The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • N200b suit: Natasha should prove allegations against Akpabio, says CSOs

    N200b suit: Natasha should prove allegations against Akpabio, says CSOs

    A coalition of civil society organisations has said Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan now has a “golden opportunity” to substantiate her allegations against Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, following the N200 billion libel suit he filed against her.

    Akpabio’s suit stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations of sexual harassment and gender-based injustice—claims the Senate President firmly denies.

    Filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court with case number FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025, the suit alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan defamed Akpabio through comments made on television, radio, and online platforms, where she reportedly described him as “a predator who exploited his position for personal gratification.”

    Reacting to the development, Nigeria Integrity Watch, a coalition of civic organisations, welcomed the lawsuit, saying it presents a lawful avenue for resolving the matter.

    Dr. John Samuel Nangi, National Convener of NIW, said in a Saturday statement that the dispute remains “strictly personal and private” between both lawmakers.

    “This is a civil way of ending the matter. It offers Senator Akpoti a crucial opportunity to clear her name and bring the case to a judicial conclusion,” he said.

    Nangi stressed that neither the Senate nor the federal government is involved in the case, noting that Akpabio has the right to seek legal redress, just as Akpoti-Uduaghan now has the opportunity to prove her claims.

    He urged both senators to respect the judicial process and refrain from turning the issue into a media spectacle.

    “This case belongs in court and not before journalists,” he cautioned.

    Nangi added that Nigerians are more focused on pressing national challenges than political drama and advised both parties to allow the judiciary resolve the matter without seeking undue publicity or sympathy.

  • NDDC, partners launch anti-drug abuse campaign in Imo schools

    NDDC, partners launch anti-drug abuse campaign in Imo schools

    In a bold and strategic effort to combat the escalating menace of drug and substance abuse among youths, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified its intervention in Imo State through a large-scale, multidimensional awareness campaign. 

    Partnering with Bitoonda Nigeria Ltd and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the initiative aims to drastically reduce drug experimentation and addiction among secondary school students across the state.

    Launched in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, this proactive campaign is themed, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse.” It highlights the urgent need for pre-emptive education as a cornerstone in safeguarding the well-being of young Nigerians effectively curbing the social, health, and economic consequences of substance abuse.

    The campaign’s broad scope involved awareness and interactive health talks, peer-led counseling sessions which focused on equipping youths with factual information about the risks of drugs, training them to recognize and resist peer pressure, and fostering communication channels that encourage open dialogue about drug-related challenges.

    Several prominent secondary schools across Imo, including Government Secondary School Owerri, Owerri City School, Girls Secondary School Ikenegbu, Emmanuel College Owerri, and Imo Government Girls Secondary School, have actively embraced and participated in this critical initiative. 

    Read Also: Akpabio: Segun Awolowo built bridges across the Niger

    During the engaging school visits,the lectors delivered compelling presentations that detailed the severe implications of drug abuse on mental health, academic performance, and future career prospects. They reiterated that drug abuse is a complex societal challenge perpetuated by an illegal network of cultivators, traffickers, and users, necessitating a united, community-wide defense strategy.

    “It is deeply alarming to witness the surge in substance abuse among adolescents. This epidemic not only threatens their immediate health but also jeopardizes their long-term potential and the future development of our society,” the campaign speakers warned.

    They stressed that addressing the drug menace requires early preventive measures, sustained education, and the cultivation of a supportive environment that discourages drug use.

    Highlighting the pivotal role of youth as agents of change, the campaign calls on students to become advocates for drug-free lifestyles, encouraging peer support systems that amplify positive behavior and collective responsibility. The programme further encourages parents, teachers, and community leaders to remain vigilant and informed about drug abuse signs to facilitate timely interventions.

    School administrators expressed profound gratitude to the NDDC, Bitoonda Nigeria Ltd, and NDLEA for their visionary leadership and commitment to youth empowerment. They praised the campaign’s innovative approach in providing students with the tools to make informed choices, resist negative peer influences, and contribute meaningfully to a healthier society.

    Moving forward, the NDDC has pledged to sustain and expand this campaign through continuous monitoring, community partnerships, and the integration of technology-driven awareness programmes aimed at reaching even more youths across the states in Niger Delta and beyond.

  • Mbah, Chime, others push for youth skills, cultural revival

    Mbah, Chime, others push for youth skills, cultural revival

    The 2025 Agbaja Summit continued in Enugu on Thursday with a strong call for a new model of education that equips youths with skills to take charge of their future and contribute meaningfully to society. 

