Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine in a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos.

The drugs were concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, leading to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms. They were concealed in the walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was promptly arrested.

The statement reads, ‘Further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment, and after weeks of intelligence, it was established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.

‘During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024. He had lived for over 27 years in many European countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, before settling in the UK.

‘In like manner, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA. The unravelling of the gang started on 26th September, following the seizure of 2.10kg cocaine concealed in the walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.’

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

It reads, ‘Same day, another consignment of 1.00kg cocaine with a similar mode of concealment going to the UK was also intercepted at the export shed of the airport. The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine also identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of seized cocaine consignments linked to the suspect.

‘Two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA on Thursday, 2nd October. Two suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, linked to the seizures, were promptly arrested. One of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg of cocaine, while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine.’

Babafemi said the bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in a bed sheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand, was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies.

He added that while a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a checkpoint along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, on Thursday, 2nd October, led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290,450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules.

The statement reads, ‘In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer, John Igbe, operating under the nickname: SammyBless, to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki and Ajah axis, was on Tuesday, 30th September, arrested at Admiralty road, Lekki. At the time of his arrest, 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups, were recovered from him.

‘Three other suspects: Idris Lukman, Fuad Abdulsalam, and Mobolaji James were nabbed the same day in the Mushin area of the state, with 109kg skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup, and 2kg of nitrous oxide seized from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were recovered.

‘While a total of 27,700 pills of tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect, Salisu Abubakar, 25, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, Kwara state, on Monday, 29th September, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5kg skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, same day, just as Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of tramadol at Gwargwaje along Kaduna – Zaria road on Thursday, 2nd October.

‘In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives on Monday, 29th September, raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg skunk and 16grams of tramadol. Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday, 2nd October at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun state, where they destroyed 14,000kg skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of the same psychoactive substance.

‘In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, 1st October, intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg at Igbanke, Orhionwon LGA, and a suspect, Ineh Excellent Obindi, 28, was arrested. A total of 10,897.35kg skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday, 3rd October, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year (a.k.a Don), 47, arrested. Not less than 223.5kg of processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.

‘Operatives on patrol along the Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow-up operation at Gwagwalada park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect, Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Thursday, 2nd October.

‘In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Hammawa Toungo, Adamawa; Government Day Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina; Day Secondary School, Unguwan Nasarawa, Kontogora, Niger; and traders at Ladega market, Ikorodu, Lagos, while the Imo state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma at Government House, Owerri, among others.’

‘We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations, from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership.

‘These successful operations should serve as a warning that NDLEA will not relent until the threat posed by the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is eliminated because every arrest, seizure and assets forfeited by the criminal syndicates signifies innocent lives saved and communities protected either here in Nigeria or in other jurisdictions’, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated.

He commended the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Kogi, and FCT Commands, as well as their compatriots across the country, for their tenacity, professionalism, and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has been honoured with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award by the Council of Northern Youth Advocates of Nigeria (CNYAN) in Abuja.

The award, presented on October 4, 2025, recognizes Ilobanafor’s outstanding contributions to national unity and youth empowerment. He was also celebrated as Garkuwan Matasan Arewa (Shield of Northern Youths) and described as an ‘Icon and Cynosure of nation-building.’

Speaking at the event, CNYAN President, Mohammed Abdulrazaq, said the council remained committed to addressing pressing challenges in Northern Nigeria, particularly in education. He called on governments at all levels to increase funding to reduce the growing number of out-of-school children, noting that education is key to taking young people off the streets and making them productive members of society.

Commending Ilobanafor, Abdulrazaq said, ‘Having gone through your track record, we see your life as a blessing to this generation and the ones unborn. You have been instrumental in telling our stories better and inspiring the youth. We are ready to partner with you.’

Another member of the council, Muhammed, praised the CEOAFRICA chief for his role in positively projecting Africa’s image. He noted that the recognition followed a ‘thorough scrutiny’ of Ilobanafor’s achievements, adding that his contributions to national unity and peace stood out at a crucial time in the country.

The citation on the award reads, ‘In appreciation of your immense contribution towards a united, one indivisible Nigeria; being a vanguard of youth emancipation and serving as a bridge of national unity and consensus.’

In his acceptance speech, Prince Ilobanafor expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, ‘I am so honoured to receive this award from the youth of the Northern extraction, the youth who are the future of tomorrow.’

He noted that beyond his work at CEOAFRICA in ‘projecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa,’ one of his most passionate causes remains the elimination of malaria. He pledged to make the CNYAN president an ambassador in the campaign against the disease.

