Nigeria Marks World Maritime Day

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September 24, 2025

The global maritime community, including Nigeria is commemorating the 2025 World Maritime Day scheduled to hold on Thursday September 25, 2025 in Lagos, under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with the theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”

According to a statement issued by Hajia Lami Tumaka, Chairman, Media and Publicity sub- committee, the event is aimed at highlighting the shared responsibility of citizens to utilize the ocean in a sustainable manner, ensuring its preservation for future generations. It underscores the transgenerational importance of protecting ocean resources, while also recognizing the immense opportunities the oceans portend for humanity.

Speaking ahead of the commemoration, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the citizenry and the Federal Government to harness the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

In his message to mark the day, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, underscored the essential role of the ocean in regulating the climate, sustaining life, and supporting global trade. He warned that human-induced pressures such as pollution, warming, acidification, and overfishing are placing marine ecosystems under severe strain.

According to him, urgent global cooperation is required to reduce pollution, protect marine life, and adopt sustainable practices. “While human activity has caused the damage, it also holds the key to restoring the ocean—presenting both a responsibility and an opportunity for a healthier, safer future,” Dominguez stated.

The 2025 World Maritime Day celebration in Nigeria is expected to bring together key stakeholders in the maritime sector to reflect on the opportunities inherent in the oceans, and the collective obligation to ensure their sustainable use.

Senator Natasha To Husband: “My Love, I Pray All Men Support Their Wives Like You”

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 24, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, began her first day in office after her six months suspension from the Senate by paying a glowing tribute to her husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan.

“My husband, my love”, she began, “if you see this, I love you dearly. In short, I pray all men support their wives the way you have supported me.”

The Senator was suspended by the Senate for six months over what was termed a misconduct which started gradually with her disagreement over sitting arrangement, and blossomed into an unprecedented crisis which then descended into serious allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and a number of legal suits.

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan finally assessed her office after it was unsealed, the initial refusal to do so notwithstanding, she told the story of the ordeal she passed through in the past six months, and the obstacles she overcame.

Accompanied by a huge crowd, including some members of her Constituency, Kogi Central, who came all the way to Abuja, she also paid tribute to some individuals and organizations who stood by her – former Minister Oby Ezekwesili, Aisha Yesufu, Peter Obi, Femi Falana, SAN, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, the Peoples Democratic Party, the African Democratic Congress, her Constituency which stood by her, among others. She attributed her recall to the pressure on the Leadership of the Senate by the people and groups and described her ordeal as “a test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and a fight against injustice.”

Her words: “In retrospect, it is truly amazing how much we have had to face to survive. From the unjust suspension to the recall attempt, we pulled through. We survived the blockade of roads and waterways into Kogi when I had to fly in a helicopter. We survived the blackmail from the so-called crazy lady om Facebook.

“Senator Akpabio is not more of a Senator than I am. He is not a Governor of this place. Yet, he treated me as if I was a servant or a domestic staff in his house. After so many years of democracy, it is unacceptable that the National Assembly is run in such a way.

“Not a single day (during her suspension) did I hesitate in effectively carrying out my duties. I kept looking for opportunities – bringing infrastructure, projects and jobs to my people – so they would not suffer the neglect created by this injustice. I think the Senate President realized he just couldn’t continue on that part.

“You know, it’s amazing what we had to survive, and I give God Almighty the glory and my deepest appreciation to the good people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large.

“My husband, my love, if you see this, l love you dearly. In short, I pray all men support their wives the way you have supported me. And, my children, thank you for your sacrifices.

“So, in everything, it just shows that sometimes, it’s good to put institutions to test. We can’t cower down in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us.

“It is very unfortunate that at this time, after so many years of democracy, we would have a National Assembly being run by such dictatorship. It’s totally unacceptable.

“As for me, I’m glad to be here, and even though we have been illegally suspended, no day have I hesitated in effectively carrying out my duties as a Senator of Kogi Central to the best of my capacity.

“So, I thank people like Auntie Oby Ezekwesili, Sister Aisha, Mama P, Peter the Rock, and there are many others. Dr. Abiola, Yemi of Enough of Enough, Uncle Femi Falana and many Nigerians I can’t even call. His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, His Excellency Saraki.

“I mean, many people who have lent their voices. Thank you. And even Political Parties – Labour Party, ADC. I saw their statements, and my beloved PDP. Thank you so much for standing up. Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Labour Congress. I mean, a whole lot of voices. It just pulled through.

