Category: Business Day

The aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.

The ValueJet aircraft, which initially stopped in Luanda to refuel, reportedly turned back about 25 minutes after takeoff when a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windshield, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency procedures.

The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning.

All players, officials, and government delegates on board were safely evacuated upon landing.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the incident, adding that a cracked windscreen was responsible for the emergency landing.

‘However, after a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month).’

‘The aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the aeroplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,’ the NFF said

The football federation also said plans were being made for another aircraft to fly from Lagos and pick up the delegation in Luanda.

‘ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities, including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr President, are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo.’

Dangote has retained the crown as Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand, in Top 50 Brands Nigeria list, achieving a remarkable BSM Index of 86.3, a testament to its dominance as Africa’s leading industrial conglomerate.

MTN Nigeria ranked second with 83.4 points, also emerging as the Most Popular Brand from the Top-of-the-Mind (TOM) consumer survey. Airtel Nigeria followed in third place, while Globacom, Nigeria’s homegrown telecom giant, took the fourth position.

Top 50 Brands Nigeria released 2025 edition of its annual brand performance report, unveiling the 50 most admired and resilient brands that power Nigeria with

In the list, Access Bank led the Banking and Financial Services category at fifth place, followed by Zenith Bank (6th), BUA Group (7th), First Bank (8th), UBA (9th), and Coca-Cola (10th) completing the top ten.

According to Taiwo Oluboyede, Chief Brand Analyst and Convener, #IAMBRANDNIGRIA ‘Brand is not just an essential component of an organization, the brand is the organisation. For something that is that important, there is always the need for periodic assessment and evaluation. That’s what this ranking represents, a mirror that reflects how strongly brands are performing in the hearts and minds of Nigerians.’

Oluboyede further noted that brand strength has become a key driver of corporate value and sustainability, emphasizing that ‘strong brands don’t just sell products; they build trust, inspire loyalty, and sustain business growth even in challenging times.’

The 50 brands is ranked, using the proprietary Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) Model, which evaluates brands using seven key variables that capture both market performance and consumer perception:

The key variables are : Popularity (Top of the Mind Awareness); Online Engagement; Sentiment Analysis; Category Leadership; Innovation and Quality; National Spread, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Now in its 13th year, the Top 50 Brands Nigeria ranking has become one of the country’s most respected benchmarks for measuring corporate brand strength, trust, and impact. The 2025 list once again reflects how local and multinational brands continue to shape Nigeria’s business landscape through innovation, consistency, and consumer connection.

This year, the ranking features an equal representation of 25 Nigerian brands and 25 multinationals, highlighting the growing competitiveness of indigenous brands in both local and global markets.

The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) PLC has been nationally recognised as the ‘Best State ICT Agency’ at the Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards 2025, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The award celebrates BDIC’s outstanding role in driving digital governance and public service innovation in Benue State.

Owoicho Igoji, Chief of Staff and Special Adviser to the MD/CEO of BDIC received the award on behalf of Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, the Managing Director.

Speaking on behalf of the leadership of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, Igoji highlighted BDIC’s pioneering digital government framework, which includes the e-parliament platform enhancing legislative transparency and advanced e-health services expanding healthcare accessibility.

Others are the comprehensive e-learning programmes improving educational reach. These initiatives have significantly increased efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement in Benue’s public service.

The award, therefore, recognises BDIC’s strategic partnership with Galaxy Backbone Ltd., which has enabled broadband expansion and robust government data security.

The company’s efforts are strongly supported by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Administration through the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy under Kwaghgba Amande, which has prioritised infrastructure development, ICT training, cybersecurity and digital literacy campaigns empowering, over 40,000 civil servants.

The National GovTech Conference and Awards 2025, themed ‘Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development,’ brought together government officials, technology innovators, and development partners to celebrate digital excellence in Nigeria’s public sector.

Other distinguished awardees included Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State; Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State; and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) under Charles Anosike, a Professor and Director-General.

Benue State’s digital transformation success, led by BDIC, sets a national benchmark and propels Nigeria’s path towards becoming Africa’s digital powerhouse.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted recent presidential pardon grant to dozens of convicted drug traffickers and smugglers, by President Bola Tinubu and rectified by the National Council of State.

This is just as Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, noted that the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state, when properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance.

He stated that ‘clemency must never be confused with complicity.

