The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Benue Government, World Bank and the new empowerment initiative for women

    Benue Government, World Bank and the new empowerment initiative for women

    By Bridget Tikyaa

    Benue State Government just last week engaged with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and a World Bank team to activate the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) in the state. This is a World Bank-backed initiative aimed at empowering women economically across Nigeria.

    With a $500 million funding, the project targets over 4 million women in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on financial inclusion, livelihood support, and social protection.

    Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who has always prioritised issues of women empowerment since coming into office, has therefore given a nod for the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) to roll in the state. The governor’s support for women is a deep-rooted initiative anchored on the belief in their capacity to transform society.

    For Benue State, which has approximately 3,329,000 women, about 50.3% of the total population, leveraging the opportunity offered by the NFWP-SU is not only rational but necessary to raise their economic status, given the fact that the programme seeks to increase access to financial services for women, provide training and resources for income-generating activities, and offer support for vulnerable women and communities.

    During the engagement with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Makurdi on January 13, 2026, the discussions focused on improving women’s livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities, and promoting inclusive development across selected local government areas in the state.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Theresa Odachi Ikwue, described the engagement as timely and strategic, as the the programme aligns with the development agenda of Governor Alia which prioritises human capital development and grassroots economic empowerment.

    The women empowerment programme will kick start in Vandeikya, Okpokwu, and Gwer East Local Government Areas, and according to the the ministry, women aged 18 to 70 years are eligible to benefit, but must have valid National Identification Number (NIN).

    With this, it has become imperative for families and community leaders to support women in communities, whether mothers, wives, sisters or elderly relatives, to obtain their NIN, in order to fully participate in the programme and access its economic and social benefits.

    Mr. Afolabi Olajide of the Federal Project Coordinating Unit said the Nigeria for Women Project seeks to institutionalise Women’s Affinity Groups to support income generation and community development, while

    Mr. Yusuf Abdullahi, Monitoring and Evaluation Anchor, said Benue State is participating in the second phase of the project, with technical support from Abuja and the recruitment of qualified civil servants from the selected local government areas.

    The Co-Task Team Leader of the NFWP-SU, Mrs. Yetunde Fatogun said the programme is designed to address gender inequality and improve women’s economic participation while adhering to World Bank recruitment and quality standards.

    As the programme gets set to roll, the next phase would involve advocacy visits to the leadership of Vandeikya, Okpokwu, and Gwer East Local Government Areas.

    This is no doubt a big intervention programme that will further deepen the state government’s unwavering commitment to women, especially those struggling to meet their basic needs, those displaced by conflicts, urity_: Conflict and displacement have disrupted economic activities, and women facing barriers to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment

    Governor Alia has initiated several programmes to empower women in Benue State, including the Project 774 Explode, an initiative that provides financial assistance, skills acquisition training, and mentorship to women. Over 5,000 women benefited from the programme across the 23 local government areas of Benue State.

    There is also the No Woman, No Nation, and Alia Cares programmes initiated to uplift 6,000 women from poverty and promote gender equality.

    The government also offers grants and soft loans to women through their cooperative groups to kick-start trade, agriculture, petty businesses, and other ventures.

    The Alia administration also provided skills acquisition training for women in various fields like fashion design, catering, ICT, welding, carpentry, and solar energy installation. The statement government has also facilitated loans from the Bank of Agriculture Grants for over 27,600 women to support their economic empowerment initiatives.

    These initiatives demonstrate Governor Alia’s commitment to empowering women in Benue State. These programs have improved the lives of many women in the state, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economic growth. The governor’s commitment to empowering women has been praised by various stakeholders, including the National Association of Women Journalists.

    • Tikyaa PSA Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy

  • Oyo Majority Leader accuses colleague

    Oyo Majority Leader accuses colleague

    The Majority Leader of Oyo State House of Assembly, Onaolapo Adedoyin, yesterday accused a fellow lawmaker, Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, of making defamatory and malicious allegations against him and the leadership of the Assembly.

    Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South, raised the matter as a personal explanation on the floor of the House during the first resumed plenary sitting of the House.

