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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has assured Seplat Energy Joint Venture of the state government’s support and a conducive environment for its operations.

Speaking at the 2025 second edition of the Seplat Energy JV PEARLs Quiz competition for secondary schools in Imo State, held in Owerri, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. BTO Ikegwuoha, commended Seplat Energy and its partners for bringing the competition to Imo.

He said: ‘Seplat, let us do this again next year. We assure you of the backing of the state government, a conducive environment to operate and impact on the host community meaningfully as we are witnessing today.’

Addressing the students, Uzodimma advised them to see participation as an opportunity to learn rather than focusing only on winning.

Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by Grace Amadi, General Manager, Partner Relations, thanked the joint venture partners, the state government, and the schools for making the quiz a success.

She said: ‘This is a laudable initiative by the NNPC/Seplat JV, dating back to over 12 years. We are happy that this has got to Imo State.’

She explained that the programme aims to prepare students to compete globally, encouraging them to apply their knowledge in practical and innovative ways.

Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Engr. Seyi Omotawa, represented by Minanengiyeofori Loveday, described the quiz as a reflection of NUIMS’ commitment to education and intellectual growth.

He said: ‘We reflect on the journey since our inaugural edition, I am thrilled to see how this event has evolved into a significant platform for young minds to showcase their knowledge and skills.’

He urged the students to focus on learning and collaboration rather than just material rewards.

Similarly, Idi-Ada Itotoi, Managing Director of Eastern Asset, Seplat Energy, represented by Emmanuel Otokhine, congratulated the finalists, saying they had all gained confidence that could help them excel in future challenges.

At the grand finale, Avana Model Secondary School, Owerri, won the first prize of N5 million for school development. Each of the three student representatives received N100,000 in scholarships, and their teacher was awarded a laptop.

Delight International School, Owerri, came second, receiving N3 million for school development, with N75,000 scholarships for each student and a laptop for the teacher.

St John Leonardi Model Secondary School, Owerri, placed third, winning N1 million, with each student receiving N50,000 in scholarships and their teacher also taking home a laptop.

In addition to the PEARLs Quiz, Seplat Energy held a STEAM competition where six schools were rewarded with N250,000 each for innovative projects. The schools included Urban Secondary School, Federal Government Girls College, Mountain Press Secondary School, Benny Poly Max College, Alpha Junior Seminary, and Faith Academy.

Their projects ranged from electronic-driven vehicles and telescopes to artificial intelligence for career guidance, modern architectural designs, oil drilling machines, and digital business platforms.

A 200 level student of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and son of a member of the State House of Assembly representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Adeola is dead.

The deceased died after a brief illness on Friday.

The Oyo lawmaker son’s untimely passing has thrown the family, friends, and the university community into deep mourning.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Et. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family.

Ogundoyin during the visit described the incident as heartbreaking and deeply painful, especially for a young life with such promise and potential.

‘This is a painful loss not just for Hon.Bamidele Adeola and his family, but for all of us who are his colleagues, friends, and fellow parents. Words cannot capture the sorrow we feel at this moment,’ the Speaker said during the visit.

He extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire Oyo State House of Assembly and assured the bereaved family of the Assembly’s prayers and support during this difficult time.

Hon. Bamidele Adeola, surrounded by sympathisers, expressed appreciation for the Speaker’s visit and the outpouring of love from colleagues and the public.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has warned contractors handling Federal Roads across Edo State to expedite action and complete the projects by October 2025 or face contract termination, adding that the only way to get the economy of a state or a nation to move forward is to build roads.

Hon. Umahi, who gave the warning while on an inspection tour of federal roads across Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts at the weekend, particularly ordered CBC, one of the contractors handling the road project, to return to the site on Monday or face the likelihood of contract termination.

The visit was aimed at assessing first-hand the deplorable state of critical road infrastructure and exploring urgent interventions to ease the burden on commuters.

The inspection tour took the delegation to Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi, where the Minister expressed deep displeasure at the condition of the roads.

The Minister, accompanied by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to helping the people through quality projects that would impact meaningfully on them.

