SE Entrepreneurs Lament Unfavourable Govt Policies At GPS, Host Minister

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November 5, 2025

By Ingram Osigwe

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, met with South east business entrepreneurs, professionals, captains of industry and merchants at the maiden Government- Private Sector Dialogue Sries (GPS) for the Southeast.

The event held at Radisson Blu, Isaac John Street, Ikeja Lagos. The theme of the Dialogue was Finance and SME Growth Round table.

The GPS roundtable was aimed at bringing together stakeholders from both the Federal and Lagos State Government alongside Community Representatives to discuss concerns, identify bottlenecks and agree practical next steps on access to finance and enterprise.

The event also featured a grand reception in honour of the Minister by the Southeast business community in Lagos.

Earlier, as part of her high- impact engagements in Lagos, Dr. Uzoka- Anite had upon arrival, paid a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking at the GPS, the Minister extolled the entrepreneurial and can- do- spirit of the Igbo and assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring the economic growth of the South east.

Her words: “The Igbo spirit of enterprise is legendary. From Onitsha and Aba to Alaba and Balogun, your story is the story of Nigeria’s economic dynamism- built on resilience, hard work, and faith. Yet, today’s conversation asks us to look beyond survival toward influence, strategy and alignment”

Urging the South east business chiefs to be abreast of government business policies, the Minister said: “When business leaders ignore policy, others write the rules that shape their profit, logistics, taxes and access to opportunity. This platform is designed to change that- to bring government closer to the people, to listen, and to act”.

According to her, the Tinubu administration was committed to partnership with the private sector, pointing out that the renewed hope agenda of the administration was not just a policy but social contract to rebuild the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Uzoka- Anite explained that the various economic reforms of the federal government were groundwork for stability and inclusive economic growth.

The Minister assured the business leaders that ” the federal government values the contribution of the South east entrepreneurs and remains committed in positioning the region as a hub of manufacturing, trade, and export”.

In his submission, the substantive Minister for Finance, Wale Edun who made a surprise and brief appearance at the GPS long after the event had gone underway reiterated the federal government’s efforts to pull the economy from the doldrums. He assured the South east businessmen of federal government’s support at all times.

In their various contributions the South east business leaders lamented unfavourable government policies targeted at them including high cost of clearing of containers in the Nigerian ports as against lower rates in neighboring countries, unwarranted seizures of already cleared goods by the Federal Operation Units (FOU) of Customs, undue business advantages given to Chinese businessmen in Nigeria. excessive and unnecessary Customs and police checkpoints along Lagos- Ore-Benin- Asaba expressway where Igbo businessmen moving their containers to the South east are mindlessly extorted among other policies they say adversely affect their businesses.

Lady (Dr.) Adaora. O Chukwudozie, Chairman Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, South East Zone and Chairman keystone bank Plc , in her contribution expressed delight that “the GPS and reception afforded Southeast businessmen in Lagos the opportunity to celebrate their daughter and sister, fellowship with her in her moment of national assignment and rob minds with her on issues bordering on Southeast businesses and economic growth”

The Keystone Chairman and Coordinator of the three-part event however, urged the federal government to remove all bottlenecks that hamper manufacturing and economic growth of the Southeast.

Various federal government agencies and parastatals that made presentations at the GPS include NAFDAC, FIRS, Bank of Industry, NEXIM, NOTAP, SEC, NEPC, Customs, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, among others.

The event was attended by a number of notable South east industrialists and businmen and women.

Osigwe, a strategic Communications and Public engagement expert, is the MD of Fullpage Communications Ltd. He lives in Lagos

Insecurity: Nigeria Will Continue To Reach Out To Int. Community On Various Efforts – Min. For Info

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Ayodele Oni

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November 5, 2025

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Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris has said that the administration will continue to keep abreast the international community on efforts Curtail insecurity in the country

The minister pointed out that President Bola Tinubu remains calm despite threats by the United States, (US) President Donald Trump over the security situation in Nigeria.

In an interview shortly after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the minister stated that the President continues to be committed to efforts at making Nigeria safer for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribes, religions or any kind of differences.

