Obi Meets UK Business Leaders, Advocates Stronger Support for MSMEs

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May 13, 2026

Presidential hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has reiterated the critical role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and reducing unemployment.

Obi made the remarks on Tuesday following a series of meetings in London with stakeholders in British politics and the business community, including Jonathan Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

According to Obi, discussions with Lord Marland focused on prospective trade opportunities, economic advancement, and strategies for promoting small businesses across Nigeria.

Drawing comparisons with rapidly developing economies such as China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, Obi stressed that sustainable economic growth and job creation can only be achieved through deliberate support for MSMEs.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that small businesses remain the backbone of the economy and called for stronger policies aimed at boosting development and creating employment opportunities, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Catholic Church Mourns As Monsignor Gabriel Osu Dies

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 13, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The announcement on Tuesday by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos of the death of Very Rev’d Monsignor Gabriel Osu has thrown the Nigerian Catholic Community into mourning.

In a statement, the Diocese disclosed that the Osu, a native of Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, died on Friday, May 8, 2026. He was aged 72 years.

Until his death, Monsignor Osu was a priest of the Archdiocese of Lagos.

He was ordained on Saturday, December 5, 1981, and served in several parishes and institutions in the Archdiocese. They include The Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos; St. Gregory College, South-West, Ikoyi; St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Oshodi, Lagos; St. Paul Catholic Church, Ebute-Metta, and Our Lady Star of the Sea, Northern Foreshore, Lekki.

He also served as the Lagos Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications for many years, in which position he often interacted with the media and was the face of the Diocese in media matters. Until his death, he was a resident of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Northern Foreshore, Lekki.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, in a circular, said that Osu’s funeral arrangements would be made public later.

N25m Up For Grabs As Bart Nnaji Foundation Launches Innovation Challenge to Transform Palm Wine Harvesting

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The Source

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May 13, 2026

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The Bart Nnaji Foundation has launched the Bart Nnaji Innovation Challenge, a practical innovation competition calling on bold thinkers, builders, creators, and problem-solvers to design safer ways of harvesting palm wine without climbing trees.

According to a statement signed by David Nwobodo on behalf of the foundation, which was established in 1983, the winners will share N25 million, with the first winner going home with N10m and three others getting the remaining N15m.

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students as well those doing the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and independent researchers.

The competition, according to Nwobodo, “is aimed at encouraging practical engineering solutions that can protect life, support rural enterprise, and modernize palm wine harvesting without erasing its cultural value.

“The challenge focuses on a real and long-standing problem within Nigeria’s traditional palm wine industry: how to preserve an important cultural and economic practice while reducing the risks faced by traditional palm wine harvesters”.

Nwobodo continued:

“For generations, palm wine harvesting has remained an important part of community life, supporting families, local traders, small businesses, ceremonies, festivals, and social gatherings across many communities. However, the traditional method often requires harvesters to climb tall palm trees using ropes, pegs, and improvised tools, a process that is physically demanding and dangerous”.

The foundation noted that as many experienced traditional harvesters grow older, and fewer young people are willing to embrace such hazardous work, the future of palm wine harvesting now requires safer, smarter, and more practical solutions.

“The challenge is simple: design a safe way to harvest palm wine without climbing trees”.

Participants are expected to develop practical ideas that can reduce or eliminate the need for harvesters to climb tall trees. Proposed solutions may involve engineering, mechanics, automation, local materials, improved tools, modified harvesting systems, or any creative approach that can make palm wine harvesting safer and more efficient.

“At the heart of the challenge is one goal: protect lives while supporting local enterprise,” the foundation stated.

Dr Ifeabunike Joseph Dioha, a highly regarded Professor of Industrial Chemistry and Energy Studies, and Director of Renewable Energy Projects at the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) in Delta State, described the initiative as a timely intervention that connects science, engineering, innovation, and community development.

“This is the kind of innovation challenge that should excite students, researchers, and practical problem-solvers because it applies science to a real-life problem,” Professor Dioha said.

Dioha, who was also a former director of the Energy Commission of Nigeria in the Presidency, Abuja, noted that some of his postgraduate students are already participating in the challenge.

“I am pleased that some of my postgraduate students are participating. It gives them the opportunity to think practically, design responsibly, and contribute to a solution that can have direct impact on society,” he added.

The challenge is open to individuals and teams with innovative ideas. Students, engineers, makers, builders, technicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and practical problem-solvers are encouraged to apply.

The winner will receive a ₦10,000,000 Grand Prize. Prototype development funding support will also be provided for the top three finalists to help them build and test their solutions, while travel support will be provided for the top three finalists attending the pitch defense.

Entries close on 27th May 2026.