    Visibly angered by the development, the Majority Leader described the allegations as a grave infringement on his legislative privileges and a direct attack on his integrity and the institution of  Oyo State House of Assembly.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    Addressing the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, and other lawmakers, Adedoyin said the controversy arose from a speech delivered by Shittu during a public programme in Saki Town, which was subsequently circulated widely across social media platforms, including Facebook, X, YouTube and several news blogs.

    Adedoyin said: “In that speech, I was falsely accused of offering and receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government to influence or alter the course of an investigation into allegations against him.

    “I categorically and unequivocally state that these allegations are baseless, malicious and entirely untrue.”

  • Death toll rises to three in Osun NURTW crisis

    Death toll rises to three in Osun NURTW crisis

    The death toll has risen to three following the killing of a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kazeem Oyebamiji, an aide to the Osun State Chairman of the union, Kazeem Oyewole(Asiri Eniba), as reprisal attacks escalated.

    The Nation recalled that Oyebamiji was allegedly killed on Sunday by gang members of one Emir while he was on bike.

    Following the incident, the group loyal to Eniba allegedly carried out a reprisal attack which left three residents of Osogbo dead while others sustained gunshot injuries.

    Since then, three people have been confirmed killed.

    One of the victims of the reprisal attack named as Abiodun Olanipekun, who was hit by a stray bullet, was confirmed dead at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital Hospital, Osogbo after sustaining spine injury and respiratory failure.

    The victim’s aunt, Afon Oluwafunke, while narrating the ordeal to The Nation said: “He said he was going to buy garri for supper, after coming from work. When he finished drinking the garri, he sat at the woman’s shop. He had a friend, who the woman gave N200 to buy akara on that same road.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    He saw Biodun and asked if they would be work the following day. ‘Did the engineer have work for us tomorrow?’ That was what they were discussing when some men who drove Hilux and Camry cars, parked and came down aggressively, asked: ‘What are you doing there!’ That’s how they started shooting.’’

    “The one in the main ward was also shot on the arm, he fell, and Biodun fell on him when they were attempting to escape the gunshot. The bullet hit Biodun on the neck and back, we came to pick up his body in the mortuary, and we were told we should get his death certificate, and that’s what we are working on now.”

    When contacted, the Osun State Police Command through its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said no arrest had been made. He also denied knowledge of a reprisal attack.

  • Alaafin relocates to ancient palace

    Alaafin relocates to ancient palace

    Residents and people of ancient Oyo town could not hide their joy and ecstasy yesterday when the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, moved into the ancient Oyo palace located at Oke Afin area of Oyo town.

    Prior to his emergence as the Alaafin, the ancient palace was in ruins and empty, as all the facilities inside it were not only vandalised, but structures in the edifice were also in dire need of rehabilitation and reconstruction.

    But soon after he ascended the throne, Oba

    Owoade began the task of rehabilitating part of the ancient palace, thus preserving the tangible Yoruba cultural heritage.

    The rehabilitation works were supervised by the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Reverend Dr. Kolade Oladele.

    After the renovation, the palace’s structures- bold, sturdy and resilient as they stand- are radiating their timeless beauty and charm through well-structured layouts, carefully crafted columns, windows and doors, bearing the artistic patterns and imprints of the ancient Oyo art.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Almost all the houses have courtyards, while the finer and stronger looking structures have more than one courtyard.

    Each of the courtyards is surrounded by rooms, which open into the courtyard.

    Alaafin’s Director or Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, confirming the development, said a visit to the ancient palace would convince one that it was indeed a store-house of Yoruba culture and tradition.

    He said: “The palace is adorned with works of arts, various forms of sculptures that include the carved wooden house posts and door panels, which are the traditional status symbol of wealth and royalty.

    “Modern figures of lions and hunters are made from mortals, while walls are decorated with mosaics and painted murals, depicting scenes from life, as the decorated calabash and imaginary beings.

    “The traditional architectural designs are superb and second to none among ancient palaces in the country, as attested to it by tourism experts from different countries across the world who visited it.

    “Investigation further revealed that the Alaafin’s palace is the largest, as it has in it over 200 buildings.

