The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Why NLC should shelve today’s planned protest, by police
- Plot by Shi’ites, other non-state actors to infiltrate, hijack process uncovered
- Court bars workers from embarking on mass protest against Wike, FCTA
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command yesterday gave reasons why the territory’s chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) should not embark on today’s planned peaceful protest.

The NLC had fixed today to protest unpaid allowances to workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the warning was in the overriding interest of public safety.

Adeh said: “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“While the command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing tight security for all lawful activities, intelligence reports at the disposal of the police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN/Shi’ites) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.

“In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time. This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon.

“The command assures residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges all citizens to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace and security.”

Read Also: Police urge NLC to shelve Tuesday’s planned protest

Also, the National Industrial Court (NIC) yesterday restrained the FCT workers, under the auspices of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), from embarking on the mass protest scheduled for today or any other day.

Justice Emmanuel Sibilim issued the interim order in a ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration (FCTA) against the labour unions and their leaders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that others who joined in the motion alongside the NLC and the TUC include Comrades Benson Upah, General N. A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi.

The motion, dated February 2, stemmed from a suit filed by James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the minister and the FCTA.

After listening to the claimants, Justice Sibilim granted the interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents and their privies or agents from embarking on strike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The judge also ordered the 5th-9th defendants who are security agencies to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order and adjourned the matter until February 10 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

The claimants had told the court that the Chairman of the FCT council of the workers’ union had sent a message of mobilisation to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for Feb. 3.

The move, the lawyer submitted, was in violation of the orders of the court.

Onoja stated that after the ruling of the court on Jan. 27, the order of the court was served on the defendants same day but that the NLC and TUC issued a statement to all affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike.

The statement, jointly signed by both unions, directed that the striking workers resume the strike as the unions’ counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling.

He said following the development, the FCTA workers, under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), issued a circular directing all employees to continue the strike.

“This position is aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital,” Onoja said.

The FCT minister and the FCTA had predicated the application on the fact that “On January 19, the workers in the employment of the second claimant, acting under the aegis of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), began an industrial action by locking all entrances to offices and the secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

Others are the closure of schools and all departments and agencies of the second claimant, thereby bringing the governmental functions and activities of the claimants to a standstill.
February 3, 2026
Olanipekun: Yoruba must prepare for post-Tinubu era

An erstwhile president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the Yoruba nation to begin immediate and deliberate preparations for political and economic relevance beyond President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure.

The eminent lawyer warned that the region cannot afford complacency while power remains at the centre.

He said the presidency would not remain in the Southwest indefinitely, stressing the need for strategic planning, unity, and purposeful leadership to safeguard the future of Yoruba land.

Olanipekun spoke yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at a public lecture, titled: “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.

The former NBA president noted that although President Tinubu may serve until 2031, the Southwest must start preparing for political happenings in the region afterwards.

“I’m not just asking us to prepare for post-2031 because President Tinubu will not be there forever. He will be there till 2031. So, we should be prepared for post-2031,” he said.

Read Also: 2027: Adamawa APC backs Tinubu, welcomes new governorship aspirant

Olanipekun warned that internal division could weaken the Southwest’s influence in national politics, calling for stronger cohesion among political leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders.

“We must hold ourselves together; stay united. There should be cohesion, unity, love, respect and thoughtfulness. Otherwise, the way I see it, we may be lost,” he added.

Olanipekun described development in the region as a collective responsibility that requires courage, strategic thinking and sustained engagement beyond partisan interests.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said his administration was focused on strengthening existing institutions and laying foundations for long-term growth rather than creating new structures.

The governor emphasised reforms in key sectors, including health, education, and security.

He promised that the state security outfit, Amotekun Corps, would be further equipped and repositioned ahead of the proposed state policing framework.

“Amotekun has come to stay. We will make it work better, recruit more personnel and equip them. With state policing in view, it will be able to handle sophisticated weapons against bandits and marauders,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa also highlighted his administration’s plans to drive industrialisation, agriculture and the blue economy.

The governor noted that value addition to cocoa production through processing plants would boost the state’s revenue and job creation.

According to him, ongoing projects, such as the coastal highway and a proposed refinery, would transform the state’s economy, improve connectivity with Lagos and attract investments.

“The coastal highway is a game changer. It will drive industry and movement of people. Tourism, hospitality, health and education will naturally grow as development spreads,” the governor said.

He added that the state had adopted five-year and 10-year rolling development plans centred on human capital development, while youths had been engaged through an essay competition to envision Ondo’s future over the next 70 years.

