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Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort Closure: CHRAN Demands For A Probe

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By Sunday Apah

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has taken note of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s public notice announcing the interim closure of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, effective 22nd August, 2026, which the government said it is meant to allow for the completion of ongoing renovation works and the handover of management to Aleph Hospitality, without a fixed timeframe of reopening the facility.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Secretary, Research & Documentation, Comrade Etimbuk Ekpenyong stated that while CHRAN welcomes any genuine effort by the Government of Akwa Ibom State to reposition the prestigious 5-Star Hotel into a well-run, profitable, and globally competitive facility, we insist that this transition must not proceed without a probe into the finances and personnel of the Hotel, to ascertain how the facility has been managed in the past 19 years.

The statement read: “Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort was conceptualised and built in 2007 by the administration of Arc. Victor Attah. The Hotel has passed through several management arrangements and rebrands over the years, including: Le-Meridien and Golf Resort, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, and very recently, as Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort.

“The CHRAN is perturbed that despite these successive changes in management and brand identity, the Hotel has consistently failed to live up to its potential as one of the state’s flagship tourism assets, with His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State himself acknowledging in a public function that the facility has repeatedly operated at a loss.

“The CHRAN therefore calls on the Government of Akwa Ibom State to: Commission an independent financial audit of the Hotel covering its full management history from the periods of Le-Meridien and Golf Resort, Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, and Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort managements, to determine how revenues were generated, accounted for, and utilised, in order to establish the true financial position of the facility before it is handed over to Aleph Hospitality brand.

“Commission a personnel audit of the Hotel’s staffing and management structure in the past 19 years, to determine how staffing decisions were made, whether the right skills and competencies were in place, and how this may have contributed to the facility’s underperformance.

“Conduct and publish a probe into the reasons for the Hotel’s repeated failure to perform maximally under successive brand management arrangements, so that the lessons learned can properly constitute the new management framework and prevent a repeat of the same failures under Aleph Hospitality brand.

“The CHRAN maintains a firm position that the people of Akwa Ibom State deserve the right to know how their public asset of this magnitude has been managed over the years, and why successive attempts to run it as a profitable, world-class facility have not succeeded.

“CHRAN emphasises that a comprehensive audit and probe are not exercises in mere fault-finding, but essential steps to ensure that the new management under Aleph Hospitality is not set up to fail, ab-initio, by inheriting the same unresolved problems that undermined its predecessors. We assert that without a clear understanding of what went wrong in the past, there is no credible basis for confidence that the outcome of this transition to Aleph Hospitality management will be different from others.

“Our Center urges the Government of Akwa Ibom State to demonstrate genuine commitment to transparency and accountability by carrying out this probe, making its findings public, and by ensuring that the transition to new management is conducted in a manner that is open, accountable, and in the best interest of the people of Akwa Ibom State.

“CHRAN will continue to monitor developments regarding the ongoing renovation and repositioning of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, and will not relent in demanding for transparency and accountability in the management of the state’s public assets, when necessary.

National Assembly: CHRAN Rejects Anti-Covil Society Bill

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By Sunday Apah 

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) rejects the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Coordination, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1034), currently before the Senate of the National Assembly.

The CHRAN by its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Secretary, Research and Documentation, Comrade Etimbuk Ekpenyong noted with regret that a piece of legislation with such far-reaching implications to gag civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) is being advanced with little regard for its chilling effect on Nigerian democratic space.

The Bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, representing Gombe North Senatorial District, had its First Reading on 6th May, 2026, and scaled Second Reading on 22nd July, 2026. The satanic Bill seeks to establish a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) with sweeping powers to register recipients of foreign aid, collect information on foreign funding, monitor compliance, conduct audits and inspections, make regulations, and impose sanctions.

Under the Bill, any entity receiving foreign aid, including CSOs, NGOs, CBOs, private organisations, and government agencies, would be required to register with the proposed Commission within 30 days and disclose the source of funding, implementing partners, and how the funds are utilised.

While the Bill is framed as applying broadly to all recipients of foreign assistance, CHRAN notes that Nigerian CSOs, NGOs, CBOs, many of which depend substantially on foreign grants and development assistance to carry out their work, are likely to bear the heaviest burden of the Bill’s provisions.

