Author: Nouman Ali

The 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained freedom.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye on Sunday.

He attributed their freedom to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, who he said personally led the efforts to free the abductees.

The statement reads: ‘The abductees were freed today, November 23. The Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direct initiative that made this happen.

‘The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.

‘The Governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.

‘The Governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.’

Bayelsa state Head of Service (HoS), Dr Wisdom Sawyer, at the weekend, stopped about seven non-indigene directors in the state’s civil service from writing a competency test.

It was gathered that the affected directors were already seated at the Rooftop Auditorium, Bayelsa Medical University, the venue of the test in Yenagoa, when Sawyer gave an order that non-indigenes were not allowed to write the examination.

The competency test, according to the announcement by Sawyer, was held on Friday and Saturday for directors on Grade levels 16 and 17 between 9 am to 4 pm.

It was learnt that the test was in preparation for the appointments of some of them as permanent secretaries by the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The action of Sawyer was said to have caused disaffection among other directors, who frowned on the embarrassment the development caused their colleagues.

Sawyer was said to have acted on his own, as there was no indication that Governor Diri gave such a directive.

Sources, who spoke in confidence, said the order asking non-indigenes, who were also shortlisted for the examination, to leave the hall came to them as a rude shock.

One of them said, ‘We were all shocked at the development. These same non-indigenes have given their all in the state’s civil service, growing through the ranks to become directors. Why will anyone think of stopping them from writing a competency test in such an embarrassing manner? Why were they shortlisted for the test in the first place?

‘Besides, not everybody who sat for the test will have the privilege of being appointed a permanent secretary by the governor. Appointment of permanent secretaries is the prerogative of the governor. The HoS should have allowed the non-indigenes to write the test and then allowed the governor to decide on the issue of permanent secretaries’ appointment’.

Another source wondered where Sawyer derived his powers, faulted the claims, saying it ran afoul of the civil service rule on non-discrimination.

‘We all know that Governor Diri did not give this directive. The way they were asked to leave the hall was demeaning and dehumanizing. The civil service rule does not allow for this kind of discrimination’, he said.

The sources called for Diri’s intervention to avert the rancour and bickering already created by Sawyer’s discriminatory order.

Absolving Diri of any blame, one of the sources, who is close to the governor, said, ‘Gov. Diri is a detribalised leader and can never give such an anti-Nigerian directive, it’s dehumanizing to those affected, calling them out of the hall. This is a governor who has a cabinet Commissioner, Mazi Onuma Johnson, from Abia State; he is a detribalised leader. The HoS wants to give him a bad image’.

But Sawyer, who confirmed the development during a telephone interview, immediately countered his critics, insisting that the office of the permanent secretary in Bayelsa was reserved for indigenes only.

He said the pre-qualification examination for permanent secretaries was done according to the local government of origin.

Sawyer said, ‘The Permanent Secretary is for people who are indigenes of Bayelsa State by local government, that is, our own state guidelines. Which LGA are they from? For permanent secretaries, you write per LGA, which LGA will they write? I acted according to the public service rule.

‘In the federal level, if you are from Kogi and married in Rivers, it is the Kogi State slot that you will use for permanent Secretary, and the permanent Secretary thing is per LGA in Bayelsa. As a permanent Secretary, you are representing your LGA and constituency. So, which LGA and which constituency am I replacing?

‘But we employed them (non-indigenes) and made them directors. It is okay. They can manage with that. Everybody must not become a permanent Secretary. So, it is correct, I did that, and if you give me another opportunity, I will still do it because I am here for Bayelsans and not for non-indigenes.

‘The guidelines said it must be indigenes. It could also be indigene by marriage, and it must be captured in the records when you entered the civil service.

‘Normally, if you enter the civil service, if you are from Brass, you will indicate Brass LGA, which will remain in your record till you retire. One person filled Sagbama LGA, but his mother is from Brass. Towards the exam, he came to say he is from Brass, but we said no, what you fill is what you will use’.

He described the competency test conducted by his administration as the best and most professional in the state, saying everybody was given a fair playing field.

Sawyer said even the physically challenged were allowed to write the test, adding that for the first time, all level 16 directors from all the local government areas were allowed to sit for the examination.

Sawyer said part of the examination required the candidates to draft a memo for the governor, and wondered why some people were not comfortable with the questions.

The Archbishop on Special Duties of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Sunday Onuoha, on Sunday raised the alarm over recent kidnappings and insecurity in the country.

Onuoha warned that Nigeria must seek urgent help before the situation deteriorates further.

