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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.

The Police Command in Zamfara State has confirmed that suspected gunmen abducted two councillors and an Imam in Tsauni community, Gusau, on Wednesday night.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police Yazid Abubakar confirmed the incident to reporters via telephone .

He said the councillors, representing Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun local government areas of Zamfara and Imam were taken away by the bandits.

According to him, the victims were abducted in front of their houses in the Tsauni area about 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, shortly after prayers. The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Tsauni community is located behind the Federal Road Safety, Zamfara Sector Command headquarters in Gusau.

The community had hosted internally displaced persons affected by armed banditry from various communities.

Abubakar, however, said the command had deployed its men to the area and efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.

The PPRO urged the residents to assist the police with relevant information in good time to curtail such incidents.

Chairman, Maradun Local Government, Sanusi Gamagiwa, corroborated the PPRO’s information via telephone, adding that the suspected bandits had abducted six persons.

‘They later released three persons and left with the two councillors and the Imam of the area.

‘So far, they have yet to contact any of us to know their demands,’ the chairman said.

Neo-Black Movement of Africa in Lagos has expressed concern about flooding in Lekki and called for a more proactive approach to address the challenge.

The group pledged to work with the government and stakeholders in finding lasting solutions, saying residents who bear the brunt of the crisis be compensated.

The movement noted that flooding in Lekki has become a perennial issue, causing millions of naira losses in property, vehicles, and businesses, and impacting livelihoods.

President of its Lekki Chapter, Erauyi Agbon-Ifo, said: ‘Flooding in Lekki is no longer a one-off natural occurrence, it has become an annual challenge residents face. Families are forced to rebuild their lives and businesses year after year. It is important stakeholders, including government, private organisations, and groups like ours, come together to tackle this issue in a sustainable way.

‘As responsible, tax-paying citizens, residents also deserve compensation for the losses caused by government’s lack of preparation. Beyond long-term solutions, we urge the state to establish a compensation and insurance framework that acknowledges sacrifices of residents and provides them with the relief they deserve.’

The movement sympathised with residents affected by the latest floods and underscored the need for transparent flood management projects, improved infrastructure maintenance, and more public awareness on flood prevention.

Agbon-Ifo noted that while other coastal states as Rivers experience heavy rains, they do not face the same scale of flooding witnessed in Lekki, which indicates the need for more action in Lagos.

The movement commemorated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and called on leaders to renew their commitment to welfare of citizens.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we believe true leadership is when government prioritises safety, security, and wellbeing of people. Together, we can make flooding a thing of the past,’ he said.

Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has clarified that the three Executive Orders issued by President Bola Tinubu in March 2024 did not weaken or sideline the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

This assurance was given during a Local Content Masterclass and panel session at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, where stakeholders examined Nigeria’s local content milestones, clarified misconceptions, and provided lessons for other African oil and gas-producing countries.

Panelists included NCDMB officials such as Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, Director of Capacity Building; Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, General Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Ms. Fateemah Mohammed, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF). The session was moderated by the General Manager, and Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi.

Engr. Bamidele explained that some industry players had misinterpreted the Presidential Directives to mean that compliance with the NOGICD Act was no longer mandatory. He clarified that the directives simply mandated the use of existing local capacities and eliminated middlemen from the contracting process.

The three orders cover Local Content Compliance, Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, and Tax Incentives for Oil and Gas Companies. To align with these directives, NCDMB streamlined its contract approval process from nine to five stages, reducing project costs and accelerating investment decisions.

Bamidele also disclosed that qualified international service companies can now obtain the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates (NCEC) to participate in deepwater operations-an initiative expected to attract new investments. He added that NCDMB is advancing infrastructure projects such as the Brass Island Shipyard, supported by NLNG, and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks at Odukpani, Cross River State, and Emeyal-1, Bayelsa State.

Ajimijaye highlighted NCDMB’s robust monitoring systems that ensure compliance with the NOGICD Act. He noted that oil asset divestments have not reduced compliance levels, as indigenous operators have adopted established frameworks. He also stressed the importance of research and development, citing six Centres of Excellence in Nigerian universities and support for 15 innovative projects through the Board’s R and D Fund.

