Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Government said Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy will largely depend on its ability to transform small businesses into large enterprises that create jobs attract investment and compete in international markets.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele said small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remained central to the country’s economic development because they sustain millions of livelihoods provide employment and support activities across different sectors.

Oyedele represented at the fourth edition of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Prize for Innovation in Abuja on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Investments Marie Ukpere said the country must create an environment in which small businesses could grow into medium-sized enterprises medium-sized businesses could become large companies and Nigerian firms could compete across Africa and the world.

He said ‘Our mission to build a trillion-dollar economy will depend in no small measure on our ability to help small businesses become medium-sized enterprises medium-sized enterprises become large companies and Nigerian companies become competitive players across Africa and the world.’

The Minister said that although investment in infrastructure industrialisation and fiscal stability remained important government priorities the economy’s strength ultimately depended on businesses that produced goods provided services employed people and created opportunities.

He described SMEs as the backbone of the economy adding that their capacity to innovate increase production and reach new markets would be critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth.

The NSIA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Aminu Umar-Sadiq said supporting small businesses was a core part of the authority’s investment strategy alongside its infrastructure investments.

He said the authority had supported SME development through initiatives including the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria the Development Bank of Nigeria and the NSIA Prize for Innovation.

‘Without SMEs you have no job creation. Without SMEs you are unable to actually grow economically’ Umar-Sadiq said.

He explained that the innovation prize was designed to give Nigerian entrepreneurs the education equity funding and exposure they need to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.

The programme’s fourth edition featured 12 finalists selected through a competitive process. The entrepreneurs were expected to present their innovations to judges and demonstrate how their businesses could address economic and social challenges while building commercially viable enterprises.

The Minister said the government recognised that many promising businesses struggled to expand because they could not obtain the financing skills and institutional support needed to grow.

He outlined several government interventions intended to address the challenges including the Development Bank of Nigeria the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp).

He said the NCGC is designed to reduce lenders’ risks and encourage financial institutions to provide more credit to small businesses and manufacturers.

CrediCorp he said was working to expand access to responsible consumer credit strengthen purchasing power and support domestic demand.

The Minister also cited the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises programme which he described as a $618 million intervention to give businesses in Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors access to finance skills development and business support.

He said the NSIA had played an important role in establishing the Development Bank of Nigeria and the NCGC.

Beyond these interventions the government is looking to expand access to investment capital for businesses with strong growth potential.

Oyedele said the NSIA was anchoring venture capital funds to mobilise institutional investment into promising Nigerian enterprises.

He also said the authority was developing an impact innovation fund in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and British International Investment expressed interest in participating.

The proposed fund is expected to support commercially viable businesses that address key economic and development challenges.

The Minister said entrepreneurs often need more than conventional loans to expand noting that patient capital experienced investment partners and access to networks are also necessary for companies seeking to enter new markets.

He described the NSIA Prize for Innovation as an important platform for preparing businesses for growth by allowing entrepreneurs to test their ideas demonstrate commercial viability and engage with experienced investors.

Oyedele noted that the programme’s focus on viable businesses was particularly important for young Nigerians seeking opportunities to build enterprises rather than depend solely on available jobs.

He said government had a responsibility to create conditions that would allow young people to establish businesses develop new industries and employ others.

The Minister stated that the programme placed commercial viability and the ability to execute business plans at the centre of its selection process.

‘The real measure of your success will not be the prize you receive today. It will be the businesses you go on to do afterwards’ he told the finalists.

He expressed hope that some of the businesses represented at the event would grow into major companies that employ thousands of Nigerians attract significant investment and develop solutions for markets across Africa.

Taiwo Oyedele urged the entrepreneurs to remain ambitious disciplined and committed to building their businesses regardless of the competition’s outcome.

The Managing Director of the NSIA Aminu Umar-Sadiq said the programme’s support went beyond the financial rewards available to the finalists.

He put the equity support at about $350000 and said entrepreneurs had access to accelerator programmes designed to strengthen their ideas and business models.

