Author: gqSbgCfmna

Over 100 golfers, mostly female, will participate in the maiden edition of Ibom Ladies Championship in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

This was made known during a press conference held at the Clubhouse of Ibom Golf and Country Club, by the President of the Organising Committee, Mrs. Aniekan Essienette.

Essienette said the championship marks a historic milestone for women’s golf in Akwa Ibom State.

The inaugural tournament is scheduled for March 27-28 at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Uyo.

Essienette disclosed that about 60 of the participants are women, while the rest are men competing in various categories, including veterans (55 years and above), handicap 0-28, and handicap 29-36 for both genders.

She explained that the highlight of the tournament is the race to crown the Ibom Ladies Champion, a title restricted to female golfers with handicaps between 0 and 28.

‘The selected ladies will compete over two days, and the best overall performance will determine the champion,’ she said, noting that winners across categories would receive trophies and other prizes.

Describing the event as ‘the first of its kind,’ Essienette said the championship was initiated under the leadership of the Lady Captain, Miss Marianne Cephas, to promote women’s participation in golf and elevate the club’s profile nationally.

Cephas, in her remarks, said the tournament had attracted players from golf clubs in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country, adding that top officials of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria were expected to attend.

Actress Adeola Yusuf Kafirat Omashalewa, popularly known as Basira Beere, has shared details of her experiences with pregnancy losses and challenges in her marital life.

Speaking in a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress said she was misinformed about marriage while growing up, noting that she had believed it revolved solely around sex due to what her parents told her.

Beere disclosed that she has suffered four pregnancy losses, including one she was initially unaware of, and recounted a difficult experience involving a man she said deceived her.

She also spoke about the emotional toll of these experiences, admitting she continues to grapple with the trauma.

She said, ‘My parents really misled me. How do I even begin to recount the number of times I’ve had sex? It’s not possible to have been married to these men without them having sex with me. I believed marriage was for sex, not for learning. To me, the ‘lesson’ in marriage was having sex morning and night.

‘I was once pregnant without knowing, because I was still having my period. I was deceived by flowers on the 14th of February. When I later discovered I was pregnant, they summoned the man responsible, and he admitted he already knew. His mother had even suspected it from observing my legs when I visited their house. I have lost four pregnancies’, she said.

What lesson has Nigerian politics taught you in the last couple of years as someone who aspired to be a local government chairman in Ogun State?

Nigeria’s politics is quite deceptive and very discouraging, but if you are someone who wants your communities and country to be better, then you must get involved. It is unpatriotic to just sit down and watch other people making decisions that will affect your life and well-being, while you are just looking, most particularly, if the people in leadership are not good at making quality decisions. Prior to my aspiration for the local government chairmanship contest, I had done a lot for my communities with my personal resources, which I believe, if I were the local government chairman, with the ideas and experience I had gathered overseas, I would make Yewa North Local Government a wealthy community and a reference point in Nigeria. Unfortunately for me, we don’t have many such critical thinkers among our leaders in Yewa North who can connect with those ideologies and visions.

You have also been to the court to challenge what you considered as unfairness and abuse of due process in your party’s primary, leading to the 2024 council poll. Are you satisfied with challenging the matter in court?

The court is an arm of our democratic process, and every responsible citizen should take that opportunity as a way of dialogue, not resorting to anarchy or other violence means. Honestly, I have no regrets about going to court because, as a democrat, I did that to help our democratic process.

In that local government election primary of our great party, the APC in 2024, I was ashamed as a progressive democrat because our party’s constitution was violated, the Electoral Act of 2022 and the constitution of our great country were violated by senior party officials and leaders of Ogun State APC. As a democrat and a die-hard APC person, I believe challenging such impunity and undemocratic tendencies was the right thing to do because similar impunity and hazardous behaviours led to the collapse of the almighty PDP politically.

The electoral act 2022, which was used for that election and our party constitution emphasized that candidates could emerge through consensus, direct or indirect primaries. In choosing a candidate for Yewa North Local Government, none of these three methods was adopted. This implies that the current chairman of Yewa North local government is a sole administrator. More so, the chairmanship position was already zoned to the Ayetoro Area. I have video evidence to support this assertion when the local government’s party chairman, Chief Adekunle Adeosun and other excos addressed all the aspirants on September 1st, 2024, in Ayetoro. Zoning is part of our party DNA.

Although due to pressure and persuasion from my family, my political associates and my Kabiyesi, the Olu of Idofoi, Oba Olatunji Abioro, I have decided to withdraw from going forward with the court process, but unfortunately, we still have a long way to go in this country.

The judiciary ought to be careful and to do its work diligently without fear or favour so as not to be seen as not protecting the hope of the common man but the privileged and to avoid helping in destroying democracy.

