Author: user user

Marriage, career, motherhood, or the quiet pain of childlessness – none of life’s heavy burdens should ever derail a woman from her God-given destiny.

That was the message delivered by Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, at the 2026 All Women Summit in Abeokuta.

Speaking at Victory City, Achudume reminded the audience that despite the immense pressures they shoulder daily, women remain the indispensable bedrock of the family, the Church, and society.

‘As a woman, you may be overwhelmed by responsibilities… but God will never abandon you,’ Achudume declared. ‘There are things God will take you through because of the assignment He has prepared for your life. If you can identify His presence, you will come out stronger.’

Drawing from the biblical account of the fiery furnace, he assured believers that God’s presence is an all-sufficient anchor during trials.

Achudume also challenged the conventional definition of success, arguing that true leadership is defined by sacrifice, discipline, and character-not titles.

‘The world is looking for true leaders to improve the lot of humanity,’ he said. ‘Leadership is beyond position. The real question is: can you pay the price?’

Blaming Nigeria’s current leadership crises on individuals chasing public office without preparation or integrity, he urged women to model humility, patience, and godly principles in their homes and professions.

The summit also paid emotional tribute to the late Reverend Fola Achudume, the visionary whose faith birthed the annual gathering. Guest minister Apostle (Dr.) Ngozi Okwok stated that the greatest honor women could pay her memory is to keep her vision alive by living purposefully.

Warning that ‘ignorance is never an excuse,’ Okwok challenged participants from all economic backgrounds to aggressively pursue personal development and become guiding lights in their communities.

The summit’s impact was made tangible through the ‘Shop for Free’ outreach-a signature legacy of the late Reverend Fola Achudume via Royal Ladies International. Breaking down religious and social barriers, the outreach distributed clothing, shoes, food, and household essentials to massive crowds free of charge.

The 2026 summit, themed: ‘Shine, concluded with powerful prayers for families, the Church, and the nation.

Delta State is positioning itself as Nigeria’s next major investment destination through massive infrastructure development, abundant natural resources, reliable power supply and strategic maritime assets, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, has said.

He made this known yesterday at a news briefing ahead of Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 scheduled for between August 3 and 5 in Asaba.

Emu said the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration had laid a solid foundation for industrialisation through sustained investments in roads, bridges, power and transport infrastructure.

He said the state’s strategic investments, business-friendly policies and expanding infrastructure were creating an enabling environment for local and foreign investors.

The SSG added that the summit would showcase Delta’s vast economic potential and attract investment across key sectors of the economy.

He said government had built and rehabilitated over 2,600 kilometres of roads and more than 20 bridges, opening up rural communities, reducing transportation costs and connecting economic corridors across the state.

According to him, one of Delta’s biggest competitive advantages is Delta Special Economic Zone, which offers investors access to some of the cheapest and most reliable power supply in Nigeria due to its proximity to the OB-3 gas pipeline.

‘The infrastructure has been provided. Government has created the enabling environment. Investors can come into Delta and enjoy competitive energy costs that many other states cannot offer,’ he said.

Emu says the state already operates an independent power infrastructure supplying about 8.5 megawatts of electricity to government facilities and public institutions, while ongoing electricity sector reforms will further expand access to affordable power for industries.

He highlighted Delta’s strategic maritime advantages, noting that the state boasts of four seaports, two airports and a 163-kilometre Atlantic coastline, making it one of Nigeria’s most strategically-located investment destinations.

The SSG said the Oborevwori administration intended to unlock the vast economic opportunities within the blue economy by promoting aquaculture, commercial fishing, fish feed production, cold-chain logistics, seafood processing and marine transportation.

He says Delta possesses one of West Africa’s largest concentrations of fish ponds around the Ekpan and Ugborikoko axis, where fish farming has transformed livelihoods and created sustainable employment for thousands of residents.

A crisis is brewing in the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following a petition by some members seeking an investigation into allegations against the party’s state chairman.

The petitioners accused the chairman of abuse of office, anti-democratic practices, anti-party activities and actions they claimed are hindering the growth of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The petition, dated July 20, 2026, was addressed to the party’s national leadership through its National Secretariat in Abuja. It was signed by Engr. Oshiariyo Stephen Adeyinka and co-signed by other members.

Copies were also sent to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; the Deputy National Chairman (South-West), Babatunde Ali; and the party’s National Leader, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The aggrieved members said they submitted the petition ‘in the interest of justice, internal democracy, party unity and the long-term growth of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Oyo State.’