Highlighting the Geneith Health Competition, backed by a ?1 billion donation from Geneith Pharmaceuticals, Ilobanafor said the initiative would empower students in secondary and tertiary institutions to become advocates for malaria prevention.

He called for more investment in youth development, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the nation’s young population.

‘Nigerian youths are the biggest asset we have. All we are asking for is to give them opportunities to serve, and Nigeria will be a better country,’ he said.

The event, which drew youth leaders and advocates, ended with a renewed call for unity and national cohesion.

Prince Ilobanafor’s recognition, organisers said, was a testament to his consistent efforts in shaping positive narratives and championing the cause of young people across Nigeria.

Jack Grealish scored a stunning 93rd-minute winner as Everton came from behind to hand Crystal Palace their first defeat in 19 matches across all competitions.

Daniel Muñoz had earlier given in-form Palace the lead in the 37th minute, finishing smartly from Ismaila Sarr’s pass after Tyrick Mitchell had struck the post.

The goal looked set to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory for Palace and extend their remarkable unbeaten run.

Everton, however, improved after the break following the introduction of Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry.

Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Iliman Ndiaye converted from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix fouled substitute Tim Iroegbunam.

With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Grealish-on loan from Manchester City-pounced in stoppage time, firing home after Dean Henderson parried Beto’s close-range header.

The dramatic 2-1 victory ended Palace’s club-record unbeaten streak, their first loss since April 16.

The Big Brother Naija Season 10 finale reached a thrilling climax on Sunday as seven housemates were evicted during the live show, leaving Imisi and Dede as the last two contestants battling for the N80 million grand prize.

The night was packed with tension and excitement, beginning with the eviction of Kaybobo, Isabella, Mensan, and Jason Jae, followed by Sultana, Kola, and Koyin.

In a dramatic twist, Big Brother revealed that the prize fund had fluctuated throughout the season, with deductions made for each use of the red telephone.

Interestingly, Kaybobo’s immunity had been purchased using the housemates’ collective funds.

However, the contestants managed to restore the grand prize to N80 million before the season’s close.

As the show wrapped up, anticipation soared among fans awaiting the announcement of the ultimate winner.

Imisi’s humour and relatability have made her a crowd favorite, while Dede’s daring personality has kept audiences divided and deeply engaged.

Imisioluwa Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10/10.

The 23-year-old actress and fashion designer won the coveted N80 million cash prize, an SUV, and other rewards after a fierce competition with nine other finalists.

Following closely was Dede who emerged runner-up for the season.

Imisi’s journey on the show was marked by her unique energy, humor, and drama, making her a fan favorite among viewers.

The grand finale, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on October 5, featured performances from popular artistes Adekunle Gold and Iyanya, adding to the excitement and nostalgia of the evening.

With her win, Imisi cements her place as one of the most memorable contestants of the season.

The Kingdom Achievers Awards (KAA) Nigeria’s premier platform celebrating excellence among Christian creatives, recently unveiled plans for its highly anticipated fourth edition, scheduled for November 9th at the Muson Centre in Lagos.

The event will blend red-carpet glamour with uplifting tributes, fostering a space where creativity meets conviction.

In a statement issued by the founder of KAA, Sam Adejo said that since its first event in 2022, the Kingdom Achievers Awards has transformed into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural calendar, spotlighting talents who blend spiritual depth with artistic prowess across business, music, fashion, writing, and music videos, content creation and more.

He noted that the third edition last year lit up social media with massive engagements, as attendees and viewers tuned in to honour trailblazers reshaping the Gospel creative landscape.

He promised that this year’s event would eclipse previous ones in scale and spectacle. ‘Expect deeper dives into emerging talents, interactive sessions on faith in the arts, and partnerships that amplify voices from across Nigeria’s industry. The buzz is already electric, fans are clamouring for details on nominations, performances, and surprise guests,’ Sam Adejo, founder of KAA, briefly shared.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by businessman Abubakar Ismaila Isa Funtua, who alleged that his 43 million shares were transferred without his consent to Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operators of 9mobile.

Delivering judgment on September 24, Justice Mohammed Umar held that Isa, the lone plaintiff, lacked the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action against the nine defendants.

The defendants were: Seltrix Limited, Hayatu Hassan Hadejia, Teleology Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Edewor, EMTS, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), LH Telecommunication Limited, and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma.

Isa, through his counsel Femi Atteh (SAN), had commenced the suit on December 27, 2024, seeking 11 reliefs, including a declaration that he was the beneficial owner of the disputed shares allegedly held in trust for him by Seltrix Ltd in Teleology Nigeria Ltd.

