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Edo House of Service Commission has invited Clerk of the Assembly, Audu Omogbai, for questioning over alleged age falsification.

The invitation of the Clerk followed a petition by some Concerned Staff of the Assembly.

The petitioners alleged that Omogbai falsified his age to remain in service.

They alleged that the Clerk’s initial appointment dated back to 1993 and that he has exceeded the mandatory 30 years of service.

The petitioners also alleged that the Clerk has surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60 as well as obstructing investigation.

According to the petition: ‘The Clerk has allegedly withheld official file records, hindering investigations into these matters.

‘We humbly request your intervention to investigate these allegations and take appropriate actions to maintain integrity and adherence to regulations within the Edo State House of Assembly.’

It was gathered that Omogbai has been invited for questioning.

He was invited in a letter by Chairman of the Assembly Commission, Sir Ezehi Igbas.

Omogbai was asked to appear before a three-Man Ad-hoc Committee for an interview session.

The Assembly Clerk could not be reached for comments.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has called for legal backing for the roles of traditional rulers.

He said: ‘The absence of a constitutional role is a gap that ought to be filled. It is a failure on our part that we have not updated our laws in line with our realities.

‘That is why I believe the time has come to make this right, not necessarily by creating a new role, but by giving legal status to what already exists. It is no different from formalising a long-standing union. The marriage is real. The only thing missing is the certificate.

‘The for constitutional recognition is not a demand for privilege. It is a demand for clarity and for the protection of a role that has survived war, colonisation, military rule, and political instability.’

The governor spoke at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria held at the Hotel Continental on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The theme of the conference presided by the co-chairmen – Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar of Sokoto and Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi – was: ‘The traditional institution: Imperative of its inclusion in effective and efficient governance in Nigeria.’

The host, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said political leaders needed the wisdom, experience and guidance of the natural rulers to foster good governance.

The monarch held the interface with the governors to get their backing for constitutional role as the National Assembly os set to review the 1999 Constitution.

At the opening session were the host Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), and colleagues – AbdulRaheem AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Monday Okpebholo (Edo) and Bassey Otu (Cross River); Alaafin Akeen Owoade of Oyo, Sheu Elkanemi of Borno, Ayangburen Adewale Shotobi of Ikorodu, Oore Adekunle Adeagbo of Otun’Ekiti, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar, Olowo Ajibade Ogunoye of Owo, Akarigbo Ajayi of Remoland, Ewi Rufus Adejugbe of Ado-Ekiti, and Eze Okeke from Imo, who represented Obi Alfred Achebe.

Uzodimma, described the traditional institution as one of the Nigerian enduring system, adding that ‘its custodianship of culture, its ability to mediate disputes, its place in the lives of the people; all make it indispensable to national stability.’

The governor said whenever the subject matter of cobstitutional roles comes before the National Assembly or requires the support at any level of government, he would stand with the monarchs without hesitation.’

Sanwo-Olu described traditional institutions as ‘the vital link’ between the government and the people, noting that traditional rulers were the bridge connecting institutions of the state with community realities.

He said there is need to address the role of traditional institutions in governance, pointing out that traditional structures were respected segments of the country’s leadership system but not officially empowered despite their strong influence.

Sanwo-Olu said the relevance of traditional institutions diminished during the military incursion in politics, dealing a blow to the traditional institutions.

He said the military rule significantly eroded the laudable roles traditional rulers had played in shaping the nation and its cherished traditions.

Sanwo-Olu added: ‘With the restoration of democracy in the country since 1999, our traditional rulers are gradually asserting themselves back into national consciousness. But we are not yet there. I advise that our traditional rulers continue to push for more constitutionally-backed relevance.

‘This is the right thing to do, and we promise to support this push because we believe we need to tap from the experience and wisdom of our traditional rulers to make more progress.

‘This meeting presents a unique chance to push for clarity; not for the sake of prestige, but for practical reasons. When traditional leaders are clearly woven into our governance framework, their authority can become a valuable asset for fostering peace, resolving conflicts and driving community development. ‘As our nation grapples with complex social, economic, and security issues, it is crucial that we tap into the wisdom and influence of our royal fathers in a coordinated and structured way.’

Sanwo-Olu urged the monarchs to be steadfast pillars of integrity, fairness, and unity. He said the communities looked to the traditional institutions not just as cultural symbols, but as moral guides.