Interested individuals and teams can register through the official competition page: www.bartnnaji.com/competition

Opposition Willingly Handing Tinubu Victory – El-Rufai Laments

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 13, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Honourable Bashir El-Rufai, son of the detained former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed deep shock and regret over the tendency by opposition leaders to replay the disastrous political script that handed over the Presidency.to Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.

Reacting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to the avoidable split of the opposition Coalition Camp, the young El-Rufai, a serving member of the 10th National Assembly, expressed serious concern that the opposition may once again hand victory back to President Tinubu going by their inability to stay together.

The Source reports that the hitherto closely knit rank of the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress ADC, was penultimate Sunday, divided following the exit of Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential candidates of the Labour Party LP and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

Both men who are leading the two most organic political Movements in recent times- Obidient and Kwankwasiyya, have since joined forces with the nascent political platform, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for a possible Presidential pairing ahead of the 2027 polls.

Their defection has severely disrupted the fast growing momentum of the ADC which still has in its fold former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, and a host of others.

In a post shared on his official site, Bashir, the eldest son of former Kaduna state Governor Malam El-Rufai, himself a prominent figure in the ADC, expressed disappointment with the inability of supposedly experienced political actors to manage differences and avoid committing the same mistakes of 2023.

“This man (referring to President Tinubu) got 8M votes , Waziri ( Atiku) 6M and Obi 6M ( I think) .

” I will never understand how these seasoned politicians are making the same mistakes committed last time due to lack of cohesion, resulting in the splitting of votes.

The Kaduna state-born Federal Lawmaker, also, wondered how the ADC, an imposing and bourgeoning Coalition platform that once evoked fear in the system is now trying to squander such a rare opportunity.

“For a while, the ADC put the fear of God in their hearts and that is because they know what we all know”, Bashir added.

Alleged Forgery: Court Remands Fmr SDP Chairman, Gabam

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Ayodele Oni

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May 12, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing in the charges of criminal misappropriation, breach of trust, and forgery involving party funds leveled against former Social Democratic Party, (SDP) chairman, Shehu Gabam.

This is just as the Court ordered his remand, following request by the prosecution for time to respond to the defendants’ bail application

Gabam was arraigned Tuesday alongside Chukwuma Ogbonna Uchechukwu in suit No. DCC/10/2026, filed by current SDP National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Abubakar under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Chief Magistrate Amauche Onyedium remanded Gabam and adjourned the case to May 25 for further hearing.

Abubakar said the party turned to the court after petitions to the police, EFCC, ICPC, DSS, and INEC yielded no action.

He alleged that documents linked to two bank accounts showed transactions of about N740 million, far above the N32 million the party recorded during the period under review.

The SDP suspended Gabam, Uchechukwu, and National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi in June 2025 over alleged financial misconduct.

An internal disciplinary committee later recommended their expulsion, which the National Working Committee adopted.

Some state chairmen have accused the former leadership of diverting close to N1 billion in party funds

Dr Adaeze Oreh Elevated to Professor of Medicine

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The Source

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May 12, 2026

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In a significant recognition of her contributions to healthcare delivery, medical education, and policy leadership, Dr Adaeze Oreh has been elevated to the rank of Professor of Medicine by the Governing Council of Pamo University of Medical Sciences.

The appointment, confirmed on April 17, 2026, follows a rigorous academic evaluation process and marks a defining milestone in a career spanning over two decades across clinical medicine, public health policy, research, and health systems strengthening.

A Consultant Family Physician and immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Professor Adaeze Oreh is widely recognised for her role in driving reforms that significantly improved healthcare delivery and access.

.During her tenure, she led the rollout of a contributory health insurance scheme, revitalised 24-hour emergency medical and ambulance services, expanded medical training and accreditation across key specialties, and oversaw critical infrastructure investments, including the establishment of a high-capacity medical oxygen plant. These interventions positioned Rivers State as a leading performer in primary healthcare delivery nationally.

Her influence extends beyond subnational leadership into national policy and global health engagement. She previously served as Country Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at Nigeria’s National Blood Service Commission and as a Senior Health Policy Advisor at the Federal Ministry of Health, where she contributed to policy development, including efforts leading to the enactment of the National Blood Service Commission Act 2021, as well as innovations aimed at addressing blood supply challenges in Nigeria.

An accomplished academic, Professor Oreh has authored over 125 publications across peer-reviewed journals and mainstream media, with research spanning primary healthcare, infectious diseases, and health systems reform. Her work has been cited internationally, reinforcing her position as a leading voice in advancing equitable healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries.

She has also contributed to global health discourse through engagements with leading institutions, including the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and The Aspen Institute, where she serves as a Senior Fellow in Global Health.

