Author: Our Correspondent

  • Taiwan elects new pro-Mainland China leader of KMT party

    Taiwan elects new pro-Mainland China leader of KMT party

    By Daybreak Nigeria

    Newly elected opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun on Saturday called on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to “stop playing the anti-China card” to manipulate elections, and she denied allegations that her party is controlled by Beijing.

    “I also urge the DPP not to sow hatred or division and to stop playing the China-bashing, anti-Communist, and anti-China cards just to manipulate elections and wage internal political battles,” Cheng said in her victory speech at the KMT’s headquarters in Taipei on Saturday evening.

    Cheng, a former legislator, defeated five other candidates, including her main competitor, two-term Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin, to win Saturday’s election for leadership of the KMT.

    “We should show the greatest sincerity and goodwill together to ease cross-strait confrontation and differences and ensure there is no more war across the Taiwan Strait,” the 55-year-old Cheng said.

    “I believe this is a shared responsibility of all political parties in Taiwan,” she added.

    Responding to reporters’ questions about the allegations by some political figures that the KMT has been “red-leaning” and appears to be “controlled by China,” Cheng said those were “very cheap labels.”

    “Whenever elections come, they rush to slap ‘anti-China’ and ‘China-bashing’ red labels [on the KMT], and that does nothing to advance Taiwan,” she said.

    “On the contrary, it has become the biggest source of infighting and stagnation in Taiwan.” Cheng said, urging politicians not to irresponsibly use “red labels” as a weapon in political fights.
    Elections results, responses from other parties
    Shortly before Cheng’s speech, KMT Vice Chairman Sean Lien, head of the team supervising the election, said the vote counting had largely concluded.

    “Cheng Li-wun received the most votes and was elected” chairperson of the party, he announced.

    In the final count, Cheng gained 65,122 votes, or 50.15 percent of the total, while Hau trailed at 35.85 percent with 46,551 votes, according to the KMT.

    The race used a plurality — first-past-the-post — system, under which the top vote-getter won without needing an absolute majority.

    Turnout was 130,678, or 39.46 percent of the 331,145 eligible party members, according to the KMT.

    The other four candidates, Legislator Lo Chih-chiang, former Changhua County Magistrate Cho Po-yuan, former National Assembly member Tsai Chih-hung, and Chang Ya-chung, president of the NGO Sun Yat-sen School, gained 10.40 percent, 1.5 percent, 0.2 percent, and 1.91 percent, respectively.

    Following Cheng’s victory, Huang Kuo-chang, chairman of the smaller opposition Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), said in a news release that he hoped the TPP and KMT would deepen exchanges, gradually build mutual trust, and establish a model of coalition governance.

    DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng said in a news release that the party hopes the KMT will exercise rational oversight in the Legislature, put the national interest above party interests, and work together to handle the current national security challenges posed by China’s infiltration.

    Cheng’s background
    Cheng served as a legislator from 2008 to 2012 and again from 2020 to 2024, and as Cabinet spokesperson from 2012 to 2014 during the KMT administration of then-President Ma Ying-jeou.

    It was her first run for the top KMT post, and her victory Saturday made her the second woman to be elected party chairperson, following Hung Hsiu-chu, who served from 2016 to 2017.

    Cheng entered politics as a member of the DPP but left in 2002, before joining the KMT in 2005.

    A graduate of National Taiwan University’s (NTU) College of Law, Cheng was active in student movements while at NTU and took part in the Wild Lily student movement — a 1990 pro-democracy sit-in in Taipei that pressed the then-ruling KMT administration for direct elections and broader democratization.

    She also holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and a Master of Laws from Temple University in the United States, according to Legislative Yuan records.

    In a televised debate on Oct. 11, Cheng said that one of the mandates of her party is to make peace between the KMT and Chinese Communist Party. If elected, she said, she would be happy to meet with the Chinese leader — referring to President Xi Jinping.