Founder, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has cautioned against using the cry of monopoly to discourage indigenous investment and industrial growth in Nigeria, saying no one was prevented from investing in the country.

Dangote said this yesterday at the 2025 Inaugural Annual Downstream Petroleum Week organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).

Represented by the Group Chief Strategy Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, Aliyu Suleman, he rather encouraged focus on policies that encourage productivity, innovation, and competition.

Addressing the issue of monopoly with the refinery, he said, ‘Too many people with the means to build industries chose instead to invest abroad. We decided from afar while adding little value to our economy. We have chosen differently. We have chosen to get to Nigeria. We have chosen to build here, to employ here, to produce here. So let us not use the cry of monopoly to start from growth. No one is prevented from investing.

We welcome others to build their own refineries and we will offer support in whatever way we can.’

‘Nigeria holds the natural competitive advantage in refining. We enjoy proximity to oil and gas supply. We should therefore work together to develop this sector.

‘We should work to enact and implement laws that will help this sector to prosper. Let us protect our industries and deliver the economic transformation this country deserves.’

He said today, the Dangote Refinery can meet all of Nigeria’s demand for diesel and jet fuel and still have surplus for exports.

Dangote said soon, the refinery would be listed on the stock exchange, giving Nigerians the opportunity to become shareholders of this national asset.

He said Africa’s refining sector remains underdeveloped, both relative to its consumption and relative to the volume of crude that is produced in Africa.

‘While Europe and Asia refine over 95 % of their petroleum product refinement, Africa refines only 40%. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are very few large functional refineries today. This is understandable because refining is capital intensive, it is technologically complex and often is a low margin business. So as a result, many entrepreneurs and governments have chosen to stay away. But at Dangote, we are known for taking bold steps. We are known for making large scale investments to substitute imports and create value in the country.

‘Therefore, this is a challenge that we were happy to take. When it came to tackling the refining challenge, we decided to do it even though it was not easy. Building a world-class refinery anywhere in the world is a huge task. It is capital-intensive and very demanding. To build ours, we collected over 2,700 hectares of land, pumped 65 million cubic meters of sand to stabilize the site, installed over 250,000 foundation bars, and laid millions of meters of piping, cabling, and wiring. At peak, we had over 60,000 people on site, of which 50,000 were Nigerians. We had these people working around the clock across hundreds of disciplines and nationalities.

‘Today, the Dangote refinery can meet all of Nigeria’s demand for diesel and jet fuel and still have surplus for exports, which can be used in valuable foreign exchange for Nigeria. The refinery can meet 90 % of Nigeria’s PMS requirements. This is based on the official consumption numbers of 50 million per day. Our views are the real consumption, perhaps more about 40 million, in which case we should be able to meet demand.

‘Across the world, major oil producers typically meet their petroleum product requirements through their own domestic refineries, not through imports. The United States, for example, imports only about 8 % of their petroleum products requirement. If you look at most of the major crude oil producers, you will see that they do not import more than 10 % of their petroleum products from the US. This is where Nigeria should be heading. And with the advent of the Dangote refinery and unbundling of the sector, we hope that we will get there.

‘At the Dangote Group, our strategy across all our businesses is to provide our customers with high quality products at attractive prices. Not just in the refinery, across all the businesses. Same in cement, sugar and the rest. Refined products from our refinery are of higher quality and yet our prices are below import parity and below the average prices across most African countries. Across Africa, PMS and diesel sell for around $1 per litre, net of tax system of sorts. But in Nigeria, the current price is below $0.60 per litre.

‘This is a huge cost benefit for Nigerians. Even though the cost benefit may not be immediately obvious because before the advent of the Dangote refinery, subsidies were used to mask the real market price. Still, despite all this, we find ourselves in a situation where Nigeria imports petroleum products, while at the same time Dangote refinery is exporting. This is a paradox that we must address in order for this sector to grow.

‘Beyond energy security, domestic refining brought economic benefits. Refineries deliver job creation, skill development, industrial linkages, and exchange rates stability. The shipping sector is handling much more volumes than they used to handle before now. Engineering capacity is strengthened.