However, the third, fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth defendants, represented by Michael Aondakaa, SAN, C.I. Okpoko (SAN), R.O. Atabo (SAN), A.T. Kohol, and C.C. Ogbonna, filed a joint preliminary objection dated February 5, urging the court to dismiss the case for want of jurisdiction and as an abuse of court process.

After reviewing arguments from all parties, Justice Umar upheld the objection, ruling that Isa failed to show any legal interest in the subject matter.

Justice Umar held: ‘I carefully perused the said exhibit to see if the allegation of the plaintiff is substantiated, I did not find any.

‘Nowhere was there any figure of the 43,000,000 million ordinary shares held in trust for the plaintiff by the first defendant mentioned.

‘In fact, the second defendant denied any business dealings with the plaintiff and these facts were not controverted by the plaintiff.

‘The said exhibits cannot by any imagination constitute a trust to confer locus standi on the plaintiff.

‘The said exhibits were tendered by the plaintiff, but nowhere did it link the plaintiff to his claims to enable him to institute an action on the facts alleged therein.’

The court held that the plaintiff failed to establish the facts he asserted and to link his claims to the exhibits he himself tendered by virtue of averment in this suit.

‘I find that the objectors have adequately countered the said exhibits in their reply on points of law in tandem with the law that failure to respond to a counter affidavit is deemed to be an admission,’ Justice Umar held.

In the final analysis, the judge added: ‘I resolve the issue of locus standi against the plaintiff, and the law is that where a plaintiff has been adjudged to lack locus standi, it does not matter what other issues have been raised for determination in the suit.’

The court noted that since the plaintiff lacked the capacity to institute the action, there was no need to make a pronouncement on grounds two to nine (2-9) of the third, fourth, fifth, eighth and ninth defendants’ Notice of Preliminary Objections, which included claims that the suit was statute-barred, incompetent, and that Isa was a ‘meddlesome interloper’ seeking to frustrate the operations of EMTS.

‘I, therefore, make an order striking out this action for lack of locus standi of the plaintiff. This is the Order of this Court,’ the judge added.

The case was marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024.

Women of the Lagos Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Lagos gathered at St. Paul’s Church, Breadfruit, for their annual Praise Day, a celebration of thanksgiving, evangelism, and service to the less privileged.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the wife of the Vicar of St. Paul’s Church and leader of the Archdeaconry women, Mrs. Fadeke Oyediran, described Praise Day as a moment to appreciate God’s faithfulness.

‘Praise Day is an annual event we hold to thank God for what He has done and what He is still doing in our lives and in our churches. We would never take Him for granted,’ she said.

She explained that beyond worship, the women also highlight their charitable works, which include caring for orphans, the homeless and vulnerable women.

She cited the story of a blind girl, orphaned at a young age, whom the women have supported since childhood and who is now a 22-year-old student of Queen’s College, Lagos.

‘We are her parents. We also support a homeless woman and others in need within our community. That has been our work,’ Oyediran said.

Encouraging members not to relent despite economic challenges, she added, ‘As things are in Nigeria, some of us are still struggling, but we continue to help people. That is what God has asked us to do-win souls, invest in people’s lives, and do more for Him.’

Chairperson of this year’s celebration, Chief (Mrs.) Funke Arthur-Worrey, praised the women for their resilience and devotion.

‘With today’s economic challenges, you still find time and resources to care for the blind, the impaired, the homeless, and many others. I pray you will never be tired of doing good, and that the Lord will continue to bless you and your families,’ she said.

Lady Abike Ogundeyi, a member of St. Paul’s Church and co-chairperson of the event, emphasised the spiritual importance of thanksgiving.

‘When we praise God, we show gratitude for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will yet do. Praise brings joy, peace of mind, and draws us closer to Him. Even as a nation, things can change when we cultivate the habit of thanksgiving,’ she noted.

The Praise Day featured prayers, hymns, thanksgiving, and renewed commitments to evangelism and community service, with participants from the five churches under the Lagos Archdeaconry in attendance.

Ven. Dr. Julius Oyediran, Vicar and Archdeacon of Lagos, commended the women for their steadfastness. He said Praise Day was a time to reflect on God’s mercy, which has continued to sustain Nigeria despite national challenges.

In his October 1 broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was flush with good tidings. ‘The worst is over, I say,’ he gushed. ‘Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I support your endurance, support and understanding.’

The alluring statistics, which he reeled out, simply walked that cheery talk.

In second quarter 2025, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.25%, well above the 3.4 % the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had projected. Inflation, another critical economic monitor, fell to 20.12% in August. Though still two-digit, which points that it’s not yet checkmate on the inflationary front, it’s the lowest in three years. That shows how far the administration’s economic reforms have gone.

