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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State is set to depart for Germany on Tuesday for an official working visit. The purpose of this trip is to strengthen the state’s partnership with the construction giant, Julius Berger.

Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, revealed this information during a press briefing in Asaba on Monday. He indicated that the Governor will be accompanied by himself and the Governor’s Technical Assistant.

Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary ( CPS) to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Aniagwu explained that the visit was strictly a working mission designed to deepen technical collaboration and secure more favourable project terms for Delta State.

‘The purpose of this visit is to strengthen our ongoing partnership with Julius Berger. His Excellency is known for his negotiation skills, and this trip will help us secure better deals and concessions that will benefit the state,’ Aniagwu added.

He emphasized that the visit was not for leisure but part of the administration’s continuous efforts to enhance project delivery and cost efficiency.

Recalling the state’s previous engagement with China, Aniagwu noted that it led to the award of major contracts, including the ?59 billion Agbor flyover and the ?39 billion Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli flyover on the Warri-Patani Expressway.

The Commissioner also announced that the forthcoming 2026 budget, estimated at ?1.5 trillion, would prioritize capital projects, social welfare, and infrastructure expansion.

He said: ‘Following the approval of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, ministries are fine-tuning their submissions before presentation to the State Executive Council’.

Aniagwu added that the Governor had directed that all upcoming empowerment programmes, scheduled to begin next month, must be transparent and inclusive across all 25 local government areas.

He said the initiative would be coordinated by key ministries and agencies to create sustainable livelihoods and boost productivity.

According to him, the state would, in the coming weeks, perform several groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects worth billions of naira, including the Otovwodo Junction Flyover, underscoring the government’s determination to sustain momentum in infrastructure development.

He assured that Governor Oborevwori’s administration would not allow political timelines to slow governance, insisting that contractors had been instructed to maintain steady progress on all ongoing projects.

Commercial activities were partially grounded in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Monday, as Igbo traders joined the nationwide protest demanding the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

From the early hours of the day, major markets and business hubs in Akure were deserted as most shops owned by members of the Igbo community were under lock and key in solidarity with the embattled IPOB leader.

Shops and business outlets owned by Igbos along major commercial corridors such as Oyemekun Road, Adesida Road, Arakale Road, NEPA area, Old Garage, and Carl Street were under lock and key throughout the day.

A visit to the affected areas by Nigerian Tribune revealed that while most shops run by Igbos remained shut, those owned by traders from other parts of the country opened for business as usual.

Shops affected include, auto parts dealers, supermarket operators, and electronics merchants of Igbo origin were among those who complied with the sit-at-home directive in solidarity with Kanu.

A tour of major commercial corridors such as Oyemekun Road, Adesida Road, Arakale, NEPA Junction, Old Garage, and Carl Street revealed that shops dealing in auto spare parts, electronics, household items, and supermarkets operated by Igbos remained closed.

The development disrupted business flow in several areas as customers who had visited popular markets for purchases met empty corridors and locked gates.

Only shops owned by Yoruba and Hausa traders were seen open for business, while some petty traders of Igbo origin were also seen standing by their locked shops to monitor developments.

A trader at the Arakale area, who identified himself as Chukwudi, said the action was to show solidarity with their leader and demand justice.

He said ‘We are not fighting anyone. We just want the Federal Government to hear our voice. Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention for too long despite court orders for his release. This is our own peaceful way of supporting him,’

Another trader along Oyemekun Road, Mrs. Ngozi Umeadi, said the decision to shut down their businesses was a collective one taken across several states to draw attention to the continued detention of Kanu.

She said ‘It’s not only in Akure. Everywhere, our people are observing this protest. We believe the government should obey the court and let him go. We want peace, not trouble,’

Meanwhile, there was a heavy presence of security operatives around major intersections and public areas in Akure metropolis, including Cathedral area, Old Garage, and Oja-Oba, to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

The Ondo State Police Command was said to have deployed officers from various units to ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful and to protect lives and property.

As of the time of filing this report, no incident of violence or confrontation had been recorded, and the protest remained largely peaceful.

However, commuters and business owners not involved in the protest expressed concern over the economic implications of the continued agitation, urging the Federal Government and IPOB to seek dialogue and end the standoff.

‘We can’t keep losing business days like this. The government should find a political solution,’ a commercial driver, Sunday Adebayo, said.

