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2026 FIFA World Cup: Spain Beats Argentina By Lone Goal In A Dominant Final Clash, Lifts Trophy

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By: Wilbet Ijeoma (News View)

The 2026 FIFA world cup came to a climax today as Spain denied Argentina a back-to-back world cup title as they dethroned reigning champions by 1-0, in a dominant epic clash at New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Lionel Messi and Argentina were vying to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles, but it was Spain lifting their second trophy for the first time since 2010.

Ferran Torres 106th minute extra time goal from Nico Williams assist separated the two sides after several attempts which proved decisive following a pulsating 90 minutes regulation time.

It was Spain’s 20th shot, to Argentina’s zero that saw Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinéz helpless after several efforts to keep the ball at abeyance.

Earlier in the match, Argentina were reduced to 10 men when Enzo Fernández was sent off for a reckless tackle that made him see the yellow card a second time, reducing the Argentines to 10 men.

Still, Argentina nearly leveled late in extra time, but couldn’t capitalize on a pair of Messi corner kicks, with Giuliano Simeone firing over the crossbar in stoppage time.

Spain’s superior and dominant display over Argentina throughout the duration of the final match was a masterclass, with wins over four of the world’s top ten teams during the knockout stages. Moreover, they are the first World Cup champion to win the title while only conceding a lone goal.

OMO-AGEGE HAILS OBI AT 65, PLEDGES SENATE PARTNERSHIP FOR “NEW NIGERIA”

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Peter Obi and Ovie Omo-Agege

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, KSJI, Deputy President of the 9th Senate and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Senatorial Candidate for Delta Central, has felicitated with the party’s presidential flagbearer, His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi, CON, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, describing him as a symbol of hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to see their country transformed.

In a congratulatory message issued to mark the milestone, Omo-Agege said he joined “millions of Nigerians at home and abroad, and the entire membership of the NDC” in celebrating Obi, whom he credited with a “transformative and record-setting” tenure as Governor of Anambra State, built on prudent financial management, savings, and institutional reforms that he said remain “a reference point for governance” in Nigeria today.

Peter Obi and Ovie Omo-Agege

The former Deputy Senate President said Obi’s emergence as the NDC’s presidential candidate reflects the values the party stands for — integrity, competence, accountability, and service above self — at a time when Nigerians are demanding a break from what he called “the politics of waste, impunity, and exclusion.”

According to Omo-Agege, the NDC under Obi’s leadership offers Nigerians a credible alternative built on moving the country “from consumption to production, from dependence to self-sufficiency, from the politics of exclusion to the governance of inclusion,” with investments in education, healthcare, human capital, and security, alongside opportunities for the country’s young population.

Speaking on his own candidacy, Omo-Agege said he was “deeply and genuinely proud” to stand with Obi in what he described as a historic mission, noting that the NDC’s message has been embraced with enthusiasm across Delta Central and the wider South-South region. He said the people of the zone believe in Obi’s vision and his capacity to deliver a Nigeria that is “productive, secure, accountable, and fair.”

The Delta Central candidate pledged to bring his legislative experience to bear in the Senate, promising to ensure that Obi’s presidential promises translate into concrete legislation, appropriations, and institutional outcomes. “A New Nigeria requires a president with your vision and a Senate with the capacity to deliver it,” he said, adding that a Senator seasoned in the workings of the institution would be critical to actualizing an Obi presidency.

Omo-Agege described the 2027 election as “more than an election,” calling it a movement to reclaim Nigeria for Nigerians, restore confidence in public institutions, and demonstrate that the country can be governed with integrity and led with genuine care for its citizens. He expressed confidence that, with Obi leading the party, victory in 2027 was “not only possible — it is inevitable.”

The senator rounded off his message with prayers for Obi’s continued good health, long life, and wisdom, wishing him a year of “greater impact, greater reach, and greater victory” for the cause of a new Nigeria.

His Excellency, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR

Harsh Economy Driving Surge in Erectile Dysfunction, Experts Warn…Vito Corsica Deck Highlights Reproductive Health at Feast of Barracuda Lecture

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NAS Pyrates logo

Medical experts have attributed the rising cases of erectile dysfunction and male infertility in Nigeria to the country’s worsening economic conditions, warning that prolonged financial hardship, psychological stress and unhealthy lifestyles are taking a heavy toll on the reproductive health of many men.

The experts expressed the concern during a live radio discussion on Trend FM, Asaba, organised by the Vito Corsica Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, as part of activities marking its annual Feast of Barracuda (FoB) Lecture.

The lecture, themed “Breaking the Silence on Fertility: Understanding the Challenges, Exploring the Solutions, Restoring Hope,” focused on raising public awareness about infertility, challenging prevailing misconceptions and encouraging early medical intervention for affected couples.

The Vito Corsica Deck covers the Aniocha, Oshimili and Ika Federal Constituencies of Delta State.

Panelists included Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Dr. Samuel Ilikannu; Consultant Family Physician and Head of the Department of Family Medicine at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Urenma Obodoagha; and Barr. Moses Agwere, who represented the National Association of Seadogs.

Explaining the rationale behind the annual lecture, Barr. Agwere, a Deputy Director in the Legal Drafting Department of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, said the Feast of Barracuda serves as a public enlightenment platform through which the association engages experts to address pressing national issues and stimulate informed public discourse.

According to him, the initiative reflects the association’s commitment to promoting social development through education and community engagement.

Speaking on infertility, Dr. Ilikannu said the condition remains one of the most misunderstood health challenges in Nigeria, largely because women are often blamed despite medical evidence showing that men contribute significantly to infertility cases.

“In our society, fertility is highly valued, making infertility a source of emotional, psychological and social trauma for many couples,” he said.

He explained that infertility is medically diagnosed when pregnancy fails to occur after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, or after six months where the female partner is aged 35 years or older.

The consultant advised couples to have regular unprotected sexual intercourse at least three times weekly before concluding that there is a fertility challenge.

“Only about 20 to 25 per cent of women conceive during a single menstrual cycle. Couples should therefore avoid unnecessary anxiety immediately after marriage because many pregnancies occur naturally within the first year,” he noted.

Dr. Ilikannu said recent studies indicate that male factors account for between 30 and 40 per cent of infertility cases, underscoring the need for both partners to undergo medical evaluation.

He also linked the growing incidence of erectile dysfunction among Nigerian men to the harsh economic realities confronting many households.

“Persistent financial pressure, unemployment, anxiety and depression are increasingly affecting men’s sexual performance,” he said.

The fertility expert further identified diabetes, hypertension, neurological disorders, excessive alcohol intake, recreational drug use and other chronic health conditions as major causes of erectile dysfunction, cautioning against self-medication and the indiscriminate use of sexual enhancement drugs.

Also speaking, Dr. Obodoagha stressed that infertility is a shared reproductive health challenge and should never be regarded as the woman’s responsibility alone.

She listed reproductive tract infections, hormonal disorders, complications arising from unsafe abortions, chronic illnesses and unhealthy lifestyle habits as some of the factors responsible for female infertility, while noting that some cases remain medically unexplained.

She urged newly married couples to avoid putting themselves under unnecessary pressure to have children immediately after marriage.

“Marriage should be enjoyed. Intimacy should not become a rigid timetable centred only on ovulation. Relax, support one another and seek professional medical advice when necessary,” she advised.

The experts unanimously advocated early diagnosis and treatment, noting that many fertility challenges can be successfully managed when couples present early at appropriate health facilities.

They identified counselling, treatment of underlying medical conditions, healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, fertility medications, vitamin supplementation and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), including In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), as effective treatment options.

They added that surrogacy and adoption also remain viable alternatives for couples facing prolonged fertility challenges.

The discussion formed part of activities marking the National Association of Seadogs’ annual Feast of Barracuda, a flagship public enlightenment programme dedicated to promoting informed conversations on health, governance and other issues of national importance.

Umu Nolue Foundation Donates Classroom Furniture to Omu Boys Secondary School, Ibusa, Honours Legacy of Late Prof. Emenanjo

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Excitement and jubilation filled the premises of Omu Boys Secondary School, Ibusa, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as the Prof. Emmanuel Nolue Emenanjo Foundation, popularly known as the Umu Nolue Foundation, donated 60 double-seater desks, 60 double-seater chairs and office tables to the school in a move aimed at improving the learning environment and preserving the educational legacy of the late renowned scholar.

