Finally, Imo Gets Chief Judge, Attorney General/Commissioner For Justice

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September 27, 2025

Governor Hope Uzodimma with the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Ijeoma Agugua after her swearing-in at the New Exco Chambers Government House Owerri... weekend.

After months of anxiety and speculations, Imo State, which has been without any occupant in the two important and sensitive offices, finally has a Chief Judge, as well as an Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Both appointees, the Honourable Justice Ijeoma Agugua and Mr. Paul Obinatu, were sworn in over the weekend as the Acting Chief Judge and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, respectively. Also, sworn-in as Commissioner for the newly created Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition and Social Responsibility, is Professor Chinonye Love Moses.

As he swore them in, the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma urged government appointees and elected office holders to respect, commit and be guided by the solemn oath to work in the greatest interest of the State and the nation during their swearing-in ceremony.

The event took place at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri.

The Governor explained that election or appointment into public offices is strictly to serve the interest of the people and not for personal gain.

His words: “You are elected or appointed to serve, and the only way to do this and come out with result is to remain focused, respect the oath of office, and always ask yourself; does my action align with the interest of the people?”

Governor Uzodimma who recalled the challenges faced at the outset of his administration in 2020 pointed out that most of them were surmounted based on his commitment to the oath he took, to the fear of God, and heeding to his conscience to do things right, “and the determination to get Imo State right.”

“Imo State we met in 2020, even the blind in the State can attest that it is not the same today,” he noted.

He expressed optimism that Imo State Judiciary will bounce back again and all lingering issues surmounted.

“The interest of Imo State which the law stands for will not be cast away,” he said, pointing out that “swearing-in of the most senior Judge in the State Judiciary, in line with the constitutional provisions, is a step to recovery of the system.”

Governor Uzodimma further disclosed that in his determination to stamp out kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other forms of criminal activities, he created a new Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition and Social Responsibility, “to address the problem of unemployment and creating needed engagement for unemployed youth and the vulnerable population.”

He said that two new Commissioners – Mr. Paul Obinatu and Prof. Moses – were chosen because they have made their marks in the judiciary and academia respectively.

In their respective vote of thanks, the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Paul Obinatu

(on behalf of Prof. Moses), thanked the Governor for finding them worthy of the positions and pledged their commitment to justice development, peace and sustainability in line with the 3R vision of the government hinged on Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery.

The President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Barr. Victor Okon, the Chief Registrar of the Customary Court of Appeal, Faith Opara; Rtd.Chief Justice B.A Njemanze; serving Judges of Imo State, members of the zonal branches of NBA; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State Executive Council, among others, witnessed the event.

Maternal Deaths: 172 LGAs At High Risk – Health Minister

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Ayodele Oni

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September 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, has pledged Federal Government support to states in tackling maternal and neonatal mortality.

He disclosed that 172 local government areas across 33 states had been identified as high-risk zones, including five in Delta—Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele

The minister disclosed this on Saturday at Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, of Delta state, during the flag-off of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) Project Action Plan.

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme stated that the state has recorded a significant reduction in maternal mortality, with figures dropping from over 200 to less than 120 per 100,000 live births.

He expressed optimism that the programme would further reduce maternal and child deaths in the state.

While commending most health workers for their dedication, Onojaeme revealed that some had been sanctioned for extorting money from pregnant women and children under five, despite the state’s free healthcare policy for these groups.

“Health workers in the state have done well, but in every twelve, there is a Judas. We have received reports of some collecting money from pregnant women and children under five for drugs, while still forwarding the bills to the government for payment.”

According to him, several workers have already been dismissed while others were demoted for similar offences.

He assured that monitoring would continue to ensure that funds released for maternal and child healthcare were properly utilised.

Onojaeme emphasized that all pregnant women in Delta State are entitled to free healthcare until delivery, while children under five also receive free medical treatment.

He encouraged residents to report any health worker demanding payment, adding that the phone number of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health Monitoring would be made public for such reports.

Unity Bank: New Era, As Lender Merges With Providus; Details Of Purchased AMCON Shares

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 27, 2025

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Contrary to earlier reports, Nigerian lender Unity Bank Plc has confirmed that an existing shareholder of the Bank acquired the 34 percent equity stake previously held by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON.

The development comes after shareholders of the commercial bank approved the proposed merger with Providus Bank Limited, marking a major milestone in the business combination of the two financial institutions.

The shares acquisition transaction, which crossed 4.004 billion units of Unity Bank shares on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on September 25, 2025, follows the lifting of the suspension placed on trading of the Bank’s shares.

The Bank clarified that the shares were acquired by an existing investor and not by Providus Bank Limited, which is currently pursuing a merger with Unity Bank.

