FocalPoint Reports

Former Education Minister, Kenneth Gbagi Congratulates Okaba as INC President The former minister of Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi has Congratulated Professor Benjamin Okaba on his election as the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC. In a statement to newsmen, Gbagi said the election of the Delta born Professor of Sociology as the INC President will reposition the INC to enviable height. Recall that Gbagi has made impactful contributions to the development of Ijaw nation especially the establishment of Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State and appointment of the firsts vice chancellor (VC).   Gbagi noted that Professor Benjamin Okaba as a Professor of Sociology and a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Ijaws will benefit from his wealth of experience.

Elextorial victory: Sheriff Mulade joins CEPEJ to  felicitate with Prof Benjamin OKaba over his election as INC president   The Board of Trustees and Management of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, an NGO, have rejoiced with Professor Benjamin Okaba on his election as the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC. In a statement issued on behalf of CEPEJ in Warri on Friday April 30, 2021, its National Coordinator and CEO, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff said the election of the Delta born Professor of Sociology as the INC President was a demonstration of his integrity in Ijaw Nation. Comrade Mulade who is the Ibe-Seremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South West LGA of Delta State, noted that the NGO looks forward to collaborating with the INC for the good of Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta Region and Nigeria at large. While pledging CEPEJ's support for Prof. Okaba and his team, Comrade Mulade charged him to use his position as the President of foremost I

Delta Governorship 2023: Who can Contest Against Kenneth Gbagi With Money Made Outside Politics? The emergence of a new governor in 2023 has naturally entrusted Deltans with a weighty  responsibility to enthrone competent hand for the purpose of good governance in the State. Chief Kenneth Gbagi, a former education minister and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has proved himself outstanding, shining as illuminator without blemish. Those who nurse the 2023 gubernatorial ambition in Delta State should allow Deltans to examine their qualifications. It would be difficult for anyone to Contest Against Kenneth Gbagi With Money made Outside Politics?.  The question again is can they render stewardship as to how they made their Money? Are they planing to push stolen money to buy the Governorship?. Should political parasites who cannot sustain themselves for 10 years outside renumeration and kickbacks from political offices, rule Delta State? Deltans must think! Gbagi

Suspected trafficker excretes N360m worth of cocaine in Lagos A 47-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Chigbogu Ernest Obiora, has excreted 97 wraps of substance that tested positive to cocaine in Lagos State. The substance weighed 1.55kilogramme and has a street value of N360million. Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made these known in a statement on Friday. Babafemi said Obiora was arrested by operatives of the Agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos, after which he was put under observation and excreted the substances. The statement reads: “He was arrested at about 1:16pm on Sunday 25th April, 2021 during the inward clearance of Ethiopian Airline. He had arrived Lagos on board the airline from Entebbe, Uganda via Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. “According to the Commander, MMIA Command of the anti-drug law enforcement agency, Ahmadu Garba, Obiora was intercepted in the E-arrival hall of the airport by the operatives of N

FG deploys aid volunteers to needy African, Caribbean and Pacific countries … Action to strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries … 33 more billed to depart by next week The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps has dispatched 33 volunteers to Uganda and is set to deploy another 33 to Tanzania by next week, in response to the humanitarian need to cushion the effects of the biting economic downturn resulting from COVID-19. The volunteers who are mainly University Lecturers were dispatched ceremoniously from the DTAC headquarters in a convoy of 3 luxury buses, en route the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where they are expected to catch the flight to Uganda – the destination of their foreign mission, where they would be helping to boost the Country’s education sector for the next 2 years. According to Acting-Director General Shehu Mohammed, “the deployment is meant to strengthen the Country’s educational system, as part of the grand masterplan of Nigeria for Needy

