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The Enugu State government has appointed former national hurdler and AFN Performance Director Victor Okorie as Chairman of the Enugu State Athletics Association Board.

His inauguration conducted by the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Ike Ekweremadu Jr, also saw 10 other members unveiled to drive a fresh era of track and field development in the state.

Meanwhile in a goodwill message, Coach Chukwuashi hailed the appointments and urged the new board to bring passion and integrity to the job.

Okorie, visibly elated, thanked Ekweremadu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to revive Enugu’s dominance in athletics.

‘We’ll give everything to restore Enugu to the top of Nigerian athletics,’ he vowed.

A respected figure in grassroots sports across the South East, Okorie’s new mandate includes preparing the state’s athletes for the upcoming National Sports Festival and other major competitions.

The board members include:

*Victor Okorie

Coach Elizabeth Chukwuashi

Onovo Boniface

Henry Nwosu

Eze Justus

Agu Justin

Emeka Benjamin Chukwu

Chris Onwuzuruike

Ephrem Ochonma

Ken Onuaguruch

John Ikpechi

It is strange that, after all that the city of Warri, in Delta State, suffered in lives, limbs and resources for years at the turn of the century, some are imagining another spasm of bloodbath. Yet, in human experience over centuries, we have never foresworn wars in spite of documented blood trails.

It makes sense, however, to strike a note of warning to all those who are obliterating commonsense in the former vibrant metropolis. They stand the risk of wiping out Warri from the face of the earth if they continue with their rancour.

It all began with a new effort to remap the city for the next round of elections. Even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it has not concluded its redistricting effort or what is called the delineation of constituencies, divisive rhetoric has fouled the air.

Although it is taking ethnic shapes, it is actually the politicians across the various political parties who are fuelling the fire. In the quest to win elections, they seem ready to slaughter one another.

The major ethnic group in the centre are the Itsekiris, Urhobos and Ijaws. They have been neighbours for centuries, and have engaged in all that neighbours do. They trade together, party together, intermarry, and they betray linguistic affinities, cuisines and fashion sense. They suffer and battle common foes like want and diseases. The differences in their ways of life are often subtle.

It is this cooperation that welded them together into a formidable region and strengthened Warri into a commercial and cultural powerhouse. To help its prosperous run, oil was discovered in its environs and a major refinery sprung up in its precinct.

Warri became, especially in the 1970’s and 1980’s, one of Nigeria’s iconic places for work and leisure. With proud ease, the residents called it Wafi, or oil booming city, and they called themselves Wafarians. Pride became hauteur and hauteur led to ominous complacency. It was in the midst of this feeling that hate developed.

It was a fight between the Ijaws and Itsekiris over a delineation, and hell broke loose. The two ethnic groups went after each other. Day and night, slaughter defined time. Waves of violence moved from street to street. Innocents died in their thousands.

The leaders of both groups acquired arms, stoked the rhetoric and drums of war. It began during the military era, and even soldiers on both sides supplied arms and strategy. It was the war of brothers.

If in the past they did what neighbours did, the only feature of their relationship was bloodletting. So terrible was it that no one wanted to come into the city. Those who had made home of the place wanted to leave. And they left not to return.

What was lost was its soul. That soul was characterised by great business names, like Shell Corporation, Texaco, Chevron, John Holt, Leventis. That meant jobs of high value had left the city, and it also implied that its cherished men of means and middle-class culture disappeared.

When commerce goes, people go, and the result is a rump of its culture. When the hostilities ended, they faced a new battle to bring back its halcyon days.

For decades, that has been the challenge. If the big businesses have not forgotten the bad memories, the politicians atop the tribes seem to have.

The governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has focused on infrastructure programmes while lamenting that he is trying to bring life to it when some politicians want to snuff it out. He has set up a peace committee.

We hope that commonsense will prevail over malice and the greed of the politicians will not becloud them to the appeals of the better angels of the city.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has said African leaders are tackling challenges of climate change, by ensuring people are safe, securing the economy and its ecosystem and making sure no state or community is left out.

He said our commitment to a just transition is clear, and rooted in the belief that no one should be left behind in the journey towards a low-carbon and climate resilient future, with Nigeria aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while ensuring access to modern energy by 2050.

He spoke at the first West African Science Service Centre on Climate change and adapted land use International Conference and Just Energy Transition 13C-JET in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Sustainable Climate Resilience and Just Energy Transition in Africa.’ .

He said: ‘Nigerian Climate Change Act provided the legal ambition, while the Pioneer Green Bond Programme demonstrated how innovative finance can drive sustainable development.

