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Industry leaders have said improved seismic surveys and faster permitting are critical to unlocking Africa’s frontier oil and gas potential

Africa’s oil and gas sector could be on the brink of a new exploration renaissance, driven by advances in seismic imaging, frontier data sets and faster permitting, industry leaders said at Africa Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 in Cape Town.

According to Emmanuelle Garinet, VP of Exploration Africa at TotalEnergies, Africa’s frontier basins hold significant volumes. She pointed to Namibia as an example of how seismic and subsurface data can de-risk projects: ‘When we decided to drill the Venus well, it was frontier, but we had a probability of success of more than 50 per cent because of the seismic data and direct hydrocarbon indicators.’

In the Republic of Congo, TotalEnergies’ exploration permitting process is moving at a markedly faster pace. ‘We got our permit in less than six months and are preparing for drilling by the end of the year,’ Garinet said. By contrast, South Africa’s permitting system has faced delays due to legal challenges, a problem she described as ‘unacceptable’ given limited budgets for global exploration.

Chevron’s CEO, Gavin Lewis, emphasised the critical role of comprehensive subsurface datasets in Africa. ‘Before you can do any AI-driven workflows, you need a dataset that illuminates what the subsurface looks like,’ he said.

‘What Africa has lost is the ability to sponsor multi-client subsurface datasets. The only basin that allows for large, regional high-quality datasets is the Gulf of America, which has allowed that basin to reinvent itself multiple times.’

VP of Exploration for bp, Bryan Ritchie, highlighted survey work in Egypt’s Nile Delta, where the company completed the first deepwater ocean-bottom node seismic survey over the Atoll field and noted that the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company plans to expand multi-client data coverage across a larger area of the delta. ‘We’re seeing new opportunities for these images,’ he said.

Beyond exploration, Woodside Energy’s VP of Exploration, Terry Gebhardt, said geoscience and subsurface data are also key to carbon capture and storage projects, as well as ‘maximizing efficacy and recovery’ in existing fields.

The panel discussion, sponsored by EnerGeo Alliance, also underlined the broader scale of investment in Africa’s oil and gas sector. Nikki Martin, President and CEO of EnerGeo Alliance, said African oil and gas capital expenditure is expected to rise to $54 billion by 2030, following a $6 billion surge in exploration spending in 2024.

National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has called on Nigerian farmers to embrace biotechnology as a safe, proven, and effective tool for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security.

Speaking during a Sensitisation Workshop on Biotechnology and Biosafety/Farmers Field Day held in Jagwada, Keffi, Nasarawa State, the Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at NBRDA, Dr. Rose Gidado, highlighted the success of the BT Cowpea variety in improving yields and reducing pest-related losses across farms in the country.

Dr. Gidado explained that the workshop was organised to educate farmers who have not yet accessed BT Cowpea seeds and to showcase the remarkable progress recorded by those already cultivating the improved variety.

‘We are here to engage with farmers who have not yet had access to BT Cowpea and to demonstrate what is already on ground. Our farmer here, Emmanuel, has been growing the variety since 2023 and is now an outgrower for a seed company. He’s doing excellently well,’ she said.

Approved for commercial release in 2019 by the National Variety Release Committee, the BT Cowpea was developed to resist the destructive Maruca pod borer pest. Dr. Gidado noted that the variety continues to perform exceptionally well, proving the technology’s reliability, environmental safety, and resilience.

‘The technology is working. This variety matures early, is climate-smart, and significantly reduces pesticide use. That means fewer harmful residues in the grains,’ she stated, adding that one of the farmers now exports his BT Cowpea to the United Kingdom, where it has passed all quality checks.

The NBRDA director also cautioned farmers against misinformation about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), emphasizing that biotechnology crops are safe for cultivation and consumption.

‘Nigerian farmers should not run away from this technology. Don’t listen to rumor mongers. GMOs are safe. Look at this farm it’s full of life. You can see weeds, groundnuts, sorghum, insects, even ants. Everything is thriving,’ she said.

Describing the BT Cowpea as a testimony of Nigerian scientific success, Dr. Gidado commended the collaboration between NBRDA and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in promoting biotechnology awareness and outreach across farming communities.

‘We are proud to be part of this success story. We are contributing to Nigeria’s food security and giving farmers access to quality, climate-resilient seeds,’ she added.

