Boniface Okoro in Aba

Postponement of the 13 convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, has continued to cause ripples as some graduates of the institution have called on the federal government to intervene in the alleged power play between the university’s Pro-chancellor, Fidelis Edeh, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, which has stalled their convocation ceremony.
The fate of the fresh graduates now hangs in the air following the Pro-Chancellor’s alleged refusal to approve the budget for the convocation ceremony in a bid to settle scores with the vice chancellor.

Preparations had reached advanced stage for the ceremony scheduled for December 12, 2025, as all the statutory organs had given the go-ahead for the event, only for the Pro-Chancellor to deliberately stall the process by withholding the budget in a bid to frustrate the convocation and spite the vice chancellor, whose tenure is due on March 1, 2026.

Recall that on December 10, the university announced the postponement of the 13th convocation ceremony, which was earlier approved to hold from December 10 to 13 on the university’s campus in Umudike.

In the statement signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Iwe, the university apologised to the Chancellor and Chairman of convocation, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar IV, regretting the inconveniences the postponement must have caused him and the graduands of the institution.

Part of the statement captioned: ‘Notice of Postponement of 13th Convocation Ceremony’, read: “The Senate of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, wishes to notify the public that the 13th convocation ceremony of the university approved earlier to hold from December 10 to 13, 2025, has been put on hold until further notice.”

Iwe, who is also the chairman of the university’s Senate, also used the opportunity to apologise to the convocation lecturer, Dr. Simeon Ehui, the director-general of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, “for the disruptions, which this postponement must have caused him.”
The university assured all concerned that a new date for the 13th convocation ceremony will be announced later, even as newsmen gathered that the pro-chancellor has sworn that the event would not hold under Iwe’s watch, despite the graduands’ insistence that academic tradition of universities specify that convocation ceremonies are the exclusive responsibility of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.

One of the distraught graduands lamented the interruption, regretting that he and his parents had incurred much cost preparing for the ceremony only to be informed at the eleventh-hour of a postponement.

“It is not fair or proper. We know that it is all politics. The Pro-Chancellor is merely pursuing vendetta on behalf of his benefactor, former Science and Technology Minister, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, who nominated him for the position. The Pro-Chancellor has not forgiven the VC for serving as the INEC returning officer that announced Governor Peter Mbah as winner of the 2023 Enugu State governorship election instead of Chief Geoffrey Nnaji.
“Why should innocent students be made to suffer from this needless power play? Some of us have planned to travel outside the country for our masters. We pray that President Bola Tinubu should intervene through the Minister of Agriculture and save our souls,” the graduating student stated.
The university Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Ubadire Agua, disputed the claims that an alleged faceoff between the Pro-Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor led to the postponement of the scheduled convocation.

In a statement dated December 6, 2025, Uba said: “The Vice-Chancellor held an emergency meeting of Senate on December 4, 2025, and reported to members of Senate that the chairman of the Governing Council had put all activities of the 13th convocation ceremony on hold, pending when the Governing Council meets to consider the budget and decide on new dates for the event.”

He added: “Although the directive of the Chairman of Council was received in the Senate with mixed feelings, Prof. Iwe cautioned that it should not create disaffection or cause any form of distractions in the university, especially as his administration transits to a new one.”
On the issue of the Enugu State election, the university spokesman maintained that Prof. Iwe discharged his responsibilities excellently, adding that the VC has not recruited any person to speak on his behalf on the issue.

In a telephone interview yesterday, the Pro-Chancellor explained that the postponement of the convocation ceremony was not a personal but a collective decision, emphasizing that he has no such power to unilaterally stop the programme.

“Stopping the convocation cannot be a personal decision. Pro-Chancellor is the chairman of council and there is no power vested in the chairman to stop a convocation; it is be possible, because the Governing Council will first feel slighted, Senate will feel slighted, the Chancellor of the university who will preside over the convocation, will feel slighted and the Minister of Education will feel slighted; even the President, the Visitor I am representing too.

“People should not personalize the postponement of the convocation. This is an institution, and convocation is the highest ceremony of the university and that convocation is vested in the Senate. What the council does is to approve the process, including funding.

So if the convocation could not hold, it means there is something fundamentally wrong with it, It cannot be the chairman that stopped it,” he said.
He also dismissed allegations of vendetta against the VC, saying: “Even if the chairman has vendetta as people are alleging, he can’t bring it into the convocation issue,” stressing that he could only be accused of vendetta if he was trying to probe or remove the VC.