Of particular concern to CHRAN is Clause 11 of the Bill, which requires foreign-aid-funded projects to align with Nigeria’s national development plans and priorities. Civil society organisations frequently undertake work that, by its very nature, holds government accountable, including human rights advocacy, election monitoring, anti-corruption campaigns, governance reform, public interest litigation, and oversight of public institutions.

A requirement that such work conform to government-approved development priorities risks compromising the independence that civil society needs to perform these functions credibly.

The Bill also grants the proposed Commission broad powers to demand information, inspect projects, and conduct audits, with limited procedural safeguards to check the exercise of these powers.

CHRAN aligns itself with the growing number of civil society and human rights voices, including a coalition of over 90 civil society groups who have urged the National Assembly to withdraw the Bill, warning that it would accelerate Nigeria’s democratic decline ahead of the 2027 general elections.

We share the concern that this Bill, alongside similar proposals targeting the media and digital platforms, would hand the executive sweeping powers to monitor, regulate, and potentially shut down civil society organisations, undermining constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, association, and access to information.

CHRAN holds the firm position that this Bill, if passed into law, would be anti-people and anti-democratic. Genuine transparency in the management of foreign aid is a legitimate objective, and CHRAN supports reasonable, proportionate measures to that end.

However, this Bill goes far beyond transparency; it creates the machinery for the state to intimidate and ultimately silence the very organisations that hold it accountable.

We therefore call on the National Assembly to withdraw the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Coordination, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, in its current form.

CHRAN will continue to defend the independence of civil society and the democratic space that Nigerians have fought hard to secure.

Osun Braces for Poll Amid Warnings of Violence and Voter Intimidation—CISLAC

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By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised serious concerns over the growing threat of electoral violence, political intimidation and vote buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

CISLAC said available findings from independent monitoring, media reports and ongoing assessments of the electoral environment indicate a worrying pattern of violence, intimidation and alleged voter inducement that could undermine the credibility of the election and discourage citizens from participating freely.

This is contained in a statement Signed and made available to Newsmen
By Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
Executive Director Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre(CISLAC) / Transparency International Nigeria.

The organisation said several election-related incidents have been recorded across different parts of the state in recent months, with reports of killings, shootings, clashes, attacks on political gatherings, destruction of property and other forms of intimidation.

CISLAC noted with particular concern reports of the killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, after he was reportedly struck by a stray bullet during a clash. Other reported incidents include the killing of Kolade Eluyera in Irewole Local Government Area, as well as the shooting of a political office holder in Osogbo and the killing of a political youth leader in Esa-Oke.

While the circumstances and responsibility for some of these incidents remain subject to investigation, CISLAC said the reported loss of lives and increasing tensions across parts of the state demonstrate the urgent need for all stakeholders to prioritise peace and the protection of citizens.

The organisation is particularly concerned about the activities of individuals and groups involved in the recruitment, financing and deployment of political thugs and other agents of violence to intimidate voters, attack opponents, disrupt political activities and influence electoral outcomes.

CISLAC warned that such practices create an atmosphere of fear and could prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote freely and peacefully.

The organisation also expressed concern over reports of vote buying and other forms of voter inducement, describing the practice as a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process.

CISLAC said the commercialisation of elections exploits economic hardship and vulnerability, while weakening citizens’ ability to make independent political choices. It warned that when votes are treated as commodities, the democratic process is reduced to a transaction rather than a genuine expression of the people’s will.

Recent developments, including the arrest of government officials and other individuals in connection with alleged electoral offences and the reported recovery of cash, Permanent Voter Cards and voter registers, further demonstrate the need for heightened vigilance by law enforcement and electoral authorities.

CISLAC stressed that allegations of electoral offences must be investigated transparently and handled strictly in accordance with the law, without political favour or discrimination.

The organisation is also concerned by reports of the deployment of armed military personnel to the Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the election.

