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Niger Discharges 320 Cholera Patients, Records 14 Deaths

July 30, 2025

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State

By Ayodele Oni

With 14 deaths recorded and 320 patients on admission discharged, the Niger State Government has disclosed that the Cholera outbreak in the state has been put under control.

Speaking during a live Radio programme tagged Media Chat organized by the State Ministry of Information and Strategy, the Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana said currently, less than 10 persons are on admission across the state.

The Commissioner noted that water treatment kits have been donated to help over 14,000 households to curb the endemic.

According to Dr. Dangana: “We recorded 14 deaths so far; and out of the 327 patients hospitalised as we speak we have discharged virtually all of them and have less than ten of them still on admission across the state for cholera.”

He disclosed that after the outbreak, the State immediately activated the State Inter Sectorial on Emergency Preparedness and Response, the Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) and the Disease Surveillance Systems in the 274 wards and communities across the state.

“We identified isolation centres, similarly, we have what we call Cholera Treatment Units (CTU) in all the 25 local councils across the state and these have really helped us in curbing the spread”, he added.

Dr. Dangana disclosed that, “the Ministry with support from various MDAs and partners like the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was very active and I can tell you that we are winning the battle against cholera.”

He added that the Ministry has doubled the level of sensitization by reaching out to over 16,000 school children and have created awareness in markets, religious and traditional institutions as well.

The Health Specialist, UNICEF, Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Idris Baba, also confirmed that “the supplies made so far are enough to treat all cases currently identified and admitted in the state”.

He said some of the items supplied are Community and periphery AWD kits, cholera kits, 40 Cholera beds, Ringers lactate, Normal saline with giving sets.

“Others are antibiotics, scrubs, disposal gowns, heavy duty and surgical hand gloves, boots, water purification tabs, chlorine solutions, calcium hypochlorite, water testing and stool testing RDTs”.

Earlier, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman said the state swung into action immediately, after it was faced with the endemic by carrying out sensitization and all hands were on deck to curb the situation.

Port Harcourt Refinery, Others Not For Sale – NNPCL

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 30, 2025

Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari- NNPCL — Bayo Ojulari

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, ruled out the possibility of selling the nation’s three major refineries in Port Harcourt Warri and Kaduna.

This is as they signaled their intentions to further invest in the efforts to revamp the ailing refining outfits for the benefit of Nigerians.

The Source reports that speculations have been rife, of late, suggesting that the Refineries, which have gulped billions of dollars to bring them back to life, will be sold out to private entities.

The rumoured planned disposal of the national assets was accentuated by fears expressed by Nigeria’s business mogul and proprietor of the only, and biggest private petroleum refining company, Aliko Dangote, that the nation’s refineries may not work optimally again.

But a statement from the NNPCL on Wednesday quoted the Executive Officer, GCEO, Bashir Ojulari, of reaffirming to complete the rehabilitation and retention of the refining companies

Ojulari who revealed this much at a town hall meeting, categorically, stated that the ongoing detailed technical and financial reviews of Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt Refineries, are aimed at completing the process of their rehabilitation.

The NNPCL’S GCEO blamed the current travails of the refining companies on the decision to kick- start operations without a hundred percent completion of the rehabilitation process.

He described the decision as ill-timed and sub-commercial.

Nothwithstanding the significant progress which has been made in the revamping process, Ojulari insisted that realities on the state of the refineries call for the deployment of more advanced, sophisticated technology and technical partnership before achieving their complete and high-grade rehabilitation.

According to him, disposal of the valuable national assets at their present state, would result in monumental value erosion .

“The announcement comes in the wake of of widespread speculations following his ( GCEO’s ) remarks at the 2025 OPEC Seminar in Vienna, Austria, earlier this month, where he said during an interview with Bloomberg that “all options are on the table.” The comment sparked speculation and headlines about the future of the nation’s refining assets .

The declaration was received with applause from hundreds of staff attendees who described the position as a renewed sense of business-focused direction across the organization.

“The town hall served as more than a performance update. It was an opportunity for candid, and constructive engagement.

“The Executive Vice President presented progress reports from the Upstream, Downstream, Finance, Business Services, Gas, Power and New Energy businesses, highlighting operational achievements , ongoing reforms ,and areas requiring attention.

“In a tone marked by honesty and leadership challenges, earlier missteps were acknowledged, and a clear roadmap was outlined for the journey.