Speaking on financing, Ms. Mohammed explained that the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund provides single-digit loans to indigenous service companies. She outlined key schemes such as the ?50 billion Community Contractors Fund, which grants up to ?100 million to local contractors, and the $20 million Women in Oil and Gas Fund, managed by NEXIM Bank, to support women entrepreneurs.

She urged other African countries to adopt similar financing models to enhance local capacity, while reaffirming NCDMB’s commitment to expanding the Fund and partnering with financial institutions to unlock bigger projects

General Pastor of Ark International Assembly, Murphy Nwaneri, has called on churches to support Federal Government’s efforts to promote development, warning that Nigeria’s growth cannot be left to the President alone.

Speaking at the church’s inaugural service and two years anniversary celebration, Nwaneri charged Christian leaders to look beyond the pulpit and contribute to the progress of the nation.

‘The church should help government promote development. The country should not be left for the President alone. He is doing his best and should be commended, not criticised. Every citizen has a role to play in Nigeria’s growth,’ he said.

Nwaneri urged church members and leaders to work hand in hand with government institutions, emphasizing that building a strong nation requires unity and shared responsibility.

According to him, revival and community transformation must go beyond spiritual teachings to include support for policies that improve the lives of citizens.

He added that while political regulations may affect institutions temporarily, no human law can undermine the divine role of the church in shaping society.

Nwaneri reaffirmed that the Ark International Assembly was not established to compete with existing denominations but to ‘uphold the truth of God’ and contribute to building a better Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, Deacon Igwe Onyedickachi described the church as a ‘balance’ in national development, saying it helps to build morally, mentally, and spiritually sound citizens.

‘From time immemorial, government and the church have worked together because the church is at the grassroots. By grooming responsible citizens, the church indirectly strengthens governance,’ he said.

As part of its outreach during the anniversary, the Ark International Assembly provided free medical care to residents in its host community, underscoring its commitment to social development.

The church, which was officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2020, traces its origins to a divine call received by Pastor Nwaneri over two decades ago.

A female student of ATM Science and Technical College Jato Aka, Miss Gloria Songo, has been shot dead by soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed to fight banditry in Kwande Local Government in Benue State.

The late Gloria was one among the three students that were shot by the soldiers on Tuesday and died yesterday in a hospital.

Students of the college, each bearing a poster, marched round Jato Aka town, singing in remembrance of the late Miss Songo, who they described as disciplined and hardworking.

The students wept uncontrollably on major streets of Jato Aka amid tension. They called for the soldiers to be withdrawn from their community.

The death of Miss Gloria raised the number of soldiers killed to three in Jato Aka, and Turan within four days.

Recall that soldiers from Operation Whirl Stroke opened fire on mourners, who were returning from a burial, killing two students on the spot, while others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Police Public Relationship Officer, Edet Edeme, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said hoodlums opened fire on soldiers on patrol and the soldiers returned fire.

There are protests in Jato Aka and other adjoining settlements against the action of the soldiers

Elders of Jato Aka, who spoke to The Nation, wondered why soldiers who were deployed to protect the harmless community members, turned around to kill them.

In the wee hours of September 29, Nigeria lost Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a talented journalist, model, lawyer and shining star during an armed robbery attack at her residence in the Kamtape area of Abuja. Sommie, as she was fondly called by family, friends, colleagues and her admirers, was a victim of an egregious and gruesome attack on residents who were helpless and had their hearts in their mouths.

At such moments, you are afraid, worried, and not sure how violent the attackers would be. Families stay huddled together, praying and anticipating the worst-case scenario. Those fearful and traumatic moments are worse than death itself. Sommie died, not by the slow grind of economic hardship, but by the animal boldness of a blood-thirsty and murdering gang that will never know peace.