“I won’t be here in 50 years anyway, but we are projecting to the future for the state as the one or the saddle at this time during this 50th year anniversary of the creation of the state. We have seen what the past leaders have done, their contributions, landmark projects, programmes and policies that have been driving the state before I became governor.

“We have to continue to strengthen that because that is a structure that we cannot change but to improve on that, which we call continuous service improvement, which I believe strongly in.

“We continue to strengthen our institutions, for example, you are not starting a new ministry of health, but you can make that one work better. You can’t create a new ministry of education; it’s been there, it’s a structure we can make more functional, to deliver better.”

February 3, 2026
PFN set to engage Lagos communities on effective governance

In a move widely described as a watershed in faith–governance engagement, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State Chapter, has launched a strategic, statewide collaboration to promote accountable leadership, ethical governance, and social development across Lagos.

The initiative, spearheaded by PFN Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Yemi Davids, alongside the Director of Politics and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Akin Akinpelu, signals a bold and intentional repositioning of the church’s role in public life—from moral commentary to constructive partnership.

Covering all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, the engagement underscores PFN’s resolve to work directly with grassroots institutions.

Explaining the vision, Dr. Akin Akinpelu noted that the statewide tour is “transformational, not ceremonial.”

He stated that under Pastor David’s leadership, PFN Lagos is being reimagined as a credible bridge between faith-based values and civic administration, with a focus on ethical leadership, community responsibility, and good governance.

“At the heart of the initiative is the New Dawn Agenda 2025, a strategic framework designed to deepen PFN’s relevance and impact in Lagos State”.

He posited that the agenda rests on five pillars—reconciliation, relevance, revival, resources, and re-envisioning—aimed at fostering unity among churches, renewing spiritual vitality among leaders, ensuring sustainable resourcing for community impact, and reinforcing accountability, integrity, and character in leadership.

Read Also: Christmas: PFN commends Governor Lawal over inclusive leadership

He stressed that the church must be recognized as a key stakeholder in nation-building, adding that direct engagement with local government leadership would help promote integrity, service, and excellence in public office, while encouraging mutual accountability between faith leaders and administrators.

The six-week engagement features structured meetings with Local Government Chairmen, Secretaries to Local Governments, and other stakeholders. During these sessions, PFN will presents its mandate, advocates godly and ethical leadership, and identifies practical areas for collaboration—particularly in welfare delivery, education, peace-building, and social cohesion.

Akinpelu further opined that the initiative was timely and strategic, especially as grassroots governance increasingly shapes citizens’ daily experiences. By engaging leadership at the closest level to the people, PFN aims to ensure that faith perspectives are constructively represented where policy meets lived reality.

Akinpelu added that as PFN Lagos intentionally moves “from the church room to the boardroom and the council hall,” the fellowship reinforces its commitment to catalysing positive social change.

“The collaboration is expected to deepen church–government relations, open new advocacy channels, and contribute to a more just, accountable, and progressive Lagos State.

February 2, 2026
Report: Supply chain reform could unlock billions for Nigeria

Fixing Nigeria’s weak and fragmented supply chains could lift annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by between two and three per cent and unlock thousands of jobs across key sectors, a new report by Rome Business School Nigeria has said.

The report, released last month notes that efficient supply chains are central to connecting farms to markets, factories to ports and consumers to essential goods, warning that current gaps are costing the country billions of naira yearly.

Dean and Founder of Rome Business School Nigeria, Prof. Antonio Ragusa, described supply chains as “the backbone of modern economies,” stressing that their failure is felt most by ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, strengthening supply chains would improve access to food and medicines, support industrial growth and reduce over-reliance on oil.

The report traces Nigeria’s supply chain evolution from the colonial era of raw material exports, cocoa, palm oil and minerals, to the oil-driven expansion of the 1970s that reshaped trade and logistics around petroleum.

While oil and gas still account for about 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings, the report says the sector remains highly exposed to theft, vandalism and bureaucratic delays.

Beyond oil, Nigeria exports over $1.5 billion worth of cocoa and sesame annually. However, poor logistics, limited local processing and weak linkages between farmers, processors and exporters continue to erode value and limit the country’s agricultural potential.

Infrastructure deficits were identified as a major constraint. Of Nigeria’s estimated 195,000 kilometres of roads, only a small fraction is paved, pushing transport costs up by as much as 40 per cent and increasing final consumer prices by nearly 30 per cent.