‘A presidential pardon is meant to symbolise restitution and moral reform. Instead, what we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system, an affront to victims, a demoralisation of law enforcement, and a grave injury to the conscience of the nation.

‘When a government begins to absolve offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness.’

Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Sunday, described the action as ‘pathetic and a national disgrace.’

The party also warmed that the move is capable of undermining Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts, encourage crime, and further tarnishes Nigeria’s image in the eyes of the world.

It will be recalled that of the 175 persons granted pardon, drugs related cases were the highest at 29.2%, followed by illegal mining- 24.0%, homicide – 13.5%, fraud/corruption – 12.3%.

Hijacking constitutes 5.8%, while firearms – 2.3%, robbery/theft – 2.3%, kidnapping – 1.8%, human trafficking – 1.8%, while others offences is about 5.8%.

According to the statement, ‘The African Democratic Congress (ADC) finds as pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace the recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to several convicted criminals by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

The party said the pardon amounts to the ‘most irresponsible abuse of the presidential power of prerogative of mercy to grant express pardon to dozens of convicts held for drug trafficking, smuggling, and related offences, especially when most of these convicts have barely served two years in jail for offences that carry a penalty of life imprisonment.’

According to official media statements, it appears that all it takes to get presidential clemency for even the worst of crimes in Nigeria, including drug trafficking, gun running, and murder, is to ‘show remorse and learn skills.’

The party noted that pardons and clemency are granted for their social utility and to correct perceived miscarriages of justice, and to convicts who have paid their debts to society. The party wondered what Nigeria stands to benefit from this act of clemency to convicts serving life sentences who have barely served two years.

It noted that Nigeria is still regarded as a major transit point for illicit drugs while we face a serious national pandemic of drug use, especially among our youths. Several reports have it that Nigeria’s drug use stands at an estimated 14.4%, almost three times the global average of 5.5%.

‘For years, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies have risked life and limb to combat this problem, dismantle illicit drug networks, intercept consignments, prosecute offenders, and secure convictions.

‘The men and women in these agencies have laboured under enormous risk and pressure to protect the public from the scourge of addiction, trafficking, and related crimes that carry some of the harshest penalties in Nigerian law, precisely because of their devastating impact on public health, youth development, and national security. Granting clemency to individuals convicted under such laws therefore strikes at the very foundation of Nigeria’s legal and moral stance against narcotics and makes a mockery of the gallant efforts of officers fighting the battle against narcotics and illicit drugs.’

Atiku Abubakar said the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite of what it was expected to achieve.

‘The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds. ‘At a time when Nigeria continues to reel under the weight of insecurity, moral decay, and a surge in drug-related offences, it is both shocking and indefensible that the presidency would prioritize clemency for those whose actions have directly undermined national stability and social order.

‘Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2% percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation is still struggling to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.

‘Even more disturbing is the moral irony that this act of clemency is coming from a President whose own past remains clouded by unresolved and unexplained issues relating to the forfeiture of thousands of dollars to the United States government over drug-related investigations. It is, therefore, no surprise that this administration continues to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise.

‘Nigeria deserves a leadership that upholds justice, not one that trivialises it.’

Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria (DECN) which is handling a major portion of the construction of Train 7 in the NLNG in Bonny has continued to suffer frequent shutdowns due to industrial crisis.

The workers (mostly welders and fitters) have accused the company of overtaxing them and failure to remit the taxes of over alleged N5bn to the coffers of the government, thus allegedly keeping them (workers) outside legitimate tax net.

Daewoo has denied any wrongdoing, but the disagreement has led to frequent shutdown, even after the company would claim that all matters had been resolved.

In the latest development, Daewoo has issued another statement claiming that all matters have been resolved and that the company was not found liable, but until the workers admit it is so, the tension may continue.

By October 7, 2025, the workers issued fresh demands stating demanding that the welders and fitters coming back to site must not be made to face intimidation or signing of any undertaking.

A note distributed to the media and to some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) demanded for ‘total dissolution of Union executives with immediate effect’, and for an account of the taxes deducted from workers from inception of project. They also demanded for total refund of taxes imposed on the workforce, a deduction they dubbed fraudulent.

They made other demands including increase of hardship and feeding allowances, no sacking of workers for leading the protests, etc.

They suggested the need for representatives from each department be chosen to convey the message standing as one team.

The workers’ position came after Daewoo management had issued a notice of suspension work activities, effective from Friday, October 10, 2025, saying the safety of both personnel and equipment could no longer be guaranteed.

