural themes, Fidelis finds additional sources of inspiration in dreams, the surreal images of the subconscious, and his dedication to social change and advocacy for social justice.

The artist articulates his philosophy: “I visualize art as a creative medium of expression resulting in the outburst of moods, feelings, emotions, and passion from the subconscious, recollected in reality within an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility, executed in creative and visual harmony.”

Fidelis had been “commissioned by great collectors like HRM Nnaemeka Achebe, the distinguished Obi of Onitsha, who has some of my pointillism paintings in his collection; great enthusiasts and prominent art dealers like Andy Ine of krabhouse Art Gallery, who also has a couple of my pointillism art pieces which I sold to him in the early nineties; and great art gallery curators like Dozie of the Hour Glass Art Gallery in Ikoyi; Miss Juwon of True View Art Gallery in Ikoyi; and many more.”

Excitement about the USA Exhibition

Fidelis’ last exhibition in Nigeria was in 2017, before he relocated to America in 2019. Participating in the inaugural USA exhibition in Nigeria is another big one for him.

“I feel elated and fulfilled to be participating in the inaugural USA Art Exhibition. I have been a seasoned full-time artist before venturing into teaching and lecturing visual arts in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, and I have had over thirty exhibitions home and abroad, but this is my first exhibition commemorating someone, and that someone happens to be Uncle Sam Amuka.

“I have longed to see him collect my artworks as a collector, but I didn’t get the opportunity to see him collect my works or meet him one-on-one. I am proud of his contributions, his inspiration, and his support, not just to the visual arts but to the arts in general.”

He continues, “I am excited because this exhibition will give me visibility and, for my numerous art collectors, dealers, and curators, the opportunity and pleasure to visualize my latest and experimental paintings. 

I am excited also that this is the first time I’m having an exhibition in Nigeria since I travelled out to America in 2019. Also, I will be collaborating with great Nigerian artists from home and abroad under one project, exhibiting under one umbrella: the inaugural USA Art Exhibition, with great masquerades (masters of the art) in the likes of Professor Dele Jegede, a Nigerian-American cartoonist, painter, art critic, and art administrator, and Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, the distinguished Nigerian visual artist, academic, and master portraitist whose works bridge the personal, cultural, and socio-political spheres.”

“I am truly excited partnering and participating in the inaugural Uncle Sam Art Exhibition. It’s a beautiful thing, and it’s of great joy to me. Uncle Sam has impacted lives, built relationships, and created lasting friendships, relationships, and memories regardless of tribe, tongue, or nationality. He has been given the opportunity to touch lives, and he has made good and great use of it; he has focused on the good of mankind, and he has encouraged and pushed for education and excellence for everyone who is opportune to come in contact with him. A man will only be remembered for touching lives and not for how much wealth and abundance he has—and that’s what Uncle Sam represents: impacting lives.  I am sure if death comes knocking, Uncle Sam will not gnash his teeth but will smile for living a good life and touching humanity. 

Kudos to the organizers of this great and epoch-making event and to my great friend, brother, and co-laborer in His vineyard, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi. I celebrate you,” he added.

Works to be Displayed at the USA Exhibition

For the Uncle Sam Amuka Exhibition, Fidelis Atumah will present three recent works, all created in 2025, that reflect his deep spiritual and philosophical contemplation.

He explains, “The three masterpieces presented for this exhibition were consciously chosen considering the aura, vibes, and feeling of Uncle Sam Amuka at 90 years of age. I consciously thought of what and how he will be feeling at the age of 90—his early beginnings, the challenges, his trials, temptations, and frustrations in the journey of life, and the courage to face, navigate, and overcome whatever challenges that came his way, prioritizing determination over despair, approaching life with positivity, focus, and diligence, and making the best of this incredible gift called life.” 

 The first is titled ‘Gratitude’. Medium/Style: Oil on canvas; Abstraction. Size: 48″ x 60″ (4ft x 5ft). This piece he said, “is a testament that God in His infinite mercies has blessed Uncle Sam Amuka with infinite wisdom, knowledge, understanding, courage, and compassion. God has also blessed the works of his hands and fruits of his labor. His labor is not in vain; God has blessed him with children, blessed him with the wisdom and courage to navigate and overcome life’s challenges. God has decorated and beautified Uncle Sam Amuka’s life, and he has every reason to be thankful and give gratitude to God.”