‘Across Dangote, NNPC and the modular refineries, Nigeria has over one million barrels per day of installed domestic refining capacity. These benefits will multiply if we enable this capacity to operate fully. Across our businesses, the Dangote Group typically focuses on manufacturing, while accessing its distributors with the logistics required to deliver to their customers. Across Africa, we have over 10,000 trucks, who deliver products for our distributors. The same operating model applies to refining. We must all work together to renew distribution costs in order not to burden Nigeria’s energy efficiency.

‘Historically, marketers source products from abroad and supply the country via coastal storage terminals. Today there is a domestic alternative. We must therefore find an optimal split of off-take between trucks loading directly at the refinery, versus loading into vessels for transportation to various storage terminals. It does not make economic sense to move products by ship to a nearby coastal depot at additional cost when the same volume could have been evacuated by trucks directly from the refinery.

‘We are also working with NPA and the NIMASA to find ways to reduce coastal transport costs as this adds up to the total product costs that end up being passed on to Nigerians. That said, Nigeria’s fighting potential is massive. We are in a place where we can build a refining hub that will process crude from Nigeria surrounding African countries and supply Nigerian commonwealths.

‘When we entered the cement sector, Nigeria produced less than two million tons per year. I was totally dependent on imports. Today, through visionary investment, timing execution, and government support, we have 2 million tons of capacity across Africa, and we’ll reach 60 million by next year. Nigeria is now a lead exporter of cement, and by 2027, we plan to export 500 million dollars worth of cement and clean cap annually. The same transformation is happening in refining

‘Nigeria is now a net exporter of refined petroleum products, polypropylene and urea. This is a historic turnaround. And we’re not getting started. Soon, the Dangote Refinery would be listed, giving Nigerians the opportunity to become shareholders in this national asset.

‘Given its potential, this sector must be nurtured and protected. The current import licensing regime, where import licenses are issued without considering domestic supply, has exposed domestic refineries to unfair competition. This is because most of this import comes from Russia and products from Russia are produced with crude that is priced 25 dollars per barrel, cheaper than Nigerian crude because of the sanctions.

‘So this in a way, it is almost like dumping, which hurts domestic refineries. Aside from the crude for naira initiative, graciously introduced by Mr. President, local refineries grant the individual protection or incentives. ‘

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, called on stakeholders in the petroleum industry to work collaboratively to reposition Nigeria’s downstream sector for sustainable growth, transparency, and innovation.

He said the event’s theme, ‘Celebrating Our Successes, Confronting Our Challenges and Finding Solutions for the Petroleum Downstream Sector,’ reflected the country’s need to celebrate progress while tackling long-standing challenges through collaboration and self-assessment.

The Speaker, who was represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, said the conference should serve as a defining moment in reshaping the downstream petroleum landscape.

He noted that Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its industrialisation drive and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, are revitalising key sectors of the economy, including oil and gas.

Abbas particularly lauded the operational take-off of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

He said the anticipated emergence of other private refineries underscores the need for a functional and enabling environment that will encourage investment, promote efficiency, and reduce dependence on fuel imports.

The Speaker recalled that much of the progress recorded in the petroleum sector was made possible by the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which restructured the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) into a commercial entity and established regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the NMDPRA.

He said the PIA has renewed investor confidence, promoted transparency, enhanced competition, and curbed oil theft and inefficiencies. Abbas reiterated that the National Assembly remains committed to crafting laws and policies that strengthen the downstream sector and ensure it contributes meaningfully to national development.

Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain ongoing reforms and build a transparent, self-reliant, and globally competitive downstream petroleum industry.

He described the summit as more than a formal gathering, but a national dialogue aimed at repositioning the downstream petroleum sector as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and industrial development.

According to him, the event, themed ‘Celebrating Our Successes, Confronting Our Challenges and Finding Solutions for the Petroleum Downstream Sector,’ represents a commitment to transparency, accountability, and progress.

He noted that the legislature, through the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), had provided the legal foundation for reform, while the executive’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and liberalise the market restored efficiency and investor confidence.

Ugochinyere commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for their professionalism in implementing reforms and ensuring that Nigeria’s energy transition remained credible and investor-friendly.

He also paid tribute to the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) for their courage and foresight in investing in local refining despite uncertainties that had kept some foreign investors on the sidelines.

He described their efforts as proof that Nigerian enterprise and innovation could drive industrial transformation and job creation.