“Convocation is in the Act establishing the university. It is not possible that an individual can stop it. It will be easy to remove the chairman than for him to stop the convocation. If I am not affected, I will dismiss it if anyone brings such story to me.

“The university has reacted to the postponement of the convocation and there is no indication in that reaction that it was unilaterally stopped by an individual.

“As to the reasons while the convocation was topped, that is an internal matter, which by the time it is sorted out, and in the course of putting a new date, it will be explained.

“If the institutions of the university: the Governing Council and the management, presided over by the VC, have not faulted the postponement of the convocation, every other rumour or allegation is inconsequential,” he said.

SOURCE PAGE

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed concerns over the growing trend of reckless road use among celebrities, content creators and social media influencers, warning that such behaviour endangers lives and weakens road safety efforts.
 
The traffic agency was reacting to the reckless driving by popular TikTok streamer, Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, who was involved in a road crash blamed on distracted driving.
   
According to a statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed ordered the prosecution of Pelle, following a widely circulated video  showing him engaging in a live video stream while driving, an act that reportedly resulted in a crash.
 
Mohammed described the incident as unlawful and dangerous, noting that it could have led to loss of lives. He said the incident “serves as a grim reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads.”

Mohammed stated that “live streaming, content creation, recording or engaging in any activity that distracts a driver while driving is a direct violation of established road traffic regulations and poses grave danger not only to the driver but to other innocent road users.”  He added that such actions undermine efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities across the country.
 
Consequently, the corps marshal directed the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC to commence prosecution of the individual involved.
 
According to him, the charges would include “reckless driving, use of phone while driving, and distracted driving, in accordance with extant traffic laws.”

Mohammed also called on professional bodies within the entertainment industry to take responsibility for the conduct of their members. He urged actors’ guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks and content creator communities to rein in their members and promote responsible behaviour on Nigerian roads.
  
Noting the influence celebrities wield, especially among young Nigerians, he warned that they “must be seen as ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness.”
 
Issuing a warning on enforcement, Mohammed said the FRSC “will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual, celebrity or otherwise, found engaging in distracted or reckless driving.”
 
He stressed that “no social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life” and further reminded motorists that “public roads are not studios, stages or streaming platforms,” describing them as shared spaces governed by laws designed to preserve lives.
Recall that another TikToker, Ademola Abiodun, also known as DJ Chicken, was recently involved in multiple car crashes in Lagos.

SOURCE PAGE

The Ekiti State government has called on farmers to intensify efforts toward sustainable and environmentally friendly palm oil production.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, made the call during the opening of a three-day training programme for smallholder farmers in Ado-Ekiti.

Boluwade reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting palm oil production through policies and legal frameworks that encourage the planting of palm trees and enhance processing capacity across the state.

He described sustainable palm oil production as key to boosting food security, job creation and economic growth.

The training, sponsored by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), was organised in collaboration with the Ekiti Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative and Propcom+ UK International Development.

With the theme: “Enhancing Stakeholders’ Knowledge on RSPO Standards to Facilitate Responsible Production, Environmental Safeguards, Sustainable Land Use Planning, and Supply Chain Traceability in Ekiti State,” the workshop aims to deepen farmers’ understanding of global standards for sustainable palm oil production.

Speaking at the event, the state Project Coordinator, Dr. Yemi Akinyugha, and the leader of the Propcom+ team, Mr. Abib Ibrahim, stressed the need for farmers to adopt practices that protect the environment.

They noted that the training would equip participants with modern skills while exposing them to partnership opportunities with national and international development agencies.

The Ekiti State Chairman of the National Palm Production Association, Adebabo Oluwagbemigun, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and capable of increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.

Resource persons at the programme took participants through improved techniques and partnership models aimed at strengthening palm oil production in Ekiti State and beyond.

SOURCE PAGE

A former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has asked the chaireperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to recuse himself from an investigation involving him, alleging bias, personal vendetta and political persecution.

Mr Malami made the request in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Doka, amid his continued detention by the anti-graft agency.

The former justice minister accused the EFCC of unlawful detention, media harassment and procedural abuse, insisting that the investigation against him was driven by political considerations following his recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He said he had been “clearly prejudged” and could not expect a fair and objective investigation under the current leadership of the commission.

‘Why EFCC chair is after me’

Mr Malami traced his concerns to events during his tenure as Attorney-General, when the federal government constituted the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.

