The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Massive rescue operation for abducted Niger students begins

    Massive rescue operation for abducted Niger students begins

    The security agencies yesterday launched a massive rescue operation in Niger State a few hours after terrorists stormed St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state and abducted a yet to be confirmed number of students and teachers.

    The attack came on the heels of Monday’s abduction of at least 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and Tuesday’s invasion of Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State by bandits.

    Consequently, President Bola Tinubu shelved his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday for the G20 Leaders’ Summit to enable him take further briefings on the security challenge.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima was thus delegated to represent Nigeria at the summit.

    Tracking the Niger State terrorists for the rescue of the abductees are special police units and military men, spokesman for the State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said yesterday.

    Abiodun, a Superintendent of Police, said the security agents were combing the forests and major escape routes around Papiri and neighbouring communities.

    “Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students,” he said in a statement.

    READ ALSO: Only Nigerians can save the country, not Trump – Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister

    He quoted Police Commissioner, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman as appealing to the public to remain calm and support the security operations.

    The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora said the terrorists struck at about 1am and operated for about two hours.

    It condemned the attack and expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families.

    Govt blames school’s authorities for violating directive to shut down

    The Niger State Government blamed the authorities of the school for leaving room for the abduction.

    Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the management of the school breached a directive that all boarding schools and construction activities in the area be shut down.

    The directive, according to him, followed intelligence suggestive of increased security threat in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.

    “This unfortunate incident occurred in spite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.

    “In response to these credible security alerts, the state government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure,” the SSG said.

    He added:”Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.”

    The Niger State Government said that security agencies had commenced full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils, adding that the government was in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.

    The government urges school proprietors, community leaders and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety, stressing that the protection of lives, especially those of children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.

    The police vowed to take “necessary action” against the school management for violating the government’s closure order.

    Residents said they thought the gunmen were robbers when they launched their attack.

    The pandemonium sparked by the invasion, according to the residents, scared them from rendering any assistance to the students.

    Tinubu shelves S/Africa trip, sends Shettima to represent Nigeria

    Following the development in Niger State, President Tinubu called off his planned trip to South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend, to enable him receive briefings on the security challenge.

    He delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to stand in for him.

    The President had first delayed his trip following the Kebbi and Kwara attacks only for terrorists to strike in Niger early yesterday.

    The President has in the last few days intensified consultations with security chiefs following the new wave of terror attacks.

    He had earlier directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate the rescue of the abducted students there.

    CAN condemns Niger attack, abduction of pupils, teachers

    The Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the gunmen attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri.

    Local Chairman of CAN, the Rev. Bulus Yohanna, said the association was disturbed by the development.

    The chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, described the attack as “distressing and unacceptable”.

    He expressed concern over the safety of the abducted victims and the trauma faced by their families.

    He added that CAN was working closely with security agencies, community leaders and government authorities to support ongoing rescue efforts.

    Yohanna appealed to the residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives.

    He also urged Christians and other Nigerians to pray for the safe and quick return of all those abducted.

    He affirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for the protection of children and improving security around schools.

    “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all dangers,” the CAN boss said.

    Northern governors call for swift, safe rescue of abducted pupils

    In its reaction, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) called for swift, decisive and well coordinated action by security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children and to prevent similar occurrences.

    The forum Chairman and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.

    He said that schools must remain centres of learning, and not spaces for violence.

    The governor stressed that northern Nigeria could not afford further setbacks in its collective push to mop up out-of-school children and return them to the classroom.

    “As a forum, we have consistently maintained that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not theatres of fear, violence or terror,” he said through his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli.

    Continuing, the governor said: “Northern Nigeria already contends with significant challenges and educational setbacks, and we cannot allow criminal elements to derail our collective efforts at returning out-of-school children back into the classroom.”

    Yahaya said that governors from the north would not fold their arms and watch criminal elements undermine their efforts and instill fear in young learners and the region in general.

    He said the forum was particularly worried, especially at a time when governments across the north were investing heavily in creating safe, conducive and resilient learning environments.

    “The rising trend of attacks on schools is worrisome and saddening.

    “As governors, we will continue to work closely with the security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community vigilance and reinforce the protection of our schools.”

    Targeting of schools by bandits poses grave danger to Nigeria’s educational system, says Niger Rep

    House Representatives member for Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Masheg in Niger State, Abdullahi Idris Garbassid said yesterday that continued targeting of schools poses a grave threat to the nation’s educational future.

    He described the abduction of students in Papari as senseless and unacceptable.

    He expressed concern over the trauma the abducted students may be facing and called for an immediate and well-coordinated operation by security agencies to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators.

    The lawmaker prayed for the safe and early return of the abducted children and extended his heartfelt sympathies to their families.

     It’s aimed at discrediting Tinubu’s administration, says Kogi Senator

    Also reacting to the development, the Senator representing Kogi, Sunday Steve Karimi, said the incident was the handiwork of mischief makers bent on rubbishing the Tinubu administration.

    He urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the government, emphasising that President Tinubu is committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians wherever they sojourn in the country.

    The Senator also called on state governments to establish Community Security Agencies as part of first line of Defence to complement Federal Government’s efforts in securing communities.

    He also stressed the importance of citizens’ involvement in defending their communities and sharing information with security agencies.

    Senator  Karimi described  the attacks on schools and school children as part of incidents “of a broader pattern of insecurity in Nigeria that is rearing its ugly head.”

    Intelligence links recent school abductions to killing of terror commander in Niger airstrikes – NAN

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), quoting intelligence sources, said the student abduction may have been as a result of the recent killing of a notorious terror commander, Babangida, during Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes in Niger State.

    The news outlet said communities along the riverside axis of Shiroro had been celebrating following confirmation of the death of Babangida.

    Babangida was a key lieutenant to feared bandits’ kingpin, Dogo Gideh.

    The bandit reportedly died on November 18 while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during an air interdiction mission on the outskirts of Kurebe community, where several terrorists were neutralised.

    It is believed that the said the abductions were likely orchestrated by loyalists of the slain commander to reassert the faction’s relevance after suffering major operational setbacks from sustained military pressure.

    NAN learnt that following the commander’s death, community leaders from Kwaki, Buresidna, Chukuba, Buwidna, Kuchidna, Banda, Shalupe and surrounding villages visited the Palleli home of Gideh’s mother on November 19, where she was seen grieving.

    Katsina orders immediate shutdown of schools over banditry attacks

    The Katsina State Government yesterday ordered the immediate shutdown of all public schools across the state, following rising security threats and banditry attacks in parts of the state

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, told reporters  in Katsina that  the decision was to protect students and teachers while security agencies roll out a new safety strategy for schools statewide.

    Jibia said although students are currently in their examination period, safeguarding lives and property is more important.

    He further stressed that the closure is a temporary measure and would remain in effect pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas.

    Police debunk alleged abduction of two pupils in Nasarawa

    The Police Command in Nasarawa State yesterday debunked reports of alleged abduction of  two pupils of St. Peter’s Academic Rukubi in Doma Local Government Area.

    The Command’s spokesman, SP Rahman Nansel, said there was no truth in the report.

    Nansel said that at about 10:00 a.m. yesterday, the command received report of alleged abduction of two pupils during sporting activities on the school field.

    “In response, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, promptly deployed a combined team of Police operatives in collaboration with military personnel to the area,” he said.

    “Upon arrival, it was discovered that the pupils had sighted some hunters carrying Dane guns, and out of fear, fled, mistaking them for kidnappers.

    “The area was thoroughly combed, and normalcy was immediately restored,” he said.

    The police spokesman further stated that the school’s proprietor had confirmed to the police that it was a case of false alarm.

    Kebbi gov queries military withdrawal before Maga school girls’ abduction

    Speaking yesterday on the abduction of the students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi queried the withdrawal of military personnel shortly before the terrorists struck.

