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Rivers Gov Fubara Appoints Anabraba As SSG

By
Ayodele Oni
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Benibo Anabraba - Rivers SSG

By Ayodele Oni

Tammy Danagogo, who  served as Secretary to the State  Government,  first under Nyesom Wike, and later, under Siminalayi Fubara, has been dropped.

This follows the appointment by Governor Fubara, of Benibo Anabraba as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).

This was contained in a  statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, who stated that the new SSG is about now taking his oath of office at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt

Anabraba, who previously served as the Minority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II, is taking over from Tammy Danagogo.

Danagogo had held the position since the second term of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT) and continued through the first two years of the Fubara administration until the declaration of emergency rule.

Kwara Gov. Gives Families Of Security Personnel Killed By Bandits N180 Million

By
Ayodele Oni
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AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

By Ayodele Oni

As succour to the bereaved families, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has presented cheques worth N80 million to families of forest guards and vigilantes that were killed in recent encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin communities of Ifelodun and Isin local government areas.

In a similar move, the Governor also announced N100 million financial support for the families of security volunteers in Edu and Patigi who were ambushed and killed in July, while confronting kidnappers terrorising their communities.

Speaking in Ilorin during the cheque presentation, AbdulRazaq paid tribute to the deceased as heroes who sacrificed their lives for the safety of others.

“It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service to protect our people. The government cannot but sympathise with the families.

“We will continue to support them and ensure that our state remains safe. The military has already moved in with full force, and we’ll keep working closely with all security agencies to flush out these criminals.”

The Governor’s gesture was applauded by community leaders and local government chairmen present at the event, including Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority; and Alhaji Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

They described the support as a compassionate intervention that will ease the burden of the bereaved families while also boosting the morale of other security volunteers across the state.

In a related development, the state government has provided additional logistics support—such as fighting equipment and motorcycles—to forest guards and vigilante groups in high-risk areas.

The move, according to the government, is aimed at strengthening community security operations and complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping and related crimes.

Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens, stressing that the government will continue to empower security outfits and stand by those defending their communities.

Dangote Second Largest Cement Plant Begins Operations In Ivory Coast

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dangote Cement Factory - Kogi State

Dangote Cement has officially launched its operations in Attingué. The cement plant is located  30 kilometres from Abidjan,  Ivory Coast capital.

According to a statement by the group on Sunday, the announcement was made on Wednesday by the Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Ivory Coast, Serge Gbotta, at the Novotel Abidjan-Marcory.

The company said the cement plant covers an area of 50 hectares, with the capacity to produce three million tonnes of cement annually,  the group’s largest facilities outside Nigeria.

The statement read in part,  “This strategic project, with an estimated investment of 100bn CFA francs, embodies Aliko Dangote’s vision of building a self-sufficient Africa that is less dependent on imports and capable of transforming its resources into world-class finished products.

“With this facility, Ivory Coast becomes the 11th African country to host a Dangote Cement production unit. The group, which has a total capacity of 55 million tonnes per year on the continent, intends to contribute to the development of Ivorian infrastructure and meet the growing demand for construction materials, driven by rapid urbanisation and major construction projects in the country.

“According to forecasts, the Attingué plant could generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. This represents a significant boost for young people in Ivory Coast, but also for the ecosystem of local SMEs – transporters, building tradespeople, retailers, suppliers and subcontractors.”

Zenith Bank Strengthens Position, Pays Shareholders N51.3bn Dividend

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Adaora Umeoji - Zenith Bank Female GMD

Zenith Bank Plc, on Friday, October 10, 2025, made good on its promise as it paid a total interim dividend of N51.3 billion to its shareholders for the Half Year (H1) 2025, at N1.25 per share. This significant payout represents over 60 percent increase from the N31.4 billion paid in H1 2024, demonstrating the bank’s commitment and enhanced capacity to continually generate value for its shareholders amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The dividend payment comes on the heels of the bank’s audited financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, released to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, in September 2025, which showcased a robust financial position and growth trajectory.

Commenting on the dividend payout, the Group Managing Director/chief executive, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, said, “We are pleased to have paid this significant interim dividend to our valued shareholders. Our half-year results underscore our resilience and commitment to our stakeholders. Based on the momentum achieved in H1, we are confident in our full-year outlook and expect to exceed shareholders’ expectations by year end.”

