…Says Sacrifices of June 12 Heroes Should Inspire a Greater Nation

By Francis Wilfred

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration will intensify efforts to address economic hardship, tackle insecurity and secure the release of citizens held captive by criminal groups across the country.

The President’s message was delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” attracted top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Akume congratulated Nigerians on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, describing the milestone as a testament to the resilience and sacrifices of citizens who fought for the restoration of democracy.

He paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, imprisonment, injuries and even death in pursuit of democratic rule.

Addressing the nation’s current challenges, Akume acknowledged the economic difficulties, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement affecting many communities across the country.

He said the Federal Government was fully aware of the hardships faced by citizens and remained committed to delivering sustainable solutions and tangible democratic dividends.

On security, the SGF reaffirmed the government’s determination to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. He stressed that securing the release of all persons held captive remains a national priority and assured Nigerians that security agencies would continue to receive the support required to protect lives and property.

Akume also urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to reject political violence, hate campaigns, misinformation and divisive rhetoric as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

He called on citizens to uphold peace, tolerance and national unity while drawing inspiration from the sacrifices of the nation’s democratic heroes in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

A media advocacy group, the Uyo Senatorial District Media Forum, has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement and recklessness against the administration of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, describing the claims as baseless.

The group said calls for the governor to “come and give account” reflect a misunderstanding of modern governance and accountability processes.

Addressing a press conference in Uyo, the Secretary of the forum, Mr. Itorobong Umoh, said accountability in Akwa Ibom State has been institutionalised through regular government briefings, published reports, digital platforms and independent monitoring mechanisms.

According to him, a three-year assessment conducted by the group showed verifiable progress across multiple sectors.

In agriculture, Umoh said the government had distributed more than 750,000 cocoa seedlings, 700,000 oil palm seedlings and 150,660 bundles of cassava cuttings to farmers. He added that grants had been provided to over 200 farmers, while the Ibom Equipment Leasing Facility had improved access to mechanised farming equipment.

The forum also claimed that more than 16,000 beneficiaries had received farm inputs through community associations, about 5,000 kilometres of rural roads had been digitised, and 202.2 kilometres of roads had been awarded for construction. It added that three agro-logistics hubs were under construction, one in each senatorial district.

On infrastructure, the group said over 1,300 kilometres of roads and more than 40 bridges had been initiated or completed under the current administration.

Umoh stated that the state’s security architecture had been strengthened through the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, the acquisition of gunboats and patrol vehicles, the establishment of a modern command-and-control centre and the launch of a Security Trust Fund.

In the education sector, he said fully equipped model primary and secondary schools had been deployed across local government areas, while the College of Education had been upgraded to Akwa Ibom State University of Education.

The forum further highlighted developments in aviation, housing, healthcare, humanitarian programmes, the blue economy and power sector reforms.

According to Umoh, the Ministry of Aviation Development had been established, four aircraft acquired for Ibom Air, aviation personnel trained, and the new international terminal at Victor Attah International Airport completed and opened for international operations.

He said 86,324 persons had benefited directly or indirectly from employment and empowerment initiatives, while 1,048 housing units had been constructed, including the Aviation Village, Judges’ Quarters, Doctors’ Quarters, Legislative and Commissioners’ Quarters, ARISE Estate and 150 free housing units for public servants at Grace Estate.

The group also said the Ibom International Hospital was under construction as part of the emerging Ibom Medical City, while the state health insurance scheme, AKSHIA, had enrolled 197,700 people, recorded more than 220,000 consultations and supported over 2,000 surgeries.

On humanitarian programmes, Umoh said the Senator Oluremi Tinubu ARISE Senior Citizens Home had been built, more than 12,000 elderly citizens had received ₦50,000 support payments, and the ARISE Compassionate Homes Programme had delivered over 450 of its planned 500 housing units. He added that free food distribution had reached more than 650,000 households.

The forum further stated that the Ibom Deep Seaport project had advanced significantly, with federal approvals secured, transaction advisers appointed and the Bolloré Consortium engaged as preferred bidder.

In the power sector, Umoh said the Akwa Ibom Electricity Regulatory Commission had been established, Ibom Electricity Holding Limited incorporated, and state interests in key distribution companies regularised, while Ibom Power Company remained under state ownership.

The group argued that governance should be assessed on measurable outcomes rather than political theatrics.

“The evidence is visible in every community,” Umoh said. “We urge citizens, stakeholders and the media to focus on facts, support the consolidation of the ARISE Agenda and resist distractions that serve no public interest.”

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Armed bandits have again attacked Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducting his daughter.

Sources told our correspondent that the community came under attack on Monday evening, June 8, 2026, resulting in the death of the officer, identified as Mr. Ayo, and the abduction of his first daughter.

According to residents, the gunmen invaded the area and opened fire, causing panic as residents fled for safety.

Mr. Ayo was reportedly shot in the head during the attack. He was rushed to a medical facility but was confirmed dead on arrival.

His remains have since been deposited in a mortuary.

The attackers were said to have abducted his daughter before fleeing the community, heightening fears among residents over the worsening security situation in the area.

The latest incident comes amid a series of attacks in Kogi West Senatorial District.

Residents recalled that armed bandits attacked Aiyegunle-Igun in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area last Monday, killing two persons and abducting about 30 others.

Three days later, gunmen reportedly invaded Ikoyi community in Ijumu Local Government Area during a burial ceremony, killing three people and abducting several others.

According to community sources, none of the victims from the earlier incidents has been rescued, while many residents continue to live in fear of further attacks.

The renewed wave of violence has heightened concerns over insecurity across Yagba West and other parts of Kogi West, prompting calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and government authorities.

Residents urged security operatives to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of those still in captivity.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack.