Category: Nigerian Tribune

In a goodwill message to mark the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ the Governor stated that the celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of shared purpose and innovation in transforming education for a better future.

‘The theme of this year’s celebration reminds us that education thrives when teachers, policymakers, parents and communities work together,’ Inuwa Yahaya stated.

He described teachers as not only transmitters of knowledge but partners in shaping the minds, values, and aspirations of young people.

The Governor emphasized that effective teaching requires more than individual effort, but demands collaboration among all stakeholders in the education ecosystem.

‘When teachers’ voices are heard, when their experiences inform our policies and when they are empowered to innovate together, education becomes truly transformative,’ he said.

Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed that his administration has continued to invest in programmes that reflect this collaborative spirit.

These include capacity-building programmes to enhance skills, improvements in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment to strengthen the workforce, and regular engagement with education stakeholders to ensure participatory decision-making.

According to him, ‘Our administration believes that the classroom is where the future of our state begins. That is why we continue to support teachers with the tools, training and motivation they need to succeed. We understand that when teachers are empowered, learners thrive, and societies progress.’

He noted that Gombe State’s education reforms-from revitalizing schools to providing modern teaching aids-are guided by the principle that education is a shared responsibility; one that must unite government, teachers, parents, and communities.

While commending teachers for their commitment and resilience, the Governor urged continued cooperation among all education partners to sustain the gains achieved in the sector.

‘On this special day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of NUT and all teachers in Gombe State for their patience, passion and commitment. I urge us to continue to work hand in hand to build an education system where synergy, innovation, and excellence define the future of learning. In that way, we can recast teaching into the respected and inspiring profession it is meant to be,’ as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in the walls of stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers.

According to an NDLEA statement issued on Sunday, the breakthrough followed a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos. The operations led to the arrest of five suspects, including the alleged ringleader of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who poses as a businessman and real estate developer.

The beginning of the end of the criminal network’s operations came on 16th September 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Lagos International Airport intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms, concealed in the walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was promptly arrested.

The Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said in the statement that further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment. After weeks of intelligence gathering, it was established that the drug baron had earlier reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the agency sought the cooperation of the police to place him in custody.

During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought for over N150 million. He said he is a businessman and estate developer who returned from the United Kingdom in 2024. He reportedly lived for over 27 years in several European countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, before settling in the UK.

Similarly, five other attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the Lagos Airport Strategic Command of the NDLEA. The unraveling of the gang began on 26th September, following the seizure of 2.10kg of cocaine concealed in the walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

The arrest of a cargo agent led to the apprehension of the consignor, Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, on 30th September at his residence at 3 Arowojobe Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, where another consignment of 1.40kg of cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered.

On the same day, another consignment of 1.00kg of cocaine, similarly concealed and also destined for the UK, was intercepted at the export shed of the airport. The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of cocaine consignments linked to the suspect.

Two other cocaine-laden consignments bound for the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Lagos airport on Thursday. Two suspects; Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa ; linked to the seizures were promptly arrested.

One of the consignments, the statement said, contained crayfish and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg of cocaine, while the second consignment also contained crayfish and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine.

The attempt by another criminal gang to smuggle 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, into Lagos concealed in bedsheets and hibiscus flowers from Thailand was equally foiled by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies. Meanwhile, a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a checkpoint along the Danbatta-Daura road in Kano on Thursday led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and the seizure of 290,450 pills of Tramadol 250mg and Pregabalin capsules.

In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer, John Igbe, known as SammyBless and notorious for distributing illicit drugs in the Lekki and Ajah axis, was arrested on 30th September at Admiralty Road, Lekki. A total of 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups was recovered from him.

Babafemi added that three other suspects, Idris Lukman, Fuad Abdulsalam, and Mobolaji James, were arrested the same day in the Mushin area of the state. NDLEA officers seized 109kg of skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup, and 2kg of nitrous oxide from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were also recovered.

While a total of 27,700 pills of Tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect, Salisu Abubakar, at Bode Saadu, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 29th September, another suspect, Blessing Ovaka, was caught with 498.5kg of skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, the same day. Similarly, Dahiru Salisu was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of Tramadol at Gwargwaje along the Kaduna-Zaria road on 2nd October.

