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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) yesterday led tributes to former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan who died three days before his 72nd birthday.

They described the former governor who served Delta State from 2007 to 2015 as a committed public servant whose contributions to governance development and peace-building would be remembered.

Uduaghan died in the early hours of yesterday after a prolonged ailment according to a family statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan.

Born on October 22 1954 the former governor was 71.

Tinubu said Nigeria had lost a committed public servant whose leadership was devoted to the development of Delta State particularly in infrastructure healthcare delivery and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

The President extended condolences to the deceased’s widow Roli; his children; former Delta State Governor James Ibori; the government and people of Delta State; and his political associates and friends.

The NGF through its chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq acknowledged Uduaghan’s role in advancing Delta’s development priorities and public administration.

Tompolo meanwhile recalled the former governor’s support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and pipeline surveillance initiatives during the Niger Delta militancy crisis describing his death as a painful loss.

Other mourners including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) lawmakers and former members of Uduaghan’s administration also paid tribute to his life and service.

Tinubu: ‘His passing is a great loss to Delta and Nigeria’

In a condolence message Tinubu described Uduaghan as a public servant who devoted his years in office to the advancement of Delta State and the country.

The President recalled that the deceased served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before winning the governorship election in 2007.

He said Uduaghan’s two-term administration which ended in 2015 placed him at the centre of the state’s political and developmental journey.

According to Tinubu the former governor pursued programmes designed to strengthen public infrastructure improve healthcare services and enhance the general well-being of residents.

‘After his tenure as governor Dr Uduaghan continued to feature prominently in Delta State’s political and socio-economic landscape contributing to the sustenance of democratic governance and the advancement of public service in Nigeria’ he said.

The President added: ‘His passing is a great loss to his family his community Delta State and the nation at large.’

Tinubu urged Deltans to draw strength from the former governor’s years of service and the relationships he built across political and social divides.

He particularly sympathised with Roli the deceased’s children and Ibori his cousin and predecessor in office.

‘May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him’ the President prayed.

NGF: ‘His years in office formed a significant chapter’

The NGF in a statement by its Director of Media and Strategic Communications Yunusa Abdullahi said Uduaghan’s years in office constituted a significant chapter in Delta State’s governance history.

AbdulRazaq who spoke on behalf of the forum said the former governor contributed to efforts to address the needs and aspirations of the state’s people.

‘The forum acknowledges his years of public service and the responsibilities he undertook in leading Delta State’ the statement said.

It described his death as a moment of grief for his family associates and the wider community while extending condolences to all those mourning him.

The forum said it stood in solidarity with the government and people of Delta State during the difficult period.

It also honoured Uduaghan’s place in the state’s governance history wishing his family and other mourners the strength to cope with the loss.

Oborevwori: ‘He was a detribalised leader’

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the state’s development would remain indelible.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary Sir Festus Ahon the governor said the deceased’s leadership transcended ethnic differences and focused on the overall development of Delta State.

He recalled Uduaghan’s contributions to infrastructure and other areas of public service during his eight years in office.

Oborevwori sympathised with Roli the children the Uduaghan family the Itsekiri nation and Deltans praying for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul.

Tompolo: ‘He supported the Amnesty Programme’

Tompolo the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited said he received news of Uduaghan’s death with sadness.

In a condolence message signed by his media consultant Dr Paul Bebenimibo the Niger Delta leader said he did not expect the news at this time.

He recalled Uduaghan’s role during the Niger Delta militancy crisis particularly his support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and pipeline surveillance contracts awarded during the administrations of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The former governor’s support for peace initiatives in the oil-producing region Tompolo said was among the contributions for which he would be remembered.

He prayed for God to grant the deceased’s family friends and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

Omo-Agege: ‘Calm in a crisis a brother across party lines’

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege described Uduaghan’s death as a profound personal loss recalling their time together in Ibori’s administration.

Omo-Agege said Uduaghan served as Secretary to the State Government while he was an Executive Assistant to the governor.

He described the deceased as ‘calm in a crisis loyal humane and decent’ adding that he ‘brought a doctor’s compassion into government’.

Although their political paths later diverged Omo-Agege said their mutual respect endured.

‘He remained a brother across party lines: a gentleman a bridge-builder and a man of peace’ he said.

Omo-Agege also commended Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil vision saying it laid foundations that continued to shape the state’s development.

He extended condolences to the deceased’s wife children the Uduaghan family the Itsekiri nation Ibori and the people of Delta State.

CAN: ‘His commitment to dialogue remains commendable’

The Christian Association of Nigeria through its President Archbishop Daniel Okoh described Uduaghan’s contributions to public service and national unity as significant.