The Niger State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old boy, one Victor Ugwu, a resident of Easy Life Street, Kaduna Road, Niger State, over allegations of involvement in a dating scam and impersonating a woman.

Ugwu, who allegedly claimed to be working at a company in Kaduna, was said to have been sending pictures to his contacts on Facebook and TikTok to lure them into romantic relationships.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the state police command, SP Wasi’u Abiodun, narrated that on October 16, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m., a patrol team attached to Maje Division, Suleja Local Government Area, while on routine patrol along Kaduna Road, intercepted the suspect during a public argument with one Peter of the same area.

Abiodun explained that Ugwu had been contacted by Peter, who wanted to meet a lady that Victor claimed to work with. Instead of introducing Peter to his colleague, the suspect allegedly chose to dress up as a woman, took self-pictures, and sent them to Peter via social media. He also reportedly requested money from Peter while pretending to be the lady in the pictures.

Upon further interrogation, Peter stated that within the past year, he had contacted Ugwu to link him up with the said lady, who was supposedly the suspect’s colleague.

The police spokesman further disclosed that during the investigation, a search was conducted in the suspect’s residence, where a wig and female clothing were recovered as exhibits.

The Nigerian equities market opened the week on a positive note, sustaining its bullish momentum as renewed investor appetite for bellwether stocks lifted the overall performance of the market.

The NGX All-Share Index advanced by 0.65 percent to close at 149,943.27 points, while market capitalisation appreciated by N612 billion to settle at N95.17 trillion.

Consequently, the year-to-date return strengthened to 45.68 percent, reflecting investors’ confidence in market fundamentals ahead of the third-quarter earnings season.

The uptrend was driven mainly by price appreciation in BUA Cement, having appreciated by 6.3 percent; MTN Nigeria by 1.2 percent, and FBN Holdings by 3.5 percent.

Market breadth closed negative as 32 stocks recorded losses against 30 gainers. On the performance board, Union Diagnostics added 10.0 percent; Sovereign Insurance appreciated by 6.4 percent, and Eunisell added 4.5 percent to top the gainers’ chart, while Juli lost 10.0 percent; Thomas Wyatt dipped by 9.6 percent, and DAAR Communications shaved 8.2 percent to lead the losers’ list.

Sectoral performance was broadly positive, with the Industrial Goods Index rising by 2.34 percent, driven by strong demand for BUA Cement shares. Similarly, the Oil and Gas 0.7 percent, Banking 0.5 percent, and Consumer Goods 0.1 percent indices closed in the green, while the Insurance Index declined by 0.7 percent due to profit-taking in select counters.

Market activity showed a mixed pattern, as total traded volume dipped by 14.97 percent to 408.97 million units, even as the total value of transactions surged by 59.08 percent to N26.69 billion across 31,287 deals.

Fidelity Bank led the activity chart by volume with 49.46 million units, while Geregu Power Power topped by value with trades worth N9.29 billion.

The positive start to the week reflects sustained investor positioning in fundamentally sound stocks as the market anticipates fresh earnings releases. Analysts believed that short-term sentiment is likely to remain upbeat amid improved liquidity and cautious optimism over macroeconomic stability.

The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, has called on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to develop stronger measures to prevent desperate Nigerians from embarking on dangerous journeys that often lead to tragedy and tarnish the country’s image.

Senator Nwoko made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

He said, ‘The reason many Nigerians end up in foreign prisons lies in the failure of the NIS and most especially the Nigerian embassies not carrying out due diligence on those traveling abroad.’

According to him, while many Nigerians seek greener pastures abroad, some travel without genuine intentions or clear plans.

‘Some travel because they are desperate to make money by all means, irrespective of the kind of jobs secured. Some don’t even have any blueprint of their going out of Nigeria, but they’ve already concluded in their hearts that it’s a way. These are the automatic destitutes and miscreants found in foreign prisons and sometimes constituting a nuisance in foreign nations because they carry the ‘anyway is a way’ mentality.’

The lawmaker emphasised that the NIS and Nigerian embassies must be deliberate in verifying the authenticity of those seeking to travel abroad.

‘This has nothing to do with freedom of movement restriction. Still, due diligence is not only to protect the lives of the citizens but also to protect the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria as an independent nation,’ he said.

He added that there must be a balance between protecting citizens and upholding freedom of movement.