The substantial dividend payout reflects exceptional underlying performance as the Bank recorded a robust 20% year-on-year increase in gross earnings, rising from N2.1 trillion to N2.5 trillion in H1 2025. Interest income drove this performance with an impressive 60% growth, climbing from N1.1 trillion to N1.8 trillion. The Bank achieved this impressive increase in interest income through strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.

The Bank’s total assets also expanded to N31 trillion in June 2025, representing steady growth from N30 trillion in December 2024, underpinned by a robust and well-structured balance sheet. Customer confidence remained strong, with deposits growing by 7% from N22 trillion to N23 trillion in June 2025.

Zenith Bank’s shareholders can be assured of the bank’s continued focus on delivering exceptional value and growth, driven by its strong financial fundamentals and strategic initiatives.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

BREAKING: Popular Televangelist, Uma Ukpai  Dies, Family Calls Him “Spiritual General”

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Umai Ukpai

By Akinwale Kasali

Renowned popular Pastor, Televangelist and Nigerian Christian Leader, Umai Ukpai is dead.

Ukpai who was the founder and President of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association died at the age of 80.

His death marks the end of an era for one of Africa’s foremost voices in evangelism.

In a statement on Monday confirming his passing, the family disclosed that he died on 6th October 2025, and described him as a “Faithful Soldier of God and a Spiritual General.”

The statement reads in full:

Glorious Transition

“With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.

“Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.

“He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a mentor to many, and his life was a testament to God’s power and love.

“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise. Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course by the family.

“We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

“For indeed, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Phil. 1:21.”

The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, UUEA, is a Non-Denominational Gospel Ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

He was also a key leader of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and a founder of the movement.

Ukpai is an Igbo man from Asaga in Ohafia, Abia State who  converted to Christianity in 1958.

His father died when Ukpai was age 10.

Ukpai described how his early life challenges nearly impaired his career development. “I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I know what it is to save money to pay school fees. So, I have feelings for the poor.

“I learnt early enough to know that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.”

Ude Okoye Resigns Membership Of PDP, Says Party Has Lost Direction

By
Ayodele Oni
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SKE Udeh-Okoye

By Ayodele Oni

A former National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sundau Ude Okoye has resigned his membership of the party.

There had been an intense contest between Samuel Anyanwu and Mr Ude-Okoye about who the authentic national secretary of the PDP is until he lost out in the power play.

In his resignation letter, which was addressed to his Ward Chairman in Agbogugu Ward, Awgu Local Government Area Enugu State, Udeh-Okoye stated that he resigned from the PDP because the party “has strayed from the principles of its founding fathers.”

The letter reads: “I wish to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“This decision did not come lightly. The PDP has been an integral part of my political journey, offering me the invaluable opportunity to contest and serve as a Member of Enugu State House of Assembly, the National Youth Leader of the party, and most recently as the National Secretary.

“For these privileges of service and trust, I remain profoundly grateful to the party, its

lenders, and members at all levels.

“However, over time, I have watched with increasing concerns as the ideals and vision of the founding fathers of the PDP, built on the principles of unity, justice, and equity, have been eroded.

“The PDP that once stood as a beacon of hope for democratic governance has regrettably lost its moral compass and ideological direction.

“After much contemplation, I have come to the solemn conclusion that I can no longer, in good conscience, remain within a system that has strayed so far from its original purpose.

“Therefore, I am compelled to part ways with the PDP as I embark on a progressive journey dedicated to restoring the values of democracy, accountability, and service to the people, which the party has sadly abandoned.”

ASUU’s Splinter Faction, CONUA Urges Members Not To Join Strike

By
Ayodele Oni
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Niyi Sunmomu - CONUA President

By Ayodele Oni

A breakaway faction from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), known as Congress of University Academics, CONUA, has called on members not to participate in the strike action which commenced on Monday.

The union made its position known in a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu.

In the statement, the union dismissed reports on social media claiming it was part of the industrial action.

The National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday declared the strike, saying “Compatriots of the press, it goes without saying that there is nothing sufficient on ground to stop the implementation of the ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiry of the 14-day notice given on the 28th September 2025.

