News Review, Port Harcourt (2025)

05/10/2025

Umahi Outlines Steps for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Urges Calm and Unity in South East

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has revealed key steps the South East must take to facilitate the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking in Aba during the inauguration of multiple projects executed by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Umahi who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged residents of the region to remain law-abiding and appreciative as efforts toward a political solution continue.

His remarks came amid renewed optimism over Kanu’s possible release, with Governor Otti assuring that President Tinubu is “favourably disposed” to resolving the issue.

“I can assure you that I am engaging with Mr. President, and he is favourably disposed to it. I’m confident that in no distant future, Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom,” Otti stated.

Also speaking at the event, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) publicly appealed to the President, saying, “Mr. President has done so much for us, but there is one thing left; please, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu so we can have absolute peace in the South East,” drawing loud applause from the crowd.

In response, Umahi stressed the need for unity and collective effort. “The governors of the South East, our senators, House of Reps members, and ministers even those outside the region are seriously working on a political solution. But we must be law-abiding and appreciative. The President has love for the South East and is listening,” he said.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite several court rulings and a UN advisory opinion calling for his release, the federal government has maintained his detention on treason-related charges.

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05/10/2025

Abuja Vet Doctor Killed, Three Children Abducted by Suspected Kidnappers

An Abuja-based veterinary doctor and former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), FCT Chapter, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, has been killed by suspected kidnappers who also abducted his three children.

The tragic incident occurred on Friday night when gunmen stormed his residence in Kubwa district along the Kubwa-Kaduna road. The assailants reportedly took Dr. Ogbu and his children away, later dumping his lifeless body by the roadside.

His death was confirmed by Andrew Gabriel Ikechukwu via a Facebook post, revealing that Dr. Ogbu’s co**se was found while his three children remain in captivity.

He wrote, “Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, the immediate past chairman of the NVMA FCT chapter, who was kidnapped alongside his three children from his home in Kubwa Abuja, was found dead. The three children are yet to be released. May God please intervene.”

Colleagues described the late Ogbu as a dedicated professional and a compassionate veterinarian. He is survived by his wife, who is currently nursing, and other grieving family members.

The killing has thrown the veterinary community and Abuja residents into mourning, especially as it comes barely a week after the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a journalist with Arise TV, who was killed during a robbery in Katampe.

Police authorities have yet to release an official statement, though investigations are said to be ongoing. Efforts to reach the FCT Police Command for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

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01/10/2025

Court Remands NURTW Leader Over Alleged Assault and Murder

The Ebute Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader, Shamsideen Oladiti, popularly known as Shameleon, at a correctional centre pending advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.

Oladiti, 55, was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command over allegations of assault and murder. According to the command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, the union leader allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, inflicting serious injuries with a helmet and his fists.

Police further revealed that a separate incident occurred on August 28, 2025, during which Oladiti allegedly struck another man, identified as Imam Ramon, multiple times on the head and face with a metallic ring. Despite medical treatment, Ramon died on September 17, and his body has been deposited for autopsy.

Oladiti was arraigned on a three-count charge at the magistrate’s court, which ordered his remand and adjourned the matter to October 28, pending legal advice.

The death of Ramon sparked protests at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island, where angry sympathisers reportedly set two of his motorcycles ablaze.

The case has once again drawn attention to alleged high-handedness of some NURTW officials, with residents calling on government to rein in their activities.

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01/10/2025

NARD Bans Marathon Call Duty, Limits Shifts to 24 Hours

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members to stop taking call duties longer than 24 consecutive hours, effective Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced the decision in an interview with The Press, stressing that the move is to safeguard doctors’ health and improve patient care.

“For too long, resident doctors in Nigeria have endured marathon call hours that endanger their health and compromise service delivery,” he said. “From today, no member should exceed 24 hours on call. Any roster scheduling back-to-back 24-hour duties must be rejected.”

Dr. Suleiman explained that the association had repeatedly raised concerns about unsafe schedules and called on the Federal Ministry of Health to issue clear guidelines on call rosters. He emphasized that the directive was not about refusing call duty but about ensuring limits.

“We are taking calls — it’s our duty and we’re happy to do it. But no one should be on call beyond 24 hours. After that, a doctor must rest before resuming another shift,” he said.

He recalled the tragic case of a young doctor in Rivers State who died after reportedly working three consecutive days of call duty. “Even if not the direct cause, excessive workload and burnout are real contributing factors,” he noted.

According to him, the demand on resident doctors goes beyond call duty, as they also handle ward patients, clinics, and medication schedules. “This is why marathon calls are simply not sustainable,” he added.

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30/09/2025

Olubadan Ladoja Reaffirms: 'My Reign is for Humanity, Not Politics'

Ibadan, Oyo State — The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday firmly restated his withdrawal from partisan politics, emphasizing that his primary duty on the throne is to champion fairness and justice for all humanity.

The monarch made the declaration while receiving a high-profile delegation at his Bodija residence, led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. The delegation, which included former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Senator Iyorcha Ayu, former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke, and former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir el-Rufai, visited to personally congratulate the Olubadan on his recent coronation.