CISLAC acknowledges that extraordinary security measures may become necessary where there are credible threats to lives, electoral materials or critical infrastructure. However, any deployment of the military in connection with an electoral process must have a clear legal and operational basis, remain strictly within its defined mandate and be guided by the principles of neutrality, proportionality and respect for the rights of citizens.

CISLAC therefore calls on the relevant authorities to clearly communicate the purpose, scope and legal basis of the military presence at the INEC office and to ensure that the deployment does not interfere with the independence of electoral officials, intimidate voters or undermine public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral process.

The organisation further urges all security agencies deployed for the election to operate under clear rules of engagement, respect fundamental rights and maintain professionalism and political neutrality throughout the electoral process.

The organisation said the combination of violence, intimidation, voter inducement and heightened security concerns poses a serious threat to the credibility of the Osun governorship election and could have wider implications for Nigeria’s democratic development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CISLAC therefore calls on all candidates, political actors, supporters and other stakeholders to immediately reject violence, demobilise agents of intimidation, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and commit themselves to peaceful and issue-based participation in the electoral process.

The organisation urged security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to maintain strict neutrality, intensify intelligence-led operations in identified high-risk areas, protect voters and electoral personnel, investigate reported killings and attacks, and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

CISLAC also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all aspects of the electoral process are conducted transparently, securely and in accordance with established laws and guidelines.

The organisation urged the National Peace Committee, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to intensify peace advocacy, voter education and public awareness against electoral violence and vote buying.

CISLAC further appealed to the people of Osun State to reject violence, intimidation and electoral inducements and to exercise their right to vote freely, peacefully and responsibly.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments before, during and after the election and to advocating for transparency, accountability, peaceful participation and credible democratic processes.

CISLAC said democracy can only thrive when citizens are able to express their choices freely, without fear, intimidation or financial coercion.

YandyTech Launches WhatsApp Assistant to Put Election Information in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba Directly in Voters’ Hands

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By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Millions of Nigerians will now be able to check their polling units, verify candidates, and get trusted election information without leaving WhatsApp, as civic tech group YandyTech Community rolled out a new multilingual assistant for its platform, Muryanmu.

The move comes as Nigeria grapples with low voter turnout, misinformation, and limited access to electoral data in local languages. The new tool allows citizens to simply message *07043672113* on WhatsApp and receive civic information in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, or English.

The expansion was announced Tuesday by YandyTech Community under its Tech4Peace and Citizen Lab initiative. It was made possible by a Tier 2 Grant from the Digital Democracy Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa, DDISA, Fund.

Muryanmu meaning “Our Voice,” was created to improve citizens’ access to credible civic and electoral information. With this latest upgrade, the platform now speaks the three major indigenous languages alongside English.

According to YandyTech, the shift is deliberate: most Nigerians get news and interact with government through WhatsApp and in their mother tongue. Bringing election data to that space removes a critical barrier.

“Democracy is stronger when citizens can access the information they need to participate, regardless of their language, location or level of digital literacy,” said Alamin Musa Magaga, Project Lead for Muryanmu.

“With the support of the DDISA Tier 2 Grant, we are taking important steps toward making _Muryanmu_ more inclusive, accessible and responsive to the information needs of citizens.”

Through the WhatsApp Assistant and the broader _Muryanmu_ platform, users can now get: Polling unit details and locations ahead of elections. Candidate profiles and manifestos.

Step-by-step guides on voter registration and election day procedures Live election insights and verified updates during polls Accessible formats for users with low digital literacy

YandyTech said the DDISA funding will also help strengthen live election monitoring and add more accessibility features to reach persons with disabilities and rural communities.

“This milestone is about inclusion,” the organization stated. “By reducing language barriers and meeting people on a platform they already use daily, we can ensure more Nigerians have access to timely, trusted and relevant civic and electoral information.”

Through _Muryanmu_, YandyTech Community reaffirmed its commitment to using technology and innovation to strengthen civic participation and build a more inclusive digital democracy in Nigeria.

Citizens nationwide can begin using the service immediately by messaging the _Muryanmu_ WhatsApp Assistant on *07043672113*.