    “There are also fountains in the court yard and garden.

    “The Alaafin’s palace is unique in Nigerian culture, particularly within the Yoruba ethnic group. It is the traditional seat of the Alaafin, regarded as the Superior Ruler of the Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires in West Africa’s history.

    “The palace itself symbolises the might and sophistication of the Oyo Empire, which, at its height, controlled vast territories and played a central role in the region’s politics, trade and cultural life.

    “Visitors to Alaafin’s palace are often struck by the stunning artistry that adorns the palace walls, from the elaborate carvings and murals depicting historical events to the rich tapestries and artefacts telling the story of the Oyo people.

    “The palace is also a centre for traditional festivals, ceremonies and rituals, which continue to draw people from all over the country and beyond.”

    The Nation, however, reports that residents are in high spirits, as they troop out to give a befitting welcome to their monarch, as he steps into the ‘Citadel of Yoruba race’, with singing, drumming, dancing and chanting.

    A trader, who simply identified himself as Kolapo, said: “The people, both young and old, love and admire their king as a serious-minded paramount ruler, a leader of thought and a man of excellence for his unflinching commitment to development, peace, unity and mutual co-existence not only in the kingdom, but also the entire Yoruba race.

    “They draw their inference from the fact that Alaafin focuses on promoting unity among the Yoruba, a stance that positions him as a unifying and stabilising force within Yorubaland.

    “One thing about Oyo is that we are ready to protect our history and traditions, no matter what it takes or costs, more so when that’s the only palace where archival materials, documents and other artifacts can be accessed in record time.

    “Because of the efforts of our forefathers, documentation of its past, either favourable or otherwise, are well preserved to date.”

    Another excited resident, Kamoru Ashipa, who could not hide the admiration for the new edifice, said: “The Alaafin’s palace is not just a historical site; it is also a living museum that offers a glimpse into the grandeur and complexity of Yoruba culture.

    “The palace complex is an architectural masterpiece featuring courtyards, halls and shrines that have been meticulously maintained over centuries.

    “Each section of the palace is imbued with cultural significance, from the Ile Orun, where the Alaafin’s ancestors are honoured, to the Oju Oba, where the king holds court and meets with his subjects.”

  • Court summons Agodi Correctional Doctor to ascertain Auxiliary health status

    Court summons Agodi Correctional Doctor to ascertain Auxiliary health status

    An Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan has summoned the medical doctor in Agodi Custodian centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service to appear before it today over a matter that bothers on the health status of a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary.

    Hearing of a case involving Auxiliary was stalled yesterday due to his absence when the case came up in court.

    It was gathered that although the former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) was earlier in Court, he could not attend his session due to alleged health related issues.

    The Nation reports that the matter was adjourned to January 20 and 21 by the trial Judge, Justice Adetujoye, Presiding over Court 11, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan.

    It was gathered that the Defendant had arrived the court earlier, looking fine and okay as other cases were being heard.

    The court rose for a few minutes before the Auxiliary case would come up.

    However, while waiting for the court to resume, things took a different turn as it was noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him with snippets filtering around that the former PMS boss was not feeling too well.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    A source who was privy to the incident told The Nation anonymously: “The matter was slated for 11AM but after some court sessions, the court rose and came back around 12pm. However, before the Judge would resume into the session, we noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him and we heard them saying Auxiliary is not feeling too well.

    “Some people were pouring water on his head while some others were applying ‘Aboniki’ balm on his legs. What we noticed was that, after some time, the Correctional Centre officers called their boss at Agodi. They brought their vehicle and he was assisted by officials of the Correctional service, his children and friends and he was taken out of the court.

    “But, what we were told was that, when he got outside, he actually walked with his legs to the car. It was shocking.”

    It was further gathered that tempers rose when the judge came into the court, everyone announced their appearance, and Defence (Auxiliary’s) Counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN addressing the court, said he learnt that Auxiliary took ill.

    Surprised, the Judge was said to have asked the Prosecutor if they were aware of the development.

    Appearing for state are O.S Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, O. A Bolarinwa Senior State Counsel and F.F Gbadamosi.