‘Respecting individual freedom of movement must not go against the legal ethics of human freedom of movement,’ he stated.

Nwoko urged stronger cooperation among Nigerian authorities, host countries, and international bodies to ensure citizens’ safety.

‘The predicament Nigerians who travelled abroad face without quick response from the government of Nigeria is a result of improper investigation of citizens by pre-checking the genuineness of the citizens’ reasons for travelling out of Nigeria,’ he added.

He advised that proper checks should include verifying the purpose of travel, confirming invitations, and ensuring the authenticity of job offers.

‘The NIS and the Nigerian Embassies must also carry out close monitoring for every citizen abroad through a set-up organised surveillance body to checkmate their activities based on their verified presented documents. They must resist access to citizens seeking to travel abroad with fake job proposals.’

He also warned against corruption within embassies, saying, ‘The Nigerian embassy, both home and abroad, must never be compromised under the supervision of racketeering with citizens who have no genuine intentions for travelling out of Nigeria,’ Nwoko stated, adding that collaboration among immigration authorities, embassies, law enforcement, and international organisations is essential.

The senator stressed the importance of strong ties between embassies and citizens abroad.

‘The first respect any foreign citizen may enjoy abroad was the ability for the embassy to have a close relationship with such a citizen,’ he said, noting that citizens from developed nations often maintain such relationships with their embassies.

He therefore urged a review of visa issuance procedures.

‘The Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Embassy must strategically reorganise their approach to issuing visas for Nigerians leaving for foreign nations,’ he said.

The leadership of all tertiary education-based unions in Nigeria has unanimously issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve all pending demands and lingering issues causing industrial disharmony in the nation’s education sector or risk a total shutdown.

The ultimatum emerged from a unified front initiated and facilitated by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, bringing together all tertiary education unions affiliated with the Congress.

The unions: Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), among others announced the four-week ultimatum at a joint press briefing in Abuja.

They vowed to henceforth resist the government’s divide-and-rule tactics in addressing issues affecting tertiary education and its workforce.

Speaking at the briefing, the NLC President, Comrade Ajaero, said: ‘The NLC, after extensive deliberations with the unions in tertiary institutions on finding lasting solutions to the perennial problems in that sector, resolved to ensure we put an end to the recurring challenges these institutions face. We have decided to establish a framework for engagement towards the implementation of agreements, outstanding agreements, and sustainable funding of education in line with the UNESCO recommendation of 25 to 26 percent budgetary allocation to education, as well as a review of wage structures and allowances in tertiary institutions and respect for trade union rights and collective bargaining.’

Ajaero expressed frustration over government representatives who attend meetings without proper mandates, saying: ‘We discovered that those government officials sent to meetings go there without mandates. Henceforth, no trade union, whether in tertiary institutions or elsewhere, will attend any meeting with government representatives who lack a mandate. You sign an agreement and then go back to renege, never again. We will not condone this act. All over the world, agreements are held in very serious regard.’

He announced that a coordinated team would be established to drive a national campaign on the matter. ‘To conclude it,’ he said, ‘we have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU, but the problems go beyond ASUU or one union. All other unions are equally involved. That is why we are extending this to four weeks. If, after four weeks, these negotiations are not concluded, the organs of the NLC will meet and take nationwide action that will involve all workers and unions across the country so we can get to the root of this issue. The era of signing agreements, reneging, and threatening the unions involved has come to an end.’

He further emphasized: ‘The so-called policy of ‘no work, no pay’ should henceforth be ‘no pay, no work.’ You can’t benefit from an action you instigated. We have discovered that 90 percent of strike actions in this country are caused by failure to obey agreements. You can’t refuse to obey agreements and then punish the other party. It’s a matter of cause and effect, the person who caused the problem should be ready to bear the consequences. You can’t beat the child and ask the child not to cry.’

Following Ajaero’s remarks, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said the alliance became necessary because the government has consistently reneged on agreements and employed divisive tactics in its dealings with unions in the sector. He pledged ASUU’s full commitment to the ‘one-voice, one-action’ alliance aimed at compelling the government to honour its agreements and treat workers fairly. Prof. Piwuna also hinted that as ASUU’s current warning strike approaches its expiration, the union’s next course of action will be integrated into the alliance’s four-week ultimatum to ensure a unified and coordinated response across all tertiary education unions.

