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  • DG Akpoveta lauds Oborevwori as Delta State Health Commission Clinches Innovation Award

    DG Akpoveta lauds Oborevwori as Delta State Health Commission Clinches Innovation Award

    By Anne Azuka

    The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has lauded Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as “the greatest innovator of all times” following a prestigious national recognition awarded to the Commission.

    In a significant achievement for the state’s healthcare sector, the DSCHC was honoured with the ‘Most Innovative Health Insurance Agency of the Year 2025’ award by the Health Insurance and Managed Care Leadership (IHMCL).

    The award highlights Delta State’s strides in improving access, affordability, and efficiency within its health insurance framework.

    Presenting the award to the Director-General, Mr. Abraham Obuseh, who received the award on behalf of the Commission in Abuja, said it was a great privilege for him and his colleagues to represent the Commission and receive this award on behalf of the entire Delta State Contributory Health Commission.

    While receiving the award, Dr. Akpoveta credited Governor Oborevwori’s visionary leadership and unwavering support as the driving force behind the Commission’s transformation.

    “This award is a reflection of the Governor’s commitment to revolutionising healthcare delivery in Delta State. His support and innovation have enabled us to reach new heights,” he said.

    He noted that under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori, the Commission has flourished.

    “There is no health commission in any state that is as forward-thinking, as dedicated, and as innovative as ours. And we all know—there is one man behind this remarkable transformation.”

    According to him, the award represents more than just a title—it reflects a journey of consistent growth, commitment, and innovation.

    “Our efforts didn’t start today. The foundation was laid 8–9 years ago when we set out to break boundaries and introduce a new era of health insurance in Nigeria. From those early days till now, we have remained at the forefront, setting standards in both policy and practice.”

    He applauded the Health Insurance and Managed Care Leadership (IHMCL) for recognizing the work of the Commission as the foremost health insurance institute in the country.

    He also praised the Board and management staff of the Commission for their continuous support towards its growth and development.

  • Kaduna Gov lauds DSS for arresting 54 bandits, gunrunners in Kaduna

    Kaduna Gov lauds DSS for arresting 54 bandits, gunrunners in Kaduna

    *Serving security officer included..

    Idibia Gabriel, kaduna

    Kaduna state Governor, Uba Sani has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of 54 bandits and gunrunners, including serving security operatives, and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

    The governor also praised the Director General of the DSS, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his efforts in repositioning the agency to address the country’s security challenges effectively.

    Speaking through the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), Governor Sani expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded by the security agency. He noted that under the leadership of the DG, the DSS had conducted 34 operations, leading to the arrest of 54 bandits and gunrunners.

    He stated that, in addition to the arrests, DSS operatives had recovered numerous rifles, pump-action guns, and several thousand rounds of ammunition within the first quarter of 2025.

    He disclosed that those arrested by DSS operatives during the period under review included eight suspected bandits, 22 suspected informants, four gunrunners, two human traffickers, four cyber fraudsters, two vandals, and 12 family members of suspected bandits.

    “The arms and ammunition recovered include five AK-47 rifles, one GPMG, three RPG guns, and 5,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres. Additionally, 79 kidnap victims, now in the custody of the state government, were rescued by DSS operatives,” he stated.

    Our correspondent gathered that among the arrested suspects were a security operative serving in Zamfara State, who admitted to stealing ammunition meant for combating bandits in Zamfara and its environs and selling it to the bandits.

    “At the time of his arrest, the operative was found with 217 rounds of assorted ammunition, which he intended to sell for ₦4 million*, they stated.

    One of the suspected gunrunners, according to a security source, was arrested with 500 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, which he planned to sell for ₦1.5 million to a buyer named Suleiman in the troubled Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.

    Another suspect confessed that he was en route to Katsina State to deliver 1,087 rounds of ammunition when DSS operatives apprehended him. His associate, arrested in Funtua, Katsina State, revealed that he was to deliver 701 rounds of ammunition to Zamfara State

  • Tinubu’s wife empowers 500 business women in A’Ibom

    Tinubu’s wife empowers 500 business women in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has empowered 500 Women in Akwa Ibom with items aimed at enhancing their businesses.

    This is even as the Cordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom, Mrs elen Obareki has commended Mrs Tinubu for her bipartisan approach to empowerment

    At the empowerment programme weekend in Uyo, the Nigeria’s First Lady said the programme organised through her platform, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), was in partnership with office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, in recognition of the vital role women play in nation building.