According to him, the current EFCC chairman served as secretary to the EFCC and was the subject of adverse findings contained in the commission’s report.

“The present investigation bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Mr Malami said.

Based on this, he called on the EFCC chairman to step aside from the investigation or prosecution and the “matter be handed over to another appropriate government enforcement agency to restore credibility, legality, and public confidence.”

He specifically called the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi,”as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, to prevail on the EFCC chairman to recuse himself, in order to prevent further institutional damage and ensure that prosecutorial powers are not abused for partisan or personal ends.”

The former minister also demanded that he be arraigned in court or released within 24 hours, citing Sections 35(3), (4) and (5) of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and prescribe limits on detention without trial.

EFCC assembling convicts as witnesses

He further alleged that the EFCC intended to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and who should be serving sentences abroad as witnesses, a move he described as improper and harmful to Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Mr Malami said his legal team had requested certified true copies of the petitions that prompted the investigation, as well as the EFCC’s investigation report, to enable him to prepare his defence.

“I seek no political settlement or inducement,” he said. “My singular objective is to clear my name openly and transparently before a court of competent jurisdiction.”

The EFCC did not immediately respond to Mr Malami’s request for the recusal of its chairman.

Bail controversy

However, the commission had denied claims by Mr Malami that it revoked his bail because he attended a political gathering in Kebbi State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, described the allegation as “patently false,” saying the agency was compelled to respond to misleading claims about its operations.

Mr Oyewale said Mr Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was granted administrative bail on 28 November after a brief interrogation, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment.

“Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court,” he said.

According to the EFCC, the former minister was granted provisional bail subject to five conditions, none of which he had fulfilled as of the time he was re-invited for further questioning.

Mr Oyewale said Mr Malami was expected to return on 1 December but later requested a deferment on health grounds through a letter dated 4 December, a request the commission said it granted despite his failure to meet the bail conditions.

He said Mr Malami neither submitted a medical report nor provided credible evidence to support his claim of ill-health.

The EFCC said it subsequently invited Mr Malami again on 8 December for further interrogation and detained him after he failed to meet the outstanding bail requirements.

He described Mr Malami’s claim that his bail was revoked as untenable, adding that it was wrong to suggest that the commission restricted him from granting media interviews or participating in political activities.

Mr Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

READ ALSO: EFCC denies revoking ex-AGF Malamis bail, explains continued detention

A founding member of the APC, he recently declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State on the platform of the ADC after defecting from the ruling party earlier in the year.

The EFCC is investigating Mr Malami over allegations, including claims of fraudulent duplication of expenses for the recovery of assets linked to the late former military ruler, Sani Abacha.

Reports have also indicated that the commission is probing 46 bank accounts allegedly linked to the former minister, as well as his multi-billion-naira investments in Kebbi State.

Following his detention, Mr Malami’s lawyers challenged his continued custody, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights, a development that has drawn political reactions from opposition figures accusing the EFCC of politicising its actions.

Source link

• A Nigerian pastor has lamented bitterly online after thieves came into his church and carted away some properties kept in the church
• In a video, the pastor who’s planning a night vigil with his members, said the thieves stole and AC fan, including some speakers
• Social media users who came across the post on the TikTok app did not hesitate to share their mixed reactions

A pastor in Nigeria expressed deep frustration online after his church became the target of a burglary.

The incident reportedly happened as the church prepared for a night vigil, leaving the pastor and congregation facing unexpected losses.

Thieves steal fan, speakers from church

Among the items taken were an air conditioning fan and several speakers, which were essential for the church’s events and services.

The thieves also discovered the church’s fuel supply, which they completely emptied before leaving.

Read also

Lady shares how popular church almost ruined her life, narrates encounter: “I escaped for my life”

Sharing the emotional ordeal on TikTok, the pastor identified as Apostle of Fire on TikTok narrated:

“What has the church done to deserve all this? People of God, God bless you. Today is my last Holy Ghost All night for the year. I just came into the church now with good news and I said let me come and check the sound system and also do some prayers before I leave. Coming to the church, thief has entered the church. Thief has carried speaker, AC fan, they also carried another speaker that stays here (points fingers). I don’t know who is after the church. This is all night vigil and I don’t know where I will get instruments. There was fuel here, filled up. Now it’s empty.”

Reactions as thieves steal from church

TikTok users stormed the comments section to react to the post.