Abubakar Tenders Apology for Absence
Former Vice-President Abubakar used the occasion to convey a deep, unreserved apology for his absence at the historic coronation ceremony, citing unavoidable logistical and protocol challenges.

"Kabiyesi, I want to begin with an apology," Abubakar stated to the Olubadan and assembled chiefs. "On behalf of my delegation, I regret our inability to personally witness your coronation, which we recognise as the fulfilment of your lifelong ambition. Our absence was not deliberate but the result of protocol logistics that prevented us from attending." He then presented a letter of congratulations, wishing the Olubadan a "long, prosperous and peaceful reign."

Olubadan Responds: 'Nothing to Forgive'
In a warm response, Oba Ladoja welcomed the delegation, recalling decades of personal and professional camaraderie with the former political allies. While affirming his non-political status, he stressed that the ties of their shared journey remain strong.

"Even though I am no longer a politician, the ties we share remain strong," the monarch said. He quickly dismissed the need for an apology, stating, "There is nothing to forgive, for it was not deliberate," acknowledging that logistical constraints are often beyond one's control.

Oba Ladoja further reminisced about his long-standing friendships with the visitors, recounting shared moments from their days in politics and the Senate.

Serving His People with Justice
Ultimately, the Olubadan anchored his focus on his royal mandate.

"Now that I am Olubadan, I am no longer entitled to be anything else. My task is to serve my people," he affirmed, noting his age of 81. "The rest of my years will be devoted to Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Africa and indeed humanity... what is expected of a leader is fairness and justice, and this I intend to uphold."

Oba Ladoja concluded by assuring his guests that he would make all his friends and well-wishers proud, pledging that under his reign, Ibadan would continue to pursue peace, prosperity, and justice.

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30/09/2025

Influencer Mandy Kiss Named Ambassador for Lagos Anti-Drug Campaign

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, has been unveiled as a brand ambassador for the Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA).

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, during an event organised by the anti-drug initiative.

“We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and she has agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors,” Ogunlende said in a viral video, describing drug abuse as a “pandemic” ravaging Lagos communities.

He stressed the importance of government partnering with influencers who can reach large audiences, noting Mandy Kiss’s 402,000-strong following. “The government cannot fight it alone… with the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs,” he declared.

The appointment follows recent controversy after Mandy Kiss sparked outrage with a social media post claiming she planned to have s*x with 100 men in one day. An idea she later dismissed as a joke. The Guinness World Records also distanced itself from the claim, clarifying it does not recognize s*xual activity as a record category.

Defending the decision, Ogunlende said her influence could help spread anti-drug awareness. “Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect, but as a brand ambassador, we hope Mandy Kiss will reach the nooks and crannies of Lagos to assist us in fighting this pandemic,” he added.

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29/09/2025

Nigeria’s Oil Output Hits 1.8m Barrels Daily as U.S. Firms Eye Investments

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has announced that the country’s crude oil production has risen from 1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day, with a target of 2.5 million barrels. He disclosed this at the inaugural Africa Energy Investment Summit (AE Invest 2025) in New York, where he revealed that American companies are already showing strong interest in Nigeria’s oil blocks.

Speaking during a panel session, Lokpobiri stressed the importance of continued investment in fossil fuels for Africa’s growth.
“Africa must not be deceived into abandoning fossil fuels while the West continues to expand production. Our hydrocarbons will finance our transition not charity, not aid,” he declared.

Also addressing the summit on behalf of Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, H.E. Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Minister of Hydrocarbon Mining Development, H.E. Antonio Oburu Ondo, urged urgent action to reclaim Africa’s control over its energy future.
“Africa holds 40% of the world’s natural resource discoveries yet remains at the mercy of financiers in London, Paris, and New York. Energy finance is a question of sovereignty. We must build the African Energy Bank, mobilize our sovereign wealth and pension funds, and secure Africa’s rightful place as a global energy leader,” he said.

The Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, highlighted the timing of the summit, noting that the United Nations General Assembly provides the right platform to unite leaders, investors, and stakeholders in unlocking financing for Africa’s energy future.

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29/09/2025

Tinubu Mandates Academic Databank Compliance for NYSC Mobilization

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping reforms linking the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation process to compliance with the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).

A circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, confirmed that from October 6, no Nigerian graduate—whether trained at home or abroad—will be mobilised or exempted from NYSC without proof of compliance with the NERD policy.

The directive, invoked under Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the NYSC Act, requires all prospective corps members to deposit their academic outputs, including theses and project reports, into the national databank. The move is aimed at curbing certificate racketeering, safeguarding Nigeria’s intellectual assets, and restoring credibility to academic qualifications.

The Federal Government explained that the policy serves as a quality assurance measure by time-stamping academic activities, regardless of location. It applies to all institutions. Public, private, civilian, or military, both in Nigeria and abroad.

The circular also revealed that President Tinubu approved a monetisation and reward framework that allows students and lecturers to earn lifetime revenues from deposited academic works. Higher institutions are directed to establish local repositories to support the national database.

Data agencies, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), have been mandated to provide inter-agency support for validation through APIs.

