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Sultan Maccido Institute of Leadership at the Peace and Development Centre in Yakubu Gowon University has honoured Deputy Commissioner of Police and academic, Dr. Akeem Adedeji, in recognition of his contributions to human development and academic advancement.

The ceremony also celebrated retired Major General Bola Koleoso for his commitment to service and nation-building.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Matthew Adamu, described Dr. Adedeji as a role model, whose dedication to teaching and mentoring students exemplifies the spirit of giving back to society.

‘We must recognise people who give back to society. Giving back does not have to be about money. There are contributions that cannot be measured in monetary terms, and that is what these gentlemen are doing for our country,’ Adamu said.

Dr. Adedeji, who has been lecturing pro bono for the last five years, lauded the recognition. He noted that his contributions had always been driven by passion rather than expectation of reward.

Director of the institute, Prof Mohammed Yelwa, hailed the recipients for their dedication, stressing their efforts had enriched the institute’s programmes and added value to the university.

Dr. Adedeji donated books to the university’s library, further underlining his commitment to academic development.

Dr. Adedeji, who holds a PhD in Law from a Malaysian university, boasts an impressive academic record with five Master’s degrees in International Law, Business Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, and Cyber Investigation and Law, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Public Administration. Called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigeria Law School in Abuja, he is the author of over 31 academic books and 45 peer-reviewed articles, and an active member of several professional bodies both locally and internationally.

The university stated that the honour was a testament to the value of selfless service and intellectual dedication in driving national development.

Reigning Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) champions Rivers Hoopers put up a performance underlined by resilience and character, as they overturned a 4-point deficit at halftime to beat Lagos Legends 89-70 in the final game of the Atlantic Conference Phase Two.

In what was essentially a battle for pride and supremacy, it was Lagos Legends who scored the game’s first points as they opened up an early lead that stretched to nine points at 26-17 by the end of the first quarter, which was characterised by near misses for the KingsMen.

The KingsMen improved in their shot accuracy during the second quarter, as vice-captain Buchi Nwaiwu and Victor Sunday combined for fourteen points to cut the deficit to four points with the halftime score at 47-43.

The halftime break offered Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu the opportunity to make tactical tweaks, reinforcing how the team contained their opponents.

‘The first thing that I spoke about in the huddle today was transition defense, the need to get back on time quickly. We didn’t do that well. When we corrected it later on, the game changed [in our favour], but in the first half they killed us on the transition offense. ‘It’s something that we’re definitely going to work on going forward,’ he revealed.

The KingsMen responded positively to Odaudu’s halftime instructions and, buoyed by the vociferous crowd, came out with much verve in the third.

Samuel Sani showed outstanding industry, scoring big points along with vital rebounds. But it was John Idoga who got the crowd rocking with a game-tying shot from deep to level the score at 61-61, before Abdul Malik sent the arena into a frenzy with the last sequence of the third quarter, sinking one free throw followed by a brilliant layup to hand the hosts the lead for the first time with the score at 64-61.

From that moment on, it was one-way traffic as Malik’s energy inspired the team to an outstanding performance in the fourth quarter, during which they restricted their opponents to just nine (9) points while scoring twenty-five (25) to close out the game at 89-70.

Speaking after the game, Odaudu could not hide his admiration for his standout performers.

‘I am very proud of both of them, Malik and especially Favour [Komene]. They changed the tempo and the dynamic of the game. They are my two MVPs for today’s game. These are people who hadn’t seen major minutes in all the games, but they stepped up when it mattered most and helped us out.

He further said such mentality shown by Malik and Favour is what makes Rivers Hoopers formidable.

‘That’s how it’s supposed to be. There’s no specific day, and there’s no particular person who is a hero on this team. Anybody can wake up any day and bail us out, and that’s what Milk did today,’ he pointed out.

Buchi Nwaiwu alongside John Idoga, top-scored for the KingsMen with fifteen points, while Sani (14) and Victor Sunday (12) also hit double figures.

The result meant Rivers Hoopers completed Phase Two of the Atlantic Conference with a perfect record, much to the delight of the team’s gaffer, who also pointed out some areas for improvement.