    Represented by wife of the Senate President, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, she said that the empowerment programme which is targeted at 18,500 women across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country is aimed at equiping them with the necessary tools to contribute to Nigeria’s growth.

    “This programme acknowledges the vital role women play in nation build and also aligns with renewed hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which emphasizes inclusivity, economic growth and sustainable development for all Nigerians with a particular focus on empowering women economically.

    “The items distributed here today aims to equip our women with the necessary tools and resources they need to build successful businesses and to contribute to the prosperity of our great nation.” She noted.

    While disclosing that the programme held simultaneously in other states of the Niger Delta geopolitical zone except Rivers State the President’s wife urged the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to grow their individual businesses.

    In her remarks, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki, commended the country’s First Lady for empowering rural women described the event as a milestone in the journey towards promoting women’s empowerment and supporting their economic independence.

    Obareki stated that the programme would create a more equitable and just society where women would reach their full potentials.

    “These empowerment items (Deep freezers, Grinding Machines, Generating Sets, Gas Cookers etc.) represent the commitment of our mother, the Nation’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to strengthen businesses and improve the livelihood of our rural women,” she remarked.

    She urged the beneficiaries selected across party lines to make judicious use of items received as they are the backbone of their families and the state at large.

    Governor Umo Eno who was represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ms Emem Ibanga acknowledged Senator Tinubu’s choice of Akwa Ibom State as a focal point for her commendable interventions in the South-South region, and stated that the initiative aligned with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, with emphasis on social welfare, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth.

    Eno noted that this initiative exemplified genuine compassion and service to humanity, and that Akwa Ibom State was proud to partner in this journey of hope, renewal, and shared prosperity, urging the beneficiaries to nurture, cultivate and allow the empowerment to flourish into prosperity for themselves and their families.

    Earlier, the SSA to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs Adegoke Orelope-Adefulire in her welcome address, stated that women’s economic empowerment is a key driver to sustainable development noting that the RHI women empowerment programme aligned with the national development priorities of Nigeria and the SDGs, aimed at unlocking the potentials for women and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

    Adefulire said that 500 women have been selected from each state across the South-South zone and would be empowered with items including, gas cookers, generators, deep freezers and grinding machines to strengthen their capacity, build sustainable livelihood, transform the economy and contribute to national development.

  • Why FG throws weight behind indigenous companies acquisition of IOCs assets

    Why FG throws weight behind indigenous companies acquisition of IOCs assets

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    The Federal Government has thrown it’s weight behind the ongoing acquisition of assets previously held by International Oil Companies (IOCs) as they divest.

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who made this known while receiving a delegation from Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings, led by the MD/CEO; Dr. Tony Attah, following their acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria’s (SPDC) assets, declared that the move align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Lokpobiri also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,who had directed that all divestment-related issues be resolved promptly, assured them of full support and once again commended President Tinubu’s visionary leadership that has made this transformation possible.

    According to Sen. Lokpobiri, “Our oil sector is undoubtedly more productive today, with indigenous companies successfully acquiring assets previously held by International Oil Companies (IOCs) as they divest”

    “This positive shift aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had directed that all divestment-related issues be resolved promptly.”

    “I conveyed the expectations of Nigerians, that this acquisition must translate into increased value, efficiency and national benefit.”

    “While commending Renaissance for their strategic initiative, I charged them to swiftly align with our mission to increase production.”

    ” This will ensure mutual profitability for both the company and the country. I also assured them of full support and once again commended President Tinubu’s visionary leadership that has made this transformation possible.”

  • A political group Loyal to Nysome Wike inaugurates Bayelsa chapter

    A political group Loyal to Nysome Wike inaugurates Bayelsa chapter

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    The new Associates , a pro- political group loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezewon Nyesome Wike and President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated it’s Executives in Bayelsa.State

    The inauguration which took place at Igbogene axis of the State saw a mammoth crowd of supporters from South South who converged at the arena to grace the occasion.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Roland Charles Sekibo, who appears in Dual Capacity as the Director General of Rivers IJaw People Congress and a representative of the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Thompson Sekibo expressed Joy at the large turn out of people.

    According to him, we are celebrating a unique leader of our time, Barr. Nyseome Wike who has done well for IJaw Nation by facilitating the appointment of illustrious Sons and daughters of iJaw extraction to envious positions in the President Tinubu APC led Federal Government.