In Ogun State, NDLEA operatives on 29th September raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg of skunk and 16 grams of Tramadol. Three other suspects, Chuimieze Shedrack, Sunday John, and Solomon Okopko were arrested by NDLEA officers on Thursday at the Owena/Ijesha forest reserve in Osun State, where they destroyed 14,000kg of skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of the same psychoactive substance.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives on 1st October intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW, loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg, at Igbanke, Orhionmwon LGA, and arrested a suspect, Ineh Excellent Obindi.

A total of 10,897.35kg of skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358 hectares at Ugbodo Forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday. Two suspects ;, Michael Ayang and Bernard New Year (a.k.a. Don), were arrested, and not less than 223.5kg of processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.

The statement added that operatives on patrol along the Okene-Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg of Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow-up operation at Gwagwalada Park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, while another suspect, Ismail Abdurrahim, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg of skunk along the Abaji-Abuja expressway on Thursday.

Reacting to the successful operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), warned that the agency would not relent until the threat posed by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is eliminated.

He said, ‘This is because every arrest, seizure and asset forfeited by the criminal syndicates signifies innocent lives saved and communities protected either here in Nigeria or in other jurisdictions.’

The Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Abdullahi Abbas, has dissociated the party from some groups identifying themselves as ’12 APC Groups’ who backed the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, in calling for the removal of the State Commissioner of Police, Dr Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

It will be recalled that ‘some groups under the aegis of APC 12 groups said in a release that the Commissioner of Police, Dr Ibrahim Bakori, should be sacked for refusing to participate in the Nigeria 65th Anniversary Parade.’

However, in a swift reaction to this position, the State Chairman of the APC, Prince Abbas, described the group as fake and not members of the party.

In a statement signed and made available to the press in Kano, the State APC Chairman said, ‘that his members who are genuinely APC card-carrying persons backed the boycott of the police to the parade ground because he is answering to the directives.’

Prince Abbas further called on the ‘Federal Government to even punish other Federal security agencies who attended the Parade Ground because, according to him, they have violated orders given to them.’

According to him, ‘Government should hasten the investigation of those other security agencies who participated at the event because they are directed not to participate.’

He also stated that those 12 groups claiming to be members of the APC can best be described as fake members engaged by disgruntled politicians paid to do a dirty job for their paymasters.

It’s been 65 years of independence. Congratulations, Nigeria, and happy Independence! Welcome also to the last quarter of the year, a brand new month of October.

But genuinely, can we say we have come a long way and done so well as a nation in these 65 years? Or are we still trapped in a vicious cycle? Do we even truly believe in this country anymore? How has this shaped our mental health and the way we see ourselves as citizens?

Haven’t many of us lost hope? Are we supposed to lose hope, or are we just fixated on the thought that it can never be better? Worse still, some believe it can only get worse or is already getting worse despite the visible changes here and there, despite the rays of hope that occasionally break through.

So, are we free indeed?

True freedom is not just about flags, anthems, or parades. It is about the state of mind of the people. When a nation struggles with poverty, insecurity, corruption, and dashed expectations, the citizens carry the weight in their hearts and minds. This weight shows up as anxiety, frustration, hopelessness, and even depression. We cannot separate the mental health of Nigerians from the story of Nigeria itself.

Many people now live with a quiet despair, believing that nothing good can come out of this country. Some carry a deep mistrust of leadership, others feel numb and detached, while many more have simply resigned to fate. This collective sense of hopelessness is not just political, it is psychological. When hope dies, it leaves scars on our well-being, our relationships, and even the way we dream for our children.

Yet, hope is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Just as the human body cannot survive without oxygen, the mind cannot thrive without hope. Hope is the anchor that steadies us when the storm is raging. It is the fuel that makes us rise each morning and believe tomorrow could be better. Without it, our resilience weakens, and we risk living in survival mode, never truly alive.

But here lies the irony: Nigerians are some of the most resilient people in the world. We have learned to laugh in pain, to find joy in little things, and to hustle through tough times. Our music, our culture, our community spirit, these are coping mechanisms that keep us going when structures fail us. But even resilience has its breaking point. When every new policy, every new headline, and every new reality seems like a burden, resilience alone is not enough; we need genuine change that restores confidence in the future.

Mental health is not just an individual issue; it is a national one. A society where citizens wake up every day uncertain of safety, food, or dignity cannot boast of true independence. Independence must mean freedom from fear, freedom from hopelessness, and freedom from the mental chains that hold us down. When young people’s biggest dream is to ‘japa’ because they no longer see a future here, it should force us to reflect: what kind of independence do we truly have?

