The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Vigilante leader’s killing: Warri council leader challenges Delta govt on investigation

    Vigilante leader’s killing: Warri council leader challenges Delta govt on investigation

    Leader of Warri North Local Government Legislative Arm, Duakpemi Kunu Gift, has urged Delta State Government to conduct investigation into the death of the team leader of a security vigilante (SOS), Liberty Kunu.

    Kunu Gift, incidentally a blood brother to the deceased, made the demand in a statement yesterday.

    Liberty Kunu reportedly died in the custody of the police after he was arrested for alleged robbery.

    But Gift maintained that his brother was innocent of the alleged offence, as he noted that he had collaborated with security agencies in the past.

    The politician, who declared that Delta State Police Command was misled to label his brother a gun runner and robbery suspect, called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into circumstances that led to his brother’s death.

    The statement said:” I am deeply pained and compelled to speak out over the unjust killing and subsequent false labelling of my younger brother, Commander Liberty, who sacrificed his life in service to the security of Delta State.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    “Commander Liberty worked closely with Delta State Police Command and, by extension, Delta State Government, in the protection of lives and property within Warri, Sapele, and beyond. His commitment and courage contributed to the drastic reduction of cult clashes across parts of the state. Through his security outfit, SOS, his impact was felt from Oghara to Sapele, from Ughelli to Jesse, and across Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government. There are few communities in Delta State that his efforts did not touch.

    “His activities were not hidden. His photographs, videos and security operations were widely documented and shared on social media while he was alive.

    “It is on record that Comrade Umukoro Efemena, former UPU Youth Wing President, has publicly spoken on this matter in at least two video statements. He clearly stated what he knew about the circumstances that led to my brother’s death and confirmed that he personally engaged with the Commissioner of Police, who, according to him, was misled by those directly involved in this incident.

    “Despite these revelations, Delta State Government and Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command, have failed to conduct a thorough, transparent and independent investigation. Instead, they have chosen the unacceptable path of posthumously labelling my brother a kidnapper. Major media outlets, including ARISE News and AIT, have circulated claims that weapons recovered from him were illegal, despite the fact that those same weapons were officially approved for his security work.

    “Numerous individuals and communities have testified to Commander Liberty’s identity, integrity and sacrifices toward maintaining peace and security in Delta State.

    “I state here, without fear or favour, that I will pursue justice to its fullest legal extent. I will ensure every individual involved in the murder of Commander Liberty is held accountable, no matter how highly placed. Justice must be served.

    I have been deeply bereaved. I remained silent for a long time due to shock, pain and respect for due process. However, I can no longer keep mute while a government I am part of refuses to investigate properly and instead issues a callous, misleading and damaging statement against a man who gave his life for public safety.

    “This injustice is unacceptable.”

  • Why we endorsed council boss’ re-election with N2m, by Keke riders

    Why we endorsed council boss’ re-election with N2m, by Keke riders

    By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) has endorsed Awka South Local Government Chairman, Chinedu Okafor, for his second term bid.

    Chairman, Prince Collins Ozojiofor, who disclosed this during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), said the group donated N2 million as support for obtaining ticket.

    He said the decision to endorse the chairman was informed by his refusal to tax his members as well as willingness to attend to their needs.

    He said: “This gathering is not only to discuss pertinent issues at the AGM, which concern members’ welfare and challenges with enforcement agencies, but equally to endorse Awka South Council Chairman, Chinedu Okafor, for second term.

    “We the Keke riders, having seen the numerous support from the mayor, decided to contribute money, and we raised N2 million for him to get the ticket to continue his goodwill and developmental projects in Awka.

    “The tempo at which he is assisting us, ensuring that feeder roads are fixed and our members maintain the cordial relationship, is top-notch.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    “He has been giving us that cooperation; this is why we find it worthy to endorse him.”

    Ozojiofor advised Keke riders operating in the capital city and its environs to always remain law-abiding citizens, pay their taxes to government, obey traffic rules and shun cultism.

    Responding, the local government chairman, represented by his deputy, Sir Paul Ifemeh, said the council leadership under his watch prioritised the welfare of Keke operators.

    “We have no plans whatsoever to collect any revenue from them like other local government areas in the state that collect one revenue or the other from Keke riders.

    “This is the first ever support endorsement since Chinedu Okafor’s second bid commenced, and we are grateful for this, as well as ask Almighty God to replenish their pockets in million folds.’’

    The deputy chair assured people of continued support to the association in the possible way necessary.

    TOAN Public Relation Officer, Okwuchukwu Okoli, expressed joy about the endorsement, describing it as a way forward.