    The two-day summit brought together prominent Agbaja leaders, including, former Governor Sullivan Chime, former Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Senator Osita Ngwu, Rep. Sunday Umeha, and Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, Chief Lorita Aniagolu, Surveyor Ugochukwu Chime, among others.

    Agbaja comprises culturally linked communities in Udi, Ezeagu, and parts of Enugu North, Enugu South and Igboetiti LGAs. 

    With the theme “Empowerment for the Future,” the summit emphasised shared identity, cultural revival and youth-driven advancement across the region.

    Declaring the summit open, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Sam Ugwu, highlighted the tourism potential of Agbaja communities and commended their sustained efforts to strengthen their collective heritage. He described the summit as “a movement in pursuit of excellence, identity and collective progress.”

    Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven state economy anchored on human capital, technology and innovation. 

    He said the government’s investments in 260 smart schools, curriculum reform and skill acceleration centres were designed to position Enugu as Nigeria’s “skills capital.”

    “Knowledge has become the new currency of power. Skills have become the new economic passport,” he said, urging Agbaja youths to seize modern opportunities and build on the foundation laid by their elders.

    Former Governor Sullivan Chime, who is the patron of the Agbaja Leaders of Thought, said the summit’s focus on education and empowerment aligns with the core values that have historically defined the Agbaja people. 

    He noted that investing in human capacity, not rivalry or sectionalism, remains the group’s contribution to the wider development of Enugu State.

    “It is in our DNA to create, produce, reform and advance society,” Chime said, adding that renewed attention to education and skills development is essential for Agbaja’s long-term progress.

    National Assembly members from the area, Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) and Rep. Sunday Umeha (Udi/Ezeagu), both of whom addressed the gathering, praised Agbaja communities for reviving their culture and building stronger pathways for youth development. 

    Ngwu said the collective effort reflects the right direction for the people.

    “This is what we are supposed to be doing. Reviving our culture means we are on the right path,” he said, pledging continuous support for the initiative. 

    He recalled that over 3,000 youths benefitted from his six-month free training programme last year and assured that his scholarship scheme for Agbaja students remains active.

    Ngwu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Air Force, also urged the people to take advantage of what he described as a major milestone, the appointment of an Agbaja son as Chief of Air Staff, by encouraging more youths to enlist in the military.

    Hon. Umeha lauded the summit organisers and reaffirmed his commitment to the developmental aspirations of the Agbaja bloc, which he represents in the National Assembly.

    “What we are doing here today is completely within my jurisdiction as the voice of the Agbaja people,” he said.

    He urged the people to harness their political and economic strengths to foster unity and progress. “If every youth in Udi and Ezeagu is given the opportunity through education and skills acquisition, he will excel,” he said, calling for an end to using academic attainment as a tool for division.

    Chairman of the summit’s planning committee, Prof. Chike Anibeze, said the summit rekindled the vibrancy of the Coal City as Agbaja people celebrated their identity and reaffirmed their collective aspirations. 

    He recalled that the maiden summit in 2022, conceived by the Agbaja Leaders of Thought under Prof. Chinedu Nebo, delivered the 12-point Agbaja Development Blueprint covering education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

    Anibeze said the 2023 Agbaja Declaration, which ensured that no Agbaja child attends school without sandals and a bag, was among the initiatives inspired by the blueprint. 

    These efforts, he noted, reflect growing communal responsibility and a renewed culture of giving back.

    The colloquium concluded with donations toward the proposed Agbaja Centre of Excellence, a skills acquisition hub aimed at accelerating youth talent development across the region. 

    Awards were also presented to distinguished sons and daughters who have contributed to Agbaja’s growth.

  • Court stops police from further arrests in Mburubu Igweship dispute

    Court stops police from further arrests in Mburubu Igweship dispute

    The High Court of Enugu State on Monday, November 24, 2025, issued a restraining order against the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactical Squad (SWAT), CSP Anosike Nduwuisi, and other security operatives over alleged unlawful arrests and intimidation of youths from Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

    Justice C. O. Ajah, presiding over the matter, granted the application filed by ten youths of the community: Eze Cletus Elija, Joseph Ani Ezeoha, Evaristus Okonkwo, Friday Ani, Ani Monday, Orji Emmanuel, Ozo Emmanuel Aniobi, Patrick Okonkwo, Aniobi Ambrose and Imeka Godswill Chukwuemeka, who appeared in court representing themselves and other Mburubu youths.