Security challenges also weigh heavily on supply routes. Banditry in the North and vandalism in the Niger Delta frequently disrupt the movement of goods, endanger logistics workers and raise the cost of doing business.

Read Also: TY Logistics to tackle supply chain inefficiencies

The report further highlights the impact of the 2023 fuel subsidy removal, noting that the sharp rise in transport and logistics costs has strained supply chains and contributed to higher prices of essential goods.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools such as e-procurement and online inventory systems, the report says Nigeria still lags in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain. High costs, weak broadband infrastructure and a shortage of skilled professionals have limited uptake, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.

Despite the challenges, the report identifies significant opportunities. It points to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projecting that intra-African trade could grow by over 20 per cent with improved logistics cooperation, customs processes and infrastructure. Emerging trends such as city-based warehousing, electric delivery vehicles and green logistics were also highlighted as cost-saving and growth-driving options.

Ragusa said Nigeria has the resources, market size and talent to transform its supply chains, adding that coordinated action to modernise infrastructure, adopt technology and build resilience is now critical for inclusive and sustainable growth.

February 2, 2026
Ondo must reform tax system, end illegal levies to drive growth, says Oyedele

…announces N500k scholarship for best graduating student of every public secondary school in Ondo State

…50 years a milestone to shape Ondo’s future – Gov Aiyedatiwa

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has called on the Ondo state government to overhaul its tax administration, abolish multiple and illegal levies, and strengthen fiscal institutions to unlock sustainable economic growth.

Mr Oyedele, who was the guest lecturer at the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” spoke on Monday in Akure.

He said a modern, transparent, and predictable tax system remains fundamental to building a strong economy, warning that inconsistent policies and burdensome taxation discourage investment and weaken government revenue.

According to him, nuisance taxes and overlapping levies shrink businesses and push investors away.

Oyedele recommended that Ondo host the National Tax Ombud office for the South-West to provide an independent platform for resolving tax disputes and protecting taxpayers’ rights.

He also advised the state to urgently implement the new national tax reform acts and enact a State Tax Harmonisation Law to streamline revenue collection across ministries, departments and agencies.

“Implement the new tax reform acts, enact the State Tax Harmonisation law to curb nuisance and illegal taxes. The state can even host the national Tax Ombud office for the South-West region to lead in taxpayer rights and protection,” he said.

The tax cyzar further proposed the introduction of an annual Tax Accountability Report to every taxpayer and the development of a comprehensive State Tax and Fiscal Policy Framework to guide revenue mobilisation, spending and debt management.

To promote transparency at the grassroots, Oyedele urged each local government council to prepare economic development plans and publish budgets and audited statements on a dedicated online portal.

He also called for improved tax registration, simplified regulatory charges and harmonised public services to reduce bureaucracy and make compliance easier for residents and businesses.

Beyond taxation, Oyedele stressed the need to strengthen the Ministry of Finance to properly manage state assets and investments through a comprehensive assets register to track and optimise public wealth.

He noted that strong fiscal management, policy consistency and institutional stability are key to long-term prosperity.

“Better revenue administration must translate to improved public services such as stable electricity, poverty reduction and job creation,” he added.

He also emphasised the need for structured platforms to help young people transition from job seekers to entrepreneurs.

Oyedele, however, announced a Golden Jubilee scholarship of N500,000 for the top graduating student in every public secondary school this year.

In her keynote address, the President’s Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs Olu Awolowo Verheijen, lauded the contributions of farmers, teachers, civil servants, artisans and entrepreneurs to the state’s development.

She highlighted gas infrastructure, the revival of the Odigbo power plants and modular LNG projects as catalysts for industrial growth.

Verheijen also cited major projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, road expansions in Akure, teaching hospital upgrades and the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port as investments that would create jobs and boost revenue.

Read Also: Individuals must file tax returns by March 31, employers, January 31 – Oyedele

“Value addition is the foundation for job creation, revenue generation and the dignity of our people,” she said.

Declaring the lecture open, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa outlined a vision for the next 50 years centred on industrialisation, innovation and youth-driven growth.

“Fifty years is not just a number. It is a milestone that challenges us to shape the next era with wisdom, courage and innovation,” the governor said.

He listed key projects such as the Sunshine Free Trade Zone, Golden Ceramics Industrial Plant, Ore Ethanol Plant and the Ondo Deep Sea Port as initiatives aimed at expanding industrial processing and export capacity.

Aiyedatiwa also highlighted investments in roads, bridges, and energy infrastructure, alongside scholarships, vocational training, and digital literacy programmes targeted at empowering youths.