A new survey of driver-partners on the Bolt platform in Nigeria has revealed that rider behaviour plays a major role in how passengers are rated after trips, with 76% of drivers identifying rudeness or verbal aggression as the leading reason for giving low ratings.

The survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,800 drivers nationwide, highlights the growing importance of respectful interactions in Nigeria’s ride-hailing ecosystem.

According to the findings, payment disputes were the second most common reason for low ratings (49%), followed by safety concerns (42%) and cases where riders left vehicles dirty or caused damage (42%).

The results challenge common assumptions that ratings are primarily influenced by operational issues such as traffic delays or route disagreements. Instead, they suggest that everyday rider behaviour is the strongest determinant of driver feedback.

Commenting on the results, Bolt’s Senior General Manager, West Africa, Teddy Appa-Dankyi said: ‘Many riders are aware they rate drivers after trips, but fewer realise drivers also rate passengers.’

Rising tensions in the Middle East are shaking oil markets, slowing renewable momentum, and exposing the fragile balance between energy security and climate goals

As conflict intensifies between Iran, the United States and Israel, global attention has focused on security risks and geopolitical tensions. But beyond the battlefield, another consequence is unfolding; one that could reshape the future of climate action: the disruption of the global energy transition. At the heart of the issue is oil. The Middle East remains one of the world’s most critical energy hubs, and any instability in the region sends shockwaves through global markets. With tensions threatening key supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes, fears of supply disruption have driven up crude prices and heightened uncertainty.

‘When war threatens oil supply, the world often retreats to fossil fuels instead of accelerating the shift away from them.’

This dynamic presents a major challenge to climate goals. As energy prices rise, governments often prioritise immediate energy security over long-term sustainability, leading to increased reliance on fossil fuels.

A Setback for Clean Energy Momentum: In recent years, there has been growing global momentum toward renewable energy. Solar and wind power have expanded rapidly, electric vehicles are gaining traction, and many countries have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions. However, conflicts like the current Iran crisis risk slowing this progress. When oil and gas supplies become uncertain, countries may respond by increasing domestic fossil fuel production or securing alternative sources of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Such measures, while understandable in the short term, can delay investments in renewable energy. In Europe, for instance, previous energy shocks have led to temporary returns to coal and increased gas imports. Similar patterns could emerge globally if the Middle East crisis deepens.

Price Volatility and Its Ripple Effects: Rising oil prices affect more than just fuel costs. They influence electricity generation, transportation, food production and overall inflation. For developing countries like Nigeria, the impact is particularly complex. On one hand, higher oil prices can boost government revenues in oil-exporting economies. On the other hand, they increase the cost of imported goods, strain household incomes, and complicate economic planning. More importantly, price volatility creates uncertainty that can discourage long-term investment in clean energy. Investors may hesitate to commit resources to renewable projects if policy directions shift in response to short-term crises.

‘Energy instability does not just raise prices-it delays the decisions needed for a sustainable future.’

The Fragility of the Energy Transition: The current situation highlights a fundamental weakness in the global energy transition: its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks. While renewable energy is growing, the world remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. This dependence means that any disruption, whether from war, sanctions, or political instability, can quickly derail progress toward cleaner energy systems. The transition to renewables requires stable policies, long-term investment and international cooperation. Yet conflict undermines all three, diverting attention and resources toward immediate security concerns.

Nigeria’s Dilemma: For Nigeria, the unfolding crisis presents both opportunity and risk. As an oil-producing nation, higher global prices may provide short-term fiscal relief. However, this reliance on oil revenue also exposes the economy to global volatility. At the same time, Nigeria faces pressing climate challenges, including flooding, desertification and rising temperatures. Transitioning to renewable energy is not just an environmental goal; it is an economic and developmental necessity. The current global situation raises a critical question: will countries use this moment to accelerate the shift to cleaner energy, or will they double down on fossil fuels?

Energy Security vs Climate Responsibility: One of the central tensions highlighted by the Iran conflict is the balance between energy security and climate responsibility. Governments must ensure reliable energy supply for their populations, but they must also reduce emissions to avoid long-term climate catastrophe. In times of crisis, short-term priorities often take precedence. However, experts warn that repeatedly delaying climate action will only increase future costs; both economic and environmental. The challenge, therefore, is to design energy policies that can withstand shocks. Diversifying energy sources, investing in renewables, and improving energy efficiency are key strategies for achieving both security and sustainability.

‘True energy security lies not in more fossil fuels, but in reducing dependence on them.’

A Turning Point or a Detour?: The Iran-U.S./Israel conflict could become a turning point in global energy policy, or a setback. Much depends on how governments respond. If countries interpret the crisis as a reason to accelerate renewable energy adoption, it could strengthen the global transition. Renewable energy, after all, offers greater stability by reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. However, if the response is to expand fossil fuel production and delay climate commitments, the world risks moving further away from its climate targets.