Pinnick Foods Hits One Million Pouches, Unveils $20m West Africa Investment Plan

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By Sunday Apah

Pinnick Foods Ltd, a Canadian food company at the forefront of African food innovation, has announced the sale of one million pouches of its flagship Pinnick Instant Party Jollof Blend, as the company unveils plans to invest more than US$20 million in agriculture and food-processing infrastructure in West Africa.

The company said the twin developments, the one-million-pouch milestone and the planned investment, mark a significant transition from market validation to an ambitious phase of international expansion, with the company seeking to build a stronger agricultural supply chain around the African ingredients that underpin its products.

Founded in Etobicoke, Ontario, Pinnick Foods was established at the intersection of African food innovation, diaspora entrepreneurship, agribusiness, international trade and global retail.

Its flagship product, Pinnick Instant Party Jollof Blend, is made from 17 authentic West African spices, a tomato and red pepper base, and aromatic herbs including thyme and bay leaf. The company describes the all-natural blend as a convenient way of reproducing the bold, smoky flavour associated with traditional West African party Jollof rice.

The product is currently distributed across Canada and shipped to customers in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, positioning the company to serve both the growing African diaspora market and consumers beyond the traditional African food category.

Speaking against the backdrop of the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” Pinnick Foods Chief Executive Officer, Jaygbes Napoleon Ogbole, said the company was preparing to deepen its investment in the agricultural and food-processing sectors of West Africa.

According to Ogbole, Pinnick Foods’ planned investment programme of more than US$20 million is designed not merely to increase production capacity but also to strengthen the company’s supply chain by sourcing more of its primary ingredients directly from the region where the food tradition originated.

A key component of the strategy is the substitution of imported agricultural inputs with locally cultivated and processed alternatives.

The company said tomato powder is among the ingredients it currently sources from European markets, including Spain, Portugal and Italy, and that its long-term objective is to replace such imports with high-quality tomato and other agricultural products cultivated and processed in West Africa.

The move, the company said, would create a more integrated value chain linking farmers, processors, manufacturers and international consumers.

“This is the reason for our investment announcement, to secure our supply chain and help create opportunities for our primary farmers, create employment and secure livelihoods in our origin market,” Ogbole said.

The one-million-pouch milestone comes as Pinnick Foods seeks to establish itself beyond a niche diaspora food brand and build a globally competitive African food company.

The company’s growth trajectory received an international platform in January 2026 when Pinnick Foods showcased its brand momentum at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The company has also positioned itself as a promoter of African food and culture in Canada through its role as organiser and primary sponsor of Jollof Fest Canada, an event that has grown into a major African food and cultural festival in the Greater Toronto Area.

Although the flagship blend was developed primarily to simplify the preparation of Jollof rice, its versatility has opened up additional commercial opportunities. The blend can also be used in tomato-based stews, soups, yam and potato dishes, marinades, and as a seasoning for meat and fish.

The broader applications potentially give the company access to both consumer retail and food-service markets, while strengthening its proposition as a multipurpose African seasoning brand.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Ogbole said the one-million-pouch milestone represented more than a sales figure, describing it as evidence that consumers around the world are responding to products that combine cultural authenticity with convenience.

“When we started Pinnick Foods, our goal was simple: give people, wherever they are in the world, an easy way to make a dish that carries so much culture and memory,” he said.

“Hitting one million pouches this year tells us that authenticity resonates, people want real flavour, and they want it to be simple.”

The achievement, he added, has given the company the confidence to move from proving consumer demand to building the infrastructure required for international scale.

Industry observers have increasingly highlighted the economic potential of the African diaspora market, particularly the demand for authentic food products that retain cultural identity while meeting the convenience expectations of modern consumers.

Pinnick Foods’ proposed investment places that opportunity within a broader agricultural and industrial framework.

Rather than simply exporting finished products from Canada into African markets, the company says it wants to establish deeper connections with farmers and processors in West Africa, thereby creating economic value at multiple stages of the supply chain.

The strategy could potentially create opportunities for primary producers while encouraging local processing of agricultural commodities that are currently exported or substituted with imported ingredients.

