Maritime: Nigeria, Ghana Sign Strategic MoU

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July 6, 2026

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Ghana Maritime Authority, GMA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, enhance regional maritime governance, and promote the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across West Africa.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed appreciation to Ghana for its support during Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, noting that the longstanding relationship between both countries continues to advance maritime development within the region.

He stated that the MoU provides a practical framework for deeper collaboration in maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, CoC , institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement initiatives, and regional cooperation at international maritime fora.

According to Mobereola, the partnership must be driven by measurable outcomes through a structured implementation process.

“We will continue to work together to grow our economies and make the maritime sector safer. This Memorandum of Understanding is a commitment to do better. NIMASA will fully play its part in implementing the agreement, while both institutions must establish annual implementation agendas to monitor progress and deliver tangible results,” he said.

The NIMASA DG noted that Nigeria and Ghana, as leading maritime nations in the sub-region, have a shared responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in West and Central Africa. He added that the partnership should generate benefits that extend beyond both countries by fostering regional and sub-regional collaboration capable of unlocking the enormous potential of the Blue Economy.

Under the agreement, both maritime administrations will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) to develop action plans, coordinate implementation, and monitor agreed programmes through designated focal persons. The JCT will meet twice yearly, with meetings hosted alternately by Nigeria and Ghana to review implementation progress, evaluate cooperation activities, and strengthen bilateral engagement.

The MoU is expected to improve maritime governance, strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, enhance regulatory effectiveness, and reinforce collaborative efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between both maritime administrations.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role within the region, noting that Ghana has over the years drawn valuable lessons from several Nigerian maritime initiatives, including the country’s Cabotage regime, ship registry, and regulatory frameworks.

“This Memorandum of Understanding consolidates an already mutually beneficial relationship. Ghana remains fully committed to implementing every aspect of the agreement as we continue to learn from one another and work together to strengthen maritime administration across the region,” he said.

The signing of the MoU underscores the commitment of both maritime administrations to advancing regional integration, improving maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable economic growth through stronger institutional collaboration.

Jonathan: Nobody Offered Me N500bn To Split Obi’s Votes

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 6, 2026

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Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s ex-president has denied report that he was offered N500 billion to contest next year’s election, to split the votes of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC.

According to the former president, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser Dr Ikechukwu Eze, on Sunday, the report has the trappings of misinformation and falsehood by some unscrupulous persons who are only interested in misleading Nigerians, adding that such things never happened.

Jonathan insist that nobody induced him with the large amount to contest the presidential election to whittle down Obi’s votes in the region.

“The report failed to state where or when Jonathan allegedly made such a claim, who was present or who purportedly made the alleged offer,” Jonathan said.

Obi is one of the presidential hopefuls in the 2027 presidential election but recent reports have claimed that efforts are ongoing to ensure that he receives less votes, where he’s believed to be very popular.

During the 2023 Presidential election, the former Anambra state governor won block votes from the region, including Jonathan’s home state, Bayelas against the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who emerged winner in the election.

To forestall the repeat of what happened in 2023, there are suggestions that Jonathan was offered the huge sum to split Obi’s votes so that it will be difficult for him to win.

The pundits cited the recent plan by some political active persons in the country to drag the former Nigerian Leader into the the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to be its candidate for next year’s election.

Recall that some people believed to be close to the former president obtained the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP nomination form for Jonathan, with a view to ensure that he emerged one of the presidential candidates for the election.

But Jonathan has never made it public that he’s interested in contesting the highest office in the country next year.

PDP had since picked Senator Sandy Onor as its sole consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election .

Condition Of Poor Nigerians Has Improved Under Tinubu – Economic Adviser

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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July 6, 2026

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Amidts the serious economic challenges in the country a top aide of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the lives of poor people in the country has improved under the current administration.

Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, to the president made the assertion on Sunday, saying the development followed the decision of President Tinubu to free up more resources for the Local Government Councils, LGAs in the country.

The President’s aide spoke on Channel TV programme Sunday Politics, insisting that there are now enough resources available to the governors to spend in developing the grassroots, stating that the decision to release more funds for LGAs in the country is one of the most effective policies of the Tinubu’s administration.

He stated that the administration understood that the best place to tackle poverty is at the local government level, that’s is why more funds have been allocated to LGAs, saying the governors now have enough resources at their disposals, which enables them to pay workers salary and pensioners, unlike in the time past when workers were owed many months of salaries by state governments.

He said the era “when civil servants would be owed 18 months, 12 months, six months, it’s gone,” because enough funds have been provide for the state governments.