Okoh said the former governor played a notable role during a period of heightened political tension in the country.

He commended Uduaghan’s commitment to dialogue confidence-building and the preservation of national unity.

‘May God comfort them in this difficult moment’ the CAN president said in a prayer for the bereaved family the Delta State Government and all those mourning the deceased.

Family: ‘His life and service touched countless others’

The Uduaghan family described the former governor’s death as devastating saying his life and public service touched many people across Delta State and Nigeria.

‘His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria’ the statement said.

The family described him as ‘a source of strength a father figure a beloved brother and uncle and a respected elder’.

It acknowledged his contributions to human and infrastructural development in Delta State and prayed for comfort for relatives friends associates and former colleagues.

His daughter Orode Uduaghan the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Warri North I Constituency also paid an emotional tribute. ‘Thank you for everything. I love you yesterday today and forever. Sleep well Papa’ she wrote on her Facebook page.

Natasha: ‘Public office ends but memories endure’

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan described the deceased as a respected elder statesman and family patriarch whose life was marked by devotion to his family and years of public service.

She said his death represented not only the loss of a prominent political figure but also the departure of a father figure whose counsel and presence would be missed.

‘Public office eventually comes to an end but the memories of a life devoted to service endure’ she said urging the bereaved family to draw comfort from cherished memories.

Funkekeme: ‘Delta has lost a distinguished leader’

Funkekeme Solomon coordinator of the Delta State Renewed Hope Ambassadors and a former Commissioner for Works under Uduaghan described his death as a painful loss to Delta State and Nigeria.

He said serving under the former governor allowed him to witness his leadership style sense of responsibility and commitment to development.

‘For those of us who had the privilege of serving in his administration this loss is deeply personal’ he said.

Solomon added that Uduaghan’s contributions to infrastructure institutions and public welfare would remain part of Delta’s history.

Dafinone Joel-Onowakpo Ochei and others pay tribute

Senator Ede Dafinone representing Delta Central said Uduaghan’s contributions to governance infrastructure and peaceful coexistence would remain part of his legacy.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas representing Delta South described the deceased as his political father mentor and benefactor saying his death was a loss to Deltans and the Isoko nation.

Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Victor Ochei described Uduaghan as ‘a man of conviction resilience and restraint’. He highlighted his contributions to healthcare education roads and aviation as well as his commitment to dialogue and institutional cooperation.

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Emomotimi Guwor also expressed grief describing the former governor as a passionate leader whose death was a loss to the state and the country.

Former Secretary to the State Government Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay who served under Uduaghan as Chief of Staff commissioner and SSG described him as a boss elder brother and trusted friend.

Media associate Sunny Areh said: ‘Delta weeps today. The stethoscope that once listened to the heartbeat of our state is still.’

The Nigeria Union of Journalists Warri Correspondents’ Chapel also mourned Uduaghan describing him as a father figure who maintained cordial relations with journalists during his administration.

The chapel’s chairman Akpokona Omafuaire and secretary Edeki Igafe described him as ‘the most media-friendly Governor that Delta State has ever produced’.

The doctor who governed Delta for eight years

Born in Warri North Local Government Area Uduaghan attended Federal Government College Warri from 1968 to 1974 and obtained his MBBS degree from the University of Benin in 1980.

He specialised in anaesthesia worked in public and corporate healthcare facilities and established a private medical practice in 1994.

His political career began with his involvement in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ibori appointed him Commissioner for Health in 1999 before he became Secretary to the State Government in 2003.

Uduaghan won the 2007 governorship election although the Court of Appeal nullified the election in November 2010 and ordered a rerun. He returned to office after winning the January 2011 rerun and secured another victory in April that year completing his tenure in May 2015.

A defining feature of his administration was the Delta Beyond Oil initiative which sought to diversify the state’s economy and reduce dependence on crude oil revenue.

His government pursued road construction developed Asaba Airport and invested in education agriculture sports and healthcare. It also introduced free maternal healthcare and treatment for children under five.

After leaving office Uduaghan remained active in public affairs and moved between political parties leaving the PDP for the APC in 2018 returning to the PDP in 2020 and rejoining the APC in May 2025. Although he announced his retirement from active partisan politics in 2022 he continued to feature in the state’s political landscape.

His eight years in office healthcare interventions infrastructure projects and efforts to promote economic diversification have featured prominently in the tributes following his death.

As mourners reflect on his life the former governor is being remembered as a physician who moved into public administration a political leader who built relationships across party lines and a figure whose career spanned governance development and peace-building in the Niger Delta.

Bayelsa State has approved the hosting of the governance secretariat of DeltasUNite a global environmental initiative to protect the world’s deltas.