    “We are happy that today we endorse the Awka South mayor for his assistance. We urge him to continue profiling tricycle riders, which has helped identify bad eggs among us and reduce criminality in the state,” he said.

  • ‘Rebuild Nnobi police station’

    ‘Rebuild Nnobi police station’

    By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    A philanthropist, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu (Ikemba Idemili), has called on indigenes of Nnobi Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State to contribute towards rebuilding the abandoned police station destroyed by hoodlums.

    He spoke during a surprise visit with his wife, Dr. Mrs Thelma Ezeonu, to celebrate the new year with policemen at Nnobi Police Station.

    Ezeonu urged the indigenes to pull their resources together towards ensuring the police station became the best in the state with state-of-the-art facilities.

    He said: “I visited the station because security has improved significantly within Nnobi and its environs since the day CSP Uchechukwu Asadu was posted to Nnobi Police Station as the Divisional Police Officer.

    “The DPO we have now is very aggressive. He has reduced insecurity to almost 90 per cent. So, when someone is working extra hard, we have to figure out how to encourage them to do more.

    “I believe this year, Ndi Nnobi will come out together en masse to support him, so that Nnobi Police Station will be well recognised in Anambra State as one of the safest places,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    “Some other DPOs may come around and there will be trouble, war everywhere, but since CSP Asadu came, the atmosphere has been calm, showing he is here to bring peace.

    “This visit today with my wife is the beginning of many more visits. I am taking this opportunity to call on Ndi Nnobi living anywhere in the world to support the police in our community.

    “Nnobi is our hometown and the people ensuring lives and property are safe are the police led by CSP Asadu.

    “Police officers are your friends, know what they are passing through, no amount is too small to assist them towards making our society a better place.

    “Ask him how you can be of help because without them, we may not be enjoying the kind of peace we are witnessing in the last few months.

    “If you are waiting for the government to do everything for us, it is not possible. It is the people that must come together to see how they can make the job of security agents easier for them.’’

    Distributing gifts to officers, Ezeonu assured them that they would not be forgotten.

    He said: “We are here to encourage everyone of you with bags of rice and other gifts.”

    Responding, CSP Asadu, flanked by the DCO, DSP Ogbonna Uchechi, thanked Ezeonu and others for their support to the station.

    He said: “Nnobi Police Station has been attacked three times. Although it happened before I was posted as the DPO here in November 2024.

    “We have been doing what are expected of us to ensure Nnobi, Alor, Nnokwa and Awkaetiti remain crime free. The residents can sleep with their two eyes closed.

    “The only problem we have here is logistics. There are no patrol vehicles here. As I am talking to you now, we are using vigilante’s van to patrol, which is not the best, although we are managing it that way.

    “I thank people like High Chief Ezeonu and others, who are always coming around to feel what we are passing through and to offer one assistance or the other.

    “I am very excited with this call Ikemba Nnobi is doing today, appealing to his people to come to our aid. This shows Nnobi people are very supportive to make us happy.

    “I appreciate the food and drinks Ikemba and his wife gave us to make us feel like others. More so, I appreciate the Solution Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, who is doing his best security wise.

    “The creation of Agunechemba/Udogachi has helped the police. My rugged CP Orutugu is not sleeping. He is doing everything possible to make sure Anambra residents sleep with their two eyes closed. His encouragement is second to none.

    “I thank My Mayor, Iyom Ifeabata. I pray that God will give her a second tenure as the Idemili South Local Government chairperson.”

  • ‘Why we must promote unity’

    ‘Why we must promote unity’

    A female traditional ruler in Eyong Abatim community, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Obongawan (Queen) Marie Ikpeme Erete (Aruk Ii), has called for unity among Nigerians.

    She also sought promotion of local industries.

    The traditional leader is renewing calls for the promotion of Nigerian products, as a pathway to national prosperity.

    Obongawan Marie spoke in Calabar, Cross River State capital, while unfolding her efforts to resuscitate and promote Efik culture.

    Popularly recognised as Queen (Aruk Ii), she said Nigerians should embrace their heritage and support local industries.

    She called on Nigerians in particular and Africans in general to engage in the promotion of their culture, rather than allow their cultural values and traditions to go into extinction.

    Speaking on the benefits of patronising locally-made goods, Erete highlighted the comfort and practicality of traditional cotton attire in Nigeria’s tropical climate.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    She said: “Our cotton materials are far cooler for this sort of heat. We need to support our own.”

    The royal figure said collective support for local products was crucial to national growth, urging Nigerians to prioritise unity and teamwork over individualism:

    “We can succeed much better if we work as a team, rather than work individually.”

