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NDE, PiCNG to Training Programmes on Auto Conversion Processes

By
Ola Akinola
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…Opens Talks With ICT Agencies to Train Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurs

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is ramping up efforts to equip Nigerians with cutting-edge skills as it opens discussions with the Presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to begin nationwide training on auto conversion processes to cleaner energy.

The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to transition the transportation sector from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

Speaking at a two-day review meeting on the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative in Abuja, NDE Director General, Silas Ali Agara, said the Directorate is shifting from conventional skill acquisition programmes to specialised training that targets current and emerging sectors.

“We are moving away from the regular training to special skill sets that can meet the everyday challenges of Nigerians,” Agara said, noting that the partnership with PiCNG and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, through the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), has reached advanced stages.

According to Agara, “Talks are ongoing with the Presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas. We are also at the point of signing the dotted lines with the Ministry of Petroleum and NGEP.”

He further revealed that beyond auto conversion, NDE is in active discussion with top-tier ICT firms and international NGOs to train young Nigerians in tech-related fields and entrepreneurship. These collaborations aim to position youths to explore opportunities in the digital economy.

“We are also engaging with IT-related agencies and NGOs of international repute. Agreements have been reached and once our state coordinators—our foot soldiers—align with the programme vision, we will begin implementation immediately,” he said.

Agara expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative which, he said, has already empowered over 5,000 Nigerians nationwide, including the FCT, with various life and business skills.

He assured that with feedback from state coordinators and the successful outcome of the ongoing strategy sessions, NDE plans to roll out a fresh batch of targeted empowerment programmes before the end of May 2025.

“Once our technical meeting wraps up and our state coordinators are on board, Nigerians can expect the official rollout of these strategic programmes. We are confident this will significantly boost employment and self-reliance,” Agara added.

The training initiative, when fully operational, is expected to serve as a critical link in President Bola Tinubu’s drive to accelerate job creation, encourage clean energy adoption, and foster digital innovation among Nigerian youths.

Leave Ijaw Out of Your Political Battles with Wike, Eradiri Tells Gov. Diri

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has called on Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to stop dragging the Ijaw nation into his political skirmishes with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

Eradiri, who was the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the last Bayelsa election, described as unfortunate attempts by some political figures to ethnicize internal party struggles within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and portray them as attacks on the Ijaw people.

“Governor Diri should face his issues with Wike squarely and stop giving it the colouration of an Ijaw versus Wike matter. Not every political dispute should be reduced to an ethnic agenda,” he said.

While clarifying that he neither represents Wike’s camp nor seeks his endorsement, Eradiri recounted how his own attempt to gain Wike’s support in the last Bayelsa governorship race was blocked by some persons close to the Minister.

He said: “Let’s be honest. Wike’s support helped Diri win his first term, especially with the cancellation of results from Sylva’s strongholds. Where was the Ijaw pride then when Diri knelt before Wike for support?”

Eradiri challenged those accusing Wike of anti-Ijaw sentiment to replay the Minister’s recent statements and assess them objectively.

“Our people often react emotionally without facts. If Wike has made factual statements, even if bitter, we must have the courage to reflect on them critically, not just jump on solidarity trains,” he noted.

The former IYC leader criticised what he described as selective activism and asked why the same solidarity is not shown when it comes to development issues such as reviving the Bayelsa Airport, improving education, or tackling insecurity in Ijaw land.

“Our capital, Yenagoa, is filled with abandoned projects. Our airport is barely functional. Our youths are roaming the streets jobless, yet people are only quick to rally for political fights. Where is the solidarity for progress?” he asked.

On Rivers State politics, Eradiri accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of incompetence and warned him against drawing Ijaw into his feud with Wike.

“He should tell us how many Ijaw sons and daughters he has empowered since taking office. Political support must go both ways. Wike empowered many Ijaws—are they no longer Ijaw because they support him?”

He advised Fubara to reconcile with Wike, stating that those currently backing him were the same ones who once bowed to Wike behind closed doors.

“The President saved Fubara from impeachment with a state of emergency plan. He should appreciate that instead of allowing himself to be misled.”