Daewoo thus shut down their own portion at the Train7 and directed workers to vacate from the work locations. The company also directed workers to vacate their rooms at the ‘Workers Village’ with effect from October 10, 2025.

The statement signed by management said: ‘All DECN own portion site workers are hereby put on standby until further notice. All accrued salaries up to October 9, 2025, would be remitted into individual bank accounts.

‘Management will announce the resumption of site operation when the issues are resolved and the safety of employees and equipment can be guaranteed.’

By end of Friday, October 10, 2025, Daewoo announced that all matters concerning tax deductions at the NLNG Train 7 Project site ‘have been fully clarified and conclusively resolved in cooperation with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).’

The company said following recent misunderstandings regarding tax deductions and clearance certificates, DECN requested the RIRS to review and verify the company’s overall tax compliance. ‘During the official review process, the RIRS confirmed the following key points:

‘All Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) issued to DECN personnel are authentic, valid, and duly issued by the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service.

‘DECN’s tax deductions, remittances, and filings have been accurately and transparently executed in full compliance with Nigerian tax laws. There are no outstanding tax liabilities, discrepancies, or irregularities associated with DECN.’

To ensure continued transparency and prevent future misunderstandings, DECN said they also conducted a short simulation demonstrating how employees can independently verify their tax information through the RIRS online platform. ‘This practical step further reinforced confidence among workers and stakeholders regarding the company’s compliance and accountability.’

The statement issued by Bernard Ewubare, Community Affairs and Security Manager of Daewoo, said the company reaffirmed that the tax matter has been completely resolved.

It said Daewoo was committed to maintaining a compliant, trustworthy, and productive working environment as it continues the successful delivery of the NLNG Train 7 Project.

The last time Daewoo issued this kind of notification last week, the workers said it was not true as this had never been the position of things. The workers said their issues had not been addressed, alleging with photographic evidence that they saw what looked like huge sums given to mediators in the matter.

Background to crisis:

Daewoo Nigeria began about middle of September 2025 fighting to restore stability at the Train-7 plant which was in turmoil. Though top managers in Daewoo suspected external influences, the crisis was due to mass protest by a section of the workers.

The workers claimed they were over 8,000 and that deductions from their taxes had run into several billions of naira.

The company said there was no tax fraud situation in Daewoo.

The workers had alleged that the deductions were not being remitted to the coffers of the government. They said they feared that the fast-approaching new tax law in January 2026 would hurt them if tax identification number (TIN) was not issued to them.

Some of the workers interviewed said the deductions ranged from N80,000 per month to N180,000.

The company said there was no tax fraud in Daewoo, and that it did not use uniformed men to intimidate protesting workers. It however acknowledged the issue of controversy surrounding tax receipts.

Daewoo further denied withholding the taxes, clarifying that tax deductions from workers were instantly remitted to the RIRS and tax receipts obtained and advanced to respective staff.

Management also said tax identification number was not generated by Daewoo but by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). ‘Management also wishes to clarify that there is no incidence of fraud associated with tax deductions in DECN.’

The company promised to facilitate through the RIRS the provision of verifiable TIN having DECN code for accessibility to all welders/fitters within two weeks from 22/09/2025 to 04/10/2025. ‘Management is actively engaging with the welders and fitters as well as their respective unions to address the issue and this dialogue processes have reached advanced stages with an appeal for workers to give the management two weeks or fourteen days to resolve the issue.

On resolving the impasse, Daewoo said: ‘Management has been in active communication with the workers, unions, and other stakeholders with a view to communicating the state of things with all parties concerned in the matter with a view to resolving the issue.

‘Management has agreed that in case of perceived over taxation of any Welder/Fitter, such matter should be made available with evidence of pay slip to the site representatives and forward to DECN human resource team for necessary attention.

‘Management has also agreed with the various unions that no Welder/Fitter will be placed on redundancy within this period without being provided with his/her verifiable TIN. It has also not mandated any security agency to invite, arrest, interrogate or detain any worker with regards to the issue at hand.’

Daewoo however, alleged that some of the workers smashed glasses and caused some damages and assaulted their colleagues and even security personnel on duty. ‘Management wishes to inform that the project owner, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, project implementer, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders are all informed that resolution processes have been activated to resolve the issue. The company appealed for calm and for all to maintain the existing good relationship.