‘I’m happy that it was a clean sweep, but I’m also not happy with the way we played. It wasn’t entirely convincing. I don’t think the scoreline reflected the true situation of the game. We started off really badly with too many mistakes; we missed too many open baskets, so it’s something that we have to go back to the drawing board and work on. In all, I’m happy that we won, and we’ll move on from there.’

Attention now shifts to Phase Three of the NBPL 2025 season which will see the top four teams from both Conferences gather for the Playoffs at a yet to be named venue.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Kayode Ojo, has got provisional clearance to participate at the primary.

The provisional clearance followed his failure to secure the mandatory five nominators per local government.

The Screening Committee chaired by Tola Olawuyi forwarded his case to the National Working Committee (NWC) for final ‘judgment.

Party members at the grassroots have urged the national leadership to disqualify him from further participating in the exercise.

The shadow poll scheduled for October 27 is likely to be conducted, based on the direct option. The election is next year.

Four contenders – Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ojo, an engineer, Olajumoke Abimbola and Omolayo Oluremi – were initially competing for the ticket.

However, a contender, Olajumoke dropped after failing the screening, leaving three in the race.

Oyebanji was ‘cleared, having satisfied all constitutional and party requirements.’

While Oyebanji and Oluremi were given the nod to prepare for the intra-party contest, Ojo only got provisional clearance. His case is yet to be decided by the NWC.

Abimbola, who is active on the social media, is considered as a starter who cannot pass any popularity test in the chapter.

Two chieftains – Sunday Oladipupo (Igbemo Ward, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government) and Amos Oladipo (Imesi Ward 5, Gbonyi Local Government) – forwarded a petition against her.

Unlike the governor who has been endorsed by the majority of party stalwarts during the statewide endorsement rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, and all the 16 local governments, many Ekiti APC leaders have also disputed Ojo’s eligibility for the exercise, alleging that he is not loyal to the platform.

Ojo’s battle cry has not attracted a mass following in the far-flung rural state, where only aspirants who know the language of the communities, and not those who uncritically flaunt wealth, have prospects.

Instructively in Ekiti, unity, identity, group conformity, and trust are built around that cultural aspect of life by the generality of unique people that relishes the virtue of ‘omoluabi.’

A lawyer, Yuletude Oghenekao Ako, stated in the petition to the chairman of the Screening Committee, Tunji Olawuyi, in Abuja on behalf of Oladipupo and Oladipo, that Olajumoke should prove that he is a ‘registered and financially up-to-date’ party member who has the right to vote and be voted for at the primary.

Copies of the petition were sent to the APC national chairman, national secretary and secretary of the screening committee.

The petitioners alleged that while five members from each of the 16 councils should sign her nomination form, only 19 valid members signed, thereby failing to meet the threshold of 80 as expected.

According to them, ‘except in Ado Local Government with seven nominators,;she also did not satisfy the requirements of five nominators per local government in the remaining 14 local governments as contained in the guidelines.’

In their view, the aspirant should also prove that she has not misled the committtee with the information he furnished and that she fully complied with the rules, requirements and guidelines.

They said to safeguard the credibility of the screening process, the committee should disqualify Olajumoke from further participation in the exercise on three grounds.

The grounds, as alleged, are that she is not a bona fide party member; she was not duly nominated by the required number of nominators, and for the deficiency in her nomination form.

Olajumoke denied the allegations. But the committee reported that her name is not in the register of financial members.

Also, in a petition on behalf of Tayo Egunlusi (Iworoko, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government) and Gbenga Osungbekun (Aramoko Ward 1, Ekiti West Local Government) by their lawyer, Sylvester Evbuomwan, the two party members urged the committee to disqualify Ojo from further participation in the screening and nomination process.

They alleged that Ojo failed to participate in the last membership revalidation exercise conducted in Ekiti between August 5 and 15, adding that consequently, his name does not appear in the verified Register of Members of the APC in the state.

To them, this has violated Article 9(1) of the APC Constitution which provides that only registered and financially up-to-date members have the right to vote and be voted for.

Also, the petitioners alleged that Ojo has persistently engaged in anti-party activities, pointing out that he has openly collaborated with opposition elements in Ekiti to ‘with a clear intent to weaken and destabilse the APC.’