For a continent with a large agricultural workforce and significant food-processing potential, such a model could also contribute to employment creation, technology transfer and the development of stronger regional value chains.

With one million pouches sold, Pinnick Foods now faces the more challenging task of converting early market success into sustained global growth.

The company’s next phase will centre on strengthening supply chains, expanding production, increasing international distribution and deepening its presence in both diaspora and mainstream food markets.

Its ambition is clear: to transform a product inspired by one of West Africa’s most recognisable dishes into a globally competitive food brand, while ensuring that a greater share of the economic value generated by the product flows back to the farmers and communities connected to its ingredients.

As Pinnick Foods moves towards its proposed US$20 million-plus investment programme, the company is betting that the future of African food on the global stage will not only be about exporting flavours and recipes, but also about building the agricultural, processing and commercial infrastructure needed to take those flavours to the world at scale.

Pinnick Foods Ltd is a Canadian food company developing convenient and scalable African food products for diaspora and mainstream consumer markets. Its flagship Pinnick Instant Party Jollof Blend is a 100 per cent natural spice blend designed to recreate the bold taste of Nigerian party Jollof rice in minutes, while also serving as a versatile ingredient for stews, soups, marinades and other seasoning applications.

Tinubu’s Reforms Are Targeted at Laying Foundation for Long-Term National Growth – Funkekeme

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…As Renewed Hope Ambassadors Sensitization Programme Storms Bomadi, Patani

By Rejoice Ighoviroro

The Delta State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms are targeted at laying the foundation for long-term national growth.

Funkekeme made this known on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting and sensitization conference held at Patani and Bomadi Local Government Areas.

He stated that the sensitization programme was designed to educate Nigerians on the reforms and achievements of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda was introduced at a time when the nation was grappling with significant economic and governance challenges, including fuel scarcity, long queues at filling stations, exchange rate instability, salary backlogs and recurring industrial actions in the education sector.

Funkekeme said one of the major achievements of the Federal Government was the stabilisation of the nation’s education sector, noting that universities have witnessed sustained academic activities without prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a landmark intervention that provides eligible students with tuition support and upkeep allowances, thereby easing the financial burden on parents and expanding access to higher education.

Funkekeme maintained that President Tinubu’s reforms were laying the foundation for long-term national growth.

He urged members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to continue engaging communities, explaining government policies and mobilising grassroots support for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, the Coordinators of Renewed Hope Ambassadors for Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas, Dagidi Andaye and Olorogun Godspower Asiuwhu respectively, who spoke in the same vein, stated that both local government areas have a clear understanding of the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda and remained committed to supporting government programmes and policies targeted at improving the lives of the people.

They identified economic sustainability and empowerment, infrastructural development, youth development, education, healthcare, social welfare and women empowerment as critical areas requiring sustained attention, noting that they were essential to achieving national growth and building prosperous families and communities.

They appealed to the people of Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas to embrace and support the Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to them, was designed to improve the welfare of citizens and provide lasting solutions to challenges confronting the local government.

They expressed appreciation to the State Coordinator and members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for their visit, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and deepen commitment to the Renewed Hope Vision and philosophy.

“This visit is an opportunity to strengthen, collaborate and partner in deepening our commitment and engagement to the Renewed Hope Vision and Philosophy,” they said.

They assured the state coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors that Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas were ready to collaborate with the organisation in advancing the ideals of modern development, peace and good governance.

They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda and the MORE Agenda complement each other in promoting development and improving the welfare of the people.

The APC House of Representatives Candidate for Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, who also spoke during the events, stated that it was the first strategic meeting held after the primary election which led to the emergence of all candidates, including himself.

He appreciated the people of Patani for their sense of dedication and maturity in the just-concluded primary elections.

He said that their win is a victory for all and that they have been saddled with the responsibility of service and representation at various levels, promising not to disappoint the people’s expectations.

“We are going to do everything legitimately possible to bring the dividends of democracy to all,” Ganagana stated.

He kindly asked the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to eschew every form of bitterness and grievances and to work conscientiously in unity towards ensuring that they deliver the federal constituency overwhelmingly in the forthcoming general elections.