    CREDIT: focustaiwan

  • Thousands decamp to APC at Kaduna mega rally

    Thousands decamp to APC at Kaduna mega rally

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Kaduna State Sen, Uba Sani, Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, led thousands of party faithful, Saturday to welcome streams of defectors from opposition parties into the ruling party.

    The ceremony for the grand rally, held at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, witnessed decampees of all the House of Representatives members in Kaduna.

    The event, described by party leaders as a “renewal of unity and victory,” saw the formal defection of several lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The rally drew a mammoth crowd of supporters, government officials, members of the National and State Assemblies, and key political figures from across the state.

    The entire Murtala Square was awash with party colours as supporters chanted victory songs and waved banners celebrating what many described as a “political landslide.”

    Among the decampees were members representing Sabon Gari, Igabi, Kaduna South, and Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituencies, as well as several former senators, local government chairmen, and political heavyweights from the PDP and NNPP.

    Governor Uba Sani, visibly delighted, said the growing number of decampees was a reflection of public confidence in the APC’s inclusive leadership and people-centered governance model.

    He assured new members that the APC in Kaduna operates as a single family without discrimination, stressing that both old and new members would enjoy equal opportunities and privileges.

    “In APC Kaduna, we are one family. We don’t discriminate. Everyone has the same privilege and the same opportunity,” Sani declared. “Our focus has always been justice, fairness, and inclusivity. Kaduna is the most diverse state in Nigeria, and we have used our diversity as our strength.”

    He added that since his administration came on board, Kaduna has enjoyed relative peace and harmony, noting that the absence of ethno-religious conflict in the past year is a testament to the government’s commitment to equity and inclusiveness.

    “Since we came in, there has not been a single ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna State. We are working as one family, and that is the kind of politics that brings development,” he said.

    Governor Sani also used the occasion to recognize some prominent figures who recently joined the APC, including former Governor Ramalan Yero, Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Andrew Makarfi Malar, and Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, among others.

    He however assured the new entrants that the APC will continue to deliver on its promises of fairness, equity, and good governance, saying, “Our goal is not politics for power, but politics for the people.

    “Kaduna APC is united, stronger, and ready for the future.”
    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, commended the Governor for his leadership style, which, he said, has repositioned Kaduna as a model of unity and progress in Northern Nigeria”, he said.

    He also said the large turnout at the rally showed that the people of Kaduna are solidly behind the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, also praised Governor Sani’s leadership, describing him as a bridge-builder who has strengthened the party’s structure across all local governments. He noted that the Kaduna rally marked the beginning of strategic political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

    He said the ruling party will continue to welcome all Nigerians who share its vision of inclusive governance and national development.

    Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, and other party chieftains also pledged loyalty to the Governor’s leadership, stressing that the unity currently being witnessed in the party would guarantee sweeping victories in the coming polls.

  • INSPIRATION: “TIME”

    INSPIRATION: “TIME”

    By Mary Ewa

    Time…
    the beginning of all ages.
    Through time, the world and all its inhabitants have evolved —
    mountains carved, rivers shaped,
    kingdoms risen and gone silent.

    Everything processes in time,
    everything works with time —
    and after time,
    it expires,
    it becomes extinct,
    it dies,
    or it ends.

    Time is not just a ticking clock;
    it is a living witness.
    It sees all, keeps all, tells all.
    It has no favorites,
    yet it touches every soul.

    Time is the mirror of human existence,
    the measure of our becoming.
    It stretches us, like an elastic, teaches us,
    and sometimes breaks us
    only to make us again.

    Truly, it is what we are proud of that we own,
    what we approve of, we flaunt.
    What holds value, we guard with our hearts.
    Life is valuable —
    even though it slips through our fingers like sand,
    even though it fades as fast as morning dew.

    In time, secrets are revealed.
    In time, truth breaks silence.
    With time, knowledge grows wings,
    and wisdom learns to walk in humility.
    Progress is born,
    and rediscovery becomes the echo of every ending.

    Time heals the broken and humbles the strong.
    It exposes pretenders, honors the patient,
    and rewards those who wait without losing faith.

