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Kogi govt commends rescue of 21 kidnapped victims

The Kogi State government has commended the joint security forces for the successful rescue of 21 kidnapped victims in Dekina Local Government Area of the state, describing the operation as a demonstration of tactical excellence and effective inter -agency collaboration.

In a press statement issued by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, commissioner for Information and Communications, the state government said the successful operation further demonstrated the determination of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to make criminality a regrettable trade for criminals.

The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued last Monday by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, working with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups.

The operation followed reports of the abduction of road users along the Alloma-Ejule-Itobe road axis. Acting on credible intelligence, the security teams conducted a coordinated search of the Egume and Ochaja forest areas, leading to the successful rescue of all 21 victims.

One of the rescued male victims sustained a gunshot wound and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for equipping the nation’s security forces to effectively combat violent crimes across the country. He also commended the heads of the various security agencies as well as the officers and men who participated in the operation.

‘Criminals will always regret stepping their feet on Kogi State. We will never wag our tails before cowards who take arms against the state. Kogi is always ready to obliterate any threat to lives and property in the state,’ the governor said.

Governor Ododo also commended the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and all local security operatives for their organisational acumen, courage and effective response to the incident.

He assured the people of Kogi State that his administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local security structures to protect lives and property across the state, just as he urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that the collective support of citizens remains vital to the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

CRICKET-CPL-INNINGS St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 128 (19.2 overs) vs Guyana Amazon Warriors – 28th match

The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots were dismissed for 128 in 19.2 overs after electing to bat against the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 28th match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at Providence Stadium here on Sunday.

ST KITTS and NEVIS PATRIOTS 128 in 19.2 overs (Alick Athanaze 52, Kyle Mayers 20, Dasun Shanaka 20, Johnson Charles 13; Mohammad Nabi 4-17, Romario Shepherd 3-16, Shamar Joseph 2-22).

Omo-Agege Alleges Threat To Life, Seeks Pastor’s Backing

Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has appealed to clergymen in the district to support him, even as he raised an alarm over an alleged threat to his life.

Omo-Agege, who served as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, made the appeal while addressing members of the Concerned Pastors for Good Governance (CPGG), Delta Central Chapter, at a meeting held at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli.

The former Senate leader recounted his legislative record between 2015 and 2023, listing the establishment of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; a federal polytechnic and Defence Space School in Orogun; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale; and an Oil and Gas Industrial Park for the state among the achievements of his previous tenure.

He also cited his role in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act and the Electoral Act, alongside road, health, water, and rural electrification projects he said were executed across the eight local government areas that make up Delta Central.

‘I bring all of that up not to boast, but because it’s the reason I’m standing here again,’ he told the pastors, adding that he was not making new promises but seeking to continue an existing body of work.

The senator used the occasion to raise concern for his personal safety, telling the clerics that his life had been threatened in the course of the ongoing campaign.

He asked the pastors to specifically pray for his protection, as well as that of his family and campaign team, through the election season.

Beyond his personal safety, Omo-Agege made a broader appeal for the NDC’s slate of candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

Edo Govt Shuts Unregistered Hospital After 10 Years Of Operation

The Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has shut down Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City over alleged operation without registration with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Speaking with journalists monitoring EDOHERMA’s activities, the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, said the hospital was shut down after the agency discovered that the facility had operated for over 10 years without statutory registration.

According to her, the hospital was neither registered with the Edo State Ministry of Health nor with EDOHERMA.

She said the agency discovered the unregistered hospital during a monitoring exercise at an orphanage

located in the same building as the facility.

Urhoghide-Edigin explained that during an engagement with the hospital’s owner, the agency was informed that the facility had not been registered with the state government.

She said the owner reportedly told the agency that he was a member of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), noting, however, that membership of the association does not amount to statutory registration or authorise anyone to operate a healthcare facility in Edo State.

According to her, the operator also told the inspection team that health challenges had prevented him from completing the registration process.

She said the inspection revealed poor infection prevention and control practices, cobwebs on the ceilings and walls, rusted and deteriorated ward equipment, badly damaged mattresses, and no evidence of routine fumigation or pest control.