They added:’This conduct is evidenced by his repeated public disparagement and unguarded outbursts against the leadership of the party,

‘Furthermore, in flagrant violation of the APC Constitution, which expressly prohibits members from instituting legal proceedings against the partywithout first exhausting internal mechanisms for dispute resolution, Ojoinstituted court actions against the APC, following his lossain the party primary .

‘Article 21 (2) (xi) of the APC Constitution stipulates that any member who files an action in court against the party or any of its officers without first exhausting the internal remedies shall be deemed to have committed an offence.

‘Since the conclusion of the 2022 APC primary, he has willifully distanced himself from the party by refusing to attend, participate in or support APC activities at the ward, local government or state levels, including the membership revalidation exercise conducted in Ekiti State.’

The petitioners urged the screening committee and the party leadership to thoroughly investigate these allegations, particularly Ojo’s non-mwmbership status and record of anti-party activities.

They also said the panel should uphold the provisions of the party constitution , which eshrine loyalty, discipline and good standing as pre-requisites for party membership and participation in party affairs.

The chieftains said the committee should ‘disqualify Ojo from further participation in the screening process as he lacks the locus standi as s memmber and loyalty required as an aspirant on the platform of the APC.’

In his response to the petitions, Ojo denied non-participation in the membership validation and anti-party activities. He insisted that that his nominators are financial members, although he could not provide a certified party register to substantiate their membership.

In its report, the committee is satisfied that Ojo’s name is in the validated membership register. However, the panel is not satisfied with his failure to provide credible evidence confirming the financial status of his nominators, a requirement fundamental to the validity of his nomination. This implies that the aspirant is not popular with the generality of party members.

Ojo was therefore, granted ‘provisional clearance, with the final decision referred to the National Working Committee (NWC) for further consideration.

The committee said:’This referral is necessitated by the weight of the petitions against him, particularly his failure to satisfy the mandatory threshold of five valid nominators per local government, and is intended to forestall potential litigation(s) that may arise from this deficiency which is inconsistent with Article 9(1) of the Constitution, which provides that only registered and financially up-to-date members of the party have the right to vote and be voted for, and Section 177 )c) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires membership of a political party as a pre-requisite for eligibility to contest the Office of Governor. ‘

Celtic fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portuguese side SC Braga on the second matchday of the Europa League phase yesterday at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

The Bhoys failed to score in a second consecutive home game, having been held to a stalemate by Hibernian last weekend.

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho completed 90 minutes for the first time in a Celtic shirt, marking his fifth appearance in all competitions for the Scottish champions.

It was a brilliant evening for Braga as not many clubs visit Celtic Park and come away with the spoils, piling the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers.

The first goal that set Braga on their way was a long-range blaster from the captain Ricardo Horta twenty minutes into the contest.

Iheanacho thought he had equalized five minutes into the second half, but a faint touch off his arm led to the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.

The Super Eagles star capitalized on a loose ball, lifted it over a defender and arrowed a shot into the far corner, but it was ruled out for handball in the build-up.

Had the goal stood, the former Leicester City star would have become the first Celtic player in 30 years to score in both his opening two major European appearances for the club, according to UEFA’s official website.

Gabri Martínez put the game beyond any doubt late on when he saw the ball cannon off him and past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Iheanacho found the net on the opening matchday of the Europa League against Red Star Belgrade.

A GROUP, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), has said its programmes and projects are impacting on the lives of women.

Its Vice President, Mrs Bolanle Edwards, stated this at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos. She said the 20-year-old group has come a long as it has increased its membership from fewer than 100 to over 2,000 and spread its tentacles to five chapters, from one.

She announced that the group is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary at its headquarters in Ikeja from October 8 to 9. The event is themed ‘Evolve, elevate, and celebrate”.

During the programme, where Executive Vice-Chair, Emerging Africa Capital, Dr Toyin Sani, would feature as the guest speaker, while MainOne Chief Executive Officer, Funke Opeke, is being expected, among other dignitaries, awards would be given to some deserving people.

Over the years, she said, they had remained committed to their objective of promoting women empowerment.

She listed their achievements as the training of women in entrepreneurship, leadership, export digital transformation, financial literacy and innovation.

