The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Residents debunk allegation of mass killings, arson in Enugu community

    Residents debunk allegation of mass killings, arson in Enugu community

    • ‘Rape victim not dead’

    The people of Eha-Amufu, a border town in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have debunked alleged recent mass killings and arson in their communities. The indigenes spoke to reporters, who were on a fact-finding mission.

     President-General of Mgbuji Eha-Amufu, Donatus Odoh, said: “On the issue of the protest being done last week or so, on the supposed killing of 100 or 200 persons in Eha-Amufu recently in one video being circulated, none of that happened.

    “Nothing happened in Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu two weeks ago. But there was an incident in another autonomous community in February, where Igwurube Ndubuisi Donatus was killed, but I cannot give details because I was not there.’’

    He also said although there was a rape victim from another community, he was involved in arranging her medical treatment, following government’s intervention, saying she was not dead as claimed during the protest.

    “I saw the woman on a bike returning from the market the other day. She was healthy,” Odoh emphasised.

    Another community leader, Chief Richard Ogenyi, said but for isolated incidents, security had continued to improve since the 2022 attack through the interventions of the state and local governments under Governor Mbah and the Council Chairman, Obiora Obeagu.

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    He emphasised that there were no such ongoing attacks and mass killings as portrayed by the protesters on social media recently.

    “From my view, they protested against the herdmen’s invasion of our place and their inability to farm like before because as you can see, this place is called Orie Ogbete or Orie Uzo Ugbo Mgbuji. It was a lively place before the herdsmen drove us away in 2022.

    “How I view what happened one or two weeks ago as an independent person is that what the women did was good because it would create awareness.

    “But the truth is that there was an element of politics in the protest and I am not happy about it because they would have focused on the main issue.

    “I am surprised to hear that many people were killed in Eha-Amufu. After the incident of 2022, we have not witnessed such a number of killings being circulated.

    “Since Obiora Obeagu’s second term and the Governor Mbah administration, we have witnessed a lot of security improvement and insecurity has dropped drastically. As for the recent protest on ongoing mass killings, none happened in Mgbuji here where I come from apart from the damaging of crops by the herdsmen,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, the rape victim from Abor Eha-Amufu, confirmed the incident.

    Council Chairman, Obeagu, while admitting the existence of security challenges, refuted the story of any recent killings in the communities, except that of an undergraduate, noting that the Mbah Administration had since coming into office in 2023, continued to put in place security and infrastructural measures that had ensured that what happened in 2022 did not repeat itself.

    These include the deployment of over 150 soldiers, Special Forces with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and gun trucks, collaboration between the state government and Nigerian Army to construct military barracks in that border community, and the nearly completed 21.7km Agape-Agu Mgbuji-Ogbete asphalt road to open up our farm settlements and enhance security and vehicular access to the farmlands and forests.

    He blamed bad politics and deliberate lies and misinformation for the protest.

    “So, when people tell you it was a spontaneous protest, it was not. It was orchestrated, very well planned. In one of the clips I watched, a man was in the background like a hype man, trying to hype the situation. I heard him say that last week 200 people were killed, this week 100 people were killed. Yet, he did not show the burnt houses, nobody was showing any images, while the things they talked about are things that are graphic. People tried to throw up things, but when you see it, you will see those are things that happened two to three years ago. I saw a woman talking about what they did to her husband and herself in the last four years.

    “In summary, we have challenges and problems, and we are dealing with them. If it was what happened in Eha-Amufu recently, there’s nothing like mass killings, nothing like burning of houses by herders, it did not happen. Feel free, go into the town and ask questions. Tell them to take you to the place all those things happened. I can bet you nobody will show you one,” he said.

  • Imo CPC kicks off World Consumer Rights Day 2025 with roadshow

    Imo CPC kicks off World Consumer Rights Day 2025 with roadshow

    Owerri, Imo State, came alive at the weekend as the State Consumer Protection Council staged a dynamic roadshow to mark the prelude to World Consumer Rights Day 2025.