Idris said: ‘Mr President is calm. He is looking at the whole situation; he is looking at the ways and means of ensuring that the international community understands what we have been doing.

‘Only last week or two weeks ago, Mr. President, in his own desire to rekindle the security architecture of the country, reinvigorated the hierarchy of the armed forces.

A new Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs were appointed. Now, this is all the issues that came out of the United States. So, that tells you that Mr. President has been working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria is a country that remains safer for all Nigerians to live in.

“We are looking at all the issues, and we don’t want to overheat the discussions. But work is ongoing, and we have also opened channels of communication so that the international community will understand what Nigeria has been doing better.

“Also what we intend to further do to ensure that whatever concerns that there are, either domestically here or from the international community, are answered.”

On what to further do to douse tension among the religious groups in the country, the minister said that the administration continue to engage religious leaders.

Obasa’s Son, Abdulganiyu Becomes Agege LG Chairman As Tunde Azeez Resigns

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 5, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa, Son of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has become the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government following the resignation of Hon. Tunde Azeez, popular as Disco.

Azeez had resigned his position due to prolonged illness that has kept him incapacitated with Abdulganiyu, who was his Vice, attending functions and filling the vacuum in his absence.

Azeez submitted his resignation letter to the Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chapter and copied the Local Government.

Since his swearing-in as the Chairman of the Local Government, he has embarked on medical leave.

Azeez, in the letter read by the Leader of the house, Adeshina Haruna, stepped down from his role as Chairman of Agege Local Government due to persistent health challenges that had significantly impacted his ability to discharge his duties after assuming office.

Obasa’s son was unanimously voted on Wednesday by the lawmakers as the new Chairman of Agege Local Government after Azeez’s resignation letter was read and approved by the Lawmakers during a session in the council.

The Lawmakers argued that the decision to vote Obasa’s son unanimously was due to his contribution to the development of Agege since assuming office and the need to avoid leadership vacuum in the Council.

It would be recalled that there were issues in Agege Local Government when Abdulganiyu indicated interest in running for the Chairmanahip position in the LG, leading to protest from a section of Agege Residents and Political Stakeholders who said it was impossible for the Father to be the Speaker of the State Assembly, with the Son also given the Chairmanship Ticket.

He stepped down for Azeez who won the Primary and picked him as his Vice Chairman.

Due to the health challenges of Azeez, Abdulganiyu has been running the affairs of the LG.

Edo: Protesters Kick Against Location Of Museum Of West African Art In Benin

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Ayodele Oni

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November 5, 2025

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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State — Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged his administration’s commitment to preserve the Benin Kingdom’s cultural sovereignty and halting any moves that could undermine the Oba of Benin’s authority over ancestral artifacts.

Okpebholo spoke on Wednesday while addressing a large crowd of peaceful protesters outside the Government House, Benin.

The demonstration, organized by palace chiefs, civil society groups, youth organizations, and concerned Edo indigenes, was a direct response to the scheduled inauguration of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) on November 11, 2025.

Protesters decried the event as premature and disrespectful, arguing it bypasses ongoing deliberations in the Edo State House of Assembly and lacks the explicit endorsement of Oba Ewuare II.

“Our culture is our identity, and I assure you that this administration will never allow its desecration,” Governor Okpebholo declared to the hundreds gathered, emphasizing that returned Benin bronzes and artifacts—looted during the 1897 British punitive expedition—must be housed in a dedicated Benin Royal Museum under the Oba’s custodianship.

“We know where these artifacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must be restored to their rightful place.”

The governor’s remarks come amid escalating tensions over MOWAA, a flagship project initiated under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

Okpebholo commended the protesters’ civility, calling it a reflection of Benin’s global dignity, and announced immediate steps: a personal meeting with Oba Ewuare II, consultations with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, who has already contacted him and a firm assurance that “nothing belonging to the people of Edo will be taken away from them.”

He urged calm, promising resolution “in a way that honours our history and our Monarch.

The protesters, had alleged that funds originally allocated for the Royal Museum were diverted to MOWAA via a controversial “Legacy Trust” structure, and that the site built on the grounds of the demolished 119-year-old Central Hospital represents a “misplaced priority” that sidelined public health needs.

