Category: The Nation – Nigeria

A public presentation of two books may appear ordinary, as many books have been presented in the past by an author at a go. But, when such books are written by a police officer, Superintendent of Police Chidi Okoye, then such efforts are more than ordinary. It is simply a commendable feat.

Little wonder colleagues, relations and friends converged on Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, recently to witness the unveiling of two books, The Syndicate Affairs and Checkmate by Chidi Okoye. It was organised by CO Books Enterprise and Solomon Arase and Associates. The books were not only educative and morally instructive, but also products of a fertile mind for analysis, reasoning and imagination as well as creativity.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone Two Command, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who was impressed by Okoye’s efforts at documenting some of his major cases, said despite the 24/7 duty call, Okoye still found time to write such books.

‘He has been up and doing, improving himself, and he is a very versatile and deep investigator. My experience of him within the short period I had matters to do with him showed he is competent. Give him any matter to handle, he goes deeper into it and makes sure he unravels the mystery behind it,’ Fayoade said.

Recalling how Okoye who is Head, Zonal Quick Interventions Squad at Zone Two, started writing the books, Fayoade said: ‘When he approached me that he is writing a book, he gave me a copy of it to go through. I discovered that the book is a collection of some of the cases we had handled in the past. And you will find that those cases are very interesting, as he is able to bring out the criminal aspects of them. He is also able to bring out the major elements of those cases, as if he is a qualified lawyer. In fact, the way he wrote this book, you think he has been to the law school. That’s why I’m imploring him to enrol for a degree in law without wasting time.’

According to Fayoade, Okoye’s effort is a confirmation to the fact that police officers also have time to read and are deep in intellect unlike the impression people have about policemen.

‘This is an example of a police officer who is highly intellectual, who is an author, and has made us proud today. He has made Zone Two headquarters proud, made Nigeria Police proud, and we are very proud of him,’ he added.

Reviewer of one of the books, The syndicate Affairs, Art Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman, Vanguard Newspaper, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, described the book as an expository narrative that reveals how people are framed sometimes for crimes and made to pay through their noses to prove their innocence.

He noted that Okoye maintains via his creative narrative, that ‘not every scandal is real. Some are fabricated for culprits to cash out. Sadly, some rogue officers smile to the bank through blackmails.’

‘The title of the book is apt. The cover is beautifully designed with props indicating the nature of the subject matter. Employing real settings such as police stations, headquarters, towns, and estates in Lagos makes the plot convincing as more of a faction than fiction. Speaking of the genre, it’s not certain whether the account of detective Dikko on pages 175 to 177 about his entanglements with Funmi should be classified as faction or pure fiction. ‘However, it is a smart way of cooling the tempo of the successive actions and letting the storyteller himself and the reader breathe. The chronicle of their intimate scene was also done with some level of decency, yet, you’ll know Dikko is a ‘bad boy’ in that field. But as grave as the subject matter is, it is commendable that the author sees the need to infuse some element of romance into the plot.

‘The crime novel is un-put-down-able. It is informative, educative, and generally makes an interesting read, he asserted. Professor of Public Law and Criminology, and Head, Dept. of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Olugbenga Akingbehin, was the reviewer of the second book, Checkmate.

Chairman on the occasion, Chairman, Ailes Group, Chief Micheal Onuoha, described the author as a huge asset not only to the police, but also to the nation, adding that he would remain an inspiration to other officers and men of the force.

Chief Onuoha assured that he will continue to support the work of the author, believing that Nigeria will create true men of his kind.

Guests at the presentation included Hon. Lawal Pedro, The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Assistant Inspector General of Police Abutu Yaro Fdc (Rtd), The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, Rev. Dubus Achufusi GO (Spiritual Father of the Day), CEO Chisco Group of Company, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, (Father of the day), CEO Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika (Mother of the day), and Dr. Monday Oyekachi Ubani (SAN).

Stakeholders in the education sector have urged teachers in the country to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for future-ready education system.

They made the call during the Train the Trainer-Teacher’s summit 2025 at the weekend in Abuja.

Speaking at the summit, gender advocate, Hansatu Adegbite, underscored the need for teachers to integrate technology into their teaching practices to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

She noted that the future of education depended on how effectively educators adapt to technological advancements and leverage them to enhance learning outcomes.

The keynote speaker noted that AI tools can help teachers personalise instruction, automate administrative tasks, and foster creativity among students, thereby creating a more engaging and efficient learning environment.