The clergyman spoke in Abuja during a thanksgiving service for his investiture as Archbishop on Special Duties, lamenting that the nation borrows money and technology needed for survival, adding that it’s time to seek help from foreign countries to also tackle insecurity.

In his sermon, Onuoha said Nigeria should not continue ‘pretending that all is well’ when citizens are being abducted and vulnerable groups are attacked across communities.

According to him, ‘Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Wherever we come from, it is time to stand up and say: enough.’

The cleric warned that denial is worsening the national condition, stressing that people must stop ‘saying peace when there is no peace’.

Onuoha, who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Assistant on Privatization Matters, said, ‘Our young people are being taken; our women are assaulted. When we lack the skills to fix what is wrong, someone who can do it must step forward. If there is anyone who can help, please come and help us.’

He said government officials often struggled to speak openly because of diplomatic constraints, adding that citizens must therefore take responsibility for speaking the truth.

‘On behalf of the government, the church, and every ordinary worker, let help come immediately – not tomorrow. Now. Right now,’ he appealed.

The Archbishop also warned that unresolved violence would shape the next generation, insisting that healing would only come when Nigerians rise above ethnic, religious, and class divisions.

He noted that hunger, sickness, sunshine, and rainfall had no tribe or religion, stressing that ‘we are one family under God’.

Onuoha said national progress had been crippled by selfishness and deceit, adding that, ‘righteousness exalts a nation, but wrongdoing breaks it’.

He urged Nigerians to confront the truth, discard bitterness, and embrace a fresh start.

‘When our national teams play football, no one cares about the tribe. When you board an aircraft, you don’t ask the pilot’s religion. Safety is always on the mind of everyone,’ he said.

Onuoha reminded leaders that power was temporary, warning against pride and arrogance.

‘Look at our nation today: when people enjoy power, they become unreachable. But when power leaves, they become ordinary again. Even phones that once rang nonstop suddenly stop ringing,’ he said.

He emphasised that God had not abandoned Nigeria, but was calling the country to repentance, justice, and unity.

‘Something is wrong. Something is not right. As a country, we are hiding wounds instead of healing them,’ he added.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is set to take centre stage at this year’s All Maritime Journalists Retreat, where it will lead strategic discussions on accelerating the digital transformation of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.

Scheduled for December 4, 2025 in Lagos, the retreat will bring together key players across maritime, trade, finance, and technology to examine how emerging technologies can boost Nigeria’s import-export efficiency.

The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) said the FIRS will deliver a technical paper titled ‘Onboarding on the National Single Window Platform: A Step-by-Step Guide’, offering stakeholders a practical breakdown of how to integrate into the National Single Window (NSW)-a government-driven platform expected to streamline documentation, enhance transparency, and modernise trade processes.

In a statement jointly signed by Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Paul Ogbuokiri, and Secretary, Adaku Onyenucheya, MARCON said the FIRS’ participation reflects its central role in technology-enabled trade facilitation, especially with the NSW Secretariat domiciled in the agency.

According to the organisers, the retreat comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for the NSW to go fully live in the first quarter of 2026.

‘The platform is a transformative tool for documentation and compliance, and stakeholders need clear guidance on onboarding requirements,’ the statement noted.

MARCON explained that the retreat will serve as a direct interface for industry players to receive clarifications on compliance expectations, digital integration, and the operational workflow of the new trade system.

‘This year’s theme, ‘Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade’, reflects our commitment to helping the media understand the fast-evolving digital frameworks shaping the maritime sector,’ the committee said.

Beyond the technical sessions, the retreat aims to deepen maritime journalists’ understanding of the digital tools transforming Nigeria’s trade environment. Participants will gain access to expert-led analyses, practical demonstrations, and use cases that will support more informed and development-oriented reportage.

MARCON said the gathering will also promote closer collaboration between the media and regulatory agencies. ‘Strengthening this relationship is critical to driving accurate, accountable, and forward-looking reporting that supports national trade reforms,’ the organisers added.

With the NSW expected to significantly cut transaction delays, reduce human interface, and boost government revenue, stakeholders believe this year’s retreat could not be timelier.

The conference is also expected to set the tone for broader national conversations around building a competitive, technology-driven maritime sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.

Social Media Platform X (formerly Twitter) has introduced a new feature allowing users to view the country of origin for other accounts, aiming to increase transparency and combat foreign interference and misinformation.

The feature, currently being rolled out on a limited basis, enables users to navigate to an account’s bio, select the join date, and access information, including the country where the account was created, its verification status, and the number of username changes.

