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“Instead Of Running Up And Down, Come Out To Support  Tinubu,”  Wike To Opposition

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister.

By Ayodele Oni

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister,  Nyesom Wike, has stated that people, especially opposition members should not wait until they have problem before throwing their support for President Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to the defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the former governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa and the incumbent, Wike commended the former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister  said; “It is another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country.”

The FCT Minister called on other Nigerians,  who are still sitting on the fence to throw in their support for the President.

He described the open endorsement of the President by Dr Ifeanyi Okowa,  who was the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,  as “a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.

“I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.

“That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not when they have problems and begin to run up and down.

“They have come out at the right time to show support for the President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them.

“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election,  others are now seeing and are joining the Renewed Hope train.”

Obi In The Vatican, Joins Dignitaries To Witness Pope’s Lying In-state

By
The Source
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Peter Obi in Vatican

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 poll, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, joined global dignitaries in Vatican City to pay final respects to the late Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.

Obi, a Papal Knight of the Church, joined Nigeria’s Vatican Veteran, 93-year-old Cardinal Francis Arinze to witness the Pontiff’s lying-in-state.

Writing on his X handle, the LP standards bearer

said in an article titled

“Legacy of Light: What Pope Francis Taught the World”

“Today, I joined Francis Cardinal Arinze, global dignitaries, and thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, to pay my final respects to His Holiness, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The solemn lying-in-state ceremony was a moment of deep reflection, as the world bids farewell to a man who embodied humility, simplicity, and selfless service.

“Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff; he was a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference. His life was a testament to leadership as a sacred duty, one rooted in compassion, truth, and service to the poor and marginalised. He lived for others, spoke for the voiceless, and reminded us all that leadership must be about lifting others, not self-exaltation.

“I came to truly appreciate what he stood for after my appointment as a member of Scholars Occultantes – an international circle of thinkers he founded during his time as Archbishop. The organisation, dedicated to truth, ethical leadership, and social transformation, gave me a deeper insight into the intellectual and moral force behind his teachings.

“I was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions. Each encounter left a lasting impression. He radiated peace and inspired faith, and his presence was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the divine responsibility that leadership entails. His humility was infectious, his vision deeply human.

“As we mourn this great soul, I urge political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, to reflect on his life and commit to the values he upheld: justice, peace, and human dignity. Let this moment not just be one of mourning, but a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love.

“May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly.

Uzodimma Approves Clampdown On Commercial Vehicles With Tinted Glasses

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the clamp down on all tinted vehicles used for commercial activities in the State following reports of the use of such vehicles, mainly buses, to perpetrate criminal activities around Imo State.

Consequently, all bus drivers operating in the State with such vehicles have been given 72 hours within which to remove their tinted glasses or face full weight of the law.

Of late, intelligence revealed that most of the commercial vehicles, particularly the commercial buses with tinted glasses, were deployed for criminal activities, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, hit and run, among others, within the State.

Accordingly,  the Governor has advised the security agencies to collaborate with certain government officials to ensure that the menace caused by the use of commercial buses with tinted glasses is stopped forthwith, and the defaulters legally brought to book if they fail to comply with the directive after three days of grace.

FG Releases N50 Billion For University Workers’ Allowances

By
Ayodele Oni
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Folasade Boriowo

By Ayodele Oni

In fulfilment of promise to end industrial disputes by unions in universities in the country, the federal government has approved the release of N50 billion for payment of allowances of workers’ allowances.

Beneficiaries include members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Non Academic Staff Union, (NASU and others.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, announced the release of the fund on Wednesday in fulfilment of promise by President Bola Tinubu.

This development, was disclosed in a statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority”, issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the statement, “the move stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.

“It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.

“This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.

“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”

It expressed President Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.

“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community.

“The youths are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable.

“It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.”

Recall that university-based academic unions have been at loggerheads with past governments over the failure to release earned allowances, among other demands.

