Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor have mourned the death of Prof. Kamene Okonjo mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

They described the deceased as an accomplished scholar revered matriarch and community builder.

Prof. Kamene Okonjo who died on Friday at the age of 96 was the wife of the late Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo a former traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State and mother of the kingdom’s current monarch Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II.

Oborevwori in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary Sir Festus Ahon described the late professor as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to academia women’s empowerment and society would remain indelible.

The governor said her remarkable achievements in scholarship and advocacy for women’s rights had earned her recognition beyond Nigeria while her humility compassion and commitment to service distinguished her as a woman of exceptional character.

He also acknowledged her invaluable contributions to her family and society noting that her legacy as a mother grandmother and great-grandmother would continue to inspire generations.

Oborevwori extended his condolences to Okonjo-Iweala the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku other members of the Okonjo family and the people of the kingdom.

He prayed God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss and the deceased’s soul eternal rest describing her passing as the end of a life devoted to scholarship family and humanity.

In a similar vein Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor who is also the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria described the late nonagenarian as a distinguished matriarch whose life was defined by intellectual accomplishment service and an enduring commitment to her family and community.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Nkem Nwaeke the Speaker said her death was a painful loss not only to the Okonjo family and Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom but also to Delta State and Nigeria.

He noted that Prof. Okonjo was more than the mother of a globally recognised figure describing her as an accomplished academic a revered traditional queen and a community builder whose influence extended beyond her immediate family.

Guwor said the deceased had made lasting contributions as a scholar served her community with dignity and raised children whose achievements had brought pride to Delta State Nigeria and Africa.

He added that it was gratifying that she lived to witness her daughter’s accomplishments on the global stage and her son’s emergence as the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

On behalf of the 36 state Houses of Assembly and the Delta State House of Assembly Guwor condoled with Okonjo-Iweala the monarch the extended Okonjo family and the people of Aniocha South.

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give her family the fortitude to bear the loss.

He equally urged them to preserve the late Queen’s worthy legacies.

Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat will tomorrow inaugurate two cutting-edge facilities at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) marking a major milestone in digital humanities research and postgraduate education in Africa.

Hamzat who is also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s election will inaugurate the remodelled Centre for Digital Humanities (CEDHUL) and a state-of-the-art Smart Postgraduate Classroom at the university’s Akoka campus.

The ceremony scheduled for 11 am is expected to bring together the university’s Vice-Chancellor principal officers scholars students industry partners and members of the diplomatic and development community.

Established in 2019 CEDHUL is described by the university as sub-Saharan Africa’s first dedicated Centre for Digital Humanities. It promotes the integration of technology data analysis and artificial intelligence into the study preservation and interpretation of African languages archives cultures and history.

The two facilities will support the centre’s Senate-approved postgraduate programmes including the Postgraduate Diploma Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Digital Humanities.

The centre is designed to provide a collaborative research environment for digital archiving computational linguistics text and data analysis and artificial intelligence-driven investigations into African cultures and societies.

The Smart Postgraduate Classroom will provide a technology-enabled learning environment for training a new generation of researchers equipped to combine traditional humanities scholarship with emerging digital tools.

The centre’s Founding Director Prof. Babatunde Olusola Ope-Davies who is described as the first professor of Digital Humanities in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa said the commissioning represented an important step towards redefining humanities scholarship.

He said the facilities would help preserve and interpret Africa’s intellectual heritage while equipping scholars to engage with the opportunities of the digital age.

Hamzat’s participation is also expected to underscore the potential partnership between the Lagos State Government and the university in advancing innovation research youth empowerment and the development of a knowledge-driven economy.

The initiative reflects growing efforts to harness technology not only for scientific and industrial advancement but also for preserving cultural heritage expanding research opportunities and strengthening African scholarship.

For CEDHUL the commissioning marks a new phase in its ambition to position African languages histories and cultural knowledge at the centre of global digital research.

The event will be held at the Centre for Digital Humanities University of Lagos Akoka.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged African nations to prioritise investment in research-intensive universities science and technology to unlock sustainable economic growth and achieve true economic sovereignty across the continent.

Jonathan spoke yesterday during the closing panel of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa held in Bahir Dar Ethiopia.

The former President warned that Africa could no longer afford to remain a passive consumer of foreign technologies. Instead he argued that the continent must position itself as an active producer and exporter of knowledge and innovation.

Addressing African leaders policymakers and international stakeholders Jonathan noted that the continent’s ability to create productive jobs for its rapidly growing youth population depends on its capacity to translate academic research into viable industrial and commercial ventures.

The former President described research-intensive universities as critical engines of national development highlighting their pivotal role in knowledge generation scientific research and advanced skills training.

