The Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo, Oharisi III, has hailed Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the Otovwodo flyover, describing it as a transformative project that will redefine Ughelli.
Speaking at his palace on Tuesday after the project’s groundbreaking, the monarch said the flyover marked a major development milestone that would improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and boost economic activities.
He commended the Governor’s leadership, citing completed roads around the Otovwodo axis, other infrastructure projects in the kingdom, and the inclusion of Ughelli indigenes in key positions.
“This flyover will permanently change the face of Ughelli and be remembered by generations yet unborn,” he said.
He pledged the kingdom’s support and prayers for the Governor.
Oborevwori thanked the monarch and people of Ughelli, reaffirming his commitment to impactful infrastructure delivery under the MORE Agenda.
The governor noted that the flyover would enhance traffic flow, safety, and commerce.
The Governor also visited Olorogun Morrison Olori, founder of the Ukodo Nation Political Support Group, where he received commendation and assurances of continued support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makurdi has hosted a high-level stakeholder consultation workshop to commence the pilot phase of the Spring Project, an initiative designed to enhance food security and support peacebuilding efforts in Benue and Plateau States.
The programme aims to introduce a new framework that links peacebuilding with strategic food security planning.
Speaking during the workshop on Tuesday, the Project Coordinator at the Supply Chain and Research Innovation Hub (SCRIH), Dr. Shalem Shiekuma, said the initiative seeks to develop a sustainable roadmap for communities severely affected by insecurity.
He explained that the pilot phase is focused on Benue and Plateau, particularly in local government areas where communal clashes and insecurity have destroyed livelihoods and caused a sharp drop in agricultural output.
“Our focus is on food security,” Dr. Shiekuma stated. “We all know the insecurity challenges in Benue have resulted in a food crisis. This project intends to develop a strategic food security plan to promote resilience and build peace in these affected communities.”
The workshop brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including the Ministries of Agriculture, Women Affairs and Youth, the State Peace Building Commission, and experts from Father Moses Adasu University and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, to provide evidence-based contributions.
Dr. Shiekuma noted that the project has engaged traditional rulers and local government officials since its inception.
He also clarified the project’s financial structure, explaining that the Spring Project is funded by UK Aid and does not require financial input from the Benue State Government.
The state serves as a collaborative partner under a Memorandum of Understanding governing implementation.
He expressed optimism over the progress achieved during the inception and entry-level stages, describing the reception from local authorities as overwhelming and cordial. The data and strategies generated so far, he said, will underpin a broader rollout that may extend to other regions in Nigeria facing similar internal conflicts.
Stakeholders at the meeting described the initiative as viable and expressed hope that it would improve living conditions for communities affected by the farmers–herders crisis.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has launched an extensive empowerment initiative for residents of the Kano North senatorial district.
Announcing the scheme, his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Shitu Kunchi, said 1,300 beneficiaries from the district will receive N100,000 each month for 12 months.
Kano North comprises 14 local government areas, including Bagwai, Bichi, Dambatta, Dawaki Tofa, Gabasawa, Gwarzo, Kabo, Karaye, Kunchi, Makoda, Rimin Gado, Shanono, Tofa, and Tsanyawa.
Beginning in February, the initiative will provide monthly capital support to 1,300 individuals across these local governments, amounting to 18,200 beneficiaries and a total disbursement of N218.2 million over one year.
The programme also includes the distribution of 130 vehicles to transport associations, 1,000 motorcycles, 1,300 sewing machines with bags of flour, 1,300 bicycles, 1,300 noodle-making machines, and 1,300 deep freezers to support small-scale enterprises.
In addition, 150 football teams will receive jerseys and balls, bringing the total to 1,950 teams across the district.
Senator Jibrin stated that the initiative is designed to strengthen economic activity, education, and sports development in Kano North, with plans to replicate similar programmes in Kano Central and Kano South.
Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, describing its continued seizure as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic freedoms.
Hashim made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Sowore, who paid him a courtesy visit during a meeting with PDP chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.
Speaking during the interaction, Hashim recalled their shared pro-democracy struggles dating back to 1989, when Sowore was one of his protégés.
He said the meeting was not a nostalgic exercise, but a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Nigeria’s democratic space.
According to Hashim, Sowore’s courage, consistency, and refusal to bow to intimidation have made him a symbol of principled resistance and a rallying point for young Nigerians demanding a new political order.
“Nigeria is worth fighting for, and meaningful change is possible, no matter how difficult,” Hashim said.