Gov Oyebanji Flags Off Aerial Mapping Of Ekiti To Enhance Land Administration

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Oyebanji Flags Off Aerial Mapping Of Ekiti

By  Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday launched a ground-breaking 3D drone aerial mapping of the state in a bid to enhance land administration, boost investment, and establish a comprehensive geospatial database to support development projects in the state.

Speaking while flagging-off the exercise at a ceremony held at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the exercise was designed to implement a comprehensive land administration solution that will enhance government’s planning capacity and improve service delivery to residents of the state.

The Governor described the exercise as a game changer for the state’s development.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the project, Oyebanji explained that the exercise would streamline land management, promote transparency, ensure security of property ownership, enhance urban planning, as well as position the state as a hub for investors.

He stated further that the aerial mapping would also put an end to the persistent issues of fraudulent land transactions, curb menace of land grabbing, provide accurate land records and eliminate loopholes that have been exploited for land grabbing and other irregularities, thereby making the state more attractive for both local and foreign investors.

“By the time we finish what we are doing, it is going to open the window for investment into Ekiti State, the era of people selling one land to ten people will stop, the era of land grabbing will stop.

“An investor does not have to go to the office of Surveyor- General to sit with them because at a press of a button, you can locate every land and all houses in the state. So, it is a revolution and I am happy it is happening today.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey and e-GIS, Prof James Olaleye, said the exercise is the beginning of modernisation of land administration system in Ekiti.

He stated that this would be possible through the use of cutting-edge geospatial technologies to improved land administration, infrastructure planning and management, secure land tenures, eliminate blind search for land, and boost internally generated revenue of the state.

Prof Olaleye revealed that the aerial photographic mission would fly at low altitude to capture every inch of the state’s landmass.

He added that the project is expected touch every nook and corners of the state would last for one month.

“Uzodimma Investing On Human Capital & Technology More Than Any Governor”  – Leo Stan Ekeh

By
The Source
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Leo Stan Ekeh and Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that Imo State is setting the pace as far as Artificial Intelligence is concerned in Nigeria, insisting that his policies on digitalisation take into cognisance the demands of  tomorrow’s world.

Governor Uzodimma spoke on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, while declaring open the three days (April 23-25) 4th Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit 2025 at Protea Hotel, New Owerri, Imo State, with the theme: ENABLING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS FOR RAPID NATIONAL GROWTH.

The Governor who acknowledged that the theme was apt, noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, “the Federal Government is taking proactive steps to position Nigeria as a global player in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.”

He disclosed that recently the Federal Government launched the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP) to equip Nigerians with digital skills and create 2.5 million jobs, “a way to align the workforce with the demands of the 21st century economy.”

Uzodimma acknowledged that Imo State is setting the pace as the first in Nigeria to establish a Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government, “through which the Skill-Up Imo Programme was launched and has recorded successes in training over 40,000 youths in frontier tech skills, including artificial intelligence, cyber security and cloud computing.”

According to the Governor, the State is laying a groundwork for a complete digital ecosystem, where Imo Digital City (IDC) is the flagship infrastructure project,  “a dedicated tech hub supported by a landmark United States $15 million partnership with the United States Market Access Centre (USMAC) in Silicon Valley, the first of it’s kind, collaborating at sub-national level in Africa which will establish innovation labs and mentor the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.”

Uzodimma noted that to achieve the target of ecosystem, the Imo State Government will soon roll out extensive fiber optic infrastructure and 5-G broadband access across all the 27 Local Government Areas to close the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

He further stated that the E-Government agenda is another cornerstone, insisting that, “as a result, soon the State will be unveiling the following; MyImo App, a one-stop digital interface for accessing government services, a fully automated Land Information System (LIS) to ensure transparency and efficiency in the Land administration, establishment of Imo Business Call Centre to provide real time support to investors and entrepreneurs to ensure efficient connectivity of governance to the grassroots.