    She also emphasised the importance of instilling cultural values in the younger generation.

    Said she: “You need to teach your children to value what they have, protect it and promote it. By promoting our products, they will get better, and it will enrich the country.”

    Addressing concerns about economic limitations, Erete invoked the adage, “drip, drip, drip, the pot will become filled,” encouraging Nigerians to persist in supporting local industries, irrespective of the challenges.

    The queen called for an end to harmful practices such as backbiting and ill-treatment, enjoining citizens to channel their energy into constructive endeavours. Erete’s message underscores the power of unity and local patronage in driving Nigeria’s development, with a clear call to action.

  • Okpe palace annex sparks power play, revives Sapele ownership dispute

    Okpe palace annex sparks power play, revives Sapele ownership dispute

    The groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Okpe Kingdom Palace Annex in Sapele has reignited long-simmering disputes over land ownership, traditional authority and political influence in the oil-rich Delta town, raising fresh concerns over peace amid sharp exchanges between Urhobo and Itsekiri interests.

    On January 24, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, performed the ceremony, describing the project as historic.

    “It gives me great pleasure to witness a historical milestone as I performed the groundbreaking of my new Palace Annex in Sapele township that will serve as a centre for the promotion of our cultural heritage for generations to come,” the monarch said.

    The move drew swift commendation from the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, which hailed the annex as “bold, visionary and statesmanlike,” insisting it was “a strategic, lawful and dignified response” to territorial disputes.

    “The Palace Annex unmistakably asserts that Okpe land remains Okpe land to be protected, administered and preserved,” the UPU declared.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    Political endorsement followed, with Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, describing the project as “a reaffirmation of identity, legitimacy and cultural heritage.”

    He said it underscored “the overlordship of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom as the only recognised traditional ruler in Sapele.”

    However, the development attracted a sharp Itsekiri rebuttal contained in a public notice titled: ‘Caveat Emptor’, by the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, where he warned that the action could inflame communal tension.

    “Sapele is not the exclusive town of the Okpe people… Sapele from time immemorial belongs to the Itsekiri people/nation,” he said, citing colonial records and court judgments.

    “The Orodje of Okpe should restrict his authority and confine his activities to the said 510 acres,” he warned, describing any expansion beyond that as “an invitation to communal crisis.”

    The controversy is layered with intrigue as last year, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Atuwatse III, paid a widely noted visit to the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe, at Orerokpe, a gesture interpreted as conciliatory amid disputes over the hosting of Itsekiri Day in Sapele and the installation of the Olara-Aja, the oldest man in Itsekiri community.

    That visit, hailed by observers as statesmanlike, now contrasts sharply with the renewed tension.

    Within Itsekiri ranks, moderation has also emerged. Sir Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), said Sapele’s land question is neither ethnic nor uniform.

    “On land ownership in Sapele, it has been clearly stated by the Supreme Court that it is on family basis,” he said, adding, “the Okpe families that own land in Sapele are under the Orodje of Okpe. The Itsekiri families that own land in Sapele are under the Olu of Warri.”

    He said: “If the Orodje of Okpe wants to open a sub-palace in Sapele, it is within his rights… but he can only do so in the areas owned by Okpe families.”

    A contrasting Urhobo position was articulated by a social commentator, Ejiro Imuere, who rejected the “misleading propaganda.”

    “There is one misleading propaganda by the Itsekiri who are claiming that Okpe only owns 510 acres of land… this is wrong,” he said, insisting that court records affirmed wider Okpe ownership.

    “The judgment was very clear… the Itsekiri did not dispute the Okpe ownership of the other adjoining land,” Imuere stated, concluding that “the Itsekiri should be cautioned… and desist from any provocative actions that may threaten the peace and stability of Sapele.”

  • Awka South chair declares war on illegal tax collectors

    Awka South chair declares war on illegal tax collectors

    The Mayor of Awka South Local Government in Anambra State, Prince Chinedu Okafor, has declared war on illegal tax collectors at markets in the area, especially, eke-Awka.

    The chairman, who stormed eke-Awka market to create awareness on the decision of the council, assured the traders of adequate security at the market, saying the era of extortion from the traders in the name of tax was over.

    He alerted traders to certain individuals who were fraudulently posing as government agents and unlawfully collecting taxes.

    He said Anambra State Government and Awka South Local Government had prohibited such illegal tax collection, labelling it as a fraudulent act that exploited honest traders.

    Okafor, specifically, mentioned one individual (name withheld), who has been implicated in the illegal tax scheme and is now wanted by the authorities.