The hospital was also found to have no valid and serviceable fire extinguisher, emergency preparedness plan or established referral system.

EDOHERMA said the deficiencies raised serious concerns about patient safety and the facility’s ability to respond appropriately to emergencies.

The agency consequently directed the hospital to immediately stop all medical operations and gave the facility two weeks to commence the official registration process with the agency and address the identified infrastructural, environmental, equipment and health-standard deficiencies.

‘Jess Royal Hospital would not be allowed to resume healthcare operations until it satisfactorily meets the applicable regulatory requirements,’ the agency said.

Urhoghide-Edigin said patient safety remained the agency’s overriding priority, stressing that no healthcare facility would be allowed to compromise established health, sanitary and operational standards in the state.

Oborevwori, Okowa, Guwor pay final respects as Otumara goes home

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, former governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and other dignitaries on Saturday paid their final respects to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, who was laid to rest in Warri.

Otumara, a renowned medical doctor, politician and administrator, died after a life of public service that saw him occupy several key positions in Delta State.

The funeral service, held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri, was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren.

Others who attended were former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka; former Senator James Manager and other political leaders, friends, associates and members of the Otumara family.

The Warri Choral Society rendered songs and praises during the service, while Bible readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.

Otumara, who was born on December 16, 1960, until his death served as Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.

He was a three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council and a former Commissioner for Health in Delta State. He also served as Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency from 2019 until his death.

The officiating minister, Bishop Mike Oyemiren, urged Nigerians to live purposeful lives and leave behind legacies worthy of remembrance.

Preaching on ‘The Marketplace and Its Legacy,’ Oyemiren likened life to a marketplace where everyone must eventually return home.

‘Nobody visits the market and does not return home,’ he said, describing the late Otumara as a man who completed his earthly race and left a legacy of service, leadership and positive impact.

He urged the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in view, asking: ‘When we die today, what will men say about us?’

Another officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, urged the people to use their time wisely, stressing that everyone has a limited tenure on earth.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described Otumara as a man who left ‘indelible footprints on the sands of time.’

Arenyeka described him as kind, meek, humble, pathfinder and God-fearing, adding that his contributions to society and the lives he touched would continue to be remembered.

Hardship: Delta to roll out programmes to stimulate economic activity at grassroots

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has directed that efforts be intensified at programmes capable of stimulating economic activity at the grassroots, to ensure the benefits of ongoing economic reforms in the country are felt directly by households in the state.

In line with this, ministries and agencies responsible for empowerment are to commence the process of identifying beneficiaries for various programmes aimed at economic activities at the grassroots.

The agencies include the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The programmes are expected to provide business support, new skills and other forms of empowerment to enable beneficiaries to become economically productive.

Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (rural roads) and Public Information who disclosed this at a press conference in Asaba, Thursday, said the directive formed part of fresh measures announced by Oborevwori’s administration to cushion the effects of economic hardship and boost the purchasing power of residents through infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, empowerment programmes and strategic investments.

‘The governor has directed that we intensify efforts at rolling out programmes that will indeed improve the purchasing power of our people,’ Aniagwu said.

Accompanied by Felix Ofou, the executive assistant to the governor on New Media, Aniagwu said the state’s improved financial position had enabled the government to undertake major capital projects while deliberately deploying resources to stimulate local economic activity rather than fuel inflation.

He explained that the planned massive renovation of schools across the state was part of the strategy, noting that the projects would create opportunities for contractors, artisans, suppliers and traders in local communities.

He said materials such as cement and roofing sheets would largely be sourced locally, ensuring that government expenditure circulated within the communities where the projects were being executed and created a multiplier effect through increased earnings and household spending.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government was working to institutionalise the proposed payment of a 13th-month salary through legislation.

He said the initiative was not intended as indiscriminate distribution of funds but as a deliberate intervention to increase the disposable income of civil servants and stimulate economic activity.

PM seeks proof of exam fraud

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has challenged anyone with evidence implicating government members in the local government recruitment examination fraud scheme to submit it to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), insisting that anyone found guilty will face action regardless of rank.