He appreciated the organisers of the programme and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and inclusive development, stressing that “Imo is ready, not just to participate, but to lead”.

Governor Uzodimma called on the International bodies to consider Imo and partner her for progress, noting, “as a State where ideas flourish, investments thrive, and technology transforms lives.”

In his keynote address, the Chairman/CEO Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, appreciated the Governor for his infrastructural developments in the State, insisting that he is investing more on human capital development and technology than any other governor known to him in the country.

Ekeh noted that Governor Uzodimma has remained intentional in investing and developing for tomorrow, and prayed God to bless him and imbue him with more wisdoms to pilot the affairs of Imo State.

To the participants, he challenged them to make good use of the opportunity, saying that “Tech is the richest business in the world.”

He told them that AI and Robotics are a driving force of the present economy which is reshaping the ecosystem.

Earlier, in his welcome address the President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu,  explained that the body has been at the forefront of information Technology Development, driving digital transformation and fostering innovation for National Progress.

He noted that the society has consistently initiated programmes aimed at leveraging emerging technologies to address critical challenges and propel sustainable development across diverse sectors.

Dr. Aliyu noted that this year’s theme was reflecting the commitment to leveraging technological advancements for inclusive development aiming at providing a platform for Stakeholders to explore the latest trends, innovations and best practices in AI and Robotics, with a focus on strategies to drive socio-economic advancement and foster digital inclusion.

He appreciated Governor Uzodimma for accepting to host the summit, describing him as “an amiable person, a man of the people and a core professional who has continued to drive government processes using technology.”

Present at the summit were the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, APC National Vice Chairman South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-governance, Dr Chimezie Amadi, dome Government functionaries, Rector Imo State Polytechnic, Dr. Basilica Igbokwe among others.

Update: Delta PDP Empties Into APC As All Members Dump Party

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Sheriff Oborevwori and Patrick Okowa join APC

By Adesina Soyooye

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking ship” – Senator James Manager

From A to Z, all members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State have dumped the Party and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. They include the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor who was also PDP’s Vice Presidential Candidate in 2023, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, all members of the National and State Assemblies, Local Government   Executives and the whole lot.

This “tsunamic” defection was announced in Asaba, Wednesday, by Senator James Manager after a meeting at the Government House which lasted for about six hours.

Manager: “All PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the State Party Chairman, all the Local Government Chairmen and others have agreed to move to the APC.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking ship.”

Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Information, also, officially confirmed the development that there is no more PDP in the State.

He said: “There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development of our State, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated.

“In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a State that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that  palm wine whose test has changed – and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.

“This decision is unanimous. By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC.”

This very black day for the PDP began with the announcement by Okowa that he has dumped the PDP. Even though he didn’t say where he was headed to, it was taken for granted by many that it would be APC while some people said the Social Democratic Party, SDP, especially, given Atiku Abubakar’s interest in forming a coalition.

Governor Oborevwori’s announcement of decamping to the APC, shortly after Okowa, confirmed where the former Governor was headed to.

For the PDP in Delta State, it is the end.  The APC is, now, effectively in control of two States in the South-south – Cross River and Delta.

Finally, Delta Gov Oborevwori Dumps PDP, Joins APC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori

By Ayodele Oni  & Suleiman Anyalewechi

After months of speculation about his next political move, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection has hit the PDP, which was still trying to get over its dumping by its 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate and a two-term Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, like a thunder bolt.

The announcement was made on Wednesday evening after a closed door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba, the State capital.

The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a statement to the press.

According to Ahon, the decision followed “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long term development.”

He emphasized that the move was motivated by the Governor’s desire to align the state with the centre for what he described as “sustainable growth and access to federal opportunities.”

Governor Oborevwori, who assumed office after a hard fought victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election on the PDP platform, was received into the APC by top ranking party officials.

This is the first time, since Nigeria’s democracy started in 1999, that Delta State would abandon it for another Party. This defection is a huge loss to the PDP as well as the  the Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai-driven Coalition which mission is to snatch power from President Bola Tinubu. With Delta State now in the bag, Tinubu’s chances in 2027 brighten more than ever.