‘It is with great concern that we bring to the attention of the National Leadership a series of actions allegedly committed by the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Mrs Oyeronke Akinlolu, which, if left unchecked, may seriously undermine the credibility, unity and electoral prospects of our great party,’ the petition read.

The petitioners alleged that the state chairman had exercised the powers of her office arbitrarily by taking unilateral decisions without consulting the State Executive Committee and other relevant organs of the party.

They urged the national leadership to investigate the allegations and take appropriate steps to safeguard internal democracy and unity within the party.

The petition stated, ‘Mrs Oyeronke Akinlolu has allegedly exercised the powers of her office in an arbitrary manner, making unilateral decisions without consultation with the State Executive Committee or relevant party organs, contrary to the principles of transparency and collective leadership.’

The petitioners also alleged that the state chairman had consistently undermined internal democracy within the party by excluding members from decision-making processes and creating an atmosphere of intimidation.

‘The State Chairman is alleged to have consistently suppressed internal democracy by excluding members from decision-making processes, refusing to encourage open discussions, and creating an atmosphere of intimidation within the party,’ the petition read.

The aggrieved members further alleged that more than 50 members were removed from the party’s official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without any disciplinary process.

According to the petition, ‘Over fifty members of the party were arbitrarily removed from the official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without due process or any disciplinary proceedings.’

‘This action has alienated committed members, weakened communication and created unnecessary divisions within the party.’

The petition also accused Mrs Akinlolu of alleged anti-party conduct, claiming that some of her actions and public statements had raised concerns about her commitment to the ideals and objectives of the party.

It added, ‘Several actions and utterances attributed to the State Chairman have raised serious concerns regarding loyalty to the ideals and objectives of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.’

‘Such conduct has caused disaffection among members and has weakened confidence in the leadership of the State chapter.’

The petitioners equally alleged that the state chairman had removed or replaced recognised executive members without following constitutional procedures.

‘The State Chairman is alleged to have removed or replaced duly recognised executive members without following the procedures laid down by the party’s constitution or obtaining the approval of the appropriate organs of the party,’ the petition stated.

They further claimed that the leadership style allegedly adopted by the state chairman had deepened divisions within the Oyo State chapter of the party.

The petition further read: ‘Rather than promoting reconciliation and expansion of the party, the leadership style allegedly adopted by the State Chairman has resulted in factionalisation, mistrust, declining membership and internal crises that threaten the survival of the party in Oyo State.’

The petition also alleged that Mrs Akinlolu had openly expressed hostility towards the party’s presidential ticket comprising Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

‘It has been alleged that the State Chairman has openly expressed dislike and shown hostility towards the party’s Presidential Candidate, H.E. Peter Obi, and his running mate, H.E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.’

‘Such conduct, if established, is inconsistent with the obligation of every party leader to promote and defend the party’s candidates at all levels,’ the petition stated.

The petitioners argued that the allegations, taken together, portrayed ‘a pattern of leadership that is inconsistent with the democratic ideals, constitutional provisions and vision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.’

They urged the national leadership of the party to institute an independent investigation into the allegations, restore members allegedly removed from the party’s official communication platforms pending the outcome of the investigation, review executive appointments and replacements allegedly made outside the party’s constitution, and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations were substantiated.

The petition also called on the party leadership to introduce measures capable of restoring unity, inclusiveness, fairness and confidence among members of the Oyo State chapter.

‘This petition is made in good faith and in the overall interest of strengthening our great party. We remain committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and trust that the National Leadership will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves,’ the petition concluded.

The Federal High Court in Lagos will tomorrow rule on an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking leave to destroy a clandestine Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine production laboratory uncovered in a remote forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Justice Musa Kakaki fixed the date after a special court sitting held in the illicit laboratory at Mowe village, where operatives discovered facilities allegedly used to produce 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at over N480 billion.

The NDLEA had, on July 10, arraigned three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians on an 11-count charge bordering on the alleged establishment and operation of the clandestine laboratory.

ýThe defendants are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix and Jesus Lopez Valles, all Mexicans, alongside Anochili Innocent Nwankwo, Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike and Emeka Christopher Nwobum.

ýAccording to the anti-narcotics agency, the defendants allegedly manufactured and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, a psychotropic substance classified alongside cocaine, heroin and LSD.