    Time is a silent teacher —
    it never speaks, yet it always tells.
    It never stops, yet it always moves.
    It builds and it breaks,
    it gives and it takes.

    And when our breath runs out,
    time still goes on —
    counting, keeping,
    remembering.

    For in the end,
    time is not against us.
    It is the space we are given
    to find meaning,
    to love deeply,
    to become whole,
    before the clock stops…
    and eternity begins.

  • Police recover 72 phones from robbery syndicate in A’ibom

    Police recover 72 phones from robbery syndicate in A’ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Police in Akwa Ibom has smashed a robbery syndicate specialized in dispossessing residents of expensive phones by force and recovereing more than 70 phones from the gang.

    It also recovered more than 70 pieces of household electronic items from another syndicate operating in the area.

    State Police Commissioner, Baba Azare told a press in Uyo weekend that the latest breakthrough was a demonstration of its sustained onslaught against criminal elements operating within the state.

    Azare said the syndicate specialized in shipping the stolen phones to their accomolises in Kano State for sale.

    “On 7th July 2025, the Command received a petition from one Mr. Aniekan Dan, aged 41 years. He reported that on 3rd July 2025 at about 7:00 pm, while returning from Ibesikpo with his wife, they boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 en route Nwaniba. Unknown to them, two other men already seated in the tricycle were members of a robbery gang.

    “On getting to UniUyo Permanent Site Roundabout, the two supposed passengers, in collaboration with the tricycle rider, suddenly brought out a firearm and ordered the couple to surrender their belongings. They were dispossessed of an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at ₦680,000, iPhone 16 valued at ₦1,400,000, Samsung S22 valued at ₦370,000, cash sum of ₦28,200, and a handbag containing personal effects.

    “After robbing and assaulting the victims, the suspects pushed them out of the moving tricycle. Fortunately, the victims managed to identify the MOT number (MOT–0BMR) of the fleeing tricycle, which proved vital in tracking down the culprits.

    “Through intelligence-led investigation, police operatives arrested the tricycle rider, one Editi, aged 34 years, alongside the tricycle used in the operation. His voluntary statement led to the arrest of four other members of the gang, both within and outside the state including Musa Idris Sanni, Utibe Asuquo Nkop,Dadati John and Abdulrashid Sanni.” He said.

    Exhibits recovered from the suspects the commissioner said included three tricycles and 72 assorted mobile phones reasonably suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims.

    The over 70 household items were recovered when operatives in Uyo intercepted a tricycle carrying five male occupants, and found to be loaded with a large quantity of assorted, brand-new household items, which immediately raised suspicion.

    The recovered items include: Five (5) industrial standing fans, Two (2) microwave ovens, One (1) bicycle, Fifty (50) pieces of stabilizers, Three (3) electric kettles, Two (2) brand new Startime decoders, Four (4) pressing irons, One (1) DVD player, and several other goods.

    The five suspects arrested included Muhammed Saifuana, ‘M’ aged 32 yrs, Musa Abdulahi, ‘M’ aged 27yrs, Samaila Sauwanu, ‘M’ aged 21yrs, Mubansir Abubakar, ‘M’ aged 20yrs and Adamu Umar, ‘M’ aged 25yrs.

    Azare commended the swift response and professionalism exhibited by Poluce operatives who affected the arrests adding that the command has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation to unravel the source of these items, ascertain their true ownership, and apprehend any other accomplices.

    “The Police Command under my watch will not tolerate any form of criminality. We are closing in on criminal elements from all fronts, whether they operate on tricycles, in homes, or on the highways.

    “These two cases highlight a crucial partnership, the vigilance of our citizens, as demonstrated by one of the victims and the proactive, dedicated response of our Police Officers.” The commissioner concluded.

  • Minister Wike and the zone  6 neighbourhood park conversion  saga in Abuja  (II)

    Minister Wike and the zone 6 neighbourhood park conversion saga in Abuja (II)

    By Tpl. Umar Shuaibu.