The Road Ahead: As the world navigates this complex moment, the need for clear, consistent climate policy is more important than ever. Governments must resist the temptation to sacrifice long-term sustainability for short-term stability. For Nigeria and other developing nations, the focus should be on building resilient energy systems that can support economic growth while reducing environmental impact. Investments in solar power, clean cooking solutions, and grid modernisation can help reduce dependence on imported fuels and improve energy access. The intersection of conflict and climate change presents a difficult but unavoidable reality. Wars may be temporary, but their impact on energy systems and climate progress can be long-lasting.

‘The true cost of war is not only measured in barrels of oil, but in the future of a planet struggling to transition.’

As tensions persist in the Middle East, the world faces a choice: allow conflict to derail climate action, or use the crisis as a catalyst for building a more resilient, sustainable energy future. The path chosen will shape not only global energy markets, but the trajectory of climate change itself.

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (Phase 3) has expressed concern over sustained attacks against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, and ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, describing the criticisms as baseless and driven by envy.

In a press statement made available to The Nation in Abuja on Saturday, the group said such attacks were unfortunate, particularly at a time when the Niger Delta is experiencing renewed peace and development.

The forum noted that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the Presidential Amnesty Programme has recorded significant strides in education, capacity building, youth empowerment, and regional stability.

Members of the group, drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta, pointed to a major turnaround in the past two years, attributing the progress to reforms and improved management of the programme.

The statement also highlighted Tompolo’s role in securing oil pipelines through surveillance operations, which it said has not only curbed oil theft but also created employment opportunities for youths, leading to a reduction in violent crimes across the region.

The forum, through its convener, self-styled General Emma Satu, criticised the actions of some Ijaw leaders allegedly working against Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, accusing them of pursuing personal interests at the expense of regional development.

It also advised the Federal Government against calls to decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract, insisting that such agitations are championed by individuals linked to oil theft and illegal bunkering.

According to the group, the current surveillance arrangement has improved security, boosted oil production, and enhanced stability in the Niger Delta.

The forum reaffirmed its support for both Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, urging stakeholders to sustain the prevailing peace and development in the region.

Satu described the actions of those behind the attacks as disgraceful, saying they are heading in the wrong direction when leaders of the Niger Delta are focused on the region’s development.

He said, ‘When these same people were in the amnesty office, ex-agitators were suffering, but under the able leadership of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the past two years have been phenomenal. We are particularly happy to say that he has performed creditably and beyond our expectations when compared to his predecessors.

‘We, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (Phase 3), want to make it clear that the 30,000 ex-agitators in the Presidential Amnesty Programme have never had it as good as we are currently experiencing under the stewardship of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.

‘The Amnesty Programme, which before now was characterized by corruption and other sharp practices, is now on its right path, with targeted policies to effect the desired change and redirect the programme towards the attainment of its core objectives, which are focused on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration.

‘Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s leadership has focused extensively on enhancing stakeholder engagement, ensuring timely stipend payments, and promoting merit-based education and vocational training for ex-agitators across the Niger Delta region.

‘We want to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for supporting Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro to coordinate the affairs of the Amnesty Office. The President has done well by giving us, Niger Delta people, the recognition we deserve in his administration, and we want to assure him of our unalloyed support ahead of the 2027 Presidential election.

‘We equally want to address the several attacks on an illustrious son of the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, over the federal government pipeline surveillance contract awarded to his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

‘We are emphatic in our condemnation of the allegations of misappropriation of funds, kidnapping, terrorism funding, and several other crimes against humanity leveled against our two illustrious sons, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, during a sponsored protest in Washington DC in the United States.

‘Those spearheading these wicked and callous allegations are well known to us. The federal government and security agencies know them, and their actions have become a major source of concern to all stakeholders as they portend huge danger to peace in the Niger Delta.

‘We are grateful to the federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo the much-needed support, through the prompt release of funds to the Amnesty Office to carry out various impactful programmes as well as the continued surveillance of pipelines to curb oil theft in the region.

‘We are also unanimous in our decision to continue to promote and support all peace initiatives driven by the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the guidance of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, and well supported by the federal government.

‘We ask all Niger Delta leaders and youths to remain steadfast with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown uncommon love for our people in his government and the development of our region.’

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) officially launched its sixth season at the SunBet Arena in South Africa, buoyed by a record-breaking roster of 15 marketing and merchandising partners and a global broadcast reach spanning over 200 countries.

The 2026 season opener in Pretoria marks a significant milestone for the league, which has expanded its commercial appeal by welcoming five new high-profile partners: Amazon Web Services (AWS), FLEXX, PUMA, Qatar Foundation, and South African Tourism.