Governor Douye Diri announced this yesterday at the opening of the third-day United Nations Ocean Decade Conference on Mega Deltas and the launch of China-Africa cooperation on river coastal zone and delta governance at East China Normal University in Shanghai China.

The conference attracted participants from about 23 countries including UN officials policymakers researchers scholars pro-environment non-governmental organisations and representatives of impacted communities.

The governor declared support for the proposed United Nations Convention on the River Deltas (UNCRD) stating that the governance secretariat when established would serve as a platform to bring impacted communities scientists government and investors together to advance practical responses and inclusive governance to the environmental challenges confronting global delta their security and sustainability.

Governor Diri who chaired the opening session also advocated for better China-Africa cooperation saying there was a need to pay greater attention to the sustainable development of river basins coastal zones and deltas.

He said: ‘I have approved the DeltasUNite Governance Secretariat in my state of Bayelsa. It will serve as our platform to bring communities scientists governments and indeed investors to identify priorities share evidence and shape practical bankable responses.’

‘If solutions are to last those who live with the consequences must help to design them and those who invest must see clear returns for both people and ecosystems. Our responsibility to future generations has no expiry date.

‘That conviction underpins my support for the proposed United Nations Convention on River Deltas. Advancing such a proposal will require sound science broad consultations engagement by national and sub-national governments and the appropriate international processes.’

He noted that the effort to institutionalise preservation of the deltas was in tandem with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly Goal Six on clean water and sanitation Goal 13 on climate change and climate action as well as Goal 14 (life below water) and Goal 17 (partnership for the goals).

‘It also supports progress on poverty hunger and gender equality. Our commitment to sustainable development must translate into tangible gains for our women and our girls. As environmental shocks threaten livelihoods water supplies and education women and girls often face greater hardships.

‘We must remember that decisions made upstream affect livelihoods downstream. My state of Bayelsa is ready to share what we are learning to learn from other states and countries to deepen cooperation through the DeltasUNite and our international partnerships.

‘Let us bring diplomatic resolve scientific rigor and meaningful community participation to the work ahead of us. Our rivers coasts and deltas are an inheritance that we are also holding in trust. Our children deserve a chance to know their worth carry forward their cultures and build secure futures upon this.’

The Coordinator of the African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD) Mr. Freeman Oluowo who is also the international facilitator of the DeltasUNite initiative applauded the Bayelsa State government and Governor Diri’s courage leadership and support for the campaign.

Oluowo also lauded the governor’s bottom-up leadership style which he said creates opportunity for the indigenous and local people to have a voice in decision-making.

He said the UN Convention on River Deltas would become a reality as the work had reached the White Paper report stage.

Oluowo said the report would soon be submitted to the global body adding that it was only a matter of time working with all stakeholders in the deltas for the pronouncement to be made.

‘The DeltasUNite is diverse. It is an initiative that is UN recognised and approved. As you all may know the United Nations does not give you everything completely. It wants to see your actions and work. And we have done our best navigating the site’ he said.

A statement yesterday in Yenagoa by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Daniel Alabrah said Governor Diri was accompanied by the Commissioner for Environment Ebi Ololo; his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin; and the Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.

As part of its 25th-anniversary activities Energia Limited will host a special industry showcase tomorrow at the NAPE 2026 Pre-Conference Workshop at Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos.

Themed ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy: The Indigenous Operator’s Role in Nigeria’s Upstream Future’ the showcase will feature Oladimeji Bashorun Managing Director of Energia Limited as the theme speaker.

The engagement will examine the evolving role of indigenous operators in Nigeria’s upstream sector drawing on Energia’s 25-year journey in indigenous energy operations and its experience in production growth field development technical capability and infrastructure development.

Founded in 2001 Energia has grown from an indigenous ambition into an established upstream operator with a track record marked by significant production and operational milestones. These include reaching 1 million barrels of cumulative crude oil production in 2012 5 million in 2016 and 10 million in 2020. These milestones reflect the company’s progress and investments in field development production infrastructure crude evacuation and gas processing.

Drawing on this experience the symposium will explore the technical operational and local capabilities required to strengthen indigenous participation in Nigeria’s upstream sector. It will also provide an opportunity to examine how indigenous operators can contribute to production growth infrastructure development and the long-term competitiveness of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Ahead of the engagement Bashorun said the future of Nigeria’s upstream sector would depend in part on indigenous operators’ ability to translate local knowledge technical expertise and strategic partnerships into sustainable production growth.

He said ‘Our experience at Energia has reinforced the importance of disciplined field development investment in infrastructure and the continuous strengthening of operational capabilities. As we mark 25 years we remain committed to contributing to the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s energy industry.’