    Idris spoke in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit over the incident.

    He said the situation was unfortunate, especially as the government had received intelligence reports on a planned attack and immediately convened a security meeting.

    His words: “As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting.

    ” The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school.

    “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3:a.m and by 3:45 am the incident happened.”

    The governor said the state had demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.

    “Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern.

    “We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” he said.

    Idris said both the state and federal governments were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls.

    “Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that.

    “We thank President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit us, and for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi,” he added.

    The governor said clerics had also been directed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace in the state.

    “What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government. We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention,” he said.

    Idris described the NLC President’s visit as historic, saying it demonstrated solidarity in a time of distress.

    “You left your schedules to visit us, and we appreciate it.

    ” We assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to rescue our daughters and return them safely to their homes,” the governor said.

    Earlier, Ajaero, said the incident was worrisome and occurred at a time the state was recording significant progress in service delivery and development under Governor Idris.

    He said the NLC believed the abduction was “more than a mere coincidence”, adding that any attempt to derail the state’s developmental strides would not succeed.

    “This incident came at a time when the state is witnessing good service delivery and development under the leadership of Gov. Idris.

    ” Any attempt to stop the tide of progress will never succeed,” he said.

    Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle who was directed by President Tinubu to coordinate the rescue operations for the abducted students arrived in Binin Kebbi yesterday for the assignment.

    FG shuts 47 Unity Colleges, Plateau closes basic schools

    The federal government yesterday 47 Unity Colleges across the country, citing security challenges.

    A circular signed by Binta Abdulkadir, director of senior secondary education, for the Minister of Education Tunji Alausa cites “recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.”

    The closure of the colleges, it said, was approved by Alausa while principals of the affected colleges have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the order.

    Part of the circular reads: “Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.

    “Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister.”

    Below are the affected colleges:

    FGGC MINJIBIR

    FTC GANDUJE

    FGGC ZARIA

    FTC KAFANCHAN

    FGGC BAKORI

    FTC DAYI

    FGC DAURA

    FGGC TAMBUWAL

    FSC SOKOTO

    FTC WURNO

    FGC GUSAU

    FGC ANKA

    FGGC GWANDU

    FGC BIRNIN YAURI

    FTC ZURU

    FGGC KAZAURE

    FGC KIYAWA

    FTC HADEJA

    FGGC BIDA

    FGC NEW-BUSSA

    FTC KUTA-SHIRORO

    FGA SULEJA

    FGC ILORIN

    FGGC OMUARAN

    FTC GWANARA

    FGC UGWOLAWO

    FGGC KABBA

    FTC OGUGU

    FGGC BWARI

    FGC RUBOCHI

    FGC ABAJI

    FGGC KAZAURE

    FGC KIYAWA

    FTC HADEJIA

    FGGC POTISKUM

    FGC BUNI YADI

    FTC GASHUA

    FTC MICHIKA

    FGC GANYE

    FGC AZARE

    FTC MISAU

    FGGC BAJOGA

    FGC BILLIRI

    FTC ZAMBUK

    FTC IKARE AKOKO

    FTC IJEBU-IMUSIN

    FTC USHI EKITI

    The Plateau State Government also yesterday directed the immediate closure of all basic schools in the state, citing urgent need for preventive action.

    A statement issued by the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board said Government Junior Model Secondary Schools would close effective Saturday, November 22, 2025, while Primary and Day Schools would shut from Monday, November 24, as a precautionary measure.

    “The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB) has directed the immediate closure of schools across the state. This decision is underscoring the urgent need for preventive action,” the statement read.

    The Board also directed Local Government Education Authorities, school heads, and community leaders to cooperate and remain vigilant.

    Also, the Katsina State Government, through its Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, yesterday ordered the immediate shutdown of all public schools across the state due to rising security concerns.

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, said on DW Hausa that the closure was a precautionary measure, following recent attacks in neighbouring states.

    He urged parents, caregivers, teachers, and the public to abide by the order as officials monitor the security situation in the country to safeguard students and staff.

  • Mob sets house with over 100 suspected stolen motorcycles ablaze in Benue

    Mob sets house with over 100 suspected stolen motorcycles ablaze in Benue

    A fenced house on George Akume Way in Makurdi, Benue State capital, was yesterday set ablaze by a mob who suspected that stolen motorcycles were  kept  within  the premises.

    The incident caused a traffic gridlock on expressway as okada (commercial motorcycle) riders blocked the major road, insisting that police should disclose the identity of the owner of the house.

    The astonishing discovery was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the police and a motorcycle owner who used a tracker to locate his stolen vehicle.

    The Nation gathered that when the owner of the stolen motorcycle tracked it to the building, he called his fellow okada riders, who came and surrounded the building alongside the police.

    They forced their way into the building and discovered many motorcycles, sewing machines and grinding machines, all suspected to have been stolen.

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    Police moved all the motorcycles to E. Division Police Station in Makurdi.

    Over 200 motorcycles riders blocked the busy George Akume Way, demanding that the police vacate the building so they could set the house ablaze.

    The Nation learnt that in recent times, cases of motorcycles snatching in Makurdi have been on the increase.

    At press time, the police advised those with complaints of stolen motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines or other household items to come forward and report at E Division Police Station in Wurukum, Makurdi.

  • UN complex bombing: Court admits evidence in DSS case against Al-Barnawi, other terror suspects

    UN complex bombing: Court admits evidence in DSS case against Al-Barnawi, other terror suspects

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday admitted in evidence three video clips supplied by the Department of State Services (DSS) to puncture claims of duress by five suspected masterminds of the 2011 bombing of the United Nations complex in Abuja facing trial.

    The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, fixed December 5 for continuation of the trial-within-trial of five defendants, including Khalid Al‑Barnawi

    The trial-within-trial will involve the playback of video clips in the courtroom to determine the veracity of claims by the defendants that they made their extra-judicial statements before the DSS under duress.

    The DSS accused the five terror suspects led by Al-Barnawi of being the masterminds of the August 26, 2011 bombing of the United Nations Complex in Abuja. At least 20 people were killed while more than 70 others were injured in the attack.

    Captured in 2016, Al-Barnawi is facing trial alongside four other terror suspects – Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello a.k.a. Datti, Mohammed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu a.k.a. Bello Maishayi.

    The trial suffered several delays due to legal and procedural challenges thrown up by the defendants, including the absence of legal representation on several occasions the suspects were brought to court.

    However, all that changed after Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi’s appointment as Director General, with him insisting on speedy trial for suspects he inherited as well as for those arrested under his watch.

    The DSS recently requested the court to grant accelerated hearing in the case, a request Justice Nwite granted, same way judges trying DSS cases against terror suspects Mahmud Muhammad Usman a.k.a. Mahmuda, Muhammed Usman a.k.a. Abu Bara’a, as well as those standing trial in the Yelwata and Benue massacres, have obliged the DSS DG’s request for speedy trial.

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    Following the conclusion of playing back the video clip of the first defendant, Justice Nwite fixed December 5 for the commencement of playing back the video clips of the other defendants.

    Earlier yesterday, Justice Nwite had admitted the extra-judicial statements made by three other persons charged by the DSS for alleged terrorism.

    The trioka are being tried for allegedly spying on the US and Israel’s interests for certain individuals in Iran.

    Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa and Adam Sulaiman were accused of spying on the US, and Israel’s interests for individuals in Iran.

    The case, which had been ongoing since 2014 and re-assigned multiple times, reached a point in August 2025 during a trial-within-trial to determine if the defendants’ alleged extra-judicial statements were made voluntarily or under duress.

    While the defendants claimed that they were coerced, harassed and intimidated to make their statements, the prosecution held that the statements were made voluntarily.

    The prosecution claimed that the accused persons read through the statements, through the cautionary words and signed, hence, should be admitted in evidence.