” The announcement reinforces NNPCL’S mandate as a strategic custodian of national energy infrastructure ,and reflects a firm resolve to deliver on the complete rehabilitation and long-term viability of Nigeria’s refineries”, the NNPCL’S statement reads in part.

Tiv To Governor Sule: “You Know That Attackers Of Benue Communities Are Harboured In Nasarawa State”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Tiv Ethnic nationality in Benue State has insisted that the Governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule, has knowledge of the activities of killer herdsmen believed to be behind the spate of violent attacks and killings ongoing in some parts of the State.

The Apex socio-cultural organization of the Tiv, Mzough U Tiv, MUT, pointedly told the Nasarawa Governor that he cannot, in all honesty, deny the claim that armed herdsmen have been using the territory of the State, to launch most of their attacks on unsuspecting residents of Benue State.

The Source reports that penultimate week, the Vice Chancellor of University of Mkar, Benue State, Prof Zachary Gundu, had accused Governor Sule of not only being aware of the activities of the killer herdsmen, but also provides shelter for them in Nasarawa State.

He alleged that the Governor is very much in the picture of the fact that the armed herdsmen use their camps in Nasarawa State to carry out attacks on Benue State Communities.

However, the Governor, while denying the allegation, issued an ultimatum to Prof Gundu, demanding a retraction or get prepared for a legal battle.

But the Vice Chancellor, about two three days ago, called the bluff of Governor Sule, and insisted on meeting him in Court.

The MUT, in a statement, from CP Lorbe Lorbee, and Comrade Luther Lorbee President General and Secretary General respectively, said it is totally in solidarity with the position and views expressed by Prof Gundu.

The Tiv body remains adamant about the authenticity and verifiability of the claims made by the University of Mkar’s Vice Chancellor, concerning the activities and logistical support for the suspected killer herdsmen.

“We are specifically responding to the content of (Prof Gundu’s) press conference with further clarifications.

“There is nothing defamatory and libelous in the context of the public presentation made by the erudite scholar, Prof Zachary Gundu, because the public discourse in particular are enforced with perceived evidences of persisting insurgencies targeting Tiv indigenes of Nasarawa State, who are currently displaced into IDP camps in Benue.

“These protracted attacks are mostly emboldened by claims of Government (of Nasarawa State) taking over Tiv farmlands particularly for projects construction that are instead reallocated to strangers.

“The issue of the State hosting insurgents is authentic, verifiable, and in the public domain. It is a calamity that predates Governor Sule’s administration, which has raised regional and interstate concerns.

“Governor Sule had personally raised concerns about the presence of kidnappers’ den in Nasarawa State Communities, and called for Federal Government’s intervention to fish them out .

“He (Governor Sule) cannot, in anyway, deny knowledge of their presence in a State they use as their station to attack surrounding States.

“This matter is available in various intelligence sources, both formal and informal. It has been corroborated by the Plateau and Kogi State Governments as has been peddled by socio-cultural organizations, and Civil Society Groups such as Middle Belt Organization and local vigilante groups.

“Therefore, the views expressed by Prof Zachary Gundu remains authentic, verifiable and in public domain because the incessant invasions are specifically targeted at Tiv communities mostly on border lines between Nasarawa and Benue states,” MUT stated.

The Apex Tiv Organization further noted that facts have emerged indicating that some of the arrested suspected criminals behind the Yelewata massacre came from their camps in Nasarawa State.

The group stated that available intelligence has revealed that the attackers, also, retreated to their hideouts in Nasarawa State after the dastardly attacks on Yelewata.

In the face of the prevailing realities, the Tiv body urged the Nasarawa State Governor to rather explore peaceful means of resolving the security challenges, instead of trying to escalate the situation through unnecessary threats of legal actions.

“As the Chief Security Officer, CSO, of the State, Governor Sule should seek peace and reconciliation rather than jumping into veiled threats.

“This is not the path of defending the constitution and the people you swore to lead, and serve, neither is it in the spirit of good leadership, and neeighbourliness with a tribe that honoured you with a chieftaincy title.

“Benue and Nasarawa states are brothers; they are one and the same. We were all in Plateau before the creation of the two States

“It is not good for us to be in enmity. So, we are urging Governor Sule to put aside the idea of going to court. The Governor even agreed that herdsmen were freely entering into Nasarawa state because of the non- enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law.

“We, therefore, stand in solidarity with the views expressed by Prof Zachary Gundu as the true position of the Tiv people worldwide, and hereby express our willingness to be joined in the anticipated suit on your instructions.