The event aligns with the broader focus of Energia’s 25th-anniversary theme ‘Honouring Energia’s Legacy. Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy.’ The anniversary reflects on the company’s journey while looking ahead to the capabilities partnerships and opportunities that will shape its next chapter and contribute to the future of Nigeria’s upstream sector.

The engagement comes ahead of the 44th NAPE Annual International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for 8-12 November 2026 in Lagos. It also provides an opportunity to contribute to ongoing industry discussions on reserves growth local capability development adaptive technology and the future competitiveness of Nigeria’s upstream sector.

Industry professionals attending the NAPE Pre-Conference Workshop are invited to join the Energia Energy Symposium at Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos.

The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Mr. Clement Nwankwo has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against introducing artificial intelligence into Nigeria’s electoral process without clear transparent and verifiable procedures.

Nwankwo also countered INEC’s assertion that the electorate should not publish election results.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the eighth annual public lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria (JFCN) themed ‘From Concern to Action: Making Our Votes Count in the 2027 General Elections’ Nwankwo emphasised that the legal framework and operational details must be made transparent to voters and stakeholders before any new technology is deployed.

He maintained that the electoral process must remain firmly anchored in procedures prescribed by law cautioning against technological innovations that citizens and political parties cannot understand or independently verify.

‘INEC needs to be careful that its so-called use of AI in elections does not result in the use of technology to circumvent the vote of the people’ Nwankwo said.

He argued that the commission must explain precisely how AI will interact with existing procedures for voting counting and collating results. While acknowledging that AI could help political parties independently verify results announced by INEC he reiterated that systems lacking public transparency have no place in Nigerian elections.

‘For the collation of results the use of AI by parties to cross-check what INEC is doing will be very important. But INEC should not introduce a system that people do not understand and cannot verify.’

Nwankwo also rejected INEC’s stance prohibiting citizens from publishing election results asserting that once results are officially announced at polling units in accordance with the Electoral Act electors commit no offence by sharing them.

Addressing broader concerns about public trust Nwankwo urged INEC and security agencies to adhere strictly to lawful transparent standards.

‘Citizens have to trust the electoral process and the election management body. In turn the election management body must at every stage convince Nigerians that it is doing the right job’ he added.

He called on political parties to run issue-based campaigns rather than engage in mutual recrimination while encouraging citizens-particularly those dissatisfied with governance-to overcome voter apathy and actively participate in the democratic process.

The event’s chairman Dr Hussaini Abdu Country Director of CARE Nigeria underscored the vital need to safeguard democratic institutions. He cautioned younger Nigerians against taking democracy for granted noting that many had not experienced the struggles under military rule that paved the way for civilian governance.

‘Democracy is a precious legacy that must be preserved and passed on to future generations’ Abdu noted emphasising that institutions such as INEC and security agencies must remain-and be seen to remain-impartial and accountable.

Similarly the President of the JFCN Mr Amaechi C. Aloke said the lecture’s theme was chosen to inspire citizens to turn their daily grievances into actionable civic engagement.

‘Concern by itself does not change a country’ Aloke remarked. ‘It must become knowledge; knowledge must become participation and participation must become responsible citizenship that extends beyond Election Day.’

The lecture also highlighted the growing erosion of the middle class and its reliance on private alternatives-such as solar power private security and private healthcare-to offset failing public infrastructure. Speakers warned that while such measures offer personal relief they weaken collective civic action and diminish pressure on public institutions to deliver quality services.

Established in 2013 the JFCN launched its public lecture series in 2014 to tackle critical national issues. Beyond advocacy the organisation carries out philanthropic initiatives in the Federal Capital Territory including support for homes for the elderly orphanages and educational sponsorships for underprivileged students.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections speakers agreed that protecting democracy requires trusted electoral bodies lawful procedures robust voter participation and public accountability at every level.

Quadrant MSL has been named PR Agency of the Year (Digital) at the Nigeria Digital PR Awards recognising the agency’s work in using digital storytelling and creator-led content to build meaningful conversations and measurable engagement for brands.

The recognition highlighted Quadrant MSL’s work on MTN Nigeria’s Live It 100 on Campus a youth-focused experience designed to connect with students through entertainment technology creativity and empowerment.

Across its activations the campaign used creators and real-time content to take the experience beyond the physical events generating sustained online conversations and positive sentiment.

By combining on-ground experience with digital storytelling the campaign created multiple opportunities for students to participate share their experience and engage with MTN beyond its core telecommunications offering. The approach reflects the changing role of digital public relations where the success of a campaign increasingly depends on how well it can create experience and conversations that audiences find relevant enough to engage with and share.

Head of Business Quadrant MSL Chidinma Nwankwo said the recognition reflected the agency’s approach to developing communications around how audiences behaved and engaged today.