    None of the respondents, including the Commissioner of Police; the SWAT Commander, CSP Nduwuisi; IPO Emmanuel Uchenna Ogazi; and community member Ozo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, was present in court.

    In the Suit No E/1093m/25, ounsel to the applicants, Barr. Ike Ozor, told the court that the youths were being persecuted for resisting what he described as an unlawful attempt by Onuokaibe to impose himself as the Igwe of Mburubu in violation of existing court orders.

    Ozor explained that an earlier court judgment in Suit No. HAMA/1/2024, delivered on January 12, 2025, had disqualified Onuokaibe from contesting the Igweship stool based on the rotational provisions of the community’s constitution.

    A subsequent order in Suit No. HAMA/24/2025 also restrained him from holding a new yam festival scheduled for November 1, 2025.

    “Despite these clear court orders, he went ahead to hold the festival and has continued to parade himself as Igwe-elect,” Ozor told the court.

    He added, “My worry is that he connived with the police, particularly the SWAT Commander, to arrest ten youths of the community on November 3. They were tortured, brutalised and detained for weeks simply because they opposed his unlawful claim to the stool.”

    The counsel alleged further that the police, acting on Onuokaibe’s influence, compiled a list of about 70 community leaders and ordered them to report at the SWAT office, raising fear of more arrests.

    He added that after detaining the ten youths for nearly three weeks, Onuokaibe allegedly took them from the SWAT office to his house and forced them to address him as Igwe before they were released without conditions.

    “This shows the police knew they committed no offence,” he said, adding that the complainant himself stood as surety for their release.

    Ozor said the situation had become life-threatening for the applicants and warranted urgent judicial intervention.

    After listening to the submissions, Justice Ajah held that the applicants had provided “sufficient and compelling facts” showing that their lives and liberties were at risk.

    He thereafter granted the motion, restraining the police and other respondents from further arresting, detaining, harassing or intimidating the applicants or any other member of Mburubu community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

    The judge thereafter announced that he would return the case file back to the Chief Judge to reassign same to any judge of his choice for continuation.

  • Ex-Rep aspirant Agba seeks justice for 5-year-old rape victim

    Ex-Rep aspirant Agba seeks justice for 5-year-old rape victim

    A former House of Representatives aspirant, Dr. Martha Agba, has expressed displeasure over the controversial punishment handed to a suspected rapist by community elders in Bekwarra Local Government in a case involving a minor.

    The incident involves a 60-year-old man from the Atibulum clan in Gakem Bekwarra, who was accused of raping a five-year-old girl.

    Instead of being handed over to the police, the matter was adjudicated by community elders, who reportedly settled the case by ordering the man to provide three goats and a crate of beer as punishment.

    This resolution has been met with widespread condemnation, with prominent voices like activist Dr. Agba labelling it a gross miscarriage of justice and an insult to the victim.

    “The punishment handed down to the suspect is not just mild; it is barbaric and tantamount to endorsing violence against children,” Agba stated in a press release.

    “To equate the lifelong trauma of a five-year-old girl to farm animals and alcohol is deeply dehumanising and sets a dangerous precedent.”

    Agba is now leading the charge for what she calls “stricter persecution,” insisting that the case must be transferred from the traditional justice system to the Nigerian courts.

    “This man must be made to face the full cause of the law. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VPP) Act and the Child Rights Law exist for a reason.

    “We cannot allow archaic and insensitive traditional practices to override the statutory laws of Nigeria, especially for a crime as grievous as rape.

    “The message this sends to other potential offenders is that they can violate our children and buy their way out with a few commodities. This is unacceptable,” Agba continued.

    “We are calling on the Cross River State Police Command to immediately arrest the man, investigate the crime, and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.

    “We also demand that the young victim receive immediate psychosocial support and medical care.”

    As of the time of this report, it remains unclear if the police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

    Public pressure is mounting, with many on social media echoing Martha Agba’s demands for state-sanctioned justice for the victim.

    The case has highlighted the ongoing tension between traditional justice systems and statutory law in many parts of Nigeria.

    While community elders often seek to resolve disputes internally, activists and legal experts argue that serious criminal offences, particularly those of a sexual and violent nature, fall outside their jurisdiction.

  • Grant IPOB leader Kanu state pardon,, group begs Tinubu

    Grant IPOB leader Kanu state pardon,, group begs Tinubu

    The Nigerian Youths Arising (NIYA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant clemency to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. 