The frequent shutdowns and denial by workers that the matter had been resolved seem to add tension and confusion in the crisis, making it difficult to know the true situation of work in the Train 7 project.

As the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intensifies action against drug trafficking and traffickers, a 52-year-old businessman, apprehended by the agency, Ejiofor Emeka, excreted 127 wraps of cocaine concealed in his private part and stomach, after days under excretion observation.

Femi Babafemi , Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, said the suspect was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.

Ejiofor who operates boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra state, was taken into NDLEA custody upon his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 on Wednesday 8th October 2025 following credible intelligence.

According to him, Ejiofor was taken for body scan which confirmed he ingested illicit drugs and had some concealed in his private part. A total of 58 wraps of cocaine were immediately recovered from his pant after which he was taken for excretion observation during which he egested 69 pellets of cocaine in seven excretions bringing the total number of wraps of the class A drug recovered from him to 127 weighing 1.388 kilograms.

This is just as the Agency said, ‘three consignments of illicit drugs heading to the United Kingdom were on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th October intercepted at a courier company in Lagos by NDLEA operatives.

‘One of the shipments, 1.74 kg of methamphetamine was recovered from blocks of glass ceramics, while another shipment contains 114 grams and 168 grams of pentazocine and tramadol injections respectively just as the third consignment contains 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C container, all going to the UK.

The anti-narcotic agency also disclosed that bids by another set of criminal syndicates to ship 2.6kg skunk and 422grams tapentadol 250mg concealed in tablets of black soap heading to Turkey; 169 grams of cocaine hidden in lady’s handbags going to Australia and 568 grams of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in containers of herbs going to United Arab Emirates were thwarted by NDLEA operatives at some courier companies in Lagos.

‘Meanwhile, a total of 27, 510 pills of rohypnol concealed in sachets of alcoholic drinks going to South Africa have been intercepted by NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos.

‘After the initial arrest of a freight agent and a cab driver linked to the shipment, a follow up operation at Oyingbo market in Lagos led to the arrest of the mastermind, 46-year-old Samuel Omoruyi (alias Yellow) on 2nd October. Same day, an Italy-based businessman Enehizena Uyimwen was arrested by operatives while attempting to export 3,700 pills of tramadol 225mg and 2,600 tabs of tapentadol 200mg hidden in food items to the European country.

‘ He claimed he was trafficking the opioids for someone else for a fee of Nine Hundred and Forty-Five Euros (pound 945).

In Edo state, a raid of the home of a suspect Emmanuel Sunday, 33, at Ugbekpe Ekperi in Etsako Central LGA led to the recovery of 47kg skunk, a strain of cannabis.

‘Two suspects Nureni Eleweodo, 48, and Oladejo Taiwo, 52, were on Wednesday 8th October arrested at Omifufun village, Ife South LGA, Osun state following the seizure of 635 kilograms of skunk from their Toyota Hiace bus marked DDA65ZY.

Two other suspects: Timothy Omiwole, 41, and Isaac Achiatan, 36, were nabbed at same location with 100kg skunk recovered from them along with their motorcycle.

Another suspect: Okoro Julius, 20, and Onyebuchi Nwibo, 25, were arrested in different parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers state in connection with the seizure of 8.5kg skunk on Friday 10th October,

‘Sulaiman Kalalu, 46, was nabbed after 29.5kg of same substance was found in his house at Bayan Asiti, Jibia town, Katsina state on Saturday 11th October.

The NDLEA said it’s officers on Wednesday 8th October arrested Yisa Daniel, 29, at New Bussa where 22,000 capsules of tramadol, 800 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 150,000 pills of exol-5 were seized from him. A total of 312kg skunk was recovered from a bush at Ologede camp, Ogbese, Ondo state while operatives on patrol along Benin-Lagos expressway on Thursday 9th October intercepted two suspects: Francis John, 39, and Adeyemi Taiwo, 46, in a car conveying 141.8kg skunk.

‘In Kaduna, a suspect Rufai Ahmed, 27, (alias Farin Malam) was nabbed at Abuja/Kaduna toll gate while conveying 150,000 pills of exol-5 from Lagos to Katsina.