‘Africa’s transformation and economic sovereignty must be built on African knowledge driven by African ingenuity and sustained by African enterprise’ he said.

Jonathan cited Asian and global economic success stories-specifically citing India Singapore and South Korea-as clear evidence of how sustained state investment in scientific and technological infrastructure can transform developing economies into global industrial powerhouses.

According to him African governments must draw lessons from these nations by channeling dedicated funding into science engineering digital technologies and applied research.

He called for a stronger and formalised synergy among universities government agencies and the private sector.

Establishing closer ties between higher institutions and industry he noted would ensure that research findings directly yield homegrown solutions spur new commercial enterprises and generate employment opportunities tailored to Africa’s unique socio-economic challenges.

Highlighting the continent’s demographic advantage Jonathan stressed that Africa’s large youth population represents its most valuable resource for long-term transformation.

But he cautioned that this potential could only be realised if governments deliberately create the enabling environment for young people to acquire advanced technical skills and pursue entrepreneurial innovation.

He urged African leaders to equip the younger generation with the tools needed not only to participate in the evolving global economy but to actively influence its direction.

The Tana High-Level Forum is an annual platform that brings together African heads of state experts and civil society leaders to address pressing security governance and development challenges facing the continent. Jonathan’s submission firmly placed educational reform and scientific sovereignty at the heart of Africa’s security and economic agenda.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid declaring that the President deserves a second term for taking bold economic decisions previous administrations allegedly shied away from.

Wike who urged Rivers State residents to support Tinubu in 2027 described the President’s removal of the petrol subsidy as evidence of courageous leadership despite the economic hardship the policy has imposed on Nigerians.

The minister spoke at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State where he also canvassed support for candidates endorsed by the political alliance.

He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians but argued that the subsidy removal had increased revenue accruing to state and local governments creating opportunities for improved governance and service delivery.

‘We know what Nigerians are going through but we are sure that things will get better. Most importantly we know what this country was like before now’ he said.

According to him leadership requires the courage to take difficult decisions in the national interest rather than surrender to public criticism.

Wike argued that the subsidy regime had placed a heavy burden on government finances making it difficult to meet obligations to workers pensioners and public institutions.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Tinubu administration insisting that the reforms had not yet resolved all the country’s economic challenges.

The former Rivers State governor drew parallels with his administration’s infrastructure projects particularly the construction of flyovers which he said attracted criticism and caused temporary disruptions to businesses and traffic before delivering long-term benefits.

He maintained that leaders must sometimes accept short-term inconveniences to achieve lasting development.

Wike also questioned the capacity of opposition politicians to provide a credible alternative to the current administration warning voters against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as political gamblers.

‘Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers’ he told the gathering.

He said the town hall meeting was designed to equip residents with information on political developments and enable them to make informed decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike blamed inadequate information and political propaganda for influencing some voting decisions in 2023 urging residents not to repeat what he described as past mistakes.

He also cautioned religious leaders against allowing political considerations to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities saying politicians should take responsibility for explaining political issues to the electorate.

Describing Eleme as economically strategic to Nigeria the minister urged residents to recognise the implications of their political choices for the area Rivers State and the country.

Beyond Tinubu’s re-election Wike used the meeting to mobilise support for the Rainbow Coalition an alliance involving members of different political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Identifying himself as a PDP national leader Wike said members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.

He urged Rivers residents to back Tinubu and the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship legislative and other elective positions arguing that political cooperation would strengthen the state’s relationship with the Federal Government.

Wike said the alliance was formed to promote peace unity and development stressing that political differences should not be allowed to trigger violence or undermine governance.

‘We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined together with other political parties to say ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State let there be development and unity” he said.

He further called for cooperation among the Federal Government the Rivers State Government and elected representatives saying such collaboration was necessary to advance the state’s interests.

Wike urged the people of Eleme to support the coalition’s candidates insisting that political stability and unity were essential to development.

Traditional rulers religious leaders women youths political leaders and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition attended the meeting.

Actor Charles Born has opened up on his battle with obesity following criticism over his weight loss transformation.

The actor who has been sharing his fitness journey online addressed critics in a post shared on his Instagram page.

Charles revealed that his decision to lose weight was driven by serious health challenges he experienced while obese.

He wrote: ‘Na only me know wetin obesity use my eye see. Constant palpitations knee pain back pain difficulty in breathing fatigue. The list is endless! I’m glad it’s done now! To all of you saying all sort of rubbish because I lost weight I pray you do not go through half of what I had to deal with because I was obese.’

He further slammed those questioning his transformation noting that many lack self-discipline.

‘If e easy dear pls by all means run am! Half of the people ranting lack self discipline but will be the first to rant when a person achieves what they can never! Watch them come under this post and start crying again’ he added.