    The event aimed to raise awareness about safeguarding consumers from hazardous goods and services while ensuring they are well-informed about product quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and pricing.

    The Director-General, Imo CPC, Mrs. Obioma Okafor, said that the council was committed to empowering consumers to identify substandard products in the market.

    “We are committed to empowering consumers with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices,” said Dr. (Mrs.) Okafor.

    She emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from unfair trade practices. “Our mission resonates deeply with the global theme of World Consumer Rights Day.”

    The roadshow, dubbed the ‘Imo Roadshow,’ saw participants marching through key areas of Owerri, engaging the public with messages of vigilance in the face of substandard goods and deceptive marketing tactics.

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    She said “This event sets the stage for the main event scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State, which promises to bring together stakeholders, policymakers, and consumers to advocate for robust consumer rights and protections.

    “Moreover, the road show in Owerri, Imo State, served as a powerful platform for consumer education and empowerment. By arming consumers with knowledge and resources, the CPC is working towards creating a more equitable and consumer-friendly environment for all citizens,” she stated.

    The road show which started from the CPC headquarters , down to the heart of Owerri, attracted diverse crowds who are eager to learn more about consumer protection laws and how to assert their rights in the marketplace.

  • Police kill six suspected kidnappers in Abia, rescue four victims

    Police kill six suspected kidnappers in Abia, rescue four victims

    Personnel of Abia Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), have killed six members of a kidnap gang operating in the state.

    This is as the  governor, Dr. Alex Otti has vowed not to cede an inch of the state to criminals.

     The governor who stated this at the Banquet Hall of the State Government House on Friday evening during a press conference where the state Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa presented four of the rescued victims to him, also promised an undisclosed cash reward to the police tactical team members that embarked on the operation.

    Otti who commended the bravery of the police tactical teams assured residents and investors of their safety and the safety of their businesses and investments.

    The governor who ordered the demolition of the bungalow where the victims were kept, also ordered the landlord of the building be fished out.

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    He also directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to meet with traditional rulers in the area where the incident happened. Otti noted that a traditional ruler, who is the chief security officer of his domain, would not claim ignorance of the activities of such individuals in his community.

    While reaffirming that he administration would continue to secure every part of the state, the governor also disclosed that the state was planning to construct and equip a modern security and command center in the state.

     Earlier, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that the combined police tactical team members neutralised the six members of the kidnapping gang operating in the state at Osokwa in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state after they were overpowered in a shootout.

    The state police boss who disclosed that the kidnap gang abducted the victims along New Umuahia Road, said that the police rescued the four male victims unhurt.

    CP Isa who disclosed that victims were rescued by his men through the help of modern technology provided for them by the governor of the state, stated that the combined police team also recovered three AK-47 and 32 rounds of ammunition.

    He disclosed that some other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds in the heat of the shooting between his men and the gang members.

    Speaking, one of the rescued victims said that the gunmen double crossed and whisked them away to an unknown destination at gunpoint.

     The victim who disclosed that their captors starved them since March 9, when they were kidnapped, further hinted  that they were kept in an air-tight room and forced to part with their phones and other valuables, including cash that they transferred to them.

    He thanked the police for swinging into action to save them from the hands of their captors.

    “On Friday (today) after praying, we heard gunshots and while we were wondering what was happening, police came into the room and rescued us.”

  • Mbah relocates popular Coal Camp Spare Parts Market to 9th Mile

    Mbah relocates popular Coal Camp Spare Parts Market to 9th Mile

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, has signed an Executive Order relocating the current spare parts and allied trades markets as well as all other related industrial and commercial activities in the Coal Camp and other neighbourhoods within the Enugu Capital Territory to the site of the new International Spare Parts and Allied Trades Park.

    The new site traverses Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas along the Enugu-Onitsha Road of the state.

    The Executive Order is entitled the Designation and Establishment of the Enugu International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Traders Park, Nsude, Udi LGA and Ogwofia Owa in Ezeagu LGA and the Relocation of the Coal Camp Neighbourhood and other Neighbourhoods in the Enugu Capital Territory to the New Enugu International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Park Site.

    Speaking at a brief signing ceremony witnessed by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, and leaders of Enugu spare parts dealers at the Government House on Friday, Mbah assured that the errors and challenges presented by the Coal Camp Spare Parts Market were being effectively addressed in the new one.

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    “This new market is actually a purpose-built vehicle because it is designed for the market in the true sense of the word and with all the supporting facilities. We have taken into account all the safety codes that are required to have an international market.

    “As you may already be aware, the construction is ongoing. We are aggressively opening up the roads and also the building itself. That construction has commenced.

    “Our hope is that in the next few months, we are going to see the movement of you all from the current location to an international market where we have provided all the services. There is going to be a clinic and fire service there. There is going to be a truck park.

    “All the errors, all the challenges and the problems we have in the existing market will all be addressed in the new market.

    “We have also made sure that you do not live very far from your market. We have residences around the market. It is an ideal neighbourhood concept where you can live comfortably within your neighbourhood and still do your trading and businesses comfortably without traveling far to get things done,” the governor said.

    In his remarks, the President of Enugu Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Michael Nomeh, hailed the governor for keeping to his campaign promise after decades of disappointments endured by the traders.

    “We are so excited about the relocation of the Enugu motor spare parts dealers to the permanent site, which is of international standard.

    “We thank the governor for the campaign promise that he has fulfilled. Since the inception of democracy in 1999 to date, there have been so many promises to our people that they will relocate us to the international market. But none of them has kept to their promises. That is why we appreciate the governor for keeping the campaign promises less than two years in office. He is a governor who does exactly what he says he would do,” Nomeh stated.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, described both the move and the location of the new site as strategic, noting that the traders would be able to own shops, unlike the present Coal Campsite where most of them rented shops. 

    He explained that the Enugu State Government is committed to the establishment of a commercial hub that will be a self-contained community with the full compliments of the various ancillary and supporting land uses that will create a comprehensive multi-functional commercial and industrial ecosystem in the emerging 9th Miles business corridor of the State.

    “This move is a strategic one aimed at boosting our state economy in our drive to a $30bn GDP economy.

    “If you know the location of the new place, it is so strategic. You cannot go from the Middle Belt or South South or Cross River or even from Cameroon to Onitsha without passing through there.

    “The government is not building to make profit, but for the traders to move to a well-organised and safe environment for trading and living.

    “The place is designed to have the commercial sections with shops of different categories, warehouses, workshops, ample parking spaces, water, power, and other utilities facilities.

    “There are also residential areas. There are also going to be smart schools, the primary healthcare centers, the fire service station, Police station, the recreational park, and a football pitch. It is a modern place that everybody will be proud to live in. It is built for modern spare parts and allied trade professionals,” he added.

  • The many strides of Presidential Amnesty Programme

    The many strides of Presidential Amnesty Programme

    By Monsuru Arilesere

    Once upon a time in Nigeria, the Niger Delta region as we know it today did not exist. The land mass and its people were there alright, but the state of affairs, the life they live and the well-being of the entire region was nothing short of perilous.

    The region was at war – a war mainly against itself, but a perilous war, all the same.

    Security, peace and other human development indices took flight, and chaos reigned.

    Youth restiveness and armed struggle with all its dark and dire outcomes reigned unchecked.

    Then, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua-led federal government introduced the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in 2009 to salvage the region. That decision became a watershed moment, not just for the area but for the entire country, which was constantly feeling the heat from the fire raging in that region.

    Its primary goal was to de-escalate and defuse the youths’ restiveness and was designed to provide a framework for disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of ex-militants.

    The warring militants were offered a time-boxed opportunity to surrender their arms in exchange for amnesty and rehabilitation.

    They were to be re-integrated into their communities by providing formal education, vocational training and employment opportunities.

    From 2009 till now, PAP has made significant and even giant strides under its mandate.

    It’s on record that more than 20,000 repentant militants surrendered their arms and ammunition to the federal government and that many have also benefited from the programme’s vocational training and education initiatives.

