Author: Our Correspondent

By Israel Adams,Jos 

The Plateau State State House of Assembly has kicked against purported moves to relocate the industrial Training Fund ITF headquarters from Jos.

Our correspondent reports that this follows a matter of urgent public importance raised at the floor of the house by member representing Qua’apan South Professor Theodore Maiyaki during Plenary of Thursday 

The member representing Qua’apan South Professor Theodore Maiyaki on his presentation on the matter said, speculations on the proposed relocation of the Headquarters of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) from Jos is a threat to the socio-economic stability, institutional heritage, and pride of Plateau State, hence the need for the assembly ,state to resist it 

In his resolution, he urged the house to pass a strong resolution appealing to the State Government to liaise urgently with the Federal Government to halt any move to relocate the ITF Headquarters from the state 

Supporting the motion Member representing Langtang North Central Daniel Nanbol noted that such speculations must not be taken likely as the state had lost some important establishment in the past.

Similarly on a matter of urgent Public importance,Member representing Shendam Joseph Bukar brought before the house the devastating effects of Downpour on some communities in  Shendam.

The legislator urged the house to among other things call upon the relevant government agencies like SEMA and well Spirited individuals to provide immediate relief and support to affected communities, including food, shelter, and medical assistance.

 He also prayed that thorough assessment be conducted on the damage, and develop a comprehensive plan for reconstruction, especially schools, roads and bridges.

Also, on the floor  of the house, a bill  to regulate the arrangement of surrogacy in Plateau State also passed first reading.

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has announced the appointment of its immediate past Chairman, Dalhatu Abdullahi Safiyal Magori, as National Ex-Officio of the Union.

A statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary,Usman Muhammad Binji and Muhammad Nasir Bello said the appointment, made by the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, is a great honour not only to journalists in Sokoto State but also to the entire North West region and the nation as a whole.

The Council extends sincere appreciation to the National President for the recognition, and to the Zonal Vice President and Zonal Secretary for their valuable recommendation which led to this appointment. 

We are confident that Comrade Safiyal Magori’s experience, dedication, and leadership will make a significant impact on the growth and professionalism of journalism across the country.

The Sokoto State Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the National President’s strategic vision for the NUJ and to contribute to the Union’s continued progress and excellence.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa 

Oil and gas service providers across Africa have launched the African Local Content Organisation (ALCO), a new platform to promote collaboration and retain economic value in the continent’s multibillion-dollar energy sector.

Unveiled at the 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, ALCO aims to unite African service providers to share expertise, secure major project contracts, and drive economic growth. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) backs the initiative, with plans to partner with the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) and the African Energy Bank.

ALCO’s objectives include fostering knowledge exchange, enabling partnerships on large-scale projects, boosting Africa’s GDP, and retaining industry revenue through local content development.

Fourteen African nations, including Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have joined ALCO. The organization will officially launch at the 2026 African Union conference, signaling a commitment to advancing local content.

NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe hailed ALCO as a “game-changer” for African local content. He pledged the board’s full support to ensure its success.

ALCO’s formation marks a pivotal step toward collaboration and economic empowerment in Africa’s energy sector. Industry leaders say the organization could reshape the continent’s role in the global oil and gas market.

..Say’s over 10,000 workers affected, 3,000 dead without gratuities since closures.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna 

The Coalition of Unpaid Textile Workers Association in Kaduna has issued an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and northern stakeholders to urgently facilitate the payment of their long-overdue gratuities and terminal benefits.

The appeal was made during a peaceful rally held at the gate of the defunct Arewa Textile Company in Kaduna, under the theme: “Save Arewa Textile Workers, Widows, and Orphans.”

Chairman of the Association, Comrade Wordam Simdik said the rally was organized to express the long-standing frustration of former workers whose lives have been marred by hardship following the closure of the textile mills without compensation.

According to Comrade Simdik, over ten thousand workers from various textile companies including Kaduna Textile Limited, KTL, Nortex Finetex, and Arewa Textile Mills PLC have been affected. 

He stated that KTL was closed in two thousand and two, with  Nortex Finetex in 2003, and Arewa Textile Mills in 2004, all without paying the workers their due entitlements.

“Over 3,000 of our members have died without receiving their gratuity or terminal benefits, their widows and orphans are left in devastating conditions.” Simdik lamented.

He added that the affected workers and their families are now facing dire situations including homelessness, inability to pay children’s school fees, and mounting medical bills.

The association is urging key northern leaders including the Northern Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to intervene and facilitate discussions with the original owners of the companies.

According to Simdik, Arewa Textile was owned by the family of Paul Achimugu, Kaduna Textile Limited was a joint venture of the 19 northern states, while Nortex Finetex was owned by the late Aminu Dantata. 

The workers allege that the owners have consistently denied them access and failed to engage with them on the issue of unpaid entitlements.

He recalled that the association had previously written to the 9th National Assembly and was invited to Abuja for deliberations, but despite the efforts of lawmakers and even the former Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Mr. Samuel Bako Along, no payments were made.

“We are now raising our voices again loud and clear, calling on all northern stakeholders and the federal government to save us, We’re not asking for too much just what we rightfully earned through decades of service.” said Simdik.