“Consequently, all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, the 13th October, 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting,” Piwuna said.

The federal government has however taken a position on the strike stating that it would implement the no work no pay policy against the striking lecturers.

The Minister of education declared that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities.”

The ASUU’ breakaway faction maintained that “CONUA wishes to categorically clarify that it has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike.”

The CONUA National President restated the union’s commitment to maintaining academic stability, promoting excellence, and ensuring the smooth running of the university system through dialogue and peaceful engagement with the government and stakeholders.

Sunmonu explained that CONUA had no reason to embark on strike, noting that the union had earlier protested its exclusion from the renegotiation committee of the 2009 Agreement inaugurated in October 2024.

According to him, the protest led to a meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025, where the minister assured that the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee would be expanded to include all academic unions.

He said the Ministry of Education had since fulfilled that promise by expanding the committee, and that none of CONUA’s issues with the government had become subjects of dispute.

Sunmonu further clarified that after nationwide congresses held between September 18 and 24, members unanimously resolved that no strike action should be taken, maintaining that engagement, not disruption, remained the best path forward for the university system.

The CONUA National President urged members to continue performing their academic and administrative duties diligently. He equally appealed to students to remain focused on their studies.

“My Successor Will Be Product Of Collective Discussion” – Gov. Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that Imo State currently under his watch will soon experience a security arrangement that the citizens would be proud of.

According to him, he is more determined now to protect the State from the activities of bandits and those behind other forms of criminality that have slowed down the pace of development in Imo.

Governor Uzodimma gave the assurance weekend while addressing All Progressives Congress leaders of the State across sectors, including government officials at the National, State and Local Government levels at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri.

He said with the Federal Government putting finishing touches to the issue of State Police, and his administration’s intentional efforts to activate the Imo Community Vigilance Services, he will do everything within his behest to secure Imo State and her citizens.

“I am prepared for the State Police whenever the law is passed. We are currently addressing the needs of our Community Vigilance Services. So, I am prepared, ready now to secure Imo State,” he said and urged the leaders to cooperate fully with him to realise the security programme.

Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to brief the leaders on virtually all the sectors his administration has impacted so much on the people, including timelines set to achieve optimum goals in the interest of the citizens.

For instance, the Governor highlighted the milestone the State intends to achieve in  healthcare with the ongoing Health Insurance Scheme, the ongoing rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools (including the ones belonging to the Churches), mechanised agriculture for food security, ongoing electrification of the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State under the Light Up Imo Project, ongoing construction of bus terminals across the state to energise mass transit system and ease transportation for the people, and the construction of a 12- storey Imo Revenue House, among others.

The Governor who urged the people to agree that Imo is bigger than any individual and therefore should exist, called on them to own all life changing projects his administration has put in place in Imo by also joining hands with the government to secure them.

On politics, Governor Uzodimma told the leaders to think more of how to stabilise Imo politically, rather than unnecessarily heating up the polity and vilifying his person on unfounded information over the State’s resources.

Said the Governor: “I can account any kobo that belongs to Imo State. Under my watch no kobo is missing. I micro manage the finances. For those who are busy spreading unfounded rumour about money we spent on federal roads, the Federal Government has not refunded me a kobo. In any case, what is important is that the roads were constructed for the use of our people. If the Federal Government refunds the money to whoever comes after me, so be it. What is not completed during my time will be completed after my tenure. For me, I am looking for what I will leave behind as legacy.”

The Governor advised the leaders to take seriously the issue of ongoing e-registration of new members of the APC, and equally get prepared for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State and Zonal Congresses any moment from next month before the National Convention next year.

He also addressed the issue of APC members’ effective participation in the affairs of the Party as earlier raised by the Chairman of the APC in Imo State, Sir MacDonald Ebere, saying, “leaders must help the Party. You must not physically come to Owerri to help the Party.”

The Governor specifically urged the National Assembly members to work harder and collaboratively to ensure that Imo people feel the impact of their representation.

Governor Uzodimma also did not leave any one in doubt during his remarks that the person who will take over from him after his eight years will be a product of collective discussion. “My succession plan will be discussed collectively here,” he said and harped on the need to encourage new generation of politicians.

