Category: PM News

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested at least 28 suspected oil thieves and destroyed four illegal refineries during a series of coordinated operations in the Niger Delta region.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday night in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operations were carried out between 6 and 19 October 2025, targeting known criminal hideouts and illegal refining camps across several states.

‘Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have been consolidating efforts in the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region,’ the statement read.

Over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during the raids, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and condensates.

Key Seizures and Arrests:

In Okrika LGA, Rivers State, two wooden boats were intercepted – one loaded with over 33,000 litres of PMS, another with 5,000 litres.

In Emohua LGA, troops intercepted a tanker allegedly carrying 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum. Two suspects were arrested.

At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, 2,600 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered.

In Abia State, two illegal refineries along the Imo River axis were dismantled, with three drum pots, three receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude recovered.

Six suspects were arrested in Orashi River waterside, where over 700 litres of DPK were seized from two wooden boats.

In Delta State, troops disrupted oil theft along the PAN Ocean Pipeline in Ethiope East LGA. A Peugeot 406, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry loaded with 1,650 litres of stolen products were recovered.

In Ndokwa West LGA, a Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders was intercepted; two suspects were arrested.

Near Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 2,500 litres of condensates was seized and the driver arrested.

Lt. Col. Danjuma also noted increased efforts in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to restrict the activities of criminal networks.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their commitment and urged them to sustain the momentum in combating oil theft and economic sabotage in the region.

Book Buzz Foundation, in collaboration with the European Union, has launched The Nigeria Picture Book Project, the first-of-its-kind creative and capacity-building initiative designed to promote authentic Nigerian storytelling for children.

The event, which took place on 17 October 2025 at Ouida in Opebi, Lagos, brought together stakeholders in literature, education, art, and cultural development to celebrate a new chapter in Nigerian children’s book publishing.

The project aims to transform the landscape of children’s literature in Nigeria by bringing together authors, illustrators, and publishers to create high-quality picture books that reflect Nigeria’s diversity, languages, and cultural heritage.

Supported by the European Union, the initiative seeks to empower Nigerian creatives through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative publishing opportunities; produce locally inspired picture books that help Nigerian children see themselves represented, books that foster imagination, empathy, and pride in Nigerian identity, and build sustainable structures that strengthen the children’s book ecosystem in Nigeria.

This partnership represents a shared commitment to investing in creativity, cultural identity, and education. It ensures that the next generation of Nigerian children can access stories that celebrate who they are and where they come from.

In her welcome address, Lola Shoneyin, founder of Book Buzz Foundation, said the Nigeria Picture Book Project, which marks a significant milestone for the next generation of writers and illustrators across Nigeria, was designed to train, publish, and propel new Nigerian voices into the global children’s book space.

‘The Nigeria Picture Book Project is where storytelling meets purpose. With the support of the European Union in Nigeria, we will train dozens of young authors and illustrators, pair them into creative duos, and guide them through the process of producing children’s books that have art and are culturally relevant. These stories would spark imagination, affirm identity, and introduce our youngest readers to the power of possibility.

‘Representation matters deeply. Our children deserve to see faces like theirs, names that they recognize, and worlds that reflect their realities and dreams. The books that we are creating will give children the agency to imagine, to question, and to start designing their own futures.

‘When a child reads a story that reflects exactly where they belong, they learn to dream without permission. That’s how nations grow storytellers and leaders. Our excitement isn’t only about the books that will emerge, although I can already picture them in classrooms and homes across Nigeria.

‘The joy of this project is also the process. Watching writers find their rhythm, seeing illustrators groom their talents, designing, supervising layouts and covers, and eventually birthing stories that I hope will outlive us all. That’s the magic,’ Shoneyin said.

She also spoke about her expectations for the project: ‘And to our partners at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa, your faith in Nigerian creativity is shaping futures. When this project concludes, 20 new children’s book titles will be in circulation, and they will be sent to every state in Nigeria, thereby reflecting the nationwide focus of this project.

‘I hope everyone here today will come back to celebrate, to purchase, and to share these books with the children in their lives, because that’s how this circle completes itself. Stories written here and also finding readers in Nigeria and globally.’

In his goodwill message, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the ECOWAS states, said he was delighted to be at Ouida and also because the Nigeria Picture Book Project was being launched after a few administrative hiccups.

‘The European Union has been supporting culture in Europe for many years, but internationally, it was more a thing for member states. Member states, of course, have always done a lot traditionally for culture. But over the last few years, the EU has also entered this field of international cultural relations, and, of course, working hand in hand with the United States,’ adding that its international dimensions is about connecting people and creatives in poorer countries, helping creators find sustainable economic models as well since they have to live on the arts

He also said the EU, in partnership, provides support through six programs it has launched in Africa to strengthen relationships with the creative team. ‘We provide support in particular to policy design, artists, festivals, museums, cultural institutions and the creative economy,’ Mignot said.