The post which has garnered over 10000 likes shows the actor working out in a gym.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo said opposition parties can collaborate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections without necessarily fielding a single consensus candidate.

Adebayo spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja amid ongoing discussions among opposition parties on possible collaboration ahead of the polls scheduled for January 16 2027.

Six parties – the SDP African Democratic Congress (ADC) Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) – are reportedly discussing the possibility of presenting a consensus candidate against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing the discussions Adebayo said opposition cooperation should focus on shared democratic principles rather than merely negotiating power-sharing arrangements.

He identified strengthening the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) curbing vote-buying and preventing electoral fraud as key priorities.

‘The attitude of the SDP is that cooperation is very important particularly in the area of working together to ensure that nobody is rigging anybody out’ he said.

On how the parties could work together at the grassroots Adebayo pointed to the need for joint vigilance at polling stations across the country on election day.

‘If for example there are nine political parties present all the nine different agents they have in the voting unit each one will not only defend the votes for his party but will also defend the entire process’ he explained stressing that protecting the credibility of the ballot box serves every democratic contender.

While acknowledging calls from certain political quarters for a unified opposition front to challenge President Tinubu at the polls Adebayo expressed reservations about treating a merger or single candidate as a magic bullet.

‘For those who feel who believe that we will only succeed if we have a single candidate well I don’t agree with them’ he asserted.

He reiterated that the SDP remains open to strategic cooperation with any political entity genuinely committed to free fair and credible elections insisting that the primary focus must remain on ensuring the 2027 elections are transparent and unmanipulated.

Turning to his party’s ideological foundation and national platform Adebayo said the SDP’s roadmap for governance is anchored in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

He highlighted the widespread hardship and security challenges facing the nation pointing out that addressing poverty and insecurity remains central to the SDP’s vision for Nigeria.

To bridge the gap between policy and citizens Adebayo said the SDP has translated its national manifesto into major Nigerian languages including Hausa Igbo and Yoruba as well as other indigenous dialects. He urged media practitioners and the general electorate to critically examine the document and judge political parties based on substance and solutions rather than rhetoric.

Concluding on an optimistic note regarding Nigeria’s democratic journey the SDP presidential candidate reaffirmed his party’s resolve to remain an unwavering voice for governance reform and popular welfare.

‘Our confidence in the future of Nigeria is unshakable. Our commitment to seeing through this democratic process is unshakable’ Adebayo declared.

Presidential candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has mourned the death of revered Afenifere leader and elder statesman Pa Reuben Fasoranti who died at 100.

Obi described Fasoranti’s death as a great loss to his family the Yoruba nation and Nigeria noting that the late elder statesman lived a life defined by courage integrity and an unwavering commitment to democracy and justice.

The former Anambra State governor expressed his condolences to Fasoranti’s family the Afenifere organisation and others mourning his death.

In a tribute titled ‘Exit of a Titan’ posted on his X handle Obi prayed to God to grant the bereaved family and associates the strength to bear the loss and to grant the deceased eternal rest.

He said Fasoranti’s legacy of principled leadership selfless service and steadfast commitment to democratic ideals would continue to inspire generations.

Obi’s tribute added to the expressions of grief following the death of the prominent Yoruba leader whose public life was marked by advocacy for democracy justice and national development.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Ijeoma Emi popularly known as Mercedes has appealed to Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy for housing assistance citing safety concerns at her current residence.

In an emotional social media appeal the ex-BBNaija star said she no longer feels safe or comfortable in her current home.

Mercedes explained that contrary to public perception the reality show did not automatically bring financial stability and she has continued to struggle to establish herself since leaving the house.

The 26-year-old entrepreneur and performance artist said having her own place would give her the security independence and peace of mind she needs to focus on building her career.

She also said her current accommodation has limited her growth as a content creator and pole dancer.

Because of the low ceilings she can’t install her pole indoors and has resorted to practising on her balcony where sun and rain often disrupt her sessions.

She wrote ‘@DONJAZZY Sir I honestly don’t even know how to put this into words but I’m going to try.’

‘Since leaving the Big Brother house I’ve been struggling to find my feet again. People may see exposure and assume I’m living my dream but behind the scenes I’m working hard to rebuild my life. I don’t even see myself as a celebrity. I’m just a young woman trying to find her place in the world.

‘Sir I desperately want to move into a place of my own. I don’t always feel safe or comfortable where I currently live and having my own space would mean so much more to me than just independence. It would give me peace of mind room to grow and the freedom to finally focus on building my career.

‘I’m a content creator and pole dancer and dance is one of the things that makes me feel most like myself. But I currently practise outdoors on our balcony because our ceiling isn’t suitable for mounting my pole indoors. The sun rain and weather conditions constantly interrupt my training.