    Justice Nwite, who ordered a trial within trial, allowed both parties to call witnesses who gave evidence.

    The prosecution, who called three witnesses, said they conducted their operations within the best standard procedure, as they paid attention to the welfare of suspects in their custody in terms of food and medication while also allowing them access to their families.

    The defendants on the other hand recounted their alleged torture in the DSS facility, alleging that they were beaten and given inhuman treatment.

    After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence counsel, Justice Nwite ruled that the defendants’ statements be admitted in evidence.

    The judge held that the prosecution through the witnesses proved to the court that they were not forced to make their statements.

    Justice Nwite after admitting the statements as exhibits adjourned the matter to January 22, 2026 for substantive hearing.

  • FG wins N4b, €185,733,496 in Ajaokuta contract dispute with French firm

    FG wins N4b, €185,733,496 in Ajaokuta contract dispute with French firm

    The Federal Government has won an arbitral award which saved it N4 billion and €185,733,496.00 in a dispute with French firm, Fougourolle SA and its joint venture, Fougerolle Nigeria Ltd.

    According to a statement issued by the media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Kamarudeen Ogundele, yesterday, the final arbitral award was issued on November 11, 2025 by a tribunal constituted under the auspices of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the Federal High Court.

    Ogundele, who said Fagbemi was delighted about the development, said: “The claimant – Fougerolle V Fougerolle – initiated the arbitration vide a notice of arbitration dated 12th December, 2022, about 18 years after the subject contract was terminated by the claimant on 30th January, 2004.

    “The case relates to a contract dated 31st March, 1981, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a joint venture of Fougerolle Nigeria Ltd and Fougourolle SA (a French company), for the construction of civil works in the Iron and Steel Complex at Ajaokuta in Kwara (now Kogi) State.

    “Contrary to contract terms and Fougerolle’s undertaking, Fougerolle moved the tribunal to compel additional payment of unverified and uncertified sums of N3,846,098,403.00 (Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Forty-Six Million and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Three Naira) and €185,733,496.00 (One Hundred and Eighty-Five Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Euros).

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    “Previously, the Federal Government engaged Messrs Price WaterCooperhouse to verify any indebtedness due to Fougerolle after terminating the contract.

    “This led to the payment of N3,894,600,000.00 to Fougerolle vide FGN Bonds on 11th September, 2006. Fougerolle signed an indemnity on 8th September 2006, accepting the above sum as full and final settlement.

    “However, over 16 years after, Fougerolle brought the instant claim.

    “The tribunal upheld the Federal Government’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of Fougerolle’s phantom claims principally on grounds of being statue barred, non-disclosure of reasonable cause of action as FGN bonds coupled with Fougerolle’s indemnity extinguished the debt, and absence of a competent claimant.

    “Notwithstanding, the tribunal considered Fougerolle’s claim on the merit and held that Fougerolle failed to establish its case and had, indeed, waived all its rights to any other claim against the Federal Government, because the payment made via FGN Bonds discharged the contractual obligation between the parties.

    “The tribunal rejected Fougerolle’s expropriation claim and the claim that it issued the indemnity under duress.

    “The entire case was eventually dismissed thereby saving FGN of over N4 billion liabilities.

    “The case was defended by officers of the Federal Ministry of Justice in furtherance of the Attorney-General of the Federation’s commitment to boosting the capacity of ministry officials to defend sensitive litigation and ADR matters in protecting FGN’s interest.

    “This decision also underscores the current administration’s determination to challenge all predatory and opportunistic claims against Nigeria, while also emphasising government’s policy to promote ADR as a dispute resolution mechanism.”

  • FG bans award of honorary doctorate degrees to serving officials

    FG bans award of honorary doctorate degrees to serving officials

    The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has placed a ban on the award of honorary doctoral degrees to serving public officials.

    The commission said the decision followed the alleged misuse of such degrees.

    The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, announced the ban yesterday while receiving a report from a committee investigating award and public use/misuse of honorary doctoral degrees by recipients in Nigeria.

    Ribadu said the Commission was compelled to act following alarming findings from a nationwide investigation into how honorary degrees are awarded and used.

    “These degrees are meant to recognise outstanding service or achievements, but unfortunately, they have increasingly been misused,” he said.

    According to Ribadu, the trend has been worsened by the rise of unaccredited and illegal institutions, both local and foreign, operating as honorary degree mills.

    Prof. Ribadu explained that NUC’s investigation uncovered widespread violations, particularly of the Keffi Declaration of 2012, an agreement by Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities to regulate the award of honorary degrees.

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    The declaration expressly forbids universities from awarding honorary doctorates to serving public officials and caution recipients against using the title “Dr” without proper disclosure.

    “This is not just a matter of ethics; it is a matter of law. Using the title ‘Dr’ based on an honorary degree without clarification amounts to false representation, which is punishable under various fraud-related laws in Nigeria,” Ribadu stated.

    He warned that misuse of honorary titles undermines the integrity of universities and diminishes public trust in genuine academic qualifications.

    According to him, the report identified 32 institutions to be operating as honorary degree mills in Nigeria.

    These, he said, include 10 unaccredited foreign universities, 4 unlicensed local universities, 15 professional bodies with no degree-awarding powers, and three other non-degree-awarding institutions.

    Some of these entities, the NUC revealed, even go as far as awarding fake professorships.

    Ribadu added: “Let us be clear. Awarding honorary degrees is a legal responsibility of Nigerian universities. The law empowers the NUC to regulate both the award and the use of honorary doctorate degrees in Nigeria.”

    He reiterated that only approved public or private universities are eligible to award honorary doctoral degrees.

    “Even then, recipients must use appropriate nomenclature such as Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) rather than adopting the title “Dr”, which is reserved for holders of earned doctorates and medical professionals,” he added.

  • Benin chief asks court to restrain private museum from handling returned artefact

    Benin chief asks court to restrain private museum from handling returned artefact

    The Federal High Court has been urged to restrain the promoters of the controversial Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts (MOWAA) and their agents from establishing, opening or operating any museum in Benin City, Edo State or dealing with Benin artifacts without the consent of the Oba of Benin.

    The request formed part of the reliefs being sought in a suit filed by a member of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Chief Osaro Idah (the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom), in which he raised two issues for the court’s determination and is seeking five reliefs.

    According to a notice issued by the court, hearing in the suit has been scheduled for November 27 during which the court is expected to hear the motion for interlocutory injunction filed by the claimant.

    The suit, marked: FHC/B/CS/107/2025 was filed before the Benin division of the Federal High Court by Chief Idah, through his lawyer, Kelvin Mejuku of the firm of Prof Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) & Partners.

    According to court documents seen in Abuja yesterday, the claimant is contending among others, that the Oba of Benin, being the sole custodian of the culture, tradition and heritage of the Benin Kingdom, is the only rightful person to determine where the returned looted artifacts and other items of Benin heritage should be kept.

    Listed as defendants in the suit are Museum of West African Arts LTD/GTD and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).

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    The claimant wants the court to declare that by virtue of the Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No. 1 of 2023 titled: “Notice of Presidential Declaration on the Recognition of Ownership, and an Order Vesting Custody and Management of Repatriated Looted Benin Artifacts in the Oba of Benin Kingdom,” dated March 23, 2023, the Oba of Benin is the custodian of the culture, tradition and heritage of the Benin Kingdom and people.

    He equally wants a declaration that by virtue of the said Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No.1 of 2023, the first defendant/the founders and operators of the Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts, located in Benin City require the consent of the Oba of Benin, the sole custodian of Benin culture and arts, to hold Benin artifacts amongst other collections in the museum.

    Chief Idah is also urging the court to declare that the Defendants cannot surreptitiously identify with and or deploy or use the name, title and or the throne of the Oba of Benin without the consent of the Oba, to solicit for endorsements, funds and or support within and outside Nigeria for prosecution of their purported interests in Benin artifacts and objects for the purposes of establishing or maintaining a museum in Benin City.