Highlighting recent achievements in the downstream sector, Ugochinyere cited the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals’ urea and fertilizer capacity to 2.8 million metric tonnes per annum, the scaling up of Waltersmith Modular Refinery in Imo State from 5,000 to 50,000 barrels per day, and the progress of the OPAC Refinery in Delta State.

He said the Dangote Refinery, now Africa’s largest at 650,000 barrels per day, symbolises a new era of energy self-sufficiency and regional stability. According to him, these milestones, combined with over $13 billion in upstream investments in 2024, reflect renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The lawmaker also lauded the NUPRC for enforcing the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation (DCSO), which mandates producers to prioritise crude supply to local refineries before exports.

He said the policy marks a shift from rhetoric to action, ensuring local value addition, job creation, and energy independence.

To deepen reforms, Ugochinyere announced plans by his committee to push new legislative measures granting local refineries the first right of refusal on crude allocations, streamlining regulatory processes, and introducing a Refinery Protection and Promotion Bill to classify refineries as strategic national assets.

These, he said, would guarantee stability, protect investments, and promote growth across the value chain.

On labour relations, Ugochinyere emphasised that no reform can succeed without industrial harmony, urging dialogue over disruptions in resolving disputes between industry players and unions.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, called for sustained collaboration between the Executive and Legislature to address lingering challenges in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum and gas sectors.

Ekpo said the continued reform and stability of the sector required policy consistency, private sector participation, and adherence to global best practices.

He commended the Committee for convening the conference, describing it as evidence of the National Assembly’s leadership in promoting dialogue, transparency, and reform in the petroleum industry.

‘The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Celebrating Our Successes, Confronting Our Challenges, and Finding Solutions,’ is both timely and profound,’ Ekpo said. ‘It invites us to reflect on how far we have come, acknowledge the challenges before us, and collectively provide sustainable solutions that secure the future of Nigeria’s downstream industry and ensure lasting progress.’

The minister highlighted significant progress made in recent years, including the implementation of deregulation policies, market liberalisation, and renewed private investment in domestic refining and storage capacity.

He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had brought new urgency to reforms within the gas value chain, driven by the Decade of Gas initiative, which seeks to deepen domestic gas utilisation, expand infrastructure, and accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

‘These efforts are designed to enhance energy accessibility, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and create new economic opportunities for Nigerians, from households and small businesses to large-scale industries,’ Ekpo noted.

While celebrating these achievements, the minister acknowledged that persistent issues, such as infrastructure deficits, market vulnerabilities, supply chain inefficiencies, and regulatory uncertainty, continue to hinder progress.

‘Addressing these challenges requires sustained collaboration between the Executive and Legislature, underpinned by sound policy direction and consistent implementation,’ he said. ‘It is also a call for enhanced private sector participation, investment in technology, and adherence to global practices.’

Ekpo reaffirmed that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) is focusing on three key priorities to drive reform and stability in the sector: accelerating gas infrastructure development, promoting gas utilisation, and implementing regulatory and investment reforms.

According to him, ongoing projects such as the OB3 pipeline, the West African Gas Pipeline, and the Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea Gas Partnership are crucial to improving connectivity and supply reliability. He added that the Federal Government is also promoting the use of CNG and clean energy solutions for households, transport, and small businesses to ensure a just energy transition.

The minister stressed that transforming Nigeria’s downstream and gas sectors cannot be achieved by government alone. ‘It requires the combined effort of the Legislature, the Executive, the private sector, and the Nigerian people,’ he said.

He urged stakeholders to remain committed to partnership, innovation, and accountability in driving reforms that will make energy more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for all Nigerians.

‘Together, we can build a downstream sector that truly supports industrialisation, creates jobs, and delivers prosperity across our nation,’ he said.

Ekpo once again commended the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for its vision and leadership in hosting the annual conference, which he described as critical to building consensus for the sustainable growth of the energy industry.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday opened trial in the N550million defamation suit filed by Senator Chris Anyanwu against a former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim.

Anyanwu’s lawyers – Umeh Kalu (SAN) and Adekunle Kosoko – called the claimant’s first witness, who testified to the effect that she read the alleged defamatory publication contained in the January 12 edition of The Nation newspaper.

The witness, Dr. Joyce Ejukonemu, a Gender Protection Specialist and Senior Researcher said she deposed to a written statement on oath, which she identified and later adopted as her evidence in the case.