Politicians behind unrest in South-East- Nwanyanwu National chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu has blamed the recent violent skirmishes in the South-East, particularly the invasion of Police Command, Correctional Service Headquarters and the private residence of Governor Hope Uzodinma all in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on failed politicians who lost out of the state’s power equation. Nwanyanwu stated this when he appeared as guest of the Channels Television breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily.  According to the ZLP boss, “the correctional centre is beside the Government House and the residence of the Brigade Commander is not far away, same as where the Police Commissioner lives. That is the safest place in Owerri. But people got in there, shot for two hours, released all the prisoners and nobody fired a shot to repel them. From where the 34 Artillery Brigade is, at that time of the night to that point wouldn’t have taken more than seven minutes. Everything

El-Rufai Seeks Funds For Security Agencies, Laments Rise In Banditry The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has expressed concerns over the rise in kidnapping and banditry in the state and other parts of the country. The governor said that the situation is increasing by the day and taking an alarming proportion, thereby seeking funds for security agencies. Governor El-Rufai disclosed this on Friday during the presentation of the first Quarter Security report by the state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. He described the present mood of citizens in Kaduna state and the country in general as one of despondency and increasingly loss of confidence in the security agencies due to the attacks. According to him, the bandits operating in Kaduna state are inching closer from rural communities to the cities, where they attack and kill innocent citizens with utmost boldness. He, however, appealed to all citizens to exercise patience and support Security forces toward

New operating consortium promises Nigeria better value from 4 oil assets  …Says DPR did due diligence in choosing it Kaztec Engineering Limited and Salvic Petroleum Resources consortium have promised to offer Nigeria better value in terms of increased revenue, local content boost, and more employment opportunity as they take over the operatorship of the Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 123, 124, 126 and 137 previously operated by Addax Petroleum. The new partners also disclosed that they have commenced engagement with Addax to ensure a smooth and amicable transition of operations at the assets. The Kaztec/Salvic consortium said that the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, deserved to be commended for doing due diligence and following relevant laws in making them the choice operators of the assets. The four OMLs previously operated by Addax under a Production Sharing Contractor (PSC) arrangement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, was revoked in March by the DPR due to n

Anxiety in Ondo community over influx of Fulani men Residents of the Okitipupa council area of Ondo state have raised the alarm over the influx of Fulani men in the community. Over 45 Northerners were reportedly sighted in the community by the residents. Reports had it that the Fulani men were brought to the community on Thursday in a truck and dumped around 9:00 pm near the Army Barracks in the town for an unspecified purpose. Leaders in the community rushed to inform both the council chairman lgbekele Akinrinwa and the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun. They were reportedly rounded up and prevented from going into the community. The council chairman, Akinrinwa who rushed to the scene which attracted many residents, alleged that it was a native of the town that facilitated the travellers’ trip to the town. Akinrinwa said the man had been arrested by personnel of the state’s security corps, Amotekun He pleaded with the people to remain calm as the visitors would be moved to Akur

"Nigeria will fly again": We can believe Kumuyi,  You rarely hear his voice in public when it comes to secular or controversial issues.A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench. He just faces the work he is doing, and how very well he does it. Gently. But early this week, Pastor William Folorunsho (popularly known as WF) Kumuyi came out to speak. He addressed the media as part of a weeklong crusade titled ‘Soaring Above,’ holding electronically in Abuja and the 19 northern states. What did the simple, self-effacing man say? A lot, which can be distilled into the following points: *Nigeria is down today, faced by many challenges, but it can still fly again, if only the people can stop hate, killing and divisive utterances. *God is still interested in Nigeria, but we must eschew utterances that could damage the expected change. *Don’t give up on Nigeria, but believe things will get better with focus on God. *Love one another and use resources G

Nnamdi Kanu replies MACBAN over threat to avenge any herdsmen killed in South-East Nnamdi Kanu The leader of the Indigenous of Biafra, IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Thursday night replied to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, over its alleged threat that it will avenge the death of every herdsman killed in South East by IPOB. Mazi Kanu in a late statement released with a dragon logo, at exactly 9 pm on Thursday night by Mazi Kanu, made available to newsmen by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB, told MACBAN that is not South East governor they have been threatening and getting away with it, saying that it will not allow Fulani killer herdsmen any breathing space in Biafra land. “According to Miyetti Allah “We’ll Avenge Death Of Every Herdsman Killed In South-East by Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB” – Miyetti Allah. However, Mazi Kanu, replies to read in part, “Miyetti Allah, hear this: IPOB is not South-East Governors that you can threaten and get away