One of the host farmers, Mr. Ogenomor Emmanuel, shared his impressive results cultivating BT Cowpea on his 7.7-hectare farm. Beginning with five hectares in 2023, he said he expanded his cultivation area due to the crop’s exceptional performance.

‘For conventional cowpea, you spray pesticides seven to eight times, but with BT Cowpea, once every 15 days is enough. The difference in yield is massive,’ he said.

According to him, while local cowpea varieties produce three to four bags per hectare, the BT Cowpea yields between 21 and 22 bags per hectare, representing a dramatic increase in productivity and income.

Emmanuel also noted the variety’s shorter cooking time and resilience.

‘It cooks in about 35 to 40 minutes, unlike the local beans that take up to three hours,’ he explained.

Since October 2024, Emmanuel has been exporting BT Cowpea to buyers in the UK and the US, earning double what he would have made in local markets. He attributed the high demand to the grain’s purity and cleanliness, even during the rainy season.

‘Some farmers said it’s impossible to have clean beans during the rainy season, but BT Cowpea has proven otherwise. It can even be planted two to three times a year-that’s how resilient it is,’ he said, noting that he harvested 7.6 tons from five hectares in his first season.

Another participant, Master Balat Ishaya, a farmer from Kaduna State, described the workshop as a game-changer that could revolutionize farming if scaled across Nigeria.

‘This workshop is an eye-opener. If such programs reach more rural communities, it will replace the primitive way of farming and boost productivity. More productivity means more development,’ he said.

He emphasized that wider adoption of biotechnology could accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward food sufficiency and economic growth, noting that ‘a nation with enough food for its people is a nation on the path to prosperity.’

The NBRDA Sensitisation Workshop forms part of the agency’s ongoing national campaign to promote the safe adoption of biotechnology and biosafety practices.

It aims to empower farmers with innovative tools to improve yields, increase incomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s food system through science-driven agriculture.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu will in a few weeks be bowing out as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after 10 years in the saddle. He makes history as the longest serving helmsman of the electoral body, having been in office for two terms of five years each. He was tapped to the job subject to Senate clearance in November 2015 by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who also reappointed him to a second tenure in December 2020.

Yakubu presided over two presidential elections (2019 and 2023), just like his immediate predecessor, Professor Attahiru Jega, who umpired the 2011 and 2015 polls although within a single tenure in his own case.

Besides the 2019 and 2023 general elections, Yakubu also presided over INEC’s conduct of no fewer than 19 end-of-tenure and off-cycle governorship elections, and more than 300 supplementary polls into legislative houses at both state and national levels. His tenure at INEC is hallmarked by extensive reforms – both in terms of changes to the electoral legal framework and digitisation of the electoral process.

It is under Yakubu’s leadership that election schedules have become calendared: for instance, national elections are slated for the third Saturday in February of an election year and state elections a fortnight after.

Following this pattern, the commission has already fixed the dates for the conduct of the next 10 general elections spanning 2027 to 2063. This should help all stakeholders, including political actors and election observers, to plan ahead and work towards better coordination with the electoral commission.

Among changes to the legal framework under Yakubu, the 2022 Electoral Act amendment has legally enshrined the use of digital tools in the electoral process, unlike the 2010 amendment that did not make that provision and allowed for successful legal challenge of the use of Smart Card Readers by the Jega-led commission in the 2015 general election.

Retaining permanent voter cards (PVCs) that was introduced by the former commission, Yakubu upscaled the use of technology by way of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a digital device that combines fingerprint and facial recognition in ascertaining the identity of voters before they are allowed to cast their ballots. This has been a game-changer that severely curtailed voter impersonation and multiple voting – tendencies that had plagued the Nigerian electoral system.

His leadership also introduced the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, an innovative platform that allows the public to track polling unit results as they are uploaded in real time during polls, ahead of collation at constituency levels.

IReV has been successfully deployed at governorship and other lower constituency polls. It suffered a glitch during the 2023 presidential election, however, and the attendant controversy is the lowest point of Yakubu’s tenure at INEC. But its backup protected the election’s integrity.

The electoral body under Yakubu has also fully moved online nomination of candidates by political parties, applications by political associations to be registered as parties, as well as application for accreditation as election observers by observer groups and journalists, among other processes.