Justice M.I. Sani admitted Dr. Ejukonemu’s statement in evidence. The judge also admitted a copy of the publication and overruled the objection raised to its admissibility by Ohakim’s lawyer, Ken Njemanze (SAN).

Kalu proceeded to tender other documents including a January 24 press statement and a copy of a report printed from an online platform, Naija News.

Njemanze objected to the Naija News document on the grounds that it was electronically generated and not accompanied by a certificate of compliance as required under Section 84 of the Evidence Act. He also objected to the admissibility of the press statement on the grounds that it is a photocopy and that the claimant laid no foundation before tendering it.

In response, Kalu submitted that the certificate required under Section 84 of the Evidence Act could either be oral or physical.

He said the witness’ statement on oath contains the oral certification. He however opted to withdraw the press statement release without further submissions.

Earlier, Justice Sani rejected Njemanze’s objection to the commencement of trial on Monday, arguing that it was mandatory that a pre-trial conference be conducted before trial could begin.

The judge, in a ruling, agreed with Kalu that a pre-trial conference was not mandatory, noting that it would serve no other purpose than to occasion unnecessary delay.

Justice Sani equally granted the request by the claimant to discontinue the case against Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspapers, earlier listed as the second defendant.

Kalu, while applying to discontinue against the media house, said the second defendant has published a retraction and apologised to the claimant.

He applied that the court should strike out Vintage Press Limited’s name from the suit, a prayer the court granted.

Justice Sani has however adjourned till December 1, 3, and 5, 2025, for ruling and continuation of the trial.

Anyanwu sued Ohakim over comments he allegedly made in an interview published in the January 12 edition of The Nation newspapers, which the Senator claims were defamatory.

Anyanwu is demanding N550 million in damages, alongside a public apology to be published in two national newspapers, including The Nation newspapers.

Convener of Deltans Want MORE: Deltans want Renewed Hope, Olorogun Ese Kakor, has thrown his weight behind the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for a second term in office by stakeholders of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement took place on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Asaba, where party leaders cited the impressive performance of both the President and the Governor as justification for the early support.

In a statement in Warri, Kakor described the decision as a strategic move to consolidate the gains already recorded in governance at both the federal and state levels. He urged other political parties to emulate the APC by endorsing the incumbents, stressing that continuity in leadership is crucial for sustainable development.

Kakor particularly highlighted the giant strides of Governor Oborevwori since assuming office, noting that the current administration has demonstrated visible capacity, focus, and people-centred governance across critical sectors.

He pointed to the ongoing expansion and dualisation of the Asaba-Ughelli Road, a flagship project aimed at improving connectivity between the state capital and the oil-producing areas, as well as the construction of three major flyovers and road interchanges in Warri and Effurun, handled by Julius Berger. These projects, valued at over ?78 billion, are designed to decongest traffic, stimulate commerce, and redefine urban infrastructure in Delta State.

Kakor also commended the Governor’s intensive urban renewal drive, which has delivered new internal roads and drainages in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, and several other towns, improving mobility and reducing flooding in previously neglected communities.

In the education sector, he acknowledged the construction and renovation of hundreds of classroom blocks, equipping of technical colleges, and upgrading of tertiary institutions to meet modern standards. These, he said, reflect the Governor’s commitment to youth development and quality education.

He further praised Oborevwori’s social welfare and empowerment programmes, including grants and soft loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), skills acquisition schemes for youths and women, and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups under the MORE Agenda, an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

On healthcare, Kakor cited the strengthening of the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme and the renovation of several primary health centres to expand access to affordable healthcare across rural and urban communities.

‘Since the return of democracy, the performance of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori has remained unparalleled. Their leadership has brought tangible progress to the nation and our state in particular,’ Kakor declared.

He pledged his group’s continued support for both leaders, expressing optimism that their second terms would deepen reforms, accelerate infrastructure development, and further stabilize the political and economic landscape.

Team Nigeria were crowned overall champions at the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championships, which concluded Sunday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

Inspired by Paralympic star Eniola Bolaji, the hosts dominated the continental showpiece, amassing a total of 36 medals – 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze – to finish top of the standings.

Other Nigerian gold medallists included Chigozie Nnanna, Chukwuemeka Eze, Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, Mary Nathan, Chinyere Okoro, Munkwoba Goman, and Bello Tukur, who all contributed to Nigeria’s commanding display on home soil.