Jarring inflation was the clearest sign of the harsh combination of oil subsidy removal and floating the Naira against foreign currencies. The Naira devalued, jacking up cross-sectoral costs. So, if inflation is moderating, even while these twin-triggers are still on, it logically reflects an economy structurally re-adjusting – and improving. That supports the president’s claim that the worst is over.

Still on cheering statistics. For a near-mono economy that relies on crude oil sales, non-oil exports have virtually torn through the roof. Latest numbers show that non-oil export revenue now accounts for 48% of the total, though oil and gas still dominate at 52%: with Nigeria now exporting refined products: diesel, petrol, aviation fuel, etc.

Despite that, non-oil exports have closed the gap to this almost 50:50 – and that from virtual nowhere! In just more than two years, non-oil revenue is boosting Nigeria’s trade surplus. Indeed, non-oil earnings for September – which was N3.65 trillion – towered above May earnings by 411%, a feat the president called ‘record-breaking’. Export of made-in-Nigeria manufactured goods soared by 173%!

On debt capital – crucial to accessing quality loans: borrowed cash to build critical physical and social infrastructure – the improvements are no less impressive. Debt service-to-revenue ratio has improved from 97% in 2023 to less than 50% now. That ways-and-means advances are now history underscore the booming fiscal health of the economy.

From more secure debt capital, to improved tax revenue. From less than 10% in 2023, tax-to-GDP ratio has crested at 13.5% in 2025. But that is still lower than the African average of 15%. By 2027, the government projects an 18% tax-to-GDP ratio, well past the African average. With the revamped tax laws debuting from January 2026, this target appears very much attainable.

Aside the fiscal and monetary plain, the numbers from infrastructure, the hard core economic driver, are no less heart-warming. Rail infrastructure, from the president’s statistics, has grown by 40%; water transportation, by 27%.

The 284-km Kano-Katsina-Maradi standard gauge rail is powering to completion. When it is completed, linking Ibadan to Abuja would complete the Lagos-Ibadan-Kano standard gauge rail. That African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA)-friendly rail, modelled after the old trans-Sahara trade route, should gift Nigeria huge coast freight business, heading into land-locked neighbours.

The Lagos-Ibadan corridor is already adding great value to mass passengers and freight. Work goes on, on the Port-Harcourt-Aba-Maiduguri narrow-gauge eastern rail network too, for which the Federal Executive Council (FEC) just released US$ 3 billion. This rail rebirth will truly rebirth and expand the Nigerian economy.

Expansion and repair of decayed road stock go on apace: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, just to list two legacy road projects.

Indeed, this strong infrastructural push cannot be belittled. Unlike previous reforms under President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan that delivered collapsed infrastructure, despite relatively higher crude oil earnings, the current reforms tick with infrastructural expansion. The Tinubu administration has earned due praise for continuing with the infrastructure reset of the Buhari years.

On infrastructure, the president was insistent: ‘We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit and construct the schools our children will attend, and the hospitals that will care for our people,’ he stressed. Reforms that deliver big on infrastructure, physical and social, should be lauded and encouraged.

Now, with all of these statistical glad tidings, does it mean the country has arrived that comfort zone? Not by a mile! The president himself admitted that much.

The sweet-sour oil subsidy removal may have opened the spigot for far more cash into Nigeria’s three governmental tiers. But it hasn’t quite translated into a welfare boom for most. Indeed, the masses that received ‘little or nothing’ – in the president’s exact words – from oil subsidy have not exactly enjoyed a boom from the new non-subsidy regime.

Therein then lies the gravest challenge for the government – with its foes ever ready to weaponise the pains in the land; and demonise its gains with unending shrieks and anguish. While the opposition must play its politics – the government itself would have acted same in their shoes – President Tinubu must buckle down to further taming inflation, at least on food items and transport costs.

In fairness, food inflation is climbing down. But in many areas, it’s still higher than wages. That means the wage of many – if not most workers – can’t really take them home. Whoever listens to tales – no matter how sweet! – on rumbling tummy!

That grim reality may have prompted a N330 billion safety net conditional cash transfer to eight million poorest Nigerian households – very laudable! But until the cash ease is felt by those at the top of the poverty scale and the vanishing middle class, the government will still stay condemned to serenading its glorious statistics, with not a few looking askance.

Other areas the government can do far better are electricity – and security. But first, this presidential admission: ‘We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today’ – candid!

Yet, it must be admitted: power appears generally more stable but not at that level that should sustainably power an economy to heights never seen. President Tinubu should take power as a personal challenge. The economy can’t hit US$ 1 trillion by 2031 with shambolic electricity.