    Deriving its power from the FCT Act, the Abuja Master plan and all its support documents, like the City land use plan, Development Control Guidelines and Regulations, Central Area Urban Design and Development Guidelines 1981 and 1998, The FCT Park Regulation 2005, The Park Policy 2019 and General Guidelines for Design Development of Park, Green Area, Open Spaces, the Abuja Environmental Protection Act of 1997 and others, were all official Gazettes and legal documents.

    Any attempt to change or review any aspect of their provisions must undergo painstaking procedures akin to the process that produce them. Public hearing inclusive. Anyone appointed as FCT Minister by the President, has the responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of the City and its citizens. Also, he is to hold the Abuja Lands in trust and to ensure that all these legal provisions are not violated throughout his tenure.

    Truly, they are manmade documents and subject to fallibility. However, meticulous procedures were undertaken by the founding fathers, in collaboration with the necessary stakeholders and intellectuals to ensure that they are very close to perfection as possible, according to the human intellect. Changing these plans and provisions by any surreptitious order, just to satisfy the whims and caprices of any government functionary, or any selfish aggrandizement most never be condoned.

    We are all in support and have been advocating for the review of the Abuja Master plan due to the changing times and standard. We must understand that the call is for a review not violation of the plan. Persons with ulterior motive should not capitalize on the call for review to wildly engage in very dangerous violations.

    Park licenses are prerequisite for approval for Park developments according to the Park Development Guidelines. But, last month a statement was made from the FCT Administration that all park licenses in Abuja were revoked. In essence, all Parks operations were stopped. The reason advanced was to restore order and adherence to the existing policy governing park operations.

    It further stated that “the Minister is at liberty to do whatever he wants to do with land in the FCT, parks inclusive”. It was more unfortunate that the statement was made by a seasoned professional in the system who should rightly guide the Minister against violations of the plans, and the regulations guiding land developments in the City. Specifically as it concerns the protection of the City parks?

    It is not also true, that the Minister has exclusive right to do whatever he wants with the Abuja land. This is one of the most bizarre statement we have ever heard from an institution that is entrusted and charged with the protection and control of Abuja land against abuse. Yes, the Minister can allocate Abuja lands, but in line with laid down regulations, specifically that of land use, in order to ensure compliance and also ensure justice to all citizens. If not why should aggrieved parties sue the Authority and the Minister and always succeed in getting justice?

    The pretext was that there were series of violations, but it is now very clear that it was a deception. Because, many parks in the City are now allocated for contrary uses directly by the administration that was crying foul and shedding crocodile tears that operators were violating the Abuja Master plan.

    Truly, no matter how vigilant a government can check abuse there are recalcitrant elements that would try to violate regulations. But for the Government of the day to be seen orchestrating the abuse directly, after using its instrument to drive the park operators, is unprecedented. If the previous administrations were not up and doing on the prevention of these type of abuses, the Wike administration would not have met any park standing in the City today.

    Areas earmarked for greening were used for laying underground services, because no developments are allowed on parks. As cried by the Zone 6 residents, due to the violations “There is hardly any street that is not having sewer line bleeding onto the streets, making them very smelly and unsightly. The outbreak of gastrointestinal and other waterborne diseases of huge proportions is a disaster waiting to happen in the neighbourhood”.

    Now that almost all the surrounding area were buildup, where would the underground infrastructure be rerouted through, and why should the FCTA spend huge public fund in a venture that involve the violation of statutory rules and regulations?

    We are now faced with a situation, which instead of recovering lands meant for Parks and Recreations that were violated for other uses as provided in the Park Policy, the FCT Administration is the one making the violations by allocating the green areas for other uses. Specifically, as it concern Zone 6 Neghbouhood Park in the Wuse District, just a stone throw from the Development Control Department that should never allow the violation. Yet the development was allowed to continue non-stop. Truly, many FCT Ministers have come and gone, but, the FCT never had it this rough.
    Concluded.

    By Tpl. Umar Shuaibu.