‘In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

‘These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of General Murtala Mohammed College, Yola, Adamawa; Assembly of God Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Community Girls Secondary School, Bakori, Katsina; Girls Secondary School, Nenwe, Awgu LGA, Enugu; Day Secondary School, Tungan Mallam, Paikoro LGA, Niger; Sacred Heart Secondary School, Kabba, Kogi; Ebenezer Model Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra; Government Secondary School, Borikiri, Rivers;

Others include the Government Junior Secondary School, Wakili Bawa, Ungoggo LGA, Kano; and Baptist High School, Ede, Osun state, among others.

The sub-conscious characteristics of individuals, which either define strength or weakness, attract the lens of photographer, Olaniyi Atolagbe, as the photo artist implores a conceptual approach to portrait photography.

For being conceptual, Atolagbe’s photography strengthens the importance of the digital era of the 21st century in creating images. More of interest, the creative energy in the photographer brings themes that are crucial to human curiosity, as well as highlighting spiritual connection to imagination.

Viewing the works of Atolagbe with a foreknowledge of his background gives a better depth of what side of critique one should lean towards. Atolagbe, who has a background in Mathematics, seems greatly influenced by his social, cultural and spiritual environments, on which he grew up. His background and experiences have collectively brought surreal contents into his works, explaining the emotional and sometimes fantasy contents of his photography.

Going into the spiritual space, Atolagbe engages human strength of imagination in a piece titled ‘Rooted Dreams’ in which he depicts a woman and her energy of connection with the spirit of a tree. With double exposures, Atolagbe blends the contemplative portrait of the woman with the powerful form of a tree, symbolizing the interconnectedness of human nature, body, memory and spirit. Specifically, ‘Rooted Dreams’ embodies the blurred lines between experience and its memory, suggesting how the past can either be cherished or loathed.

While Atolagbe flaunts his sense of conceptuality in ‘Rooted Dreams’ with the double exposure technique he applied, the single colour for the two overlapping images of the lady and branches of tree appear to weaken the concept. Perhaps, a clear differential in colour of the two images fading into each other would have created a higher depth of concept.

From pieces such as ‘Unseen Exchange’ and ‘Unseen Self’, Atolagbe continues illusory and fantasy contents that probe into the imagination of people. Between the surreality of the images and the captured individuals’ supposedly meditation, there are creative as well as spiritual takeaways. And just like some of the flashes encountered in dreams and imaginations, the images from Atolagbe’s lens come with the duality that life brings in general.

However, between ‘Rooted Dreams’ and ‘The Unseen Self’, the photographer’s peculiar signature and identity in conceptual photography is exposed: while one comes in dark tone, the other brings brighter images. As regards the context of identity in art, most artists would like to be known for diversity while still retaining their signature. For Atolagbe, ‘The Unseen Self’ and ‘Rooted Dreams’ nearly take diversity from his identity; the two works are almost identical in colour and the model used.

Still searching for the diversity in Atolagbe’s conceptual photography, there comes a set of works that brings something different. Supporting Atolagbe’s creative dexterity are works such as ‘Iberu Bojo’, a capturing of anxiety, fear, and perhaps meditation of a lady in either spiritual, environmental, or psychological communication with some unknown entity; ‘Adé Okùnkùn’ (Crown of Darkness), crowded head of a Black woman in imagination of the unseen, as the many items on her head represent unknown travails; and ‘Passage of memory’, a figure that depicts how fragile human memory is, noting that every step forward echoes the duality of forgetting and becoming.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has many tools of development to execute its mandate to transform the Niger Delta region and make a difference.

One of the schemes is said to be the Postgraduate Scholarship Project through which the Commission embarks on human capital development.

One of the star candidates that put the commission’s efforts on the global map is named Idara Bassey.

She is a beneficiary of the postgraduate scholarship scheme of the NDDC who is said to be making waves as the 263rd Certified Global Tech Hero. According to a document by Ifeatu Agbu of the communications unit of the NDDC, Bassey was named a recipient of the prestigious Connected Awards in recognition of her pioneering work at the intersection of law, technology, and ethics.

Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC CEO (3rd right) presenting a letter of award to Reginald Omubo-Pepple (left) during the award ceremony for the NDDC 2025/2026 Local Postgraduate Scholarship in Port Harcourt.

From the right: Dimaro Denyanbofa, Bayelsa State Representative on NDDC Board, (2nd right), Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director Corporate Services (2nd left), Angela Chukwudifu, Director Education.

The award highlighted Bassey’s ability to translate governance principles into systems that protect people and create lasting social value -a skillset that is said to have defined her professional journey.