They called for the revocation of MOWAA’s Certificate of Occupancy to rebuild the hospital, a demand echoed in recent social media discussions and earlier protests.

Osazee Amas-Edobor, speaking for the coalition of Benin socio-cultural groups, labeled the planned opening “unacceptable” and an “affront to the State Government, the Edo State House of Assembly, and, most importantly, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.”

He highlighted the project’s evolution from a palace-centric initiative to one perceived as externally influenced, urging legislative clarity before any commissioning.

UNIJOS Dental Health Graduands Protest Non Accreditation Of Course

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Ayodele Oni

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November 5, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

After waiting for 10 years, graduated Dental Health students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, on Wednesday, took to the streets to protest the non-accreditation of their programme.

The aggrieved students, under the banner of the Jos University Dental Students Association (JUDSA), blocked the university’s main gate at the Permanent Site, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Save us from unending depression,” “Our future is on hold,” “Accredit us now,” and “We are tired of UNIJOS.”

Speaking during the protest, the association’s president, Mr. Johnson Titus, explained that the students were frustrated by years of stagnation caused by the university’s inability to secure accreditation for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme.

“What you see behind me is the frustration of dental students who have been in this university for the past ten years without graduating. We have been stagnating because of the non-accreditation of our programme,” Titus lamented.

He called on the university management and relevant authorities to urgently intervene by fixing a date for accreditation and resolving the curriculum and administrative issues delaying their progress.

“Nobody should blame us for protesting. If the university is going to conduct screening and admission, they never inform prospective students that the programme lacks accreditation. Many of us have wasted years of our lives without any hope of graduating soon.”

Group Lashes Fayose, Label Him As Frustrated Politician

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 5, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

A Group, Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party Progressives, EPDPP, has lashed former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, for saying that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is dead in the State.

Fayose is a former two-term Governor of the State.

Gani Salau, Chieftain of the Group stated that Fayose was embittered that he has lost grip of the PDP structure in the State, hence, the unwarranted statement.

The Group, in a statement signed by Salau, urged residents to disregard Fayose’s comments, and described him as a “conditional member” who would soon be shown the way out of the party.

Salau made the statement in response to Fayose’s claim that the PDP was moribund in Ekiti.

The Group said the unfounded statement made by Fayose was an expression of his frustration after losing control of the party’s structure.

He added that the PDP has been repositioned to win the 2026 governorship election, and noted that the party’s primary would hold on Saturday to elect its candidate.

It would be recalled that Fayose, at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Capital on Monday, he described the PDP as “dead” in the State, and insisted that the Party’s Four Governorship aspirants were “fooling themselves.”

He had asked: “Where is the PDP in Ekiti? Where are the party members? Where are PDP meetings being held? The party is totally moribund. There is no hope. The PDP is dead here in Ekiti.”

Fayose further declared support for incumbent Governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying the Governor was the preferred choice of the people until 2030.

But the Ekiti PDP Progressives condemned the former governor’s remarks as reckless, noting that the PDP provided the platform through which Fayose became governor twice.

The group asked Fayose to apologise to God for disparaging the party that, according to it, “lifted him and gave his life meaning.”

Salau explained that Fayose’s anger stemmed from his failure to influence the party’s recently concluded congresses.

“He is bitter, having realised that the party is no longer in his custody as before, when he allegedly used it as a bargain to siphon from members,” Salau said.

He described Fayose as “a political orphan who is naked without any reputation, going from pillar to post in the name of survival,” urging the public to ignore his “ranting and vituperation.”

The Group labeled Fayose as an executive beggar” in Oyebanji’s government in exchange for monthly stipends.

Edo APC Chair: We Are Following Okpebholo With “No Sense” Of Our Own

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 5, 2025

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The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Jaret Tenebe, has expressed total loyalty to state governor, Monday Okpebholo, saying in doing so the leadership of the party will behave as if they have “no sense” of their own.

The APC chairman in the state, who spoke during the “Edo State City Boy employment 2025” stated that the governor has the total support of the members of the party, who are prepared to go the extra mile for him.

Tenebe stressed that the party is also working to ensure that the 3.5 million votes promised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 by Governor Okpebholo became a reality, saying APC is a moving vehicle without a brake.