‘Having a place of my own where I could safely install my pole practise consistently create content and develop my craft would mean the world to me.

‘Sir I’m not asking for a luxury lifestyle. I’m asking for a chance to stand on my own feet feel safe and reconnect with the woman I know I can become.

‘If you could help me secure a place of my own and get this new chapter started it would mean more to me than I can explain. I know you must receive countless requests but I hope you can hear the sincerity in mine. Thank you for even taking the time to read this sir.’

Her appeal has since generated reactions online with many fans calling for support for the former housemate.

A US-based pastor Israel Ford of LifeWorks Church in Wickliffe Ohio has announced his marriage to a second wife.

Ford made the announcement via his Facebook page sharing a video recorded in church where he appeared alongside his first wife Lydia Ford and his new wife Shakayla Ford.

Introducing his second wife to the public he wrote: ‘I would like to introduce to the world my second wife Shakayla Ford!!!’

The cleric argued that monogamy as the only acceptable form of marriage is not rooted in the Bible.

‘As a nation we have been taught that a man should have one wife only. This is unbiblical’ he said.

He disclosed that a full sermon explaining his position would be uploaded later in the week and noted that many pastors avoid preaching about the subject because it is unpopular.

‘I understand that this is an unpopular truth that we have gotten away from and many Pastors will not preach’ he added.

Ford maintained that he would stand by what he believes God revealed to him rather than seek public approval.

‘I have no plans to choose pleasing man over what God has revealed’ he stated.

He further said he respects the decision of anyone who chooses to distance themselves from him over the matter.

‘People may not accept this and choose to disconnect and that is ok! This life will be over soon and we can all laugh about it in Heaven. Until then God bless’ he wrote.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid declaring that the President deserves a second term for taking bold economic decisions previous administrations allegedly shied away from.

Wike who urged Rivers State residents to support Tinubu in 2027 described the President’s removal of the petrol subsidy as evidence of courageous leadership despite the economic hardship the policy has imposed on Nigerians.

The minister spoke at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State where he also canvassed support for candidates endorsed by the political alliance.

He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians but argued that the subsidy removal had increased revenue accruing to state and local governments creating opportunities for improved governance and service delivery.

‘We know what Nigerians are going through but we are sure that things will get better. Most importantly we know what this country was like before now’ he said.

According to him leadership requires the courage to take difficult decisions in the national interest rather than surrender to public criticism.

Wike argued that the subsidy regime had placed a heavy burden on government finances making it difficult to meet obligations to workers pensioners and public institutions.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Tinubu administration insisting that the reforms had not yet resolved all the country’s economic challenges.

The former Rivers State governor drew parallels with his administration’s infrastructure projects particularly the construction of flyovers which he said attracted criticism and caused temporary disruptions to businesses and traffic before delivering long-term benefits.

He maintained that leaders must sometimes accept short-term inconveniences to achieve lasting development.

Wike also questioned the capacity of opposition politicians to provide a credible alternative to the current administration warning voters against entrusting the country’s future to politicians he described as political gamblers.

‘Don’t carry your destiny to political gamblers’ he told the gathering.

He said the town hall meeting was designed to equip residents with information on political developments and enable them to make informed decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike blamed inadequate information and political propaganda for influencing some voting decisions in 2023 urging residents not to repeat what he described as past mistakes.

He also cautioned religious leaders against allowing political considerations to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities saying politicians should take responsibility for explaining political issues to the electorate.

Describing Eleme as economically strategic to Nigeria the minister urged residents to recognise the implications of their political choices for the area Rivers State and the country.

Beyond Tinubu’s re-election Wike used the meeting to mobilise support for the Rainbow Coalition an alliance involving members of different political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Identifying himself as a PDP national leader Wike said members of the coalition had agreed to work together and support candidates contesting under the APC platform in the forthcoming elections.

He urged Rivers residents to back Tinubu and the coalition’s preferred candidates for governorship legislative and other elective positions arguing that political cooperation would strengthen the state’s relationship with the Federal Government.

Wike said the alliance was formed to promote peace unity and development stressing that political differences should not be allowed to trigger violence or undermine governance.

‘We don’t want Rivers of blood. We don’t want rivers of shooting. The two main political parties in this state are APC and PDP. They have joined together with other political parties to say ‘Let there be peace in Rivers State let there be development and unity” he said.

He further called for cooperation among the Federal Government the Rivers State Government and elected representatives saying such collaboration was necessary to advance the state’s interests.

Wike urged the people of Eleme to support the coalition’s candidates insisting that political stability and unity were essential to development.

Traditional rulers religious leaders women youths political leaders and representatives of parties participating in the Rainbow Coalition attended the meeting.