 The second piece is titled: ‘Blessed All Round’. Medium/Style: Acrylic and oil on canvas; Abstract Expressionism. Size: 48″ x 48″ (4ft x 4ft). This work the artist explained, “is a heartfelt expression of thanks. When we express gratitude to God, we acknowledge that God is the source of all our blessings, big or small. 

I am very confident and convinced that Uncle Sam Amuka will be grateful to the Almighty God at 90 for His love, goodness, and transformative power in changing his life in profound ways.” 

 The third work is title: ‘Death is Inevitable, Life is a Gift, Tomorrow is not Guaranteed’. Medium/Style: Oil on canvas; Surrealism. Size: 24″ x 36″ (2ft x 3ft).

 This piece of art delves into the uncertainty of life. Through the lens of Surrealism, it serves as an inspiring call to live each day with intention, positivity, and gratitude, echoing the Psalmist’s call to “rejoice and be glad” in the present moment.

According to the artist, the piece “speaks of the mortality of mankind and the fundamental human quality of being destined to die. Ultimately, life is not about how long we live but how we live. There goes the saying, “It’s not how far, but how well.” It’s about the impact we make, the relationships we build, the memories we create; so, we should make the most of this precious gift called life. 

“No matter what Uncle Sam Amuka faces tomorrow, I am confident he will not regret how life has treated him. I am sure life has been kind to him to live up to the age of 90; that’s a blessing.”

Vanguard News

The post Art Maestro, Fidelis Atumah to feature in Uncle Sam Amuka exhibition appeared first on Vanguard News.

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OYO State governor, Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, have expressed profound grief over the sudden death of the Bayelsa State deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.  

Governor Makinde described the death of Ewhrudjakpo as a deeply painful loss to the state and to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a condolence message, Governor Makinde commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Bayelsa State government, the people of the state and the PDP nationwide.

He prayed for the repose of Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s soul, describing him as a loyal party stalwart and a courageous democrat who served with dedication and integrity.

The governor said: “I received the news of the passing of our brother and deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday.

“His death is painful and a sad loss to the state he served with unwavering commitment and to us in the PDP, where he stood out as a faithful party man who placed loyalty and democratic values above personal interest.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and good people of Bayelsa State. I pray that God grants repose to his soul and gives his loved ones and the entire state the strength to bear this heavy loss.

“Good night, courageous democrat.”

Similarly, former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, described the loss as one of the saddest events of his life.

In a statement on Thursday, Dickson recalled receiving news of Ewhrudjakpor’s medical emergency while preparing to attend the screening of ambassadorial nominees as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“I spoke with his aides and doctors, then left abruptly to monitor the situation until my worst fears were confirmed,” he said.

Dickson described Ewhrudjakpor as a “selfless, dedicated, honest, and loyal public servant” and a “principled mentee” who had been committed to public service.

He said the late deputy governor combined competence, intellect, loyalty, and selflessness, noting that he had “exemplified the act of living a simple life with profound impact.”

The former governor recounted how he mentored Ewhrudjakpor from the ’90s, supporting his rise from union activist to senior legislative aide, commissioner for works, senator, and finally deputy governor.

“He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When forced to choose between his position and his loyalty, he chose the latter,” Dickson said.

According to Dickson, Ewhrudjakpor’s service left a lasting impact on Bayelsa State, highlighting his open-door policy and commitment to public service.

“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least,” he added.

Dickson extended his condolences to Ewhrudjakpor’s wife and children, describing them as family, and also sent sympathies to the Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church, friends, associates, and supporters.

He urged Nigerians to join the family in praying for the peaceful repose of Ewhrudjakpor’s soul.

“The family will announce, in consultation with the government, the funeral arrangements. We must all find fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Dickson said.

Ewhrudjakpor’s death marks a significant loss for Bayelsa State, with many noting his record of loyalty, diligence, and principled service in public office.

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The Bauchi State government has launched an online portal to recruit 10,000 residents into various ministries, departments, and agencies.

Governor Bala Mohammed disclosed this on Friday before a stakeholders’ meeting on the recruitment process.

He said the session would guide fair engagement, adding that many citizens had already applied through the portal.

“I invited you because the Head of Service has produced a template and briefed us on the employment of 10,000 so far.

“There are 214 job types with 5,669 vacancies across 18 MDAs, and people from every council have applied,” he said.

Mr Mohammed said only 5,669 vacancies were currently available, assuring that remaining applicants would be considered next year.

He urged stakeholders to support an equitable and accountable recruitment plan.

(NAN)

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A 21-year-old first-time mother, Iqmat Yinusa, has cried out for help after watching her newborn son grow inside a hospital cot, a tiny space he has never been allowed to leave because of an unpaid medical bill running into hundreds of thousands of naira.