Mr Anutin, who is also interior minister, dismissed reports that a serving cabinet minister may be involved, saying allegations based on rumours could not be addressed without verifiable evidence.

“If they are involved, everyone will be dealt with. Submit as much evidence as possible,” he said, urging anyone with information to take it directly to the NACC.

Mr Anutin said the anti-graft agency was investigating the case and submitting evidence directly to it would help ensure the inquiry remained free from political influence.

Anyone who believed corruption had occurred at any level should provide evidence for investigators to examine, he said.

The government has also ordered a serious disciplinary investigation and transferred officials suspected of involvement or conflicts of interest from positions that would allow them to oversee affairs within the Department of Local Administration.

Mr Anutin said complaints could also be lodged with the Interior Ministry’s Damrongtham Centre or the government complaint centre, but urged those with evidence to approach the NACC directly because it has the authority to investigate corruption cases.

His remarks came amid reports that a suspect arrested in connection with the alleged examination fraud had implicated a serving minister.

However, a source on the Anti-Corruption Division’s investigation team said investigators had found no evidence linking any current cabinet minister to the alleged network.

The allegation emerged during questioning of Prawit Jaruratchakul, also known as “Mayor Heng”, a former president of the Samrong Tambon Administrative Organisation and former Pheu Thai Party candidate in Si Sa Ket.

Mr Prawit was arrested over allegations that money was collected from applicants seeking local government jobs. He was granted bail on Aug 26.

Investigators launched a fact-finding inquiry after hearing claims that a serving minister was behind the network but found no evidence to substantiate them.

The claims were described as vague and based on hearsay.

Mr Prawit has sought to provide investigators with evidence concerning two Department of Special Investigation officials and their alleged links to suspects in the case.

A source close to him claimed the material could point to a senior figure behind the network, allegedly a serving minister.

Mr Prawit was arrested after a complainant alleged that 650,000 baht had been paid to secure a local government position. However, the complainant did not get the job and the money was not refunded.

Five young filmmakers shortlisted for inaugural NLNG Creative Arts Prize

Five young Nigerian filmmakers have been shortlisted for the inaugural Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts (NPCA), established by NLNG in 2025 to celebrate creative excellence among the nation’s youth.

The prize, which attracted 98 entries, challenges participants to interpret the theme of ‘Identity’ through documentary filmmaking. The shortlisted documentaries will be reviewed in a series of posts examining how each entry aligns with NLNG’s vision for the award.

Feranmi Abiola’s documentary, ‘Mara Mania,’ explores the evolving sound, dance, and street culture shaped largely by young Nigerians. The film presents identity not as something inherited and fixed, but as something a new generation is actively creating.

One participant in the documentary captures the spirit of the initiative, stating: ‘We are cultural architects. It’s our job to document the times.’

The NPCA extends NLNG’s two-decade tradition of recognising exceptional Nigerian talent, which includes The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation. The winner will receive US$20,000.

‘Nigeria is constantly evolving,’ notes Anne-Marie Palmer Ikuku, Corporate Communications Manager of NLNG. ‘New expressions of our culture are emerging alongside the traditions we have inherited. If we do not encourage people to document these moments, important parts of the story of who we are and who we are becoming may simply pass undocumented.’

The prize’s Advisory Board comprises Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo, Prof Ahmed Yerima, and Prof Olu Obafemi, with technical guidance from Joel ‘Kachi Benson and Femi Odugbemi.

The remaining four shortlisted documentaries will be featured in subsequent posts.

Appreciating the finalists for NLNG’s The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts (NPCA)

1. Mara Mania by Feranmi Abiola.

By Anne_Marie Palmer Ikuku

Five young Nigerian filmmakers are on the shortlist for the inaugural The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts (NPCA), established by NLNG in 2025.

Their challenge? To interpret one powerful theme: IDENTITY.

The Prize attracted 98 entries from remarkably talented and creative young Nigerians. Having had the opportunity to watch the entries, I was struck by the range of stories, perspectives, and expressions of Nigeria they captured.

Over the next few posts, I will focus on the five shortlisted documentaries, not simply to review them, but to reflect on how each speaks to NLNG’s purpose in establishing the Prize.

I begin with Mara Mania by Feranmi Abiola.