“Pensioners are getting their money a lot, and I think that’s where it matters. And of course, opposition will think that it’s a government that actually pushes finances to the state and the local government, okay, that ensures that salaries are paid on time and the most vulnerable part of our population actually gets something. So I’m saying that, look, I can tell you, I can tell you that, honestly, for the very poor people in this country, the situation is getting better and perhaps better than it used to be, honestly, “ he said.

Adding, “Because if you are raising money to local government and to state government, that is where it’s at. But actually, we cannot go and give the local man—let me tell you, the lessons learned from the China Poverty Eradication Programme, what they did was to get documentation on every household. So if you really want to solve the poverty problem, you are talking about getting documentation on each household.

“The federal government knows that you cannot do that; you can only do that through the local government, through the state government. And so these monies that have been pushed to them are what are going to win the election for us. I have no doubt that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is coming back in 2027 anyway.”

Not a few Nigerians will however disagree with Fasua on the grounds that republe local and international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund, IMF, World Bank, and others have insisted that the poverty level in the country has worsened since Tinubu came into office in 2023.

On the point by Fasua that the grassroots now feel more government impact due to the financial autonomy granted to LGAs in the country, the situation on the ground, according to policy experts, is very different because some state governments in the country have ensured that funds allocated to the LGAs don’t get to them despite the historic 2025 Supreme Court judgment that funds meant for the 776 LGAs in the country must be paid to them directly.

Meanwhile, the controversial comment by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu to the effect that poor Nigerians can make their life better by selling local edible stuffs such as Akara, and Kuli-kuli is still raising ducts in the country.

Ekiti Gov. Oyebanji Visits Released Kidnap Victims At EKSUTH, Says Govt. Will Pay Medical Bills

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Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited victims of the Eda Oniyo kidnap incident at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, where they are currently receiving treatment following their release.

The Governor’s visit came barely 24 hours after the victims were admitted to the hospital on his directive.

The governor has directed that the 15 victims be admitted at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti immediately after their release on Saturday after spending 67 days in captivity

Governor Oyebanji, who was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, and the Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Oladele Olatunya, strongly condemned the incident, assuring residents that decisive steps are being taken to safeguard lives and property, as well as make the state hot for criminal elements.

He cautioned residents against politicising security and kidnapping issues, stressing that matters of security must not be trivialised.

While commiserating with the victims at their wards, the Governor expressed gratitude to God for their safe return.

He described their ordeal as painful and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Oyebanji reiterated that the state government would bear the full cost of the victims’ medical treatment and provide psychological support to aid their recovery and reintegration into society.

He also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in strengthening security architecture across the states.

The Governor praised security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue and also appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association for providing valuable intelligence during the operation.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, the Governor said it was unacceptable for individuals to be attacked while worshipping, adding that collective responsibility is required to ensure safety.

He expressed satisfaction with the victims’ condition, noting that all of them were stable and responding to treatment, including a child who had earlier been unconscious but had regained consciousness.

On behalf of the victims, a relative, Mr. Akin Oluwayemi, expressed appreciation to the Governor and security agencies for their efforts, while calling for a sustained security presence in border communities to prevent future occurrences.

In a related development, Governor Oyebanji also settled the medical bills of three indigent patients at the hospital who had been unable to pay after discharge.

The Governor, who noticed the patients while leaving the ward, immediately offset their bills—amounting to over two million naira—and directed that they be discharged to reunite with their families.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Fasuba Taiwo expressed gratitude to the Governor and offered prayers for his family and administration.

Alleged Torture By Police In South Africa Kills Nigerian, As Death Toll Rises

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Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the death of two more Nigerians in South Africa, as violent attacks and harassment of black foreigners escalate across the country.

The victims, identified as Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe, were both killed on Sunday, 28 June, in separate incidents in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces.

According to the consulate’s statement, Mr Joe was killed by “suspected criminals” in Witbank, Mpumalanga province.

Mr Iroegbu was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, a suburb of Pretoria.

The consulate said the victim was subjected to “gruesome torture techniques” while in custody, which led to his death.

The latest killings bring to four the number of Nigerians confirmed murdered in South Africa since the current wave of xenophobic attacks began in April.

The deaths mirror those of two other Nigerians killed earlier this year: Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.

Both men were arrested and allegedly beaten to death by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.

Mr Andrew’s body was found days after his arrest on 19 April in the Booysens area of Pretoria.

He was picked up following an alleged altercation with Tshwane Metro Police officers. His corpse was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

Mr Emmanuel died a day later from injuries sustained during the SANDF attack.

Following those killings, the Nigerian government summoned the South African High Commissioner and demanded a thorough investigation. Two months later, the investigation is still pending and no arrests have been made.

The consulate condemned the continuing violence, saying the pattern “raises questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”

“The death is coming at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa, raising questions about what seems to be a deliberate attempt by some elements to generalise wrongfully and tag well-meaning, hard-working and respectable Nigerians in the country as criminals,” the statement read.

It called for “a thorough and immediate investigation. We expect the authorities to do the needful and achieve the ultimate prosecution of the perpetrators.”

Nigerian officials have repeatedly condemned the attacks but have also urged Nigerians in Nigeria to refrain from retaliatory attacks on South African businesses.

Three Civilians Wounded As Troops Repel Terrorists Attack In Zamfara

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Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Three civilians sustained gunshot wounds as troops of the Nigerian Army repelled another terrorist attack on a forward operating base in Zamfara State,.

The latest assault occurred in the early hours of Friday at the military formation in Moriki, located in Zurmi Local Government Area, according to security sources.

The sources said the terrorists launched the attack at about 1 a.m., advancing on the base from different directions in an apparent attempt to overrun the troops.

However, soldiers on duty reportedly held their ground and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing the assailants to abandon the mission and retreat.

Although no casualty was reported among the troops, but the wounded three civilians living around the area were affected during exchange of fire.

The injured victims were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment, while security operatives reinforced the area to forestall any fresh attacks.

The development marks the second failed attempt by suspected terrorists to overrun military positions in Zamfara within two days.

On Thursday, troops similarly repelled an attack on another military base at Gwashi in Bukuyyum Local Government Area after suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate the position.

The soldiers engaged the attackers in a gun duel, compelling them to withdraw without breaching the military formation.

The repeated attacks underscore the persistent security challenges facing parts of Zamfara, where security forces have continued offensive and defensive operations against armed groups operating across the state

Ahead 2027: Group Cautions Atiku, Says Amaechi Is A Political Liability

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Ayodele Oni

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July 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the running mate to the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2027 general elections has been described as a political paper weight that only barks and rants on media adventures.

A group, Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum warned that Amaechi may cause Atiku to lose the election, going by his antecedents.

It rejected former Minister of Transportation, as the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2027 general elections.

The Forum’s Convener, Anga Fidelis, and two others, in a statement, claimed that Amaechi would be defeated even in his hometown in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Fidelis also argued that if Amaechi could not win his local government area in the last eight years, what were the chances that he would help Abubakar secure votes in the 17 states in the southern part of the country: the South-South (six states), South-West (six states) and South-East (five states).

He said: “With all due respect, maybe Atiku, even though he is a pan-Nigerian who has businesses, friends, associates and ties across the South-West, South-East and South-South parts of the country, may not be fully abreast with the political reality in the Niger Delta region where Amaechi is from.

“As at today, Amaechi is a political liability and it is a statement of fact that he can not win his Ward in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“When you can’t deliver your Ward, how do you deliver your LGA and ultimately the State?”

According to him, Amaechi was instrumental in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan, a role he said the people of the Niger Delta had not forgotten.

“Amaechi’s sins to his people are legendary and only reinforces why he is a political liability, a conceived tool for failure and a political pariah in his region.

“He was instrumental to the defeat of Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the first President of the South South and Ijaw son because of his selfish ambition to become a Minister under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2015,” he said.

He submitted that a running mate should be someone who would complement the efforts of the candidate and not a liability who would be solely banking on the efforts of the candidate in his stronghold.

“The mission and vision still remain Tinubu must go. Atiku should be careful not to turn his likely victory to Tinubu’s advantage with such enforced error as making a political dead wood as Amaechi running mate, because that is tantamount to shooting himself in the feet.

“Yes, we agreed Amaechi has a rich political pedigree on paper. He should, as a two-term Governor, two-time Minister, two-term Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Speaker of all Speakers, be expected to, yet in reality they are all good on paper and remain so as paper tiger.

“Since 2015, Amaechi has lost all his political leverage and all he now does is bark and rant on media adventures.

“Already, we can only envisage the joy at the heart of Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, as he would be relishing another day at the polls to further chase the now chastised cat of Ubima into his shell,” he added.

‘Hunger-free Nigeria Requires Leaders Who Prioritise Citizens’ Welfare’ – Peter Obi

By

The Source

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July 5, 2026

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The 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said that the growing hunger of Nigerian citizens will get worse unless the people enthrone leaders who have citizens’ welfare at heart.

Reacting to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) alarm that over 17 million Nigerians in the North are at risk of acute hunger, Obi said that Nigeria is a food basket and only an incompetent leadership can drag the country into such a horrible situation.

Writing on his X handle this weekend, Obi said, “The recent report from the UN about the impending food crisis in northern Nigeria is disheartening, more so because it is avoidable. Northern Nigeria is the nation’s food basket, and nothing short of incompetent and irresponsible leadership could have created this tragedy.”