Another major stride of Yakubu’s leadership at INEC is the facilitation of increased access of voters to the polls. Hitherto, creation of additional polling units was a political hot button that compelled the previous commission to make do with splitting unduly large centres among the 119,973 polling units created in 1996 into sub-units known as voting points.

Yakubu, however, managed to pull off transforming those voting points into autonomous units, leaving the country with 176,846 polling units that were operated for the 2023 general election. The size of the voter register has also swelled from some 68.83million registrants that Yakubu inherited in 2015 to 93.5million registrants on roll before the 2023 general election.

Since 2023, there has also been continuous voter registration on a standardised – as opposed to previously ad hoc – basis that has brought millions more voters onto the register. The flip side, though, is that the ballooning voter roll has also translated into dwindling percentage turnout of voters, because increasing voter population that is not matched by proportionately increasing quantum turnout at elections only shows up as inverse percentage turnout.

A monument to Yakubu’s shortfall in office, however, is his failure to usher in electronic voting in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Perhaps the strongest point of Yakubu’s leadership at INEC was his entry point. He consolidated on the achievements of the Jega commission and didn’t go reinventing the wheel, and was thus able to tremendously improve the performance of the commission, more so with the advantage of time that he had.

Like his predecessor, the outgoing INEC boss comported himself with civilised restraint in the face of virulent criticisms. This has helped to keep political temperature on the leash and allowed no manoeuvring room for mischievous inciters; and naturally, the country has been better for it.

The Progressive Advocates, a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, has urged Governor Umo Eno to sack his appointees still be loyal to his predecessor Udom Emmanuel.

The group made the call on Monday in an open letter addressed to the Governor by its chancellor, Mr. Anthony Peter, secretary,Pastor Okon John and publicity secretary, Comrade Felix Ita.

In the letter in Uyo, it expressed worries that the Governor might not succeed with disloyal government functionaries most of they alleged were handpicked by his predecessor.

The letter reads in parts: ‘We write to express deep concern over the growing wave of divided loyalties among key functionaries of your government.

‘This development poses a serious threat to the success of your administration and the viability of your re-election bid.

‘It has become a matter of public knowledge that about 97% of your current appointees, including members of the State Executive Council, personal aides, local government chairmen, and members of the State and National Assemblies, were handpicked by the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State.

‘While such political inheritance might have appeared strategic at the onset, it has now become clear that many of these individuals remain more loyal to their benefactor than to you or to the administration you lead.

‘Your Excellency, it would be an act of political naivety to expect such appointees to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to your vision, your policies, or your political survival.

‘These individuals have, in various ways, frustrated government initiatives, leaked sensitive information, and undermined your authority in the execution of your Arise Agenda’.

The group said it was not a hidden secret that the immediate past Governor is not happy with Eno’s recent movement to the APC and may do anything to sabotage his administration.

‘They have become moles and viruses within your administration – serving as channels of internal sabotage while pretending to be loyal aides.

‘As part of their coordinated sabotage, these same disgruntled elements have taken to pushing false narratives in political and media circles, claiming that you have no appreciable scorecard to justify the huge resources that have accrued to the State’s coffers since you assumed office.

‘In doing so, they deliberately ignore the visible strides of your administration in infrastructure, education, rural development, and governance reforms.

‘Their objective is to erode public confidence in your leadership and create the impression of failure where tangible progress exists – a cynical plot designed to weaken your moral standing and embolden their godfather’s continued political relevance.

‘Worse still, reliable intelligence and observable political patterns indicate that these viruses within your team are working in active cahoots with the immediate past governor to systematically weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

‘Their strategy is clear: to use their positions within your administration to undermine the credibility of genuine APC loyalists, frustrate grassroots mobilization, and sink the party’s structure ahead of the next election cycle’, the group added.

The Nation reports there is cold war between Eno and his predecessor over the Governor’s defection to the APC.

Teachers across the globe were yesterday celebrated to mark the World Teachers Day. Every October 5 is set aside to celebrate them for the invaluable contributions they make towards moulding the minds of children.

This year’s celebration had ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ as its theme.