ýThe prosecution further alleged that the accused managed and financed a drug trafficking network and transported precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), phenylacetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the clandestine laboratory using vehicles, including a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes-Benz with registration number APP 942 YL, and a Toyota Highlander marked GWA 662 DJ.

ýThe NDLEA also accused them of unlawfully possessing large quantities of precursor chemicals, including 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid and 22.5 kilograms of acetone, allegedly intended for the production of methamphetamine.

ýAll 10 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

ýAt Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution’s first witness, clandestine laboratory expert Mr. Ajilema Anebi, testified and tendered exhibits relating to the equipment and chemicals recovered from the laboratory.

ýAnebi told the court that substances recovered from the facility, where the second to the eighth defendants were arrested, were used for the production and storage of large quantities of methamphetamine intended for export outside Nigeria.

ýHe said the identification of the substances followed scientific analysis conducted by him and his team.

ýThe witness also explained the role of alcohol and hydrochloric acid in the methamphetamine production process, including the production of benzene.

ýThe inventory of chemicals and equipment recovered from the laboratory had earlier been admitted in evidence by the court.

ýNDLEA prosecuting counsel, Adekunle Adebanjo, reminded the court of the agency’s pending application seeking leave to destroy the multi-million-dollar clandestine methamphetamine laboratory.

However, counsel to the defendants, led by Chief Benson Ndakara, opposed aspects of the prosecution’s evidence and raised objections to some of the exhibits tendered.

ýJustice Kakaki adjourned until July 24 for ruling on the NDLEA’s application.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded major operational successes across 10 states, arresting suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug dealers and cattle rustlers, while rescuing seven kidnapped victims in a series of intelligence-led operations carried out within the last 24 hours.

The operations, coordinated by various state commands, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs, stolen property and vehicles.

In Adamawa State, police operatives, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Ba’a Usman Forest, Fufore Local Government Area, where two suspected kidnappers, Muhammadu Ibrahim, 35, and Isah Jahogi, 25, were arrested.

A locally-made pistol was recovered from the suspects, who were said to be members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Fufore and Jada Local Government Areas.

In Kogi State, a swift response by joint security operatives foiled an abduction along the Kabba-Ayere Road.

Police said intensive bush-combing operations, supported with the deployment of tear gas, forced the kidnappers to abandon six kidnapped victims, who were rescued unhurt.

Two vehicles were also recovered, while efforts are ongoing to rescue other passengers believed to have been taken away by the fleeing criminals.

Operatives in Ogun State also rescued kidnapped victim, Engr. Sola Boyeji, during sustained bush-combing operations.

Another victim’s vehicle was recovered as investigators intensified efforts to apprehend the abductors.

In Nasarawa State, police arrested suspected kidnapper Halilu Alhaji Shehu after intelligence-led operations.

The victim reportedly identified him as one of his abductors, while security operatives have launched a manhunt for other members of the gang.

The police also intensified the fight against cultism and violent crimes in Delta, Edo and Lagos states.

In Delta, operatives arrested suspected cultist Oghenebuba Mamatime, recovering three locally-made pistols and a single-barrel gun.

The command also arrested Benjamin Omoniovo, 32, described as a suspected abductor, rapist and fraudster, who was reportedly identified by five complainants.

In another operation in the state, officers arrested robbery suspect Jude Okonji and recovered a stolen motorcycle, preventing an attempted mob attack on the suspect.

In Edo State, Nosa Ehimwenma, 25, was arrested with a locally-made pistol and two live cartridges.

Police said he confessed to belonging to the Black Axe confraternity and provided useful information to investigators.

Similarly, Lagos operatives arrested suspected cultist Michael Abina, recovering eight live cartridges and 10 sachets of tramadol from him.

In Ebonyi State, police intercepted armed men allegedly blocking a road at Umuebe Roundabout in Ngbo, arresting Sunday John Obi, 38, and recovering a pump-action gun with two live cartridges.

His accomplice reportedly escaped.

The anti-crime operations also extended to Akwa Ibom and Benue states.

Three suspected drug dealers were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, where large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.

In Benue State, Mohammed Bilyaminu, 19, was arrested over alleged cattle rustling and the killing of one Benjamin Paul.

Police said the suspect confessed to the crime and had provided information that would aid the arrest of other gang members.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, who released the operational summary, said investigations were ongoing in all the cases while efforts had been intensified to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal networks operating across the affected states.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven policing and sustained nationwide operations.