    The claimant equally wants the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, privies or agents from establishing, opening and operating any museum in Benin City, Edo dealing with Benin artifacts without the consent of the Oba of Benin.

    Chief Idah stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the Benin artifacts are the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom created by its ancestors and forefathers within the traditional norms and rites of the kingdom.

    “They are not property of any private corporate entity that is not a creation of the Benin kingdom.

    “The people of Benin kingdom and other stakeholders, especially Benin Dialogue Group, had at different meetings endorsed the Benin Royal Museum to be built within the palace, as well as endorsing the Oba Ewuare II Foundation for fund raising and other requisite administration processes.

    “It was based on the above that the Oba of Benin prevailed on the Federal Government to take custody of these artifacts on behalf of the palace until the Benin Royal Museum was ready for their collection,” he said.

    Chief Idah further stated that by virtue of the said Federal Government’s notice contained in Order No. 1 of 2023, the Oba of Benin became recognised as the sole owner, with the sole responsibility to have the custody and management of Benin artifacts.

    He added that the gazette issued by the Federal Government pursuant to the 2023 order did not contemplate a situation in which any of the repatriated Benin artifacts will be diverted or hijacked from the custody of the Oba of Benin and be kept in the custody of a privately operated museum or as part of the collection of any private organisation, museum like the MOWAA and NGO-operated museum.

    The claimant states that the Government of Edo State in 2024 restored the full statutory right of the Oba of Benin as the custodian of the culture, tradition and heritage of the Benin Kingdom and people and his ownership and title of the stolen/looted artifacts and other art works.

    He added: “Regrettably, some of the artifacts have now found their way in a private museum named Museum of West African Contemporary Culture and Arts (MOWAA) located in Benin City, operated by the first defendant, without the consent of the Oba of Benin.

    “This action of the first defendant is very provocative, confrontational and calculated to undermine the lawful authority of our monarch.

    “The exclusive authority and right of the Oba has been confirmed by a legal instrument known as Notice of Presidential Declaration which is an Order Vesting Custody and Management of Repatriated Looted Benin Artifacts in the Oba of Benin Kingdom.

    “The establishment in Benin City of a private or public private museum, the so called Museum of West African Culture and Arts (MOWAA by the defendant in collaboration with the second defendant without reference to the sovereign authority of our Oba over Benin culture and arts is not only a violation of the customary law of Benin Kingdom but spiteful of the authority of the revered palace.

    “The maverick move by the first defendant in promoting the MOWAA to operate in Benin City under the nose of the Oba but without the consent of the palace is causing serious unease, public unrest and provocation threatening the peace of the Benin Kingdom.

    “This development is in conflict with the pronouncement of the Government of Edo State restoring full statutory rights to His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II over the Artifacts of the Benin Kingdom,” Chief Idah said.

  • 20 Filipinos arrested as NDLEA intercepts cocaine shipment from Brazil

    20 Filipinos arrested as NDLEA intercepts cocaine shipment from Brazil

    • Nigeria will never be your foothold, Marwa warns drug cartels

    Barely six months after 10 Thai sailors and their ship were convicted and fined $4.3 million for bringing 32.9kg cocaine into Nigeria, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted another commodity laden vessel, MV Nord Bosporus at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.

    Marked 9760110 from the port of Santos in Brazil, the vessel came with no less than 20 kilogrammes of the Class A drug buried under its cargo.

    The illicit drug consignment was discovered by NDLEA officers on board the vessel last Sunday, who thereafter took the Master of the ship, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus, and 19 other crew members who are all Filipinos into custody for investigation.

    Following the seizure and arrest of the crew members, the Agency filed an application for an order of court for the detention of the vessel and the 20 Filipinos on board for further investigation.

    The motion ex-parte in suit number FHC/L/MISC/1306/25 was argued before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, who on Thursday granted the application for an initial 14 days detention of the vessel, Capt. Corpus and 19 other Filipino crew members.

    Preliminary investigation revealed that this was the first time the vessel would come into Nigeria and Africa as it had largely transported coal between Colombia and Brazil while Captain Corpus had barely been with the ship for three months.

    The agency had in a similar circumstance arrested 10 sailors who were nationals of Thailand on October 13 on board a vessel named MV Chayanee Naree for trafficking 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport.

    READ ALSO: Policy flip-flops, power crisis behind North’s stunted growth, rising insecurity — Dangote

    Nine Nigerian suspects were also arrested along with the Thai crew members.

    The 10 Thai sailors and the vessel were eventually convicted on Thursday, 15 May, 2025 by a Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, who also fined them $4.3 million.

    In his reaction to the latest seizure of 20kg cocaine on board MV Nord Bosporus, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers, men and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency as well as the Directorate of Seaport Operations for their vigilance, diligence and professionalism.

    Marwa said the cocaine seizure is not just an operational success but “a clear demonstration of our heightened capacity and unwavering resolve”.

    “We will continue to tighten our grip on all entry and exit points, especially our seaports, which transnational criminal organisations have historically attempted to exploit,” he added.

    “Let this be an unambiguous message to every international drug cartel and every internal collaborator: Nigeria is not, and will never be, your space or your foothold.

    “The NDLEA is operating with zero-tolerance, and we will not permit any illicit drug to pass through our borders, whether by air, land, or sea.

    “You may scheme, you may attempt sophisticated concealment, but you will fail.

    “Our intelligence network, collaboration with international partners, and the dedication of our officers are steps ahead of your nefarious activities.”

    For any Nigerian who chooses to collaborate with foreign syndicates in the illicit drug trade, the NDLEA boss reminded them of the consequences of such: “You are not just committing a crime; you are betraying your nation’s future.

    “The consequences of aiding and abetting drug trafficking will be severe and unrelenting.

    “We are committed to using the full force of the law to dismantle your structures, seize your illicit assets, and secure your long-term incarceration,” he warned.

  • Wadata House of Commotion

    Wadata House of Commotion

    It was an ugly spectacle. Dozens of men in well-laundered dresses and shimmering shoes filed out in the morning to enter the national secretariat of their party, Wadata Plaza, in the Zone 5 area of Abuja, for a meeting. They dressed like partygoers; some tucked their hands in the pockets of their Sunday dresses; others looked upset. There was hardly an exchange of banters expected from adults draped in such outfits befitting an important occasion. As they lined up to enter the beleaguered building, they were confronted by armed security men who had taken positions in different parts of the building and its surroundings. The security operatives, mostly policemen in battle gear, cut the image of men on a mission to repel an envisaged confrontation. Within minutes, there was pandemonium. The security agents refused to open the gate for some of the party men to enter the building. It became clear that the policemen were on an instruction to stop the rival politicians from entering the plaza. Obviously, one faction was using its power over the other to claim legitimacy for the landlord of Wadata Plaza. But the other faction was poised for resistance. There was a brawl. Some of the gentlemen who looked trim like guests at a wedding a few minutes earlier were hauled off the floor and thrown out like gate crashers.      

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was fighting the PDP.

    Since losing the central power in 2015, the party has been experiencing the dark side of life. The platform has not got its bearings right since then.

    Ahead of 2027, its aggrieved, angered, divided, and disorganised leaders are locked in acrimony. They dissipate so much energy to worsen the party’s internal conflicts instead of presenting themselves as a united force ready for ready to form a formidable opposition.

    Reconciliation has totally broken down and more chieftains are cleverly jumping out of the sinking ship. That is now the fate of a party that loomed large for 16 years; the platform that produced three presidents – Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan.