Also, she said, through their Women in Digital Business (WIDB), financial literacy clinics and specialised export training, they had equipped thousands of women with the tools to compete anywhere.

Edwards added: ‘These programmes have not only sharpened business skills but also helped women embrace technology and digital economy, ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing market. At New, we believe that no woman should walk the path of entrepreneurship alone. We established a robust mentorship, pairing emerging. Our peer-to-peer learning circles and business clusters have provided safe spaces for sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, and building confidence. Many successful women-led enterprises can trace their roots to these mentoring relationships.”

She also said they had championed policies that improve access to finance, reduce barriers to trade, and create a business environment where women can thrive and that their dialogue with the policymakers had helped shape conversations on gender, equity, and entrepreneurship.

‘Access to market and finance,” she said, remains a challenge for women entrepreneurs and new authorities and on, but through collaborations with financial institutions such as the FCMB Ventures Initiative, they have enabled members to secure critical funding and financial tools to scale their businesses. We invest in young women and next-generation entrepreneurs offering training, mentoring, and platforms for growth.

Their challenges were economic recessions, policy shifts, global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid evolution of technology and access to more funds.

Yet, she said they had remained resilient in weathering the storms, she noted.

She thanked the Nigeria’s Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), founders and past presidents, members and partners, financial institutions, development agencies, and private sector’s allies, for their collaboration.

Chairperson, NNEW 20th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mrs Dominga Omolara Odebunmi, said the organisation’s 10-Year Strategic Plan would be unveiled at the ceremony. There would also be cultural performances, networking breaks, interactive activities, and a health check.

She added: ‘Our journey has been remarkable, and our impact undeniable. NNEW has empowered thousands of women, built strong mentorship networks, influenced national discourse, and contributed significantly to enterprise development. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, we have been recognised with numerous awards and honours at home and abroad. These recognitions affirm that our story is one of resilience, of progress, and of collective victory.”

At the press conference were the Chairperson of the group’s Governing Council, Mrs Akpabio Edobong; Publicity Secretary, Mrs Eniola Mayowa and Executive Secretary, Niyi Adeyanju, among others.

One of the pivotal appointments made by Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was the selection of Olukayode Abraham Ajulo as his Chief Law Officer. Ajulo, a distinguished and astute legal mind, is precisely the type of advisor Governor Aiyedatiwa needs to navigate the complexities of governance and effectively serve the people of Ondo State. Since his appointment as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in February 2024, this young, dynamic Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has consistently demonstrated that his role is both significant and impactful.

In a bold move earlier this year, Governor Aiyedatiwa decided to dissolve his entire cabinet, yet notably exempted Ajulo and one other commissioner from this sweeping dismissal, highlighting the critical nature of their responsibilities. Ajulo’s legal prowess and strategic thinking have become even more evident following the Governor’s recent favorable ruling at the Supreme Court, effectively solidifying his reputation as an exceptional attorney.

As State Attorney General, the Akoko-born legal luminary has fully immersed himself in the myriad of legal challenges surrounding his principal, especially those related to the contentious 2024 Governorship election. Understanding the gravity of these legal battles, Ajulo took it upon himself to assemble a formidable team of lawyers, drawing on the expertise of some of the country’s finest legal minds, including Wole Olanipekun, Adegboyega Awomolo, Charles Edosanwan, Tayo Oyetibo, Olusola Oke, Hakeem Afolabi, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Prof. Remi Olatubora, and Prof. Abdul Kana, among other prominent senior lawyers. This collaborative effort exemplifies his commitment to not only defend his principal but also safeguard the integrity of the state’s legal framework.

While the recent successes in the courts have undoubtedly elevated his professional standing, Ajulo had already carved out a distinguished reputation within Nigeria’s legal sphere well before his appointment. His standards are undeniably high; he steadfastly adheres to his principles and never shies away from tough decisions, regardless of whose interests may be at stake. Ajulo is recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading lawyers, a considerable wealth of knowledge and expertise, yet he remains grounded, driven by core values rather than mere convenience or self-interest.

His willingness to accept the role of Attorney General has sparked mixed reactions among many admirers, who believe that his achievements as an attorney exceed the confines of public office. In circles in Abuja, he has earned the affectionate title of ‘go-to-lawyer’ because of his exceptional ability to provide politically astute, diplomatically sound, and legally comprehensive solutions for high-net-worth clients.