    He said the New Associates is in synergy with the President Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the South South region and the country at large.

    Dr.Sekibo urged Bayelsan to be part of the movement and support Tinubu come 2027.

    Also Speaking, Professor Henry Ogiri, a Federal Commissioner with National population commission, said the event was to celebrate the role Wike Played in Nigeria, after changing the landscape of Rivers State, he has taken the developmental strides to Abuja, performing wonders.

    He noted that, Wike was instrumental to the appointment of iJaw sons and daughters to position of trust which includes, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri,Minister for State Petroleum (oil) Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, MD, NDDC, Hon.Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, MD, Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Mrs .Didi Esther Watson Jack, Head of Service, of the Federal Civil Service among others.

    He condemned in strong terms the earlier shooting that occurred at the venue by unknown gun men, stating that , IJaw people are always known for their peaceful disposition and asked those involved to have a rethink.

    In his address, the Convener of the New Associate Bayelsa Chapter who is also the Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party and the current Acting Chairman Of PDP Bayelsa State, Barr.George Turner ( MON) said the Mega Rally was to appreciate President Tinubu and FCT Minister , Barr. Ezewon Nyesom Wike.

    He said , although he is a member of the PDP, but he is supporting Tinubu because of his good works in Nigeria, adding that Nigeria must come first before Party.

    He also enumerated the success story of Tinubu administration across the Niger Delta including the Pipeline Surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services headed by Chief Government Ekpomupolo, alias Tompolo..

    He called on Gov Douye Diri to make his position known for the candidate to support in 2027 so that Bayelsans can follow him.

    Highpoint of the event was the inauguration of The New Associate Bayelsa Chapter by Senator.Thompson Sekibo with musical performances by the Port Harcourt number 1 boy Duncan Mighty and other notable Ijaw music maestros.

  • Tragic as 4 children die due to father’s resistance to Vaccines– Mother narrates experiences

    Tragic as 4 children die due to father’s resistance to Vaccines– Mother narrates experiences

    *Say’s I watched my 4 children die becs we didn’t believe in vaccines

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    In an isolated village in a community of Ungwan Kanawa in Dutsen-Abba ward in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State, a house wife, Haj. Saude Safiyanu narrates a tragic incident of her child’s dead awaiting vaccination they had resisted.

    Haj. Safiyanu, along with other women, while sitting at the village square and eagerly waiting for vaccination officers to arrive with the State Mobile Health Clinic Truck, star at her youngest daughter playing and exited with the waiting crowd.

    One could imagine the mix of joy and pain in her heart remembering what she had gone through losing four children as a result of her husband’s resistance to vaccination for their children.

    Haj. Saude Safiyanu and her vaccinated 20 months old baby,, Saude would have become a mother of six if her husband had allowed her to vaccinate their children, but today, she left with two children.

    “We never vaccinated our children. My husband didn’t believe in it. Many men here didn’t. We thought vaccines were dangerous,” Saude says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

    “Ungwan Kanawa community, has received vaccination campaigns with suspicion. Misconceptions spread from home to home that vaccines would harm children, or that they were part of some unknown plot”, said an insider.

    Records has shown that Ungwan Kanawa Community has 100% resistance to vaccination, according to health authority in the State.

    “Saude never had the courage to question it. Her husband forbade the trips to the health center and even rejecting the house to house vaccination, and like many women in the community. But then, the sicknesses struck.

    One by one, her children fell ill tiny bodies wracked with fever, cough, rashes, and breathless cries that would haunt her long after the silence that followed.

    “I lost four of them,” she says, tears welling in her eyes. “After the first child, every one after got sick. I didn’t know what to do. We prayed. We gave herbs. We stayed home. And then they died.”

    It was only after the death of her fourth child that Saude found the courage to confront the beliefs she had grown up with. She begged her husband to allow their newest baby, a girl, to receive immunizations. This time, broken by grief, he agreed.

    Today, that little girl is 20 months old healthy, laughing, and full of life.

    “She runs around and plays all day,” Saude smiles. “I thank God every day that she is healthy. If only I had known earlier.”

    “The tragedy in Saude’s home is not an isolated case. According to the Village Head of Ungwan Kanawa, Nasiru Yunusa, the community recently lost about five children to measles alone. Many more are still sick at home.

    “Some women with their children waiting for vaccination officers at Ungwan Kanawa Community.
    “Two-thirds of our people once rejected vaccines,” the Village Head admits. “But now, after seeing so many children die, minds are changing.”