According to him the support process began with the top 200 applicants who could participate in accelerator programmes before the selection narrowed to the finalists.

He said the top 12 would also undertake a six-week learning programme at Lagos Business School after the demo day.

Strategic partners including Wema Bank Pula and Cascador had also provided additional prizes and support for selected entrepreneurs.

Umar-Sadiq described the programme’s approach as ‘education equity and exposure’ saying the combination was intended to prepare businesses for expansion and help them attract further investment.

He said the programme had evolved over four years with more strategic partners participating and a stronger focus on reaching more entrepreneurs.

The NSIA chief added that the authority would continue working with businesses after providing investment to improve their operations and growth prospects.

He said the authority worked with the management teams of supported companies to strengthen their business propositions improve governance and expand demand for their products.

‘This is really the beginning of the journey’ he said adding that the value-creation process could eventually produce future unicorns or companies valued at $1 billion or more.

He cited Money Africa and Sycamore among previous beneficiaries whose businesses had continued to perform well.

However he cautioned that the success of such programmes should not be judged only by results recorded within one or two years.

He said a medium-to-long-term view including about five years was needed to assess whether businesses had achieved the expected scale.

Meanwhile Dr Abdu Mukhtar National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) said Nigeria’s healthcare sector offered substantial opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

He estimated the addressable market across the healthcare value chain at about $20 billion and cited International Finance Corporation figures indicating that approximately 250000 SMEs were already operating in the sector.

Mukhtar said opportunities existed beyond hospitals covering pharmaceuticals clinical research medical devices telemedicine digital health and healthcare logistics.

The PVAC boss urged entrepreneurs to build businesses that generate profits while improving healthcare delivery and access to affordable services.

He said the sector’s impact should be measured not only by financial returns but also by the lives saved diseases prevented maternal deaths reduced children brought out of malnutrition and jobs created.

Mukhtar added that the healthcare initiative was ready to work with entrepreneurs to make the sector more attractive to investment and support innovative solutions to the country’s healthcare challenges.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of ReelFruit Affiong Williams who served as lead judge urged the finalists to build businesses around customers’ needs rather than concentrating only on the novelty of their products.

Drawing on her 14 years of experience building the dried-fruit manufacturing business she said entrepreneurs must understand what customers want and what they are willing to pay for.

She explained that it was easier to expand a business offering products that people wanted than to develop a product and then struggle to persuade customers to buy it.

Williams also advised entrepreneurs to build strong reputations demonstrate commitment and prepare their businesses to meet investors’ expectations.

The ReelFruit founder said she had raised more than $7 million over the years from individuals and institutions attributing her fundraising experience to preparation resilience a strong track record and the relationships she had built.

She urged entrepreneurs to develop networks of investors advisers and business leaders who could help them improve their businesses and identify opportunities for expansion.

Affiong Williams also advised them to remain resilient in the face of economic pressures currency movements policy changes and other challenges associated with operating in Nigeria.

Recalling her own experience she said she had faced rejection when seeking business support but continued pursuing other opportunities until she achieved success.

She urged the finalists not to regard the competition as their only opportunity to secure support describing their selection as an important step in their entrepreneurial journey.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial candidate in Ogun Central Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and dismissed reports linking her to a purported political alliance with the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NNPP) Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She described the report of an alliance with Obi as false saying she had never met Obi for political discussions and had not entered into any arrangement with him over a proposed cross-party voting strategy.

Her clarification followed a social media post attributed to the blog Very Nigerian which claimed a political arrangement tagged the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ was emerging in Ogun Central with the former Senator allegedly considering endorsing Obi.

But Obasanjo in a swift response said her support for Tinubu stemmed from her longstanding political relationship with the President and the respect he had consistently shown her.

She said ‘I have never met Obi for any political discussions ever.’

‘I am supporting Tinubu because I know him best of all the presidential candidates as a much senior politician and he has always treated me with respect.’