On his part, SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, reaffirmed his union’s total support for the alliance and its unity of purpose. He commended the NLC for its wisdom in bringing the unions together under one accord, describing the move as a step towards progress. Ibrahim stressed that the unions are partners in national development and in ensuring the improvement of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, but lamented the government’s continued disregard for agreements. ‘The unions are frustrated by the government’s attitude and behavior in adhering to and implementing agreements it freely signed with us,’ he said, adding that the alliance has become a necessary instrument to drive progress and accountability in the system.

Leaders of NASU, NAAT, ASUP, SSANIP, COEASU, and other tertiary education-based unions also reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance. They jointly condemned the government’s divide-and-rule tactics in its engagements and declared readiness to abide by the NLC’s guidance and direction regarding the four-week ultimatum and the possible nationwide industrial action that may follow if the government fails to act within the stipulated period.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment and commencement of postgraduate programmes, as well as the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), at Salem University, Lokoja (SUL).

Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo, Vice-Chancellor of SUL, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja on Monday.

Johnson-Akubo said the approvals followed a critical accreditation and rectification process by the NUC.

The Vice-Chancellor listed the approved postgraduate programmes as Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science (MSc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry, Mass Communication, and International Relations.

He described the approvals as yet another giant stride in Salem University’s pursuit of academic excellence.

Johnson-Akubo expressed confidence that the university’s strategic investments in laboratories, classrooms, libraries, and digital learning facilities played a key role in earning the NUC’s confidence and approval for the commencement of the programmes.

‘To us in Salem University, Lokoja, this feat is a welcome development, having been ordained by the Almighty God, to whom we give thanks.

‘We remain committed to sustaining the university’s vision of transforming graduates into global leaders who will impact the world in every sphere of human endeavour,’ he said.

The Vice-Chancellor announced that admission would commence immediately for the newly approved programmes alongside others for the 2025/2026 academic session.

He also congratulated the Founding Chancellor, Archbishop Sam Amaga, and the entire Salem University community on what he described as a historic achievement.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has described the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a ‘family affair’, which does not require the involvement of external forces he accused of fanning the flames of discord in the party.

Adeleke said the party was ironing out its differences and would surely make a turn around by regaining its past glory.

The Osun governor, who is the Chairman of the Accommodation Sub-Committee of November 15 Ibadan convention of the party, was speaking in Abuja on Monday soon after the inaugural meeting of the committee.

He argued that whenever family members quarrelled with one another, they must find a way to resolve their disputes without the involvement of nosy outsiders.

Adeleke, who doubles as the Deputy Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) stated, ‘I can assure you that we are meeting and resolving our issues internally. It is a family affair.

‘We do not want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper or salt to the matter; we are handling it ourselves.

‘The PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs.’

Despite kick-starting preparations for the convention since August 25 with the setting up of the NCOC, disagreements between the National Working Committee (NWC) and some stakeholders loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, have continued to cause distractions, including a suit filed before an Abuja Federal High Court, seeking to stop the convention.

Wike’s allies have also faulted the micro-zoning of some offices ahead of the convention and given other conditions such as the reinstatement of the South-South Zonal Committee.

Only on Sunday, petitions to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, alleging forgery of his signature, emerged, an allegation the NWC dismissed in Abuja on Monday.

When asked to comment on the gale defections hitting the party, particularly governors, Adeleke simply blamed it on ‘politics’, admitting that anyone had the right to defect to another political party.

The Osun governor said while he would not deny that he had friends in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and regularly attended social events with them on invitation, he had no immediate plans to leave the PDP.

He spoke further, ‘I am not concerned (about defection). Anybody, whether a governor or a minister, has the right to make their own decision. That does not change anything in the PDP.

‘We still have strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria. They are adults and have their reasons for leaving, but I am not worried.

‘Some people say I might be planning to join the APC because I have friends there or have been seen attending their events. I’m a very civilised person. If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social function, I will attend. That doesn’t mean I’m joining them.

‘As we speak, I am the deputy chairman of our convention, which holds on the 15th and 16th of November, and I remain a loyal member of the PDP. I also chair the accommodation sub-committee.

‘The PDP does not believe in propaganda or endless talk. Many people from other parties are also defecting, that’s politics. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but everyone has the right to do as they wish.

‘Our focus is on unity, organisation and success. By God’s grace, our convention will be a great success, and the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength. Thank you, and God bless you all.’