The documentary takes us into Mara, an evolving sound, dance and street culture shaped largely by young Nigerians. Through the voices of those creating it, we see identity not as something inherited and fixed, but as something a new generation is actively creating.

One comment particularly captures this: ‘We are cultural architects. It’s our job to document the times.’

That thought resonates strongly with the purpose of the NPCA.

Nigeria is constantly evolving. New expressions of our culture are emerging alongside the traditions we have inherited. If we do not encourage people to document these moments, important parts of the story of who we are and who we are becoming may simply pass undocumented.

That is part of what NLNG hopes to achieve with the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts. Provide a platform that challenges young Nigerian creatives to look closely at their society, interrogate it, document it and tell its stories with excellence.

It is one of our core values at NLNG and a principle that has underpinned The Nigeria Prizes for more than two decades: the belief that exceptional Nigerian talent should be identified, encouraged and rewarded.

We have pursued that conviction through The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation. The NPCA extends it to a new generation, using creative expression to help us understand ourselves and preserve something of our times for those who come after us.

The winner receives US$20,000 – a deliberate recognition that creative excellence and the work of telling our stories have value.

As another voice in Mara Mania puts it, ‘For me, Mara means freedom. Freedom to express.’

Perhaps that is also part of the opportunity the NPCA represents. An opportunity for young Nigerians to express, interpret and document Nigeria through their own eyes.

Mara Mania is one such interpretation of IDENTITY, the theme for 2026, as defined by the Advisory Board – Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo, Prof Ahmed Yerima, Prof Olu Obafemi, with the technical guidance of Joel ‘Kachi Benson and Femi Odugbemi.

CSOs push solar-powered farming as climate change disrupts rainfall

Civil society organisations are calling for wider use of solar energy in agriculture to help farmers cope with increasingly unreliable rainfall and other climate-related disruptions threatening food production and household incomes.

Anthony Mugeere, a research fellow at the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), said solar power could support farmers across the agricultural value chain, from irrigation and livestock production to processing, cooling and storage.

‘Solar has always been understood as light, charging phones, but we are saying, whatever you do, whatever form of livelihood you think of, how you can benefit from that energy,’ Mugeere said.

‘For the farmers, we are saying, every agriculture value chain, from planting to irrigation, to harvesting, to harvest processing, to storage, can we think of a solar solution?’

Mugeere said greater use of solar-powered equipment could also reduce farmers’ reliance on generators and other fossil-fuel-powered machinery, helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

‘Solar is important because that energy is free. And it’s available, so if you leave it to just go to waste, and go on buying a generator, to putting hydro and all these things, then you are the loser,’ he said.

Mugeere was speaking at a capacity-building workshop in Kampala on integrating productive use of solar energy (PUSE) into national and local government plans and budgets. The workshop was organised by ACODE with support from Heifer International Uganda under the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM) Hub project.

The project aims to expand the use of renewable energy across the agricultural value chain to improve farmers’ incomes, strengthen resilience to climate shocks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers in parts of Uganda are already facing prolonged dry spells that have affected crops, while livestock farmers have reported declining pasture and water availability, reducing production and threatening food security and incomes.

Mugeere urged the government to include PUSE in national and local government budgets and strategic plans, while calling on civil society groups to strengthen advocacy at district and community level.

He said larger civil society organisations could engage the ministries of Finance, Energy and Agriculture through policy submissions, strategic meetings and national budget conferences, while community-based organisations could take the advocacy to local governments and communities.

An ACODE Capacity Needs Assessment for 2026 found that although civil society organisations play an important role in farmer mobilisation, climate-smart agriculture and value-chain support, capacity gaps continue to limit their ability to scale up PUSE interventions.

The assessment, however, identified an enabling policy environment, growing demand for climate-smart agricultural solutions and opportunities for private-sector engagement and value-chain development as potential drivers for expanding the use of solar energy in productive activities.

Ronald Wabwire, programme technical lead at Heifer International Uganda, said solar-powered irrigation, milk cooling and water pumping could help farmers maintain production and improve the quality of agricultural products despite climate pressures.