And yet, we must ask ourselves, can we, as a people, afford to give up? If hope is medicine, despair is poison. To surrender to despair is to let the challenges win twice: first, by creating hardship, and second, by killing the spirit to fight for something better.

So how do we begin to heal? How do we protect our mental health in a country that constantly tests it? We start by choosing hope, even when it feels foolish. We start by caring for ourselves and one another. We start by building little communities of support, families, faith groups, professional circles, and friendships, where encouragement and solidarity keep us afloat.

We also start by telling ourselves the truth: it is okay to feel tired, it is okay to feel worried, but it is not okay to give up completely. Healing begins when we name our struggles instead of masking them. Healing deepens when we seek help from mental health professionals rather than drowning silently in pain. Healing grows when we learn to find meaning in small victories and nurture gratitude for what is still working.

Independence at 65 should not just be a time to wave flags; it should be a time to ask, how free are we inside? Do we have freedom of mind, freedom to dream, and freedom to hope? If not, then our task as a nation is not only economic or political, it is also psychological.

This Mental Health Diary is a call to hold on to hope. Not a blind hope that ignores reality, but a stubborn hope that insists things can be better. For in protecting hope, we protect our minds. And in protecting our minds, we preserve the future of this nation.

So, as we step into this last quarter of the year, may we not just count the years of independence, but also count the strength of our resilience. May we nurture hope, support one another, and keep alive the belief that true freedom is still possible.

As we reflect on 65 years of independence, let us not remain stuck in despair. Healing begins with choosing to hope again, no matter the disappointments of the past. Even when the changes we long for seem slow, we must remember that change itself starts with individuals, each of us, in our homes, our communities, in the way we think, speak, and act. Whether we are in Nigeria or abroad, whether we hold other nationalities or not, nothing changes the fact that the blood is Nigerian.

The freedom we forget is not always about politics or economics. It is the freedom of the mind, the freedom to dream, and the freedom to hope. Without these, even at 65, true independence remains incomplete. To give up hope is to surrender our future, but to heal and hope again is to reclaim it.

Happy World Mental Health Day in advance! This Friday, October 10th, we join the world to mark this important day. Join me in next week’s episode, it promises to be another enlightening edition of Mental Health Diary. Stay with me.

What is your approach to building relationships with national and international media to promote a favourable image of Nigeria?

Trust is the cornerstone of strong media relations. We work with both local and international media by providing accurate data, human-interest stories, and access to Nigerian leaders and changemakers. Our approach is proactive rather than reactive. ensuring that journalists do not only hear crisis-driven stories about Nigeria, but also stories of progress, culture, and solutions.

How do you intend to involve the younger generations in the project, particularly in shaping and sharing Nigeria’s narrative?

Nigeria is a young nation, and our youths are our greatest storytellers. We can involve them through digital challenges, creative ambassador programmes, and training opportunities that allow them to co-create narratives. We believe that when young Nigerians share their stories, the world will listen.

How do you balance local narratives with the expectations of global audiences in your messaging?

Balancing local and global narratives requires authenticity. We must tell stories rooted in Nigerian realities, our challenges and triumphs, while framing them in a language that resonates globally. For instance, a local innovation in fintech can be presented as part of a global conversation about financial inclusion. So, we don’t change the local story to fit a global mold. Instead, we translate its significance. We ensure the local content is respected and clear, but we highlight why it matters to the world. We show how Nigeria’s solutions, culture, and creativity are relevant to global audiences because they speak to shared human and economic interests. The key is alignment. staying true to who we are while speaking to what the world cares about.

What strategies do you intend to use to engage various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society organisation in the reputation management process?

Reputation management is most powerful when it is inclusive. Our strategy boils down to three things; shared ownership, structured dialogue, and co-creation. Our strategy is to create platforms where government, the private sector, civil society, and youths can contribute to shaping Nigeria’s story. This will include stakeholder roundtables, joint campaigns, and cross-sector partnerships. We will empower them as co-creators. We will provide the platform, the digital tools, the media connections and then amplify their authentic stories. The government’s role isn’t to control the narrative, but to curate and champion the incredible narratives Nigerians are already creating every day. It’s about moving from telling the world about Nigeria, to helping Nigerians tell the world themselves. Engagement must be two-way; we must listen as much as we communicate.

What can you say about The Nigeria Global Reputation Project

It is a strategic, data-driven national initiative designed to proactively measure, manage, and enhance Nigeria’s perception on the global stage. Powered by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), it brings together government, private sector, and cultural leaders to align our national narrative with our economic and cultural realities, ultimately driving investment, tourism, and global influence.