In his welcome remarks, Secretary to the State Government and anniversary committee chairman, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, described the celebration as nostalgic and emotional, noting that distinguished citizens, including elder statesmen, would be honoured during the golden jubilee.

February 2, 2026
Ohaneze warns against excluding Igbo from Rivers politics

The Rivers State chapter of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide has warned against excluding Igbo people from the politics of the state.

The chapter president of the group, Livingstone Wechie, in a statement to commemorate the World Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day boasted that the Igbos had the largest voting bloc in the state.

Wechie said, “The Rivers State chapter President cautioned against any orientation that will isolate Ndi-Igbo from the politics or economy of Rivers State. It is not in dispute that Igbos have the largest voting block in Rivers state as well as dominate the economic lifeline of the state.

“We maintain that one of the most strategic ways to honour our fallen heroes and survivors of the civil war is to leverage on our entrepreneurial mastery and use our population to influence the politics of the state positively”.

He appealed to Igbo people to rethink their approach to politics saying the ethnic group possessed the potential to attain any political height of interest in the country.

Wechie called on Igbos in Rivers State to see the current trend and business space in the state as a golden opportunity to reposition themselves in the Nigerian project.

Read Also: Ohaneze Ndigbo condemns children’s torture in Rivers

He said: “It is no doubt that the Igbo question is still unanswered by the Nigerian state and remains the main unresolved question in contemporary black Africa today.

“We seize this medium to thank God for making Igbos great. Igbos are arguably the largest black stock on Earth. The slave trade escalated our global spread.

“Calabar was the largest slave port in Africa and Igbos were the highest victims exported to various countries which is why we have indigenous Igbos in many countries of the world. This to us is a strength and not a disadvantage. We urge government at all levels to engage Ndi-Igbo for a purposeful future”.

Wechie sued for peace in Rivers saying the state remained the safest haven for Igbo investment.

“As we invite Ndi-Igbo from all over the world to pour in their highest investment into Rivers State because the Atlantic is open to us, we assure the government of Rivers State of the greatest support of Igbos for the development of the State”, he said.

February 2, 2026
Navy raids Apapa drug hideout, hands seized substances to NDLEA

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has raided and dislodged a suspected criminals’ hideout at Gidan Drama, Agbo Malu area of Apapa, recovering illicit drugs including Marijuana and Codeine.

The drugs, it said, were recovered on January 24, following credible intelligence on the presence of suspected drug peddlers in the area.

A statement on Monday said the seized illicit substances have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), by the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Nimmyel.

Represented by the Base’ Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, Nimmyel said no arrests were made as the suspects fled on sighting naval personnel.

Read Also: Navy Hospital threatens mass burial of unclaimed bodies

He said the recovery reflects the Navy’s resolve to curb the spread and abuse of illicit drugs among youths, noting the attendant health risks and security implications.

The Commander added that the operation aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for the Navy to rid the maritime environment of criminal activities, working independently or in collaboration with other agencies.

February 2, 2026
PDP BoT, caretaker factional chairman moves to end crisis

…holds NEC meeting in Abuja

Following the outcome of a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, last Friday, which nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in the city between15 and 16 November, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified moves to overcome its internal crisis.

The Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Caretaker Committee reaffirmed commitment to unity, respect for court rulings and preparations for outstanding congresses ahead of a national convention.

BOT chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who spoke on Monday at the 85th meeting of the PDP BoT in Abuja urged party members to embrace peace and put collective interest above personal ambition.

Ohuabunwa said the PDP had weathered months of turbulence marked by leadership disputes and legal battles, but survived due to its strong institutions and adherence to constitutional order.

According to him, the delay in conducting party congresses was a deliberate and cautious decision taken out of respect for pending judicial processes, not an abdication of responsibility.

He said, “The PDP chose legality over expediency and patience over provocation. History would judge the party kindly for upholding the rule of law.”

The Bot chairman hailed the judicial pronouncements, particularly the Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan, which affirmed the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman-led National Caretaker Committee, and called on party members to respect the judiciary and comply with lawful decisions.

Ohuabunwa warned against divisive rhetoric and actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, stressing that the moral authority of the BoT lies in fairness, balance and due process.

“With the legal fog lifting, the focus must now shift to reconciliation, rebuilding trust and laying the groundwork for orderly congresses and a credible national convention,” he said, noting that unity was a strategic imperative for the survival of the party.