In Nigeria, First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Education Minister and state governors showered praises on teachers while advocating better remuneration, improved working conditions, and reforms to attract more young people into the profession

In her message, the First Lady described teachers as ‘true heroes’ who shape minds, nurture dreams, and guide generations.

She eulogized educators across the country, acknowledging their invaluable role in nation-building and the future of humanity.

‘Teachers are true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations,’ she said.

Mrs. Tinubu noted that as a lifelong teacher herself, she holds deep respect for the profession and those who dedicate their lives to it.

The First Lady said the theme of this year’s celebration: ‘Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage’, is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address the dwindling number of teachers worldwide.

She called for an urgent solution to the current teacher shortage, saying it is a challenge that must be confronted with seriousness.

Mrs. Tinubu noted that this would be achieved by empowering educators, investing in their professional development, and encouraging more young people to pursue teaching as a noble profession.

‘The shortage of teachers is a challenge we must confront with urgency, by empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession,’ she stated.

Senator Tinubu, who praised teachers everywhere, urged Nigerians to recognise their efforts not just in classrooms but also in shaping the moral and intellectual foundation of society

‘As a lifelong teacher myself, I salute you all on this special day. Happy World Teachers’ Day 2025,’ Mrs. Tinubu added.

Federal Government seeks teachers’ collaboration

Calling for strengthened collaboration to deliver quality education, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, commended all stakeholders for the positive milestones achieved nationwide.

‘I implore community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to strengthen their efforts so that together we can effectively deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4),’ the minister said the theme resonated with Nigeria’s education reform agenda.

‘Our experience has shown that when teachers are supported to work together through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and the use of digital platforms, learning outcomes improve, and teachers themselves experience professional growth and fulfillment,’ the minister said.

According to Alausa, the ministry has initiated policies to revitalise the teaching profession including the National Teacher Policy which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.

He added: ‘Peer support structures are being encouraged at school and zonal levels nationwide. The sector is also leveraging ICT to connect teachers across states and provide access to global best practices.

‘We have a robust continuous professional development opportunity through the Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) of Nigeria, National Teachers Institute (NTI) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The current situation being that TRCN concentrates on licensing, monitoring compliance to standards, registration and regulating the teaching profession while NTI focus and sustain in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the basic and post-basic levels.

‘Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.

‘We must note that teachers shape all other professionals working behind closed classroom doors with little exchange of ideas, experiences, or support. Today, as education faces increasing demands and rapid change, the role of the teacher has evolved to become collaborative.

‘A collaborative teacher understands that education is not an individual task but a shared responsibility. Such a teacher freely shares lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies, while remaining humble enough to learn from others. They demonstrate strong communication skills while showing a willingness to build consensus even when opinions differ.

‘Above all, they are committed to lifelong professional growth, both for their personal advancement and for the enrichment of the wider teaching community,’ he said.

Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad said the ministry was strengthening teacher collaboration through initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the promotion of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across schools.

According to her, these efforts are in line with the government’s commitment to raising teacher quality, professional pride, and overall learning outcomes.

ASUSS applauds tuition free technical education

In its message, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) praised the tuition-free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme as a model of effective partnership between policy and practice, commending the federal ministry not education for including ASUSS representatives in the expanded Governing Council of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

ASUSS President, Comrade Sola Adigun, also decried the failure of 16 states to implement the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022 despite court rulings.

Adigun recognised states like Ekiti and Bayelsa for pioneering tuition-free technical education, while applauding governments that respect teachers’ right to freely associate with ASUSS.

He called for collaboration by all stakeholders to save the country’s education sector, describing it as ‘ailing’.

He also highlighted challenges such as examination malpractice, poor welfare, decaying infrastructure, and insecurity in schools, noting the urgent need for unity in tackling them.

‘Teaching has never been a job for lone rangers. The progress of a child is determined not by the teacher alone, but also by parents, policymakers, communities, and government. True collaboration gives teachers a voice in shaping the future of education,’ he added.

He criticised the hurried implementation of the new 9-year Basic Education Curriculum without adequate teacher training or resources.

‘Ambition without preparation breeds failure. Where are the trained teachers? Where are the teaching tools?’ he asked.

Adigun called on states yet to establish Senior Secondary Education Boards to do so urgently, recruit more qualified teachers, and ensure teachers’ welfare is protected. He also renewed the demand for ASUSS’s trade union certificate, approved 17 years ago but still withheld.