Meanwhile, at the Court-Ordered Meeting held on September 26, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, shareholders overwhelmingly approved the Scheme of Merger with Providus Bank Limited. Out of 295 shareholders who participated, 293 shareholders representing 99.32 percent of the Bank’s shareholding (N4.4 billion in value) voted in favour of the merger resolutions.

By the terms of the Scheme, Unity Bank shareholders will receive N3.18 per share or be allotted 18 ordinary shares of N0.50 each in Providus Bank Limited (credited as fully paid) for every 17 ordinary shares of Unity Bank Plc held. Upon completion, the entire share capital of Unity Bank will be cancelled and the Bank dissolved without winding up, while Providus Bank Limited will retain its certificate of incorporation as the enlarged bank.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of Unity Bank Plc, Hafiz Mohammed Bashir, said: “The acquisition of AMCON’s 34 percent stake by an existing shareholder further strengthens confidence in Unity Bank’s future. Alongside the merger with Providus Bank, this marks the beginning of a new chapter that will deliver greater value to shareholders, customers, and the Nigerian economy.”

Shareholders further authorised the Bank’s Directors and Solicitors to seek the necessary Court orders and take all actions required to give full effect to the Scheme.

New Olubadan Begs Tinubu For Ibadan State

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 27, 2025

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Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the new Olubadan of Ibadanland has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that Ibadan State in created before 2027 when his first tenure is expected to ends.

President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde were among the dignitaries who attended the coronation ceremonies in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Friday.

Ladoja, a former governor of the state was crowned His Imperial Majesty and the 44the Olubadan by Governor Makinde, to the cheers of many residents and guests who attended the August ceremony.

Speaking after his inuaguration, Oba Ladoja said Ibadan State has been long due, uring President Tinubu to approve its creation before the end of his firt term in office.

“My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority,” Oba Ladoja said.

The magazine reporst that Ibadan State is one of the 31 new States proposed by the National Assembly in February this year in the ongoing Constitution Amendment.

The amendent must by approved by 24 out of the 36 state Housed of Assembly, and assented to by the president before it becomes law.

But not a few Nigerians insist that the current efforts to create new states in the country may end up in futility as with the case in the past.

Obi Blasts Adamawa Govt For Wasting N600m To Sponsor LG Chairmen Wives To Turkiye

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 27, 2025

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Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State — Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

A key opposition leader in the country, Peter Obi has dragged the Adamawa state government for sponsoring 21 local government chairmen wives on a trip to Turkiye. At least, N600 million was spent on the controversial trip, he said, which should have been used to fund education and other critical sectors in the state.

Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, made the remark on Friday in the post he shared on his verified X handle.

He stated that the amount could have been used to construct 30 blocks of six classrooms at an average cost of N20 million each, which could have been beneficial to school children in the state, adding that many children in the state are out of school, lacks basic education because of inadequate teachers and classrooms.

He stressed that the funds should have been put to good use, for instance, to pay local government pensioners who are still being owned arrears of pensions.

Such funds, he added, could have been invested in eradicating povertt, healthcare facilities and other areas where the state is lagging behind.

He said, “Today, while our children at the basic education level, whose education is the responsibility of local governments, are out of school, and those in school lack classrooms and teachers, while LGA pensioners are likely being owed, and teachers continue to struggle under economic hardship, it is disheartening that scarce resources are channeled into frivolities such as foreign trips for the wives of local government chairmen who have no public office, at an estimated cost of about ₦600 million in public funds.

“While I sincerely commend Governor Fintiri and his team for their efforts, especially in the area of infrastructure in Yola, Adamawa still remains one of the states in urgent need of investment in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Such money, if directed at women micro-credit at an average of ₦100,000 each for women-led micro businesses, will uplift 6,000 women, which would be more impactful to the various LGAs, with about 300 women in each LGA being empowered, than this wasteful spending.”

Asaba Orphanage Rescue: NAPTIP To Conduct DNA On 70 Children

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 27, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has rejected claims of abduction of children from a Delta State Orphanage.

The Source reports that the agency had, on June 15, 2025, conducted operation at an Asaba based Orphanage during which it’s officials and security operatives claimed to have rescued no fewer than 70 Children, among whom were eight indigenes.

However, a few days after the acclaimed rescued children were handed over to the Kano State authorities, the Proprietor of the Orphanage through some human rights activists and civil society organizations, CSOs, raised the alarm and pointedly accused NAPTIP of illegally raiding and abducting children from the South and handing them over to a Northern State.

Specifically, one of the concerned individuals, a lawyer, had, in addition to accusing NAPTIP of abducting Christian children and handing them over to Muslim families in the North, called for DNA tests to ascertain the parental status of the children.

But at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday September 26, 2026, the Director General, DG, of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, insisted that the June 15 2025 ,Asaba Orphanage rescue effort was not an abduction as being widely claimed.