How do you intend to collect and incorporate feedback from citizens and stakeholders regarding Nigeria’s image on the global stage?

Listening is central to reputation management. We will establish feedback channels through citizen surveys, diaspora town halls, social media sentiment tracking, and stakeholder consultations. And the feedback will not sit on a shelf. It will inform our strategies, ensuring that Nigerians’ voices shape how we are represented globally.

What are the key goals of the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, and how do you plan to achieve them?

This project has three main goals. First, to project Nigeria’s strengths. our entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and cultural leadership, so they become as globally recognised as our challenges. Second, to build trust by ensuring that what we communicate abroad aligns with the progress we are making at home. Third, to create a coordinated platform where government, business, civil society, and diaspora voices work together to tell a consistent, compelling story about Nigeria. We will implement a robust strategy that includes a national narrative framework, digital campaigns, media partnerships, diaspora engagement programmes, and consistent measurement of global sentiment. Rather than reinventing Nigeria’s story, we will finally, and strategically, amplify the story that is already being written every day by millions of Nigerians. And we will amplify it with clarity.

What role will partnerships or collaborations play in the project?

Strategic partnerships are at the heart of this project. We cannot succeed without the active involvement of the private sector, development partners, the diaspora, and culture leaders. International collaborations with UN agencies, multilateral banks, and global think tanks will give us reach and credibility. Locally, we will create alignment across ministries, businesses, and civic groups to ensure Nigeria speaks with one voice.

As a woman who reached great heights in her career, how do you believe organisations can better support and empower women in leadership roles?

Organisations must go beyond rhetoric to create structures that attract, retain and promote women. Ensuring the right mentorship pipelines, leadership training, flexible policies that accommodate work-life balance, and equal access to opportunities are helpful. I also strongly believe and in the course of my career, I have actively advocated women to be paid the same as men who perform similar roles. Empowering women shouldn’t be treated as a favour. It should be treated as an investment to unlock half of a nation’s talent pool.

What piece of advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to lead in the fields of public affairs, communications, and reputation management?

These fields demand leaders who can think strategically, communicate authentically, and act with credibility. Beyond mastering the fundamentals, the most important piece of advice I can offer is this, become a student of the context, not just the content. It is not enough to be a flawless writer or a sharp policy analyst. Leadership in our field demands a deep, nuanced understanding of the environment in which you’re operating. That means relentlessly studying the cultural, political, technological, and economic currents that shape public opinion. Before you craft a message, seek to understand the anxieties, hopes, and narratives of your audience. Before you develop a public affairs strategy, map the full spectrum of stakeholders, including those who oppose you, and genuinely understand their motivations. Your reputation will be built on trust, and that trust is earned by demonstrating that you comprehend the world your stakeholders live in, not just the message you want to put out there. Another word of advice is, be adaptable. Make sure you are up-to-date with the industry trends and technology. The communications field for instance, is constantly evolving. Digital technologies and AI are significantly changing the way we operate and the way information is consumed. Embrace this change and evolve alongside I or it will leave you behind.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, has urged Nigerians to make the right choices and take responsibility for the progress of the country rather than blaming leaders alone for its challenges.

The State CAN Chairman, Bishop John Bogna Bakeni, made the call in Maiduguri, noting that the turnaround of Nigeria’s economic and political situation depends on the deliberate actions and conduct of its citizens.

According to him, ‘As I said in my message on the pulpit, Nigerians must make the right choices. We must hold our leaders accountable at all levels, but we must also take responsibility.

‘We must choose to do the right thing and be deliberate in our choices of good over evil. It is not enough to desire a better country; we must make efforts to build it,’ Bishop Bakeni said.

Delivering his sermon titled ‘We should not lust after evil things as they also lusted,’ drawn from 1 Corinthians 10:6, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri said corruption, dishonesty, and social decay begin within individuals and families.

He said many of the challenges facing Nigeria, including kidnapping, banditry, corruption, terrorism, and tribalism, arise from moral negligence and the failure of families to instill proper values in their children.

‘We cannot continue to blame the government alone. Parents must monitor their children and instill discipline and honesty in them. Evil thrives when families abandon their moral duties,’ he added.

The unity service, held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Maiduguri, brought together priests, pastors, church leaders, and worshippers from across the metropolis. It was jointly organised by Maiduguri Metropolitan CAN and the Borno State CAN leadership.