Eradiri also took a swipe at the Ijaw National Congress (INC) for what he called its biased handling of the political crisis in Rivers State.

“The INC should remain neutral and stop pandering to the egos of governors. When Wike was welcomed to Abalama by Ijaw chiefs, are those people suddenly not Ijaw? Empowered sons like George Kelly are still Ijaw,” he argued.

He added that many self-proclaimed defenders of the Ijaw nation had failed to develop the region, looted intervention funds, and sabotaged local economic opportunities such as the Atala Marginal Field.

Eradiri concluded: “Let Diri and Fubara fight their political battles within PDP and leave the Ijaw nation out of it. The real enemies of the Ijaw people are not Wike or outsiders—it is those among us who have failed to uplift our land and people.”

SIOGA Abuja Branch Elects New Exco Members

By
Uche Kingsley
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The Saint Itas Old Girls Association, SIOGA, Abuja Branch, has elected new Exco members to pilot the Affairs of the Association in the next two years.

At the commencement of the electoral process in Abuja, the out going President of the Branch, Mrs. Cecilia Isibor applauded members for their commitment towards the growth of the Association since it inception in 2019.

Mrs. Isibor also commended members for coming out en masse to participate in the election.

She therefore urged the incoming Exco members to build on the Successes recorded by the out going Exco to move the branch to greater heights.

On her part, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mrs Mercy Otobrise who commended members of the committee for working tirelessly to make the election free, fair, credible and hitch free added that it was a team work.

Mrs. Otobrise who reminded members, of the Association slogan which is Tolerance, Obidence and Peace urged incoming Exco members to make it their watch word.

She also commended members who had piloted the affairs of the Association for their commitment and resilience which have brought the branch to where it is today.

Announcing the results after the election, Mrs Otobrise stressed that having conducted a credible election the out going President, Mrs Cecilia Saduwa Isibor was reelected as the President having scored the highest vote.

Also Mrs. Mercy Otoborise was elected Vice President, Mrs. Georgina Humphrey as secretary, Shirley Oghenejobo as Assist. Secretary and Mrs Nellie Akpovona Leton as Treasurer.

Others are Mrs Mercy Adalabu as Financial Secretary, Dr Nduka Beatrice, Assist. Financial Secretary, Phillipa Cephas-Akpata, Social Secretary, Mrs Angela Akukalia Welfare Officer and
Mrs Mofe Abraham as Assist Welfare Officer.

Also Mrs Henrietta Brown was elected as the Publicity Secretary, Pastor Vera Ken- Igbenosa, Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mrs Victoria Njekwe as Provost while Justice Rosemary Oghoghori will serve as the Legal Advisor.

The new Exco members were sworn into office after the administration oat of office by Hon. Blessyn Brume Ataguba

Also Hon. Blessyn Brume Ataguba was nominated by members to represent the branch at the Board of Trustees, BoT, at the global level of the Association

FG Issues Fresh Warning to Illegal Miners in Zamfara Over Lead Poisoning, Awaits Experts’ Report

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, issuing a stern warning to illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites amid the recent lead poisoning outbreak in Bugundu Local Government Area.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday, blamed the outbreak on flagrant disregard for the mining suspension imposed on the state six years ago, insisting that no legal mining activity should be taking place.

Describing the incident as a consequence of regulatory failure, Dr. Alake criticized traditional and local authorities in the state for turning a blind eye to illegal mining operations in their communities.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities. Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives,” he stated.

“Where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case.”

The Minister revealed that the government is awaiting a report from experts and ministry officials to recommend targeted interventions to prevent future occurrences of such disasters.

While commending the Zamfara State Government for its swift deployment of emergency services to the affected area, Dr. Alake stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the state and federal governments to flush out illegal miners and safeguard public health.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he emphasized.

He further announced that the Ministry would soon unveil comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide the safe and regulated resumption of mining activities in Zamfara. These SOPs, he said, would cover existing license holders, new applicants, community development compliance, and remediation plans.