The 29-year-old Arise TV news anchor was a multi-faceted individual who made a name for herself in various fields. Sommie who was a warm and vibrant personality did not die from bullet wounds as early reports suggested. She died because terror itself cornered her. That night, armed robbers stormed her apartment complex, moving from flat to flat like a hunting pack, stripping residents of money, phones and dignity.

Frantic calls to the police rang unanswered. As the intruders closed in, Sommie, unsure of what would happen next, made a desperate bid to save herself. According to the latest account narrated by her obviously distressed colleague, Ojy Okpe, on The Morning Show on Arise News, she jumped from her window. The fall proved fatal.

It was not surprising that Okpe betrayed her emotions as she recounted the events. The Arise News family was thrown into an unexpected grief and deep mourning, followed by tributes from the high and mighty which has become a tradition. These are the same people who should use their positions and access to privileges to improve the quality of our lives.

During the programme, I sent a message to Reuben Abati, the lead anchor. ‘I don’t know Sommie, but her untimely death is a personal tragedy,’ I told Abati. ‘Her dreams have been suddenly cut short, family ties broken forever. How low have we become in this country?’

Her death is not an isolated tragedy. It is the latest entry in a grim national ledger written in blood. Nigeria is being held hostage by criminals of various hues, stalking our homes, streets and, too often, our dreams. What can we do differently as a way out of the encircling gloom of insecurity? Are state and community policing options to be considered? It looks like it is now every man for himself.

Sommie’s story is heartbreakingly familiar. She was a lawyer by training and a journalist by conviction; a young woman who had returned from the UK not to flee Nigeria’s chaos but to help mend it as a TV news anchor, producer and reporter. She advocated for social justice, particularly on issues like gender-based violence and education reform. Studying law aligned with her passion for social justice and public service.

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, was designed to be a secure centre of power and governance. Instead, the city is turning into a hunting ground for marauders.

The FCT Police Command described the incident as ‘cruel and senseless’ and promised to deploy tactical teams and intelligence units. Yet, words mean little when people die, and response times are counted in hours rather than in minutes.

Residents say the robbers operated without fear of interruption. Tenants barricaded themselves indoors while help failed to arrive. A young journalist’s life ended not for lack of courage, but because the state that owed her protection was absent.

This insecurity is no longer confined to remote villages. It stalks urban centres from Lagos to Abuja. The men who terrorise neighbourhoods are by-products of an economy that excludes millions who are poor, a collapsed education system and a healthcare and social welfare system that exists mostly on paper.

If a 29-year-old forward-looking professional, highly educated, visible and engaged in public life cannot find safety in her own home, what hope is left for ordinary citizens? Sommie would have 30 years old on December 26.

The beauty queen now joins a sorrowful roll-call: Okezie Nwokocha, a tech innovator shot in his sleep; Chinelo, the young emigrant whose journey to a better life was cut short, and many others whose names are reduced to mere statistics. These are not random tragedies – they are the symptoms of a failing state where the powerful offer condolences on television while families grieve in silence.

Nigerians can no longer rely on prayers and promises. We must demand accountability with the same force that Sommie brought to her reporting. The lorry-loads of tributes by government officials are empathetic, but they are not enough to solve our embarrassing security challenges.

To her colleagues at Arise News, Sommie was more than a pearl and bright presenter. She was a reminder that journalism, at its best, stands against darkness, oppression, corruption, and bad leadership. A bright star was dimmed in the journalism firmament – just like that. Every form of death is painful, but Sommie was not sick. Her death is deeply painful and completely heart-breaking. Her passing leaves searing questions: Who will save us? Are we safe?

Answers to these questions must begin with citizens insisting on protection of life and property, with communities practicing vigilance and shinning their eyes. Our political elite and those in authority must be willing to take full responsibility for security lapses and confront the blood on their hands.

We have reported cases of kidnappers and unknown gunmen wreaking havoc across the entire length and breadth of the country, unrestrained. But it shouldn’t be so; we should feel safe at all times of the day – whether at home, in the work place or on the road.

Sommie’s voice may be gone, but the fire she lit against impunity and bad behaviour without consequences must not die; let the glow constantly remind us of our immortality.