“We believe his views were not directed at your person, but the office and institution of the Governor as cited previously to former Governor Tanko El-Makura during his tenure”, the MUT noted.

“Nigeria Has Endured Fire And Risen From Ashes, Finds Clarity In Confusion” – Akpabio In Geneva

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Parliamentarians all over the world to devise solutions which transcend borders and partisan divides.

A statement by Jackson Udom, his Special Assistant, Media, stated that he equally charged them to stand in partnership, be committed to peace, justice, and shared destiny.

He stated this in his remarks at the ongoing 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in collaboration with the United Nations, in Geneva Switzerland.

According to Akpabio, “As parliamentarians, let us commit to collaboration and the courageous pursuit of solutions that transcend borders and partisan divides.

“I bring you greetings from the Senate and the resilient people of Nigeria. I come from a nation that has endured fire and risen from ashes. A nation that finds clarity in confusion and keeps sailing through storms and rough weather.

“This conference—’A World in Turmoil: Multilateralism for Peace, Justice and Prosperity for All’—meets the moment. Across the globe, conflict drowns out the songs of peace.

“War consumes not only homes but the hopes of families. And while science surges, millions—especially in developing nations—remain trapped in cycles of fear and want.

“With the world now a global village, these are not distant crises. I urge affected nations not to surrender to despair. We in the Nigerian Senate have chosen to legislate in the storm, reform in the furnace, and lead with courage.

“We face armed conflict, climate disruption, and youth disillusionment. Terrorists exploit poverty and displacement. Farmer-herder clashes and small arms proliferation threaten our unity. But we are not defined by what we face, but by how we rise. In the furnace of turmoil, we are becoming stronger, wiser, and more determined to build a greater nation.”

Akpabio, addex that “In parliament, we are legislating to secure the future. In partnership with the Executive, we have passed laws to confront insecurity and rebuild trust: the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, and the Out-of-School Children Education Act etc.

“We are investing in innovation, through a 10-year National Digital Strategy, to equip our youth to bridge the divide. Through the Start-Up Act, expanded credit access, and digital training, we unlock potential long caged by poverty.

“We are also advancing inclusion. The Not Too Young To Run Act was a summons to a new generation. Women and persons with disabilities are no longer on the margins. And legislation is underway to institutionalize gender quotas—because inclusion, not exclusion, must be our standard.

“We have devised strategies to fight poverty: education loans, vocational training, tax reforms for the vulnerable, and cash transfers to the poorest households—all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Multilateralism must not become a rhetoric. It must rise as a movement of resolve. The Nigerian Parliament believes in international solidarity as a shared responsibility. For humanity is a single tapestry and when one corner is torn by conflict or injustice, the whole fabric is weakened.

“Let us therefore stand in partnership, committed to peace, justice, and shared destiny. We must not simply convene; we must command. Let us bind our futures not only in treaties, but in tenacity and remain paragons of purpose.

“As parliamentarians, let us commit to collaboration and the courageous pursuit of solutions that transcend borders and partisan divides.”

New Federal University In Ekiti: Families Protest Forceful Acquisition Of Ancestral Land

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2025

Ekiti FamilieProtest Forceful Acquisition Of Ancestral Land

By Ayodele Oni

Some families in Iyin, Ekiti State, have accused the Traditional Ruler of the town and Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, of alleged forceful acquisition of 240 hectares of their land for the permanent site of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, recently approved for the community.

The families, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest within the premises of the University, alleging that the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, had earlier acquired 230 hectares for the establishment of the University without offering any compensation to the original owners.

Speaking with Journalists, the protest leader, Sunday Oyeyemi, lamented that the latest move to annex additional 10 hectares of land, constitutes an encroachment on the remaining land critical to their livelihoods.

The protesters held placards which read “Kabiyesi Oluyin wants to acquire our land illegally and sell it later”, “Say no to dictatorship, enough is enough”, “NUC said 230 Hectares of land is enough”, “Kabiyesi and MOB want to acquire our land for seed money.

“Overhead bridge linking University classroom and Senate Building, what a lie!”, “Okelawe People are now IDDP internally displaced and deprived people”, “Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), stop using FG power to suppress us”, “Enough of trade by barter”, “Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), is this University meant to kill us?”.

Oyeyemi cited a prior position by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which reportedly affirmed that 230 hectares were sufficient for the institution’s operations.

He expressed concern that the fresh acquisition effort could plunge many families into hardship, calling on the Monarch and other critical stakeholders to respect the community’s ancestral rights and vacate their land.