Oborevwori Donates Brand-New 18-Seater Toyota Hiace Bus to Delta NUJ Council

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By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has formally handed over a brand-new 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, in a decisive move to bolster the mobility and operational effectiveness of journalists operating across the state.

The presentation was executed on the governor’s behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, who delivered the vehicle to NUJ Chairman Comrade Churchill Oyowe in Asaba.

Ahon underscored that the donation vividly illustrates the enduring and strategic alliance between the state government and the media. He stressed that journalists perform an indispensable function in public enlightenment, institutional accountability, and the acceleration of developmental progress.

In presenting the bus, Ahon declared that the vehicle is expressly designated for the exclusive use of the union and journalists statewide, enabling them to execute their professional assignments with greater efficiency and reach.

He affirmed that the intervention stands as clear testimony to Governor Oborevwori’s recognition of the media as an indispensable partner in the machinery of state development.

“On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, I have the distinct honour of presenting this brand-new bus to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, for the use of the union and journalists across the state,” Ahon stated.

He expressed firm confidence that the gesture would consolidate the existing rapport between the government and the NUJ while unlocking avenues for deeper, more productive collaboration in the service of Delta State and its citizens.

Accepting the vehicle, Oyowe conveyed profound gratitude to the governor, characterising the donation as tangible proof of leadership that transcends rhetoric and delivers concrete results.

He emphasised that the bus would markedly enhance journalists’ capacity to discharge their professional duties, and that the NUJ deeply values the consistent support extended by the Oborevwori administration.

“We want to say a very big thank you to His Excellency for this gesture. We do not take it for granted. This is yet another demonstration of a leadership that understands the needs of institutions and professionals who contribute to the development of the state,” Oyowe declared.

The NUJ chairman further acknowledged the pivotal roles played by Ahon, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Kingsley Emu, and Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information Mr. Charles Aniagwu in bringing the intervention to fruition.

Oyowe also praised the governor for the ongoing installation of solar power at the NUJ Secretariat in Asaba.

“We believe that His Excellency’s administration is still unfolding. The developmental strides of this administration are still unfolding, and at the end of the day, there will be remarkable and spectacular achievements to speak about across Delta State,” he stated.

He urged the governor to remain steadfast in the pursuit of his developmental agenda and reaffirmed the NUJ’s appreciation of the administration’s sustained support for the media and its dedication to the advancement of Delta State.

Oyowe concluded by invoking continued wisdom, strength and success upon the governor, expressing the confident expectation that his tenure will bequeath an enduring legacy of progress.

“At the end of his tenure, we want to be able to say, with pride, that there was a Governor who truly cherished the people of Delta State and worked tirelessly for their progress,” Oyowe asserted.

The presentation reinforces the critical necessity of continuous, constructive engagement between the media and government in advancing effective public communication, transparency, and professional scrutiny of government policies and developmental programmes.

Current Peace in Delta State Result of Collaboration Between Government and Security Agencies — Oborevwori

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…As Army Commends Him for Strong Support for Delta’s Security Architecture

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has charged the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Everest Okoro, to maintain aggressive, proactive security operations and seamless coordination with other security agencies in order to shield lives, property and vital economic installations across the Niger Delta.

The governor issued the directive on Tuesday while receiving Okoro, who concurrently serves as Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, during a courtesy call at Government House, Asaba.

Congratulating the senior officer on his elevation, Oborevwori described 6 Division as a pivotal operational formation whose effectiveness is indispensable to regional stability. “I congratulate you on your new posting as the GOC 6 Division. This is a highly strategic operational division. I pray for divine guidance, wisdom and outstanding success throughout your tenure,” the governor stated, while guaranteeing the Delta State Government’s unwavering backing and partnership.

He emphasised that the relative calm currently prevailing in Delta is the direct product of deliberate, sustained synergy between the state administration and security forces. Given Delta’s status as a critical oil-producing state, he stressed that its security is fundamental to Nigeria’s economic resilience.

“Delta State is of utmost importance to the Nigerian economy. We depend on the security agencies to perform their duties, because the peace we presently enjoy is the outcome of collaboration between the state and the security agencies,” Oborevwori declared.