Naija News reports that for more than three months, the young mother and her baby have remained at Lifeline Paediatric Hospital, Alekuwodo, Osogbo, Osun State, since August, unable to go home after treatment was completed, following the family’s inability to settle the hospital charges.

Yinusa, who hails from Iree, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, shared the harrowing experience of her family with The PUNCH.

With hurried steps and visible anxiety, Yinusa approached journalists, and before she could be asked a question, the young woman knelt down in greeting and pleaded for help.

“Ekaasan sir (Good afternoon sir). Please help me. My child and I have been here since August this year, and we’re not allowed to go because we couldn’t pay the hospital bill,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

Three Days of Labour, Emergency CS

Yinusa narrated that her ordeal began after she went into labour and spent three days at two different hospitals, hoping for a normal delivery.

She was first admitted to a hospital in Iree before being transferred to another private hospital in Iragbiji, where doctors later advised a Caesarean section due to complications.

“I was shocked when I was told I would undergo a CS. We didn’t expect it, although I had been in labour for three days. I was first admitted in Iree, then transferred to Iragbiji, where I spent two days before the procedure. It was a painful experience,” she recalled.

According to her, the baby became weak before delivery and was rushed out immediately after birth for specialist care at Lifeline Paediatric Hospital in Osogbo.

“My baby was rushed out of the hospital after delivery. I was told he was weak because of the labour stress and needed urgent medical attention. He was taken to Lifeline Hospital in Osogbo,” she said.

She added that being separated from her newborn at birth was traumatic. Yinusa said, “Despite being in pain, I wanted to stay with him. Being separated from my baby at birth was harrowing. I kept praying for a quick recovery and divine intervention so I could be with him.”

Mother Battles Health Complications

Yinusa’s health deteriorated after delivery, delaying her reunion with her child for about a month. She said she was stabilised with two pints of blood and several sachets of intravenous fluids.

By the time she was strong enough to join her baby at the hospital, the family’s finances had already been badly stretched.

“All I wanted was to be near my child,” she said.

At Lifeline Hospital, the baby was placed on oxygen for more than a week. Recalling her first meeting with her son after weeks of separation, Yinusa broke down in tears.

“I burst into tears when I saw where he was placed. It was such an emotional moment for me. I held him tight for the first time after a month. The hospital staff had been taking care of him, feeding him with baby formula. May no mother experience what I am going through,” she prayed.

She said breastfeeding was initially difficult as a first-time mother but improved over time.

“By the time I joined him, he had completed treatment, so my role was mainly cleaning and feeding him,” Yinusa explained.

Restricted Access Due To Unpaid Bills

Naija News reports that despite being allowed to stay in the hospital, Yinusa said her interaction with her baby was restricted because of the unpaid bill.

She explained that she could feed and clean her child, but was not allowed to hold him for long, for fear of being sent away by hospital staff.

“Till this moment, I haven’t been able to take my son home. I also can’t hold him for too long because of the hospital rules,” she said tearfully.

The young mother lamented that her baby, since birth, has never experienced life outside the hospital ward.

“Since birth, my baby has not seen the outside world. He has been confined to a small baby pod. The space is cramped, and rashes have appeared all over his body,” she said.

Explaining why her son had not been discharged, Yinusa said the hospital bill had become overwhelming for the family.

“We are owing the hospital. We couldn’t afford the bill, which is running to about ₦700,000. All the treatment amounted to over ₦800,000, but we made a deposit of ₦150,000 initially,” she explained.

She added that they had remained in the hospital since the first week of September, even after her baby completed treatment.

“I’m not blaming the hospital management; they have tried for us. I am appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid,” the mother said.

‘I Am Exhausted’ – Father Speaks

The baby’s father, Sodiq, who spoke with journalists on the phone, said the experience had left him emotionally and financially drained.

The well-known moulder disclosed that he had spent over ₦900,000 on the treatment of his wife and child.

“This situation has drained me emotionally and financially,” he said.

According to him, his son was admitted on August 24 and completed about 15 days of treatment, but was not released due to the unpaid bill.

“My son has been detained for over three months because we couldn’t pay the hospital bill. He has spent nearly three months at the hospital now,” Sodiq.

Sodiq further explained the financial burden the family had borne since August.

“My wife underwent surgery to deliver the baby. She received two pints of blood transfusion. We deposited ₦150,000 before treatment started. The baby was on oxygen for eight days,” he said.