According to NERD spokesperson Haula Galadima, every academic submission will carry the names of the student, supervisors, and the sponsoring institution. She noted that the digital visibility of supervisors’ names will push lecturers to raise academic standards, ensuring better supervision and stronger scholarship.

The enforcement does not affect current corps members or those mobilised before the October 6 deadline.

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26/09/2025

Flying Eagles Land in Chile for FIFA U-20 World Cup Campaign

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles touched down in the Chilean city of Talca on Thursday afternoon ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Drawn in Group F, the two-time World Cup finalists will face Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia, with all group matches set to take place in Talca.

On arrival, the team received a warm welcome from FIFA officials, the Local Organising Committee, and hotel staff before holding their first training session in the evening. Head coach Ali Zubair told reporter that the mistakes from the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations have been corrected, assuring the squad is now better prepared for the global stage.

The Flying Eagles are camped at Hotel Diego de Almagro in Talca after a 12-day training camp in Santiago, where they tested strength against Chile and Australia. The friendlies ended in a 1-1 draw with hosts Chile and a 3-1 victory over Australia.

Nigeria will open its campaign against Norway on Monday, September 29, at Estadio Fiscal de Talca before subsequent clashes with Saudi Arabia and Colombia.

Since making their debut in 1983, the Flying Eagles have built a reputation as one of Africa’s most successful youth sides, finishing as runners-up in 1989 and 2005, and producing stars such as Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Osimhen.

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26/09/2025

Electricity Unions Suspend Strike After FG Intervention

Abuja, Nigeria – Two major electricity unions have suspended their planned nationwide strike following last-minute talks with the Federal Government.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) had threatened to shut down operations over non-implementation of the national minimum wage and other unresolved issues in the power sector.

The strike was called off after extensive discussions on Thursday night with representatives of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the labour ministry in Abuja. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by representatives of the Ministries of Power and Labour, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the National Independent System Operator (NISO), and leaders of both unions.

The agreement outlined steps for implementation of committee recommendations in October, including joint financial evaluations by TCN and NISO and a review of tariffs by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). It also assured that no worker would be victimised for participating in the industrial action.

In a show of good faith, the unions announced the suspension of their planned strike to allow for the resolutions to be implemented.

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26/09/2025

Trump Signs Order for U.S.-Controlled TikTok Deal

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order outlining a proposed deal for a U.S.-run version of TikTok, shifting control of the app into the hands of his allies.

Under the deal, Chinese ownership of TikTok in the United States would be reduced to 20 percent. The agreement comes amid Washington’s long-running national security concerns over the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance. TikTok, which has more than 170 million American users, is seen by U.S. officials as a potential tool for data mining and foreign influence.

Trump announced that the U.S. version of TikTok would be managed by “highly sophisticated” investors, including Oracle founder Larry Ellison, tech mogul Michael Dell, and media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, alongside firms like Silver Lake Management and Andreessen Horowitz.

“The proposed divestiture would allow millions of Americans to continue using TikTok while also protecting national security,” Trump said during a signing ceremony at the White House.

The U.S. version will reportedly include a domestically monitored version of TikTok’s prized algorithm, often described as the platform’s “secret sauce.” A White House official said it would be “continuously monitored” to prevent undue influence.

The move follows legislation passed under President Joe Biden that required ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban. Trump has repeatedly extended enforcement deadlines, with Thursday’s order granting another 120-day delay until January 23, 2026.

Vice President JD Vance, who helped negotiate the deal, said the U.S. entity would be valued at about $14 billion, though the final price would be left to investors. Trump also revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had approved the deal in a recent phone call.

Beijing on Friday called for “open, fair, and non-discriminatory” treatment of Chinese companies in the U.S., with foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterating China’s stance at a press briefing.

TikTok has yet to issue an official response to the proposed arrangement.

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26/09/2025

Sokoto Governor’s Wife Launches Cash Support for Over 41,000 Schoolgirls

SOKOTO, NIGERIA — The wife of Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Aliyu, on Thursday flagged off the disbursement of cash support to 41,821 female students under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

The programme, which is a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme, is designed to boost girl-child education by easing financial barriers to schooling.

Aliyu said the initiative would enable girls to continue their education without disruption, noting that AGILE was already reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria by increasing secondary school enrolment.

“By educating girls, AGILE is helping to build a more just and prosperous society,” she stated, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.

National Coordinator of AGILE, Ms. Fatima Buba-Haruna, described the CCT as a key strategy to improve enrolment, retention, and transition of girls in public schools. She added that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises access to quality education for all Nigerian children.

Programme Coordinator, Dr. Mansur Isa-Buhari, highlighted the project’s achievements in Sokoto, including renovation of 749 classrooms, provision of over 11,000 desks, 214 solar-powered boreholes, 1,652 toilets, and enrolment of 11,325 girls in safe space activities. He said about 200,000 girls are expected to benefit before the end of the project.

Parents present at the event hailed the initiative, describing it as a beacon of hope for their daughters.

In a similar development, AGILE recently disbursed N40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer grants to 13,359 schoolgirls in Kogi State, further expanding the programme’s reach across Nigeria.

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