“And I think that’s the pressure that the Senate President saw and realized that: you know what, he just can’t.”

A couple of cases are still in Court. The Senator has not apologized as ordered by one Court ruling, saying on Tuesday, that she had no such words in her.

Not a few people are looking forward to see how things would go on the first day of Plenary when the Senate resumes – fully.

Families Of Detained Nigerians In Ethiopian Prison Seek FG’s Intervention

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 23, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Relatives of detained Nigerians in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia, have sent a Save-Our-Soul appeal to the Federal Government, urging it to intervene in securing the release or transfer of their loved ones.

More than 270 Nigerian citizens are currently detained in Ethiopia. while some detainees, have died in custody, several others are reportedly, seriously ill, and in need of medical attention.

The families of the Nigerian detainees are calling for the implementation of the Prisoner Transfer Arrangement signed between Nigeria and Ethiopia in addressing the welfare and relocation of the inmates.

President General of My Dreamalive Development Foundation, Ambassador Onwuka Ifeanyi Collins, stated that the Nigerian Embassy had visited Kaliti Prison and observed conditions there, which he disclosed were unhabitable.

Collins urged President Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, State Governors, and the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora 5Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa to intervene as a matter of urgency.

He further expressed concern over the detainees’ welfare, citing reports of inadequate food and limited access to medical care.

It would be recalled that Justice Inyang

Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 2024 ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIDCOM to facilitate the return of detained Nigerians.

The judgement noted that Ethiopia had said it lacked a budget for the detainees’ food and welfare.

Sadly, nothing has been done as regards the Court’s directives and verdict.

Collins appealed to the Federal Government to liaise with Ethiopian authorities on a Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange or transfer of sentenced persons, in line with existing judgments and agreements.

Emefiele Urges Court To Foreclose Prosecution On Alleged Procurement Fraud

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 23, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Dr. Godwin Emefiele, embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has requested that the High Court in Abuja, should dismiss the prosecution in his ongoing trial over alleged procurement fraud.

The former Governor of the Apex Bank is standing trial before the Honourable Justice Hamza Muazu in a suit filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, in the case marked CR/577/2023, on an amended 20-Count Charge.

Emefiele was charged by the Federal Government of criminal breach of trust, conferring corrupt advantage, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretences, and obtaining money by false pretences while he was the CBN Governor.

He is alleged to have used his position as CBN Governor to award six different contracts for the supply of different vehicles to one Sa’adatu Ramalan Yaro, a member of staff of CBN, to the tune of N1,210,600,000, among other allegations.

Though, he pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him, Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the prosecution, stressing the request was due to the failure of the prosecution to be present in Court, having known of the adjourned date.

Burkaa told the court that the matter was slated for continuation of the hearing, but the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was not in court and did not send a representative.

He added that he was informed by the Court Registrar on Monday, through a WhatsApp message, that a letter had been sent seeking an adjournment by the prosecution.

He told the court that the application he was shown in the Court was sent by anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He said the charge before the Court was brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and wondered why EFCC applied for an adjournment of the matter.

While opposing the application for adjournment, he wondered why none of the lawyers involved alongside Oyedepo was in court for the matter to proceed.

He added that the prosecution asked for an accelerated hearing of the case.

He further told the court that Emefiele and his lawyers were coming from Lagos to attend the trial.

Burkaa, therefore, urged the court to foreclose the prosecution as there was no application from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for adjournment.

Justice Muazu said the Court would give the prosecution one last opportunity, having listened to both Counsel.

He added that the Court would take the necessary steps should the prosecution fail to appear in Court on the next adjourned date.

He, therefore, adjourned until October 22 for the continuation of the hearing.

Gunmen Murder Foreign-Based Nigerian Over N50m Lumbar Gold Necklace

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 23, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo state police Command has vowed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder of a European-based Nigerian in Benin, Edo State Capital.

The victim, simply identified as Derrick, was last weekend said to have been fatally shot by some yet-to-be identified persons on Igun street in Benin metropolis over a lumbar gold necklace with a street value of over N50 million.

According to eye witness accounts, the victim was shot by his attackers after

he resisted the attempt to disposess him of the gold necklace.

The attackers reportedly trailed and killed the deceased who had gone to Igun street to source for his vehicle spare parts.

They made away with the gold necklace and other valuables after killing their target.