He added, “I spent ₦9,000 every four days on baby food. That’s almost ₦20,000 per week. We ran several tests for my wife and the baby, which cost a lot. I mould and fix well rings, but there is no patronage now. Nobody is willing to give me a loan.”

Appealing for public assistance, he said, “Please help us. Even if we manage to pay the bill now, what will we eat afterwards?”

Findings by reporters revealed that Yinusa’s experience is not isolated, as at least two other mothers were previously detained at the same hospital for over two months due to unpaid medical bills.

They were, however, released a few weeks ago after funds were raised to settle their bills.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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A Senior Fellow, Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, says President Bola Tinubu, who criticized ex-President Goodluck Jonathan over schoolchildren abduction in 2014, is now doing worse than Jonathan.

Prof Ibrahim stated this on Friday when he featured in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST.

He also said that many thought that insecurity would end when late Muhammadu Buhari became president since he was a top Army General.

“Buhari came and proved totally incapable of ending insecurity. Tinubu criticised Jonathan for school abductions and has found himself at the helm of affairs and performing worse than Jonathan did.

“I think it’s been a very difficult year for Nigerians, but the fact of the matter is that many of the preceding years have been equally difficult on Nigerians, but I think what marks this year is the glaring inability, or some would say the unwillingness of the Nigerian state to carry out its constitutional responsibility of providing for the security and welfare of Nigerians.

“Since 2009, how do we explain the fact that each year, insecurity continues to grow, and the number of people, civilians with arms, using these arms against communities, against road users, against even the military and the police themselves, clearly indicates a sustained lack of effort on the part of the Nigerian state to carry out its constitutional responsibility.

“The fact of the matter is that once you have people who have no rights to arms, procuring arms and then finding out they could use those arms with impunity, that problem is bound to increase.

“We have had many moments of hope that the tide will turn. When Buhari came, many of us felt the tide would turn. This is a tough Army General. He will deal with them. He did nothing of that. He proved totally incapable of doing that.

“So it’s a very sad tale. The narrative is extremely disturbing, and the problem we all face as Nigerians is that we are yet to see a government that has both the will, the determination and the know-how to attack this problem of rising insecurity,” he said.

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The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has outlined the Federal Government’s sophisticated strategy to combat insecurity and kidnapping across the country by tackling vulnerabilities within the telecommunications space.

​Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Tijani acknowledged public concern over ransom negotiations and crimes allegedly conducted via unregistered SIMs, stating that the problem is “far more technical” than widely understood.

​The Minister revealed that while the mandatory National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage was an initial step, criminal networks have since adopted new tactics, moving away from simple unregistered lines.

​He explained that criminals now rely on technologies that allow them to bypass standard towers, routing calls across multiple towers, a tactic that is most effective in remote and poorly connected regions.

​“They were not using the normal towers; they bounce calls off multiple towers. That’s why they enjoy living in areas that are unconnected,” Tijani explained.

​He noted that the current administration realized this deficiency, which is why President Tinubu pushed for investment in towers in those insecure areas.

​To neutralize these network blackspots and enhance security surveillance, the Minister announced a multi-pronged connectivity strategy.

​He said Nigeria remains the “only West African country” operating its own communications satellites, a capability the government is now strengthening.

​“This is why we are upgrading our two satellites, so that if our towers are not working, our satellites will work,” he said.

​According to him, the government is investing heavily in fibre optic cable expansion.

Tijjani disclosed that the Federal Executive Council recently approved a collaborative project with Huawei to deploy 4,000 new telecom towers across underserved rural communities.

​He confirmed that this project, set to start next year, is expected to “significantly improve rural connectivity, stimulate commerce and enhance security surveillance.”

​The Minister noted, however, that the satellite deployment, while critical, remains “the third leg” of the broader operation and will take longer to go live than the tower and fibre projects, which are “well in progress.”

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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The Olympus Marino Deck, the Port Harcourt chapter of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), has renewed call for commitment to rights protection in Nigeria.

The group made the call in a radio programme to commemorate the Human Rights Day 2025, in Rivers State.

The event featured leading legal practitioners who examined the historical foundations of human rights, assessed Nigeria’s current performance, and outlined urgent reforms needed to strengthen rights protection across the country.

Dr. Marshall Jumbo during the programme noted the global significance of Human Rights Day, commemorated marked every December 10 in honour of the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

He explained that the UDHR emerged in response to the atrocities of World War II including the Holocaust and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a universal safeguard against future abuses.

He highlighted its 30 articles covering core freedoms such as expression, association, and child protection, stressing that even in modern conflicts, civilian rights must remain protected.