@Sandra Christopher said:

“Man of God, the Lord we serve will help you give you a better one ijn. this is a test , please do not let this to weigh you down or make you to start asking God question. if you observe the comments section you see that quite number of people are mocking God, please don’t fall for it and even without instrument still praise him and hold your program cause if you pass this test a better and bigger instrument will be provided. may God Almighty bless you sir.”

Read also

“She can’t be a Jezebel”: Man who knows Sandra Areh speaks out, shares interesting facts

@Black_Bishop said:

“So sorry, the same god that gives us promised protecting our lives and property can’t protect his own house and property?? So sad.”

@EMMYDON_CHEMIST said:

“Na the members wey done realized say una dey deceive them, so if them sell am now all the offerings and tight them dey pay since the money go cover some of it.”

@Village people said:

“Jesus will fight them. Pls don’t call police. Didn’t you put sticker on it, cos una dey give my mama sticker that time to protect our home. abi make I bring some for u.”

@ENGINEER MATHIAS DAMBA said:

“I’m appalled by some of the comments here. Mockingg Jesus, the man of God, and the church is unacceptable. Let’s focus on spreading love and kindness, not hate and negativity. If you don’t have anything positive to contribute, please refrain from commenting. Let’s keep the comment section respectful and uplifting!To the man of God, I salute you for staying calm and focused on your message. You’re an inspiration!”

Read also

Lady in tears as theives break into new shop weeks after taking loan to launch it: “Cruel world”

@ednaspark added:

“So u can’t praise God without sound system, u never see anything, they even pity for u by not carrying everything including the chairs & the drums.”

See the post below:

Man who stole from church confesses

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a former usher who moved overseas opened up about some of the bad things he did while he served in the church.

The man admitted that he and his friends stole offerings, alms, tithes and other monetary donations to the church.

Source: Legit.ng

SOURCE PAGE

Sunday Ehigiator

The Managing Director of Accion Microfinance Bank, Mr. Taiwo Joda, has warned that Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME) sector risks stagnation unless financial institutions urgently evolve from traditional lenders into full-scale enablers of business growth,

Joda sounded the warning during Accion Microfinance Bank’s 2025 Annual Financial Inclusion Seminar, with the theme ‘Unlocking MSME Value Chain to Drive Growth and Prosperity: The Evolving Role of Financial Institutions’, held in Lagos

According to Joda, Nigeria can no longer afford a financial system that discourages entrepreneurs before they even begin operations. 

He said, “complex documentation, rigid collateral requirements and slow onboarding processes are shutting millions of MSMEs out of formal finance, despite the sector contributing about 48 per cent of GDP and 84 per cent of national employment.

“Financial institutions must work with regulators to co-design rules that control risk without scaring MSMEs away with paperwork. Simpler documentation, clearer guidelines and digital-first onboarding systems are immediate wins.”

He stressed that unlocking MSME value chains requires deliberate regulatory and institutional reforms, identifying four urgent steps government and regulators must take. 

“These include simplifying Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements for low-risk MSMEs, relaxing collateral rules in favour of cash-flow–based lending, accelerating approvals for digital lending platforms, and enforcing faster, more transparent processes at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and land registries. These changes would immediately open up credit channels across the entire MSME value chain,” he noted.

Joda also argued that microfinance banks must move beyond the narrow role of credit providers to become ecosystem architects that actively integrate MSMEs into productive value chains. 

He explained that institutions like Accion can leverage their existing MSME networks to connect producers, distributors and service providers on shared digital platforms that combine payments, training, market access and partnerships alongside credit.

“By becoming the hub that links finance with supply chains, information and technology, financial institutions position themselves as enablers of MSME growth rather than just sources of loans,” he said.

SOURCE PAGE

From last week continues the narrative on the emergence of Dr Moses Majekodunmi as administrator of Western Nigeria following the declaration of emergency rule. It also highlights the emergence and various roles played by Oba Akinyele, Oba Akenzua and Oba Aderele.

This came to a head when Alhaji Chief Dauda Soroye Adegbenro (1909-1975), the Balogun of Owu and the Ekerin of Egbaland, Chief Awolowo’s supporter, was appointed premier by Governor Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ife. Disorder broke out in the House of Assembly as the new Premier was presenting his government for vote of confidence and following the subsequent outbreak of violence both among their supporters outside, the Region was placed under a state of emergency. The government was suspended and as sole Administrator of the West was appointed in the person of Dr. Moses A. Majekodunmi. 

Throughout the entire political crisis Oba Akinyele remained aloof, placing himself at the disposal of any peace initiative for which Ibadan was a venue on several occasions. He ruled for only ten years but left a big reputation behind when he died in May 1965. 