Awarded the NDDC scholarship in 2023, Bassey is said to have pursued a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA. Since completing her studies, she is said to have earned globally recognised certifications in artificial intelligence governance and privacy practice, solidifying her expertise in privacy-by-design, AI risk assessment, and digital policy formulation.

Her work is said to have played a pivotal role in shaping national-scale digital infrastructure, benefiting millions of users. By integrating privacy safeguards and operational standards into large identity and security systems, her interventions are said to have significantly reduced cyber vulnerabilities and enhanced community-level protections.

This recognition places Bassey among a distinguished cadre of global innovators who are redefining the ethical and legal frameworks of emerging technologies.

For the NDDC, her achievement are said to have underscored the enduring value of its scholarship programme in cultivating world-class professionals who drive transformative change far beyond the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian stream:

Building on stories of success like Bassey’s, the NDDC is said to have expanded its scholarship programmes to include postgraduate studies in Nigerian universities. On October 8, 2025, the Commission presented award letters to 600 successful candidates for its 2025/2026 Local Post Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Presenting the scholarship letters to the successful candidates during the award ceremony in Port Harcourt, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, stated that the scholarship programme was an initiative designed to enhance human capital development in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku described the scholarship scheme as an essential component of the NDDC scheme of work, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: ‘It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.’

Ogbuku advised the NDDC scholars to avoid distractions to excel in their studies, reminding them that they owed the Niger Delta a duty to succeed.

He declared, ‘You are the torchbearers of transformation. Your education is not just for you but for the millions who look up to you for hope. As you pursue your postgraduate studies, remember that every lecture you attend, every paper you write, and every solution you provide is a step towards transforming our communities.’

In his remarks, George Uzonwanne, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, disclosed that out of 46,240 applicants, only 600 were selected through a transparent electronic examination process. He said, ‘I congratulate the successful candidates who applied and went through a seamless selection process.’

Uzonwanne stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities, and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The Director explained that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content programme of the Federal Government.

He added, ‘The objective is to equip our people to compete favourably with others in terms of employment and entrepreneurship in the region.’

He noted that emphasis was placed on science disciplines because of a noticeable deficiency in the oil industry, which made it challenging to employ young graduates from the region in that critical sector.

According to him, previously, the oil and gas industry had discriminated against fresh graduates, dismissing them as not possessing the requisite qualifications. ‘We also need to encourage our youths to show interest in engineering for the sake of our projects. We need qualified engineers who can manage our projects just as in agriculture, environmental science, and other science-related courses.’

Uzonwanne stressed that the foreign scholarship scheme was designed to expose the graduates to other developed environments outside the country. ‘So far, we have been proved right as those who benefited from the programme in the previous years have justified the need for the advanced training programme,’ he said.

The Director recalled the outstanding performance of one of the beneficiaries who studied in the United Kingdom. He said that Francisca Chiedu, the star NDDC scholar of that year, was elected President of the University of the United Kingdom Student Union.

That feat, he said, demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. ‘Her success was indeed a victory for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes’.

Transparent process yields first-class results:

Uzonwanne expressed optimism that the transparent process for selecting beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme would continue to yield first-class performers. ‘It will guarantee the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large the likes of Francisca Chiedu, the Information Engineering and Network Management student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, who brought glory to NDDC, the region, and nation.’

Angela Chukwudifu, the NDDC Director of Education, observed that the new scholarship programme emphasised on local education to ensure that beneficiaries remained connected to the Niger Delta’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

She stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The best performing scholarship candidate, Reginald Omubo-Pepple, thanked the NDDC for allowing them to enhance their education. He pledged that the beneficiaries would do their best to be good ambassadors for the region and subsequently contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.

Sharing the sentiments of Omubo-Pepple, another beneficiary from Abia State, Brian Okafor, promised that the new set of scholars would follow the foot steps of those before them in striving for excellence.

Those who set the standards for NDDC scholars include Ubong Peters, an NDDC scholar in Australia, who was celebrated for winning the university’s three-minute thesis competition.

Apart from Peters, ‘Augustine Osarogiagbon of Memorial University is so brilliant he completed his PhD in less than the stipulated time and was offered a dual PhD programme with two graduate assistants to work with and a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.

Among the stars is Charles Igwe whose exceptional contributions in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada, made headlines. Igwe’s unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion. He achieved this feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project, which cost $3.67 billion.