‘The way people discover discuss and respond to brands has changed significantly and this requires us to think differently about how we approach communications. Digital gives us the opportunity to understand audiences better participate in relevant conversations and create work that people genuinely want to engage with. This recognition is a reflection of the team’s commitment to that approach and the trust our clients continue to place in us’ Nwankwo said.

The five-member Selection Panel chaired by Datari Ladejo selected Quadrant MSL following a nomination process that ran from August 17 to September 18 2026. The panel’s recognition of the agency comes as digital platforms continue to play a growing role in how brands build visibility relevance and relationships with their audiences.

The Nigeria Digital PR Awards with the theme: ‘Art of Influence’ are presented by the Nigeria Digital PR Summit established by Upticomm Marketing Company and endorsed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement Strategy and New Media. Since 2016 the summit has brought together communication professionals brands creators and policymakers to advance the practice of digital public relations.

The recognition adds to Quadrant MSL’s growing portfolio of work at the intersection of public relations digital engagement and culture with the agency continuing to develop campaigns that connect brands with audiences in ways that extend beyond traditional media.

A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday rejected the request of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in next year’s election Omoyele Sowore to compel the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Tosin Ajayi to appear in person in court to testify as his (Sowore’s) witness.

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore over his August 2025 published posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook in which he described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a ‘criminal’ and accused him of lying about the level of corruption in the country.

The defendant who is currently conducting his defence had applied for a subpoena to be issued and served on the director general of the DSS to appear in person in court and testify as his third witness.

In a ruling yesterday Justice Mohammed Umar upheld the argument of the prosecuting lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) that it was not necessary for the boss of the DSS to attend court in person since the defendant only wanted him to speak on the official act of his agency.

The judge said the issued subpoena was on an official act of the DSS adding that the expected testimony was not personal to the DG.

He agreed with Kehinde that any other official of the DSS could appear to give evidence on the agency’s behalf.

Shortly after the ruling Sowore’s lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN) called the defence’s third witness Michael Jego an investigator with the DSS.

Kehinde had argued on October 2 that it was wrong for Sowore’s lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN) to insist that the boss of the DSS must attend court in person to testify as a subpoenaed witness of the defence.

To support his position Kehinde cited a Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Ishaq v. Soniyi (2002) ALL FWLR part 498 page 347 at 373. – where it was held that where a subpoena is directed to a named official it would be absurd to insist that only the named officer was to appear in compliance with the subpoena.

The lawyer recalled that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) attended court on July 28 leading the prosecution’s team to make the same point that it was wrong for the defence to insist that the boss of the DSS must testify as its witness in person.

He said it was based on that understanding that the parties agreed that an official of the DSS should be nominated to stand in for their boss.

Kehinde also told the court that in fidelity to that understanding an official of the DSS was designated for that purpose.

The prosecuting lawyer said the said official was present in court and was ready for the business of the day.

He added that the DSS’ DG has no personal interest in this case. He acted in an official capacity noting that since the DSS had cases in various divisions of the FHC it was practically impossible to expect the DG to attend all proceedings.

Kehinde said: ‘This is a case that is over a year old. The prosecution closed its case on March 16 2026. It is not an act of charity on the part of the defence to argue that at one point it agreed that an official of the DSS should come but now it is insisting on the DG alone.

‘The decision as to who should attend court is at the discretion of the court not that of the defence. An official of the DSS is competent to give evidence in place of the DG.’

The court adjourned the further hearing in the case till October 26.

Forty years after the assassination of a co-founder of Newswatch news magazine Mr. Dele Giwa his colleague at the publication Mr. Ray Ekpu has accused Nigeria’s justice system of failing to deliver justice for the late journalist.

He said decades of efforts by the slain journalist’s colleagues and associates to secure accountability have yielded no result.

Ekpu spoke yesterday in Lagos at the presentation of Dele Giwa’s book Granite Journalism a collection of the late journalist’s writings published to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his assassination.

‘Since his death we in Newswatch and some members of the media community have fought tooth and nail to get justice for him but there has been no success’ he said.

Giwa the founding Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch was killed by a parcel bomb delivered to his Ikeja residence on October 19 1986. His assassination remains unresolved.

In marking the 40th anniversary Media Rights Agenda (MRA) yesterday urged the Federal Government to comply with and fully implement the judicial order directing it to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of Newswatch Editor-in-Chief Mr. Dele Giwa.

In a statement in Lagos marking the 40th anniversary of the killing of Mr. Giwa on October 19 1986 through a parcel bomb delivered to him at his residence in Ikeja Lagos the organisation described the government’s failure as a ‘shameful reminder of the entrenched culture of impunity for attacks against journalists in Nigeria’.