According to X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, the update is designed to help users verify content authenticity and stay informed about global issues.

He wrote, ‘In a couple of hours, we’ll be rolling out About This Account globally, allowing you to see the country or region where an account is based. This will be accessible by tapping the signup date on profiles.

‘This is an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square. We plan to provide many more ways for users to verify the authenticity of the content they see on X.

‘And for those in countries where speech has penalties, we’ve included privacy toggles to only show your region.’

The feature will initially be tested with a small group of users, including X team members, before being expanded to a broader audience.

While supporters argue that the feature will aid in identifying accounts spreading misinformation, critics have raised concerns about user privacy, citing potential risks for individuals who may not wish to publicly disclose their location.

In response, X has provided an option for users to display a broader geographical region or continent, rather than a specific country.

This development forms part of X’s ongoing efforts to enhance content verification and provide users with greater context for the information they encounter on the platform.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the military is fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safe rescue of the students abducted in Kebbi and Niger States, and the arrest of the perpetrators.

The military high command gave the assurance in a statement by the Director Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen Michael Onoja, on Sunday.

At least 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and 303 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, were abducted by gunmen last week.

In a separate incident, three worshippers were killed and a pastor, along with several others, was abducted at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku community of Kwara State.

The incidents drew concerns and condemnation from the government, influential individuals, and the international community, with many calling for increased efforts to address the growing insecurity in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu cancelled his planned trips to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa and Angola for the AU-EU Summit, following the incidents.

The DHQ condemned the ‘heinous act in the strongest terms’, assuring the safe rescue of all abductees and arrest of the perpetrators.

‘Our thoughts remain with the students, their families, and the community affected by this incident,’ it said.

The military high command said it had commenced an investigation into the alleged withdrawal of troops stationed at the school in Kebbi 30 minutes before the attack.

‘Regarding the allegation made by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State-that the terrorists struck 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from the school, the Defence Headquarters is aware of this claim.

‘In line with our standard procedure, a thorough review is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements in the area at the time of the incident,’ the DHQ said

The military high command acknowledged the concerns of Nigerians regarding the recent increase in insecurity in parts of the North, but assured that the Nigerian military remains committed to working closely with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities.

‘We assure Nigerians that the rescue effort is a top priority, and our troops are actively on the ground pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students,’ the DHQ said.

From Osagie Otabor, Beni Residents of the Iyowa community in the Ovia North East local government area have staged a peaceful protest over incessant kidnapping activities in the area.

The protesters blocked the Benin-Akure highway for several hours, demanding an end to kidnapping for ransom in the locality.

Some of the residents said a husband and wife were abducted last Saturday, and a ransom of N50m was demanded.

This is just as operatives of the Edo State Special Security Squad arrested two suspected kidnappers who were negotiating a ransom of N500m for the release of one of their victims.

The suspects, Anthony Fedigha Ebimienwei and Luke Disemoh, had earlier collected N30m for the release of one Blessing Nosa.

The operational base of the kidnappers, located in the Egbai community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, was demolished.

Coordinator of the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, said dismantling of the hideout was in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to adopt offensive security tactics.

‘These individuals have been in this trade for some time, and it is deeply unfortunate. Let this serve as a clear warning: under Governor Okpebholo’s watch, Edo State is not a safe haven for kidnappers or any criminal elements.’

The Okaighele (youth leader) of Egbai community, Aghaku Ihanuwaze, commended Governor Okpebholo for ‘a courageous and long-overdue intervention.’

‘This hideout has been a source of fear for our community,’ the youth leader noted. ‘We thank Governor Okpebholo for acting swiftly and for prioritising the safety of our people.’

It was pomp as sought-after Nigerian role models in various fields of life, mentored hundreds of ambitious and exuberant youths on how they could become successful in their chosen careers. The event was the maiden edition of the Port Harcourt Youth Conference 2025, organized by IBGO Mentorship Network. The conference was held recently at the 2,000-seater state-of-the-art auditorium of House on the Rock, at GRA Phase III, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

According to the Chair of the organising committee, Dr. Tayo Isijola, who is the Theatre and Performing Arts’ Head of Department, Wigwe University, Port Harcourt, the conference was themed: ‘Emergence of Stars’ resonated with its highlights on mentoring the conferees on how to achieve stardom in their chosen careers. Dr. Isijola said the conference is aimed at empowering the youths with proper mentorship on career success and advancement.

The conference, which was anchored by the duo comperes of- Buchi Rafua and Abiye Abere, featured talented rapper and music producer, Sammy Heart. His characteristic lyrical rap style connected the audience to the conference theme.