Lenin Francis, who benefited from the foreign scholarship programme and earned a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering, suggested that NDDC should also extend the scholarship to other undergraduate students and increase the number of beneficiaries.

Francis, from Bayelsa State, agreed that the programme was a good capacity-builder that would equip the youth to join in developing the Niger Delta. ‘I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme, which has helped many youths in the region,’ he said.

He said that the foreign scholarship was a boost not just for the beneficiaries but for the entire Niger Delta, as it would enable the youths to develop themselves and acquire technical expertise, which would ultimately benefit the people of the region.

According to him, the NDDC made the right decision to build the capacity of the youths, rather than focusing only on infrastructure. ‘After all, human resources are more important than physical infrastructure.’

The Delta State Executive Council (exco) has approved the disbursement of ?10 billion to offset the pension liabilities inherited from previous administrations in the state.

Charles Aniagwu, commissioner for Works (rural roads) and Public Information made the disclosure during a post-exco briefing held at the press centre, Government House, Asaba.

Aniagwu, flanked by Sonny Ekedayen,

commissioner for Economic Planning, Godknows Angele of Housing, and the Festus Ahon, chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, said the exco deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.

He said that the ?10 billion disbursement was in fulfillment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and to defray inherited pension liabilities.

He emphasised that the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of citizens under the MORE Agenda and making life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.

Aniagwu further revealed that the EXCO reviewed timelines for key infrastructure projects, including two major flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

He said: ‘The Agbor flyover, initially scheduled for completion in 24 months, has been revised to 18 months, while the Ughelli flyover has been reduced from 24 to 14 months.

‘These adjustments are aimed at delivering the projects faster to ease movement and boost economic activities.’

He revealed that the council also considered the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) presented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, which will soon be presented to the Delta State House of Assembly.

He disclosed that council also terminated some non-performing contracts across the state to ensure efficient project delivery and value for money.

‘One of the affected projects, is the Igbodo Junction-Ubulu-Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with the governor’s resolve to open up communities across the 25 local government areas.

The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance, transparency, and accelerated infrastructural renewal across the state.

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to strengthening maritime safety, environmental protection, and regional cooperation within the framework of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Abuja MoU).

Speaking at the 3rd Bureau of Ministers Meeting of the Abuja MoU held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, Oyetola said Nigeria remains determined to align its maritime governance with international standards while advancing the collective interests of West and Central Africa in global shipping.

The Minister’s remarks were contained in a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering support for the objectives of the Abuja MoU, Oyetola highlighted concrete steps being taken by the federal government to improve maritime administration, including stricter enforcement of port state control and the removal of substandard vessels from Nigerian waters.

He highlighted the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council. The policy, he said, provides a comprehensive framework for safer, cleaner, and more sustainable maritime operations, aligning with global best practices and the ideals of the Abuja MoU.

According to Oyetola, the policy underscores Nigeria’s determination to build a thriving blue economy that promotes economic growth, protects ocean health, creates jobs, and enhances maritime safety.

He urged member states of the Abuja MoU to strengthen enforcement mechanisms within their jurisdictions and to support the institutional resilience of the Secretariat.

He also cautioned against allowing the region to become a dumping ground for substandard vessels, warning that poor compliance could result in accidents with far-reaching national, regional, and global consequences.

The minister emphasised that effective port state control remains fundamental to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy, particularly in a region where most vessels calling at ports are foreign-flagged rather than locally owned.

Oyetola explained that the Bureau of Ministers would review and endorse the records of the 15th Port State Control Committee Meeting to ensure that officers are well empowered to fulfil their statutory duties. He stressed that the Abuja MoU must continue to serve as a catalyst for safer shipping practices, stronger compliance, and deeper technical cooperation among member states.

He assured that Nigeria remains ready to share its expertise and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of port state control in West and Central Africa.

The minister also underscored the importance of strengthening the Abuja MoU Secretariat, urging member states to meet their financial obligations and support the Secretariat’s programmes. These contributions, he noted, are vital to sustaining the Secretariat’s efficiency and coordinating regional efforts effectively.

As part of Nigeria’s broader maritime diplomacy, Oyetola used the occasion to seek the support of fellow African ministers for Nigeria’s candidature in the forthcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council elections under Category C. He stated that Nigeria’s inclusion on the IMO Council would help advance the objectives of the Abuja MoU and amplify Africa’s collective voice in global maritime governance.