He concluded his remarks by saying that

“by December this year, the ongoing advert,  “Imo is on the rise” would have changed to “Imo has risen.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Sir Ebere reeled out all the good things the Governor has done and still doing to reposition Imo as a leading State in Nigeria, and urged APC members to be alive to their responsibility to the Party and the government.

He urged members, particularly elected and appointed members of APC to show more financial commitment to the Party wherever they may find themselves.

Speaker after speaker lauded Governor Uzodimma for his examplary leadership that has drastically changed the Imo State narrative and brought respect to the citizens.

They encouraged the Governor to sustain the tempo of his people-oriented programmes and projects with the hope that posterity will be kind to him.

APC To Governor Bala Mohammed: “2027 Is Not For Those Who Speak Loudly”

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Akinwale Kasali

The statement by Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum, that the PDP will unseat the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027 has been dismissed as laughable.

A media and communications platform within the APC, All Progressives Congress Media Network, stated that  the PDP has lost touch with reality for envisaging that it will  return to Aso Rock in 2027 amid the gale of defections in its ranks.

The group’s Director-General, Iniobong John, in a statement in Uyo on Sunday, described the comments as not only laughable, but a clear indication that Bala has lost touch with realities within his party.

He noted that the party is not only sinking under the weight of its own contradictions, but also haemorrhaging in

membership, and moral authority nationwide.

John said: ”The APC Media Network finds this claim not only laughable but also a clear indication that the governor is out of touch with the political realities within his collapsing party.

”The PDP is not only sinking under the weight of its own contradictions, but it is also haemorrhaging in credibility, membership, and moral authority nationwide.”

He added that elections are not won by propaganda but by performance, adding that the APC-led administration has repositioned Nigeria on the path of progress.

“Governor Mohammed should be reminded that Nigerians do not suffer collective amnesia. The PDP’s 16 years in power left behind a trail of corruption, infrastructural decay, and economic stagnation — conditions which the APC administration has spent years addressing through reforms, fiscal discipline, and a renewed focus on national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

”Today, Nigerians can see the difference between propaganda and performance. The APC-led Federal Government has repositioned Nigeria on the path of digital innovation, economic diversification, and global relevance. From social investment to youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal to security stabilisation, the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real, measurable progress across the federation.

”If Governor Bala Mohammed believes that the same PDP—riddled with factional crises, leadership disputes, and dwindling public trust—can make a comeback in 2027, then he is clearly mistaking nostalgia for strategy. A party that cannot govern itself cannot aspire to govern a nation”, he added.

The group therefore advised the Bauchi State Governor to concentrate on the challenges in his state rather than making empty declarations about 2027, adding ”Governance, not grandstanding, is what Nigerians demand.

“2027 is not for those who speak loudly; it is for those who deliver boldly. And on that score, the APC stands far ahead”, he concluded.’

Clemency: “Scrap NDLEA, You Have Made Nonsense Of The Agency” – Dino Melaye Tells President  Tinubu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Dino Melaye and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Worried by the high number of convicted drug lords granted Presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu, Senator Dino Melaye has urged the President to scrap the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

President Tinubu, on Thursday, based on the recommendation of the Committee on the  Prerogative of Mercy, headed by his Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi,              granted clemency to 175 people.

The number of beneficiaries, the largest so far in years, included, according to Melaye, 70 people convicted of drug-related offences.

Condemning the pardon, the former Lawmaker described it as unprecedented in the World.

In a post on his X page on Sunday, Melaye wrote: “Pardon granted 70 drug Lords by President Tinubu is unprecedented in history. Checks have revealed that it has never happened in the history of the world. My advice to the President is to scap the NDLEA. His action has made a beautiful nonsensensical of all the efforts of the agency since inception.”

The President has come under strong criticisms over some of the beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon. They include murderers, fraudsters, and kidnappers.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in condemning the clemency granted some beneficiaries said the President has trivialised the exercise.

He said: “Ordinarily the power of Presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with Mercy and to underscore the humanity of the State.

“When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance. Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite.”

The Presidency has defended the clemency by saying that the beneficiaries exhibited good behaviour, showed remorse, and improved their lives by acquiring more education at the National Open University.

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