“That our loyalty to our governor is of no break, no gear, no sense,” Tenebe announced.

“The explanation is this: Anything the governor tells us to do, we cannot argue, because he has all the special advice and all the Special assistance.”

The APC chairman used a stark analogy to describe the party’s obedience.

“If you have ever seen a vehicle or truck with no gear and descending; you know how deadly such a vehicle is. That’s what we are as a party in this state. Because we have no sense.”

“The governor has already told us that 3.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu must be guaranteed and is already settled,” he stated.

The magazine reports that the APC chairman’s remark comes on the heels of the controversial comment by Governor Okpebholo recently, to the effect that commissioners who failed to wear Tinubu’s signatory cap on native clothes to the state Executive Council Meeting, will be sacked.

Following the governor’s remark, Etebe also followed up by warning that any members of the state cabinet who disobeyed Okpebholo will be suspended from the party, saying government appointees in the state are expected to be loyal to the president. .

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

“We are doing this because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. Everybody has keyed into achieving that target.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President. We are expressing our loyalty to him by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We in Edo have made it clear — no Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

Not a few watching events in the state insist that the governor and APC officials’ remark have got to the ridiculous level, never before witnessed in the history of the south-south state.

Wike: Oyo Court Judgment On PDP National Convention Is A Ruse

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 5, 2025

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has described the order of the Oyo state High Court directing the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to go ahead to conduct the party’s National Convention as a ruse.

The minister who is among some PDP leaders opposed to the plan by the Umar Damagun-led National Working Committee, NWC, said there is a subsisting judgement of a federal high court in Abuja stopping the Convention from holding.

Wike’s reaction came from his Media aide, Lere Olayinka who was reacting to a question on whether the minister will attend the National Convention next week.

He sspoke few hours after the Oyo state high court presided by Justice Akintola, ordered Damagun, the National Chairman of the party to conduct the Convention as planned. The judge also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to monitor the National Convention slated for Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on November 15 and 16.

Recall that Justice James Omotosho, while ruling last Friday, on a suit filed by some aggrieved PDP members, who asked the court to stop the Convention, ordered the leadership of the party not to go ahead with the plan saying doing so will violate the Constitution. The judge also ordered the party to “put its house in order’ before it can go ahead with the convention, adding that INEC must also be given 21-day Notice before the event.

The suit was filed by three members of the party — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South).

The judge also restrained INEC from accepting or recognising the outcome of any national convention that is not conducted in accordance with due process, the law, and INEC’s own regulations.

According to Wike, Justice Omotosho’s judgment superseded the ruling of the Oyo court, which only granted an interlocutory injunction along with an ex parte application, to a motion filed by PDP olahan Malomo Adelabi, counsel to the PDP in respecet of the National Convention.

Olayinka said, “Are you unaware of the last Friday judgment of the Federal High Court? There was a judgment on Friday. Another court now gave an ex parte order! Do you know what an ex parte order means?

“It means it expires in seven days or at the highest 14 days. Is the High Court in Ibadan the appeal court? Is that an order you should obey? Is an order higher than a judgment?

“A court gave a judgment that INEC should not attend, you now went to Ibadan to get an order, an ex parte order. And you are asking whether the minister will attend?”

The magazine earlier reported that Justice Akintola in granting an ex parte application filed by Adelabi, ordered the leadership of the party to proceed with the delegate convention as planned until the motion on notice is heard.

Listed as defendants in the suit are PDP National Chairman, UmarDamagum, Chairman of the Convention Committee, and Adamawa state governor, Umar Fintiri, and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The PDP counsel had among other requests, prayed the court to restrain the defendants from preventing the National Convention from holding as earlier scheduled.

“An Order of Interim Injunction directing the 1st — 3rd Defendants, their officers, servants and or agents to hold, conduct and or convene the said elective national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party Scheduled for the 15th and 16th of November, 2025 at Ibadan pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice,” the court document reads.

“An Order of Interim Injunction compelling the defendants to hold, conduct and or convene the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party scheduled for the 15th and 16th November, 2025 at Ibadan to elect officers of the said Party at the National level pending the hearing and determination of Motion on Notice.