    “This means security forces have been instructed to apprehend him whenever he is spotted, as his actions breach government regulations and disrupt public order at the market,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    The mayor urged traders not to engage with or pay anything to any unauthorised tax collector.

    He encouraged them to report any such incident to local government security personnel, using the dedicated phone number.

    “This initiative aims to ensure a swift response, bolster security and protect traders from harassment, extortion and financial loss,” the chairman said.

    Okafor reinforced government’s commitment to transparency, lawful revenue collection and safety of everyone at the market.

  • Ebonyi community, mining firm sign N2b five-year agreement

    Ebonyi community, mining firm sign N2b five-year agreement

    Ameka community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has entered a new chapter in its long mining history, as it signed a landmark five-year Community Development Agreement (CDA) valued at over N2 billion with First Patriots Limited.

    The agreement, signed in the presence of state officials, community leaders and stakeholders, is aimed at ensuring peaceful mining operations, while guaranteeing tangible development benefits for the host community.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, described Ameka as a “special community”, noting it was one of the earliest mining areas not only in Ebonyi State, but also in the entire Southeast.

    Onyia said historical records showed Ameka and neighbouring Enyigba were among the first places where early European explorers carried out mining over a century ago.

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    “Ameka has been on the world map for over 100 years. The first white men who came to Ebonyi worked here, and to the glory of God, these mineral resources have remained inexhaustible,” he said.

    The commissioner acknowledged the concerns of the community over land ownership and mineral rights, noting that while land belonged to individuals and state governments, minerals were vested in the Federal Government under Nigerian law.

    He appealed to the community for continued cooperation, stressing that development often comes with challenges but must be guided by the constitution and existing laws.

    Onyia assured the people that Ebonyi State Government would not allow any investor to impoverish the host community.

    “If the intention of First Patriots Limited is to come here and impoverish Ameka people, the same state government supporting you will push you away,” he warned. “You are here to make profit, yes, but you are also here to impact lives.”

    He challenged the company to go beyond the written agreement in fulfilling its social responsibilities, urging it to maintain a harmonious and respectful relationship with the people.

    “These are your landlords; you are their tenant,” Onyia said, adding that peaceful coexistence would guarantee ease of doing business and sustained government support.

    Satya Penneru, a director at First Patriots Limited, said the company was committed to the agreement, which included provision of infrastructure such as roads, training programmes, scholarships and other community development projects.

    “The total commitment is around N2 to N2.5 billion over five years, and that is 100 per cent what we intend to deliver,” Penneru said. “Beyond what is written, we will still do much more.”

    He said the company had been operating in Ebonyi State since 2015 and had never defaulted on its promises, adding that peace was critical to progress.

    “If peace is there, progress will automatically be there,” he said, citing examples where the company had helped resolve long-standing communal conflicts in other mining areas.

    Also speaking, a member of the community and Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Michael Awoke, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, describing it as inclusive and sensitive to the developmental needs of Ameka.

    “We have been praying for this type of development to happen,” he said. “The agreement is very accommodating and addresses many of the problems facing Ameka community.”

    Addressing concerns about possible mismanagement of benefits by stakeholders, Awoke said the agreement outlined a sharing formula that must be strictly followed.

    “Stakeholders here have unanimously accepted the agreement, and we will ensure it is implemented rigidly, without default,” he added.

    Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ) has unsealed the mining site for the company to begin operations.

    The Commander, Mining Marshals, Southeast Zone, Nkoro Emmanuel, unsealed the site shortly after the signing of the agreement.

    He said the site was sealed off due to illegal mining going on by another company at the site.

    He noted that he unsealed the site because First Patriots had fulfilled regulations and requirements, including the agreement signed with the community.

    “We successful evacuated the illegal mining company that mined here illegally. So I hereby unseal the site for First Patriots, the rightful owner of the site,” he said.

    The signing of the agreement was greeted with optimism by residents, who see it as a major opportunity to translate Ameka’s rich mineral endowment into sustainable development, improved infrastructure and better living conditions for the people.

  • Jubilation in community as Soludo inaugurates monarch-funded road

    Jubilation in community as Soludo inaugurates monarch-funded road

    By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    It was jubilation galore in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the inauguration of the 1.2-kilometre Nzegwu Okoye Road by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    The project was funded and executed by the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, under Soludo’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model.

    Speaking during the inauguration, the governor said true measure of prestige was no longer found in titles, but in the tangible impact made through community service and local ownership.

    He says rather than waiting for government’s intervention, the ‘Anambra Spirit’ thrives when individuals take ownership of their environment.

    “Sense of community is the foundation for the progress of Anambra,” he added.