    It’s a no-brainer to say that peace, stability, and growth have also long returned to the region.

    And since March 2024, when Dr. Dennis Otuaro took over the reins of leadership at PAP, the programme has experienced boundless progress in the different aspects of its mandate.

    It has taken him just one year to take the vocational training and economic empowerment to a new height, particularly in aviation’s deployment of aircraft maintenance engineers for on-the-job training (OJT), 40 AMEs were type rated on ERJ – 145 and CRJ – 900/B737 aircrafts by Alom Aviation Services Limited.

    The engineers were deployed for their one-year mandatory OJT in March of 2024.

    It’s also public knowledge that 16 AMEs are undergoing their OJT at the 7 Star Global Hangar, while 21 others are at Aero Contractors Limited.

     One of them is presently at King Airlines and Travels Limited.

    Four Cadet Pilots were deployed to SimAero Training Limited Johannesburg, South Africa, for type rating on ERJ–145 and ATR72–500 on the 31st of May, 2024. They graduated and returned to Nigeria on the 30th of June, 2024.

    PAP had a caseload of two cadet pilots who completed their instrument rating course on AW139 at Henley Air Flight Training in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 10, 2024. Due to their outstanding performance at the instrument rating course, they were further deployed for their Type Rating Course on 29th May 2024 at Caverton Helicopters Limited in Lagos State.

    Moving over to the maritime sub-sector, many can still recall the story of the 98 Maritime Cadets whose training programmes were truncated in Poland, Vietnam and Sweden between 2011 and 2014 due to frequent change of leadership at PAP. Well, one of the distinct actions Dr. Otuaro took on assuming office was to ensure that they were sent to Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research, in Delta State, to complete their programmes.

    Just last October, the Dr. Dennis Otuaro-led PAP enrolled the cadets in a boot camp that would enable them to refresh their memories on the maritime training and for the naval consultant to figure out which cadets are ready to go further for the mainstream maritime training.

    As the astute and pragmatic leader and administrator that he is, Dr. Otuaro, since coming to PAP, has taken stakeholder management and engagement to an admirable level. This is because he understands the role of the critical stakeholders in achieving and sustaining the goals of the amnesty programme. He has organised various stakeholder engagement sessions with the different categories of leaders and community representatives in the region.

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    The 2024 PAP Stakeholders Engagement Summit specifically convened by Dr. Otuaro also reinforced the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity in sustaining peace in the Niger Delta.

    The event provided a platform to address key concerns, proposed solutions, and strengthened relationships between the PAP and its stakeholders.

    In line with his resolve to sustain effective stakeholder engagement at PAP, Dr. Otuaro has continued to forge mutually beneficial relationships with different government agencies and officials.

    For instance, due to his determination to secure a better future for the graduates of the various development initiatives of PAP and to strengthen the synergy with the nation’s civil service, Dr. Dennis Otuaro held a crucial meeting with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Dame Didi Walson-Jack.

    Just last November, the Dr. Otuaro-led PAP reiterated his commitment to keeping the peace in the Niger-Delta region by ensuring that all the PAP objectives are always met. This was done during a meeting with the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team led by Major General Jamil Jimoh.

    The region and the country have continued to reap the dividends of the prevalent peace and security in the area as the country’s daily oil production output has significantly increased over the years to the present 1.8 barrels.

    Indeed, Dr. Otuaro has proven in the short time he has been at the PAP’s helm of affairs that he has everything it takes to ensure that PAP continually delivers on its mandate.

    Arilesere, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Ibadan

  • EFCC didn’t arrest Aisha Ashimugu – Aide

    EFCC didn’t arrest Aisha Ashimugu – Aide

    Popular buusinesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu was not taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Her personal media aide, David Abakpa, while reacting said the reports on two blogs were sponsored  statement “fake news”.

    Abakpa attributed the report captioned “EFCC arrests flamboyant aocialite, Aisha Achimugu” to the cheap handiwork of the enemies of his principal.

    While urging the public to disregard the fake news, he noted that Mrs. Achimugu is not in the country and so could not have been  arrested by the EFCC. 

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    He said the unfounded rumour was a calculated attempt by unscrupulous elements bent on tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of Achimugu by all means.

    The statement reads in part: “It is a lie sponsored by enemies! Aisha Achimugu is never arrested or detained by the EFCC. Anyone can confirm from the Commission.

    “Aisha Achimugu, in the first place, is not in the country. She left the country on a business trip last week.

    “Mrs. Achimugu is a law abiding Nigerian who is highly respected internationally for her legitimate dealings. She is well known for creating jobs for Nigerian youths, thereby impacting the economy with her businesses.”

  • Anambra Gov: Tinubu never fails, APC will complete four-year zoning formula – Obidike

    Anambra Gov: Tinubu never fails, APC will complete four-year zoning formula – Obidike

    As the Anambra governorship election approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Hon. Obidike Chukwuebuka has assured the party’s candidate will complete the four-year zoning formula, which favours the Anambra South.

    However, the APC has publicly distanced itself from any zoning arrangement. 

    Anambra APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Iyke-Oliobi, clarified that APC has never been part of a zoning formula with other political parties in the state. 

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    According to him, the APC provides equal opportunities for all its members to contest for the party’s ticket, regardless of their senatorial districts.

    Despite this, Obidike’s statement suggests that the APC remains committed to the zoning principle, a long-standing and contentious issue in Anambra politics.

    He said: “With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong electoral track record and reputation as a master strategist, the APC’s candidate is well-positioned to gain broad support. 

    “Tinubu’s ability to mobilise voters has been instrumental in the party’s past successes, strengthening the APC’s prospects in the upcoming election.”

  • Majority Leader, three other Edo lawmakers defect to APC

    Majority Leader, three other Edo lawmakers defect to APC

    • Ruling party’s chair declares state PDP dead

    Majority Leader in Edo State House of Assembly, Donald Okugbe (PDP – Akoko-Edo II), and three other lawmakers yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The other lawmakers are Bright Iyamu (PDP – Orhionmwon South II); Richard Edosa (PDP – Oredo West); and Sunday Ojezele (LP – Esan South East).

    By the defection, APC now has 13 members in the House, while PDP members are 11.

    Edo Chairman of APC, Jarret Tenebe, described PDP as dead in the state.

    During the 2023 general election, of the 24 seats in the House of Assembly, PDP won 15 seats; APC had eight seats, while LP won one seat. PDP’s Destiny Enabulele representing Ovia Southwest Constituency was sacked by the election petitions tribunal, and replaced with APC’s Sunday Aghedo.

    With yesterday’s defection, APC now has 13 seats and PDP is left with 11 seats, while LP is without any seat.

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    Tenebe, welcoming the defectors in Benin, said: “Today (March 12) marks a significant moment for our party, the ruling APC, a testament to the strength of our vision and the resonance of our ideals. We are here to warmly welcome some members of the Edo State House of Assembly, who, after careful consideration and deep reflection, have chosen to join our ranks.

    “The decision to defect from the divided and depleted PDP, and embrace our party, is a powerful endorsement of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to progress, unity, justice, economic prosperity and food security for the people.

    “The honourable members, who bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, have recognised that APC offers the most-promising path forward for Edo State and our country, Nigeria. They have seen the clarity of the policies, the integrity of the leadership of Governor Okpebholo and the unwavering dedication to make the lives of Edo people better.

    “We understand that the decision to change political allegiances is not taken lightly. It requires courage, conviction and a belief in a better future. We commend the honourable members for their bravery and willingness to stand with us, as we join hands with Governor Okpebholo to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony and secure the lives of Edo people.”

    He said the defection was not a matter of increasing the party’s numbers, but about strengthening the collective resolve and bringing together individuals who shared a common purpose and a desire to make a real difference.

    The Edo APC chairman said: “We value the contributions of each and every member, and we are confident that our new members will play vital roles in our journey towards success.