No fewer than seven choice speakers made presentations, followed by a drama performance titled ‘Stupid Question’, presented by Dr. Tee Repertory (DTR).

Pastor Lanre Oluseye, a leader of the House on the Rock Church in the South-south region, and life coach, opened the mentoring session with an iceberg question for young people- ‘Are stars born or made?’ The speaker established the side of fate to the question, stating that the good God and author of fate had fashioned everyone for a good end. He stressed that individual’s choices, decisions and the willpower to achieving that ‘good end’ play significant roles in the outcome. Narrowing down to the subject of choice of friendship, Pastor Oluseye noted that early choices and decisions to make or change ones’ circle of friends and network will always impact strongly on one’s life achievements and advancements. He noted that right friends and network also play important roles in stimulating an individual for greatness by situating one in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing and getting it right.

He therefore charged the youths to be resolutely intentional in choosing circle of friends and network.

Iroghama Ogbeifun, an inspiring young female captain of industry, spoke on the subject of self-appropriation for advancements. Her interactions with the conferees about self-awareness were beyond understanding one’s thought, feelings, behaviour or personality. Rather the speaker focused on the need to develop knowledge about self-strength and weaknesses, which should be followed by making conscious efforts to work on the weaknesses and enhancing the points of strength. She adduced the following as soft pillars for self-leadership: self-discipline, self-motivation, personal responsibility, emotional intelligence and submitting to an accountability partner.

Iro concluded that confidence and independence that can produce great achievements and advancement to stardom are premised on the application of the five (5) soft pillars.

Mr. Blessing Isijola, who is the Convener of the programme, spoke on a daunting phase in the journey to stardom, which he described as ‘passing through the process’. He corroborated the 1st speaker’s position that the early phase to achieving advancement into stardom, which requires ‘find the path’ and ‘break inertia’, may be somewhat challenging in the absence of the right circle of friends and network. However, he noted that once the journey has commenced, the path of ‘passing through the process is mostly done alone. It is an incubating phase that comes with pressures of denials and pain. Hence, the speaker did recommend the following as duty to anyone ‘passing through the process’: engage self-mastery, convert strength to skill sets, work on your weakness and learn from mistakes.

Emmanuel Inyang, aka Prinx Emmanuel, a gospel music artiste narrated his travails in the path to stardom. He drew from his narrations to establish that the emergence of a star is never an instant occurrence, as no sustainable advancement comes in a hurry. He submitted that true advancement takes a process of development, which the convener already termed ‘incubation’.

The fifth mentor, Chinonso Iwo, aka Nonso, addressed conferee on failure, being a necessity in the journey to stardom, remarking that ‘failure is the tuition fee for success’. Nonso, a successful entertainment and tourism entrepreneur, assured the youths that it is not wrong to fail, as failure can serve to provide the impetus for the knowledge to get bye, and be better.

The speaker explained that failure truly helps to build capacity through ‘unlearn’ and ‘re-learn’ processes, as the individual also develops patience, which is of great value to stardom.

Reigner Davies, aka Pa Ray, who spoke next, is the founding Director of Mouldbreak Learning Community- a well-sought after life coach and vision strategist. First, Pa Ray stressed that ‘Christ in you is the hope of glory.’ He extended the position of the 1st speaker about an assuring fate ahead of everyone, and that the duty to fulfilling it lies in the hands of the individual. Then, his ‘pitch a tent’ analogy, explained that the journey to stardom begins with an immediate starting measure. ‘Start by pitching your tent, is a charge to begin by erecting a temporary structure and not necessarily a building.’ This also agrees with the positions of the 4th and 5th speakers who stressed on the need to start little, for the journey, only, begins by engaging a start.

Enioluwa Adeoluwa, aka Eni, stressed that everybody admires the glamour of stardom but not all may know that lots of work go behind the scenes, whereas a lot of people, who aspire to be stars do not admire the work that comes with it. He admitted that work is tedious, dirty and exerting, but it is a duty on the path of becoming and remaining a star. Charging the audience that individuals with apathy for work have no place in stardom.

He noted that for a plethora of reasons fear lurks at the starting point of every good end, and thus advised the conferees, ‘don’t be afraid to start.’

The convener, Dr. Isijola, announced the theme for next year’s edition: ‘Success Codes’, with a scheduled date of Monday, March 23, 2026.

Renowned lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity plaguing the country.

Speaking on Sunday in Ikere-Ekiti during the 29th edition of the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme, he described the increasing frequency and boldness of criminal activities as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating security architecture.