Dr. Alake also reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to deploy satellite technology to monitor mining activities nationwide, adding that the initiative WILL help end illegal practices and bring sanity to the solid minerals sector.

The recent lead poisoning incident has renewed concerns about unregulated mining in Nigeria and the need for stricter enforcement and sectoral reforms.

Violence Erupts as Police Disperse Protesters in Rivers, Arrest Journalists

By
Ola Akinola
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Protesters Vow to Resist Emergency Rule, Demand Reinstatement of Fubara

Violence broke out in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Monday morning as police operatives fired teargas canisters to disperse peaceful protesters and reportedly arrested several journalists covering the protest.

The demonstrators, under the aegis of the Take It Back movement, Rivers Civil Society Organisations, Niger Delta Congress, and South-South Youths Initiative, had converged at the Isaac Boro Park and were marching towards the Federal Secretariat along the Aba–Port Harcourt expressway when the police halted their procession near the CFC flyover.

The protest was in response to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the rumored imposition of an emergency rule in the state.

Speaking shortly after the protest, the Spokesperson of the Coalition of Rivers Civil Society Organisations, Solomon Lenu, condemned the police action, describing it as “a rape on democracy.”

> “There is no reason whatsoever why an elected government will be suspended for no just cause,” Lenu said. “This is a democracy, not a dictatorship.”

He called on Rivers residents to rise in defense of their democratic rights, adding that the suspension of their elected governor amounted to a direct attack on the will of the people.

The Rivers State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Amanye King, also faulted the police for dispersing the peaceful protest.

> “We are here to express our grievances, not to cause harm,” King said. “The unconstitutional removal of our elected governor and lawmakers is unacceptable. We have a social contract with the governor, not with any Sole Administrator.”

Nwala Chetam, who spoke on behalf of the Niger Delta Congress, narrated how the police initially approved the protest venue, only to disrupt the procession violently.

> “We had an agreement with the police. They assured us of protection. But when we began our march, they blocked our path and started firing tear gas. One protester was even shot and is now hospitalized,” he alleged.

> “This is nothing but an attempt to silence the voice of reason. We will not be intimidated, even if it costs us our lives.”

The President of the South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI), Saviour Oscar, claimed he received threats from the police and DSS not to participate in the protest.

> “I was told I would be shot if I joined the protest,” Oscar revealed in a statement. “But that threat won’t stop us. We are already mobilising for a larger protest to reject this anti-democratic takeover.”

Oscar accused the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), of dismantling democratic institutions in Rivers at the behest of Abuja politicians.

> “President Tinubu is not more Nigerian than the rest of us,” he said. “We will not be governed by dictatorship disguised as democracy.”

Journalists Assaulted, Arrested

Charles Opurum, Channels Television’s Rivers correspondent, was among the journalists arrested. He recounted how he was beaten and dragged into a van despite identifying himself with his press ID.

> “They kept slapping and beating me, saying even journalists must obey their orders,” Opurum said. “It took the intervention of officers who recognized me to secure my release.”

The Rivers State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement regarding Monday’s incident.

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Plateau Killings: COAS Visits Bokkos, Vows to End Insecuri…Warns Perpetrators Will Face Full Weight of the Law

By
Ola Akinola
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0

In response to the recent wave of deadly attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Oluyemi Oluyede, on Monday led a high-powered military delegation to the affected communities, pledging to end the spate of violence and restore lasting peace.

Gunmen had invaded five communities in Bokkos, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of lives. The COAS visited the scenes of the attacks and assessed the scale of devastation firsthand.

Addressing residents and stakeholders, General Oluyede assured that those behind the “heinous crimes” would be apprehended and prosecuted.

> “Let me assure you that the Nigerian Army under my leadership will not rest until those responsible for this violence are brought to justice. We are committed to restoring peace and ensuring this never happens again,” he declared.

The Army Chief emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Plateau State and promised to deploy additional security personnel to the vulnerable areas to protect lives and property.

A stakeholders’ meeting was held during the visit and was attended by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH); representatives of the Plateau State Government; traditional leaders; and religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities.

Reinforcing the COAS’s stance, Major General Oyinlola issued a stern warning to criminal elements behind the attacks, declaring that further acts of violence would no longer be tolerated.