  • NAF Seeks Stronger Partnership with Journalists

    NAF Seeks Stronger Partnership with Journalists

    By Joyce Babayeju

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding between the military and the media, stressing that journalists play a critical role as frontline partners in safeguarding national security.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known during an interactive session with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council led by the Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike who paid a courtesy visit to the NAF Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    Air Commodore described journalists as vital allies in the collective effort to promote peace, unity, and public confidence in national institutions. He likened the relationship between the Air Force and the media to a marriage built on trust, mutual respect, and open communication.

    “When you call yourselves frontline workers, that is exactly how we see you in the Air Force. We operate in different spaces, but both of us deal with information that can save lives,” he said.

    “Our relationship with the media is like a marriage, there must be trust, honesty, and understanding. Some conversations belong in the public domain, while others require discretion.”

    The NAF spokesperson explained that information management during military operations must be handled with care, as the release of certain details could jeopardize missions or endanger personnel.

    “In military operations, information is intelligence. A simple statistic like casualty figures or troop movements can compromise operations if mishandled,” he cautioned.

    “When we decline to provide certain details, it is not secrecy or arrogance; it’s often a matter of protecting lives.”

    He noted that in the era of fake news and social media misinformation, journalists have an even greater responsibility to verify and contextualize reports related to national security.

    According to him, premature or inaccurate publications can inadvertently serve the interests of insurgents or other hostile groups.

    He therefore urged the media to always consider the national interest and the safety of security personnel when reporting sensitive issues

    The NAF spokesman also highlighted that the Air Force is evolving into a smarter and more people-focused force, prioritizing precision, intelligence, and the protection of civilians in all its operations.

    “The Nigerian Air Force is not just about bombs and bullets. We are developing an Air Force that deploys smarter air power technology-driven, precise, and sensitive to civilian safety,” he explained.

    “Our focus now is on smarter operations and the protection of communities.”He emphasized that NAF values ongoing community engagement and expressed willingness to partner with the NUJ on training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance defense and security reporting.

    “We look forward to working closely with the NUJ to build capacity in responsible reporting and strengthen understanding between the military and the media,” he added.

    Speaking earlier, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and recent successes in national security operations.

    She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to objective and responsible journalism in the interest of national unity and development.

    The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both parties to explore areas of collaboration, particularly in the fight against misinformation and the promotion of credible, fact-based journalism.

    The Chairman noted that the visit was aimed at strengthening the partnership between the media and the Nigerian Air Force , particularly in the areas of information management, countering fake news, and public enlightenment on security issues.

    “The Nigerian Air Force has continued to play a vital role in ensuring national security and unity. As journalists, we understand the importance of responsible reporting, especially in times of conflict and insecurity.

    “We believe that open communication between the military and the media is key to building public trust and combating misinformation,” She said.

    She expressed the union’s readiness to collaborate with the Air Force on media training, capacity building, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, adding that such partnership would enhance professionalism and mutual understanding.

    The NUJ Chairman also used the visit to congratulate the Nigerian Air Force Football Team for their victory in the just concluded NUJ FCT Football Tournament saying that victory was a reflection of discipline, teamwork, and excellence qualities that mirror the values of the Nigerian Air Force.

  • INSPIRATION: The Journey of Self-Discovery. . .

    INSPIRATION: The Journey of Self-Discovery. . .

    By Dr. Mary Ewa

    Knowing Who “You Are” a reflection on identity, purpose, and the quiet power of authenticity.

    Every individual is a unique being — a blend of experiences, values, emotions, and purpose. No two people share the same path, the same vision, or the same rhythm of life. Yet, it is all too easy to forget this truth in a world that constantly measures worth by comparison. We find ourselves imitating others, longing for their lives, and losing touch with our own identity in the process.

    Many of us drift into becoming someone else — not out of choice, but out of subtle pressures. We envy what others have, we doubt our own abilities, and we settle for roles that feel safer than being our true selves. Envy, insecurity, and lack of contentment quietly corrode our confidence, and before we know it, we are living lives that do not belong to us.