Breaking: Anxiety in Ondo community over influx of Fulani men Residents of the Okitipupa council area of Ondo state have raised the alarm over the influx of Fulani men in the community. Over 45 group of Northerners were reportedly sighted in the community by the residents. Reports had it that the Fulani men were brought to the community on Thursday in a truck and dumped around 9:00 pm near Army Barracks in the town for an unspecified purpose. Leaders in the community rushed to inform both the council chairman lgbekele Akinrinwa and the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun. They were reportedly rounded up and prevented from going into the community. The council chairman, Akinrinwa who rushed to the scene which attracted many residents alleged that it was a native of the town that facilitated the travellers trip to the town. Akinrinwa said the man had been arrested by personnel of the state’s security corps, Amotekun He pleaded with the people to remain calm as the visitors would be

Insecurity: Timi Frank blames Buhari, APC’s govt …Seeks US, UK, UN, EU support to surmount challenges Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has blamed the nation’s unabating security calamities on President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This is even as he wrote a letter to members of the international community, such as, United States of America (US), United Kingdom (UK), United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU), urging them to assist Nigeria overcome her heightened security challenges. Frank, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, lamented that insecurity in the country has reached an alarming proportion which requires immediate assistance from friendly developed countries to restore normalcy. The notable political activist, however, insisted  that it is now clear to Nigerians in particular, and the world in general that the raging inferno devouring the country “is a function of Buhari

IT firm moves to ease cloud transition for Nigerian SMEs Indigenous Information Technology solution provider, AkolagTech, has reiterated its commitment to enhancing cloud seamless transition for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, in Nigeria. This came even as the company advised SMEs in the country to embrace clouding and virtualisation to efficiently navigate the COVID-19 era and seamlessly run their businesses. Speaking to newsmen recently, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akim Olu said that many big enterprises are still struggling with the best ways to go digital during this period. He explained that lack of technology investment is another challenge among small, medium, and big enterprise businesses while business continuity and data protection are vital concerns for small and medium-sized businesses. Stressing the importance of cloud hosting, latency and support services for the IT firms in the country, he promised that his compan

APC won’t govern Nigeria beyond 2023 —MAKINDE GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, declared that the bad governance exhibited by the All Progressives Congress, APC, would not extend beyond 2023, noting that Nigerians have become tired of the party and will kick it out of power at the polls. Governor Makinde, who said this during the inauguration of the South-West PDP Zonal Executives, held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, said the redemption of the country has begun from the South-West geopolitical zone. Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said the unity of the PDP will secure victory for the party in the South-West and Nigeria. His words: “I want to thank you all for the peaceful transfer of power in South-West PDP. I want to also congratulate you, the Chairman and other zonal executive members of the South-West PDP, and pray that you will steer the ship of the party to a fair haven. ”As I said before we started voting at the congres

CHRPC, IDU, Civil Society Takes Action Against Torture of 98-yr-old Woman in Delta Chief (Hon) Iduh Amadhe of IDU (Middle) Human Rights group, Center for Human Rights and Public Complaints, CHRPC, Isoko Development Union (IDU) and coalition of Niger Delta Civil society has taken action against the torture of 98 years old women in Otor-Iyede, Delta State. CHRPC had writen a petition on the 24th April, 2021 to the Nigeria police Delta state, Ozoro Area command demanding the arrest of those involved in the torturing of 98 years old Mama Magarret Okpole who was accused of witchcraft. CHRPC  was joined by a members of  Niger Delta civil society coalition, Comrade Amaechi Ogbonna in a follow-up visit to the family of the victim at Ozoro where they were invited to make statements at the police station, Wednesday April 28, 2021. The Area commander Ozoro was commended for being proactive. The immediate past president of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) Chief