Shoneyin told journalists that when she started writing children’s books, what seemed like the natural order for her was to find different ways of being able to train other people to do the same and to be able to write and illustrate children’s books, but to the global standards.

‘So that our books can travel, and the young people who are going to be engaged in this project can also have opportunities to take their work outside Nigeria, but more importantly to share the books and their work in Nigeria itself.

According to Shoneyin, over a 12 month period, Book Buzz will train 24 writers and 24 illustrators between the ages of 21 and 30, with the goal of publishing 20 books. And 12 participants will be selected from each geopolitical zone. ‘We’re taking six illustrators, six potential writers from each zone, and then they’ll all be trained,’ she said.

Why children’s books? ‘There is a problem with children’s books in Nigeria.There’s a problem with quality. There’s a problem with production, and there’s an issue with access. So this project is one just trying to encourage people to understand why it’s so critical that we write for our children.

‘We pass on our stories, elements of our culture, and also teach them to be able to think outside the box and think creatively about what the future can look like. I have a bookstore. Most of the books here are from the UK or the US. I want to see more Nigerian books for Nigerian children.

‘Nigerian children deserve to be able to see a book and when they open it, the landscape in the book looks familiar. It’s called representation. It’s very, very important to a child. Or else you feel excluded from the world, Shoneyin noted, adding that the goal is to disrupt and to reinvigorate the children’s publishing sector.

‘When people see that children’s books are doing well, it gives young people more options of what they can do when they’re older. But beyond that, it’s a way of giving people employment. It’s a way of, of course, keeping people busy. But I have a soft spot for people who are talented and creative, and I want to do everything that I can to support them. And by the time we’ve done 100 books, I’m pretty sure a lot of people are going to start saying, ‘we want to publish children’s books as well’. So the point is to not only do it, but to do it successfully,’ Shoneyin maintained.

However, the high point of the event was when Shoneyin and Mignot unveiled the Nigeria Picture Book Project to an applause. The vote of thanks, given by Mazeedat Olutosin, and the photo sessions that followed, signaled not just the end of the launch of the Nigeria Picture Book Project but also the beginning of an initiative set to transform the Nigerian children’s publishing sector.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has in collaboration with other agencies deported another batch of 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Oyewale said the exercise was jointly carried out by the anti-graft agency with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

According to him, the final batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, brings to 192 the number of foreigners convicted of financial crimes in Lagos state to a close.

He said that the last batch of deportees left Nigeria on Oct. 16.

‘The deportation exercise followed the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on Dec. 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

‘The deportation exercise, which began on Aug. 15, followed the conviction of the offenders by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and ponzi scheme operations.

‘The first batch of 42 convicts, comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals, was deported on Aug. 15; subsequent batches followed throughout August and September,’ he said.

According to him, the deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste.

They were deported in coordinated batches between August and mid-October 2025, in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures.

‘All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate.

‘The syndicate was said to be operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

‘The operation, based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.’

According to him, evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally.

‘The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court,’ he said.

Nigerian music veteran, Shina Peters has made a shocking revelation about his life and journey into fatherhood.

While speaking with the Honest Bunch podcast, Peters spoke about his resilience and determination and how it has helped his career.

He also revealed that he started his music career at age 10 and had his first child at age 14.

‘I started my career at the age of 10. I bought my first car at 13. I had my first child at 14. I built my first house at 16. By 16 and 17, I was running to court here and there, three cases in a single day. And 65% of my fans are Igbo, not Yoruba,’ he stated.

Former Executive Director of ARM Pension Managers Ltd, Mr. Abisola Onigbogi, has pledged his support to the Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation’s Innocence Project, an initiative providing free legal aid to indigent Nigerians wrongly accused or unjustly detained.

Onigbogi, who was cleared last year by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of a false rape allegation, said his personal experience had deepened his resolve to promote justice and fairness in Nigeria.

‘I went through a deeply humbling experience that opened my eyes to the struggles of many innocent Nigerians,’ he said.

‘Not everyone has the means or voice to defend themselves against false or malicious accusations. The Innocence Project gives such people hope, and I am honoured to support it,’ he added.

The Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation runs two major programmes-The Innocence Project Ng and The Mercy Project, both designed to promote justice and compassion across society.

While The Innocence Project Ng provides free and quality legal services to citizens wrongly accused or imprisoned, The Mercy Project supports widows, children, and the elderly through welfare and empowerment initiatives.