    Beyond the vaccine skepticism, the community faces another challenge: distance. The nearest health center is seven kilometers away, a tough journey for mothers carrying newborns or sick children.

    “We have no clinic here, Women are forced to deliver at home. Emergencies become tragedies,” Yunusa said.

    Still, there is hope. A new sense of urgency is rising among the people of Ungwan Kanawa. Saude is now one of the most vocal advocates for immunization in her village, urging other mothers not to repeat her mistakes.

    “Don’t wait until you lose your children like I did,” she pleads. “Vaccinate them. Save them.”

    Her words carry heavy weight of experience and the fragile hope that no other mother in her village will have to bury a child because of fear and misinformation.

  • Benue, Plateau Genocides, CRA says ISWAP in control of 80 communities

    Benue, Plateau Genocides, CRA says ISWAP in control of 80 communities


    … cautions FG on cosmetic approach.

    By Gabriel Udeh

    The Christian Rights Agenda, CRA, has said on Sunday, it is watching events in Benue, Plateau and other troubled spots in Nigeria in the renewed terror attacks where the lives of Christians and other innocent Nigerians have become endangered with keen interest.
    There has been renewed attacks in Benue and Plateau in the last three weeks which has claimed several lives, properties, and rendered several people homeless.


    These attacks, according to CRA appear to be well coordinated and has the trappings of a terrorism by insurgents who are bent on fostering a regime of violence, religious intolerance and total anarchy.


    This is unacceptable stated CRA in a statement.
    Reverend Kallamu Musa Dikwa, Secretary-General of CRA disclosed that, already officials of
    the organization have been sent on field operations to Benue, Plateau and Borno states to gather first-hand information on the extent of devastation suffered by Christians in the affected areas.

    Preliminary report from the field indicates that over 80 communities have been taken over by the Fulani terrorist.


    He said his organization is in the process of collating information to have an up-to-date data of the persecution Nigerian Christians are facing, especially in northern Nigeria.


    While commending the new matching order given to security operatives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step up their game, CRA cautioned that such orders should go beyond its optics and ensure that the orders are followed and defaulters are sanctioned as a deterrent to other saboteurs.
    The statement also cautioned state governors not to politicize the renewed killings but should be honourable enough to call a spade by its real name.

  • A’Ibom HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Bill awaiting Governor’s assent –

    A’Ibom HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Bill awaiting Governor’s assent –

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    A Bill aimed at protecting people living with HIV/AIDS from stigmatisation and discrimination in Akwa Ibom State is awaiting the assent of Governor Umo Eno, after it was passed by the State Assembly.

    House Committee Chairman on Health, Mr Moses Essien disclosed this in a goodwill message delivered at a three-day stakeholders’ sensitisation and technical meeting on the State HIV AIDS Strategic Plan held in Uyo yesterday.

    The meeting, which focused on reviewing and aligning the Akwa Ibom State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan, was jointly organised by the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).

    Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, stated that the anti-stigmatization Bill was passed by the Eighth Assembly and currently undergoing judicial processes before being presented to the Governor for assent.

    “When signed into law, this legislation will protect the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS and prohibit discrimination in public institutions such as schools, churches, markets, and workplaces.

    “The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Akwa Ibom is concerning and this meeting provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to harmonize efforts and strengthen monitoring mechanisms”- Essien.

    The lawmaker expressed optimism that the Bill would reduce the stigma often faced by HIV-positive individuals, which he described as a major barrier in the fight against the disease thereby encouraging more individuals to seek testing and treatment

    He expressed the optimism that with legislative backing and sustained community enlightenment, the state can create a more friendly environment that encourages disclosure of status, care, and support.

    He dislosed that the House had made adequate budgetary provisions to support AKSACA and other relevant agencies and called for stronger collaboration between government, civil societies, and the private sector.

    It would be recalled that the 2024 HIV prevalence national health report had placed Akwa Ibom third of the states with the highest HIV prevalence in the country behind Benue and Rivers with the state having 161,597 cases of HIV infections.

  • Twelve Years of APC March and a Loyal Soldier: The Story of Elton Onwu

    Twelve Years of APC March and a Loyal Soldier: The Story of Elton Onwu

    By Emameh Gabriel

    There are politicians, and then there are true believers. Elton Onwu belongs to that rare second category – the kind who stays when others leave, who defends when others attack, and who invests not just his time but his heart into a political movement. In Nigeria’s ever-changing political landscape, where party allegiance often lasts only as long as the next appointment cycle, Elton’s twelve-year unbroken commitment to the APC is something extraordinary.