He condemned what he described as the sustained persecution of Sowore for speaking truth to power, noting that the continued seizure of his passport has effectively punished him without conviction and denied him the basic right to family life.
Hashim warned that democracies collapse when dissent is criminalized, stressing that the protection of opposing voices is a non-negotiable pillar of democratic governance.
He therefore called on President Tinubu to act decisively by ordering the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Sowore to reconnect with longtime comrades, as participants reflected on defining moments that shaped their lifelong commitment to democracy, civic courage, and accountable leadership.
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Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has recounted her meeting with individuals living with lupus in Abeokuta, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding towards those affected by the medical condition.
Akindele, who recently visited the community for her movie, ‘Behind the Scenes’ meet and greet, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the group, stating that the experience had touched her heart deeply.
During the meeting, Akindele stressed that lupus is not contagious and should not be stigmatised, urging support and understanding for those living with the condition.
She reiterated her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness about valuable causes and share impactful stories.
Akindele wrote, “My trip to Abeokuta for Behind The Scenes meet and greet was so much fun, I was surrounded by hugs, smiles and gratitude that touched my heart deeply.
“Meeting people living with lupus who felt seen through Behind the Scenes reminded me why stories rooted in empathy, self-care and self-love truly matter.
“Lupus is not contagious. It is a medical condition, not a label and never a reason to hide.
“To everyone living with it, you are not alone. My purpose is to keep shining light on valuable causes and the people whose stories deserve to be heard.
The event was organised in collaboration with Lureg Support, and Akindele expressed her appreciation for the recognition and opportunity to shine a light on the lupus community.
“Thank you @luregsupport for this moment and the recognition”, she added.
The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has extended his condolences to the families of five persons who died on Monday after a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vehicle crashed into them at Lawanti village in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The accident, which occurred along the Bauchi–Gombe highway, also left several others injured.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Umar Jibril, the Minister described the tragedy as a significant loss to the bereaved families and to the people of Gombe State.
The statement read, “My deep condolences to the people of Lawanti district of Akko LGA, Gombe State, and particularly the families of five who lost their lives in a tragedy that involved a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) which rammed into them at Lawanti village along Bauchi-Gombe highway on Monday, 12th January, 2026.
“The incident is a huge loss not only to the bereaved families but to the state as a whole, given the circumstances that led to their death.”
The Minister who prayed for the repose of the departed souls asked God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident.
The Delta State Government has released ₦1 billion to the Bank of Industry (BoI) as a revolving loan fund for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced this on Tuesday at the Government House, Asaba, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BoI for the management of the fund.
He described the initiative as a key milestone in his administration’s MORE Agenda, aimed at driving inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable economic development.
Oborevwori said the fund, approved by the State Executive Council in 2025, was designed to ease MSMEs’ access to affordable finance, stressing that small businesses remain the backbone of the economy and the largest source of employment and growth.
Oborevwori said: “By providing our traders, artisans, agro-processors and small-scale manufacturers with access to capital at single-digit interest rates, we are equipping them with the resources they need to expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to our economy.”
According to him, the financial window was deliberately structured to reduce the burden of high borrowing costs that often stifle entrepreneurial growth, while ensuring sustainability through a revolving loan system for the entrepreneurs.
“This N1 billion is a revolving fund. Loans granted under this arrangement must be recovered so that other eligible entrepreneurs can also benefit. This responsibility is non-negotiable and must be discharged with the utmost diligence and integrity,” he stressed.
Governor Oborevwori explained that the choice of the Bank of Industry as managers of the fund was informed by its proven track record as Nigeria’s foremost development finance institution, with strong credit appraisal systems and business support frameworks.
He said, “Our partnership with the Bank of Industry goes beyond finance. It integrates vital business development and support services that entrepreneurs need to succeed and thrive in today’s highly competitive economy,” adding that he was confident in the Bank’s capacity to manage the fund transparently and efficiently.
The Governor also reflected on the state’s long history of empowerment programmes, noting that while grants remain relevant, excessive reliance on them could undermine accountability.
He clarified that the initiative would not replace existing empowerment schemes, assuring that the government would continue to roll out grants and other support programmes where necessary.
“This MoU is another critical pillar of our broader economic empowerment strategy. It complements, rather than replaces, our ongoing interventions,” he said.
On the timing of the programme, the Governor disclosed that although it was initially planned for December, it was shifted to January to ensure maximum impact.
Looking ahead, he assured that the ₦1 billion fund could be significantly scaled up if properly managed.