Speaking on the elevation, Professor Oreh described the recognition as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility:

“This moment is not simply a personal milestone it is a renewed commitment to advancing medical education, strengthening health systems, and ensuring that healthcare delivery is equitable, efficient, and accessible to all.”

A representative of the Governing Council noted that the appointment reflects her outstanding academic and professional contributions:

“Professor Oreh’s elevation is a recognition of her exceptional scholarship, leadership, and service. Her work exemplifies the integration of academic excellence with real-world policy impact, which is essential for addressing contemporary healthcare challenges.”

An external academic assessor added:

“Her body of work demonstrates intellectual rigour, policy relevance, and sustained impact. She represents the calibre of leadership required to shape the future of medical education and health systems in Africa.”

Professor Oreh’s elevation comes at a time of increasing emphasis on aligning academic medicine with policy innovation and system-wide reform. Her career defined by the intersection of clinical expertise, research, and governance positions her as a key contributor to ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems in Nigeria and across the African continent.

A chip of the old block, Professor Adaeze Oreh is the first daughter of His Excellency, Dr Peter Odili, CON, an accomplished Medical Doctor and a former Governor of Rivers State, and his wife, Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili, CFR, an accomplished Jurist and a retired Justice of the Supreme Court.

Ofurumapepe (The Great White Shark) – HE Henry Seriake Dickson

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The Source

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May 12, 2026

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By Claire Arinze

Your Excellency, Countryman,

I want to express my deep gratitude for your leadership.

An a time when our nation was losing its way, you stepped forward with uncommon courage, moral clarity, and the kind of political character people rarely see.

You didn’t simply manage problems, you saw possibilities where others saw only decline, and you inspired a tired nation to hope again.

As the Great White Shark, you lived true to your name: singular in purpose, relentless in pursuit of what was right, and unafraid to cut through uncertainty when everything else was floundering.

Your title, Ofurumapepe (The Great White Shark) is not just a metaphor, it is a testament to how you led, to how you lead.

Thank you for giving your time, your voice, and your conviction to something bigger than yourself.

You rekindled belief in what our nation could be, and that legacy will endure.The universe will be kind to you.

With much respect and appreciation.

*Ms Arinze, a Barrister-at-Law, sent in this tribute to appreciate Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, a former Governor of Bayelsa State, for having the courage to found the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, which has, within such a short time, become the main opposition party in Nigeria*

Kwankwasiyya, Obidient Groups Set Atiku On Fire Over Anti-South Presidential Ticket

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 12, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Atiku desperation has beclouded him – Kwankwasiyya

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has been roasted by opposition political parties over his comments that it is not possible for a Southern Presidential Candidate to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Recall that Atiku had taken an exception to the zoning of the Presidential seat by opposition Parties to the South. He vehemently warned against it, and argued that while it is okay for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to retain its zoning arrangement in the south with President Tinubu as its candidate it would be politically naive and unwise for the opposition to choose same Zone for its candidate. According to Atiku, it is akin to handing Tinubu victory on a platter of gold.

But both the Kwankwasiyya and Obidient Movements strongly disagree with the former Vice President position.

They dismissed Atiku’s argument in an interview with The Punch as “politically narrow, divisive and inconsistent with the country’s power-sharing understanding.”

Habibu Muhammed, spokesman for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, dismissed Atiku’s stand as “insulting and divisive.”

He said “I believe Atiku is only talking for himself. I think his desperation is such that he could not even hide it or give it a different colour.

“To me, that statement is insulting. It is like saying there is no qualified person other than yourself in all the States in the South.

“The former Vice President has continued to showcase some kind of primordial thoughts. This does not actually relate to someone who has experience, once ran with a Southerner, worked with Southerners and even married a Southerner.

“If you begin to echo out what you personally believe that loudly, to me, it is insulting. It means he actually wanted to promote something else, not national unity.

“He was trying to arm people who already don’t see anything good in the South. He is just giving them ammunition to continue to amplify the hatred and defy the division that is already there.

“What we need now is a ticket that will bring unity to this country, calm nerves and make people generally feel at home.

“Whether we like it or not, it is already part of us, and it is within our consciousness that it is only natural when a Northerner serves a term of eight years. He gives way for a Southerner also to do the same.

“So the best thing for now is to actually give another Southerner the chance and Nigerians the opportunity to choose from the same zone. At least, they have a choice to go for someone who may actually lessen their pain or who may change the way things are.”

In Labour Party’s response, its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, dismissed Atiku’s stand, and insisted that the 2023 presidential election already made nonsense of the argument that a Southern opposition candidate could not defeat another southerner.