    I remember first noticing Elton during the heady days of the APC’s formation in 2013. While many of us were cautiously optimistic about this new political force, Elton was all in from day one. What struck me wasn’t just his enthusiasm – Nigeria has never lacked for enthusiastic politicians – but the substance behind it. Here was a man who could articulate not just why the PDP needed to go, but what the APC stood for. While others were busy positioning themselves for posts, Elton was busy building the intellectual foundation of the party’s appeal.

    The true test came after the 2015 victory. That was when you separate the true believers from the opportunists. As the Buhari administration settled in and the scramble for appointments began, many who had shouted “Sai Baba” the loudest suddenly found reasons to criticize when their names weren’t on the list. Not Elton. I watched with admiration as he continued to engage critics, not with mindless defense of every government action, but with thoughtful explanations of policy directions. He acknowledged shortcomings where they existed, but never lost sight of the bigger picture.

    What’s remarkable is that Elton’s loyalty wasn’t passive. He didn’t just refuse to leave, he kept working. Serving on campaign committees, mobilizing support during elections, explaining tough policies to frustrated citizens. This he did till the Buhari administration ended in 2023.

    That commitment has been tested repeatedly. I remember particularly the dark days of 2021 when the party seemed adrift and some of its brightest minds were jumping ship. Over coffee in Abuja, I asked Elton why he stayed. His answer stays with me: “If we all leave when things get tough, who will be left to fix them? Parties, like nations, are built through crises, not despite them.”

    The Tinubu era brought new challenges, and once again Elton stepped up. While some of his contemporaries were already eyeing the exits, he joined the Presidential Campaign Council, bringing the same energy he had in 2015. The elections were won- this was his satisfaction- victory for his party.

    I recall one particular evening during the fuel subsidy debates when Elton spent hours on social media, patiently explaining the economic rationale to angry Nigerians. That is the mark of a true party man, not someone who defends only the popular decisions, but someone willing to stand in the gap during the tough times.

    What’s telling is that even after the election victory, when the usual political rewards were being distributed, Elton didn’t suddenly become a constant presence in Abuja corridors. He simply kept doing what he would always done –advocating, explaining, building.

    In a country where political loyalty is often measured in months rather than years, Elton’s twelve-year commitment is nothing short of revolutionary. It speaks to a deeper understanding of politics – not as a vehicle for personal advancement, but as a means to serve. While others treat parties like buses to be boarded and abandoned at convenience, Elton has shown us what it means to be part of a movement.

    As I reflect on his journey, what stands out isn’t just the length of his service, but the quality of it. This isn’t blind loyalty – I have seen Elton disagree with party positions when necessary. Neither is it loyalty based on personal gain – he has never held any major appointment. It’s something purer – a belief that change takes time, that institutions matter, and that true patriots stay to fix things rather than run when the going gets tough.

    In an era of political butterflies who flutter from party to party, Elton Onwu stands as an oak – weathering every storm without losing his roots. His story should be required reading for every young Nigerian entering politics. Not just how to be a politician, but how to be a true party man. Because at the end of the day, nations aren’t built by those who leave at the first sign of trouble, but by those who stay and fight for what they believe in.

    As Nigeria’s democracy matures, we need more Eltons – fewer political tourists, more nation-builders; fewer fair-weather friends, more steadfast believers. Because at the end of the day, it is not those who shout the loudest but those who stay the longest who truly shape history. And by that measure, Elton Onwu’s place in Nigeria’s political annals is already secured

    Twelve years on, Elton is still fighting. And for that, Nigerian politics is richer.

  • Interior Minister Orders Investigation into 2.5 Million Naira Alleged Extortion by NSCDC Officers

    Interior Minister Orders Investigation into 2.5 Million Naira Alleged Extortion by NSCDC Officers

    The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). 

    The officers, according to a viral post, allegedly extorted ₦5.2 million from a group of young men traveling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State. 

    In a statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, the Minister noted that any officer found guilty will face the full weight of the law. 

    “We will not tolerate any form of misconduct from our security agencies. 

    “We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined, professional and serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all sense of diginity and patriotism. 

    “On this case, we will see that justice is upheld and ensure that security personnel serve with forthrightness,” he said.