Kenya finished second with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), while Egypt placed third with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze). Benin Republic secured fourth position with one gold, two silver, and two bronze, followed by Congo DR in fifth (one gold, two bronze).

Other countries on the medal table were Tunisia (one silver, one bronze), Cameroon (six bronze), Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Rwanda (two bronze each), while Mauritius claimed one bronze. Mozambique was the only nation without a medal among the 12 participating countries.

The championship, which featured 19 events, began on October 7, serving as a remarkable display of skill, determination, and inclusivity across Africa.

At the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, congratulated the athletes and hailed the event as ‘an extraordinary celebration of resilience and unity.’

‘We have learned, improved, and been inspired,’ Otti said. ‘Let me assure you – Abia will bid to host again, and when we do, we will deliver an even greater experience.’

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, lauded the athletes’ courage and performance, emphasizing that para sports continue to embody the essence of human strength and dignity.

He also expressed appreciation to the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Confederation of Africa for their support, as well as the Abia State Government for hosting a world-class event.

The continental championship followed closely on the heels of the First Abia Para Badminton International, held from September 30 to October 5, 2025, where Nigerian stars Bolaji, Nnanna, and Nathan also clinched gold medals.

ýThe management of Bendel Insurance Football Club has approved the appointment of Coach Kennedy Boboye as the Technical Manager of the club.

ýIn a statement signed by Kehinde Osagiede who is the Director of Media and Communication, Bendel Insurance, he disclosed that the appointment follows a mutual agreement between the management of the Benin Arsenals and Coach Boboye for him to assume full responsibility for the club’s technical department with immediate effect.

ýAfter a thorough evaluation, the management found Coach Boboye suitable for the role and has offered him a substantive two-year contract. The decision is based on his proven track record, impressive credentials, and extensive experience in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

ýArrangements have been concluded for the official unveiling of the Delta State-born tactician in Benin City, today (October 14).

ýThe management of Bendel Insurance FC is optimistic that Coach Boboye’s appointment will usher in a new phase of improved performance and renewed confidence in the ongoing season.

ýMeanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, has expressed appreciation to Coach Baldwin Bazuaye, an Executive Director in the Commission, who stepped in as Interim Technical Manager following the suspension of Head Coach Greg Ikhenoba on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The Federal Government has directed Vice-chancellors to strictly implement the ‘No work, No-pay’ policy on striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Lecturers, who are members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), are, however, exempted from the order for not joining the strike.

The striking ASUU members began a 14-day warning strike yesterday in spite of the government’s appeal to them to have a rethink since it had agreed to most of their demands that are within the purview of the government.

Academic activities were grounded in many public universities monitored by our correspondents.

Some of these are: University of Lagos(UNILAG), University of Ibadan(UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University(NAU), University of Maiduguri, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE).

In some like the University of Benin (UNIBEN), the University of Jos(UNIJOS), and the Federal University Dutse, examinations were halted.

CONUA and NAMDA, however, dissociated their members from the strike

Displeased with ASUU’s action, Education Minister Tunji Alausa ordered vice-chancellors to carry out physical headcounts of lecturers who report for work.

He added that the National Universities Commission(NUC) would monitor compliance with the directive and submit a ”consolidated report” to his ministry.

Alausa said in a letter to the vice-chancellors that the government was disappointed that the strike commenced ”despite repeated calls for the union(ASUU) to embrace constructive dialogue.”

The letter reads in part: ‘The Federal Ministry of Education views with dissatisfaction the reports of the ongoing industrial action declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) despite repeated calls for the union to embrace constructive dialogue as the most effective and sustainable path toward resolving all outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.

‘In line with extant provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No-Work, No-Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action.

‘Accordingly, all vice-chancellors of federal universities are hereby directed to ensure strict application of this provision, which requires immediate actions as follows:

* Conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in your institution;

*Submit a comprehensive report, clearly indicating staff who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike; and

*Ensure that salary payment for the period of work stoppage is withheld from those who fail to perform their duties.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, academic staff who are members of CONUA and NAMDA, who are not participating in the strike action, are exempted from this directive and shall not be subjected to any form of salary withholding.

‘The NUC will monitor compliance with this directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receipt of this circular.”

The minister enjoined the vice-chancellors to treat the ”matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest.’