    The PDP collapsed during the 2022 presidential primary. The factors in that collapse are Atiku Abubakar and Waziri Tambuwal, serial defectors and returnees to the party; Wike, a cantarkerous, ambitious moneybag and an acclaimed party financier; and Iyorchia Ayu, an ethnically-inclined and regionally-biased national party chairman who pronounced the former Sokoto governor as the hero of the presidential convention, following the success of an intra-party coup that left the zoning question unanswered.

    Some critics fear that the nation might be moving towards a gradual descent into a one-party state. The apprehension is unfounded as the constitution clearly makes Nigeria a multi-party, federal democracy. However, the opposition that should give operative content to the constitutional provision is floundering. That 27-year-old PDP is unable to put its house in order and reposition itself as a formidable alternative route is a disservice to the party system and plural democracy.

    READ ALSO: Policy flip-flops, power crisis behind North’s stunted growth, rising insecurity — Dangote

    Although its factional convention was ill-timed and unnecessary, the Damagun group, backed by the three musketeers – Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa – insisted on the thoughtless convention, despite serious warnings by discerning party stalwarts that the atmosphere was not right and more strategies were required to cross some hurdles.

    Their suggestion that a national caretaker committee saddled with the responsibility of uniting the two divides was blatantly and uncritically ignored. Sensing the looming disaster, they stayed away.

    Makinde appeared to be the moving spirit. He was the host and big financier who thought that the PDP should be preserved as an opposition that can bounce back. That altruism is polluted by a glaring presidential ambition, which is not a sin, but a source of concealed envy among his peers.

    The fourth governor, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, was like an observer at the Ibadan gathering. The suspicion that his body is in the party while his soul is elsewhere has continued to grow. Right there at Adamasingba Stadium, the lack of factional cohesion also came to the fore.

     The governors, definitely, were confused. The discomfort was visible. There was the feeling that something was amiss.

    Midway, the convention ran into turbulence. The convention organising committee chairman, Fintiri, detected an error. He sought to correct it, but he failed to garner support. It paled into a failure of courage. The Adamawa helmsman reasoned that since officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not on the ground to witness the jamboree, there was no point going ahead with the exercise.

    He, therefore, threw the challenge at the delegates, who barely understood the implications. When another party leader mounted the podium to move a motion that the convention should continue, the crowd chorused “yes.” The opportunity for self-correction was bungled.

    But the governors were not actually in one accord too. They were sharply divided over the critical matter of expulsion targeted at certain recalcitrant party colleagues, whose moles also witnessed the Ibadan gathering.

    Many delegates, in utter gullibility, cheered the expulsion of 11 chieftains, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature.

    But two governors frowned. Although they could not openly protest, they rejected the dismissal on their X handles.

    The lack of agreement or cohesion set tongues wagging among other top leaders who applauded the rustication but could not find an explanation for its rejection by Fintiri and Mutfwang.

    The Adamawa governor, a good friend of Wike, feared that the action could escalate the crisis, lead to further disintegration of the party and block the path to unity. His Plateau counterpart gave a better explanation. He said the expulsion was never discussed at any meeting of the seven-member PDP governors’ forum and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    That the two governors promptly dissociated themselves from the sanction underscored the lack of synergy and team spirit, and the absence of mutual understanding among the arrowheads or undertakers, as they are now aptly described, and unwillingness to collaborate without basis.

    It means that PDP battles with multiple cracks, as manifested by the exit of the Atiku group to form a camouflage coalition, using African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a borrowed platform; the split into two factions, led by Wike/Anyanwu and Damagum/Turaki; and the manifestation of suspicion, distrust and broken confidence among members of the PDP Governors’ Forum.

    At issue is the antagonist interest driving the different actions and positions taken by the warring PDP leaders. The core issue they are all responding to is the 2027 election. Today, they are working at cross purposes. After the presidential poll, which the PDP is not preparing to win, the gladiators would then retrace their steps from the perfidy, close ranks and embrace the reality that unity is the strength of a political party.

    The question is: why can’t they come together now instead of coming together after the next poll? Can the three factions – Atiku of ADC, Wike/Anyanwu, and Damagum/Turaki – really do without one another?

    Consequently, the convention paved the way for a further disaster instead of clearing the pathway to unity and understanding. It was organised amid contrasting court judgments, with the various armchair commentators within PDP indulging in false interpretations.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, halted the preparations on the ground that they violated the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act.

    Another Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled that the congress should not hold until former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who was excluded from the chairmanship contest, is allowed to participate. The two court rulings were ignored.

    But there was a cover. Party leaders leaned on the ex parte order delivered by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Ibadan High Court, granted and later extended till December 8, when the tenure of Damagum and his divided NWC will expire.

    That will be a defining day for the party in distress.

    But there is a puzzle begging for a solution: would Turaki or Abdulrahman assume the reins as national chairman or acting national chairman?

    Neither of the two factional leaders has been recognised by INEC, despite their show of shame on Monday at the Wadata Plaza national secretariat of the party, where their supporters engaged in a physical combat.

    The solution, therefore, would lie with the courts, where legal fireworks are expected to resume next month. The claim of Damagun/Turaki camp is that the Supreme Court had ruled that the national convention is an internal affair and cannot be entertained by the court.

    But the Wike/Anyanwu group has insisted that the process and provisions outlined by the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act should not be violated. The Wike/Anyanwu faction is being suspected by the Damagun/Anyanwu faction because Wike has declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. Lamido continues to cry foul, saying the convention that excluded him was held in error by “small boys” who were not around when he and other gerontocrats were sweating to form the party in 1998, contrary to the judgment in his favour.

    The division is likely to jeopardise the preparations for the Osun State governorship primary. Who conducts the primary between Turaki and Abdulrahman? Again, only the court can decide. But Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, a PDP chieftain, is not leaving anything to chance. His application for defection has been turned down by the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter. He has put on his thinking cap, liaising with other mushroom parties in a bid to avoid becoming “partyless”.

    So far, no politician of repute has defected to the PDP. The main opposition party is being avoided like a plague, despite its vast taproots across the 774 local governments.

    Will the party survive the current storm and stress? Only time, the silent monitor of human follies and foibles, will tell.

  • Uche Agbo: Why DGN needs more female filmmakers

    Uche Agbo: Why DGN needs more female filmmakers

    For over 20 years, Uche Agbo has been working behind the scenes as a consummate movie director. However, he is now the current president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN). Just a few months into his administration, Agbo has hit the ground running, executing projects and initiatives. In this chat with SAM ANOKAM, the unassuming professional who is almost done with his doctoral thesis, speaks about a whole lot of issues bordering on the guild and many more.

    Which one came first, acting or directing?        

    Acting came first. Growing up, it has always been an acting thing. The first thing that drew us into the world of film was acting, and then we discovered our love for writing. Ultimately, we discovered that real love is actually about storytelling. That was how we figured that the best way to tell the story is to tell it from behind the scenes.

    Which one is most tasking?

    I wouldn’t want to segregate. It is an ensemble art. It is a collective, but then directing the film is the most important, man or woman, as the case may be, in the course of filmmaking, because you never really know how tasking directing is until 10 people ask you why a trash basket should be blue, why not yellow, why not red? That is how you know how tasking directing is because you have to answer that question; you have to make it make sense first to your crew, then the cast. If you give an actor blocking that you have to move from this place to that place, and the actor asks you why, that is when you know how difficult directing is. Yes, the director sits as the chef, which means every other thing is an ingredient in the food, but somebody has to put them together, make sure there is not too much salt or seasoning in it. It is the director who must make sure that the costume, makeup, and actor come correct. Technically, the director has to make the creative decision. That could be the hardest part of filmmaking. The producers can claim they are the ones bringing the money, but money doesn’t make the film. The actors can say they embody the character, yes, but without the rest of the cast and crew, it is useless. The costume may say we are the ones bringing the costume, but it is the director who articulates all of these to make it make sense to the audience. I would say the most tasking part of filmmaking is the directing job.