The Iyabo Obasanjo Senatorial Campaign Organisation also rejected the alleged alliance calling the publication fabricated and accusing its promoters of trying to mislead voters and create confusion within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson Peter Macjob the campaign organisation maintained that Obasanjo and Obi had held no meetings consultations or agreements regarding the alleged coalition.

It further insisted that Obasanjo remained the duly cleared PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central and was concentrating on her campaign to return to the National Assembly.

The organisation urged voters and media organisations to disregard the report calling for political discussions to focus on candidates’ records policy proposals and capacity to deliver effective representation rather than unsubstantiated claims of secret alliances.

It said the campaign’s priority was to mobilise support across Ogun Central and convince constituents that Obasanjo’s return to the Senate would advance grassroots development and improve representation.

Obasanjo a former Senator representing Ogun Central is seeking a return to the National Assembly as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Her declaration of support for Tinubu while retaining her PDP senatorial candidacy highlights the distinction between her stated presidential preference and her ambition to contest the Ogun Central seat under the opposition party.

However the campaign organisation reiterated its call for issue-based politics urging the electorate to assess candidates on their individual merits programmes and ability to address their constituents’ concerns.

The Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho launched the Iru Ekun Security Network on Sunday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan the capital of Oyo State.

He explained that his visit to Abuja on Saturday was to advance the process and ensure Iru Ekun’s effectiveness in the Southwest.

A statement from Igboho’s media office said that no fewer than 20000 volunteers joined the security organisation approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to deepen community security and tackle criminality in Yorubaland parts of Kwara and Niger states.

According to the statement ‘The launch of Iru in Oyo followed similar inaugurations of the local security initiative in Osun Ekiti Lagos Ogun and Ondo States including active engagement with traditional rulers and leaders of communities in Yorubaland.’

The security outfit since its establishment has collaborated with the Nigerian Army Nigeria Police Force the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies to stem the spate of abductions killings and other forms of insecurity especially in the Southwest.

Meanwhile the statement quoted Igboho as having commended the massive turnout of volunteers adding ‘The impressive development represents a milestone which indicates genuine interest of Oyo people in active participation to ensure safety and security of residents irrespective of tribes religion and political affiliations.’

He further hinted that his earlier trip to Abuja on Sunday was specifically to discuss issues related to Iru Ekun’s official responsibilities and how more mileage would be covered to strengthen security in the Southwest.

‘I was in Abuja this morning so that Iru Ekun’s security responsibilities can be further strengthened. This is because Iru Ekun is the brainchild of Southwest traditional rulers and it will continue to serve its purpose in promoting peace and effective security in our communities.

‘I received the call last night to come to Abuja. My trip to Abuja resulted from collaboration with our traditional ruler the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Firstly I want to thank Almighty God who has all power owns us and preserves us. The God who says we won’t be overcome by bandits. We thank God.

‘After that we thank all traditional rulers in Nigeria and may God grant them long life. We also pay homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who provided this platform so we can interact as Iru Ekun members. Some people are still taking a despicable look at you (Volunteers). Soon they will lobby you for positions’ Igboho remarked.

While canvassing for Tinubu’s re-election in the forthcoming January presidential election he implored Nigerians including Iru Ekun members to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that journalism must continue to serve the public interest hold leaders accountable and provide citizens with accurate information to make informed decisions describing the media as an indispensable pillar of democracy.

The President made the declaration on Sunday in a tribute to veteran journalist distinguished editor and former Managing Director of The Guardian newspaper Mr Oyinlade ‘Ladbone’ Bonuola on his 80th birthday.

Tinubu who celebrated Bonuola’s remarkable contributions to Nigerian journalism spanning more than five decades described him as one of the country’s most respected media professionals whose editorial courage integrity and commitment to truth had left an enduring imprint on the industry.

According to the President Bonuola’s professional accomplishments underscored the importance of responsible journalism in promoting public accountability strengthening democratic institutions and preserving factual records for future generations.

‘Your career reflects a profound belief that journalism must serve the public interest hold leaders accountable and give citizens the information they need to make informed decisions. Your influence extends beyond the newsrooms you led’ Tinubu stated.