‘We believe we must address climate change. Nigeria is a trusted partner in strengthening climate science capacity. Together we are building a foundation for a resilient, low-carbon future.

‘In Nigeria, we have been able to develop a curriculum for climate change and environment in our schools, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. So we are taking climate change very seriously and this must be done at the heart of our educational curriculum. The world is watching Africa, even though we are not major contributors of global warming, yet our resolve for the part of the solution remains firm and stable. Africa is ever ready to serve as an activist of a new energy paradigm building on equity, innovation and resilience’.

Speaking, the Executive Director of WASCAL, Professor Emmanuel Wendsongre Ramde revealed that the aim of the conference is to share knowledge, showcase innovations and catalyse collaborations, stating that WASCAL is specialized in providing comprehensive solutions to the threat poised by Climate change, adding that the organisation performs those services through capacity building as well as Research and Advisory services

Oyo State governorship hopeful on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kareem (AKK), has announced plans to present copies of his new book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, to prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State by December.

The announcement follows the hosting of his Town Hall Meeting, Book Launch, and Fundraising in Doonside, Sydney, Australia – an event that drew Yoruba leaders, professionals, and community figures from New South Wales.

Kareem lauded Nigerian Association of New South Wales, Odua Group, Newcastle Muslim Brothers, and other community bodies for support. He said the gathering is a blend of cultural pride, intellectual dialogue, and shared vision.

According to him, the book, his roadmap for sustainable development and people-centred governance, will be presented to Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, and others ahead of Oyo State AKK Town Hall Meeting and Book Launch, in January.

‘Our mission is not only politics; it’s about purpose, vision, and unity,’ he said. ‘Our fathers will be first to get my book because their blessings and guidance are central to the progress of the state and realisation of our dream.’

Dr. Kareem also revealed that following the success of the Sydney event, similar engagements would be held in Western Australia, the United States, and Canada before June 2026, targeting members of the Oyo and Nigerian diaspora to further strengthen the movement.

The Doonside event, characterized by rich cultural displays and robust discourse, also served as a rallying point for supporters of the ‘Oyo 2027 Project,’ with participants pledging moral and financial commitment to the cause.

Dr. Kareem, widely respected for his humility and vision, reaffirmed that the slogan ‘Aseyori ni tiwa’ – meaning Success is Ours remains the driving spirit of his campaign for a more united, progressive, and prosperous Oyo State.

About Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)

Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem is a scholar, community leader, and development advocate with a record of excellence in both public service and the private sector. A native of Oyo State, he is deeply committed to promoting education, innovation, and inclusive governance.

His book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, presents a comprehensive blueprint for Oyo State’s socio-economic transformation. As the APC’s 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Kareem’s campaign is anchored on accountability, infrastructure renewal, job creation, and human capital development – guided by his conviction that ‘good governance must be felt, not just promised.’

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as ‘not just a super-performing minister but parliament’s treasured asset.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Agbese said the attacks on the minister were a ‘calculated attempt to distract a reform-minded public servant whose record of innovation and results has redefined service delivery in Nigeria’s public sector.’

‘In less than a year, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has transformed the Ministry of Interior from a bureaucratic enclave into a model of efficiency,’ he said. ‘He cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs in just three weeks, introduced end-to-end automation that eliminated touting and racketeering, and opened new passport offices across several countries to serve Nigerians in the diaspora. Today, citizens can apply for and collect their passports within days, not months – and that’s a direct outcome of his leadership.’

Agbese noted that Tunji-Ojo’s reforms also extended to other agencies under the ministry.

‘He has brought structure and discipline into the correctional system. Over 4,500 inmates were released to decongest overcrowded prisons, biometric systems have been deployed to track escapees, and jailbreaks have practically become a thing of the past,’ the lawmaker said.

According to him, the minister’s emphasis on human capital development within the paramilitary agencies has restored morale and professionalism.

‘He ensured timely promotions, introduced digital monitoring systems, and improved the welfare of officers. The ministry has become a place of dignity and performance. Under his supervision, it has generated over ?6 billion in revenue this year alone – proof that transparency and efficiency can go hand in hand,’ Agbese stated.

He dismissed the NYSC certificate controversy as ‘a hoax designed by desperate politicians who cannot match competence with results.’

‘The so-called certificate scandal is nothing but noise,’ he said. ‘These are the same old tactics of distraction deployed whenever a young, effective leader begins to challenge the old order. The enemies of progress cannot stand the fact that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working through people like Dr. Tunji-Ojo.’

Agbese urged Nigerians to focus on measurable performance rather than unsubstantiated allegations.