    Describing the monarch’s gesture as perfect alignment with his administration’s philosophy, Soludo encouraged further private, community investment in public infrastructure.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    He highlighted his standing pledge to any citizen ready to step up, stressing, “once you build it, I’ll come and inaugurate it.”

    The governor utilised the platform to challenge the elite to rethink their contributions to the society.

    He urged well-meaning individuals to pivot from ceremonial displays of wealth toward substantive community service.

    “By following Igwe Emeka’s lead, citizens become partners in governance; ensuring development is not just ‘government-owned’ but ‘people-owned,’ the governor said.

    The benefactor appreciated the governor for gracing the event, expressing confidence that the road would enhance mobility, boost commerce, among others.

  • Akwa Ibom community gets borehole, phone charging centre

    Akwa Ibom community gets borehole, phone charging centre

    Indigenes of Ikot Ebo Ikono community in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have heaved a sigh of relief, following the installation of 5,000 litres borehole.

    The villagers are also happy that the problem of charging their phones has been solved. Before, they used to spend between N800 and N1,000 travelling to far areas to charge their phones.

    Their nightmarish experience was overturned last Saturday by a couple, Mr & Mrs Itoro Atakpa and Mr Cavil Inwang, an aide to Governor Umo Eno on Digital Marketing and Social Media.

    Mrs Atakpa, presenting the items to the community on behalf of her husband, an indigene of the community, said it was part of connecting to their roots and giving back to their kith and kin.

    Atakpa said the150 feet borehole had a capacity to store 5,000 litres of water, adding that the facility was powered by two 644 watts bifacial solar panels.

    READ ALSO: Electoral Act 2026 can undermine 2027 polls, says Galadima

    “The solar panels power a pump that pumps water from underground up to the tank that you see there. The tank is 5,000 litres in volume and it supplies water to the output points we’ve installed here.

    “There’s an outlet at the home of the pastor of Qua Iboe Church. There is another outlet at our auntie’s house behind.

    “And then as you can see behind me, we have three outlets that are meant for the community, for anyone who wants to come and use water, those are available publicly,” she said.

    On the charging of phones, she said: “As we know in this day and age, people need their phones. People need their phones to communicate with their families, to run their businesses, to be productive, even to use the internet and so on. So that was one of the challenges we saw here.

    “So, typically, a lot of people will pay fare of N500 to a place that is not close to here and pay N300 to charge their phones, pay N500 to come back.

    “So it’s not easy. It’s like an investment. So, some people will go days without turning on their phones because they can’t make that investment.”

    The elated head of the community, Etteidung Samuel Moses Udoh, thanked Governor Eno for remembering Ikot Ebo by appointing their son, Mr  Inwang, as his aide.

    Udoh said they used to go to Urua Nkpafi to charge phone, ‘’but with the intervention, the villagers are now happy.’’

  • Lagos enjoins business owners to embrace technology

    Lagos enjoins business owners to embrace technology

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Bolaji Dada, said businesses must now combine entrepreneurship with digital competence to remain competitive.

     She said this at the “Graduation of the Beneficiaries of The 3-Day Digital Business Skills and Android Phone Empowerment Programme”, held at the Women Development Centre, Agege, Lagos.

    “As the business environment evolves, driven by technology, digital platforms and artificial intelligence, it has become clear that traditional skills alone are no longer sufficient. Businesses must now combine entrepreneurship with digital competence to remain competitive,” she said.

     She added that the initiative reflects the core mandate of WAPA to uplift indigent and vulnerable residents of Lagos State, particularly women and youths, through practical skills and tools for sustainable livelihoods, noting that over 1,100 Lagos residents have benefitted from the initiative.

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    She said the beneficiaries were trained in digital marketing, online visibility and customer engagement, and were supported with Android smartphones as business tools to help grow and scale their enterprises.

    She added that the programme which aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government was part of strengthening grassroots businesses and expanding economic opportunities and building a 21st Century Economy in Lagos State.

    She further urged the beneficiaries to use the skills and tools responsibly, apply what they learnt with discipline and integrity, and translate it into sustainable business growth and improved livelihoods.

    She appreciated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his “continued support for women empowerment, development and poverty alleviation” in Lagos State.

    Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Rianat Onigbajo, said the skills acquired can be applied instantly and was aimed at strengthening the business operations of market women, small businesses, young adults and artisans across Lagos State.

    She lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for WAPA, Bolaji Dada, and the Director, Poverty Alleviation Department, Toyin Salami, alongside her team, for their “commitment to the successful delivery of the programme.”

    She urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills acquired responsibly, maximize the tools provided and use digital platforms to grow their businesses.