Ajulo’s accolades include the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a notable past as the youngest National Secretary of the Labour Party. His remarkable legal victories have won him admiration both domestically and internationally since the commencement of his legal career, further amplifying his impact within the legal community.

Today, the multiple successes of Governor Aiyedatiwa serve as a testament to his strategic selections and political acumen, demonstrating qualities that his peers would do well to emulate in order to achieve success in their own endeavors. Ajulo’s ongoing contributions are not only reshaping the legal landscape in Ondo State but are also setting a benchmark for excellence in governance and representation.

Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran disclosed that Pension assets have grown over N25 trillion fueling national development through strategic investments, while also securing regular monthly pensions for over 552,000 retirees and lump sum benefits for an additional 291,735 retirees.

She noted that in total, more than 844,000 retirees across both public and private sectors now enjoy retirement benefits that are steady, reliable, and transparent. Presently, more than 10 million Nigerians from public service employees to private sector workers, and even artisans and the self-employed under the Personal Pension Plan, are covered under the CPS.

Oloworaran who was represented by the Acting Commissioner Technical PenCom, Hafiz Kawo Ibrahim disclosed this at the Stakeholders Conference on the working of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS in Abuja, stating that reform is a continuous journey, and in line with the commission mandate to protect contributors and guarantee dignity in retirement, PenCom has rolled out key interventions that are changing lives.

She outlined these interventions as, ‘Pension Boost 1.0, enhancing pensions for over 241,000 retirees, representing 80 per cent of those under Programmed Withdrawal. Monthly pensions rising from N12.157 billion to N14.837 billion, effective June 2025. Since July 2025, no retiree waits to access their pensions. Payments are now immediate, aligning with monthly salary releases from the Ministry of Finance.

‘The reintroduction of gratuity for civil servants working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, with a framework being developed to restore gratuity benefits for federal workers under CPS, in line with Section 4(4) of the PRA 2014. FGN Bond Issuance for Pension Liabilities approval has been secured for the issuance of ?758 billion bonds to clear long-standing pension obligations, including pension increases owed since 2007.

This bold step by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation, as it will bring much-needed relief to vulnerable pensioners and restore confidence in the system.

‘A Stronger Prudential Standards for Operators, minimum capital and governance requirements for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and custodians have been revised to ensure greater financial stability, service delivery, and technological resilience. The Issuance of Five New Regulations under the Pension Revolution 2.0 initiative, including:

Whistle Blowing Guidelines for Pension Fund Assets, revised regulation on investment of Pension Fund Assets’.

She explained the Introduction of Free Health Insurance for Retirees, stating that it will begin later this year, starting with pensioners in lower-income categories and ensuring dignity and security beyond financial pensions, even though the CPS has achieved much, challenges remain. Coverage expansion is still limited, with several States and employers yet to fully comply. Public skepticism, often shaped by painful experiences of the past, continues to undermine trust in the system she said.

Speaking, the Chairman National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta said the 1999 constitution provided in section 173(13) states that pension shall be reviewed every five years or together with any salary civil service review. This he said is based on the pension constitution that gave it power to examine the current rate of retirement benefits and recommend appropriate measures.

Chief Executive of Versa Farms, Nigeria’s largest tomato farm, Ibrahim Toyeeb, has condemned attacks sweeping in Kwara State, warning that the violence threatens to cripple the economy of Kwara South.

Toyeeb, whose farm is a huge employer of labour, said the killings and mass displacement s ‘painful,’ stressing intervention is needed to protect lives and livelihoods.

His comments followed coordinated assaults on communities in Kwara South and neighbouring areas, including Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government, where scores were killed, injured and others abducted.

‘If action is not taken, Kwara South could be economically dead. Investors will flee, livelihoods vanish, and families will be in ruins.’

The farmer voiced frustration at the inadequate response from key representatives: Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, and Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, chairman of House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

‘Silence from those elected to protect us is not neutrality, it is, to us, abandonment. Why has this situation not been mentioned boldly on the floor of the National Assembly? Representation without advocacy is no representation at all,’ he declared.