He observed that the veteran journalist’s commitment to accuracy fairness and integrity represented values that must remain central to the media’s responsibility to inform the public and strengthen democracy.

The President particularly acknowledged Bonuola’s contributions to shaping the language of media reporting in Nigeria describing him as one of the 20th century’s exceptional editors.

‘At 80 you stand tall as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in journalism a man whose professional excellence editorial courage integrity and commitment to the truth have left an enduring imprint on the nation’s media landscape’ he said.

Recalling Bonuola’s professional journey Tinubu noted that the veteran editor began his journalism career at the Daily Times in February 1971 as a trainee sub-editor before rising through the ranks.

He subsequently joined The Guardian in 1982 as its pioneer editor and later became Managing Director a position he held until 1999.

Bonuola also co-founded the defunct Comet newspaper where he served as Managing Director and subsequently occupied the same position at Nigerian Compass.

The President recalled that Bonuola’s weekly column Caught Out in the Daily Times was widely read by practising journalists journalism students and members of the public.

He said the veteran journalist’s leadership at The Guardian and The Comet which later became The Nation newspaper demonstrated exceptional editorial judgment intellectual depth and an understanding of the media’s responsibility in building an informed and progressive society.

Tinubu further commended Bonuola’s mentorship of younger journalists noting that his influence extended beyond the newsrooms he managed to generations of media practitioners who benefited from his professional example.

‘As we celebrate this remarkable milestone with you I acknowledge your legacy of professionalism mentorship and service to our country. We celebrate your invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

‘Your life and career remind us that journalism’s enduring value lies not merely in reporting events but in shaping ideas nurturing informed citizens and preserving the truth for future generations’ the President stated

The President on behalf of his family the Federal Government and Nigerians congratulated Bonuola on reaching this milestone and wished him many more years of good health peace and fulfilment.

He also prayed that the veteran journalist’s legacy would continue to inspire successive generations of journalists and media professionals across the country.

The Kebbi State Government on Sunday released Governor Nasir Idris’s scorecard Kauran Gwandu covering road infrastructure and other strategic development projects.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK disclosed this on Sunday during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi where he reviewed the administration’s performance against its campaign promises.

Ahmed-BK said the administration deliberately prioritised road construction rehabilitation and expansion to tackle longstanding infrastructure challenges improve connectivity and accelerate economic growth across the state.

He explained that an efficient road network is critical to Kebbi’s agricultural economy the exploitation of solid mineral resources the movement of goods and services and access to healthcare and security services.

According to him the improved road network has reduced transport costs minimised vehicle wear and tear and strengthened economic interaction between urban centres and rural communities.

Major completed projects include the dualisation of the Birnin Kebbi-Ambursa Road completion of Phases I and II of the Ultra-Modern Secretariat Complex rehabilitation of Yauri township roads and construction of the Ultra-Modern Motor Park.

The Commissioner also disclosed the construction of a fuel dump at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Ambursa noting that flight operations have resumed through NG Eagle Max Airlines operating five days a week.

He said other completed interventions include township road rehabilitation and dualisation bridge repairs and erosion-control projects across the Argungu Kalgo Bunza Jega Kaoje Shanga and Fakai local government areas.

On ongoing projects Ahmed-BK listed the Kamba-Kwakkwaba-Sarfu-Banizumbu Road in Dandi LGA reconstruction of Koko-Mahuta Road Section I GGC Mahuta-Dabai Road Section III dualisation of Abdulsalam Road in Jega and the New Governor’s Office Extension and Lodge office in Sokoto.

He added that the government has awarded fresh contracts for emergency erosion-control works at the Baba Jori three-span bridge linking Bunza and Kalgo construction of the Bagudo Eastern Bypass Road rehabilitation of Koko township roads and Birnin Lafiya-Gulma-Nasini Road as well as access roads and drainage projects in Birnin Kebbi Bunza and Yauri.

The Commissioner described transforming the dilapidated Central Motor Park into a modern facility as a strategic economic investment that will facilitate commercial transport create jobs and boost internally generated revenue.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to maintain the tempo by completing all ongoing projects and initiating more people-oriented programmes to improve living standards.