“We are not against development or the presence of the university, but after the initial 230 hectares were taken without compensation, we expected that our remaining land, which sustains orphans, widows and vulnerable families would be spared, unfortunately, that is no longer the case.

“NUC came and said it’s enough but along the line, Kabiyesi and MOB, have moved to the next land of the University and hijack another 10 hectares of land for seed money.

“We want the FG and people to save our souls, the land is not meant for the University, they want to build classroom, hostels, overhead bridge, how?

“We are appealing to the government to leave the remaining land for our survival. We are pleading passionately. Even the 230 hectares of land taken from us, there was no compensation, all our crops were destroyed”.

Also, Babatunde Adeyeye alleged that many of their crops were destroyed during the clearing of the initial 230 hectares of land, adding that security personnel were stationed at various points to prevent them from accessing their farmland or taking any action.

“We don’t have any other thing here except the land, the University didn’t tell us they want to take the land away from us. Some of the owners are orphans, widows, they are using it for farming. They want to use it the land for their selfish interest”.

Lekki Airport: Ajah Residents Protest, Demand Compensation Before Demolition

Akinwale Kasali

July 30, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Residents of Ajiwe Community, Lagos State, have staged a peaceful protest to the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja, appealing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt the planned demolition of their houses for infrastructural projects and development.

The Residents are appealing to the Lagos State Government to pay the necessary compensation before their houses are demolished.

They categorically stated that if compensation is not paid, the LASG should make no move to embark on the planned demolition.

They claimed that their properties have been slated for demolition to make way for the Gas Link Pipeline and Green Line Rail Projects, Integral components for the new Lagos Airport under construction in the Ibeju Lekki area of the State.

The affected landlords and tenants who had earlier staged a protest on Abraham Adesanya Express Road last weekend, displayed placards, some of which read: “We say no to Gas Link and Green Line Rail projects demolition of our properties without Compensation”, “Our Properties cannot be demolished without Compensation”, “Compensate us,” among others stormed the Governors Office to further make their grievances known to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Spokesman for the protesters, Kehinde Alakoso, said the projects served an overriding public purpose, as stipulated by law, but stressed the need to consider the human cost.

Alakoso said: “We have written to the State Governor, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, and other relevant people in the State.

“Despite these communications and a meeting with the Commissioner in April 2025, where compensation assurances were given, no concrete plans have materialized.”

Lamenting the impact of the project since work began in November last year, he stated: “Since pipeline laying started last November, they have blocked entrances to a lot of businesses. These businesses are crumbling and property owners and tenants are living in fear of the unknown and incursion onto their properties.”

Highlighting the legal basis for their demand, Alakoso stressed: “We acquired these properties legitimately and they have title documents.”

The law says you can publicly acquire people’s property, but you should make provision for compensation.

“They must put a human face to what they are doing; let us know how you want to compensate the people.”

Also, General Secretary of the Odugbese Ajereongbe Chieftaincy family and a representative of affected Ajiwe landlords, Ahmed Ajanaku, said that the government’s promise at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Swiss Hotel, Victoria Garden City, VGC was not kept.

Another affected tenant, Prince Olanshile Mogaji, representing occupants of Top Notch Plaza since 2004, pleaded for due process and respect for the citizens of the State.

Nollywood Actor, Don Richard, Battles Kidney Disease, Seeks Help

Akinwale Kasali

July 30, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Don Richard, popular Nollywood Actor, mostly of the Yoruba Genre of has raised alarm over his state of health.

He is currently down with kidney disease, and battling for survival.

To survive, the Actor has resorted to seeking Financial help from well meaning Nigerians and colleagues in the industry.

In a heartfelt revelation, the Nollywood Actor opened up about his ongoing battle with the disease, a condition that has not only left him in poor health but also caused significant financial strain.

He disclosed his health status during an interview with his colleague, actress Biola Bayo, on her Podcast, ‘Talk To B’.

Richard revealed that he lost all his life savings while trying to cope with the illness.

He is now soliciting for support and financial assistance from Nigerians to aid in his treatment.

In a video posted by Biola Bayo on her Instagram page, Don Richard said; “When my wife was told about my condition, she broke down in tears.

“I told her, ‘another man is a lucky man.’ I begged her to take good care of our children, especially the twins.

“After leaving the hospital, she sold our house and car to pay for my treatment. Now, I have nothing left.”