Adegbite, who is also the Executive Director, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), urged teachers to view AI not as a threat but as an enabler that can empower them to deliver better results.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Deconstruct the old, define the new’, the gender advocate challenged educators to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace innovative strategies that align with the realities of the digital age.

She highlighted the critical role of AI and technology in the future of education and the need for teachers to learn and adapt to these changes.

She noted that deconstructing old models of education does not mean discarding foundational values but rather reimagining how those values can be expressed through modern tools and approaches.

The Convener, Train the Trainer Teachers Summit, Dr Onyekachi Onwudike-Jumbo noted the collective responsibility of teachers, parents, and schools in educating children.

She emphasised the importance of a standardised education system that provides equal opportunities for all students.

Onwudike-Jumbo encouraged participants to take action and collaborate to improve the educational system.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba underscored the need for educators to leave a lasting impact and celebrates the ongoing efforts to improve education.

Represented by the Director, Social Mobilisation, UBEC, Dr. Ossom Ossom, the executive secretary highlighted ongoing reforms introduced by the commission, including sharing best practices, and empowering teachers to improve learning outcomes.

She announced plans to train 875,000 teachers and introduce digital pedagogy in learning environments.

‘This initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to enhance classroom learning and ensure they can add value to the educational process,’ the executive secretary added.

Rivers United have received a major boost ahead of the CAF Champions League group stage as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo has been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for use as the only pitch with the facilities to host CAF games.

The approval comes after CAF’s latest round of stadium inspections aimed at ensuring facilities across Africa meet international standards for safety, broadcast quality, and infrastructure.

This development means Rivers United will host their home fixtures in Uyo after their traditional ground, the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, was declared unfit to stage CAF matches.

The Uyo arena-widely regarded as one of the finest in Africa-has consistently met CAF’s evolving requirements and has hosted several high-profile international and continental fixtures in recent years.

According to CAF’s updated list of approved venues, Morocco tops the continent with 12 approved stadiums, followed by South Africa (10), Algeria (7), Ivory Coast (6), and Egypt (5). Tunisia, despite its football pedigree, has only one approved venue, while several countries-including Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Zimbabwe-currently have none.

CAF officials are expected to continue inspections across the continent, with more venues to be added once they meet the confederation’s strict compliance standards.

The inclusion of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium highlights Akwa Ibom State’s consistent investment in world-class sports infrastructure and stands as a boost to Nigerian football’s continental image.

The Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 and will now be forwarded to the President for his assent.

The Bill introduces strict penalties for those who break the law while tackling wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.

The Bill, passed by the House of Representatives, has updated existing wildlife laws, increased penalties for wildlife crimes, and provides greater authority to investigators to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence led operations.

It also empowers judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover offender assets while promoting international collaboration by aligning with global treaties and allowing extradition of offenders.

A statement by the West African Director Wild Africa, Linus Unah, explained the passing of this bill is a huge win for Nigeria and shows, without any doubt, that the government remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting its unique fauna and flora.’

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, who sponsored the bill Hon. Terseer Ugbor said: ‘This shows without doubt, that Nigeria remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking. This also means that with stronger laws, Nigeria’s forests and wildlife will now be protected from exploitation and criminal activities. ‘We are proud to see this bill move forward because protecting wildlife is tantamount to safeguarding our environment and our future.

‘In the last decade, Nigeria emerged as a major hub for the trafficking of ivory and pangolin sales to Asian markets, the West African country was linked to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales trafficked globally between 2016 and 2019. Environmental organizations have praised this latest development, saying that the Bill demonstrates Nigeria’s response to tackle serious and organised wildlife trafficking’.

Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director noted that for too long, traffickers have used Nigeria as a transit country for the illegal wildlife trade, bringing endangered wildlife from all over Africa through the porous borders, ports and airports to export them illegally to Europe and Asia.

He said: ‘The Bill aims to halt this shameful trade which is destroying our environment and ruining Nigeria’s global reputation. We salute the Nigerian Senate for taking this bold step which will make Nigeria a global leader with one of the most progressive wildlife laws for the African continent.’

The Department of State Services (DSS) has trailed to Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and arrested one Innocent Chukwuma who used his social media handle to rally the military to overthrow the current government.

Posting on his ‘X’ handle ‘@TheAgroman,’ Chukwuma stated that a coup was needed in Nigeria and called on the military to ‘suspend the Nigerian government.’

He posted: ‘A coup in Nigeria is needed.

Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now.

‘It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country.

‘The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them,’ Chukwuma posted.

A source disclosed that the suspect is cooperating with DSS investigators.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the agency recorded 45,853 arrests of drug traffickers and users, secured 9,263 convictions, and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in the past 30 months.