The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has facilitated the construction and equipping of a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at Orita Community High School Oja-Odan in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Adeola popularly known as Yayi is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State.

The facility is equipped with 60 desktop computer systems chairs tables and other essential learning materials to provide students with practical computer education and digital skills.

It also features a 30KVA generator a 15KVA solar inverter system air-conditioning units and other supporting infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment and reliable power supply.

According to a statement the project is part of Adeola’s investment in educational infrastructure digital literacy and human capital development.

The initiative aims to equip young people across Ogun State with the skills needed to access opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The ICT Centre one of several similar educational facilities Senator YAYI has facilitated across the state further demonstrates his commitment to expanding access to modern technology improving learning standards and equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The intervention is expected to significantly enhance teaching and learning at Orita Community High School while providing students with valuable opportunities to develop practical ICT competencies.

Through such strategic investments in education and technology Senator Adeola continues to demonstrate his commitment to building a more educated skilled and technologically empowered generation of young people across Ogun State.

A chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo State Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s swift response to ease the pains of traders affected by the tanker explosion that razed the Oluku and Bob Izua markets.

Over 2000 traders lost goods worth millions of naira to the inferno.

Governor Okpebholo commenced reconstruction of the markets three days after the incident. Hon Agbonayinma who visited the markets to commensurate with the traders said politics should be set aside to show love to the affected traders.

He commended Governor Okpebholo for the deft move to rebuild the market.

According to him ‘I heard what happened to our people. It was a serious agony that no one would be happy with. Such an incident that took place that took some lives is regrettable.

The District Governor Rotary International District D127 Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko yesterday asked Rotarians not to be tired of donations to end Polio disease.

He said all the givings are making impact.

He said eradication of polio is a must to save millions of children in the world.

He said sensitisation against polio and immunisation of children are priorities of Rotary International.

Owonikoko who made the plea after a walk to mark World Polio Day 2026 in Abuja said Polio eradication is non-negotiable.

He commended the Federal Government and Rotary International partners like WHO UNICEF and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) for effective grassroots collaboration.

He said: ‘This is not just the beginning and it will not be the end until every child of the world is saved.

‘We have reasons to mark World Polio Day and for that we are not going to go out of it because Rotary International has spent so much money from the beginning in1985. We must make sure the children of the world are saved.

‘I want to thank the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health for giving us all what it takes through the Primary Healthcare Centres to get to all communities across the country in getting all the children immunised. We want to say thank you.

‘But our thanks goes to the Almighty Rotarians Rotaractors BIll Gates Foundation WHO UNICEF NPHCDA and other partners.

‘To Rotarians all your givings to The Rotary Foundation are making impact. Not only today you have been giving since we signed agreement to ensure children are saved.

‘I want to plead with you we should not be tired the donations should continue the sensitisation must not stop the eradication is a must for us and we have to keep polio at zero as we promised.’

The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee (NNPPC) Dr. Kazeem Mustapha who is also a Past District Governor said Rotary is sustaining the EndPolioNow campaign to protect children all over the world.

He said ‘Immunisation is a key preventive precaution against Polio or any disease.’

On her part the District Polio Committee Chair Mrs. Mariam Abdullahi said a polio-free world is achievable.

She said: ‘Today on World Polio Day we stand together to reaffirm one promise: we will not rest until every child is protected and our world is polio-free.

‘To the clubs of District 9127 I charge you today to continue to participate actively. Organise immunisation drives raise awareness in your communities and give your resources. Polio has no place in our future and your action is what will push it into history.

‘To our valued partners and our volunteers – you are the heartbeat of this mission. You brave the sun the rain and difficult terrain offering your best at all times so that no child is missed. We see you and we salute you.’

ESDIAC Global Systems Limited has secured a licence to operate in Nigeria’s data market, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion of telecommunications and digital communication services across the country.

A statement in Lokoja by the company’s Chief Executive, Austin Ugbebor confirmed the development.