The association also raised concerns over the rebranding of Arewa Textile to Binnett International, allegedly without settling outstanding liabilities owed to former workers.

“We want to know the new owner. If he is willing to pay us our gratuity, we have no objection to his ownership.” Simdik Stated 

Widows of deceased workers also spoke at the rally, sharing heartbreaking testimonies of how the non-payment has affected their families.

Adama David and Fatu Dom, both widows of former workers, described the situation as “devastating,” and pleaded for urgent government intervention.

“Many of us can’t feed our children or send them to school. We beg the government to remember us,” said Mrs .David.

The Coalition is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and other national leaders to act swiftly and bring an end to the suffering of thousands of unpaid textile workers and their families.

By Francis Wilfred

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged the new Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Adeyemi, to transform the Service.

The Minister gave the charge while decorating Adeyemi on Thursday at the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) office in Abuja.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo Charged the new CG, Federal Fire Service where FFS is today and picture where FFS needs to be and your job for you will be judged by how well he has transformed the service.

“Life has given you an opportunity in the history of the Federal Fire Service to be the CG, use this opportunity to write your own script”. He said.

The minister further encouraged the CG, Olumode Adeyemi that he may have the support of the President, Minister and the Permanent Secretary but not total support of your men, therefore be focus, courageous and determine as a leader to serve Nigerians for leadership is not a popularity contest, neither it is about who love or hate you rather it the conviction of what is right.

He also noted that FFS is one of the most impactful agencies of this country, so every moment there is a failure of emergency medical service, emergency rescue operation, it is a failure of the FFS. Also every building without a rescue garage is a failure of the FFS.

In her remarks, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, Challenged the CG to be true to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigerians and himself.

“You must work in line with the exact laws and regulations of this country and put the country first”, she added.

Assuring him of 100 percent support from the ministry and colleagues.

In his response, the CG, Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi gave an assurance to do his best and not to disappoint Mr. President and Nigerians.

House of Reps Speaker Inaugurates 2nd NASENI-Portland CNG Centre in Abuja

By Joyce Babayeju

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for promoting affordable and cleaner energy solutions through the establishment of NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion, Training Centre and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja.

This is contained in a ststement made available to Daybreak Nigeria by Chima Akwaja, the Deputy Director Information, NASENI.

He noted that the Speaker represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh while commissioning the NASENI-Portland CNG Hub said that the initiative was timely and impactful according to him, “Energy transitions are never just about technology, they are about the quality of life for our people. We must commend the leadership of NASENI for making life easier for Nigerian citizens.”

While urging Nigerians to embrace the energy transition process, Hon. Abbas emphasized that such change takes time but is essential. Citing examples from Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran countries that have successfully converted millions of vehicles to CNG, he stressed Nigeria’s potential to lead Africa in CNG adoption.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of special guest of honour, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen said, “The NASENI–Portland partnership is a clear example of how the private sector plays a vital role in driving our nation’s economic growth and development.

“Our role as government is to act as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for the Nigerian people,” she stated, adding that the pace set by NASENI under Mr. Halilu’s leadership should serve as a model for other agencies across the country, he said.

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, in his welcome address said, this facility, with its CNG Conversion Centre, Training Centre, and CNG Gas Refill Station, is part of our ongoing commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.

“Our plan is ambitious: to replicate these facilities across all 36 states and the FCT, making it possible to convert every vehicle in Nigeria to CNG in the coming years.  This daughter station represents our commitment to bringing CNG technology closer to the people, breaking monopolies to improve service quality and affordability; and reducing bottlenecks and long queues for CNG users.

By Gabriel Achadu

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 secured the conviction and sentence of five internet fraudsters before Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are, Ayo Korede, Ogbemudia Osaretin, Harry Ehimien, Osasumwen Osahenator and Efosa Richard.

They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges, bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents.
.
The charge against Osaretin reads: “That you Ogbemudia Osaretin  (m) on or about the 31st of July, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, in your iPhone 14 Pro Max  documents which you knew or ought to have known contained a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to their charge, following which the prosecution counsel, I. M. Elodi, I.K Agwai, K.Y. Bello, A. A. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Faisal and M.S.Dahiru prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Korede, Osaretin,  Osahenator and Richard to two years imprisonment, respectively or to pay N200,000 (Two hundred thousand Naira) fine, each, while he convicted and sentenced Ehimien to two years imprisonment or to pay N100,000 (One hundred thousand Naira) fine or do community service.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptop computers and balances in their respective bank accounts, being the tools and proceeds of their crimes, respectively to the federal government and further undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts were arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in fraudulent internet activities.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The State Caucus of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) in Akwa Ibom has said it has concluded arrangements to mobilize over one million students of the state origin on a peaceful march to draw the attention of Governor Imo Eno to the plight of students from the area.

It has also requested for a Town Square meeting with Eno, over their dissatisfaction on some educationally related issues bordering on infrastructure decay, students’ empowerment, and bursary.