    “Some may question the motives behind these defections. Some may attempt to sow seeds of doubt and division. For the record, the Nigerian Constitution, as amended, is clear on the issue of defection.

    “Section 68 (1) (g) of the Nigerian Constitution explains that an elected party member may defect, as long as it is as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.”

    “The PDP in Edo State is dead. A solemn funeral service will be organised for the PDP in Edo State very soon. Based on the foregoing, the members have not flouted any law, and their actions are in order. With the defections, APC now controls the majority in Edo State House of Assembly. The dead PDP, with no structure or offices in Edo State, is now in the minority.”

    Tenebe said the new members had seen the handiwork of Okpebholo in over 100 days in office, and were impressed.

    He said: “No one compelled them (the four lawmakers) to join our fold. They made the decision based on the numerous good programmes that Governor Okpebholo has been carrying out across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    “As a political party, we are going to restrategise ahead of the 2027 elections. We will mobilise over two million voters and ensure we win all available seats in Edo State. We will also deliver a landslide victory for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In fact, Edo State will produce the highest number of votes for President Tinubu in the entire Southsouth.”

    Edo chairman of APC alleged that some opposition politicians were behind the insecurity in the state, asking them to desist.

  • Support from NDDC, NGOs excites controller of corrections

    Support from NDDC, NGOs excites controller of corrections

    The Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Mrs. Idowu Enodiakemen, who is in charge of the Custodial Centre on Sapele Road, Benin, popularly called White House, in Edo State, is excited over the items donated to the centre by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in conjunction with some non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

    Enodiakemen, in the second edition of the initiative, spoke yesterday during the presentation of the items, which consisted of mattresses, mats and cartons of medical drugs, while NDDC and the NGOs earlier renovated the centre’s borehole and donated solar-powered lights.

    The NGOs, which partnered NDDC for decongestion and welfare of inmates of correctional centres in Niger Delta, included Peace and Development Projects, Legal Defence and Assistance Projects (LEDAP), VELMA Foundation and Benoni Akpa Development Foundation.

    The DCC said: “I am so happy. The items presented by NDDC and the NGOs will go a long way to take care of the welfare of the inmates, thereby supporting the efforts of the Federal Government. The donated items will be used very well.”

    The representative of the NGOs, Mr. Ovie Eseoghene, disclosed that in the second phase of the programme, inmates with option of payment of fines would be assisted, for the beneficiaries to also contribute to societal development.

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    He said: “NDDC’s intervention reflects its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life of the people of the Niger Delta, not only through infrastructure development, but also through human-centred initiatives. By partnering with respected organisations, the Federal Government’s interventionist agency (NDDC) is amplifying its efforts to deliver lasting and positive change to the region’s correctional institutions.

    “This project is a testament to NDDC’s continued efforts in promoting peace, justice and the well-being of the people in Niger Delta.

    “We believe that by addressing the issue of overcrowding at our correctional centres, and improving the conditions of the inmates, NDDC is contributing to the overall development of the region and ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reaching the indigent people in the region.”

    Eseoghene said the initiative would bring relief to thousands of inmates and enhance the capacity of correctional centres to provide better rehabilitation services.

  • Wole Adamolekun: Celebrating a quintessential PR scholar at 70

    Wole Adamolekun: Celebrating a quintessential PR scholar at 70

    By Yushau A. Shuaib

    When many of us were still navigating the halls of academia in the late 1980s, trying to grasp the essence of Public Relations and carve out our place in the profession, Wole Adamolekun had already emerged as a beacon of excellence. By 1989, he was honored with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a testament to his early mastery of the field, having been a member since 1982.

    It was in 1992 that the late Sabo Mohammed, then Chairman of the Kano Chapter of NIPR, introduced us, a group of Mass Communication undergraduates, to Adamolekun—a man whose intellectual depth and professional acumen would profoundly shape our understanding of and passion for public relations.