    Responding, the Lead Prosecutor, O.S. Tella told the Judge about what she knew about the whole incident, as could be seen in the open court.

    The situation drew the anger of the Presiding judge who said even if they would take him (Auxiliary) out of the court, he was supposed to be told.

    The court insisted that, even if at all he (Auxiliary) took ill, one of the officials of the NCoS would have come to inform him of the real position of things.

    In their separate submissions before the court, both the state Counsel and Defence Counsel could not give a tangible explanation of what actually happened, which drew more anger from the judge.

    Ruling, the court adjourned the matter till tomorrow (Wednesday), noting that, by then the true situation about his health status would have been ascertained.

    Also, the court  added that if eventually the Defendant is confirmed to be ill, the court would pick another date for hearing of the matter.

  • Ekiti 2026: INEC lifts ban on campaigns

    Ekiti 2026: INEC lifts ban on campaigns

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on public campaigns, following the release of the final list of candidates for the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said this yesterday while addressing leaders of political parties and stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti

    He announced that public campaigns would begin today and end at midnight on June 18, calling on parties to strictly adhere to the approved campaign period and timelines.

    Omoseyindemi formally presented the final list of 12 governorship candidates and their running mates, stressing that the process was concluded following the conclusion of primaries, submission of nomination forms and the resolution of complaints arising from the nomination exercise, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

    He said the publication of the final list signalled the beginning of a critical phase of the electioneering process, urging political actors to conduct their campaigns with maturity, restraint and strict adherence to the law.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Affirming the right of parties and candidates to campaign freely, the INEC boss warned that such rights must be exercised in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the commission’s guidelines.

    He reminded political parties of the need to notify the INEC, security agencies and other relevant authorities ahead of rallies and campaigns, stressing that such was necessary to ensure adequate security and prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Omoseyindemi also cautioned political parties and candidates against the use of hate speech and inciting comments, warning that such conduct could inflame tension and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

    The REC urged political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and healthy competition, rather than resorting  to personal attacks or statements capable of provoking violence.

    Omoseyindemi said any act of violence, intimidation or breach of public peace would not be tolerated, adding that offenders would be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.

    Following the lifting of the ban on public campaigns, the ruling All Progressives Congress expressed confidence ahead of the poll, hinging its optimism on Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s impressive performance since assuming office.

    The APC state Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said the party would campaign on the governor’s record in governance, infrastructural development,  workers’ welfare and political stability in the state which he believed have earned Oyebanji widespread acceptance among Ekiti people.

    Dipe expressed confidence that the APC-led administration’s achievements in office would translate into electoral victory for the party and a renewed mandate from the people.

    The party spokesman said APC would adopt issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, noting that peaceful engagement with the electorate remained central to its strategy.

    But, African Democratic Congress, the leading opposition party, dismissed the ruling APC, insisting that Ekiti residents were increasingly dissatisfied with the Governor Oyebanji-led administration.

    The party’s state Secretary, Chief Segun Adewumi, alleged that the APC had failed to meet the expectations of the people, accusing Oyebanji of poor performance in key areas affecting the daily lives of residents.

    Akinwumi said he was confident that the growing dissatisfaction across the state would translate into support for their candidate, Dare Abejide, at the polls.

    The party’s secretary added that Ekiti voters were ready to use the ballot to “punish” the APC for what he described as years of underperformance and to chart a new political direction for the state.

  • Police recover N31.1m armoured cable in raid of Abuja hotspots

    Police recover N31.1m armoured cable in raid of Abuja hotspots

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested several suspects and recovered armoured cable worth N31.1 million following a raid of identified criminal hotshots in Abuja.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the FCT, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    She said criminals had in recent months targeted critical public infrastructure, including internet cables, power lines, and drainage covers.

    She noted that criminal activities had resulted in disruption in electricity supply, internet services, and public safety in parts of the FCT and neighbouring states.

    According to her, in response, the FCT Police Command intensified intelligence-led operations, targeted patrols, and surveillance in identified hotspots, including Mabushi, Maitama, and the Central Business District.