Led by Heritage Akpan, National Treasurer (NANS), Zonal Assistant Secretary, and key NANS functioneries from higher institutions in the state, the students told a press conference in Uyo yesterday that they resolved to take the step because all efforts to reach Eno has proved abortive while their input have been overlooked in decisions regarding students in the state.

They regretted that they have not been represented in bursary management and disbursement at the state level and called for the inclusion of state-owned institutions like the State College of Nursing to be part of the beneficiaries of the bursary scheme.

The students, however, expressed gratitude to the governor for building model primary schools across the state adding that the effort was a quantum step towards a brighter future.

“This press conference aims to highlight the abnormalities and salient issues concerning education and students in Akwa Ibom State, while also seizing this opportunity to applaudGovernor Umo Eno for his developmental strides in the state.

“Your Excellency, we consider this medium as the last route to reach you after which all the angles of engagement proved abortive.

“As we address the world today, we will ignite from the positive side of it by pouring encomium on the investment and gigantic strides of the governor in education.” Akpan said.

The students thanked the governor for setting aside N1 billion for bursary payment to Akwa Ibom State students in tertiary institutions and sponsorship of 39 students of Akwa Ibom State origin who participated in the Akwa Ibom/United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme in the UK.

In a remark, Emmanuel Peter, Head, JCC Akwa Ibom NANS, urged the governor to set up a viable scholarship scheme through the Akwa Ibom State Scholarship Board to complement the bursary and aid eligible students to follow their academic pursuits with ease.

While calling on government to improve on infrastructure development in tertiary institutions in the state for learning convenience, employment and deployment of more teachers to the rural areas, Peters asked for a student’s town square meeting maintained that they make up a population of 1.1 million, which should not be ignored.

“We sincerely appeal for a student’s town square meeting in the 11th federal constituency with His Excellency, the Governor, as the town square meeting is ongoing across the federal constituencies to harness more of the concerns, which we may not feel good to discuss over the media.

“It is noteworthy to remind the governor that he has met with the market women, traders, businessmen, artisans, youths and traditional birth attendants, etc, but never met with the students’ leadership, not for once, against his campaign promises that he will meet with students quarterly

“Such an opportunity as a town square meeting with the students will provide the opportunity to discuss intensively and to crossbreed ideas, policies and framework for onward educational/student development.

“In addition, the student community gave you, Your Excellency, the highest number of votes during the 2023 general election will constitute the largest number of voters.

“The aforementioned NANS leaders/office holders from Akwa Ibom State will lead other student leaders and the over 1.1 million students on a solidarity walk to the Government House, Uyo, to present the hard copy of this press text to you on the 19th August 2025 and to interface with you for the first time.” Peters said.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has denied media reports that it was probing the immediate past Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel over his role in the failure of the Multi Billion Naira St Gabriel’s Coconut Refinery and other state owned enterprises established during his tenure.

It has also derided media reports suggesting that the Assembly reffered to Emmanuel as a failure.

In a statement endorsed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Kufre-Abasi Edidem made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the House said it merely constituted a committee to look into the non payment of salaries of the refinery following a motion by a member on the matter.

“The attention of the leadership and members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has been drawn to a report on the Leadership Newspaper of Monday August 11,2025, and syndicated on several other media publications that the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel,CON, is facing a probe by the House of Assembly.

“The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly wishes to state categorically that there is no scintilla of truth in the publication, in content and in intent,
and gives clarifications to help properly inform members of the public as follows:

“At no point has the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly constituted any committee to probe former Governor Udom Emmanuel, contrary to the report. The publication is speculative, lacks a factual basis, and does not reflect any official position or resolution of the House.

“What transpired in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Thursday August 7, 2025, was that the Honourable Member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon Uwem Peter Imoh-Ita brought before the House that some employees of the Coconut Plantation who are largely of Mkpat Enin origin, therefore his constituents, allegedly have not been paid for seven months

“As a norm in the House, Adhoc
committees are usually constituted to investigate the veracity or otherwise, of public complaints. The matter of the St Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory, being a state owned enterprise, was not an exception. It had nothing to do with the issues of ownership of other companies in operations in the State.” It explained.

It said neither the Assembly nor Governor Umo Eno would descend to disparaging leaders and past leaders of the Statr adding that Emmanuel did his best to lay the foundation for the industrial and economic growth of the State.

“This is seen in the success of the State-owned Ibom Airline, that is regarded the best in the country. At no time has the House targeted or accused the former Governor of any wrongdoing. Any attempt to portray the House as engaging in a probe against Mr. Udom Emmanuel is misleading and mischievous.” It maintained.

The statement called on media organizations to rise above board, verify facts from official legislative sources before publication while it remained focused on its constitutional mandate, especially in ensuring that public sector operations, including those related to workers’ welfare and state-owned enterprises, are handled transparently and lawfully.

“Inaccurate and sensational reporting not only misleads the public but also undermines the credibility of democratic institutions. Media professionals should thus know where to draw the line between facts and sensationalism. Journalism is a noble profession with its strong ethical bent.

“This would continue to be done without bias, prejudice, or political colouration. We are not just the soul of democracy, we are the conscience of the society and the voice of our people. The public is hereby advised to disregard the said report in its entirety.” The statement concluded.