    As a staunch advocate for professionalism and ethical excellence, Adamolekun has always believed that communication is not merely about conveying messages but about spreading goodness and fostering positive change. Troubled by what he aptly terms “AIDS”—Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome—a malaise he sees plaguing segments of the profession and the nation at large, he has tirelessly championed moral rearmament and ethical rebirth as essential steps toward restoring justice and accountability.

    Born on March 12, 1955, in the serene town of Iju, Akure North, Ondo State, Wole Adamolekun never lost touch with his humble beginnings. His educational journey took him from Ibadan to Lagos and ultimately to the zenith of academic and professional achievement.

    A consummate professional, scholar, and technocrat, Adamolekun has made indelible contributions to both the public sector and the intricate oil and gas industry. His work in these spheres was driven by a vision to harness Nigeria’s vast natural resources for the greater good, ensuring transparent communication between government agencies, labor groups, and host communities—thereby promoting peace and economic prosperity.

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    His pioneering role as Head of Communications, Information, and Public Relations at MAMSER (Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery)—later restructured into the National Orientation Agency (NOA)—marked a defining chapter in his career. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in shaping public perception and galvanizing national support for social justice and economic transformation.

    Dr. Wole Adamolekun is an intellectual colossus and an insatiable reader. He earned his first degree in English from the University of Lagos, followed by a diploma in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Communication from the prestigious University of Ibadan. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Media Arts from the University of Abuja.

    With over four decades of professional experience spanning Corporate Communications, the Downstream Oil Sector, Micro Credit Administration (Community Banking), Youth & Social Mobilization, Human Resources Management, and Entrepreneurship, Adamolekun built a formidable career—starting as a freelance journalist with Daily Sketch. Recognized for his exceptional performance during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, he was recruited as an Information Officer under the mentorship of Mr. Soji Oni, the then Chief Inspector of NYSC in Ogun State—a man Adamolekun credits as one of his greatest mentors.

    His career trajectory saw him transition from MAMSER to the Board of Community Banks, before rising to prominence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, where he served as the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). His mastery of strategic communication and industry dynamics earned him a reputation as a key architect of policies within the sector. Notably, he led a high-level delegation to India to study the use of gas as an alternative fuel, a project aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s energy landscape.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Adamolekun is a relentless advocate for integrity and ethical leadership. He has consistently decried the erosion of values in public relations and governance, pushing for reforms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and professionalism. A prolific scholar, his extensive body of work, including academic journals and publications, has significantly influenced public relations discourse in Nigeria and beyond.

    In his four decades of service, Dr. Adamolekun has been honored with numerous awards and accolades in both public and professional spheres. He holds memberships in some of the world’s most prestigious communication and public relations bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in London, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

    Adamolekun is also a member of the African Council on Communication Education (ACCE) and a Board Member of the Commission on Public Relations Education (CPRE) in Washington, D.C. A Fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the African Public Relations Association (APRA), he currently serves as Chair of the Academic & Research Council of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.

    While many retire and fade into obscurity, Dr. Wole Adamolekun belongs to a rare breed—those who retire only to refire. Since 2014, he has continued to inspire and shape young minds as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mass Communication at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin.

    Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Dr. Adamolekun is a devoted family man. He is happily married to Olabisi, his lifelong companion and pillar of support, whose unwavering strength and sacrifices have kept the family grounded throughout his years of dedicated service. Their union is blessed with four remarkable children, each excelling in their chosen fields with the same passion and dedication that define their father’s legacy.

    Dr. Oluwole Adamolekun is, without a doubt, a man for all seasons—a trailblazer whose contributions to Public Relations, Communication, and Ethical Leadership have left an indelible mark on Nigeria and beyond. At a vibrant and impactful 70, he remains a force to be reckoned with, a mentor to many, and a shining example of integrity and excellence.

    A standing ovation is truly deserved for this quintessential PR scholar, an ethical purist, a nation-builder, and a beacon of inspiration. Happy 70th Birthday, Dr. Wole Adamolekun!

    Yushau Shuaib is the author of “A Dozen Tips for Media Relations.”