In his remarks, National Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, thanked members of the BoT for their steadfast support, describing it as crucial to the stability of the party at a defining moment.

Mohammed also expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for standing by the Caretaker Committee, saying the support had strengthened its resolve to reposition the party.

He said the Christmas and New Year holidays were over and that it was time for decisive action to deliver on the mandate given to the Caretaker Committee to put the PDP back on track.

The caretaker chairman confirmed that the Ibadan High Court had delivered a declaratory judgment in favour of the committee, stressing that the law was clear and that justice would continue to be pursued for the party.

Read Also: Zamfara former council chairman dump PDP to APC

“Any moment from now, we shall roll out a timetable for activities relating to outstanding congresses in some states, which will usher in a seamless national convention,” he disclosed.

Mohammed described the PDP as the only political party built around the people, with nationwide structures, coherence and verifiable legacies, warning that the party could not afford to “sleep in our hands.”

He also commended party stakeholders across the country for their unwavering support during what he described as defining times for the opposition party.

Both leaders expressed optimism that ongoing engagements, reconciliation efforts and planned congresses would reposition the PDP as a strong and credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The party members are currently in a closed door National Executive Council (NEC) meeting with a large turnout of members across the country.

February 2, 2026
Technical education key to youth devt — Oborevwori

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has described technical and vocational education as a critical tool for addressing youth unemployment, saying graduates of such institutions will emerge as skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and employers of labour rather than job seekers.

The governor spoke on Monday at the inauguration of the Model Technical College, Omadino, in Warri South Local Government Area, describing the institution as a flagship investment in technical and vocational education by his administration.

Oborevwori said some achievements were best appreciated when seen rather than spoken about, noting that within two years, his administration had delivered landmark projects without borrowing or imposing additional burdens on the people of Delta State.

“Even I am often amazed at how much we have been able to achieve within two years without borrowing and without burdening the people. This project we are commissioning today is a clear example of prudent management. Contractors were paid promptly, and that is why delivery was timely,” he said.

The governor disclosed that academic activities had commenced at the college before its formal commissioning, a development he said underscored the facility’s readiness and full functionality.

According to him, the college represents a major milestone in advancing technical and vocational education in the state, reflecting clarity of vision, strategic planning and disciplined execution.

He noted that the institution’s internal road network, administrative blocks, classrooms, workshops and laboratories demonstrated his administration’s commitment to quality education.

Oborevwori commended his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for initiating the project and said his administration ensured its completion to the required standard.

“Today, I am pleased to see a beautiful and solid edifice standing proudly. We give God all the glory. Any student, lecturer or staff member would be proud to be associated with this institution,” he said.

The governor also praised the quality of training at the college, citing the confidence and articulation of a student who spoke earlier at the event as evidence of effective teaching and learning.

He emphasized that modern educational infrastructure was essential for a conducive learning environment, improved student performance and enhanced teacher effectiveness.

“With the high-quality facilities provided here, I am confident that students of this college can compete with the best anywhere in the world. All workshops and laboratories are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities,” Oborevwori added.

Reaffirming his commitment to education under the MORE Agenda, the governor assured Deltans that his administration would continue to upgrade educational infrastructure across the state to ensure access to functional education and globally relevant skills.

He, however, urged the management, staff, students and host communities to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities, stressing that government property represented the commonwealth of the people and must be protected from vandalism and neglect.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr. Smart Ufoh, described the Omadino Model Technical College as more than a modern technical school, calling it a bold statement of purpose and a symbol of transformation.

Read Also: Oborevwori felicitat e s ex-Delta SSG Agas at 66

He said the institution had 12 classrooms and nine fully equipped workshops, alongside two hostel blocks, staff quarters, a principal’s lodge and a corps members’ lodge to ensure a conducive learning environment.

Other facilities include a dining hall, clinic, spacious school hall, football pitch and basketball court, as well as support infrastructure such as a generator house and operational quarters.

Ufoh disclosed that academic activities commenced in September 2025 with the admission of Junior Technical One students to prevent the facilities from lying idle, adding that the response from Omadino community and beyond had been overwhelming.

Also speaking, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, commended the governor for his people-centred leadership and development projects across the state.

He described the commissioning of the college as a landmark achievement, alongside major projects such as the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges, extensive road networks, improved drainage systems and the near-completed Warri Modern Stadium.

Agbateyiniro said development projects had reached all parts of the state within three years, adding that the people of Warri South remained firmly behind the governor ahead of 2027.

The Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, thanked Oborevwori for his commitment to the development of riverine communities and urged him to sustain investments in schools, bridges, roads and jetties across riverine areas.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Courtney Omotoyine described the commissioning as the fulfillment of a long-held dream and a major step toward securing the future of young people in Delta State and Nigeria.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and Speakers of the Edo, Bayelsa and Anambra State Houses of Assembly.

February 2, 2026
Snakebite: Choir details how Abuja singer Ifunanya Nwangene died

The Amemuso Choir has given a harrowing account of the final hours of its soprano singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who died on Saturday after being bitten by a snake in her residence in Lugbe, Abuja.

Nwangene’s death, which occurred at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, has cast a harsh spotlight on emergency response gaps and the availability of life-saving antivenom in hospitals within the Federal Capital Territory.

“She was sleeping when the snake bit her”

Confirming the tragedy in a statement issued on Sunday, the choir announced that the fast-rising singer died barely hours after the incident.

“We regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away yesterday, January 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite,” the statement, signed by the choir’s Music Director, Sam Ezugwu, read.

The choir described her as a promising talent whose death came at a critical point in her musical journey.

“A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice, dedication, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by the Amemuso family and everyone who knew her,” the statement added.

Speaking further on how the incident unfolded, Ezugwu said Nwangene was bitten by a snake while asleep in her room on Saturday morning.

“She was sleeping when the snake bit her. This happened around 8 or 9am. She woke up, realised what had happened, and rushed herself to a private hospital around where she lives in Lugbe,” he said.

The hospital, identified as Divine Health Hospital, Trademore, Lugbe, was unable to provide the critical drug needed to treat snakebite victims.

“The snake bit her, and she rushed herself to the hospital. But when she got there, they told her they didn’t have antivenom. That was the first major problem,” Ezugwu explained.

With her condition worsening, she returned home in an attempt to get help to reach a tertiary hospital.

“She rushed back home. Her landlord wanted to take her to FMC, Jabi, but his car refused to start. At that point, time was already against her,” he said.

Left with no other option, Nwangene booked a ride-hailing service to the hospital.

“She booked a Bolt and went to FMC herself. When she arrived, she explained everything to the medical personnel on duty, that she had been bitten by a snake and that the first hospital didn’t have antivenom,” he added.

“They said they had only one antivenom”

According to Ezugwu, doctors at FMC immediately began attending to her, but another critical challenge emerged.

“When we got the call, we rushed down to FMC and met the doctors trying their best. She was already struggling at that point,” he said.

He disclosed that the hospital informed them that it had only one dose of antivenom, whereas her condition required more.

“The doctors told us they had one antivenom, but they needed a second one urgently. We were running around, making calls, trying to buy the second one,” Ezugwu recounted.

While efforts were ongoing to source the drug, Nwangene’s condition deteriorated rapidly.

“In the period we were rushing to get the second antivenom, she gave up,” he said.

She was pronounced dead at 12:20pm, barely three to four hours after the snake bite.

After her death, the choir said steps were taken to confirm the type of snake involved.

“We contacted a snake charmer who went to her room. The snake that was killed inside her room was identified as a cobra,” Ezugwu disclosed.

He added that another snake was also sighted and killed near the entrance of her residence.

“There was another snake outside her house by the entrance that was also killed,” he said.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding the singer’s death, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, expressed condolences to Nwangene’s family, describing the incident as tragic and emotionally distressing, while insisting that every possible medical effort was made to save her life.

In a press statement issued on Sunday by the hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bioku Muftau, FMC dismissed claims that the death of the 25-year-old singer, popularly known as Nanyah, was caused by the non-availability of anti-snake venom.

According to the statement, Nwangene died from severe neurotoxic complications arising from the snake bite she sustained on January 31, 2026, despite what the hospital described as prompt and appropriate medical intervention.

Read Also: FULL LIST: How to keep snakes away from your home

The hospital explained that following a rapid clinical assessment, doctors confirmed that the patient had already developed advanced neurotoxic effects, after which arrangements were made to transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further management.

However, FMC said her condition deteriorated suddenly shortly before the transfer could be completed.

“Despite aggressive resuscitative measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the patient could not be revived,” the statement said.

The hospital firmly refuted allegations that her death resulted from a lack of antivenom or negligence by its staff, describing such reports as misleading and inconsistent with the clinical facts.

“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her,” FMC stated.

“The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation. We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily.”

FMC urged the public to rely on credible and verified information rather than social media speculation, adding that it remains open to further inquiries regarding the incident.

February 2, 2026