Olanipekun noted that kidnapping and banditry, once regarded as isolated incidents, have now evolved into widespread threats, leaving citizens fearful for their safety.

He warned that the worsening situation suggests that some Nigerians are actively undermining the country by sponsoring violent activities, branding them ‘internal saboteurs’ whose actions fuel national instability.

He argued that such conduct would not be tolerated in developed nations where national interest is upheld above personal or political considerations.

Nigeria, he said, must stop overlooking individuals who hide behind regional or political sentiments to promote disorder.

Calling on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate the political will needed to confront the crisis, Olanipekun urged him to publicly name those he described as ‘enemies within’ who are aiding insecurity.

According to him, exposing them is essential to restoring public trust, strengthening deterrence, and assuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ending the menace.

He maintained that the federal government is not unaware of the masterminds behind the insecurity, noting that many perpetrators and their sponsors are already known within security and intelligence circles.

However, he warned that the continued reluctance to expose and prosecute them has created the impression that powerful interests are being shielded, deepening public distrust.

Olanipekun insisted that Nigeria does not require external intervention to resolve its security challenges. Instead, he said, the country must look inward and summon the courage to confront those sabotaging its stability from within.

He further said, ‘We must stop this inhumanity of man to man, we must try to love ourselves, we must try to be kind must try to appreciate the fact that one day we’ll die, whether you’re an abductor, whether you are a killer, whatever you are, you will die one day. Where were the people of yesteryear? Have they not gone?

‘I have been preaching about how we can strengthen Nigeria. I sympathize with President Tinubu. And any time I see him, I will tell him, I say, Mr. President, I don’t envy you. He will say, my lawyer. I applied for this job. So, he will say, Sir, don’t sympathize with me.

‘But I sympathise with him because he is the inheritor of what he didn’t plant. So he should not reap what he didn’t sow. The problems have been there. But we should stop pretending as if we don’t know the problems are there.

‘There are so many individuals who say they are citizens, but they don’t love this country, they are working against the interests of the country, but again, my own suggestion regarding this is to stop pretending as if we don’t know those behind the insecurity.

‘If we know them, like what you said, why can’t we expose them? That is the essence of being a nation. You can’t do it in America and get away with it. You can’t sabotage your country. You can’t work against the interests of your country.

‘You can’t be planting war against your country, and we are living with that country. Why are we deceiving ourselves? Are we pretending as if we don’t know those who are waging war against this country?, he asked.

Offering solutions to the persistent security challenges, Olanipekun renewed his call for regional federalism, insisting that restructuring Nigeria along regional lines remains the most realistic pathway to achieving sustainable stability.

He noted that devolving more powers to the regions while retaining core national responsibilities at the centre would not only strengthen governance architecture but also improve security coordination, reduce tension, and promote healthier competition among the federating units.

Olanipekun maintained that a regional structure would offer a more coherent and efficient framework for managing the country’s diversity and addressing several challenges that differ across the regions.

He said, ‘I want to plead, and I’ve been pleading for it. I’ve been preaching it. It is a time for us to heal wounds. It’s time for us to say, look, how do we live together? How do we create a bridge that will not collapse in the next few years? And that comes back, it takes us to what I’ve been saying.

‘What can save Nigeria today is regional federalism. Through the regions, we can integrate properly, and I have been saying this since Obasanjo was president, and when I was also president of the Nigerian Bar Association. That is the only way out for Nigeria, regional federalism.

‘Let the regions come together and form a strong alliance. Let the residual powers be in the regions, but the powers which are traditionally meant for the centre be donated to the centre. That has been my song’, he added.

Bellazir Energy Limited, in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has successfully concluded a training program on fire alarm, gas detection, and access control technologies in Lagos.

The initiative aimed to equip Nigerian youths with practical skills in these critical areas, enhancing local capacity and employability in the oil and gas sector.

The program focused on imparting industry-relevant skills to strengthen local capacity and enhance employability in the oil and gas sector.

The collaboration between Bellazir Energy Limited and NCDMB underscores their commitment to developing the skills of Nigerian youths and promoting local content development.

Participants received certificates and starter kits to aid in their future endeavors.

The CEO of Bellazir Energy Limited, Christabel Aniamaka, lauded NCDMB for their support and collaboration in making the training program a success.

This partnership highlights the growing emphasis on local content development and capacity building in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has been actively promoting local content development and capacity building in the oil and gas sector. Their efforts aim to achieve 70% in-country value retention by 2027, aligning with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s strategic roadmap.