The statement revealed that the licence enables ESDIAC to provide cross-border data solutions, international connectivity, data top-ups and global eSIM services to Nigerian consumers and businesses through retail and merchant networks.

Founded by Nigerian-born entrepreneur Austin Ugbebor, ESDIAC was established to address the high cost and limited accessibility of international communication for diaspora communities and globally connected consumers.

The statement added: ‘Through its international calling platform, Wi-Fi connectivity solutions and global mobile network partnerships, the company serves tens of thousands of users worldwide.

‘The new licence strengthens ESDIAC’s ability to participate directly in Nigeria’s domestic data market while supporting its broader purpose: making communication more affordable, accessible and inclusive for individuals, families and businesses across borders.’

ESDIAC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for advancing policies aimed at liberalising Nigeria’s communications and digital economy. The administration’s reforms, including the deregulation of the airtime credit and data advance sector, are creating new opportunities for indigenous technology companies to compete.

, innovate and contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

‘We commend President Tinubu for his vision and determination to create a more open and competitive communications industry.

‘These reforms send a powerful message that Nigerian companies can build world-class technology solutions, compete globally and create lasting value at home, said Austin Ugbebor, Founder and CEO of ESDIAC.

It declared: ‘The company is particularly focused on extending affordable data and communication services to underserved communities, Nigerian businesses and the global Nigerian diaspora. ‘Our purpose is to connect people, opportunity and markets.

‘This licence allows us to deepen our contribution to Nigeria’s digital transformation while building a more inclusive communications ecosystem for the future,’Ugbebor added.

ESDIAC is a Nigerian technology company specialising in telecommunications and data-driven solutions. Founded with a mission to make international communication accessible and affordable, the company serves business and consumer customers across more than 150 countries and 400 cities worldwide.

The bodies of the two remaining victims of the Rivers boat mishap have been recovered.

The incident occurred last Tuesday in the Robert Kiri area along the Kula waterways in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

The two bodies reportedly recovered on Saturday have been identified as Davies Opiri and David Sukubo. They were the Secretary of the Kula Community Development Committee (CDC) and the younger brother of the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo respectively.

The already decomposing bodies were recovered by the search and rescue team comprising community leaders divers local vigilantes and fishermen.

Recall that five of the seven victims were recovered on Thursday and deposited in the morgue after being taken to the State Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt; the latest two were taken to the Divisional Police Station in Abonnema before being taken to the mortuary.

Meanwhile the Nation learnt that the community (Kula) has seized the crude oil vessel ANAMBRA BASIN FSO and the two tugboats (Delta Runner and Laura-V) involved in the incident while investigations continue.

Police have reportedly arrested the two tugboat captains for questioning.

Speaking shortly after the recovery of the last two bodies the President of the Nigerian Youth Council (Sukubo) who led the search and rescue team expressed regret over the deaths of the victims and wondered what would become of the families they left behind.

He said ‘This is havoc committed in Kula Kingdom by Ibeto. He has turned women into widows and children into orphans. He has made families lose their breadwinners husbands fathers brothers uncles cousins nephews and loved ones.’

He threatened to take the recovered bodies to the business premises of the Ibeto Group and all its subsidiaries to demand immediate government action against the owner of the company over the deaths of the victims.

‘I have declared a 21-day protest starting next week with 51000 youths and caskets bearing the remains of the victims.’

‘We shall protest at the residence of Chief Cletus Ibeto in Port Harcourt and shut down all his companies in Rivers State until he is arrested by security agencies and prosecuted for murder.’

‘We demand justice for the families of the victims and the affected communities.’

‘Ibeto is the murderer. He killed our people. He is the mastermind and prime suspect’ he alleged.

The Ibeto Group had earlier denied direct involvement in the issues that led to the incident on the Robertkiri axis of the Kula waterways.

In a statement the company said its subsidiary Max Shipping Services Limited which operates the crude oil vessel was engaged by a hirer Menal Technical Services Limited under a contract to evacuate crude oil from the area.