Calling for leadership and immediate action, Toyeeb outlined a series of measures he said could stem the crisis: targeted security deployments, identification of vulnerable points, a joint federal-state security task force, humanitarian assessments and relief for displaced families, a transparent investigation into the attacks, and a published action plan.

He also urged the Kwara State Government and security agencies to sustain recently announced security measures and to prioritize intelligence-driven operations. While welcoming calls for increased military presence, he stressed that any deployment must be paired with local engagement and direct relief for victims.

Beyond the human cost, Toyeeb warned of the devastating economic impact. ‘Insecurity is destroying Kwara South’s investment potential. If farms close and businesses pull out, poverty deepens and the area becomes economically crippled,’ he said.

Versa Farms, which employs hundreds, stands as an example of the region’s potential, Toyeeb added. ‘We are proof of what is possible if safety and stability are assured. This is why I am raising my voice: to protect not just farms, but futures.’

Sir: The insecurity in the Southern part of Kwara State in recent time is becoming unbearable with the last despicable incident at Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government in the early hours of Sunday September 28.

Reliable reports suggest that guns were retrieved from local security men under a questionable circumstance a day before. The guns are barely a month old; the town’s security committee acquired and licensed them for community use because of the recent attacks on neighbouring towns and villages.

Behold the hoodlums/bandits struck; killing 15 security men which include the Baale of Agboayo community and several other people were kidnapped. As we speak now, most towns and villages around us are deserted and the people are now taking refuge in Ilorin and Lagos (wherever their relatives are).

The state government is yet to show any concern for the security of lives and property in the whole of Kwara South. The government is more on reaction after every attack than being proactive from available security reports.

Communities like Oke-Ode have resorted to self-help with the empowering of local

vigilante group because the state government seem to be bereft of any idea to deal with these criminal elements.

Most suspected and arrested kidnappers are usually released thereafter. Can you imagine the state commissioner of police releasing a press report saying that ‘about 40 suspected kidnappers who were seen and arrested riding motor cycles in our forest have all been released after profiling them and finding nothing incriminating on them’.

So riding a bicycle in the forest is now a private expedition with no aim or destination.

What a country and what a double standard on crime and criminality?

It is imperative now for our local and state government to wake up from their slumber and stop their deceptive attitude to the current state of insecurity in Kwara State.

Our people need to be alive to vote as 2027 election seem to be more important to the state government now than securing the lives of our people.

Stop taking us (Igbominas) for granted, you may be making the greatest mistake of

I plead with Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman to leave up to expectation and prove me wrong that elements in his administration are not aiding and abetting criminals in our land.

Posterity and history shall judge the governor in this regard. This is the right time for him to right the wrong. We need to be secured in our land. Enough of bloodshed in our land.

Thousands of women across Warri and neighboring communities in Delta State have received food packs from Glo Foundation under its ‘Giving Back Together’ initiative.

The outreach formed part of Globacom’s ongoing intervention programme aimed at easing economic hardship by supporting the most vulnerable segment of the society with essential food and other household items.

Saturday’s food distribution attracted women of all ages, including widows, from Warri North, Warri South, Aladja, Ughelli South, Udu, and Uvwie local government areas. They assembled shortly after the state’s monthly environmental sanitation in order to benefit from the scheme.

Globacom’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, noted that Delta was the latest stop for the initiative after similar exercises in other states. She explained that the food drive was designed to reach the female population, who often bear the heaviest burden in difficult times.

‘Our Food Drive is not just for anyone. It is targeted at the most vulnerable segment of the Nigerian society, that is women and children. When we help them, we are helping the society at large,’ she said.

Each package contained 5kg of rice, 5kg of gaari, semovita, spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, sardines, seasoning cubes, noodles, and other essentials.

The gesture sparked scenes of joy, with beneficiaries breaking into songs and dances. Princess Omo-Udoyo of Ughelli North said, ‘I have not seen this before. I thank God and Glo Foundation for this gift.’

For Mrs Esther Okoro from Otu Jeremi, Ughelli South, gratitude came in form of prayers. ‘God will lift the company and people who have done this. He will lift them higher and higher. They will never lack anything. For doing this for us today, I say may God protect them. You will always go higher.’

The initiative will extend to more cities across the country in the coming months, with thousands of women expected to benefit.