According to her, the rescue operation was a lawful exercise undertaken after the receipt of some petitions.

“Let me restate here that the rescue operation in Asaba was not an abduction. It was a lawful, coordinated operation, backed by intelligence, conducted with the Police, and in line with our mandate.

“Blackmail and misinformation will not deter us”, the NAPTIP DG stated.

According to her, the eight children taken to Kano and initially kept with the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs facility, has since been relocated to a more secure NAPTIP facility.

She explained that the relocation became necessary in the face of conflicting and multiple parental claims from women in Kano.

Adamu informed that the agency has in view of the conflicting parental claims, decided on the conduct of DNA tests before finally handing over the rescued children.

“We are not for, or against any claimants. The only way forward is a thorough investigation backed by science. Until then, the children will remain under our protection”, Adamu insisted.

Giving an insight into the Delta State operation, the DG noted that the exercise was in response to a petition received on December 16,2022 from the Protection Against Abduction and Missing Children PATAMOC signed by Comrade Ismail Ibrahim Mohammed.

According to her, the petition entitled “Demand for Justice and Address the Child Abduction in Kano State and Nigeria” underscored widespread cases of missing children.

” Based on this petition, NAPTIP’s Kano Zonal Command began intelligence gathering which led to the discovery of a child trafficking syndicate.

“A woman identified as Hauwa Abubakar of Gombe State was arrested by the Police after being found with stolen children.

“She confessed to selling 21 children to an accomplice, Nkechi Odlyne, who, in turn, sold seven of them to Mr Christopher Ogugua Nwoye , proprietor of Happy Home Children’s Orphanage Asaba. Each child was reportedly sold for N450,000.

” Nwoye, arrested in Gombe, confessed to the crime, and returned four children. Alongside Abubakar and Odlyne, he is currently facing prosecution at a Gombe State High Court.

“While the two women are remanded in prison,bNwoye is out on bail but attending trial.

“Of the four children returned, three were confirmed by their biological parents in Gombe state. The photograph of the fourth child was circulated by PATAMOC leading to her identification by a woman in Kano as her missing daughter, Aisha Buhari.

“This prompted NAPTIP to step in, especially, as it was already assisting the Kano State Government in its probe of over 600 missing children between 2010 and 2019.

“So on June 12 2025, NAPTIP dispatched operatives from its Abuja Headquarters and Kano Zonal Command to Asaba.

“The team was joined by the Kano State Chairman of Parents of Missing Children under PATAMOC, who could identify Aisha and had photographs of several children.

“For transparency and security, NAPTIP sought and obtained official support from Delta State Police Command.

“At the facility where over 70 Children were kept, the proprietor was absent and only his wife was present.

“After profiling the children, PATAMOC’s Chairman identified Aisha, and seven others. No arrest was made at the scene to avoid chaos, but NAPTIP left its contact for the proprietor to respond”, Adamu noted .

APGA Suspends Senator Abaribe From Party Indefinitely

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 27, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

In a move that has surprised not a few, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Abia State Chapter, has slammed one of its few Senators with an indefinite suspension.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, came under the hammer of the Party on Friday.

In a letter dated September 26, 2025, signed by the State Secretary, Pastor Peter Nduka, the Party said it has suspended Abaribe with immediate effect for, allegedly, engaging in anti-party activities which, the Party said, has exposed it to public ridicule.

Senator Abaribe’s letter of suspension entitled RE IMMEDIATE AND INDEFINITE SUSPENSION AS AN APGA MEMBER IN ABIA STATE reads:

“Pursuant to the resolution reached in the meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC), of our party held on the 26th day of September, 2023, at Umuahia, I am directed to formally notify you as follows:

“That you have been suspended indefinitely from APGA with immediate effect for Anti-party activities, an action which has exposed the Party to public ridicule.

“That your suspension shall stand, pending the hearing and determination of your case by a disciplinary Committee to be set up by the party.

“The party has equally notified all relevant institutions, including security agencies and the general public of this development.”

The Party, had, a couple of days ago, threatened Abaribe with disciplinary action if, within 24 hours, he failed to explain what it thought was his open romance with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The Senator had, perhaps, apparently, ignored the ultimatum as, according to sources close to him, he had never indulged in anti-party activities, hence the suspension.

Abaribe, a friend of the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, had a couple of months ago, to the discomfort of APGA, endorsed Otti for a second term in office.

A former Deputy Governor of the State under the first term of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the State Governor, Abaribe’s relationship with Kalu was very untidy. On exit from the office of Deputy Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abaribe contested for a Senatorial seat and won. He remains one of the longest serving Senators in the Country.

Abaribe, very vocal and blunt, however, defected to APGA from the PDP when the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who comes from same zone as him, decided to contest for same Senatorial seat under same PDP.