The reception was described as “a high level political convergence,” signalling what many observers see as a realignment that could reshape the political dynamics of the South-South region.

With Oborevwori’s switch, the APC is expected to gain firmer ground in Delta State, a stronghold previously dominated by the PDP.

The Governor is expected to address the media formally later this week, shedding more light on his reasons and the path forward for his administration under the APC.

Oborevwori is the first Governor since Tinubu’s Government to dump the Political Party under which he was elected for another.

Benue Governor Appoints 2Face Technical Adviser

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Governor Hyacinth Alia and 2Face Idibia

By Adesina Soyooye

In the midst of the controversy surrounding his marriage, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has appointed gifted Musician, Innocent Idibia, popular as 2Face, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.

2Face has been enmeshed in controversy for weeks over his controversial divorce from his actress wife, Annie, and his decision to marry Natasha, a-Chief Gabriel Igbinedion (Esama of Benin) granddaughter, and Member, Edo State House of Assembly.

2Face bagged the new appointment on Wednesday, April 23, when he, along with Natasha, paid the Governor a courtesy call. He had, earlier, introduced Natasha to the elders of his community.

Receiving 2Face in audience, Governor Alia thanked the singer for endorsing him for a second term in office, come 2027, and for all the support he had given to his Government in various ways.

Therefore, the Governor said, it is only befitting to, officially, give the Musician more responsibilities than he had been handling.

Said the Governor:  “Let me thank you, very firstly, for supporting my administration and for endorsing me for 2027.

“I feel it will not be out of place at all, you are a guru of entertainment. Once you say ‘2Face’, people start dancing, even without you singing.

“So, we are happy  you are here. On behalf of the State Government and our very good people, I want to give you some more responsibility, plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and  help us chart the way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advise as well. So, I am pleased to appoint you as my Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community outreach”.

In the heat of his marriage crisis, 2Face’s mother had declared him kidnapped and wrote to the Department of State Services, DSS, to help her look for her son. She said her son was no longer himself, and suggested he may have been acting under duress. She asked Natasha to leave her son alone.

2Face laughed over his mother’s concerns and have since been painting everywhere red with Natasha. Their relationship has kept waxing strong. On her own part, Annie, with whom the Singer has two children, has moved on with her life, dropped the singer’s name for her maiden name, Macauley, and geared to up her acting career to new heights.

Tinubu Was Handed Over An Extremely Bad Government – NSA, Ribadu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nuhu Ribadu - NSA
Nuhu Ribadu, NSA

By Adesina Soyooye

“We inherited an extremely bad Government. We have reduced considerably the number of violence we met. Thus one too, we will confront it”

Without mentioning the name of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the  National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that President Bola Tinubu inherited an extremely bad Government, especially, insecurity.

President Tinubu succeeded President Muhammadu Buhari in office.

Ribadu put this on record when he visited Benue State to condole with the Government and people over the killing of about 80 people by rogue herdsmen who the Governor of the State, Hyacinth Alia,  identified as  Malians citizens and not Nigerians.

Ribadu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, condemned the killings in very strong terms but appealed to the people to stop the politicization of the sad situation. He urged them to give President Tinubu’s Government a chance to fix the problems inherited, and assured that peace will be restored with the help of the Federal Government.

Ribadu: “Our Armed Forces are doing well. It is impossible to post Soldiers or Police to every hamlet. Give us a chance and stop politicizing the killings. This will help us to restore peace. Issue of insecurity is relative.

“We inherited an extremely bad Government and things have improved and we will address all these issues cropping up.

“It is a matter of time. To do harm is easy but to solve it is difficult. We have reduced, considerably, the number of violence we met. This one too, we will confront it.”

In the past few weeks, Benue and Plateau States in particular, are flowing with rivers of innocent blood.

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