    She said the efforts resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of 296 cut-to-size single-core armoured underground power cables, valued at N31,140,000.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Adeh said 171 manhole covers, four portable cable pullers, two transformers and 52 bags of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa were also recovered from the suspects.

    “Investigations are ongoing to apprehend receivers, buyers, and other collaborators involved in these criminal activities.

    “All perpetrators, including those who receive or trade stolen public assets, will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” she said.

    She enjoined the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to assist law enforcement efforts.

    Adeh pledged the commitment of the Command, to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the FCT.

  • Wale Tinubu in Davos to spotlight Africa’s energy future

    Wale Tinubu in Davos to spotlight Africa’s energy future

    Group Chief Executive of Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions provider, Oando Plc Wale Tinubu, is set to participate in the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, to champion Africa’s energy priorities.

    Among his key engagements, Tinubu will focus on Africa’s energy security, the role of finance in catalysing growth within the energy sector, and the contribution of indigenous companies to delivering bankable projects in the context of a decarbonising global economy. The discussions are also expected to explore how technology, including artificial intelligence, and South-South partnerships can unlock efficiencies, improve project economics, and attract long-term capital into Africa’s energy sector.

    He will be speaking at the Nigeria House, inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday.

    Nigeria House represents a strategic shift in how the country presents itself at global investment forums, moving from fragmented representation to a coordinated national narrative that aligns policy direction with private sector execution. Tinubu’s participation reinforces the role of credible local operators in bridging policy ambition and investor expectations.

    In addition, Mr. Tinubu will join a panel of renowned business executives and top government officials at a high-level Africa Collective session focused on African multilateral financial institutions, bringing together senior policymakers and leaders of development finance institutions to discuss capital mobilisation, risk-sharing, and financing structures required to support large-scale infrastructure and energy investments across the continent.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Panellists at the session will include Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank; Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation; Thierno Habib Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique; Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power; Matteo Patrone, Vice President Banking and Executive Committee Member at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and Chief  Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

    Oando’s presence at Davos highlights its role in advancing the continent’s energy agenda on the global stage, as African economies continue to call for sustained investment in critical development projects. At a time of constrained global financing, Oando is emphasising the need for supportive policy environments, strong public–private partnerships, and targeted capital to deliver bankable energy solutions and strengthen the continent’s energy security.

  • 77,792 arrested, 14,225 convicted, 14.8m kilograms drugs seized in five years, says Marwa

    77,792 arrested, 14,225 convicted, 14.8m kilograms drugs seized in five years, says Marwa

    • Honours 166 NDLEA personnel, 17 Commands at bi-yearly CCEO awards

    • Charges officers to go all out against drug cartels, barons

    National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has announced a record of 77,792 arrests, including 128 barons, 14,225 convictions and over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances seized in the past five years.

    He declared that the era of Nigeria serving as a safe haven for criminal drug enterprises was over.

    Marwa stated these at the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation at the agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja where 166 personnel and 17 commands were honoured.

    He charged NDLEA officers to brace for more tactically sophisticated operations against drug cartels, barons and their mules in the next five years of his second tenure.

    “When I first resumed in 2021, I promised to take the fight to the doorsteps of the merchants of death. Today, the numbers speak for themselves. Through our collective resilience, we have sent a clear message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for illicit drug enterprise.

    “It’s, therefore, heartwarming to note that in the last five years, we recorded significant operational successes including the arrest of 77,792 drug offenders, including 128 identified drug barons who were central to major trafficking networks. We seized a total of 14,847,486.34 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, thereby significantly disrupting local and transnational supply chains.

    “In further strengthening the criminal justice response to drug offences, the agency successfully prosecuted and secured convictions against 14,225 offenders, reinforcing deterrence and affirming that drug crime attracts consequences.

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    “In line with our balanced approach, the agency also prioritised drug demand reduction. Through structured treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation programmes, 32,442 drug users received professional intervention. Additionally, 13,735 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation were conducted across schools, motor parks, workplaces, worship centres, and communities, expanding preventive awareness and citizen engagement nationwide,” he said.

    He noted that the achievements would not have been possible without the support of the executive, legislature and the judiciary.

    Marwa expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and the trust reposed in his leadership.

    He said that the President’s decision to extend the leadership’s mandate is a call to escalate the war against drug abuse and trafficking to new heights.

    “These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of discipline, leadership, intelligence-led operations, and clear performance expectations. This journey would not have been possible without the unflinching support of the President. I, therefore, wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the absolute trust he has reposed in my leadership and in the entire workforce of this agency.

    “Mr. President’s decision to extend our mandate is a call to more work. We assure him, and indeed all Nigerians, that the successes of the past five years are merely a foundation. In this second tenure, we will escalate the war against drug abuse and trafficking to new heights of efficiency and results”, he stated.

    Addressing the officers, men and women of the agency, Marwa said: “The next phase of our operations demands even more grit and more tactical sophistication. We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars, every trafficker is intercepted, every mule is caught, and every single gram of illicit drug is removed from our streets and communities.

    “There is no room for complacency. We must remain proactive, intelligence-led, and ruthless in our pursuit of those who seek to destroy our youth and our national security.

    ‘’Let me be clear: the objective of this agency remains the total disruption of drug trafficking and the protection of our communities. The expectation is sustained pressure until every drug baron, trafficker, courier, and every gram of illicit drugs is taken out of our streets and communities. There will be no retreat and no complacency.”

    The 11th CCEO Awards honored gallant personnel who have demonstrated exceptional courage and integrity.

    Marwa charged the awardees to see their plaques and certificates as reminders that their hard work is valued, while urging the rest of the force to find inspiration in their achievements.

    “As we are all aware, the Command’s Awards and Commendations is an internal reward mechanism that comes after our bi-annual appraisal. It is enshrined in our corporate culture and acts as a booster to individual and collective commitment to the attainment of organisational goals. I believe that everyone in this organisation is in accord that we now have a sense of urgency towards our assignment.

    “There is no gainsaying that our dedication to duty has been the driving force behind our good performance; at the same time, it is also not an exaggeration to say that our good performance is catalysed by motivation.

    “As proven right by events in the past five years, management’s decision to deploy a multipronged motivational mechanism to improve the organisation’s work ethic is part of the recipe for the resurgence of the agency and the resultant spectacular performance. On that score, management is committed to doing everything possible to improve productivity on the job. Part of that effort is why we are here today.”

    He acknowledged the critical role of international partners, sister agencies, civil society, and the media in the successes, calling for deeper strategic partnerships in the years ahead to protect the future of children.

  • Ekpon Grammar School seeks support

    Ekpon Grammar School seeks support

    A clarion call has been made to old students of Ekpon Grammar School, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, to support the revitalisation of their alma mater.

    The call was made by the President of Ekpon Development Union (EDU), Mr. Celestine Edobor, during the 33-year reunion of the 1992 set of the school, held in Lagos.

    Edobor hailed the Class of ’92 for donating chairs and tables to the school last year, but noted that the institution still faces challenges requiring sustained and collective alumni intervention.

    Speaking on the theme, “Reunion to Enhance Unity, Growth and Development,” the keynote speaker, Prince Kayode Ebatamehi, said the school was established through the collective efforts of public-spirited Ekpon indigenes to bring secondary education closer to the communities.

    He described the founders of the school as torchbearers, who have passed the baton to the old students, urging them to give back to the school that shaped them.

    Festus Ighagbon, a lawyer, advised the old students to remain upright and sincere in their endeavours, noting that success achieved through integrity could be reinvested in the school for future generations.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Another discussant, Mr. Felix Okpeku, urged members to remain focused and expand their outreach to bring more classmates on board, thereby easing the burden of giving back.

    The President of Ekpon Grammar School Old Students Association, Class of ’92, Chief Jude Ehigiator, said the reunion was not merely social but a renewed commitment to reconnect, support one another and give back to the institution that gave them a strong foundation.

    The reunion ended with a renewed resolve by members of the Class of ’92 to strengthen their association, mobilise wider alumni participation, and partner with relevant stakeholders to restore Ekpon Grammar School to its former glory – ensuring that future generations of students benefit from a conducive learning environment.