> “The senseless acts of violence witnessed in some of our communities must stop. OPSH and other security agencies will not fold their arms while criminal elements destabilize our communities.

“Anyone who takes the law into their hands will be decisively dealt with. Enough is enough,” the GOC stated.

General Oyinlola reiterated that while military efforts would be intensified, lasting peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility, dialogue, and reconciliation.

> “Let me remind all stakeholders that violence has never solved any problem. True peace requires dialogue, mutual understanding, and commitment from all parties,” he said.

The visit comes amid growing concern over the rising security challenges in Plateau and the Middle Belt region. Many residents have expressed cautious optimism that the Army’s renewed commitment will lead to concrete action and sustainable peace.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Donates N1bn to Cancer Fund, Backs National Cervical Cancer Elimination Drive

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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0

…Says “A Healthy Nation Is a Wealthy Nation”

In a bold move to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing women’s health challenges, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has donated N1 billion to the National Cancer Fund, reaffirming her commitment to the fight against cervical cancer in the country.

The donation was made during a courtesy visit to the State House by the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in commemoration of World Health Day 2025 themed “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Future.”

Addressing the delegation, the First Lady urged women to speak up and seek help whenever they face health challenges, stressing that no one chooses an illness and thus no one should feel shame in seeking care.

> “I am in support of what you are doing. We are on track, especially with the approach you have adopted — test, screen, vaccinate, and treat,” she said.
“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. No matter what wealth you have as a nation, if the majority of your population is sick, you are just the poorest, as far as I’m concerned.”

She also emphasized that early presentation and prompt medical intervention are key to defeating cancer, particularly cervical cancer which continues to claim the lives of thousands of women annually.

In his remarks, Dr. Salako commended the First Lady for her advocacy and support for the HPV vaccination programme, noting that her involvement has led to remarkable progress.

> “Your Excellency, because of your support, we were able to immunise 12 million girls aged 9 to 13 within the first nine months of introducing the HPV vaccine into the national routine immunisation programme.
“We hope to immunise another 6 million this year,” he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the Taskforce and former Minister of Health, praised Senator Tinubu for showing “uncommon political will,” and urged her to actively join the HPV vaccination campaign, which will move through 12 states this year and another 12 next year.

> “With your voice and visibility, we can meet our ‘8 by 8’ target — immunising eight million girls annually and eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria by 2030,” Prof. Adewole added.

The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, also lauded the First Lady’s leadership, calling on her to champion the rights of women and children to live free of preventable diseases.

> “Every woman and child has a right to live. Your leadership in this campaign will make a profound difference,” Dr. Mulombo noted.

The visit concluded with the presentation of WHO souvenirs to the First Lady, who pledged to continue lending her voice and support to critical health causes across Nigeria.

Unions Threaten Shutdown as NUPENG, PENGASSAN Reject External Recruitment by NNPCL

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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…Say move undermines internal staff, threatens industrial harmony

A storm is brewing in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) following strong opposition by two of its major workers’ unions, NUPENG and PENGASSAN, over plans by the new management to fill top management positions with externally recruited personnel.

In a strongly worded joint letter dated April 4, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) kicked against the decision, warning of dire industrial consequences should the move proceed.

The protest follows last week’s announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of a major shake-up at the apex national oil firm, with Mr. Bayo Ojulari appointed as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Ahmadu Kida named as non-executive chairman, effectively ending the tenure of Mele Kyari and Pius Akinyelure.

The unions, in their letter addressed to the NNPCL Chief Human Resources Officer and copied to the GCEO and other top executives, described the plan to sideline internal staff for external appointees as “unjust, wasteful and unacceptable.”

Signed by key union leaders including Amaoge Chukwudi and Solomon Orieji of PENGASSAN, and Paulosa Paulosa and Baba Kaumi of NUPENG, the letter states:

> “We cannot accept, accommodate, or support the recruitment of senior and management staff from outside NNPC Limited… Any plan in such direction should be stopped immediately.”