Nnamdi Amadi-Wali traced the evolution of human rights from the chaotic “state of nature” to the social contract, noting that despite these philosophical advances, many rights remain unrealised in Nigeria due to weak institutions and poor governance.

The panelists agreed that human rights are inalienable, indivisible, and universal, and that no right should be treated as inferior or expendable.

Dominic Ikenna Chukwu noted that Nigeria continues to rank poorly on global indices: “the World Justice Project places the Nigeria as 120th of 142 countries, while Reporters Without Borders ranks Nigeria 122nd of 180 countries”.

He stated that despite constitutional guarantees particularly in Sections 36 to 43 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) rights such as fair hearing, due process, and freedom of speech are routinely violated.

Dominic stressed that fundamental rights to education, life, movement, and association are “non-negotiable,” yet remain undermined by corruption and a lack of political will.

Institutional failures in the police, judiciary, and governance systems were identified as major contributors to arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and widespread abuse. Judicial delays and overloaded courts further weaken accountability.

Speakers highlighted systemic corruption and declining moral values as major obstacles to human rights protection. They noted the erosion of conscience, discipline, and ethical standards in public life, and called for renewed investment in civic and moral education.

The judiciary’s limited independence particularly executive influence over judicial appointments was cited as a barrier to justice. Unequal application of the law, where the influential evade accountability, continues to deepen public distrust.

The Rivers State experience at the programme was described as a microcosm of wider national challenges. “Residents continue to report arbitrary arrests and detentions, particularly in stations like Forces Avenue Police Station. Weak enforcement mechanisms and overstretched courts contribute to delayed justice and fear among citizens”.

Speakers recommended establishing human rights desks at community levels to improve access to information, monitoring, and accountability. Community and religious institutions were encouraged to take more active roles in promoting ethical conduct and respect for human dignity.

The panelists proposed practical measures, including: “Encouraging citizens to assert their rights through lawful channels, including the courts. Ensuring full judicial independence and insulation from executive interference.

Also, “Reviving moral and civic education in schools, religious institutions, and media. Increasing pro bono legal services to improve access to justice, and strengthening collaboration between government and civil society to deepen public awareness and embed a culture of rights”.

They warned that corruption, injustice, and lawlessness will continue to undermine Nigeria’s development unless human rights protection becomes a national priority.

Olympus Marino Deck through this programme reaffirms its commitment to promoting human dignity, civic consciousness, and championing a society grounded in respect for rights and justice.

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Fidelis David in Akure 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revalidation of the state’s deep sea port licence, a milestone he described as pivotal for industrialisation and investments in the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made the announcement yesterday, while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the final expanded quarterly meeting for 2025 at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure.

He explained that the licence, initially secured from the federal government during his tenure as deputy governor, faced delays due to a naming error in the original business case. 

“There was an error in terms of the name of the potential investor. It created setbacks because the licence was not in the name of Deep Sea Port Limited. We had to start new processes and prepare a brand-new full business case,” he said.

The Governor revealed the port will be located in Erunona, Ilaje local government area, which boasts the state’s longest coastline and serves as a gateway to global trade. 

The corridor, he added, would host chemical plants producing fertilisers, the Sunshine Petroleum Zone, and a modular refinery with a 500,000-barrel capacity, all at different planning and development stages.

“A lot is happening. The MOU has been signed, land allocated and preliminary work done. Construction on the modular refinery has already begun,” he said, underlining the state’s readiness for large-scale investments.

He emphasised infrastructure development as central to the administration’s strategy, noting that roads to industrial zones are being dualised and modernisation projects are ongoing. Preparations for residential, educational, and hospitality facilities to support an anticipated population increase are also underway. 

Highlighting social achievements, Dr. Aiyedatiwa noted that 412 primary healthcare centres have been completed or nearing completion, ambulances provided to all local governments, and doctors’ welfare prioritised. 

“Security remains a key focus, with 512 personnel deployed across the state, supported by command and control centres. Traditional rulers have been prioritised with enhanced salaries and mobility to strengthen grassroots oversight,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa urged party unity, stressing that personal ambitions should not divide the APC. Recalling his governorship primary, he said, “Even if your aspirant does not secure a ticket, it should not divide the party. Eight of 15 aspirants supported me immediately, and the others eventually joined. That is the way it should be.” 

He also called for unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Linking state progress to national reforms, the Governor said improved fiscal policies have allowed Ondo to invest in infrastructure, security, and industrial projects while reducing debt.

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