    But to live without knowing who you are is to wander without direction. When your identity is uncertain, everything else becomes fragile — your dreams, your relationships, even your peace of mind. How can you believe in yourself, defend your values, or pursue your purpose if you are not sure of who you truly are?

    Knowing yourself is more than self-awareness; it is a kind of awakening. It means understanding what drives you, what matters to you, and what makes your presence meaningful in this vast and complex world. It means accepting your imperfections as part of your story, not as reasons for shame. It is about standing firm in your truth, even when the world around you pulls in a different direction.

    Life itself is transient — fleeting, delicate, and often unpredictable. We do not have forever to figure everything out, but we do have enough time to be real. To live authentically. To walk our path with a sense of clarity and peace. Pretending to be someone else only delays the discovery of the beauty within ourselves.

    The journey of self-discovery is not easy. It requires honesty, courage, and patience. But as you learn to embrace who you are — your strengths, your flaws, your hopes, and your voice — you begin to find freedom. Freedom from comparison, from fear, anxiety, and from the endless chase to fit in.

    In the end, knowing who you are is not about reaching perfection. It is about embracing truth. It is about finding contentment in being yourself, and understanding that your uniqueness is not a flaw to be hidden, but a gift to be shared.

    So pause, reflect, and look inward. You may find that the person you have been searching for has been within you all along — waiting to be recognized, accepted, and set free.

    Life becomes clearer when we stop trying to mirror others and start listening to our own voice. Take time to rediscover your essence — your values, passions, and dreams. In that quiet discovery lies the strength to live a life of purpose and peace.

  • Uma Ukpai: PFN plans Posthumous Thanksgiving in Uyo, Lagos, Abuja

    Uma Ukpai: PFN plans Posthumous Thanksgiving in Uyo, Lagos, Abuja

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Following the announcement of the passing on of charismatic evangelist Rev Uma Ukpai this week, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has said it would hold a posthumous thanksgiving service across the 36 states for the late preacher.

    Ukpai is regarded as the founding father of PFN when his popular Great Lagos Crusade, more than 40 years ago gave birth to the Fellowship

    PFN President, Bishop Wale Oke told a press conference in Uyo yesterday that the Thanksgiving celebration would also be used to celebrate other PFN icons whose efforts saw to the growth and expansion of the gospel and the Fellowship.

    “Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) was born from a historic crusade staged by the late Rev Uma Ukpai in Lagos.

    “So, on the 19th, being the Sunday of this month, all the 36 states of Nigeria plus the FCT will hold a thanksgiving service and an award service to celebrate all icons who have been of great blessings to the PFN. And of course, in all the 36 states plus the FCT, Baba will be officially celebrated.

    ”And if you are part of that service, you will see what we’re going to do. We’re going to celebrate, we’re going to rejoice, we’re going to give thanks to the Lord for giving us such a great icon that we can never forget.” Oke explained.

    The president who was represented by PFN National Secretary, Bishop David
    Bakare, who also formally announced Ukpai’s death by the PFN expressed gratitude to God that the Fellowship could now boast of over 60 million members across Nigeria and in the diaspora while it had planned to celebrate it’s 40 years anniversary this month before Ukpai’s demise.

    “PFN is one of the major achievements of Papa Uma Ukpai, and it is his first born. Uma Ukpai was a wonderful gift to the church and the entire world. Our celebration of 40 years will be what Papa Uma Ukpai stood for.

    “Today, PFN has over 65 million members across all chapters in the 36 states of Nigeria. We are 40 years old and this celebration coincides with the glorious home call of the man of God whose evangelism in Lagos City gave birth to this organisation.”

    He disclosed that Rev. Ukpai was slated to be the keynote speaker at the anniversary celebration, scheduled for October 23, 2025, at the Redemption City Hope Arena in Lagos, where the organisation was founded.

  • ABUMET inspires youth creativity in Graffiti competition

    ABUMET inspires youth creativity in Graffiti competition

    By Lucy Omakpo

    As part of its CSR initiative for youth empowerment, Julius Berger’s experienced, full-service aluminium and glass solutions provider, ABUMET Nigeria Ltd, recently organised a CSR developmental programme that tasked youths to express their creativity while incorporating elements of ABUMET’s identity.