“In a recent post on his X handle, he urged our national leaders to reassess their priorities and address the dire circumstances facing our citizens. He called on the Federal Government and state leaders to move beyond mere political discourse and make transparent, upfront investments to secure agricultural corridors, support smallholder farmers with accessible resources, and collaborate vigorously with organisations like the World Food Programme (WFP) to bridge funding gaps before this crisis escalates and claims more lives, especially those of children.

“A prosperous Nigeria, free from hunger, is achievable, but it requires leadership that prioritises the welfare of its citizens.

“I am deeply troubled by the latest report from the UN’s World Food Programme, indicating that northern Nigeria is experiencing its most severe hunger crisis in nearly a decade. Over 17 million people in nine northern states face crisis-level hunger, with more than 35 million Nigerians nationwide at risk during this challenging season.

“The fact that over 10,000 residents of Borno State have entered ‘catastrophic’ hunger conditions represents not only immense human suffering but also a profound national failure. Nigeria should not rank among the world’s hungriest nations, given its abundant resources, particularly the vast stretches of fertile, uncultivated land in the North.

“This food crisis stems from two critical structural failures: insecurity and farmers’ inability to access their lands. Banditry and insurgency have turned agrarian communities into displacement zones. Until we secure our agricultural areas, we cannot secure our future.

“Our global hunger ranking continues to worsen because of our proclivity for adopting superficial measures that do little to boost agricultural productivity or transform rural infrastructure. We need to adopt policies that address the structural barriers to agricultural productivity and transform our land resources into agro-industrial output. We can overcome hunger and poverty if we urgently shift our focus from consumption to production.

“A new Nigeria, devoid of hunger and mass poverty – a Nigeria where we transform our arable land into productive acreage – remains attainable, but it demands leadership that values the lives and livelihoods of the Nigerian people above grandiose road dualisation projects.

A new Nigeria is possible.

Ekiti: Abducted CAC Worshippers Regain Freedom After 67 Days …One Dies In Captivity

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Ayodele Oni

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July 4, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

After payment of N25m , 14 out of the 15 worshippers abducted at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eda Oniyo in Ekiti state were released on Saturday.

One of them, 85 years old woman Mrs Ogundele, could not survive the hardship in captive, leading to her death.

They were abducted in April at the Church while attending a revival programme during which a pastor was shot dead by the kidnappers.

A relative of one of the victims, explained that the community first raised N10.05 million and food items which the kidnappers collected and later demanded for additional N50 million and even threatened to kill the victims.

He revealed that another sum of N15 million was raised and given to the kidnappers three days ago with bags of rice and 200 litres of petrol

The relation said the victims were later dropped at a village in Kogi state already deserted where they were picked up Saturday.

Ekiti State Government has declared its stand on the incident that it was not ready to pay ransom but promised to give logistics support to facilitate their release.

The State Government has directed that the victims should be taken to the State specialists hospital in Ado Ekiti for medical attention.

Ooni Of Ife: “I Conferred No Chieftaincy Title On Baba Ijesha”

By

Akinwale Kasali

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July 4, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Contrary to the news on Social Media the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said he conferred no chieftaincy title on comic Nollywood actor, James Olanrewaju, popular as Baba Ijesha.

Debunking the news in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, the revered Ooni l clarification that although he warmly received the actor and his wife at his Palace on Wednesday to celebrate the birth of his Son, no chieftaincy title was conferred on the couple.

The Oonirisa said that he also presented the actor with a brand-new car and cash gifts as a demonstration of his fatherly love and royal generosity, but no chieftaincy title was conferred on him.

“Awada Konge Oduwa”, which Baba Ijesha later described on his social media pages as a chieftaincy title, was merely a light-comedy remark made by the Ooni during a relaxed interaction in recognition of the actor’s outstanding career as a comedian.

The Monarch explained that the remark was never intended to constitute a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.

He said that Baba Ijesha, as an indigene of Ile-Ife and a proud son of The Source, was deserving of honour and could be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future.

“However, no such title has been conferred on him.

“The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife remains a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations and traditional rites, which are publicly conducted in accordance with the age-long traditions of the source.

“None of these customary procedures took place during the actor’s visit to the palace,” he said.

The Ooni further appreciated Baba Ijesha for acknowledging the Royal kindness extended to him and his family, as the Ooni urged Media Organisations and members of the public to disregard reports claiming that the actor had been installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa” or conferred with any chieftaincy title.

Oba Ogunwusi reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the Oodua race at large while preserving the sanctity, dignity and integrity of the revered traditional institution of chieftaincy.

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