Ekpu said Giwa’s colleagues had worked for years with the late human rights lawyer Chief Gani Fawehinmi to pursue justice but encountered obstacles that frustrated their efforts.

The eminent journalist said the failure to obtain justice had left the journalist’s associates with little choice but to entrust the matter to God stressing that this was not an attempt to avoid the struggle but a recognition of the difficulties they faced.

The book presentation sought to preserve Giwa’s professional legacy beyond the circumstances of his death.

Reviewing the collection TheCable founder Simon Kolawole said public attention to Giwa’s assassination had sometimes overshadowed his exceptional contribution to Nigerian journalism.

The online publisher described the book as a necessary correction stressing that Giwa should be remembered as an outstanding journalist compelling storyteller and writer of uncommon ability.

Edited by Ekpu the collection brings together 74 articles written by the late Giwa two interviews and 16 tributes by journalists and writers. It features his published writings in the Daily Times Sunday Concord and Newswatch.

Kolawole praised Giwa’s ability to transform ordinary experiences into compelling narratives through lucid prose humour and close observation. He cited an account of Giwa’s experiences in the United States where difficult factory jobs eventually informed his decision to return to Nigeria as an example of his talent for drawing wider social meaning from personal experiences.

Beyond his literary gifts Kolawole said Giwa’s writings reflected strong convictions about press freedom censorship political power and professional ethics.

In one essay Giwa argued that journalists should serve as carriers of information rather than become persecutors.

His writings on political reporting also challenged journalists to move beyond reproducing speeches and campaign promises to scrutinise candidates assess their programmes and help voters make informed decisions.

Kolawole said those arguments remained relevant to Nigerian journalism particularly the need for reporting that holds public officials accountable and equips citizens to make informed choices.

He acknowledged that Giwa could be combative and uncompromising in his judgments but said these qualities reflected his passionate engagement with society.

The collection also preserves Giwa’s writings on international politics race relations and freedom of expression illustrating the range of his interests and the continuing relevance of his work.

Also MRA’s Deputy Executive Director Ayode Longe said the anniversary should not just be treated merely as an occasion to remember an accomplished journalist and celebrate his contributions to journalism in Nigeria but to also serve as a moment for renewed public scrutiny of the failure to deliver justice and the lack of concrete action by the government and the police towards ensuring accountability.

He said: ‘Forty years is far too long for the assassination of a journalist of Dele Giwa’s stature to remain unresolved. His killing must not be reduced to a recurring anniversary in Nigeria’s media calendar accompanied by tributes and expressions of outrage but without meaningful progress towards accountability.’

Longe recalled that on February 16 2024 MRA secured judgment at the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case it brought against the Attorney-General of the Federation in which the court ordered the Federal Government to investigate Mr. Giwa’s murder along with other unresolved killings of other journalists and directed the government to ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators.

The rights activist said the Federal Government had not demonstrated any progress or reported on any concrete steps it has taken to establish the facts identify those responsible and pursue accountability in accordance with the law.

He described the government’s attitude as a contemptuous disregard for a valid and subsisting judicial order.

Longe urged the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and all other relevant authorities to provide a clear account of the steps taken to implement the court’s order including the status of the investigation the investigative measures undertaken and the plans for pursuing prosecution where the evidence and applicable law warrant it.

Arguing that the passage of time does not extinguish the state’s responsibility to pursue accountability for an unlawful killing Longe urged the authorities to explore all lawful investigative avenues including a systematic review of historical investigation files witness accounts documentary evidence and any other material that may assist in establishing the circumstances of the assassination.

According to him where appropriate and feasible modern forensic and investigative techniques and tools should be leveraged.

Longe stressd that the failure to resolve the Giwa case after four decades sends a damaging message about the safety of journalists in Nigeria and the consequences of violence against those who exercise their right to freedom of expression.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s finance business insurance telecommunications and investment sectors have identified pro-growth tax policies increased capital market participation reliable broadband connectivity and strong institutions as critical to achieving the country’s $1 trillion economic target by 2030.

They spoke at the Finance and Business Online Publishers Association (FiBOP) Conference and Awards held in Lagos.

The conference chaired by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) Dr Muda Yusuf brought together policymakers regulators business leaders investors and media professionals to discuss strategies for unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.

Themed ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Potential: Taxation Industry Insurance Fintech Trade and Investment as Catalysts for Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Vision’ the event examined reforms needed to attract investment expand businesses and create jobs.

Representing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele his Special Adviser on Revenue Olufemi Olarinde said achieving the target would depend not only on government revenue generation but also on policies that promote business growth attract investment and create employment.