Onigbogi said his support would focus on strengthening The Innocence Project by funding access to professional legal representation for people unable to afford it.

He expressed concern over the plight of many Nigerians languishing in detention due to lack of legal assistance.

‘The Innocence Project is not just about freeing the innocent; it’s about fixing a justice system that too often punishes poverty instead of crime,’ he said, adding that ‘Every Nigerian deserves a fair hearing and competent defence. My goal is to help ensure no one is abandoned to their fate because of financial limitations.’

Commending the Foundation’s holistic approach, Onigbogi described its twin initiatives as a balance of justice and humanity.

‘While the Innocence Project stands for justice, the Mercy Project represents compassion. Together, they reflect the kind of Nigeria we must build, one that defends the innocent and protects the vulnerable,’ he said.

Onigbogi reaffirmed his intention to contribute both financially and strategically to strengthen the Foundation’s impact.

‘This is not an act of charity; it is a duty to humanity. No one should suffer the trauma of wrongful accusation or detention simply because they are poor,’ he added.

In his response, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Ife Ajayi, described Onigbogi’s support as a profound act of empathy and civic responsibility.

‘Support from individuals like Mr. Onigbogi, who have personally experienced the pain of false accusation, brings authenticity and momentum to the quest for a fairer justice system,’ Ajayi said.

He added that Onigbogi’s involvement aligns with the Foundation’s growing network of advocates working to reform Nigeria’s justice system and extend compassion to society’s most vulnerable.

Renowned lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s increasing debt burden, warning that it is damaging the nation’s reputation and discouraging foreign investors.

Babalola made the remarks during the 2025 International Leadership Conference on Leadership, Governance, Sustainable Change, and Wealth Creation (2.0), jointly organized by ABUAD, Trinity Western University (TWU) in Vancouver, Canada, and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (CentreLSD).

The conference, themed ‘Shaping Transformational Leaders for a Changing World: Tackling Insecurity, Governance and Development,’ focused on addressing Nigeria’s growing challenges in leadership and governance.

Babalola described the theme as ‘timely and relevant,’ noting that Nigeria’s financial situation has reached a critical point.

He lamented that the country’s rising debt profile is driving away investors and putting pressure on local banks.

‘Our records show that Nigeria is now a big debtor nation, with total public debt of ?152.4 trillion, or about $99.7 billion,’ he said. ‘As a result, many foreign companies are unwilling to invest here.

Even banks are complaining that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cannot honour government promissory notes because the Federal Government is struggling to pay its debts.’

The elder statesman urged the government to adopt urgent fiscal reforms and responsible economic management to restore investor confidence and ensure sustainable growth.

Babalola also reminded leaders of their constitutional duty, quoting Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution:

‘The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government derives its powers and authority.’

Delivering a lecture titled

‘Transformational Leadership in an Insecure and Disruptive Era: Building Ethical, Resilient and Impactful Leaders for Africa,’ Dr. Otive Igbuzor, founding Executive Director of CentreLSD, said Nigeria and Africa need a new generation of leaders who can challenge old systems and drive innovation.

According to Igbuzor, transformational leadership is key to fighting corruption, unemployment, poor governance, gender inequality, and environmental decline.

He called on the government to make leadership training a compulsory part of education in schools and universities.

In her remarks, ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, described the conference as timely, stressing the importance of collaboration between local and international institutions to tackle insecurity, hunger, poverty, infrastructure decay, and economic instability.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A, has commended Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State for approving new salary structure for the state’s tertiary institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sani, on Thursday announced the approval, which covers lecturers and staff of the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, as well as the College of Education, Gidan Waya.

A statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Kaduna by Ibrahim Bashir, the Secretary General, NANS Zone A, said for over fifteen years, the issue had lingered, affecting morale, productivity, and stability within Kaduna’s tertiary institutions.

‘This marks the fulfillment of a long-awaited demand,’ he said.

Bashir stated that the action by the Governor had addressed a deep-rooted challenge that many administrations overlooked.

He added that the gesture had reignited hope and restored confidence in government’s responsiveness to the needs of its citizens, particularly in the education sector.

According to the secretary general, Sani’s leadership style reflected empathy, dialogue, and a genuine concern for educational advancement across the state.

By prioritising the welfare of lecturers and strengthening institutional harmony, he said, the governor had demonstrated his belief that the future of Kaduna and Nigeria depends on investing in education and human capital development.

Bashir saluted Sani’s visionary leadership and unwavering support for education at all levels, pledging continued partnership with his administration in building a state where learning, innovation, and youths empowerment thrive.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Felix Morka, has said that the continuous defections of politicians from opposition parties into the APC are in lines with democratic principles.

Morka stated this in an interview on Arise News Saturday night.