“If this fund demonstrates impact, there will be no limit to what we can do together. We can scale it to ₦10 billion, ₦20 billion or even ₦30 billion. This is a starting point,” the Governor declared.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, described the partnership as a strategic step towards expanding enterprise activities and unlocking sustainable economic growth in the state.
He said the ₦1 billion revolving fund provided by the Delta State Government, would strengthen MSMEs by improving access to affordable finance and deepening collaboration between the state government and Nigeria’s premier development finance institution.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Bank of Industry’s mandate of translating policy priorities into practical financing solutions that address business challenges across key sectors of the economy.
“As Nigeria’s leading development finance institution, the Bank of Industry remains committed to working closely with governments and the private sector to create opportunities for businesses to innovate, create value and remain competitive,” he said.
The MD expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its commitment to economic development, describing the MoU as a clear demonstration of the administration’s economic drive.
The United States (U.S) has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria to support the ongoing security operations.
This was disclosed by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) on its official X account on Tuesday.
AFRICOM said the delivery of the supplies underscored the U.S. security partnership with Nigeria.
The post read, “U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership.”
The delivery is coming barely about 18 days after the U.S government launched deadly strikes on terrorists in Nigeria.
The U.S military on December 24, 2025 launched “powerful and deadly” strikes against ISIS affiliated groups in Jabo, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto.
The ISIS affiliate in Nigeria is known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). It operates primarily in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin, but is also said to have spread to the North-West.
AFRICOM in its X account stated that the strike was at “the request of Nigerian authorities.”
The spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, had said in a statement that the “precision hits” was in keeping with “structured security cooperation with international partners”.
He said, “Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” the statement reads.
“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West.
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.”
…says enduring legacies are built on discipline, consistency, strength of character
…extols Hadiza Bala Usman’s public service record at 50th birthday colloquium
Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged Nigerian public servants to remain selfless and committed to excellence, stressing that enduring legacies in service are sustained by daily discipline, consistency of effort, and strength of character.
Senator Shettima spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a colloquium organised to mark the 50th birthday of Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the most impactful records in public service are built through resilience and a steady commitment to excellence, regardless of the challenges inherent in building durable institutions.
“If we are to raise more generations of Nigerians ready to lead with purpose, to deliver with excellence, and to serve with courage, we must remember this truth: intention without the willingness to pay the price of service remains wishful thinking,” he said.
Eulogising the celebrant, Shettima described Bala Usman as a mirror not only for the northern Nigerian girl, but for the nation at large, noting that her public service legacy was neither built on spectacle nor sustained by applause.
“There is no doubt that Usman’s place in our public service history is secure. What she has become was a product of decisions taken quietly, responsibilities carried fully, and institutions strengthened with care,” the Vice President said.
He added that Bala Usman earned her influence through a rare blend of grace and grit, clarity guided by courage, and a deliberate commitment to excellence that has helped shape Nigeria’s national direction.
The Vice President noted that her journey was particularly significant, given the scarcity of role models for ambitious young women in parts of the country, stressing that her rise provided proof that such ambition is not only permitted but attainable through hard work and conviction.
“She grew into responsibility early, stepping into critical policy spaces when many are still finding their voice,” Shettima said, adding that her achievements were deliberate and sustained by faith in the demanding work of nation-building.
“May your example continue to guide those who still believe that service, when done well, can ennoble a nation,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the gathering was convened to honour a life defined by purpose, courage and unwavering commitment to service under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Gbajabiamila recalled that when Bala Usman transitioned into state and national government, she introduced structure to governance and clarity in priorities, eventually enforcing far-reaching reforms at the Nigerian Ports Authority, one of the country’s most strategic and complex agencies.
Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended Bala Usman’s support for initiatives benefiting young Nigerians, noting her consistent relevance to youth-focused programmes across government.
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar Abubakar, described the celebrant as a friend of over three decades, praising her commitment to principles, quiet clarity and conviction in both private and public life.
Responding, Bala Usman expressed gratitude to the dignitaries who attended the colloquium, thanking President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and others for their roles in her political and personal journey.
She recalled her involvement in election planning since 2015 and her tenure at the NPA, reaffirming her commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the continued betterment of Nigeria.
Other attendees at the event were ministers, including Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation); Abubakar Kyrie (Agriculture and Food Security); Ayodele Olawande (Youth Development); Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad (Education State); Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure (FCT State).
Also at the event were former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; as well as the Senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; the spouse of the celebrant and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; among other top dignitaries from across the country and beyond.