“An Order of Interim Injunction directing the 4th Defendant, its servants, agents, officers and or privies to attend, monitor and or observe the elective national convention of the 1″ Defendant scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State on the 15th and 16th November, 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. And for such order or further orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

After A. E. Okelue, counsel to Adelabi, moved the ex-parte application, Akintola granted all the prayers.

“Accordingly, this court finds merit in the claimant/Applicant’s motion ex-parte,” the judge ruled.

“The same succeeds and it is hereby ordered as prayed on the claimant/applicant’s motion Ex-parte dated 3rd November, 2025 and filed on the same date in this case.

“For avoidance of doubt, the interim orders of injunction sought are hereby granted as prayed pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for orders of interlocutory injunction already filed in this case.”

Ondo Partners Private Firm, Floats Refinery

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Ayodele Oni

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November 5, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A 500,000 barrels per day refinery and a 1,471-hectare sunshine free trade zone in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo state are set for take off.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has led the government to formalise a $50 billion investment agreement with an international consortium under the Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture (JV) to position the state as a major industrial hub in Nigeria.

The deal involves global partners such as Backbone Infrastructure, MJ Care Investment Finance, China Harbour and Honeywell OUP, under the Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture.

The Joint Venture had secured over $50 billion for the development of a 500,000-barrels-per-day refinery and a 1,471-hectare sunshine free trade zone in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo state.

The funding followed the successful execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Joint Venture and the state government through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA).

Receiving the investors at the Governor’s Office in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the partnership as a strategic step towards sustainable industrialisation and long-term economic stability.

“This investment marks a new dawn for Ondo State. It will fast-track industrial development, attract more investors and create jobs for our people,” the Governor said.

He assured the investors of his administration’s commitment to transparency, a conducive business climate and full protection of their investments.

The Governor noted that his government has been deliberate in implementing policies that promote ease of doing business, adding that the project would stimulate productivity and economic growth across multiple sectors.

The Managing Director of Sunshine Infrastructure JV, Henry Owonka, explained that the initiative had progressed from conception to execution through consistent engagement with ONDIPA.

He explained that the project’s initial $30 billion valuation was reviewed to $50 billion following an expansion to cover broader infrastructure and community-driven programmes.

“The Sunshine JV is not just an investment; it’s a development framework that will transform industries, strengthen communities and improve livelihoods,” Owonka stated.

He said the refinery will supply petroleum products locally and internationally, while its corporate social responsibility (CSR) focuses on education, local employment and infrastructure development in surrounding communities.

Kidnapped Seminarian In Edo Freed, Another Dies

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The Source

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November 5, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Edo State, has disclosed that one of the kidnapped Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Joshun Aleobu has regained his freedom.

Aleobu was released by his abductors on Tuesday, while another Seminarian Emmanuel Alabi, kidnapped along with him, lost his life in the course of the ordeal.

This was disclosed in a press statement by Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe, Assistant Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese in Benin.

The statement reads “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi experienced an unfortunate incident that occurred on the night of July 10, 2025, when the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivianokpodi, was attacked by armed kidnappers.

“During that incident, three seminarians Japhet Jesse, Joshua Aleobua, and Emmanuel Alabi were abducted.

“The Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia, has expressed his deep pain and sorrow over the loss of the young seminarian and called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting the lives and property of all citizens.”

He also cautioned political leaders against turning a blind eye on the worsening insecurity situation in the nation, urging them instead to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people over political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The Diocese also invites all the faithful and people of goodwill to join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Emmanuel Alabi, and for the peace, healing, and security of our people and land.

“While praying for the soul of Emmanuel Alabi, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Fr. Imoedemhe stated that the Diocese of Auchi remains committed to the values of faith, peace, and justice, trusting in God’s infinite mercy to bring comfort to the bereaved family, the seminary community, and all those affected by this tragedy.

“We are grateful to God for the safe release of Japhet Jesse much earlier and. most recently, Joshua Aleobua, who regained his freedom on November 4, 2025. However, with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of seminarian Emmanuel Alabi. who lost his life in the course of the ordeal.”