He pledged that ASUSS will continue to support the TRCN registration policy, noting that professional certification enhances dignity and competence

Edo absorbs 4,000 volunteers, recruits 500 others

In Edo State, the government announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme, adding that 500 new educators would be employed to strengthen the state’s education system.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, made the announcement in Benin City, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Iyamu said the initiative reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the shortage of teachers in public schools. He explained that letters of appointment would be presented to the 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers on October 15, marking the end of their three-year probation period.

The commissioner added that the absorption of volunteer teachers and recruitment of 500 more would bridge the manpower gap in schools across the state.

‘Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation,’ he said, adding that the appointments would be officially handed out at a ceremony in Government House.

Iyamu also revealed that the government had built over 68 schools in less than a year and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to improve classroom delivery. ‘When we build schools without teachers, they are just empty buildings. We are investing in people who will shape our children’s future,’ he noted.

He further announced that the government had institutionalised a Teachers’ Fitness Day to be marked every October 4 to promote teachers’ well-being, as well as a Best Teacher Award for outstanding performance to be held annually on November 25.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo Wing, Bernard Ajobiewe, commended the government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promoting teachers, and renovating schools. He, however, called for more teachers to be deployed to rural areas where shortages are most severe.

Ajobiewe expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure in many rural schools and urged the government to ensure the payment of accrued financial benefits for promoted teachers. He also opposed the proposed return of schools to missionaries, warning that it could lead to inequities and limit access for children from marginalised backgrounds.

Chairperson of SUBEB, Mrs. Ebanehita Omonzane, praised teachers for their patience and integrity, describing them as true nation builders.

Taraba teachers demand career rise to Grade Level 17

In Taraba State, teachers demanded career progression to Grade Level 17 (Permanent Secretaries) as applicable to their colleagues in the civil service.

State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers {NUT), Comrade Solomon Nathan, who made the call while speaking on the theme: ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow’, noted the need for their service and commitment to be recognised.

‘Let qualified teachers be considered and appointed as Permanent Secretaries in the state, just as it is done in other sectors, because teachers too have the capacity and experience to lead at the highest administrative levels,’ he said.

He commended the governor for providing welfare for teachers but emphasised the need to prioritise education through better learning condition, recruitment of more qualified teachers and upskilling of existing ones through retraining..

In her speech, the State Commissioner of Education, Dr Augustina Yahaya. who represented Governor Agbu Kefas, assured the teachers that their welfare remains a priority to the government. She added that the government was investing on infrastructure in the schools.

Yahaya said: ‘The issue of implementing your promotion remains a burden in our hearts. We are here to prioritize the welfare of teachers.

‘We are building new schools. NUT, SUBEB and the Post Primary Schools Board; let us sit down and see how teachers can reach the level of Permanent Secretary. This is an education and teacher friendly governor’.

Radda praises Katsina teachers’ resilience

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended teachers in the state for their resilience and professionalism.

He described them as the cornerstone of educational development and nation-building, whose dedication and sacrifices continue to shape the future of the state and country.

The governor said: ‘Teaching is not a solitary endeavor. It thrives on collaboration, mutual support and the collective commitment of all stakeholders to create enabling environments where our children can learn and excel.’

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting collaborative teaching approaches through continuous professional development, modern infrastructure, digital learning tools, and platforms that encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing among teachers.

‘We’re committed to teachers welfare’

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare,

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, emphasized that the timely payment of salaries, entitlements, and other benefits remains a top priority.

Sule spoke through the Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muh’d, in Lafia, hailing teachers as role models and builders of future leaders. He urged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and moral integrity while embracing continuous self-improvement and effective lesson delivery.

Dr. Kassim also unveiled a new initiative tagged the ‘A.A. Sule Leave No Child Behind Project,’ aimed at expanding access to quality basic education and ensuring that every child of school age in the state is enrolled and learning.

Cash gifts for two outstanding public school teachers in Lagos

To mark the day, a consumer finance company, Page Financials, celebrated two public school teachers whose commitment to their calling inspire hope and transformation in the country’s education sector against the odds.