He said: ‘When we came on board about the time of the election of our dear governor, the stakeholders came to see the President and say, look, we need this place (Benin-Auchi road).

‘In September last year, when a truck fell in this location, it took divers to swim to the point to rescue the driver. And it was a sight that nobody should pray to see.

‘And I think the President saw it. So, when they came and mentioned it, the immediate intervention was to use the BUA tax credit to rescue this place. Today, nobody will understand how this place was. So, I commend BUA very highly.’

Continuing, Umahi said: ‘The job quality is excellent, the speed is good, but I am tasking them in the month of October, if this first 10 by 220k is not finished, I will ground all your operations everywhere in the country until this is done.

‘I think there should be an element of madness to right the wrongs of the past, and you can now go and talk anyhow you want to.

‘So, I am directing CBC to get back to the site while commending them because my conscience is before God. I work for God, Mr President and the people.

‘I am very courageous to do the right thing, and this is very important. So, CCECC, by Monday, you are not working effectively in two sections. I know you have not been mobilised, then forget about that job. We will give it to other people.’

He explained that one of the greatest problems being faced by the Federal Government in terms of building roads is that contractors handling the projects have no more than 25 projects each, inherited from the past administration, and have inadequate personnel to execute the projects.

‘So, they don’t have the personnel or equipment to man those jobs. So, they go into economic politics and say Oh, there is rain, traffic and demand for compensation.

‘But I am poised to address such politics. People are suffering, and the President is committed to righting the wrongs of the past.

‘When we came on board, and I challenge anybody, tell me any state outside what the governors are doing that has 100km of road that you can pass without a challenge?

‘There is none. What BUA is doing is what the President is doing. He is building roads, not constructing roads.

‘Because this is part of the NNPC Tax Credit project. And the President has directed that none of these projects should stop. So, if you see any other stopping, it is our responsibility and we owe the public very serious apologies.

‘So, I have directed the Director of Works on what the contractors need to do nationwide. We need to get the right method statement for the execution of road projects.

‘I think that the contractors on this road have a responsibility to assist, because the hold-up you see, you have to hold me responsible because the President has given every assistance to ensure that this road, all the way from Warri down to Abuja, is in very good condition,’ he disclosed.

Governor Okpebholo, on his part, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising Edo roads, noting that the administration’s renewed focus has inspired confidence among the people.

He described the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results, adding, ‘This is a federal road, but Edo people use these roads, and we cannot abandon them.

‘President Tinubu has changed the narrative, and our people are grateful. What our administration is doing is visible to everyone. In the past, the State Government put up signs saying ‘please bear with us’.’

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull, described the project as a direct product of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ adding that communities along the route are already feeling the impact of federal attention.

Speaking earlier for BUA International, Project Manager, Mohammad Rabiu, assured that the new concrete design being used on the 30km Ekpoma section of the road would ensure longevity.

‘This Ekpoma section was once a death trap. Today, people are smiling. In a few weeks, we will return to commission this project,’ he said.

Director of Federal Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation), Engr. Clement Ogbuagu also commended BUA International for the quality of work delivered on the 30km Ekpoma section.

He explained that the previous contractor’s poor performance necessitated termination before President Tinubu re-awarded the contract under a tax credit scheme.

Governor Okpebholo and Engr. Umahi also visited some parts of the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, recently handed over to a Concession Company.

In a significant development, Umahi formally handed over the completion of one full carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government.

He explained that while the Federal Ministry of Works will handle the design, execution will be managed locally by the State Government.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity and progress in the state, declaring that his administration will sweep away division, poverty, and treachery to ensure sustained development.

Speaking on Thursday night at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, where a large crowd of supporters welcomed him on his return flight, Governor Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to embrace unity and actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

‘We are Akwa Ibom united – united for progress and development. And the symbolic broom of the Party is going to sweep away disunity, poverty, division, and treachery,’ he said.

The Governor also restated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, stressing that alignment with the centre was crucial to attracting more federal presence and benefits to the state.

‘You must be proud to be connected to the centre in order to continue to receive the support of the centre for the overall benefit of our people and our state,’ Governor Eno declared.