On security, there have also been significant improvements. But such is the asymmetrical warfare of terror that it takes one terror hit, in one month, to rubbish the security progress of the last three years. The government should therefore keep pressing hard to root out these mindless felons.

Federalising the Police is critical to the new security beginning. The president, to be sure, has shown doughty commitment to state police. But he should use his bully pulpit to push state houses of assembly beyond the finishing line.

Across the board, the fundamentals are changing for the better. So, organised Labour, instead of ‘Aluta’ fixation with wage increases, should closely follow the numbers, galvanise their members to mega-productivity, in concert with the emerging better fundamentals. If, for instance, the economy expands four-fold, no government can dispute doubling wages as of right, citing the bogey of inflation. If they do, Labour can butt them down with clinical numbers. Now, is the time to start tracking and acting. As it is now, sans the political aristocrats, about everyone is underpaid in this economy.

As the president said, Nigeria since 1960 has gone through good and bad times. But for once, from these reform pains, a promising window appears opening to get it right. We – the government and the people – must ensure we don’t clap that window shut.

The Abia State government has debunked the news that the state has sold out slots of the ongoing recruitment of health workers in the state.

Rumours making rounds in the state were that some officials of the government had sold out slots of the recruitment to allies and other cronies outside the state.

This is coming on the heels of the statement by the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti, during a media chat last week, that even foreigners are interested in working as health personnel in the state.

The chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pst Eno Jerry Eze, in a statement described the information as fake, adding that the state as part of its moves to promote transparency, adopted the use of a computer-based Test for applications, adding that interviews were meticulously designed to eliminate biased by ensuring that the best and most qualified candidates were selected for available positions.

The Abia State Civil Service Commission chairman, while assuring the commitment of the commission to openness and transparency in the recruitment of the health workers encouraged anyone with verifiable information about potential infractions or attempts to misrepresent the Commission to report it immediately.

Eno said ‘The Abia State Civil Service Commission is compelled to address a recent publication alleging the sale of slots in the ongoing healthcare workers recruitment process. We wish to assure Abians that these allegations are baseless and unfounded.

‘The Commission has implemented a robust recruitment process that integrates technology and global HR standards, ensuring transparency, fairness, and meritocracy at every stage.

‘The application, Computer-Based Test (CBT) and interview processes have been meticulously designed to eliminate biases and ensure that only the best and most qualified candidates are selected for the available positions.

‘This process has received continuous praise from candidates and stakeholders, who acknowledge that it sets a new precedent in the public sector for its integrity.

‘We want to assure Abians that, just as with the Computer-Based Tests, the final results of the recruitment process, along with candidates’ documentation status, will be publicly published on the official recruitment portal.

‘This commitment to openness leaves absolutely no room for manipulation or alteration.

‘The Abia State Civil Service Commission is resolute in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency throughout this process.

‘We urge all stakeholders to remain confident in our ability to deliver a fair and merit-based recruitment exercise.

‘We strongly encourage anyone with verifiable information about potential infractions or attempts to misrepresent the Commission to report it immediately through this link: https shorturi at EonF3.

‘We assure all stakeholders that these reports will be thoroughly investigated, and decisive, appropriate actions will be taken against any confirmed breaches.

‘The Abia State Civil Service Commission remains dedicated to ensuring that the recruitment process is conducted with the utmost integrity to build a highly competent and professional healthcare workforce for the state.’

Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, regretted that many women have lost their lives due to uncontrolled complications at the traditional birth attendants, saying that, his administration is intentional about the lives of the people, especially the mother and child, hence his government embarked on the retrofitting of 200 PHCs across all the wards in the state.

He reiterated his resolve to take decisive action against operators of such traditional birth attendants to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.

He urged community leaders to take ownership of the facility.

The governor disclosed that the state government would also build staff quarters for health workers and encouraged residents to make full use of the centre.

He later conducted a tour of the facility with the State Director of Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ure Abazie, and the traditional ruler of Ohiya, Eze Abel Uhuegbu.

He informed that the centre is equipped with modern facilities including an automatic external defibrillator, radiant warmer, vital signs monitor for pregnant women, ultrasound, parameter machine, weighing scale, general laboratory, and auto analyser among others.

Also speaking, the Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Engineer Chinedu Enwereuzo, expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for embarking on life-touching projects, describing the projects as a true sign of love for the people.

He urged the Ohiya traditional ruler to ensure the protection of the equipment and called on the community to reciprocate the governor’s gesture at the appropriate time.

He also commended the state for giving health proper attention and encouraged Abians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to strengthen their civic responsibility.

Speaking with journalists, the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie, lauded Governor Otti and the Ministry of Health for prioritising the well-being of Abians.