     You are almost done with your doctoral thesis; do you hope to become a lecturer at the end of the day?

    I love teaching. Currently, I founded and own two film schools – Abuja Film Academy and Enugu Film Academy. Enugu Film Academy was founded in 2015, and Abuja Film Academy in 2018. I have trained close to 1,000 people put together across northern and eastern part of the country, The idea was that I noticed that Lagos has a lot of film schools, a lot of training centres but we didn’t have much in the northern part so I established Abuja Film Academy to cater for people from the northern part of the country and the Enugu Film Academy to cater for the eastern part of the country, I have always love to teach, I have always done a lot of classes, workshops both free and paid ones. I might see myself doing visiting lecturing here and there; I don’t think I will be retiring fully into full-time lecturing. The inspiration is drawn from the fact that growing up in this business, we didn’t really have close mentors or teachers. It will interest you to know that my first training centre was established when I was still in the university, and it was a reaction to the fact that I wanted to get into Nollywood, but I wasn’t finding the pathway. Being a theatre student, I established what I called Go For Gold Creative College. What I did was that in the morning and afternoon hours, I was in school. In the evening, I would go and teach others what I had learnt from school. I just enjoy transferring knowledge.

    Is it because of your experience and success in your academies that you decided to replicate it by having a DGN studio and academy?

    I have been in the DGN executive for close to 10 years now at different levels. I started as Assistant national secretary, later became acting when my national secretary resigned and then became the substantive national secretary and vice president before I became the president. All this while, I have always thought that if the bulk stops at the desk of the director, then the director needs constant training and retraining, and we must institutionalise it.

    Beyond the success of my other film academy that I have run, I feel that DGN Academy brings to bear an opportunity to institutionalise training. The primary leadership the guild is supposed to give is training and retraining. After that, they can talk about the welfare package, advocacy, etc. Training is key, DGN academy will not only cater for members but intending filmmakers, up and coming filmmakers, female filmmakers, emerging voices, etc. There is so much that we can do with that. I could say that my other film academies’ success could have influenced my resolve, but most importantly, I think that a guild like DGN deserves to have a training arm where we can be an authority. We have so many experiences in DGN. The likes of Andy Amenechi, who directed Igodo, Obi Rakpo, who directed Living in Bondage, Dr Chika Onu, who directed Living in Bondage 2, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, 30 years of constant filmmaking, even Kunle Afolayan is a member of DGN, name them. We have a mixture of the old, the middle, and the younger, and they are all doing very well.  Imagine using them as resource persons for the next generation of filmmakers. I feel we needed it to groom people. Sometimes we lack that structural, systematic pipeline to help usher in new talents in Africa as a whole. For example, how do we know the directing style of Lancelot if he doesn’t teach it? We have read a lot about the styles of foreign practitioners, but we have never read about our styles. This is our opportunity to develop educational content that proper universities can borrow from.

    READ ALSO: Policy flip-flops, power crisis behind North’s stunted growth, rising insecurity — Dangote

    Could you tell us more about your plans for DGN?

    We campaigned on the basis of systems and structures. During the campaign, I told them that DGN should be tired of a personality-driven guild; we should start looking at systems and structures, which means we are looking at how we can put structures in place that can outlive us. Some of the things that we wanted to do immediately were first to revamp our website and create an app, both of which have been done, then we moved to what we have launched, and next is the residency programme for females, young talents. We are starting with a 4-week residency programme (2 weeks online, 2 weeks physical); the idea is to build the next generation.

    We are also looking at running workshops across all the zones, which is not just under the academy as a whole. It is training, training and training. That is our key goal. We are also looking at pursuing some policies in terms of minimum guarantee fees for directors because a lot of our directors are complaining that, in comparison with actors, they are not fairly remunerated. We are also looking at the current earnings. For instance, if a director has made a film, he should be able to earn royalties. This administration is delving into royalties, residual income for the director. Ultimately, we want to move to a bigger space, which means we are looking at a permanent secretariat, maybe in the next two years, but we will set the ball rolling. The plans are ongoing, and of course, there are plans for foreign trips. We are looking at taking our directors to do an exchange programme. We are already talking with the DOHA Film Institute, which is in Qatar, a film school in Germany, and a training institution in Italy. Italian cinema is a massive industry. We also have a relationship with the U.S.

    This December, we are going to be doing the DGN TV investment summit in Abuja during the Zuma International Film Festival. We have so much in the pipeline.

    You talked about female filmmakers, is a filmmaker not a filmmaker?

    A filmmaker is a filmmaker, but let us be honest with ourselves, a politician is a politician, but currently, we have in the House of Assembly a bill that is called, Reserved Seat for Women, where they are saying that some number of seats should be compulsorily reserved for women. No matter how you look at it, the interesting thing is that perspective matters. As a man, no matter how you want to tell a story and be objective, your perspective as a man would come to play. First, it is an emotional act. You tell stories from the way you look at life. Until we have more females telling stories as well, we will not have a balanced media when it comes to film. Yes, we have some successful female filmmakers already, but we must encourage more because there are not many. When the Nigerian film industry started, it was always a man’s thing, but now the women are doing great. If you checked well, the female filmmakers, directors have done a lot more successful films in recent times. Imagine when you have more of such. For me, some say I am a feminist, but I don’t know about that; I just feel that there is a need for balance. When I was running for office, I was looking for a female vice president. I wanted to encourage somebody. Eventually, I got a female VP, but it was a task. It was difficult to find one because there are not many, and the few that are there were not even interested in the leadership of the guild in the first place. We need to get more of them. Before now, females were restricted to acting, costume and makeup, but these days we are beginning to see females pick up cameras as DPs, sound, etc. We should have more female directors.

    There have been complaints of sexual harassment by directors. What are you doing about that?

    Like I always say, there are two sides to every coin in every story. What you refer to as sexual harassment, until it is sometimes proven, could be a mere accusation. What I will not get involved in is if a man asks a woman out and the woman agrees, and they do whatever they do, that is within confinement because they are both adults. What we will not do, and we have been vocal about it, and ensure the law takes its course when somebody is sexually harassed on set. I have, in fact, released several statements within the few months that I have been in office about the safety of film sets. If you asked me what we would do about it, we are already doing something about it. Sometimes it is out of desperation for both parties. We have a code of conduct and ethics. They are currently reviewing it. I had to get the Vice President, who is also a woman, to take charge of that review committee so that they can anticipate some of these issues. We are already putting structures in place to discourage that. Another way is that we are also sensitising. We tell our members that you are an adult. If you see somebody you like and you tell her you like her and she agrees, whatever both of you do as adults is fine. What is not right is to use it as a leverage or bargaining chip. As long as it is not consenting, we don’t buy that.

     Please, can you talk about the Coal City Festival?

    I founded Coal City Festival in 2020, but we did our first three editions in 2021, just like every other vision that I have been at the helm of affairs. At that time, there were no film festivals in Southeast and there were so many filmmakers down there that didn’t know what film festivals were. There was this film festival, Enugu Film Festival, that was held in 2006. It was held once and never held again. I tried reaching the founder to see if we could reactivate it, but I wasn’t getting the response that I needed. And so, I had to take the bull by the horns, and we are heading towards the 6th edition. It happens every March. The theme is Local Stories, Global Scales – the idea is to promote more of our local stories.

    We have a homecoming conversation that will happen this December, and we are talking about how to use film to solve societal issues. This year is Nollywood and security are using local creative solutions to tackle the insecurities in the south east. We are looking at how the film industry can get involved using our films. I remember back in the day when Lancelot did Isakaba. It was during the time of the Bakassi Boys; you were scared of even going to take meat from the pot of your mother because you didn’t know whether the Bakassi Boys were coming.