The governor praised the Nigerian Army and sister agencies for their steadfast efforts in securing the state, noting that his administration has consistently supplied infrastructure and logistics to bolster their operational readiness. He revealed that the government recently completed one-bedroom flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor and has maintained continuous logistical support for the 63 Brigade.

“This forms only one of several concrete measures we have taken to assist the Nigerian Army. We assure you of our continued support and close collaboration with the Nigerian Army towards a safer and more prosperous region,” he affirmed.

Oborevwori underscored the inseparable connection between security and economic progress, observing that investment and commerce can flourish only in an environment of peace and order. “If this region remains secure, the economy will rise. If unrest takes hold, the economy will decline,” he warned, urging the new GOC to act decisively and proactively against criminal elements.

Recalling his earlier engagement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his long-standing productive relationship with security agencies in the Niger Delta, the governor reiterated that ties with the military remain strong and constructive. “I assure you that we shall continue to work together,” he added.

Earlier, Major General Okoro explained that the visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units under his command following his assumption of duty. He lauded Governor Oborevwori for purposeful leadership and robust support for Delta’s security framework, especially in infrastructure, welfare and economic advancement.

Okoro noted that Delta’s strategic location, extensive oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets render the state central to Nigeria’s economic and energy security. Consequently, the protection of these national assets and the security of states within the Division’s area of responsibility rank among his foremost priorities.

He stressed that credible intelligence, rigorous realistic training and tight coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders are indispensable for neutralising threats. His vision, he said, is to secure critical national assets, defeat threats within the Division’s area of responsibility and achieve assigned missions through disciplined leadership, realistic training and seamless joint operations.

The GOC also commended the cordial relationship between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and called for its continued strengthening.

Okobaro Urges Ughievwen Indigenes to Promote Peace and Unity

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By Sunday Apah

His Royal Majesty, Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, has called upon indigenes and traditional title holders to leverage their positions for the promotion of peace, unity, and sustainable development.

The monarch made this appeal during the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Agbraratiti on Olorogun Gborogen Ojayobo at his palace in Otughievwen, headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

While bestowing the title, which translates to “Valid Thunder,” the Okobaro reminded traditional title holders of the significant responsibilities accompanying their positions. He described chiefs as a vital link between the traditional institution and the grassroots, urging them to use their influence to foster peace and mediate disputes before they escalate.

The Okobaro encouraged chiefs to promote dialogue and discourage any actions that could jeopardize the peace and unity of Ughievwen Kingdom. He emphasized the intrinsic link between peace and development, stating that investment and meaningful progress can only flourish in a stable and peaceful environment.

Specifically addressing Olorogun Gborogen Ojayobo, the Okobaro charged him to uphold the dignity of his new title and use his position to attract development, empower youth, and preserve the cultural heritage of Ughievwen Kingdom. He also encouraged the new chief to embody the kingdom’s values and serve as a positive ambassador.

In an interview, Chief David Ughawa urged the new traditional title holder to view his elevation as a call to greater responsibility and commitment to the kingdom’s development.

Olorogun Gborogen Ojayobo expressed gratitude to the Okobaro for the honor and recognition, pledging to use his new position to contribute meaningfully to the peace, unity, and development of Ughievwen Kingdom.

The ceremony was attended by prominent politicians, chiefs of Ughievwen Kingdom, captains of industry, family members, and other dignitaries.

30-Year-Old Man Allegedly Killed His Biological Father, Dump Corpse In A Well

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By Sunday Apah

The Police in Adamawa State has arrested one Peter Sinamai, 30 years, a resident of Sangere Gombi Local Government Area of the state in connection with the alleged killing of his biological father and the dumping of the corpse in a well.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the suspect was arrested following a report received by operatives of the Command. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly killed his father and disposed of the body in a well within their community.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabiru Umar Hassan, has ordered a discreet and thorough investigation into the matter to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The corpse has been recovered and deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The CP condemns the act in the strongest terms and reassures the public of the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.

He further urges members of the public to always seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving family disputes and to seek appropriate intervention whenever conflicts arise.

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