‘Governance is not about gossip; it’s about delivery. Every citizen can see the difference the Interior Ministry is making – faster services, cleaner processes, and greater accountability,’ he said.

He also warned against ‘the weaponisation of social media to smear public officials without proof,’ insisting that all legitimate concerns should follow due process.

‘If there are questions, let the institutions of state handle them – not political jobbers or social media mobs. The rule of law must not give way to mob hysteria,’ he cautioned.

Agbese described Tunji-Ojo as one of the brightest examples of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, saying his blend of youth, competence, and patriotism had restored citizens’ confidence in government institutions.

‘Dr. Tunji-Ojo represents a new generation of leadership – focused, innovative, and accountable. He is building systems, not headlines. Those peddling falsehoods will fade, but his legacy of reform will remain,’ Agbese declared.

The Federal Government’s port modernization is all inclusive, Minister Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola said yesterday.

According to him, the policy is not limited only to Apapa and TinCan ports in Lagos but captures ports and Deep Seaports across all regions of the country.

He debunked insinuations by former Anmabra State Governor Peter Obi that the projects were one-sided.

The Ministry, according to a statement, said Oyetola ‘ has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. These projects are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative, forming part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions of the country.

In addition to these ongoing interventions, the Minister said, ‘the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the respective state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will further strengthen the nation’s maritime capacity. These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and a deep seaport in Cross River State. Each of these projects reflects the Ministry’s commitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion within the framework of the national blue economy.

Furthermore, ‘the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) – an agency under the Ministry – stands as a practical example of the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos. These initiatives demonstrate a deliberate and strategic approach to strengthening Nigeria’s port network, improving logistics efficiency, and stimulating industrial and commercial growth across the federation.

‘The Lagos ports modernisation project is a necessary intervention given the age and scale of trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island. However, it is by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive. The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernise, and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Oyetola said, ‘wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Peter Obi’s claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading. The Federal Government’s policies and actions clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential.

The Ministry, he said, ‘ remains committed to transparent, accountable, and equitable maritime governance, and assures Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities inherent in the nation’s growing blue economy.’

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and others over oil import licence dispute until Nov. 5 for hearing.

The matter, which was earlier fixed for today for hearing, could not proceed due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar in court.

Justice Umar, the presiding judge, was said to be sitting at Enugu division of the court.

The court subsequently fixed Nov. 5 for the hearing of the suit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge had, on July 10, ordered parties in the case to regularise their processes ahead of the hearing of the suit.

Justice Umar also ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants that were not in court.

The suit, which was formerly before Justice Inyang Ekwo, began denovo (afresh) following its reassignment to Justice Umar.

Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Also joined in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 3rd to 7th defendants respectively.

The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

NAN reports that Dangote Refinery (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

The NNPCL, in its preliminary objection, prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

The NNPCL argued that the suit was premature and it disclosed no cause of action against it.

‘This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,’ the NNPCL said.

In the affidavit in support of the application deposed to by Isiaka Popoola, a clerk in the law firm of Afe Babalola and Co, counsel to the NNPCL, he said one of their lawyers, Esther Longe who perused Dangote’s originating summons, affidavit and written address told him that an examination of the processes showed that NNPC as sued by the refinery was non-existent entity.

Popoola averred that the court lacked jurisdiction over the 2nd defendant sued as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

‘A simple search on the CAC website shows that there is no entity called ‘Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).’

According to Popoola, the 2nd defendant/objector is not one and the same with the 2nd defendant sued by the plaintiff.

He urged the court to strike out the suit.

Also, the NMDPRA, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer in the office, prayed the court to dismiss the suit as it was misconceived, unmeritorious and incompetent.

Musa argued that Dangote Refinery is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought.

The official, in the application dated and filed Dec. 13, 2024, said the current production of Dangote Refinery is yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement.

He said based on this and in compliance with Section 317 [9] of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), NMDPRA issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading.

Besides, he said the agency is also mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and unhealthy monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

He denied the allegation that NMDPRA is partaking in any purported ‘grand conspiracy and concerted efforts’ against the refinery, describing it as ‘an allegation for which the plaintiff has provided no facts or evidence in support.’

The oil marketers, in a joint counter affidavit filed on Nov. 5, 2024, told the court that granting Dangote’s application would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

According to them, the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

They argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary

NAN reports that Justice Ekwo had, on March 18, dismissed the NNPCL’s objection against Dangote’s suit

The judge, in the ruling, dismissed the objection on the grounds that the application was incompetent.

Justice Ekwo held that the NNPCL ought to have filed a defence in the form of a counter affidavit to the Dangote Refinery’s originating process before raising an objection.