In his remarks, the Maiduguri Metro CAN Coordinator, Pastor Timothy Olanrewaju, thanked members for attending despite the economic challenges. He said the annual gathering was meant to thank God for His mercy and to pray for peace in Borno and Nigeria.

‘We just came out of a devastating flood, and though it returned this year, God took control. That is why we gathered to praise Him and offer prayers for the land,’ Olanrewaju said.

He also commended the Borno State Government for its response to last year’s flood and its ongoing efforts to return displaced persons to their communities.

Blending wellness, creativity, and fine dining, PitStop Restaurant has unveiled PitStop Village – a multi-faceted lifestyle destination in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The project, described by its founder, Aminadab Adegboro as a ‘celebration of Lagos energy,’ represents a shift from the brand’s beginnings as a themed café into a world-class wellness and hospitality centre.

Founded in 2019, PitStop outlived pandemic challenges while retaining its entire workforce, a decision the founder said was guided by ‘faith in people and purpose.’

At the event, where guests were treated to a six-course meal dining and wine tasting, she thanked the Lagos community, investors, and partners for sustaining the dream, while highlighting the PitStop Academy’s outreach to 400 underserved children and 45 cyclists.

‘We wanted to build a space that reflects excellence and social good,’ she said, adding that the brand’s model fuses lifestyle, learning, and empowerment. She emphasised that PitStop’s success reflects the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurship and the city’s growing appetite for quality experiences.

General Manager, Jamal Bendghoughi, detailed the concept behind PitStop Village, describing it as an ecosystem of café, gym, restaurant, and rooftop bar designed for wholesome living. ‘Everything we serve – from bread to ice cream – is made from scratch,’ he said. ‘Our food blends French techniques with African character, ensuring every meal tells a story of craftsmanship.’ Weekly events, including DJ sessions and live jazz nights, aim to make PitStop a lively cultural hub for relaxation and connection.

The evening also featured the unveiling of Phoenix by PitStop, a premium fine-dining restaurant that extends the brand’s creative flair. Built with attention to design and acoustics, Phoenix combines food, music, and community in an intimate yet elegant setting.

The host, one of Nigeria’s finest music artiste, Dare Art Alade, described Phoenix as a restaurant designed to create memories in comfort and style saying, ‘This is not just a venue; it’s an experience.’

Among the guests was Ngozi Madueke-Dozie, a longtime member of the PitStop community, who described the event as ‘inspirational.’ She praised the founder’s story and the fusion of fitness with fine dining, highlighting the nine-course meal paired with curated wines. ‘PitStop has achieved what many thought impossible – merging a gym and a restaurant into one seamless, world-class experience,’ she said, commending the brand’s authenticity and attention to detail.

The village houses a restaurant, gym, wellness lab, sports shop, café, and rooftop bar, among other facilities.

THE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to relentless anti-piracy operations nationwide, despite violent and unprovoked attacks on its officials.

It condemned a September 25, 2025, attack on its officers and personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were providing security support during an anti-piracy operation at Sabo Market, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Commission disclosed that its enforcement team was ambushed shortly after identifying and impounding pirated books found in an unmarked shop in the market, but that it would not relent in executing its constitutionally mandated role.

NCC’s Director General, Dr John Asein, commended officers of both agencies for their restraint in the face of provocation and saluted their gallantry and unwavering commitment to the renewed campaign against copyright piracy and other activities that threaten Nigeria’s creative industries.

He promised that ‘working with relevant authorities and the market executives, the Commission will ensure that those behind this brazen attack are identified and brought to book. In addition to other offences, it is also an offence under the Copyright Act to obstruct, hinder, assault, or impede a Copyright Officer in the lawful performance of his duties or in the exercise of powers conferred by the Act.’

Dr Asein further reaffirmed that the NCC remained resolute in its mission to stem copyright piracy and ensure that Nigerian creators enjoy the full benefits of their intellectual labour.

‘We will not relent in fulfilling our statutory mandate, particularly at this time when the Federal Government is prioritising the creative and copyright-based industries for employment generation, wealth creation, and national development.’

He requested that all stakeholders join forces with the NCC in the fight against copyright piracy.

Governor Umo Eno and key stakeholders across Akwa Ibom State have commended the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Wilson Nkutt, for what they described as a transformative, transparent, and accountable first year in office.

The commendations came at the weekend during a media and stakeholders’ briefing where Nkutt presented his one-year stewardship report, highlighting landmark projects and reforms implemented across the council.