Abaribe, quit his position as the Senate Minority Leader, defected to APGA, and trounced Ikpeazu at the polls.

It is not known, yet, if APGA’s National body will approve of Abaribe’s suspension or void it just as it is not known if he would even be prepared to go back to the Party.

Fubara Sacks Pensions Board

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 27, 2025

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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State — Governor Similanayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

The just reinstated Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has wielded his executive power.

In his first action since he resumed office on September 19, 2025, after serving his six months suspension imposed on him by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Fubara has sacked, with immediate effect, the State’s Pensions Board.

In a Special Government Announcement Friday, September 26th evening issued by the Head of Service, Mrs Inyingi Brown, the Governor transferred the functions of the Board to the office of the Accountant General of the State pending when he would reconstitute a new Board.

The statement reads: “The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Rivers Pensions Board.

“Consequently, the office of the Accountant General of Rivers State, henceforth will handle the functions of the Board.

“Members of the defunct Board are, by this notice, advised to hand over all properties and assets of the Board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor, will, in due course, constitute a new Board to manage the affairs of Pensions.

Recall that the Sole Administrator of the State appointed by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, had dissolved the Boards and Commissions in the State while he held sway.

Ondo Seeks Inputs Of Stakeholders Into 2026 Budget

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Ayodele Oni

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September 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has restated its commitment to inclusive governance through continuous dialogue with citizens. with a view to incorporate their views into the 2026 Budget and long-term fiscal plans.

This approach forms part of the state’s vision to become one of Nigeria’s most developed through strategic budgeting, projects, and programmes.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Laolu Akindolire, announced this during the final phase of consultative meetings with stakeholders across the 18 Local Government Areas.

The engagement, which ended in Akure, focused on the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget.

The consultations brought together student groups, civil society organisations (CSOs), NGOs, community-based organisations (CBOs), trade unions, professional bodies, private sector representatives, women and youth groups, vulnerable populations, and traditional institutions.

Sessions were held in five zones, with traditional rulers, community leaders, local government chairpersons, and student bodies participating.

Administrative Secretary of the Budget Office, Pastor Stephen Aworere, explained that the initiative was a deliberate move by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to democratize the budget process.

“This engagement has helped the government ascertain the most pressing challenges faced by the people, thereby allowing us to focus on real solutions,” Aworere said.

At the Akure session, the Commissioner for economic planning and budget, Laolu Akindolire explained that the state was working on a more realistic and streamlined 2026 budget.

He linked this shift to the poor performance of the 2025 budget, which was affected by non-disbursement of funds from foreign development partners.

He said: “When we looked at the 2025 capital budget, it was just too unrealistic. A capital budget of N433 billion—how do you fund it?

“That’s why we’re preparing a more realistic budget for 2026, targeting 70–80% performance by focusing only on revenues we are confident will come in.”

The 2025 Budget stood at N698.6 billion, with capital expenditure at N433.6 billion and recurrent expenditure at N222.2 billion.

Akindolire stressed that future budgets would no longer rely heavily on development funding, which he described as “clumsy and unreliable.”

“We’re now focusing on realistic funding sources. If additional support comes from development partners, it’s welcome—but it will no longer form the base of our planning.”

He also highlighted agriculture, human capital development, security, and SME support as key focus areas.

“Agriculture will be well funded. Food security is a top priority for this administration. We are also focusing on human capital development, security, and SME support as key drivers of economic growth.”

He added that security remained non-negotiable. “You can’t go about your business or send your children to school if the environment isn’t secure. Security will continue to be a major focus.”

Aworere revealed plans to introduce vocational and technical training into the secondary school curriculum, adding that “Students will graduate with both O’Level certificates and skills certification in areas like plumbing, welding, bricklaying, and electrical work.

“The aim is to make them self-reliant even without going to university.”

Dangote Refinery: Sacked Employees Are Saboteurs, 3000 Nigerians Working For Us

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 26, 2025

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Dangote Refinery says some of its employees sacked on Wednesday were found to be sabotaging the company, saying the action was necessary to protect the interests of Nigerians and Africans whose interest the refinery is serving.

The management of the $20 billion Lagos refinery disclosed this on Friday in a statement amidst reports that it has sacked a large number of its workforce who joined PENGASAN.

The company said it will not fold its arms while some employees are sabotaging its business, insisting that what it did was to show those involved in the sabotage the way out of the company.

It stressed that there are still over 3000 Nigerians currently in its workforce, saying the recruitment of professionals has been a regular exercise in the company.

The statement read: “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.

“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns.

“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it.

“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.

“We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs. We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.”

The magazine had earlier reported that Festus Osifo, PENGASAN and TUC President insisted that the sacked workers be recalled.