    These are the powerful means that can really subconsciously, especially in this age and time, when the digital media has made information so porous that kidnappers now advertise their money and make it look alluring. You need a counter-narrative, which you use film for. These are some of the discussions that we will be having. We will be inviting the army, police, EFCC, and every agency in this country. By January or February, we usually do what we call the Nollywood Campus Storm. What we do is we go to universities and try to conscientize them about the actual practice and prepare them for the creative market. Our target is film, television, mass communication, and theatre arts students. Some of us were never told in school that when you come out civil engineering student who has graduated but is talented can take you out of the market. Basically, to me, the vision of Coal City Festival is to open the doors of the southeast to the rest of the world using film.

    Luckily for us now, from Enugu we have like four films on NETFLIX made in Enugu-by-Enugu filmmakers. Today, I have like four filmmakers from Enugu who are based abroad and are doing just film.

    How do you usually feel being on set?

    Being on set is always invigorating. It gives me life. Knowing the kind of power I wield makes it exciting and, at the same time, gives me a sense of responsibility. I don’t just tell stories; I need to be sure that this story is not damaging but progressive. Every filmmaker should be a member of the nation-building team. Yes, we must reflect on our society but we should do so with a positive mindset for the betterment of society. America is not a haven, but through its films, they have made us believe that it is the safest place on earth. But it is the way that they were able to tell their stories that made it a land of dreams for everybody, and it is the power of the film.

    What are your thoughts on filmmakers making content on YouTube?

    YouTube audience is audience. Like I always tell people, anywhere you find an audience, tell a story to them. I make a lot of films for YouTube. There are a billion audiences on YouTube. That is a massive number. Before now, big filmmakers were not seeing YouTube as a veritable market, but today, with the amount of funds coming out of YouTube, a lot of them are having a reconsideration. The thing is, there must be a story for everybody. There is a story for people who want to go to the cinema to experience that communal watch. You must also give those who wish to stay on their phones, because if you don’t give them, the skit industry will take them away, as they have already done that. Film must be accessible. Even DVD, VCD still exist today. The YouTube audience is very smart, they know what they want. If what you have done is not right, you will see it in the comment section. There is immediate feedback. I encourage directors to make use of that opportunity.

  • Bayelsa community: We push faeces aside to fetch drinking water

    Bayelsa community: We push faeces aside to fetch drinking water

    • Residents battle cholera, dysentery, other water borne diseases

    • Decry open defecation, plead for public toilets

    Children and adults in Otuabagi, a community in Ogbia Local Government Area of BBayelsa State, where Nigeria first discovered and exported crude oil in commercial quantity, are afflicted by water borne diseases following unbridled engagement  in open defecation. Devastated  by their predicament, the embattled  people have vowed  never to engage in the despicable practice anymore if provided with public toilets. But will the state government and other representatives of the area in the state and national assemblies deem it fit to help the community? INNOCENT DURU asks.

    Pa Pamarier Odiki,  a former local wrestler, has been practising open defecation since he was born 84 years ago. His forebears engaged in the primitive practice and he and his offspring inherited it.

    His choice place for defecating is the brownish river where he majestically rides to on a canoe to discharge fecal matters from his bowels.

     “It is inside river that we defecate,” he said in a voice that bellied his old age. 

    “We always go on a canoe to defecate at waterside. The faeces goes and comes around. It’s often turning around the river because as the river carries it away, it brings it back subsequently,” he said.

    When fetching water for domestic use, Pa Odiki said, “if you see faeces in the river, you use your bucket to push it away and fetch water. We always allow the water to settle down before we drink it.”

    Pa Odiki sees nothing disgusting drinking such water since they have no alternative and are used to doing so.

    “I don’t feel any how consuming the water. If you want to bathe in the river, you will push the faeces away so that you don’t pack it on your head,” he added.

    While he and other members of the community are used to drinking the polluted water, the octogenarian admitted that “we suffer dysentery very often. Sometimes it is cholera that we suffer. If you drink the water, it will upset your stomach and you will begin to defecate anyhow.”

    Going to a hospital for treatment is never in Pa Odiki’s plans whenever he suffers dysentery. Going to a hospital is ultra vires as far as he is concerned.

    His words: “I do enter the bush and pluck certain leaves to treat  myself. I don’t go to the hospital. Is it not money I will need to settle the bills? 

    “At my age, where will I see or get the money to go to the hospital?

    Asked why he doesn’t have a toilet in his house, the aged man said “mud houses don’t build toilets. Where to pooh has always been a problem.”

    Checks around the community shows that poverty walks on all fours. The land lacks basic  amenities in spite of being the community that launched Nigeria into the comity of oil producing countries. Instead of the prosperity they were promised when oil was first found on their land, massive pollution occasioned by oil spill, failed or jaundiced water project, moribund cottage hospital, among other calamitous baggage, are all the people have been rewarded with.

    The land, which produced crude oil in large quantity, has ironically lost its good treasure and turned into a land where fecal matters are recklessly disposed, compromising the wellness of the area. 

    A septuagenarian, Madam Ikiomabhar Orubo, told our correspondent that she has also been engaging in open defecation all her life. Defecating in a toilet, ancient or modern, is alien to her.

    “I don’t have a toilet. I live in a mud house. The house is compacted and there is no space for toilet,” she said, clarifying that it is not a taboo to build a toilet within the house in the community.

    “I journey to the waterside anytime I want to defecate,” she said, adding:  “I go out even in the night to defecate. I have nothing to fear.

    “In my 70 years of existence, I have been defecating in the open. Since I was born, I have been going to the river to defecate. My children also  go to the river to defecate.”

    Like Pa Odiki, Madam Orubo also goes on a canoe to pooh in  the river. “When it is night, you can pooh and throw it away around waterside. I have a canoe that I use to go and defecate.

    “It is the same water that we drink. We don’t have an alternative.  We pooh in the water and still drink from it. 

    “My body does not do me any how drinking from the river we defecate into. I am used to it,” she said .

    The dark complexioned woman, however, said she stools at times “because we also drink the same water.”

    Each time she suffers health crisis drinking the contaminated water, Madam Orubo said she travels to Kolo for medical treatment; a journey which, according to her, costs about N5,000.

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    Unlike the above respondents,  Ibaru Enenia, a 56-year-old landlord and native of the community, says he does not pooh in the river. His ideal places for defecating are the bushes.

    He said: “Some people are ashamed of saying that they pooh in the bush, but I am not, because we don’t have toilets. 

    “Right from the time I was born, I have been defecating in the bush. I don’t defecate in the house,” he said. 

    Enenia explained that he defecates in the open because he does not have the means to add toilet to the modern house he built. “It will cost about N200,000 to build a toilet but I don’t have such money. Will I kill myself? If I have the money, I will build a toilet in my house. I pooh anywhere in the bush,” he said

     To buttress the fact that the practice is widespread in the community, Enenia said: “When defecating in the bush, you will see other people coming there too to come and pooh.

    “My children and other family members go into the bush to pooh. If I feel pressed in the night, I go out with my torch into the bush to pooh.

    “I am never afraid of anything, because when pooh holds you, fear will disappear. Some people pooh inside river.”

    Enenia also confirmed that the practice together with the oil pollution in the community has been responsible for myriads of water borne diseases in the community.

    His words: “Cholera, dysentery, leprosy, small pox and several other health challenges are ravaging our lives because we practice open defecation.

    “I have contracted sicknesses defecating in the bush. I will not deny that. As I am talking with you now, my body is itchy. Unfortunately, I don’t have money to go to the hospital. But if you give me, I will go. I use herbs for now to treat any sickness.

    Mother of five relives children’s battle with diarrhea

    Jennifer Simeon, a 31-year-old mother of five, said her children have always had a running battle with diarrhea.

    She said: “They often experience stomach disorder after drinking the water. After a while, the stomach will settle down. 