Governor Eno explained that he deliberately scheduled his return trip at night to personally inspect the restored runway lighting at the Victor Attah International Airport.

‘I chose to return at night to inspect our runway, to do project inspection. And I am satisfied with the lighting work done here,’ he said, commending the airport management for meeting the deadline.

With the completion of the project, he announced the commencement of night operations at the airport, allowing Ibom Air and other airlines to land and depart after dark.

‘Our Airport is back, so any flight can now land here at night. Ibom Air can bring in passengers and night-stop in Uyo for their first flights in the morning to Lagos and Abuja, because this is the home of Ibom Air,’ he said.

The Governor further disclosed that, following the speedy passage of the Supplementary Budget by the State House of Assembly, the government would expand its road construction projects from the current 772km to 1,000km during the next dry season.

Promising to continue delivering the dividends of democracy, Eno described the massive turnout at the airport as a major source of encouragement.

‘Your massive turnout at this reception this evening, though a surprise to me, is like putting fuel in a car. And it will certainly go far in its journey. I therefore promise you, we will continue to work for Akwa Ibom and deliver on the dividends of democracy,’ he said.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter, Ondo State, on Friday raised the alarm over what it described as years of neglect of the state-owned institution by successive administrations, calling for urgent intervention by the state government.

The lecturers, who threatened a showdown with the government, accused it of starving the university of critical funding, noting that no capital grant had been released to the institution in the last seven years despite annual budgetary provisions.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing held at the AAUA Business School in Akure, the Chairperson of ASUU-AAUA, Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi, said staff welfare, infrastructure, and general funding had deteriorated to the worst levels since the university was established in 1999.

Oshodi, who spoke on behalf of the union, lamented that academic staff were currently being owed two months’ salaries (August and September 2025) in addition to a backlog of allowances and arrears running into billions of naira.

According to him, ‘The citadel of learning has witnessed serious neglect in the last six years. The major challenge confronting AAUA is inadequate funding, particularly the low monthly subvention and the non-release of capital grants by the Ondo State Government.

‘It may amaze you to know that the state government has not released a kobo as capital grant to the university for the past seven years. Meanwhile, the Ondo State House of Assembly appropriates these grants every year.’

He queried, ‘The question is, what happens to this money? It is a wonder what happens to the money budgeted annually for the university’s capital projects.’

Oshodi explained that while the university’s monthly salary and overhead obligations stood at over N555 million, the government only provides a subvention of N223 million, leaving a shortfall of more than N333 million monthly.

Speaking on infrastructural decay, the ASUU chair noted that lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries were in dire need of rehabilitation.

He specifically said the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Education buildings had become uninhabitable due to collapsed roofs and waterlogged offices whenever it rained.

He lamented that the withdrawal of TETFund interventions from AAUA had worsened the situation, leaving the institution without any reliable source of capital funding.

According to him, the university has had to rely on internally generated revenue to survive, but the shortfall remains overwhelming.

The union further listed several outstanding obligations owed to its members, including unpaid promotion arrears, minimum wage arrears from 2014 and 2019, cooperative deductions, and unremitted third-party deductions.

On the state of access roads to the institution, the union said both routes linking AAUA to the Owo-Ikare highway were in deplorable condition, making it difficult for staff, students, and visitors to commute to the university.

Oshodi recalled that after writing several letters to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the union met with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, alongside top government officials in June 2025, where it was agreed that a verification team from the Ministry of Finance would visit AAUA within two weeks.

However, according to ASUU, no verification team has visited to date, despite several reminders, expressing disappointment in the government’s attitude towards the plight of the institution.

The union also faulted what it described as preferential treatment of another tertiary institution in the state, which, according to Oshodi, had benefitted from over N2.5 billion in special interventions from both the late Akeredolu administration and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s government.

‘Why should AAUA be left to decay? An institution that has been prudently managed and sustained by the dedication of its academic staff deserves equal attention. What is good for the goose should also be good for the gander,’ Oshodi said.

ASUU-AAUA therefore demanded the immediate release of special intervention funds to clear outstanding salaries and allowances, as well as an upward review of the university’s monthly subvention to match its wage bill.