He added that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in the agency’s treatment facilities nationwide.

Marwa said that the agency’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda has yielded remarkable results in the ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking.

He said said this on Wednesday, when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.

Marwa further revealed that the agency carried out 9,848 sensitisation activities under its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and communities across Nigeria.

‘These figures are not just numbers; they reflect the growing impact of our renewed intelligence-driven operations and the collective national resolve to make Nigeria a drug-free nation,’ Marwa stated.

He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s resolve to sustain the momentum, noting that the agency’s efforts are aligned with the Tinubu administration’s drive for a more secure, productive, and healthy society.

‘The fight against drugs is a fight for the soul of our nation,’ he said. ‘Our commitment remains total, and our results so far show that Nigeria is winning this battle, one community at a time.’

He commended operatives of the NDLEA for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Lifecard Group, the parent company of Lagos-based real estate development firm, Lifecard International Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to making homeownership a reality for aspiring buyers.

In a statement signed by the company’s media consultant, Dr. Princes Oghene, on Wednesday, the firm announced that it would officially hand over keys to a new set of homeowners at its Prime Stay Apartments on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

According to the statement, the highly anticipated Allocation and Key Handover Ceremony will take place at Prime Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos.

The event, it noted, will mark another major milestone in Lifecard Group’s mission to empower individuals and families to own quality homes that blend comfort, class, and convenience.

Mrs. Grace Ibhakhomu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lifecard Group, expressed excitement over the achievement, describing the Prime Stay Apartments as a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in real estate development.

‘At Lifecard, we are passionate about transforming dreams into addresses. The Prime Stay Apartments are more than just homes; they symbolise trust, innovation, and our promise to deliver value to our clients,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu added that the ceremony will feature the official handover of property documents and keys to new homeowners, guided tours of the estate, and networking sessions with real estate professionals, investors, and stakeholders.

She emphasised that the event represents not only a corporate achievement but also the beginning of new chapters for many families realizing their dream of homeownership.

‘To our new homeowners, your dream has become an address. To our investors, your commitment has transformed into tangible value and generational impact,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu also noted that the Prime Stay Project began as a vision to create purpose-built homes and accessible investment opportunities that offer real, lasting value.

The chairman said that despite challenges during the development phase, Adebola credited clients’ trust and patience for making the project a success.

she emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and the goal of making world-class real estate attainable for everyday people.

‘We remain dedicated to building purpose and prosperity for families and communities across Africa,’ she added.

‘With the successful delivery of Prime Stay Apartments, Lifecard Group continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable real estate brands; providing modern, secure, and affordable housing solutions for a broad range of clients.

The development underscores the company’s vision to create sustainable communities and bridge Nigeria’s housing gap.

‘So, this property, they bought it off-plan and you know what happened to Dollar and Naira.

‘With all the challenges, I didn’t respond, now that the house is ready, I want to respond. If not, I won’t even call media, I won’t do anything, I’ll just give people their keys and go.

‘I want to respond to her, you know. No developer will go through this challenge I went through that they will even have a house. No developer in Lagos will go through this challenge and they will be able to produce the house.

‘One, challenges of repurchase of this land, two, challenge of the access road, government was doing road and for more than one year, we are not allowed to enter this site.

‘Three, they bought these houses for over N20million when cement was N2,000. Today, cement is now sold at N10,000.

‘Then number four, we are no longer offering off-plan in Nigeria again because we don’t want our name to be tainted.

‘So, we have decided to finish and give it to people at a premium. So, what we are using this one to do was to give people affordability.

‘We don’t want to do affordability again. So, we are publicly announcing that anything off-plan in Nigeria from Lifecard, beware, we don’t offer it again. So, we will need to use this publicity to the Lifecard’s favour.’

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria says it has expanded its operations to include oil and gas in close proximity to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), free of charge.

The company, primarily in the Eastern Corridor of Trans Niger Pipeline said it is doing this in the interest of national development.

Head of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, addressed stakeholders from host communities of TNP in Bayelsa, urging them to scale up real time information around critical assets for optimum protection.

‘We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP ‘Pro Bono’ even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, ‘ Mezeh said.

He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

‘Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

‘Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, ‘ Mezeh stated.

Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, security agents and community stakeholders.

He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding ‘Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly’.

On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

‘I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, ‘ he said.

On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

‘ I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, ‘ Lokpobiri said.

The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

‘We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation’ Odiwari said.

Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

United Kingdom-based Nigerian culture ambassador, Omolara Augustina Seweje, popularly known as Olori Seweje-MC Alaga Extraordinaire, continues to project African traditions and values to global audiences through her media platforms, cultural events, and community mentorship.

A bilingual radio host and professional traditional wedding moderator, Seweje’s work bridges continents, connecting African heritage with the wider world while celebrating the richness of cultural diversity.

For Seweje, culture is not just performance but a calling. ‘My background has always been arts and culture. While in secondary school, I loved acting and dance. I participated in Yoruba, Igbo, and French cultural activities, and that passion keeps driving me even more every day,’ she said.

Her journey as a culture ambassador began when she took up the mantle of Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko, traditional wedding moderator roles deeply rooted in Yoruba custom.

‘A professional Alaga is expected to uphold cultural values. Beyond moderating weddings, I promote culture daily through my dressing, language, and how I express myself,’ she said.

Through her two radio shows, Eto Omoluabi on Jambo Radio, Scotland and Culture Fusion on Heartsong Live Radio, Seweje has carved a space for cultural dialogue in the diaspora.

While Eto Omoluabi focuses on celebrating Yoruba culture and inspiring Nigerians abroad to take pride in their heritage, Culture Fusion explores global cultures, highlighting shared values and distinct traditions.

‘My shows centre on the beauty and uniqueness of every culture. No culture is superior to another because every culture is beautiful in its own way,’ she said.

Her experience as a traditional wedding host has also expanded her understanding of multicultural connections. Among the many weddings she has moderated, Seweje recalls a Scottish-Yoruba wedding in Inverurie, Scotland, and an Ugandan-Scottish bridal unveiling as particularly memorable.

‘I’ve also hosted more than ten Anglophone-Francophone weddings. Every culture I encounter teaches me something new. The diversity I see at these events reinforces my belief that culture is the heartbeat of humanity,’ she said.

Through her work, Seweje has become a bridge between communities. ‘Many people have been encouraged to explore African culture. Interracial marriages are increasing, and more people now understand others’ behaviour through the lens of culture. It has changed mindsets and broken biases,’ she noted

Despite the progress, she admits that promoting cultural diversity in the diaspora is not without challenges. ‘It can be overwhelming. As an ethnic minority, it takes a lot to get the right platforms. But we’ll keep doing what we do until we’re heard,’ she added.

According to her conviction, she said she is rooted in passion and perseverance. ‘There are opportunities for people who are willing to take them. But your passion must be strong enough to keep you going, because it’s not easy. Many people here prefer to focus on work shifts rather than voluntary cultural promotion.’

True to her advocacy, Seweje’s personal style reflects her values. ‘Everywhere you find me, you’ll see me dressed as African. Even in Glasgow, I wear African prints and fabrics. It gives me confidence, and people commend me for it,’ she said proudly.

Looking to the future, Seweje envisions a world where cultural pride is universal. ‘My goal is to stand on global stages and tell people to be proud of their heritage. The world is beautiful because of its diversity. Imagine a world without agbada, asooke, gele, or the Scottish kilt. Diversity is what makes life colourful,’ she said.

Her upcoming project, slated for 2026, will celebrate African arts through music, fashion, and dance, a continuation of her mission to preserve and showcase cultural beauty.

‘I want to be remembered as the woman who broke biases by preaching the beauty in every culture. Someone who used her platforms to promote unity in diversity and preserve cultural pride across generations,’ she said.

Through her voice, her attire, and her platform, Olori Seweje continues to remind the world that culture is not just a marker of identity, it is a legacy of beauty, pride, and belonging.

The Enugu State government has appointed former national hurdler and AFN Performance Director Victor Okorie as Chairman of the Enugu State Athletics Association Board.

His inauguration conducted by the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Ike Ekweremadu Jr, also saw 10 other members unveiled to drive a fresh era of track and field development in the state.

Meanwhile in a goodwill message, Coach Chukwuashi hailed the appointments and urged the new board to bring passion and integrity to the job.

Okorie, visibly elated, thanked Ekweremadu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to revive Enugu’s dominance in athletics.

‘We’ll give everything to restore Enugu to the top of Nigerian athletics,’ he vowed.

A respected figure in grassroots sports across the South East, Okorie’s new mandate includes preparing the state’s athletes for the upcoming National Sports Festival and other major competitions.

The board members include:

*Victor Okorie

Coach Elizabeth Chukwuashi

Onovo Boniface

Henry Nwosu

Eze Justus

Agu Justin

Emeka Benjamin Chukwu

Chris Onwuzuruike

Ephrem Ochonma

Ken Onuaguruch

John Ikpechi