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed concern over the alarming statistics indicating that a total of 432 people have lost their lives, while 2,070 individuals have sustained injuries in serious road accidents across the country over the past year.

This statement was made by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, during a news conference on Monday to launch the 2025 ‘Ember Months’ public awareness and sensitization campaign on road safety.

Represented by the Sector Commander of the Bauchi Sector Command of the FRSC, CC Apaji Danladi Boyi, the Corps Marshall explained that, the figure was as a result of 533 reported cases of auto crashes that took place between January 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025 across the country.

Shehu Mohammed said that some of the major causes of those crashes were drivers fatigue, overloading of persons, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles and traveling with fuel in plastic containers.

While emphasising that drivers behaviours were a fundamental element in determining safety on highways, he said that some road traffic infringements by drivers responsible for the previous road crash records included speed limit violations.

According to him, ‘These infringements also include failure to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, speed limit violations, driving under influence of alcohol and drugs, seat belt violations as well as using of phones while driving among others.’

He added that, ‘Therefore, the choice of the 2025 end-of-year campaign with the theme ‘Taking Responsibility for Your Safety’ was deliberate and well thought out.’

The Corps Marshal stressed that, ‘It was carefully chosen to address road traffic infringements by drivers which were largely responsible for the previous road crash records.’

‘In line with our commitment to achieve the desired outcome of the 2025 end of year campaign, FRSC has deployed personnel and Special Marshals across major highways and crash-prone corridors nationwide,’ he said.

The Corps Marshal added that the Corps would also be embarking on free-vehicle check exercise to improve vehicle road worthiness, conducting motor park rallies and motorcar carnivals nationwide to raise awareness level of motorists and the general public.

Shehu Mohammed, who said that the Federal Government’s support had been responsible for the modest achievement of the FRSC over the years, appreciated the government for its advisory oversight.

He called on all and sundry to continue to support the Corps as it strives to create a safer motoring environment for the nation.

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to improving seed quality and achieving national food sovereignty through innovative agricultural programs, policies, and international partnerships.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the 2025 World Food Forum Seeds to Foods Exhibition organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations at its headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Highlighting Nigeria’s collaboration under the FAO-Trkiye-Nigeria South-South Cooperation initiative, Kyari described the project as a model for enhancing dryland farming, improving seed systems, promoting sustainable forest management, and reducing poverty, with Borno State serving as the pilot area.

‘We see great potential to scale up this initiative, not only to improve livelihoods in Borno State but to position Nigeria as a regional hub for the production and export of high-value crops. When we strengthen our seeds, we strengthen our farmers; when we secure our seeds, we secure our nation’s future’, the Minister said.

According to Kyari, the programme has recorded tangible outcomes, including the introduction of 10 Turkish and five local Nigerian crop varieties, the establishment of 219 field demonstrations and 14 seed multiplication plots, and the identification of October 15 as the optimal sowing date for high yields.

The project has also produced 7.5 tonnes of seed, including 684 kilograms from newly introduced legumes such as chickpea and lentil.

Additionally, 186 participants, including 55 women, benefited from capacity-building sessions and exchange visits to Trkiye on seed processing, value addition, and post-harvest handling. The initiatives were supported by a $200,000 investment in training, demonstrations, and institutional development.

Infrastructure such as boreholes and field equipment has also been provided to facilitate irrigation and dry-season farming.

Kyari emphasized that Nigeria’s drive toward food sovereignty is anchored on a resilient and competitive seed system, calling for sustained investment in research and development, private sector participation, and the empowerment of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) to ensure quality assurance and certification across the region.

He also lauded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his leadership in rebuilding communities, restoring livelihoods, and empowering farmers, noting that ‘agriculture is more than an economic activity, it is a pathway to peace, stability, and dignity.’

The Minister further noted that institutions like the Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture, Maiduguri, have benefited from technical assistance in extension services, crop monitoring, and knowledge exchange through the partnership.

He commended the Governments of Trkiye and FAO for introducing promising crops, including lentils, fenugreek, coriander, chickpea, black cumin, buckwheat, and dry beans, into Nigeria’s dryland regions, adding that these varieties offer new opportunities for improved nutrition, income generation, and climate resilience.

As the FAO marks its 80th anniversary, Kyari commended the organization for its leadership and enduring commitment to global food security.