Through a public nomination campaign, the company identified two deserving educators, Mrs. Ipinlola Olaiya of Ago Iwoye Methodist Primary School, Ebute Meta, and Mr. Fashina of Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja. Each received a N100,000 cash gift during surprise visits to their respective schools.

Mrs. Olaiya, who began her teaching career in 1991, became emotional as she received the award, noting that she had been ‘trusting God for financial support.’ Her humility and long service moved both colleagues and Page Financials’ representatives present at the event.

At Anglican Comprehensive High School, Creative Arts teacher, Fashina, who has taught for over 24 years, reacted with disbelief and gratitude, shouting ‘Jesus!’ upon learning he was one of the recipients. He revealed that his mobility aid had broken down, and the gift came at a time of great personal need.

The school’s principal, Venerable Adeniji, praised the company’s gesture, describing Fashina as ‘a teacher who has won Best Teacher of the Year in the school more than twice; a true role model.’ He added that such recognition motivates teachers to remain passionate about their work.

Ola Moses, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Page Financials, said the initiative aligned with the company’s mission to empower everyday heroes. ‘Teachers build the foundation of our society, yet their sacrifices often go unnoticed. At Page, we’re committed to celebrating and empowering those who empower others,’ he stated.

Kosofe LG reaffirms commitment to teachers’ welfare

Teachers were also celebrated by the chairman, Kosofe LGA of Lagos State, Moyosore Ogunlewe, who pledged his administration’s resolve to prioritise their welfare and professional development. He pledged continued support through conducive learning environments, adequate resources, and progressive policies.

Ogunlewe commended teachers’ collaboration with colleagues, parents, and communities, noting that teamwork and shared expertise are vital for transforming education and ensuring sustained excellence in Kosofe.

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have destroyed eight illegal refineries and confiscated 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed that the various operations conducted in the region in partnership with other security agencies led to the arrest of many suspects.

He said during the operations around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, the troops dismantled a new illegal refining site.

He named other items destroyed as receivers, ovens, drums, pipes, adding that over 3,500 litres of stolen crude were recovered in the process.

Danjuma said: ‘Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck. The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting troops.

‘Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area’.

In Akwa Ibom State, Danjuma said the troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak Local Government Area.

He said two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures, noting that at an abandoned House No 70, Kemezia Road, Biseni Community, in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Danjuma said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience.

He called on criminal elements in the region to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, insisting that the division under his watch would ensure the forest remained green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage.

The police in Edo State have arrested a middle-aged man, identified as TJ, for allegedly killing his wife, Queen, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government.

The suspect was said to have murdered his wife with an axe and fled after the incident.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the couple had earlier celebrated the birthday of their two-year-old son before the tragedy.

‘There was no sign of a quarrel between them. We went to bed that night, but by morning, neighbours didn’t see them come out and assumed they were still asleep.

‘It was their little boy who later came out of the room with bloodstains on his body.

‘When people saw the stains and noticed he wasn’t injured, they rushed into the room and found the woman lying lifeless in a pool of blood, her throat slit,’ the source said.

The source added that the husband was nowhere to be found and was suspected to have fled after committing the act.

The matter was said to have been reported to the Auchi Police Division, which launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Spokesperson of the police command Chief Superintendent of Police Moses Yamu, in Benin, said the suspect had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

‘The suspect has been apprehended and moved to the State CID for proper investigation,’ Yamu said, adding that the command would ensure that justice was served in the case.

The Kebbi Progressive Youth Coalition for (KEPYO) has cautioned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), against what it described as a ‘consistent display of victimhood politics,’ following his recent claim that his convoy was attacked during a wedding ceremony in Argungu, Kebbi State.

The group, in a statement by its spokesperson Comrade Usman Musa in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend, described Malami’s reaction to the alleged incident as ‘an unnecessary escalation and an attempt to create political tension where none exists.’

It urged the former Minister to exercise restraint and desist from making statements capable of heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘The 2027 election period is yet to be upon us. It is therefore unhelpful for a political figure of Malami’s stature to continually frame himself as a victim of orchestrated attacks each time he visits Kebbi,’ the statement reads.

‘Such narratives not only cast the state in bad light but also risk destabilising the peaceful atmosphere for which Kebbi is known.’

The group noted that while every citizen, including Malami, has the constitutional right to free movement and association, responsible conduct demands that public figures exercise discretion, especially in politically sensitive times.