There are strong indications that the assailants may have trailed their victim after obtaining vital information on him.

“I suspect the victim was trailed to Igun because he was checking for motor spare parts to buy when the gunmen emerged and demanded for his lumber gold necklace.

“He was said to have demanded the reasons why he should hand over the necklace.

His response drew the ire of the attackers, and one of them shot him with a pump action gun which they hid in their Lexus SUV operational vehicle.

“The attackers shot the victim on the leg, before fleeing the scene. Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead on arrival at a medical facility where sympathizers rushed him to”, a witness volunteered.

The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP, Moses Iyamu, informed that efforts are underway to fish out and prosecute those responsible for the unfortunate incident.

Senate: Natasha Remains Defiant, Will Not Apologise

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James Orji

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September 23, 2025

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Following her resumption in the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central has remained defiant, saying she’s not prepared to apologise to the Nigerian Senate despite the pressure being mounted on her.

After six months of suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her duty at the Senate today after her office was unsealed by the National Assembly officials.

Speaking to journalists at the Senate Chamber, she explained that there are efforts to force her to apologise, saying this will not happen, as she’s prepared to continue with the battle until justice is achieved.

According to her, “I feel happy and vindicated by having access to my office today for resumption of legislative duties after six months of illegal and unjust suspension.

“I read in one of the national dailies today that the Senate met yesterday, where the Minority Leader was reportedly mandated to prevail on me on December 7, to tender an apology.

“If the report is true, it means the battle has just begun because I have no apology to tender to anybody for the wrong done to me and not me to anybody or the Senate.”

“I’m actually worried as to what apology they expect from me. You can’t apologise for an injustice.

“And may I remind the good people of Nigeria that the document that led to my illegal suspension, which is the recommendation made by the Senator Neda Imasuen-led committee, was actually written by the office of the Senate President.

Ondo Sanctions School Principals Over Illegal Fees Collection

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

As public primary and secondary schools in Ondo state resumed for the 2025/2026 academic session, the state government has vowed to ensure that the free education policy of government is implemented successfully, while unapproved fees are outlawed.

To this end, the State Government has sanctioned two secondary school principals for allegedly extorting students through illegal levies and unapproved charges.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure, warning that the era of exploiting parents and students was over.

According to him, concerned parents had petitioned the ministry over reports that some principals were collecting fees far above the state-approved levies, as well as demanding items not sanctioned by government.

“Two principals have already been sanctioned in the last few days. They were caught collecting illegal money from students, even before the new term resumed,” Ajibefun said.

He revealed that the two principals were summoned, confronted with evidence, and eventually confessed.

“They have been queried, and appropriate punishment will follow. This is to send a clear message that we are serious, and this era is different,” he stressed.

The commissioner cautioned head teachers and principals across the state to desist from illegal collections, assuring parents that the government remains committed to providing free and quality education in public schools.

Before the schools resumption, government had announced various measures to guide principals as regards approved and unapproved levies as well as specific textbooks to be used by various classes.

The state also outlawed any form of extravagant end of year activities, following complaints by parents that such programme is meant to extort them by the schools.

CBN Lowers Interest Rates, First Time In 5yrs

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James Orji

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September 23, 2025

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The Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, has reduced the benchmark interest rate, from 27.5 per cent to 27 per cent. It was the first time the committee has taken such decision in five years.

The MPC took the decision on Tuesday during its 302^nd meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The decision was unanimously supported by the 12 members of the committee.

In July, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso announced that Committee had decided to maintain the interest rate at 27.5 percent, to further curtail inflation and stabilize the naira.

Cardoso, while announcing the decision of the MPC to cut the rate by 50 basic point disclosed that it was done because of declining inflation in the country, which he said has decelerated in the last five months.

This, he said, was due to the CBN policies including monetary policy tightening, exchange rate stability, foreign capital inflow into the country, among others.

MPC said: “Other factors that contributed to the deceleration include the continued moderation in the price of PMS and the notable increase in crude oil production.

“In the view of the committee, the stability in the macroeconomic environment offered some headroom for monetary policy to support economic growth and recovery.”

“Notwithstanding the consistent deceleration in inflation, the Committee said it observed the persistent reduction of excess liquidity in the banking system, resulting largely from fiscal releases emerging from improving revenues.

“Being mindful of the need to preserve the prevailing macroeconomic stability, the MPC noted the risk posed by the excess liquidity in the banking system.