Obiaruku: Delta Govt Warns Chief Ossai, Others Against Parading as King By:Bulou Kosin The Delta State Government has warned Chief John Ossai or any other person or group of persons against parading selves as Okpala-Uku (King) in Obiaruku pending determination of who is senior between contending parties. Following a meeting last week in Government House, Asaba, with the Deputy Governor who was  represented by a Committee led by Chief Edwin Uzor, Special Adviser on Peace-building and Conflict Resolution, the Chairman of Ukwuani local government area of the state was directed to "investigate and identify the senior between the two claimants to seniority and hence Okpala-Uku-ship title. The Chairman of council was directed to "report finding of who is most senior back to the Deputy Governor's Office within the next one month with effect from 20 April 2021". The position of government which was read out to the parties noted that the Council Chairman "sho

Police Commissioner orders uninterrupted patrols around Schools in FCT Says University of Abuja is safe The FCT Police Command has debunked the viral message in some sections of social media purporting that the ‘University of Abuja has been attacked by bandits.’ “The Command wishes to state categorically that there is no record of such incident as at 2200hrs of Tuesday 27th April 2021, hence, members of the public are enjoined to disregard the message which is not only mischievous but intended to cause tension amongst residents. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP. Bala Ciroma has ordered uninterrupted patrols around schools within the FCT. In view of the above, the Command urges residents to remain calm, law-abiding and verify every information they receive to avoid causing panic amongst members of the public. A statement by ASP Yusuf Mariam, Public Relations Officers said, “Therefore, we wish to reaffirm our undeterred resolve towards the protection of lives and property within

Army protests against insensitive & indiscriminate sharing of pictures of killed in action soldiers in Social media Nigeriam Army The Nigerian Army has condemned in the strongest term possible, the indiscriminate sharing on social media of graphic pictures of personnel who paid the supreme price in the cause of defending and protecting the country from its adversaries. A statement by Brig General Mohammed Yerima, Director Army Public Relations said, “This act is not only unpatriotic but very insensitive and utterly reprehensible. “Officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army deployed to various theatres of internal security operations are on legitimate duties and are in the harm’s way to defend and protect the country from those who are intent on destroying it. “In the course of carrying out this constitutional mandate, troops put their lives on the line to ensure that innocent citizens and institutions of the state are protected from violent criminals. “In some cases, these gallant

Bold Movement Presents: Ijaw For Delta State Governor 2023 The Bold movement, powered by Chief Shariff Mulade is calling on Ijaws in Delta state to prepare for the upcoming 2023 governorship election. Bold movement is calling on Ijaws with interest for the governorship seat of the state to declare their intentions and proceed with needed consultations. Hopefully, An Ijaw indigene will emerge as  Governor of Delta state 2023.  Ijaws remains the economic power of Delta state and Nigeria at large. They cannot continue as second fiddle in the state.   Bold movement wants development for Ijaw communities, the riverine communities must rise above abysmal project. Powered by:  Bold movement

Surrender to criminals is not an option — Kaduna Govt Executive Governorof Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai The Kaduna State Government, KDSG, has reiterated that it would not reward criminals who kill citizens and destroy properties. Muyiwa Adekeye, Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication)said in a statement on Tuesday, that amidst the violence unleashed by criminal elements on the people of Kaduna State, some commentators have responded by blaming KDSG for asserting that the duty of the state is to uphold the law and not to reward hoodlums for violating the lives, property and liberties of citizens. He said those pushing that kind of narrative were sharing a video clip of a 2014 interview in which Malam Nasir El-Rufai called on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to use all options, including negotiation, to rescue the Chibok girls. “The years since 2014 may have led some people to forget the denial and doubt that defined the FG’s response to the Chibok abduc