Oba Uku Akpolokpolo Omo n’Oba n’Edo (1889-1978) Akenzua II was born as Edokparhogbuyunmun at Benin in 1899; his father was Oba Eweka II who ruled Benin from 1914 until 1933, and his grandfather the great Oba Ovonramwen who was the last independent King of Benin. He studied at Benin Government School between 1907 and 1915 and later at King’s College, Lagos, from 1918 to 1921. On leaving school, he became employed as a transport clerk in the Benin Native Authority on a wage of N6 per month.

His training for the future office of Oba began when he became confidential Secretary to his father, Eweka II, whose death in 1933 introduced Akenzua II to the rigour of office. Before then, in 1925, he worked under the supervision of the late Alake of Egbaland, Oba Ladapo Ademola II (1872–1962). Following this, he was appointed to head the Ekaidolor District, the present Iyekuselu; he was in this office when his father died. In the same year Prince Okoro was installed Oba of Benin with the title of Akenzua II. 

Between 1946 and 1966, the formative years of the new political system in the country, the Oba was a member of the Legislative Council of Nigeria, member of the Western House of Assembly, a member of the Western House of Chiefs and a Cabinet Minister.

Oba Akenzua was instrumental in the creation of the Midwest Region; it was his view that the two provinces of Benin and Delta in the Western Region could constitute the Bendel State by which the Midwest later became known. In October 1953, he formed the Benin-Delta People’s Party to campaign for the Unification of the two provinces. With the creation of the region, he became the first President of the Midwest House of Chiefs in 1964. His contributions to the politics and policies that shaped the content of Nigerian formative politics were rewarded by awards and honours bestowed on him: he was decorated with the insignia of the Commander of the Republic of Nigeria and was made a Justice of Peace. From 1966 to 1972 he served as the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

As the Oba of Benin, Akenzua II was the custodian of the rich Bini tradition and culture whose study and promotion he personally encouraged; it was to this end he volunteered whatever bronze or ivory carvings under his jurisdiction for the success of the Black Arts and Culture Festival, FESTAC, that was held in the Nigeria capital in 1977. He died in the late 1978 and was succeeded by Solomon Igbinoghodua Aisiokuoba who became Oba Erediauwa I of Benin in 1979. 

Oba Rufus Adesokeji Aderele (Tewogboye II), son of Oba Tewogboye 1 ascended the throne as the Osemawe of Ondo, after the dethronement Oba Fidipote II. He was an educated Oba, adequately experienced in the system of governance and reigned from 1942-1974. He was the father Prince Ademola Olugbade Aderele; who served Nigeria as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on various missions, including representing the Nigerian Government as its first Nigerian High Commissioner to Thailand.

To be concluded 

•Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.

The post Assessing the relevance of traditional rulers (3), by Eric Teniola    appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

Nigeria has secured a $1 billion innovation fund aimed at supporting start-ups in the marine and blue economy sector.

Ronke Kosoko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Maritime Innovations Hub, announced this at a media event held in Abuja on Monday. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Notable attendees included Olusegun Dada, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, as well as representatives from the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and other ministries and government agencies.

Mrs. Kosoko stated that the fund will be officially launched at the Blue Economy Investment Summit, scheduled to take place from March 9 to 11, 2026, in Lagos.

She also mentioned that international funders are expected to meet with President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, during the summit.

Also, Mrs. Kosoko explained that the $1 billion fund is a follow-up to Nigeria’s earlier achievement of securing a $100 million training bid for capacity development in the maritime industry.

“When the $100Million offer came, I wasn’t looking for it because people trust me globally due to our track records, but we have rearranged another offer and it was in the process that the $1 billion offer came, so we had to go back to the Presidency again and that informed why you have been seeing me around the Ministry in the last six months.

“We’re now at the end, because they will now be coming back into the country to meet with the Hon. Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, the Central Bank Governor as well as the President in March 2026 and they also plan to support some start ups in the sector with funding and international training, so the stage is set,” she said.

She stressed that global investors are more interested in clear deliverables than politics.

“People and organisations have money in billions of Euros and Dollars but they are not interested in our dirty politicking and games, they are interested in the task to be achieved so when we are ready with that, they will flow in,” she added.