Every single request by ASUU addressed, says minister

Alausa also said on a national television yesterday that the government had taken concrete steps to address all pending issues affecting the lecturers.

He said: ‘We have addressed every single request by ASUU; there is no need for this strike, and we are pleading with them to go back to school. ‘We need to keep our children in school. If there is any group of people I have met with most since assuming office, it is ASUU.’

The minister dismissed allegations that the Federal Government had been slow or unwilling to act on the union’s demands, insisting that several commitments had already been fulfilled.

‘The arrears of their earned academic allowance have been paid. The President swiftly approved 50 billion naira months ago. Those allowances have now been mainstreamed into their salaries, so there will never be arrears again,’ the minister explained.

He added that the government has also resolved issues relating to postgraduate supervision allowances, which are now being paid by universities, and that funds under the Needs Assessment Scheme were being released in phases.

‘The President approved N150 billion for Needs Assessment in the 2026 budget. 50 billion naira of that has already been released, and the remaining will be paid in two more tranches. The money is already sitting in the Needs Assessment account,’ Alausa said.

On promotion arrears, he explained that the payments have been captured in the 2026 budget.

The minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent relationship with labour unions, stressing that the administration was prioritising sustainable funding for the education sector.

‘We are not afraid’

ASUU’s National President Christopher Piwuna said the union was not afraid of the government stopping the salaries of its members.

Piwuna told a national television station in Abuja that the decision of the government to enforce policy showed that it (government) has not learnt anything from previous strikes.

He alleged that the government offered the union members a 25 per cent increase on their present salary.

Piwuna vowed that the offer 25 per cent salary hike will not make ASUU members call off the strike.

He said: ‘We have tried everything, we have tried discussions, we have tried writing letters, we have had meetings, we have had behind-the-scenes discussions, we have visited traditional leaders away from the cameras, we have visited opinion leaders away from the cameras, none has worked.

”It is only when we get to this point (strike) that the government responds, unfortunately.

‘The Ministry of Education, led by the minister, has not been sincere with us on this matter. In fact, three weeks ago, the minister told us that a document was ready. and that they were just waiting for the chairman from the Federal Government side to return from a religious pilgrimage to present it to us.’

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has inaugurated a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba, to replace Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

The Nation gathered that the replacement of Danagogo was in line with the new peace agreement that ended the political crisis in the state.

Danagogo was SSG during the second term of former Governor, Nyesom Wike and retained the position under Fubara till the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Inaugurating Anabraba yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara described him as a former Minority Leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly and one of his former commissioners.

Addressing Anabraba, the governor said: ‘Within the period we worked together, you did well as a very dedicated person. So, this opportunity is not to display power or a show of the size of office but a call to duty.

‘We are just coming from a very bad position; so, we need to reassure the people of Rivers that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to the state.’

Fubara congratulated the new SSG, stating that his position is a rare privilege advising him to guard his office with honour.

He said: ‘So, my charge is very simple. God has brought you in at this particular time to be the Secretary to the Government of Rivers State. It is a rare opportunity. We can count the number of SSGs we have had from the inception of Rivers State, but you can’t count the number of commissioners. They are too many.

‘It is a position of honour. So, guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect and protect the interests of Rivers State so that when you leave the office, it will be with honour. You can only leave with honour when you discharge your duties responsibly.’

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 16 for ruling on whether the Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, Halima Buba, can cross-examine an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness on issues raised while giving his evidence-in-chief.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial on Monday following an objection raised by EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, against a question directed to the witness by Johnson Usman, SAN, who appeared for Buba in the money laundering charge.

Usman, while cross-examining Suleiman Ciroma, the owner of Funnacle BDC Ltd and the first prosecution witness (PW-I) had asked him to confirm to the court the names of those who collected the dollars from Mrs Aisha Achimugu, the MD of Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd.

Earlier, Usman asked Ciroma to confirm that Mr Hassan Dantani is the MD/CEO of Ashrap Energy Oil Ltd and the witness answered in affirmative.

The PW-II also confirmed that Dantani is the MD/CEO of Ashrap BDC Ltd when he was asked by the lawyer.

‘Confirm that Trimisi Mohammed Usman who you referred to earlier in your evidence-in-chief, that he is the director of Triple A and D Nig Ltd,’ Usman asked, and Ciroma answered in affirmative.

The witness equally con