‘We have challenges with climate change, yet irrigation can be a game changer. We are talking about irrigation systems powered by solar, how can we use solar energy as a cold storage solution? Talk about solarising milk collection centres, having solar water pumps and having forage cutters that are powered by solar,’ Wabwire said.

‘By promoting PUSE, we are looking at harnessing all these technologies to ensure that production and productivity is enhanced and also quality is improved.’

Wabwire said the high cost of some solar technologies remained a major barrier, but partnerships between private companies, financial institutions and government subsidy programmes could improve farmers’ access to the equipment.

He also encouraged farmers to form organised groups, saying collective approaches could make it easier to access support and technology. He said Heifer International Uganda aims to reach one million households by 2030.

Julius Ochieng, a senior energy officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said the government was supporting farmers to access solar equipment through the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC).

He said accredited companies can provide solar equipment to eligible farmers under subsidy arrangements covering up to 80 percent of the cost.

‘There are pre-qualified lists of companies where farmers can approach the companies and they benefit from the subsidies,’ Ochieng said.

He added that the government, through the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) programme under the Ministry of Agriculture, also supports smallholder farmers to acquire individual irrigation equipment through government-supported matching grants.

Lagos, NGO partner on mini water works

A significant milestone was recorded on Friday in the renewed drive of the Lagos State Government to expand access to safe, reliable and sustainable potable water as the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), in partnership with WaterAid, formally executed the contract for the rehabilitation of the Ojokoro Mini Water Works with BayRoyal International Limited.

The landmark signing ceremony, held at the LWC boardroom, Head Office, Ijora, represents a decisive step towards restoring and strengthening water infrastructure in Ojokoro and its environs, with the project expected to positively impact over 100,000 residents of the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The ceremony brought together the Management of LWC, representatives of the Ojokoro LCDA, WaterAid, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, and BayRoyal International Limited – reflecting a broad institutional commitment to delivering a sustainable water solution for the community.

Declaring the occasion historic, the Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani, emphasised that the contract goes beyond the execution of an infrastructure agreement, describing it as a commitment to improving the quality of life of thousands of Lagosians.

Engr. Tijani reiterated the Corporation’s determination to ensure that investments in water infrastructure translate into actual water in the taps of residents, particularly in communities where access to dependable potable water has remained a longstanding challenge.

Under his leadership, LWC has continued to pursue a deliberate and people-centred transformation agenda anchored on infrastructure renewal, operational efficiency, strategic partnerships, innovation and sustainable service delivery.

The Ojokoro project therefore represents another important chapter in what has increasingly become a defining feature of Engr. Tijani’s stewardship of the Corporation – a leadership philosophy that places the needs of Lagosians at the heart of engineering decisions and infrastructure investments.

His vision is clear: to reposition the Lagos Water Corporation as a more efficient, responsive and sustainable public utility capable of delivering water services that meet the expectations of a rapidly growing Lagos.

The significance of the ceremony also lies in the leadership approach of Engr. Tijani, whose administration has consistently demonstrated that water infrastructure is not merely about pumps, pipelines, treatment plants and engineering structures, but fundamentally about people, dignity, public health and economic wellbeing.

With a firm grasp of both the technical and human dimensions of water service delivery, the Managing Director has continued to champion interventions that seek to convert strategic plans into measurable improvements in communities across Lagos.

The Ojokoro initiative is yet another manifestation of this philosophy – an infrastructure project conceived not simply as an engineering undertaking, but as a catalyst for improved public health, household welfare, productivity and socioeconomic development.

His leadership has therefore earned increasing recognition for combining technical foresight, institutional collaboration, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the people of Lagos.

Representing BayRoyal International Limited, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Owoeye Peter, expressed the company’s full commitment to the successful execution of the project.

He assured the Corporation and the people of Ojokoro of the contractor’s commitment to quality workmanship, strict adherence to safety standards and timely delivery in accordance with the specifications and expectations of LWC.

The assurance underscores the shared responsibility between the Corporation and its implementation partners to ensure that the project delivers sustainable value to the benefiting communities.

The presence of the Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Hon. Barrister Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji, and other representatives of the Council gave the ceremony a strong community dimension.