“Members noted that the effective functioning of the inter-banking system is critical to enhance transmission of the monetary policy.

“This, therefore, informed the decision to adjust the width of the standing facilities corridor to boost inter-banking market transactions and the stability of the market.”

Meanwhile, the MPC also reduced the Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR, for commercial banks to 45 percent, down from 50 percent, while retaining the CRR for merchant banks at 16 percent.

Also, the Committee introduced a 75 percent CRR on non-Treasury Single Account , TSA.

Gov Otti Reshuffles Cabinet, Warns Against Corruption

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The Source

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September 23, 2025

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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Governor Dr Alex Otti on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, swore-in two new Commissioners with a charge to key into the transformational agenda of the administration.

The coming on board of the two Commissioners, also came with a minor cabinet reshuffle.

In the new arrangement, Dr Mrs Salome Obiukwu, one of the new Commissioners takes over from Kingsley Nwokocha as the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce.

Nwokocha, whose short tenure at the Trade and Commerce Ministry had been dogged by a series of avoidable controversies, was lucky to have escaped outright sack ,as he was reassigned to the Labour and Productivity Ministry.

His less than seven months in the saddle was hugely marked by an unprecedented surge in leadership instability and restlessness within most of the State’s established Markets

Chaka Chukwumerije, son of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, is now the Commissioner for Lands, after his ministry was split into two.

Architect Chiemela Uzoijie, one of the newly appointed Commissioners is to man the Housing Ministry, carved out of from the Ministry of Lands.

Governor Otti informed that the decision to split the erstwhile Ministry for Lands and Housing into two was to promote efficiency and good service delivery.

He described the new appointments and reshuffling exercise as part of his administration’s continuous efforts at repositioning the State through improved service delivery.

The Governor charged the new Commissioners to hit the ground running, as well as enrich the system with fresh ideas.

Governor Otti emphasized that the new appointees were carefully selected after a rigorous process owing to their proven qualities.

“There is practically no time for honeymoon. We expect that you will quickly invite and welcome support from every available channel so that you can hit the ground running.

“You have been found to posses the import leadership qualities that we seek in our team ,and we are glad that you honour the call to serve your state at this moment in our history .Thank you for offering to be part of the new Abia Project”, Governor Otti noted.

He, however, warned against public officials compromising their positions , insisting that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption.

He further warned that he would not hesitate to wield the big stick should the occasion calls for it.

” Let me repeat a charge I will never get tired of giving at functions like this: Our administration has zero tolerance for corruption ,and practices that take away from the puy till.

“We shall not hesitate to do what has to be done whenever credible evidence of compromise and bad behavior is presented to us.

“You are all required to live above board as public officers with the understanding that this is a call to serve not an invitation to a banquet.

ASUU Promises Cooperation As Gov Okpebholo Names New VC For Ambrose Alli Varsity

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma Edo state, has expressed satisfaction over the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, assuring her of their unflinching support.

Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor had on Monday confirmed the appointment of Prof Omonzejie in a statement.

This is after almost a year the post of a vice Chancellor for the state University became vacant.

The distinguished scholar of French and Francophone African Literatures, was chosen amongst three names, which were not mentioned, recommended to the Governor by the Governing Council of the University, according to the statement.

The a long-serving academic in the Department of Modern Languages at the University, is a prolific researcher and editor, with contributions to African and Francophone literary studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.

ASUU’ s position was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the union, Ekpoma chapter, Dr. Cyril Onogbosele and Dr. William Odion, respectively,

‎The Union said that it received the news of the appointment of the substantive vice chancellor for the university by the Visitor to the University and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo with great joy.

According to the union, the development is in tandem with the long standing agitation by the Union for a substantive vice chancellor and other principal officers for the university.

‎It added that, the current appointment of Prof. Eunice Omonzejie as substantive Vice Chancellor will strengthen the repositioning policy of the Governor of Edo State for the university.

ASUU’ also pointed out that ‎the Union’s confidence in this appointment is predicated on the vast knowledge and history of the numerous problems bedeviling the university by the newly appointed substantive vice chancellor.

“‎Being a tested activist, our union will commit unflinching support for this appointment in line with our union principles and ideals.

“We warmly congratulate the newly appointed substantive Vice Chancellor as well as the Governor of Edo State for this appointment, with the assurance of healthy collaboration for sustainable industrial harmony in the university.”