They argue that NNPCL is home to thousands of experienced and dedicated Nigerian professionals who have contributed immensely to the company’s legacy and deserve opportunities for career advancement.

> “Denying them such opportunities is grossly unjust and will disrupt the company’s steady progress towards greater profitability and efficiency,” the unions stated.

They further warned that any attempt to appoint external candidates into the SS5 to M2 cadre will be met with strong resistance, including a total shutdown of operations.

> “If this warning is ignored, we cannot guarantee the continuation of industrial harmony within NNPCL,” the unions cautioned.

While congratulating the newly appointed GCEO and Board Members, the unions emphasized that succession planning within the organization must be respected and upheld as part of ongoing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

As tension simmers, the response from NNPCL’s new leadership will determine whether the situation escalates into a full-blown industrial crisis in the country’s most strategic sector.

David Mark Decries Renewed Killings in Benue, Urges Vigilance, Probe

By
Ola Akinola
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0

…Warns Against Reprisal, Stereotyping Amid Armed Herdsmen Attacks

Amid escalating violence in parts of Benue State, former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has condemned the recent wave of killings allegedly perpetrated by suspected armed herdsmen, calling for a thorough investigation and heightened community vigilance.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity and destruction of lives and property across Otukpo, Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum local government areas of the state.

“These unprovoked and senseless attacks have caused incalculable damage and pain to families and communities,” Mark said, urging security agencies to fish out both the direct perpetrators and their sponsors.

He described as “heartwarming” the reported apprehension of some of the culprits by security forces, and called on authorities to pursue justice diligently.

“I urge all concerned to do a diligent investigation and ensure that all the people immediately and remotely involved are made to face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.

Senator Mark also called on youths across Benue communities to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious persons or movements to law enforcement agencies, stressing that early warnings can save lives.

In the same breath, the former Senate President warned against ethnic profiling or retaliatory violence, cautioning that reprisals could further escalate the crisis.

“There should be no stereotyping of any ethnic group or reprisal attacks due to these unfortunate incidents,” he emphasized.

While commiserating with bereaved families, Mark prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and called for unity in the face of adversity.

The renewed violence in the state comes amid long-standing tensions between farming communities and armed herdsmen, raising fresh concerns about security and the government’s capacity to contain rural conflict.

World Health Day 2025: FG Launches Free Caesarean Section Initiative to Combat Maternal Mortality

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

World Health Day 2025: FG Launches Free Caesarean Section Initiative to Combat Maternal MortalityIn a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s alarming maternal and infant mortality rates, the Federal Government has launched the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII)—a comprehensive intervention designed to ensure that no woman dies while giving life.

The initiative was flagged off in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on World Health Day 2025, and includes provisions for free health insurance, cesarean sections, mama kits, delivery starter packs, transportation vouchers, and more. Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, at the launch in Abuja, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, National Coordinator of the MAMII project, said the programme responds to the President’s charge that “no woman should die as a result of childbirth.” He revealed that the Federal Government has signed MoUs with 66 teaching hospitals across the country to offer free cesarean sections and plans to expand the scheme to general hospitals. “MAMII is not just a slogan—it’s a practical, system-wide response,” he said. “From pregnancy to postnatal care, we are supporting women every step of the way.”

FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized the critical role of maternal health in national development. She announced that all pregnant women in the FCT are now entitled to free health insurance, adding that delivery—whether vaginal or via cesarean section—will also be completely free. “We are determined to reverse the grim statistics,” she said, pointing out that Nigeria leads in maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. “Our Renewed Hope Initiative is committed to ensuring safe deliveries, vaccinations, and postnatal care for every woman and child.” Supporting this commitment, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, described MAMII as a game-changer. “With interventions like this, we are hopeful every child will be born healthy and will thrive,” he stated. Commending the free insurance provision, he pledged WHO’s support in tracking its implementation. “I will personally monitor to ensure it is truly free and women benefit from it,” Dr. Mulombo assured. The launch not only marked World Health Day but also ushered in what stakeholders called a new era of “Healthy Beginnings and Hopeful Futures” for Nigeria’s mothers and children.

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