Governor Eno, who had earlier commissioned the ultra-modern Itu Council Secretariat within his first 100 days in office, described the edifice as ‘as beautiful as Government House, Uyo,’ noting that it stands as a symbol of visionary and result-driven local governance.

‘What Hon. Nkutt has done in Itu is proof that good governance does not depend on the size of a budget but on sincerity of purpose. This is a model worth emulating by other council chairmen,’ the Governor had said.

He commended the ‘Itu Model’ as a practical demonstration of the state’s ARISE Agenda, blending infrastructure renewal, social welfare, and digital innovation.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Housing and Itu political leader, Rt. Hon. Henry Archibong, said Nkutt’s administration had restored public confidence in local governance.

‘Ubong Nkutt has brought a breath of fresh air to Itu. From modern offices to youth empowerment, from peace to digital governance, Itu now stands as a reference point for others,’ Archibong said.

Also, the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, described the chairman’s approach as a ‘masterclass in focus, transparency, and result-oriented leadership.’

‘Nkutt’s first year has set a benchmark for others to follow. He has redefined what it means to serve with purpose and accountability,’ Edidem added.

Traditional rulers, former council chairmen, and community stakeholders who attended the briefing at Mbak Atai commended the chairman’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, youth empowerment, and sports.

Among Nkutt’s flagship projects is the 30-office Council Secretariat complex, featuring internal road networks, solar-powered lighting, a perimeter fence, and a renovated legislative building – all completed within his first year in office.

In the area of security, Nkutt established a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ikot Adakpan Beach, Oku Iboku, to strengthen military operations against riverine insecurity.

The facility, commissioned by Brigadier General N. E. Okoloagu, Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has been credited with enhancing peace and safety in the area.

His administration also prioritised human capacity development, empowering farmers, restoring clean water to health centres, sponsoring medical interventions, supporting students with learning materials, and launching a digital platform that issues QR-coded Certificates of Origin – the first of its kind at the local government level.

Under his leadership, Itu emerged overall champions at the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, winning 106 medals, including 70 gold – the council’s best performance in history.

The Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRH Ntenyin Edet Inyang, captured the general sentiment, saying, ‘He has shown us that local government can work. We have seen the difference – not promises but projects.’

For Governor Umo Eno and stakeholders in Itu, Nkutt’s first year in office stands as clear evidence that with sincerity, focus, and innovation, grassroots governance can thrive and mirror the excellence of state administration.

Seadove Generale Surveillance Company Limited has provided free medical care to more than 900 residents of Onna Local Government Area and nearby communities in Akwa Ibom State.

The weeklong outreach, held at Abat Primary Health Centre, was organized in partnership with the Voice of Community and Environmental Rights Initiative (VCERI) as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility program.

The exercise covered health education, laboratory tests, consultations, eye care, drug prescriptions, and minor surgeries, all provided at no cost.

A 60-year-old farmer, Mr. Kufreabasi, who received treatment during the outreach, described the initiative as a ‘lifesaver.’

‘I have battled high blood pressure for five years without proper treatment because I couldn’t afford hospital bills. This program is a big relief for me and many others,’ Kufreabasi said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Mary Udom, said the health talk session helped her understand how to prevent diseases and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

‘I’ve learned how to eat better, keep clean surroundings, and avoid self-medication. This is more than just treatment, it’s empowerment,’ she noted.

Speaking with journalists, the Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy at Seadove, Mr. Godwin Ekpo, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community welfare.

‘We owe it to our host communities to deliver impact-driven CSR. Our target is to reach at least 900 people, including 40 minor surgeries,’ he stated.

Ekpo, who noted the large turnout, said the outreach covered five local government areas – Onna, Eket, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, and Mkpat-Enin – reaching about 38 communities.

‘The crowd today is a proof that the need for quality healthcare at the grassroots is massive. We’re happy to be part of the solution,’ he added.

The Vice Chairman of Onna LGA, Mrs. Mfon Jeremiah, who represented the Chairman, Hon. Kufre Umoren, commended Seadove for supporting Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, especially in the health sector.

‘This is a worthy partnership that complements government efforts. We urge other corporate bodies to emulate Seadove’s example,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Village Head of Ikot Ntuen, Ette Idung Ubong Ekanem, praised the company for its gesture.

‘Seadove has shown that development is not just about roads and buildings; it is about touching lives,’ he said.

He expressed hope that the outreach would continue across other communities, noting that many beneficiaries look forward to similar interventions to help close the healthcare gap in rural areas of Akwa Ibom State.