The development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence by tapping into the blue economy, which covers maritime transport, fisheries, coastal tourism, shipbuilding and ocean-based renewable energy. Nigeria has one of the largest coastlines in West Africa and a strategic position along major global shipping routes,

However, inadequate port infrastructure, policy bottlenecks, and limited access to financing have constrained growth in the sector, forcing shipping lines and investors to favour neighbouring countries. The newly secured innovation fund is expected to address some of these gaps by supporting start-ups with capital, skills and international exposure.

Mrs Kosoko disclosed that no fewer than 370,000 youths across the country will participate in the summit alongside 28 governors and 37 serving senators.

“370,000 youths across 36 States of the Federation including the FCT will be connecting live to the President at the event from their State Capital and we will be working with the PBATMEDIACENTRE on this particular demographics.

“28 State Governors on the table and 10 of them are represented at this Media Parley.

37 Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

Reflecting on the country’s maritime performance, Mrs Kosoko lamented that Nigeria continues to lose billions of naira to neighbouring countries such as Lomé and Cote d I’voice, as vessels increasingly prefer to berth there rather than in Nigerian ports.

“It is also no longer news that Nigeria is losing billions to Lome, Togo, Cote d I’voire as vessels now prefer to berth in those countries rather than coming to Nigeria and those countries studied our weaknesses as a country and built a business around Nigeria’s failure,” she added.

She noted that reclaiming these lost opportunities is a priority of the Technical Assistant to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who will lead a dedicated session on the issue at the March 2026 summit.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, called for simpler and more accessible policies, stressing that government initiatives should be communicated in ways that young people and the general public can easily understand, rather than through complex technical language.

SOURCE PAGE

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured the management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, of his administration’s commitment to addressing accumulated unpaid salaries, gratuities and other critical challenges inherited from past administrations.

The governor gave the assurance when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie, and members of her management team on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo, while congratulating the Vice-Chancellor and her team on their appointments, noted that their presentation underscored the depth of challenges confronting the institution.

The governor in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele said.

“From what you have outlined today, it is clear that Ambrose Alli University was on life support. I must commend the progress you have recorded so far since assuming the office,” the governor said.

“I am impressed by your efforts, and I want to assure you that in any way possible, this administration will support the university to reposition it and restore its lost glory.”

Addressing the issue of accumulated salary arrears, the governor described the non-payment of staff salaries over several years as unfair and unacceptable.

“It is not right for people to work and not be paid. The issue of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities running into billions of naira is something I will take as a project,” he said.

“These are issues inherited from the past government, and we will address them.”

Governor Okpebholo also acknowledged other concerns raised by the University management, including hostel infrastructure, accreditation-related challenges and facilities required for programmes such as Medical Laboratory Science.

“This year’s budget is already at an advanced stage, but I expect that these critical needs will be properly captured in your budget proposals. Once that is done, we will see how best to move the institution forward,” he added.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omonzejie, explained that the delay in paying a courtesy visit to the governor was due to a recently concluded accreditation exercise and the need to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the state of the university.

She noted that the university she inherited was in a moribund state, plagued by infrastructural decay, unpaid salaries and accreditation challenges, among others.

Professor Omonzejie expressed profound appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for what she described as “life-saving interventions” since his assumption of office.

According to her, the governor’s approval of an increased monthly subvention, restoration of affected staff to the payroll, support for graduating backlog medical students, improved security logistics, and the facilitation of road construction through the Niger Delta Development Commission have significantly revived the institution.

She also formally presented pressing needs requiring urgent attention, including accumulated unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities and union deductions, as well as the construction of lecture theatres and hostels to enhance accreditation and expand student intake, particularly in the College of Medicine.

The meeting was attended by top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu among others.

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has said he will consider defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu can fulfil all his conditions.

Naija News reports that Abaribe, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, stated that the first condition would be a reversal of policies that penalise Nigerians.

The lawmaker stressed that President Tinubu must reduce the size of his government and rein in all those around him.

According to Abaribe, Nigeria is a democracy, not a monarchy, and governance must be carried out in line with democratic principles.

When asked if he would defect to the APC if President Tinubu called him, Abaribe said: “I will give him all the conditions and he can fulfil it. First of all, you must see all your policies, all the policies that punish Nigerians, you reverse them. That is number one.

“Number two, you cut down your government. Number three, you reign in all the people around you. Number four, there are so many things we will tell him.

“It’s up to him what he’s going to do. If you don’t run a government the way it is run… This is not a monarchy. This is a democracy.

“If there’s anybody that’s going to defect to APC, I think I should be the very, very last one. By the time I will defect, that means that there will be no parties in Nigeria.”

SOURCE PAGE