He said the government’s new tax policy was designed to support economic expansion improve living standards and create an environment where businesses and citizens could prosper.

Olarinde said the central principle behind the reforms was to ‘tax prosperity not poverty’ and ‘tax the few and not the citizens.’

The Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga called for increased participation in the capital market saying the country needed to expand its investor base from fewer than five million to 10 million.

He described the capital market as a vital channel for mobilising funds to finance infrastructure expand businesses and create jobs.

Kwairanga said NGX market capitalisation had risen from less than N50 trillion to more than N163 trillion since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

He urged more Nigerians to participate in the market and benefit from opportunities in the country’s investment ecosystem.

Kwairanga received the Capital Market Personality of the Year Award at the event.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Insurers Association Mrs Bola Odukale highlighted the insurance sector’s contribution to economic development.

She stressed the need to strengthen the industry’s role in supporting national growth and urged the media to continue projecting Nigeria positively to domestic and international audiences to support investor confidence.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr Aminu Maida identified broadband connectivity as a major driver of productivity innovation and market expansion.

Represented by the commission’s Senior Manager Regulatory Services Mrs Yetunde Adeyemo Maida said reliable broadband would enable businesses across sectors to reach wider markets and participate in national regional and global value chains.

He said traders farmers fashion designers content creators and software developers could use internet connectivity to reach customers receive payments advertise products and improve their operations.

According to him broadband reduces transaction costs improves service delivery and supports inventory management particularly for micro small and medium-sized enterprises.

Maida added that innovation in financial technology education technology agricultural technology health technology and the creative economy depended on affordable and reliable data access.

He said communications infrastructure including fibre networks towers satellites and spectrum provided the foundation for the digital services needed to support economic growth.

The Managing Director of DataPro Limited Abimbola Adeseyoju represented by Senior Rating Analyst Victoria Motunrayo Balogun stressed the importance of credible institutions productive investment and sustained investor confidence.

Adeseyoju described the conference theme as timely noting its alignment with DataPro’s 2026 International Rating Webinar which examined ‘Sovereign Credit Rating: Africa’s Roadmap to Investment Grade Status.’

He said achieving Nigeria’s economic ambition required sound policies credible institutions and sustained confidence in the economy.

He also highlighted the importance of credit ratings in assessing the creditworthiness of governments and businesses helping investors evaluate lending risks and make informed investment decisions.

The President of FiBOP Charles Onwuatogwu reaffirmed the association’s commitment to disseminating accurate credible and factual information.

He urged online publishers to uphold professional standards and ensure their reporting contributed to informed discussions on national development.

Experts have called for increased climate financing for Nigeria’s smallholder farmers with annual investment potential estimated at $30bn as the country develops a framework to direct funds towards agricultural adaptation and resilience.

The proposed framework is expected to help farmers access financing to manage climate-related risks including drought flooding and waterlogging while encouraging financial institutions to provide lending options suited to their needs.

YAPU Solutions Managing Director Christoph Junghleisch gave the investment estimate at a Taxonomy Validation Workshop on Adaptation and Resilience Solutions organised by the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) in collaboration with YAPU Solutions.

Junghleisch said the organisation was working with PICTT to develop a framework linking climate adaptation solutions to appropriate sources of finance.

He said the initial plan could involve a pilot project valued at between $100m and $200m with a target of scaling up financing to $1bn in the first expansion phase.

He clarified however that the figures were targets not confirmed funding commitments.

Junghleisch said digital technology would be central to ensuring that climate funds reached their intended beneficiaries with a system designed to track disbursements and make transactions transparent and auditable.

‘What we are focusing on is smart use of technology optimisation of processes that enable you to document every cent Naira that you are basically bringing to the smallholder farmers’ he said.

He added that YAPU was engaging development finance partners including the Bank of Agriculture and the African Development Fund while seeking to attract private-sector investment.

The Chairman of PICTT Dr Dahiru Muhammed said the initiative aimed to develop an implementation framework for Nigeria’s national taxonomy which defines activities eligible for climate finance.

He explained that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were developing the national taxonomy. At the same time PICTT and its partners focused on making the framework operational and accessible to rural communities.

‘Having a national taxonomy is good but without defining which activity qualifies as adaptive or resilient to climate change there is no way you can access the financing’ Muhammed said.

He noted that stakeholders had not yet assessed the initiative’s funding requirements as they were still developing the framework and identifying implementation partners.

Muhammed also called for collaboration among federal state and local governments to tackle climate-related challenges particularly flooding through improved infrastructure and effective mitigation measures.

WorldFish’s Country Representative in Nigeria Dr Charles Nyangbe said the country needed financial instruments tailored to the different climate risks confronting farmers across its regions.

