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Showing posts from December, 2024

A New Year's Message from the Ijaw Publishers' Forum, IPF

A New Year's Message from the Ijaw Publishers' Forum, IPF  As we bid farewell to the outgoing year and usher in a new one, the Ijaw Publishers' Forum takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far and express our deepest appreciation to the strong voices of the Niger Delta who have consistently advocated for environmental, economic and political justice. Your tireless efforts to bring attention to the plight of our people, who have suffered greatly due to environmental degradation, exploitation and neglect, have not gone unnoticed. We salute your courage and resilience in the face of adversity. As we celebrate the dawn of a new year, our thoughts are also with the underprivileged children of the Niger Delta, who have been forced to bear the brunt of economic hardship and suffering. May this new year bring them hope, comfort, and a brighter future. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the few political appointees and elective office holder...

FG Spends ₦1.4 Billion On ‘Treatment’ Of Repentant Boko Haram Terrorists

The Nigerian government has expended approximately ₦1.4 billion for the rehabilitation of repentant Terrorists and the establishment of terrorism trial centres over the past eighteen months. Following the approval of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2022, the government established the National Counter-Terrorism Centre. In December 2022, the government announced plans to create two centres dedicated to disarmament, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration for former members of Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations operating within the country. Rear Admiral Yem Musa (retd.), the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, informed the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that the government intends to invest N2.4 billion in these centres as part of the NCTC’s ₦3.8 billion capital projects budgeted for 2023. However, an investigation by The PUNCH through the use ...

Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest, Okonkwo In Anambra

Unidentified gunmen have shot and killed Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a priest serving under the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra State. The incident occurred on Thursday evening along the Onitsha-Owerri expressway near Ihiala. In a statement released on Friday, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, confirmed the tragic event, describing the attack as shocking and devastating. The statement reads,  “The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi announces, with sorrow but with stronger faith, that our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo died yesterday, 26th December 2024. “He was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Ihiala, along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, around 7 pm and 8 pm. “Till yesterday, Fr. Tobias, a pharmacist and native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area, was manager of the respective Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala. “We solicit your prayers and Holy Masses for his ...

Blue economy to grow trade by 30% in 2030, says NPA boss

,  The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has forecasted a 30% increase in trade volume by 2030, the creation of over one million jobs by 2028, and a doubling of the sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from 1.5% to 3% by 2035. Dantsoho made these projections while presenting a paper titled “Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Ports Infrastructural Development: The NPA Perspective” at a National Conference organized by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos on Thursday.  He emphasized the significant investment opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy, including the development of inland waterways, the expansion of port infrastructure, and maritime technology solutions. The conference, themed “Nigeria’s Maritime/Blue Economy Industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda: What is New?”, focused on the potential of the sector.  Dantsoho described the blue economy as a crucial dr...

Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup: Semifinal Fixtures Revealed

Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup: Semifinal Fixtures Revealed The stage is set for the semifinals of the Delta State Peace and Unity Cup, with four teams vying for a spot in the final. The semifinal fixtures have been announced, and fans are eagerly anticipating the thrilling matches on Tuesday, 3rd of December. The semifinals will take place on the same day, with two exciting matches lined up. At the Ogor Technical College in Ughelli, Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) will face off against Team Isoko (Winsome FC) at 2 pm. Meanwhile, at the Oleh Township Stadium, Team Urhobo (Udu United FC) will battle it out against Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) also at 2 pm. The semifinal matches promise to be intense and exciting, with all four teams determined to secure a spot in the final. Team Itsekiri and Team Urhobo have been impressive throughout the tournament, while Team Isoko and Team Ndokwa will be looking to cause upsets and book their places in the final. Which teams will ma...