    The group described a political solution as the most viable path to resolving the matter, urging the  President to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to free Kanu in the wider interest of the country.

    In a statement by its President General, Comr..Ben Emeruwa, and Chief Press Secretary, Comrade C. Innocent, NIYA argued that similar clemency had been extended in the past to  political actors and agitators across the country.

    The group cited the rehabilitation and amnesty granted to some bandits in the North as well as the widely acclaimed amnesty programme for the Niger Delta militants, noting that these measures were implemented to reduce political tension and promote stability. 

    NIYA warned that failure to resolve the matter politically could heighten tension and the prevailing insecurity in the South-East, where many residents of the region believe Kanu’s is being subject to unfair treatment.

    The group said: “We must also point out without any form of equivocation that this is not the first time that such similar clemency has been granted to political offenders. 

    “For example most of the bandits and  terrorists  in northern Nigeria who were arrested, instead of being prosecuted in court were given reorientation, amnesty, and in most recent times some of them were recruited into the Nigerian security forces. All of these were done for the sake of peace and to douse down political tensions within the Nigerian polity. 

    “Another classical example was the case of the Niger-delta militants who were political agitators aggrieved over the then marginalisation of the niger delta people in Nigeria; a political solution was given to them via amnesty given to thousands of militants across the niger-delta region without any criminal prosecution meted on them.Why must the Kanu case be any different?

    It added that granting clemency would give the people of South East a renewed sense of belonging in line with federal character principle enshrined in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution. 

    Read Also: Transforming Nigeria’s economy: Policies, progress and continuity

    NIYA noted that while Kanu’s outburst in court may have posed challenges for his legal team, they should not be used as grounds for ignoring political solution to the matter. 

    While acknowledging Kanu’s outburst in court, the group insisted such behaviour which stem from frustration should not be used as grounds to deny a political solution. 

    “On this note, our candid advice goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, only you can solve this. We recommend that you invoke the provisions of section 174 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and let Mazi Nnamdi Kanu go. Show yourself to be a true hero of fairness!, show yourself to be a true protector of our fragile democracy!, lead the way like “Prophet Moses(Musa) of the holy books” who led captives into freedom. Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu !.

    “We must keep preaching unity, we must keep preaching democracy, we must also keep fighting for true practice of equality under the law. Nigeria must succeed,” it added.

  • A’Ibom INPA reaffirms commitment to members’ welfare, synergy, sustainable growth

    A’Ibom INPA reaffirms commitment to members’ welfare, synergy, sustainable growth

    The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA), Akparawa Emmanuel Sam, has commended members of the association for their dedication and resilience in the publishing business, noting that INPA is fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria.

    He clarified that the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association in Akwa Ibom State was established strictly to advance the business interests of newspaper publishers, not as a political platform or government-aligned group.

    According to him, the association’s core mission is to create an enabling environment where publishers thrive through hard work, passion, and professional independence.

    “As independent-minded professionals, members of INPA are encouraged to embrace self-reliance. The association does not dictate what members should or should not publish. Each publisher retains full editorial independence,” he stated.

    Sam emphasized that INPA’s role is to offer support, foster collaboration, and create sustainable growth opportunities for publishing businesses. He stressed that he has never and would never influence the content of any member’s publication.

    “At no time would I influence the content of your publications. I cannot decide your editorial. What I give is advert and I pay for it, not news or anything in your medium,” he assured.

    The BoT Chairman further highlighted INPA’s commitment to building synergy among publishers through cooperation and shared strength, noting that the association evolved through consistent engagements aimed at unifying publishers in the state.

    He also explained that the presidency of INPA runs for a two-year term, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, adding that the association operates transparently and without zoning or political considerations.

    “Membership is open to all publishers who share the vision of advancing the newspaper business. Contributions are minimal and strictly for administrative needs such as registration, ensuring no member is financially burdened,” he said.

    Sam reiterated that INPA is not an opposition group but a professional body committed to constructive engagement and upholding journalistic integrity.

    “In summary, INPA is dedicated to the welfare of its members, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategies for the sustainability and growth of newspaper publishing in Akwa Ibom State,” he concluded.

    The meeting’s highlight was the presentation of CAC certificates of registration, the association’s constitution, and other official documents.

  • Lawyer, others to remain in FCID custody for allegedly cyberbullying Senator Buba

    Lawyer, others to remain in FCID custody for allegedly cyberbullying Senator Buba

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a lawyer, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and his co-defendants to remain in the custody of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Force Headquarters.