Enugu govt raises alarm over sabotage of NCC’s Digital Industrial Park project6 …Warns perpetrators The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has raised the alarm over recent efforts by some persons to sabotage the ongoing construction of a Digital Industrial Park (DIP) by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), at the green triangle of the popular Murtala Mohammed Park, beside New Market, in Enugu North Local Government Area of the state. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Obi Kama, the state government stressed that the persons involved in sabotage of the project are disrupting the ongoing construction works at the site under different guises. Kama disclosed that “Enugu State Government had allocated Plot OS/1, Old GRA Enugu (where the green triangle, Murtala Mohammed Park is located) to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), via the Enugu State Ministry of Land’s letter reference No. LEN:38779/8, dated September 8, 2

African Consumer Care observes 2021 World Malaria Day with Odomos Mosquito Repellent African Consumer Care Ltd (AFCC), A Subsidiary of Dabur International Limited Celebrated  World Malaria Day 2021   with their Global Mosquito Repellent Brand ODOMOS through  ODOMOS Stop Malaria Campaign , which was rolled out across Nigeria in the year 2019. Under Stop Malaria Campaign, Odomos has directly contacted and educated over 50,000 Hospital OPD visitors in over 200 Hospitals and PHCs in Lagos, Ibadan and Kano in last 2 years through doctors and professional nurses and free sampled a large number of Odomos trial packs. 2021 World Malaria Day Celebration was rolled out with the Doctors and Final Year Medical Students of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) at Oke Arin Market, Lagos Island as well as Ojuwoye Market, Mushin on 26 April 2021. The activities included detailing on how to prevent Malaria and role of Mosquito Repellent creams and “Odomos” in Preventing/reducing it by reducing the

Electricity: Consumers, experts, others react as NERC plans new tariff review Consumers of electricity, experts, others, Tuesday, reacted as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) plans a new tariff review in the nation. In its notice issued April 26, 2021, NERC had stated: “Accordingly, this notice is issued to inform the general public and industry stakeholders of the Commission’s intention to conclude the Extraordinary Tariff Review process for the eleven DisCos, commence the processes for the July 2021 Minor Review of MYTO – 2020 to consider changes in inflation, foreign exchange, gas prices, available generation capacity, and CAPEX required to evacuate and distribute the said available generation capacity in accordance with EPSRA and other extant industry rules. “This notice is hereby issued in compliance with the provisions of EPSRA, the Business Rules of the Commission, and the Regulations on Procedures for Electricity Tariff Reviews in the Nigerian Electricity Su

Darkness awaits us if we don’t end attacks on our citadels of learning, Atiku warns Atiku Abubakar Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned in strong terms that darkness awaits Nigeria if attacks on citadel of learning don’t stop. Atiku, in reaction to the series of attacks on tertiary institutions in Kaduna and Benue states cautioned that attacks must not be treated with kid gloves. In a statement made available to Vanguard, the former Vice President noted that “This is all the more reason why I have maintained in the past that impunity must give way to punitive measures. When criminals profit from their criminality, crime will increase.” He added: “The abduction of yet an unspecific number of undergraduates of the  Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State , is one abduction too many. It marks both an unacceptable escalation and an expansion of this menace, and we must not only ensure that the abducted youths are rescued, but even more importantly, we must put in

Suspected herdsmen attack IDPs camp, kill 7 ― Ortom Samuel Ortom Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue, on Tuesday, confirmed an attack on Abagena Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Makurdi by suspected herdsmen, that left seven persons dead and many others injured. Ortom stated this when he visited the camp, where the IDPs were already protesting the attack by blocking the Makurdi-Lafia road. The governor said that the attacks were becoming unacceptable. He also said that more than 70 people were killed in Guma, Makurdi, and Gwer West local government areas (LGAs), of the state in the last two weeks. “You have all seen what is happening within the last two weeks. We have lost over 70 people in Guma, Makurdi, and Gwer West LGAs alone, in addition to what you have seen here. “Many are in the hospital apart from the seven that were killed. But I want to say that our patience is being overstretched in spite of our preaching of rule of law and due process. You can see that the people are