Asogwa: “With due respect to the former Vice President and the experience he has garnered in Nigerian politics over the past three decades, I am sorry to say that he got his permutation wrong.

“Even going by what transpired in 2023, the analysis is flawed. We had two strong Southern candidates, alongside pockets of support for other Southern candidates, yet a Southerner still emerged victorious.

“The combined votes of the two northern candidates in that election – Atiku (6.9m votes) and Kwankwaso (1.4m votes) – were still less than what one southern candidate – Tinubu (8.7m votes) – got in the election.

“More importantly, the permutation is built on the erroneous assumption that regional origin is the only factor that determines voting behaviour in Nigeria. It ignores the prevailing national mood and the deeper considerations that shape electoral choices.

“For instance, a voter from the Middle Belt is likely to vote based on what each candidate’s presidency represents for the security, inclusion, and stability of their region.

“And as we know, the Middle Belt is not merely a geographical region; it is an identity that cuts across the three geopolitical zones in the North.

“Therefore, with due respect, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s argument is pedestrian,” he said.

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi and Kwankwaso moved to the NDC after discovering plans to entangle the ADC in litigations that could deny them presidential tickets.

“It is very important to go out and educate those who do not know why Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso moved from the ADC to the NDC.

“They put up a booby-trap so that by the time they are in there (ADC), they will close the gap using litigation and ensure that they do not have a ticket.

“But God made it possible for us to see the danger ahead of them. So, we provided an alternative, which is the NDC. The door of the NDC is open to us. Let us move en masse and build the party. Let’s get a ticket for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“They have the wherewithal. They are young, have capacity, consistent, character, accountable and have compassion.”

Rivers: Gov. Fubara Charges Youth Corps Members On Democracy

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Ayodele Oni

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May 12, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged Corps Members to add value to the nation’s democracy by being of impeccable character and credibility as they participate in the conduct of 2027 general elections.

The Governor gave the advice Tuesday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai, during the closing ceremony of 2026 Batch A Stream II orientation course for Corps Members deployed to the State.

Represented by Mrs Rachel Ayasuk- Dandy, Director of Administraton, office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara advised the Corps Members to discharge their INEC ad-hoc duties with good conscience and moral uprightness in order to add value to the Nation’s democracy.

He encouraged them to integrate with the people of their host communities and share their values, vision, and aspirations in order to leave lasting impact in the society.

Gov Fubara assured them of adequate welfare and security and advised them to be beacons of hope and good ambassadors of the NYSC Scheme.

In his address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe commended the Corps Members for their patriotic spirit, resilience, and enthusiasm in participating actively in all camp activities and programmes, which made them to benefit fully from the orientation course.

He enjoined them to see their service year as a time to discover their true purpose in life, positively transform themselves and acquire relevant skills that would help them in their future endeavours.

Mr. Oleghe appreciated the Rivers state Governor for his prompt response in procuring 1500 8-inch Mouka mattresses for Corps Members due to the surge in the number deployed to the State and his commitment to build new 1000 capacity hostel each for male and female Corps Members.

A total of 3,596 Corps Members made up of 1,297 males, and 2,299 females successfully completed the three-week orientation exercise.

Six Abducted Engineering Students Of Nasarawa State University Regain Freedom

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 12, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Two suspects arrested

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, informed that the six Engineering Students of the Nasarawa State University abducted by suspected terrorist elements are currently receiving medical attention after their rescue.

The released students were on Wednesday May 6, 2026, kidnapped after their off-campus lodge in Anguwar Ninzo , on the outskirts of Gudi , Akwanga Local Council of the state was invaded and attacked by hoodlums.

The Police, also, announced that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction of the students.

The Police Command spokesperson, Ramhan, Nansel, in a statement on Tuesday, said the apprehension of the suspects followed intelligence-driven and coordinated operations. targeted at identified hideout of the criminals.

The arrested suspects-Abdullahi Yeyi Haro and Bashir Abdullahi, both natives of Gudi, the scene of the abduction, are alleged to be at the head of a kidnapping syndicate that not only masterminded the attack on the students, but believed to be responsible for spates of abduction for ransom of innocent citizens in the area.

“Following sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical efforts by operatives of the Command, two suspected kidnappers linked to the incident have been arrested.

“The suspects identified as Abdullahi Yeyi Haro, alleged leader of the kidnapping.syndicate, and one Bashir Abdullahi, both males from Gudi, were apprehended after diligent investigation and strategic operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction”, the police stated .

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, while lauding operatives for their professionalism and dedication to duty, reaffirmed the Command’s unflinching commitment towards reducing to the barest minimum criminal activities in the state.

He assured that efforts are underway to hunt down other members of the syndicate still at large .