He explained that farmers in northern Nigeria faced drought while those in southern communities dealt with flooding and waterlogging making different adaptation strategies and financing arrangements necessary.

Nyangbe said the proposed taxonomy could help financial institutions develop sustainable lending mechanisms for farmers stressing the need to distinguish climate finance from conventional government budgetary allocations.

He advocated index-based insurance and blended finance to help farmers manage climate-related risks.

He also urged the government to provide targeted climate funding through commercial banks and other financial institutions using public funds as guarantees to encourage lending to farmers.

‘Government should come up with an envelope of funding that is targeted at climate financing give it to financial institutions give it to commercial banks so that they can lend’ he said.

Nyangbe said Nigeria had attracted about $2.5bn in climate-related financing but the amount remained far below estimated requirements.

He called for broader coverage of climate financing to include livestock fisheries and aquaculture noting that discussions often placed excessive emphasis on crop production.

According to him flooding could destroy fish ponds and aquaculture facilities resulting in substantial losses for farmers.

The workshop brought together financial institutions agricultural experts and other stakeholders to validate the taxonomy identify appropriate financing instruments and develop an implementation timeline.

The proposed framework is expected to guide climate investments towards vulnerable farming communities and strengthen their capacity to withstand climate-related shocks. However the $30bn annual investment estimate and the proposed pilot funding remain prospective targets rather than secured commitments.

The Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders’ Political Summit endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The endorsement was made by a unanimous voice vote at the summit held on Tuesday at the Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki following a motion moved by the senator representing Ebonyi North Onyekachi Nwebonyi.

The summit which brought together political leaders and stakeholders from the three senatorial zones and 13 local government areas of the state was held under the theme ‘Orderly and Peaceful Political Transition in Ebonyi State: The Way Forward.’

Attendees included the state’s first civilian governor Senator Sam Egwu; former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; former governor Martin Elechi; and former governor and Minister of Works Senator David Umahi.

Deputy Patricia Obila represented Governor Francis Nwifuru the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

The stakeholders deliberated on the state’s future with particular emphasis on political stability zoning equity continuity in governance and the need for a peaceful transition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit participants reaffirmed their commitment to peace unity and political stability describing them as essential to Ebonyi’s continued development.

They called on political leaders public office holders traditional rulers religious leaders civil society organisations and citizens to protect the state’s unity regardless of political affiliation or other differences.

The summit urged political parties aspirants and their supporters to conduct their activities with restraint and mutual respect while rejecting inflammatory rhetoric intimidation political violence and other actions that could disrupt public order.

On the contentious issue of zoning the summit supported continuing the governorship rotation arrangement among the three senatorial zones noting that the practice has helped promote inclusion and political stability since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

The communiqué noted that the state’s first three elected governors – Egwu from Ebonyi North Elechi from Ebonyi Central and Umahi from Ebonyi South – each served two four-year terms.

It said the arrangement had encouraged continuity mutual accommodation and respect for established political understandings among the zones.

The summit therefore resolved that Ebonyi North should fill its governorship slot in the 2027 electoral cycle in line with the zoning principle recognised by the participants.

It further proposed moving the governorship to Ebonyi Central in 2031 where it would remain for eight years before moving to Ebonyi South in 2039 for another eight years.

The proposed rotation schedule provides for Ebonyi North from 2023 to 2031 Ebonyi Central from 2031 to 2039 and Ebonyi South from 2039 to 2047.

The stakeholders also called for the equitable distribution of public amenities and development projects among the zones stressing the need to sustain fairness justice and peaceful coexistence.

On governance the summit commended Nwifuru’s administration for its development initiatives under the People’s Charter of Needs.

It identified infrastructure and rural development education healthcare agriculture food security human capital development women’s empowerment and youth development as key areas requiring sustained attention.

The summit urged political leaders and other stakeholders to continue promoting dialogue across party lines and to discourage actions that could create unnecessary tension during the transition period.

It also called on political parties aspirants security agencies electoral authorities and the media to work towards peaceful credible and orderly elections in 2027.

The participants urged politicians to pursue their ambitions through lawful and democratic means to respect other citizens’ rights to avoid hate speech and misinformation and to recognise the role of relevant institutions in electoral matters.

The communiqué expressed appreciation to the leaders and representatives of the 13 local government areas political parties and community organisations who participated in the deliberations.

It reaffirmed the summit’s aspiration for an Ebonyi State that remains peaceful united inclusive and development-oriented while urging leaders and citizens to translate the resolutions into practical commitments that would advance the welfare of the people.

The communiqué read by Mrs Chioma Nweze was signed by Umahi Anyim Egwu and other leaders present on behalf of the over 1500 summit attendees.