The judge, who also dismissed the NNPCL preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court, granted Dangote’s motion to amend its originating motion by correcting the name of the NNPCL.

Besides, Justice Ekwo equally dismissed the motion for joinder filed by Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for being an unnecessary party and as a ‘meddlesome interloper.'(NAN)

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday commended the role of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in women empowerment as the committee celebrates 25th anniversary.

They made the commendation at the opening of a three-day National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

In attendance were wives of the governors of Ogun, Osun and Nassarawa states, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Mrs Titi Adeleke, and Hajia Silifat Sule.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised COWLSO for contributions to nation-building and urged women to uphold the values of selflessness and service.

Tinubu, who resuscitated the conference during her tenure as the Wife of Lagos State Governor, described COWLSO as an enduring model of women’s collaboration.

According to her, its 25-year journey shows what women can achieve when united by purpose.

‘COWLSO remains a beacon of hope and an example of what women can do together. It has inspired generations to rise, lead and give back to society. I commend all members for sustaining the vision, and urge you to continue empowering others,’ she said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described COWLSO as a symbol of compassion, continuity and transformative leadership in women empowerment.

He said that COWLSO had evolved from a modest initiative into a dynamic platform of change, inspiring women to become innovators, changemakers and community leaders.

He said the committee had continued to demonstrate the values of compassion, collaboration and continuity.

He added that it had grown into a rallying point for women, who believed leadership was not about holding titles, but transforming lives.

‘Twenty-five years ago, a simple but powerful idea was born – to serve, to uplift and to make a difference. Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to honour women whose vision, strength and service have defined our humanity,’ he said.

He commended his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for devotion to family well-being and empowerment programmes that continued to touch lives across the state.

Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Sanwo-Olu, hailed past wives of Lagos State governors; COWLSO partners, and other women, who had contributed to the growth of COWLSO’s growth.

She said the anniversary was not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of purpose to build a Lagos and Nigeria where every woman could dream freely, lead boldly and thrive fully.

‘As we reflect on the past 25 years, we renew our commitment to nurturing families, empowering women, and promoting values that strengthen our society,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned night club operators and fun seekers that organising, hosting and attending drug parties is illegal under Nigerian law.

The agency’s warning comes on the heels of a raid carried out by its operatives at a drug party, which held last Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday at Proxy Night Club on 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Over 100 attendees were arrested along with the owner of the facility, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu alias Pretty Mike and his manager Joachin Millary.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, said: ‘Any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is an act of criminality. These ‘drug parties’ contravene the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. In the case of the drug party at Proxy night club, organisers went above board and had the audacity to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime, an act that not only constitutes an incitement to commit crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned.

‘Nigeria is currently grappling with a very high prevalence rate of drug abuse, particularly among our youths. These illicit drug parties do not only fuel the drug scourge but equally serve as hubs for new recruitment into drug addiction and actively undermine our current national efforts to safeguard public health and security.

‘In the recent case, the NDLEA was meticulous and professional throughout the processes leading to the raid and during the operation. Following intelligence on the party, our undercover agents conducted surveillance on the facility, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club and for four hours between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday during the party, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions and abuse going on before we eventually disrupted the brazen public display of illegality and made arrests.

‘All attendees initially arrested were later profiled, addressed, counselled and released within hours in custody, in line with best global practices while the two principal suspects: Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary remain in custody following the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis and other substances from the club’s store.

‘While the agency will intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found to be knowingly hosting such illegal activities risk the confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government. Those held in custody in the ongoing case will face prosecution while we will file for forfeiture of the property, Proxy Night Club, in which the drugs were found.’

It urged all patriotic Nigerians, parents, religious and community leaders, as well as concerned citizens to be vigilant, report such activities, and partner with the NDLEA in combating this threat to national well-being.

Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The students, under the auspices of the National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS), made their position known during a colloquium in honour of Governor Soludo held at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Speaking on behalf of the student body, NUASS President, Comrade Felix Nwachinaemelu, said Soludo’s focus on youth inclusion, skill acquisition, and innovation has inspired students across the state to believe more in governance and their own role in shaping Anambra’s future.

He praised the governor’s visionary leadership and enduring impact on innovation and youth empowerment, commending his people-oriented policies and pledging the union’s support for his re-election bid.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Fred Agbata, commended the students for rallying behind the governor’s second-term ambition, describing Soludo as a visionary leader who has redefined governance through innovation and technology.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme: ‘Rethinking Developmental Governance: The Philosophy of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo,’ Agbata highlighted the governor’s transformative strides anchored on a philosoph Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.