The influx of new sponsors joins a stable of returning foundational and official partners, including the Rwanda Development Board, Wilson, and Afreximbank. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall noted that the diverse partnership roster reflects the ‘sustained growth and momentum’ of the African sports industry.

‘We look forward to working with these amazing companies to engage BAL fans across the continent and around the world in new and creative ways,’ Fall said.

The partnerships extend beyond simple branding, focusing heavily on infrastructure and community development as PUMA assumes the role of Official Outfitter, supplying all team uniforms and referee apparel.

While AWS will serve as the Official Technology Provider, integrating cloud AI and machine learning into the league’s operations, Afreximbank continues its support of the ‘BAL4HER’ and ‘BAL Future Pros’ programs, aimed at developing young professional talent in the sports sector.

Wilson returns as a Foundational Partner and Official Game Ball Partner of the BAL

The 2026 season is set to be the league’s most accessible yet. Games will be broadcast across all 54 African countries via partners such as Canal+, RTS, and TV5 Monde. Internationally, fans can tune in through NBA TV, the NBA App, and various FAST channels in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The season structure for 2026 features a 42-game schedule. The Sahara Conference holds between April 24 and May 3 in Rabat, Morocco.

The Kalahari Conference group phase which started yesterday continues through April 5, featuring 12 club teams from 12 different African nations competing for a spot in the May playoffs. The Playoffs and Final is slated for May 22 to May 31 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a pro-democracy figure, freedom fighter, philanthropist, public administrator, and political strategist.

He also characterised him as a ‘builder of people across divides.’

In a birthday message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Abbas said the President has paid his dues in politics and built a network of progressive Nigerians committed to creating a nation citizens can take pride in.

He noted that Tinubu’s experience across the private and public sectors is reflected in his leadership, which he said has translated into strong performance in office.

The Speaker added that under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the country is witnessing wide-ranging reforms and a realignment of resources aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and securing long-term national development.

Abbas further stated that upon assuming office, the President confronted the country’s challenges with what he described as courage, making difficult decisions that are beginning to yield positive outcomes and set Nigeria on a path of growth.

The Speaker acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s transformation of the country saying ‘Today, the foundations are being reset. Revenues to states have improved. Transparency has increased. Infrastructure is advancing. Security coordination is strengthening. These are not isolated steps. They are part of a clear direction.’

He stressed that President Tinubu’s leadership has made the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) the most popular political party in the nation’s history and urged Nigerians to pray for President Tinubu, saying citizens across political, religious, and ethnic divides stand to benefit from the current administration.

Speaker Abbas wished President Tinubu longevity and vitality, with the courage to carry on with the repositioning of Nigeria beyond 2027 and prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant the President the wisdom, grace, and grit to steer the wheel of Nigeria towards propriety, peace, and unity.

A cleric based in Anambra State, Evang Favour Ezani, has blamed the devil for allegedly raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl, Precious Okafor in his residence.

The suspect and General Overseer of a Pentecostal church in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state was arrested by Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), a security outfit owned by the state government.

Admitting to the crime in a viral video, the suspect confessed to mixing bitter leaf with other herbs for the girl to get rid of the pregnancy to avert public shame.

He begged security operatives to temper justice with mercy, promising to take care of the girl’s medical bills if allowed to go free.

Addressing newsmen at the SASA headquarters in Onitsha yesterday, the spokesperson, Karen James, said a security personnel from Igboukwu, a neighbouring community, who brought the report, said the victim was handed over to the suspect by her aunt for special deliverance before the incident.

She said the aunt discovered that the victim was pregnant, and when interrogated, the victim mentioned the name of the Evangelist, who is currently in police custody.

Narrating her ordeal, the victim said the ugly episode started in November 2025 when the suspect initiated the sexual intercourse with her shortly after arriving his house for the special deliverance as demanded by her aunt.

She said the suspect got her pregnant amidst threat to kill her if she revealed the ungodly act.

According to her, ‘Daddy Ezani started having forcible sex with me few days after I arrived in his house for the special deliverance.

‘I was handed over to him by my aunt to deliver me from stubbornness, without the consent of my mother who resides in Port Harcourt, River State.

‘It was my aunt who consulted Daddy Ezani about my behaviour after I relocated to the village from Lagos and, in response, Daddy Ezani told them that I came from the seven seas of the world, hence I needed urgent and special deliverance to be free.

‘He had slept with me many times inside his church, farm and residence before the rescue came.

‘I don’t know my father, but my mother lives in Port Harcourt. I am an indigene of Amichi. I urgently need help.

‘As I speak to you now, blood is coming out from my private part as a result of the mixed concoctions Daddy Ezani gave me to drink to abort the pregnancy.

‘I have no money to go to the hospital for proper treatment.’

Appreciating the security operatives for rescuing her, the victim appealed to the state government, NGOs and well-to-do individuals to come to her aid to enable her treat herself properly.