    Adjourning the case against them on Wednesday, Justice Rita Offili Ajumogobia fixed November 24 to deliver ruling in the lawyer’s bail application and for further hearing on the matter.

    The five defendants are being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on allegations bordering on cyberbullying Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

    The IGP named Abdulrahman, 41; Daure David, 35; Ishaq Muhammed, 25; Abdulrashid Musa, 30; and Nasir Abubakar, 21, as 1st to 5th defendants, respectively. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025, was dated October 3 and filed by Anthony Egwu on October 6.

    They were arraigned on October 30 on 11-count charge, which also bordered on offences such as cybercrime, defamation, advance fee fraud, among others. They pleaded not guilty to the counts and Justice Ajumogobia ordered their remand at the FCID.

    Read Also: Fireworks in U.S. Congress over Nigeria’s insecurity

    At Wednesday’s hearing, Afeez Matanmi, appearing for Abdulrahman, told the court that the matter was rescheduled for his client’s bail application. He said in compliance with the judge’s directive, he filed a reply on points of law to the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

    Matanmi, who said the application was dated and filed on November 3, prayed the court to grant their prayer. Similarly, A. A. Badmus, lawyer for the 4th defendant, informed the court that they also had a bail application.

    The judge, however, told Badmus that the application cannot be taken because the time was far spent. “I will hear you on Monday,” Justice Ajumogobia said. She then adjourned until November 24 for ruling on the 1st defendant’s bail application as well as for mention.

    In count one, the defendants were alleged to have, sometime in 2025, conspired “to commit an offence, to wit; cyberstalking against Senator Shehu Buba Umar,” contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.

    In count three, Abdulrahman, the 1st defendant, was alleged to have, sometime in 2025, intentionally sent a video via his Tiktok handle with user name “Kibanna Channel” and his Youtube channel to defame the lawmaker by linking him to sponsorship of banditry with a view to tarnishing his image.

    The prosecutor says Abdulrahman’s label of Senator Umar as banditry sponsor was “a statement you made by means of computer systems and network knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order and causing the Senator fear of death.”

    The offence contravenes Section 24(1)(5) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024. In another count, Daure David was accused of attempting to collect N5 million from the Senator under false pretense that the money will be used to settle those planning to protest against him.

  • Nine ships, three Helicopters, others for Eastern Navy Sea inspection

    Nine ships, three Helicopters, others for Eastern Navy Sea inspection

    • …as exercise commences Tuesday

    The Nigerian Navy has begun its annual Sea inspection exercise to prepare its officers and men for effective security of the Nigerians Maritime interests.

    The exercise being carried out by the Eastern Naval Command and code-named Ex Din Mingi( Safe Waters in Ibani Language), was flagged off by the Fleet Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Donald Okehie, in Nigerian Navy -Ship(NNS) SHERE, at Navy Jetty, Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Okehie speaking notes that “Ex DIN MINGI encapsulates these 4 pillars, hence the theme Protecting critical infrastructure through inter-agency collaboration. “

    The movement which began shortly after the flag-off on Tuesday is expected to end on Wednesday, November 19.

    No fewer than nine various sizes and categories of ships, three Helicopters and several multipurpose assault boats from both the Nigerian Army, the Air Force and the Navy were deployed to the inspection.

    These he said are to show how combat ready the Navy is towards protecting the nation’s economic assets in the territorial waters.

    “In all, 9 ships of different classes, helicopters both from the NN and NAF, Epsilon EP55 UAV as well as multipurpose assault boats from the NA and NN will be deployed for the Exercise. Of particular note is the opposed boarding of a purportedly hijacked LNG vessel, an evolution that takes cognizance of the unique nature of vessels conveying liquified natural gas and specialized skills required to neutralize threats without compromising vessel safety and integrity.

    “In addition, some officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will embark to assist identify psychoactive substances on a suspected ship as part of efforts to foster collaboration.

    “The exercise is to access operational readiness of Eastern fleet, display multi-agency and multi-dimensional approach by deploying platforms including air assets to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

    “This exercise will last for today, (yesterday), November 18 and tomorrow November 19, 2025.”he said.

    Speaking on the impact of previous exercises Okehie noted that apart from enhancing the Force capabilities to face real events in the Maritime space, it fosters inter-agency collaboration and harmonization.

    “In the Armed forces we need retraining to perform our daily operations, so the exercise is part of our training objectives, to ensure that the men are combat ready to take on their duties.