‘As a former top government official and a prominent political actor, Malami should know better than to turn every personal visit into a media spectacle laced with allegations. If he intends to continue what appears to be a new hobby of frequent tours around the state, he should coordinate with relevant state security agencies to ensure adequate arrangements for his safety,’ the statement added.

KEPYO further questioned the pattern of Malami’s public engagements in Kebbi, saying such high-profile movements were uncommon during his years as Attorney General of the federation.

‘It is quite interesting that Malami, who was hardly seen mingling this freely while he held power as Attorney-General, now moves across Kebbi with large entourages and constant press attention,’ the youth group said. ‘While he is free to reconnect with his political base, he must do so responsibly and without projecting every encounter as an assassination attempt or political ambush.’

The group described the repeated allegations of attacks as ‘victimhood taken too far,’ warning that the peace of Kebbi state should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.

‘The people of Kebbi have always prided themselves on peaceful coexistence. It is therefore imperative that political leaders refrain from rhetoric or behaviour that could inflame divisions or invite needless controversy,’ it stated.

The coalition reiterated its call for all political stakeholders in the state to engage constructively and prioritise dialogue over sensationalism.

‘We expect Malami and others with political aspirations to channel their influence toward promoting unity and development, rather than nurturing narratives that portray Kebbi as a hostile or unsafe state. Kebbi remains peaceful, and the youth are determined to keep it that way.’

While expressing support for law enforcement agencies investigating the alleged Argungu incident, the group emphasised that maintaining order and political tolerance is a shared responsibility.

‘If Malami feels genuinely threatened, he should liaise directly with the Kebbi State Police Command and other relevant security outfits to put measures in place. What we do not need are public statements that inflame passions and divide the people along partisan lines,’ the statement advised.

The Kebbi Youth Coalition for Peace and Development, a non-partisan organisation advocating good governance and social stability in the state, urged all political actors to focus on issues that advance the welfare of citizens rather than pursuing ‘attention-driven theatrics.’

Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Maureen Ifada, has clichéd the coveted ‘Outstanding Marketing Amazon of the Year,’ cementing her place as one of the most influential voices shaping marketing and communications in Nigeria and beyond.

The prestigious event, organised by Marketing Edge Magazine, took place during the week, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Maureen, who has enjoyed a stellar career spanning over two decades in marketing and sales, added the honour to an already impressive list of recent milestones.

These include her emergence as Marketing Director of the Year at the 2025 Brand Handlers Awards and her appointment as a judge at the upcoming International Content Marketers Award 2025.

Speaking after receiving the award, a visibly elated Maureen said: ‘This recognition is humbling for me. It is a reflection of years of dedication, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

‘I am grateful to Marketing Edge for this honour, and I dedicate it to every woman in marketing who continues to break boundaries and inspire change.’

Publisher and CEO of Marketing Edge, John Ajayi explained why Maureen stood out for the award, stating: ‘Maureen Ifada embodies everything this award represents. From her ground-breaking work in repositioning Three Crowns Milk with the ‘Healthy Mums, Happy Families’ campaign to sustaining Peak’s leadership as Nigeria’s number one dairy brand, her impact is undeniable.

‘Beyond corporate results, her passion for mentorship and societal impact made her the clear choice for the Outstanding Marketing Amazon of the Year.’

Maureen began her career at FrieslandCampina WAMCO in 2003 as a management trainee in the Consumer Marketing Department and rose through the ranks to join the Management Team in February 2024.

Today, she is celebrated not only for her business acumen and leadership but also for her commitment to inspiring the next generation of marketers.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State.

The journalists were recently arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The two journalists were detained following the posting of a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral.

The NUJ said their arrest caused deep concern within the journalism community, as ‘it represented an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their lawful duties’.

In a statement yesterday by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union said it was encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered their immediate release, personally reached out to the NUJ to convey his apologies, and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests.

The statement added: ‘This gesture reflects a positive and commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions. The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.

‘The NUJ urges the DSS to sustain this new approach and ensure that the rights of journalists and other citizens are fully respected at all times.

Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties.

‘While we commend this positive development, we call on the DSS and all security agencies to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and constitutional rights. Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated.

‘On our part, the NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security.

‘We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.’