Oshodi added, ‘While another tertiary institution in the state has received special financial interventions worth over N2.5 billion from both the Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa administrations, AAUA has been completely sidelined. We ask: what has AAUA done wrong or failed to do right?’

ASUU-AAUA called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to urgently release special intervention funds to settle outstanding salaries and allowances of its members and to increase the university’s monthly subvention to reflect its wage bill of over N500 million.

‘AAUA is our pride. It is a 21st-century university that deserves support, not neglect. With the prudence and commitment of its managers and staff over the years, this university deserves better,’ the union declared.

Ondo State Government on Friday presented cheques worth N38 million to 39 residents of the state to support and assist in their medical treatment.

The Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, who made the presentation in Akure, said the beneficiaries were selected after screening by a medical assistance board.

Ajaka explained that some of the beneficiaries required kidney transplants and other costly procedures, noting that 39 applicants were approved out of 54 who applied for the intervention.

The Health Commissioner said, ‘We are giving out a total amount of N38m to 39 residents to assist them. Some of them have kidney problems that they have to do transplant, and it’s very expensive, and this is what we’re able to distribute to them that Mr. Governor approved.

‘There was a board that they all undergo, where they applied, we looked at their documents and examined them. So, the board did that diligently and picked those that are deserving of assistance. 39 people succeeded out of the 54 people that are keyed into the exercise.’

The commissioner also urged residents to enroll in the state’s contributory health insurance scheme, which he said allows civil servants and other categories of workers to access healthcare without paying out of pocket.

‘The Abiyamo scheme also provides free maternal and child healthcare, including cesarean sections, for registered beneficiaries,’

What we are saying is that the contributory health insurance scheme in Ondo State is compulsory for every person. So we started with the formal sector, the civil servants, the government workers, the local government workers, and they are now enjoying it.

‘You don’t need to have money in your pocket to access the service, and it goes to the level of when you even need to do an operation, and you’re paying 40 percent while the government is paying 60 percent.

‘Also, there’s another aspect of it, the Abiyamo scheme is for maternal and child health, free of charge, provided you register. You take your delivery, whether spontaneous vaginal delivery or cesarean section, without paying a dime.

‘While I will advise all the beneficiaries to use whatever is being given to them for the purpose for which it is given, and God will grant them good health.

‘They should take good care of their health. And to the people of Ondo State, let us take care of our health because it’s very important for us.’

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Adeniran Ikuomola, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving and releasing the funds, noting that the governor had consistently provided medical assistance to residents in need.

‘I want to appreciate, especially our own governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for approving this exercise. Not only has he approved, but he has also released the funds. He has been assisting people who are in need of medical assistance in the state since he became the governor.

‘So it is better for all of us to key into the Contributory Healthcare Insurance Scheme, an opportunity for every one of us to key into, so that anytime there is a need for us to take care of our health, we will go to the hospital without paying out of pocket.

‘We want to recommend it for all of us as long as the government continues to assist people that are in need, it is better for all of us to key into Contributory Health Scheme, so that every time, any time that we require health services, we can receive it without paying from our pocket.’

One of the beneficiaries, Caroline Jimoh, while speaking on behalf of others, appreciated the state government for the support, describing it as timely and life-saving.

She said, ‘Many of us had given up on treating our health problems because of lack of money. This gesture has restored hope to us,’ Jimoh said.

The Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) has elected Nicodemus Olorunshola Odolo of Nisol Worldwide Investment as its new President, following a keenly contested election held in Lagos.

He takes over office from Barr. Leonard Ogamba, the former President of the association.

Odolo secured victory with nine votes, defeating Princess (Mrs.) Mulikat Fehintola Sanni of Mulifelong Motors, who polled two votes.

His emergence marks a new leadership era for SALS, as he pledged to reposition the association for greater impact in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Other executives elected during the exercise include Mrs. Ngozi Modebelu of WACTAF Association, who became Vice President unopposed after Dr. Farinto Collins Kayode of Wealthy Honey Investment stepped down. Ganni Alli Shobande of Accessport Nigeria Ltd. was returned unopposed as Secretary General, while Wilson Osim of Dangote Industries Ltd. emerged unopposed as Financial Secretary. Also elected unopposed were Mr. Ike Nwago of Multifreight Nig. Ltd. as Publicity Secretary and Barr. Remigius Uche Odoh of Maritime and Commercial Law Partners, who administered the oath of office to the new executives.