    The children do vomit and defecate watery faeces. Whenever they have the challenge, I always run to a nearby chemist where they mix tablets for them.”

    Responding to why she chooses to patronise chemists instead of taking them to a standard hospital, Jennifer said: “Our hospital here isn’t functional. Before we get to where we have a hospital, we will spend about N5,000. This is why we rush to chemist anytime we see those symptoms.”

    Jennifer also admitted engaging in open defecation. “I pooh in open places because we don’t have a toilet here. We pooh at the river side and when we go to the farm, we also pooh there. These are the two places we pooh.”

    Even though the river and bushes make defecation easy for her, Jennifer said she doesn’t  feel happy defecating in the open but  because of the situation “we have found ourselves here we have to manage what is available.

    She noted that defecating in the open portends a lot of embarrassment even though a large number of people in the community practice it.

    “I do face embarrassment defecating in open places. Some people will chase you away, asking why you are defecating in front of their place.

    “They would say carry you faeces and go away from here.

    “But since I don’t have my private toilet, it is still in the river I have  to go and defecate and it is often in front of somebody’s house.  They insult us every time but we don’t care about that anymore.  Children don’t also have toilets in school.  They pooh inside bucket  or paper and throw it away.”

    She averred that she is forced to consume the polluted water because she does sot have the resources to buy sachet water, which is cleaner and healthier. 

    She said: “We get our water from the river we pooh into. Sometimes we put alum to clean it up. At other times,  we use it without adding alum whenever there is water scarcity. Since we don’t have pipe borne water, what do we do? 

    “We don’t feel anyhow drinking the contaminated water. That is what we have been drinking since they gave birth to us. We are used to it.

    “We know that health crisis stems from our exposure to polluted water and environment, but there is nothing we can do about it.

    “We don’t have any alternative. We always have itchy skin and dysentery. We the women have rashes on our private parts.”

    Asked why she had not considered buying sachet water, which is cleaner, Jennifer said: “How will I be able to buy it every day and also give to the children to drink?

    “There is no source of income here. I am a farmer. But when you even  complete the planting, thieves will take the harvest.

    “This compounds the poverty level in this place.”

    No shyness in open defecation

    Gift Monday, a 30-year-old, said there is nothing to be shy about in open defecation.

    “If I am defecating and a man is coming to pooh too, he will move to one corner to do his own while I remain in my own place doing mine. I have defecated three times today and it has been watery,” Gift said.

    She added: “Right from when they gave birth to me till date, I have been defecating inside river. My children too have been defecating in the river.

    I don’t have a toilet in my house. I pooh in the river any time I am pressed. We  don’t have the space to build toilet in the house.

    “That is why everybody poohs in the river. We drink the contaminated water and also bathe with it.”

    Suggesting that affliction has become a norm in the community, she said: “Sickness comes and goes among us. We vomit and stool. We suffer diarrhea.

    “Whenever diarrhea comes, I travel to Kolo for treatment. I spend more than N4,000 travelling to Kolo. At the hospital, I will pay N10,000 to get medications, aside from paying to obtain card.”

    Why youths can’t construct public toilet

     A 27-year-old member of the community,  Omonibo Smart, while lamenting widespread practice of open defecation in the community, said: “We the youth have not thought of constructing public toilet because we lack the financial capacity.

    “The living standard here is very low. Only a very few privileged members of this community have toilets.

    “We are not comfortable defecating in open places, but that is the only way we can ease ourselves. 

    “We go out to defecate be it in the night or in the day time.  The children in the community also go to those places to defecate without any fears.

    Community begs for public toilet

    Following the rising health crisis bedeviling the community as a result of defecating openly all over  the place, the people have appealed to the state government and  their representatives in different public offices to provide them with public toilets.

    Pa Odiki vowed that “if they provide public toilet for us in the community, I will use it. Nobody will ever see me at riverside to defecate.”

    Speaking in the same vein, Madam Orubo said: “If the government will provide toilet for us, we will appreciate it. I really need it. A modern toilet will be highly appreciated.”

    On his part, Enenia said: “I actually feel bad that we pooh in the bush, but there is nothing we can do about it. 

    “That is why we are calling on the government and kind-hearted people to come and help us with public toilets.

    “The government should help us with public toilets. Three public toilets with six rooms will be okay for us, because we have three compounds here.

    “Once we have public toilet, I will not pooh in the bush again.” 

    Bayelsa public officials  decline comment

    Efforts to the reaction of different political officers in Bayelsa to react to the predicaments of the people of Otuabagi were unsuccessful.

    Our calls to the Commissioner for Health Dr Brisibe’s line kept showing that his line was busy. He  had yet to react to our text and WhatsApp messages sent to his mobile line as at the time of filing this report.

    This would be the second time our correspondent reached out to the commissioner on issues affecting the embattled commissioner without getting any response.

    Our correspondent had similar experience with the lawmaker representing the area in the House of Representatives, Hon Chief Mitema Obodor. Calls to his line kept showing it was busy. He equally did not respond to text and WhatApp messages sent to him on the subject matter. It was also for the second time  he declined comments on the challenges facing the people.

    The senator representing the area, Senator Benson Sunday Agadaga could not be reached. A WhatApp message to his line returned with a report that the message was read.  Our correspondent had also reached out to him previously on issues affecting Otuabagi  via the same mobile line without getting any response.

    NDDC declines comment again

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)  a federal government agency established by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo in the year 2000, with the sole mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, once again failed to state what it has done or doing to address the challenges bedeviling Otuabagi.

    The spokesperson, Seledi Thompson Wakama said she was bereaved and couldn’t respond to our inquiry. She had previously told our correspondent that she would provide an answer to our question when it’s available. She never did.

    In spite of the huge budgetary allocations to the commission and our efforts to draw its attention to the embattled community, NDDC has not deemed it expedient to look into the plight of Otuabagi. The sum of N2,493,138,248,477 was allocated to the commission in the 2025 budget but the total funds  allocated to it could not be verified at press time.

    In spite of rising revenue, Bayelsa turns blind eyes to Otuabagi

    Findings showed that Bayelsa State receipts from the federation account has improved tremendously in recent time espcially in the past two and a half years of Presiden Bola Tinubu administration, yet, providing public toilet for the community where Nigeria obtained its first crude oil.

    Between 2020 and 2025, excluding 2021 which revenue figure was not obtained at the time of filing this report, checks reveled the state has received over N1.2 trillion from the federation account.

    In 2020 state received #136billion, 2022 N229.81 billion, 2023 N268.34 billion  and N293bn in 2024. Bayelsa State received ₦306.88 billion, finishing as the fourth highest recipient as at August 2025.

    The Bayelsa State Internal Revenue Service  in March this year announced a historic increase in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue. It said the IGR  hit N4.2 billion in a single month, marking a 320 per cent surge from previous figures.

    60 percent of communities practice open defecation

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bayelsa State government early in the year lamented that 60 per cent of communities in the state practice open defecation while only 40 per cent of riverine residents have access to clean water.

    They made this known during a two-day media dialogue on Bayelsa State’s 2025 ‘Cholera Response and Tractive Messaging on UNICEF/Government’s Joint Health Intervention’, which was held in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Speaking on ‘The Cholera Crisis in Bayelsa: A Deeper Look’ the Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, represented by the Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr. Jones Stow, said as of February 2025, the state had recorded 942 suspected diarrhea cases, across five high-risk LGAs: Southern ljaw, Ekeremor, Sagbama, Nembe, and Ogbia.

    He said behind those numbers were real lives — families who have lost loved ones, children hospitalized for preventable illness, and communities paralysed by fear.

    The health commissioner stated: “The roots of this outbreak are stark — 60% of affected communities still practice open defecation due to a 75% gap in proper toilet facilities.

     “Only 40% of riverine residents have access to clean water, forcing reliance on contaminated streams.”