According to him, the event is a legitimate expression of constitutional rights of the individuals cross-carpeting and not a sign of democratic decline or danger.

He emphasised that the decisions of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the APC are in line with democracy.

He said people should bury the thought that such an event would make the country slide into a one-party system, describing the notion as misleading and unfair.

‘People are simply exercising their democratic freedom to choose among competing party alternatives, and they are choosing our party.

‘It would be disingenuous to describe the development as a threat to democracy.

‘Would you have the APC become a gatekeeper and decide who can or cannot come in? Democracy is a system of freedom, and it is not fair or permissible for anyone to limit the right of people to choose for themselves.

‘The fact that people join the APC does not mean we have a one-party system,’ Morka added.

He responded to the allegation that the ruling party is using federal power to coarse governors and lawmakers into joining its fold by saying: ‘In a country as massive as Nigeria, how do you cajole governors who are chief executive officers of their states?

‘These are people elected by their constituents to govern. They control their own budgets and have the power to appropriate funds. What exactly would you tell a governor to cajole him?

‘If the PDP, Labour, or ADC look inward, they will find that it is their dysfunction and failure of leadership driving people away.

‘Nobody wants to remain on a sinking ship. No serious politician would stay in a party that offers no hope of redemption.’

Fulham star Alex Iwobi has made history in the English Premier League after setting a new record for the most appearances by a Nigerian player.

Iwobi reached the milestone during Fulham’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal, his former club, on Saturday evening.

Despite the defeat, the 29-year-old midfielder achieved something remarkable becoming Nigeria’s top appearance maker in Premier League history.

According to the Premier League’s official website, Iwobi has now played 299 matches, surpassing Shola Ameobi’s previous record of 298 appearances.

Iwobi, who began his career at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, has played for three clubs in the Premier League:

Arsenal – 100 matches

Everton – 123 matches

Fulham – 76 matches

This achievement places him ahead of some of Nigeria’s most famous footballers:

Shola Ameobi – 298 appearances

Nwankwo Kanu – 273 appearances

Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 252 appearances

John Obi Mikel – 249 appearances

Iwobi is expected to reach another major milestone when he plays his 300th Premier League game next weekend fittingly against Newcastle United, the club where Ameobi built his reputation.

Recently, Iwobi also helped the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, continuing his strong run of form for both club and country.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described the seven-day warning strike declared by the State Council of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) as unjustifiable.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor alerted the public to the warning strike, which commenced at midnight on Friday, 17 October 2025.

Governor Okpebholo condemned the strike, describing it as ill-timed, unpatriotic, and unjustified. He said the industrial action was taking place despite ongoing meaningful negotiations between the union and the state government.

He attributed the strike to the refusal of the government to succumb to what he termed unlawful financial demands by a few ‘greedy members’ within the union’s leadership.

According to the Governor, the union leadership has been in continuous engagement with the government regarding their demands, and a follow-up meeting had already been scheduled for Monday, 20 October 2025.

He noted that many of the issues raised by the union were inherited from the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

While asserting that the strike lacked merit, Okpebholo alleged that it appeared to be driven by ulterior motives and personal financial interests known only to a few individuals in the union’s leadership, to the detriment of the general membership.

The statement reads:

‘The attention of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been drawn to a statement issued by the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Edo State Council, announcing the commencement of a seven-day warning strike across the state, beginning Friday, 17 October 2025.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the issues raised by the union were largely inherited from the past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

‘However, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has shown genuine commitment to addressing these inherited concerns in a phased, transparent, and responsible manner.

‘Among the union’s demands is the renovation of the Doctors’ Quarters, which is already receiving the attention of the state government, alongside other welfare-related matters.

‘It is, therefore, shocking and disappointing that the union’s leadership would hastily declare a strike, claiming government insensitivity, when the present administration has demonstrated open-mindedness, good faith, and a proactive resolve to improve the health sector.

‘This abrupt decision by the union leadership not only undermines ongoing dialogue but also exposes a lack of sincerity and respect for the negotiation process.

‘By dragging innocent and hardworking health workers into this industrial action, the union’s leadership is placing the lives of poor and helpless Edo citizens-especially those in need of urgent medical attention-at grave risk.

‘Such actions amount to a betrayal of the noble principles and ethics of the medical profession, particularly the Hippocratic Oath, which places the preservation of human life above all else.

‘No responsible government can fold its arms while a few individuals hold the lives of its citizens hostage for personal gratification.’

Governor Okpebholo, however, assured that the state government remains committed to dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders in the health sector to ensure industrial harmony and improved service delivery.

He urged all responsible and patriotic health workers in the state to disregard the strike directive and continue rendering essential services to the people.