The election was conducted under the supervision of Pastor Jonah Amata, who served as the Electoral and Returning Officer.

In his acceptance speech, Odolo expressed gratitude to members of the association for entrusting him with the leadership mandate, describing his victory as a ‘collective achievement’ rather than a personal triumph. He reaffirmed his commitment to unity, promising to foster inclusiveness and collaboration among members.

‘This victory belongs to all of us. It is testimony to the power of unity and cooperation, and I believe that together we can achieve great things,’ Odolo said.

He unveiled part of his vision to strengthen SALS, pledging to take the association to national and international recognition where cargo owners will have a strong voice in maritime affairs.

Odolo further disclosed plans to tackle delays in cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, targeting a system that ensures consignments are released within 12 to 48 hours instead of months.

Acknowledging past divisions within the association, Odolo stressed the need for reconciliation and renewed harmony. ‘There may be different understandings concerning policies or issues, but when we sit together, we find unity. What happened this afternoon is proof of that unity,’ he added.

The new President assured members that his administration would immediately engage critical maritime stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, truck owners, and freight forwarders, to drive reforms that would benefit cargo owners and the nation’s economy.

With the swearing-in of the new executives, members of SALS expressed optimism that the association would witness stronger cohesion and greater relevance under Odolo’s leadership.

Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) is set to host the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health (LASOSH) Conference 2025, saying that the planned conference, themed: ‘Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a Catalyst for Nation Building,’ would move beyond conversations to concrete policy actions, uniting government, industry, labour, academia, civil society, and development partners in co-creating a sustainable safety framework.

The Agency made this known in a release, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, saying that the landmark event, which was scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, was coming at ‘a defining moment in Lagos State’s development journey.’

The State Safety Commission said this became so as Lagos faces complex safety challenges ranging from managing large events and concerts, building collapses, and transport accidents to industrial hazards, emergency preparedness, and risks in informal sectors, amidst rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and rising population density.

According to the statement, the summit will position Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a policy and developmental imperative, central to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of making Lagos Africa’s Model Megacity and a Global Economic Hub that is Safe, Secure, Functional, and Productive, describing the planned gathering as a Defining Moment for Policy, Safety, and Development.

‘This year’s summit will move beyond conversations to concrete policy actions, uniting government, industry, labour, academia, civil society, and development partners in co-creating a sustainable safety framework.

‘Key policy directions to be advanced include: Mainstreaming OSH into Nigeria’s national and state development plans, Institutionalizing Safety Impact Assessments for all major development projects, Enforcing occupier’s liability insurance across commercial buildings to protect the public, Strengthening legislative backing for OSH standards in both public and private sectors, Integrating safety in urban planning, transport reforms, and tourism regulation, Leveraging technology and innovation to strengthen data-driven safety management systems.

‘By embedding safety into economic and social planning, Lagos aims to boost productivity, safeguard lives, attract sustainable investment, and reinforce public trust,’ the statement said.

Speaking further, the statement stated that the highlight of the event will include Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu holding a High-Level Global Dialogue, titled:

‘Advancing Sector-Specific Safety Standards across Lagos’s Diverse Economy,’ with representatives from Canada, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, sharing lessons from international best practices.

It said there would also be a Discourse Session, titled: ‘The Future of Work: Balancing Safety, Innovation, and Technology,’ with contributions from Google, Ernst and Young, Lafarge, and BUA Group, adding that there would be a Roadmap Presentation by the Lagos State Safety Commission team.

‘Occupational Safety and Health is not just about compliance; it is about protecting lives, preserving dignity, and driving Lagos’s growth story. At LASOSH 2025, we are going beyond the rhetoric and building a Lagos where safety is a culture, innovation drives resilience, and every life is valued,’ LSC Director General,’ Mr. Lanre Mojola said.