Zamfara Killings Reflect Failure In Addressing Insecurity – Northern Senators

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2025

Senator Abdulaziz Yar adua - Chairman - Northern Senators Forum

By Ayodele Oni

The Northern Senators Forum has observed that the recent killing of 35 people in Zamfara state reflects a deeper failure in addressing insecurity.

The Senators told President Bola Tinubu that while his administration has shown some commitment to security, the rising wave of violence across northern Nigeria shows that serious gaps still exist.

Reacting to the recent killings in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where gunmen reportedly abducted and murdered over 35 people—some even after ransom payments— Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, Chairman of the forum, said the attack reflects a deeper failure in addressing insecurity.

“We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and declare that it does not reflect the values, people, and aspirations of the North.

“Our region is known for its hospitality, peace, and tranquillity, and such acts of violence only serve to undermine our cherished values.”

The Senator urged Security Agencies to do more than what is currently being done. He called for stronger ties between formal security forces and community vigilantes, as well as more effective intelligence gathering to help prevent similar attacks.

“We hope that more training of personnel will be achieved to curb incidents of this kind. While the Tinubu administration has backed the sector with funding and fresh recruitments, tactical coordination and capacity building are still lacking.

He extended condolences to the affected families and communities in Zamfara, saying, “We pray that Allah grants the departed souls eternal rest. May their families find solace in the face of this tragedy.”

Reports disclosed that the criminals were so cruel and heartless that they ordered and forced their victims to kill one another while they (the cursed criminals) watched.

2Face Officially Marries Natasha Osawaru At A Private Ceremony

Akinwale Kasali

July 30, 2025

2Face Officially Marries Natasha Osawaru

By Akinwale Kasali

Legendary Nigerian Singer, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popular as 2Baba or 2Face, has finally tied the nuptial knot with Edo State House of Assembly Legislator, Hon. Natasha Osawaru.

The Marriage was held privately, but videos of the ceremony has gone viral on Social Media, sparking massive reactions online.

The low-key private ceremony brings to an end speculations of a possible reconciliation between 2Face and his estranged Wife, Annie Macaulay.

A couple of months ago, 2Face had announced his separation from Annie Macaulay whom he got married to in 2010.

The marriage between 2Face and Annie bore two daughters.

Following his separation from Annie, 2Face announced his relationship with Natasha, which generated controversy from different quarters, until they had their traditional marriage in Benue State.

His formal wedding with Natasha has set tongues wagging.

The clip which was shared on X (Former Twitter) by user @ChucksE, captures the duo casually dressed during what appears to be a wedding photoshoot, followed by a brief glimpse of the ceremony itself.

Although official confirmation is yet to be made, the visuals have sparked widespread speculation and emotional reactions from fans and followers.

The trending footage has raised questions about 2Baba’s marital status and whether this marks a new chapter in his already public love life.

Suspension Of Commissioners, Aides Has Nothing To Do With My Daughter’s Birthday Party – Ebonyi Gov

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has refuted claims suggesting that he wielded the big stick against his political appointees over their failure to attend his six-year old daughter’s birthday party.

The Source reports that Governor Nwifuru had on Monday July 28,2025 slammed a one month suspension on 87 of his aides, including 25 Commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants, SSAs, 24 Special Assistants SAs and 22 Permanent Secretaries for absenting themselves from a Government function.

According to a Government Statement, the affected appointees throughout the period of suspension, will not enjoy official pecks including salaries.

They are also not to sign any official documents within the one month suspension period.

Expectedly, the action has continued elicit widespread condemnation from not a few, particularly in the face of alleged claims that the appointees may have been punished for not being part of the birthday celebration of the Governor’s daughter.

But in a statement from Monday Uzor, his Chief Press Secretary, the Governor insisted that the suspension order had nothing to do with his daughter’s birthday celebration.

According to the Governor’s spokesperson ,the officials were sanctioned for their failure to attend a major Government function – a basic school sports competition ,put together by the State’s Universal Basic Education Board UBEB.

The affected appointees were said to have refused to attend the event despite the Governor’s directives for the them to join the Deputy Governor in representing him at the ceremony.

“The Governor was away and had to instruct his Deputy to represent him at the grand finale of the Basic School Sports competition organized by the Universal Basic Education Board UBEB.

“However, most of his Commissioners and appointees failed to attend.

“So when the Governor learnt about it, he had to take action ,as this was not the first time such a thing will be happening.

“And for that picture ( picture of the Governor’s daughter) circulating, it is unrelated to the suspension. It was taken at a private event hosted by the Governor’ in July”, Uzor stated.

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