    “The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has clearly declared his mission as to deploy a highly motivated and professional Naval Force, capable of securing Nigerian Maritime interests, and for the purpose of effective and diligent operations, to maintain national stability.”

    “Sea Inspection also fosters inter-agency collaboration, streamline tactics, processes and procedures, in readiness for real time operations. “Some officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) are involved in the exercise to assist identify psychoactive substances on a suspected ship as part of efforts to foster collaboration.” he said.

    Earlier, the command had recalled its numerous achievements and spoke on the plans of the commander; “Eastern Naval Command has recorded several successes, (including arrest of vessels involved in economic sabotage activities and other criminalities), towards ensuring a secure maritime environment in support of the Federal Government sustainable development of the Blue Economy.

    “Notwithstanding these successes, the Command under the leadership of Rear Admiral CD Okehie, intends to rejig operations towards achieving better results. Accordingly, he has hit the ground running with 4 key Pillars to support his command philosophy. These are Professionalism, Operational Readiness, Welfare and Inter-Agency collaboration.

    “It will simultaneously assist in the enforcement of laws within the territorial waters as part of Nigerian Navy Coast Guard roles in addition to military and diplomatic roles.”he said.

    The FOC assured that participating units would exhibit utmost professionalism and adherence to Rule of engagement (ROE) as well as standard Operation Procedure (SOP), during and after the exercise.

  • Dafinone, SANs storm Olomu kingdom as Akpomudje is crowned 14th Ohworode

    Dafinone, SANs storm Olomu kingdom as Akpomudje is crowned 14th Ohworode

    The Senator representing Delta Central, Olorogun Ede Dafinone; Senior Advocates of Nigeria – Chief Thompson Okpoko, Chief (Dr.) Charles Edosomwan, the Obasuyi of Benin Kingdom, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, Kunle Edun, business tycoons – Engr. Alfred Okoigun, founder of Arco Group, Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air, were among top dignitaries that stormed Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State at the weekend, for the coronation of Albert Akpomudje SAN as His Majesty Alaka-Eyanvwien I, the 14th Ohworode of Olomu.

    The historic occasion coincided with the birthday of the new monarch who is the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Body of Benchers, as well as the worldwide President of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association.

    The crowning ceremony held at Otorere, the traditional headquarters of Olomu, followed by a lavish reception at Akperhe-Olomu, the home community of the new king.

    Speaking briefly, the new Ohworode thanked the people for choosing him as king, vowing that he will serve them faithfully.

    “I will first thank them for deeming it fit to make me king. I am very grateful to them. And I want to pledge that I will serve them faithfully. I am going to be a servant-leader. And I will pray for progress,” he declared.

    Earlier Alaka-Eyanwien I was crowned by Olorogun Philip Atuduhor, the Okpako r’ Ilorogun (oldest chief) of Olomu Kingdom at the Eyanvwien Hall around 9:43am.

    He was later consecrated by the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion of Nigeria, Bishop (Dr.) Cyril Odutemu. This was followed by 21 cannon shots to signal the official ascent to the throne and pledging of allegiance by key traditional chiefs of the kingdom.

    The symbolism of his new title draws from Eyanvwien, the first son of Alaka, a co-founder of the kingdom.

    After the crowning, the monarch was led in a motorcade to Oviri-Olomu, headquarters of the Eyanvwien Ruling House, where 14 cannon shots were fired to signify his coronation as the 14th Ohworode, before he was received at his palace for celebrations.

    Read Also: Ohworode of Olomu joins ancestors

    In their respective goodwill messages, Senator Dafinone, Engr Okoigun and Ilegbodu congratulated the monarch, expressing confidence that he would bring his wealth of experience to lead and turnaround the kingdom for better.

    Royal fathers at the event were His Majesties Udurhie I who represented the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, Eruvwedede III, the Ovie of Evwreni; Oyise I, the Ovie of Uwheru; Ogiogio II, the Pere of Ngbilebiri-Mein, Kiagbodo and the Pere of Egbema Clan, Bayelsa state.

    Other prominent personalities who attended the ceremony include Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard newspapers; renowned businessmen – High Chief Johnbull Ejovi, Arc. Charles Majorho, Chief Simeon Ohwofa; Olorogun Uloho; serving and retired Judges, members of the Nigerian Bar Association – Warri and Udu branches, former Delta Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Otomevwo and the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Professor Duke Okoro.

    Also at the event were alumni of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association, Edo College Old Boys Association, University of Lagos Alumni, Forum for Local Government Nurses, among others.