    The initiative, which focused on education and human capital development, thus saw the company hosting its first-ever Graffiti Art Competition in Abuja, designed to give university students a platform to express their creativity even as they were encouraged to incorporate elements of the company’s identity, like aluminium profiles, façades, and the spirit of craftsmanship.

    For over two days, the competing students transformed blank shipping containers into vibrant works of art, showcasing originality, technique, and innovation.

    The competition was judged by experienced local artists, with entries evaluated on creativity, originality, relevance to the theme, execution, and overall impact.

    At the end of the competition, three winners emerged: Johaness, who clinched the first prize of N1.000.000. She was closely followed by Zaphaniel and Boluwatife, who came out second and third, respectively, winning N500,000 and N300,000, respectively.

    In line with the acclaimed philosophy of the company to reward every effort employed in service delivery, consolation prizes were awarded to all other participants in recognition of their creativity, effort, and contributions to the event’s success.

    Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the General Manager of ABUMET, Diemo Schillack, disclosed that the Abumet Graffiti Art Competition reflects the company’s commitment to supporting young talent, driving creativity, and empowering the next generation of leaders. He further advised that we should continue such initiatives eventually, to sustain the impact and build on the momentum created.

    He said that, in line with the acclaimed successes recorded by the company in delivering a range of high-quality projects, ABUMET‘s effort in organising the Graffiti competition is deliberate. We have a mission to empower young talents who must be encouraged to identify their respective talents and excel in the same for their betterment and the good of society.

    Some of the competitors took turns thanking the company for empowering them, even as they expressed hope to participate in future competitions.

  • NYSC members in Delta commended for resilience, commitment, duty

    NYSC members in Delta commended for resilience, commitment, duty

    By Anne Azuka

    Members of the National Youths Service Corps(NYSC) deployed to Delta State have been commended for their resilience, commitment and sense of duty displayed throughout their stay in the Orientation camp.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State made the commendation on Tuesday at the Official Terminal Parade/Closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 11 Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor, represented at the ceremony by the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Trakiriowei Harry ThankGod appealed to employers of corps members for their continued support to the young men and women to settle down quickly.

    According to the governor, treat them as
    integral members of your organisations and communities, not as outsiders.

    He pointed out that their talents, energy and contributions were vital to the growth of their establishments and
    to the progress of the State.

    “I am confident that you fully engaged in the carefully structured activities of
    the past three weeks and have adapted to the discipline of camp life.

    “As you step into the larger society, let me remind you that the world you are
    entering is vastly difierent from what it was in the past.

    “Gone are the days when a university degree alone guaranteed employment and comfort. Today’s reality
    demands adaptability, creativity and innovation”, he stressed.

    Oborevwori reminded Corps members that the nation needed young men and women who could think outside the box, who could turn challenges into opportunities, and who could transform ideas into tangible results.

    “Life’s obstacles are inevitable but your courage and determination in overcoming them will shape your destiny”, he cautioned.

    The governor who formally declared the 2025 Batch “B’ Stream 11 Orientation Course of the National Youths Service Corps in Delta State closed advised them to minimize their movements and embark on journeys only when
    absolutely necessary, with the proper approvals.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the State Coordinator, NYSC Delta, Mr. John Kwaghe commended Corps members for the exemplary conduct, resilience, and discipline displayed throughout the three-week orientation exercise.

    Kwaghe noted that their conduct and attitude have reflected the finest ideals of the NYSC.

    “Your comportment has been a source of pride to us all and a clear demonstration of your readiness to serve our nation
    with integrity and loyalty.

    “Through diverse lectures and engagements on security awareness, national integration, cultural tolerance, teaching methodologies, and
    financial literacy, you have been adequately prepared to make meaningful contributions in your respective places of primary assignment”, he added.

    Delta NYSC Coordinator expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering support and fatherly commitment to the NYSC, particularly in driving the ongoing infrastructural transformation within the orientation camp.