The donation, which attracted staff, students, old boys, community leaders and other stakeholders, was described as a fitting tribute to the late Prof. Emmanuel Nolue Emenanjo (1943–2016), Nigeria’s first Professor of Igbo Language, a foremost linguist, former Executive Director of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), and one of the country’s leading authorities on the standardisation of Igbo grammar and orthography.

Presenting the furniture on behalf of the foundation, Mr. Austin Ubaka said the initiative reflected the lifelong commitment of the late professor to education and human development.

According to him, Prof. Emenanjo regarded education as more than the acquisition of knowledge, describing it as a powerful instrument for transforming lives, expanding opportunities and shaping the future.

“He loved learning and devoted his life to encouraging others to learn. Throughout his career, he inspired countless students, nurtured curiosity, discipline and hope, and left an enduring mark on education.

“Although he is no longer with us, his vision lives on through his children, who established the Umu Nolue Foundation to continue promoting educational development and creating opportunities for young people to thrive,” Ubaka said.

 

He noted that the late scholar’s children established the foundation to immortalise their father and sustain his passion for educational excellence, adding that the furniture donation was one of several interventions designed to improve learning conditions in schools.

Ubaka also paid glowing tribute to the accomplished academic, recalling that Prof. Emenanjo taught in several institutions, distinguished himself as a professor of linguistics and dedicated his life to scholarship until his passing on February 9, 2016.

Receiving the items on behalf of the school, the Principal, Mrs. Augustina Omeife, expressed profound appreciation to the foundation, describing the donation as timely and invaluable.

She said the gesture had brought joy to both teachers and students, while assuring the donors that the furniture would be properly maintained and used for the benefit of the school community.

“Today is indeed a day of joy for Omu Boys Secondary School. We sincerely thank the Umu Nolue Foundation for remembering our school. We pray that God will richly reward everyone who contributed to this noble cause.

“We assure you that these desks, chairs and office tables will be put to proper use for the benefit of our teachers and students. We also hope that whenever we call on you again, you will continue to remember us,” she said.

Also speaking with journalists, the Delta State Coordinator of the Prof. Emmanuel Nolue Emenanjo Foundation, Mr. Ayakpo Agwamah, said the organisation was committed to bridging educational gaps and building brighter futures for young Nigerians through strategic interventions in schools and communities.

He explained that the foundation would continue to invest in educational initiatives that promote quality learning, encourage academic excellence and preserve the enduring ideals of the late Prof. Emenanjo.

The presentation ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Inspector of Education in charge of Oshimili North LGA from the Delta State Ministry of Education, members of the Omu Boys Secondary School Old Boys Association led by Pastor Solomon Eze, staff and students of the school, media practitioners, elders from the late professor’s family quarters in Ibusa and other prominent members of the community, who commended the foundation for keeping alive the values of service, scholarship and educational advancement for which the late academic was widely celebrated.

NDLEA Kano Commander, NAN Lagos Operations Head Console NAWOJ National Secretary Over Mother’s Death

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By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, Alhaji Dahir Lawal Yahaya, has led tributes to the late Hajiya Sadiya Ibrahim Ladan, describing her as a devoted mother whose exemplary life and service to humanity would remain a lasting source of inspiration.

Commander Yahaya made the remarks on Monday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the National Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), who is mourning the death of her mother.

Speaking during the visit, the NDLEA Kano State Commander conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the command to the bereaved family and the entire NAWOJ family, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

He urged the family to remain steadfast in faith, noting that although the loss of a loved one is painful, they should take solace in the remarkable legacy of compassion, dedication and love that the late Hajiya Sadiya Ibrahim Ladan left behind.

According to him, the deceased was a committed and caring mother whose positive impact on her family and society would continue to be remembered by all who came in contact with her.

Commander Yahaya also assured the family of the solidarity and support of the NDLEA Kano State Command during the period of mourning.

Also present during the condolence visit was the Head of Operations of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lagos, Chief Mrs. Hadiza Ifeyinwa Omowole.

Earlier, Chief Mrs. Omowole had paid a separate condolence visit to the family, where she sympathised with the NAWOJ National Secretary and the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Jigawa State, both daughters of the deceased.

She prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) would forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Sadiya Ibrahim Ladan, grant her eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and bless the bereaved family with the strength, patience and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The condolence visits ended with special prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and for divine comfort for the family, as friends, colleagues and associates continued to rally round the NAWOJ National Secretary during the period of bereavement.

A Publication Alone Cannot Establish A Libel Case…..Read What Appeal Court Ruled In The Case Of Mosunmola Abudu vs Oluyemisi Wada

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The Court of Appeal Lagos Division has ruled that the mere publication of an allegedly defamatory statement is not enough to sustain a claim for libel, holding that a claimant must produce credible evidence showing that the publication actually lowered his or her reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society.

The court made the pronouncement while dismissing an appeal filed by the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife Group, Mosunmola (Mo) Abudu, against the judgement of the Lagos State High Court, which dismissed her libel suit against child rights advocate, Oluyemisi Wada.

In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel held that although Wada admitted publishing the disputed article, Abudu failed to establish a crucial element of defamation because she did not call any independent witness to testify that the publication negatively affected their opinion of her.

The panel, comprising Justices Folasade Ayodeji-Ojo, Muslim Sule Hassan and Polycarp T. Kwahar, delivered its lead judgment through Justice Hassan.

Abudu had sued Wada for libel, seeking N100 million in general damages, N100 million in aggravated damages, an order compelling Wada to publish a retraction and apology in THISDAY, two national newspapers and online platforms, as well as a perpetual injunction restraining further publication of the alleged defamatory statements.

In her defence, Wada denied liability and relied on the defences of justification and fair comment.

She maintained that her publication merely questioned the management of funds raised during a benefit concert organised by Abudu for street children, arguing that the issue was one of legitimate public interest.

Dissatisfied with the High Court’s decision, Abudu appealed on six grounds. She argued that the trial judge erred by holding that she failed to prove publication despite Wada’s admission that she authored and published the article.

She also contended that the lower court was wrong to insist on evidence from third parties before determining whether the words complained of were defamatory.

Before considering the substantive appeal, the Court of Appeal dismissed Wada’s preliminary application seeking to strike out two grounds of appeal and the related issues formulated by Abudu.

The court held that the grounds properly arose from the trial court’s decision and were therefore competent.

On the merits, however, the appellate court agreed with the trial court that Abudu failed to prove an essential ingredient of defamation.

Justice Hassan held that although Wada admitted publishing the article in THISDAY, publication alone could not establish libel.

According to the court, a claimant in a defamation action must also prove that the publication lowered his or her reputation in the estimation of reasonable and right-thinking members of society.

The court further held that while publication in a national newspaper amounts to publication to the whole world, the claimant must still call at least one person who read the publication and whose opinion of the claimant was adversely affected.

Justice Hassan observed that Abudu testified only on her own behalf despite claiming that several friends and associates contacted her after reading the publication.

“The appellant must go ahead to establish that in the eyes of reasonable men or third parties her reputation has been ruined, her estimation destroyed or her business value diminished before damage can be established,” the court held.

The court added that for it to determine, without evidence from readers, that the publication was defamatory would amount to speculation and improperly draw the court into the arena of the dispute.

It consequently resolved the first two issues against Abudu.

On the third issue, relating to Wada’s reliance on the defences of justification and fair comment, the court held that the publication concerned a matter of public interest involving funds raised from members of the public for charitable purposes.

Justice Hassan noted that Abudu, as a public figure and child rights advocate, organised a public fundraising campaign, while Wada, who also advocates for children’s rights, was among the contributors to the initiative.

The court held that Wada was entitled to question how the funds were utilised and to express her views on the matter.

According to the court, the publication merely challenged Abudu to provide greater transparency regarding the management of funds donated by members of the public.

It further held that criticism relating to the use of publicly donated funds was protected by the defence of fair comment, adding that organisers of public fundraising campaigns should expect public scrutiny and accountability.

The court further remarked that Abudu ought to have regarded the publication as constructive criticism rather than a personal attack, noting that it would not have cost her anything to provide a fuller explanation of how the charitable funds entrusted to her by members of the public were utilised.

Having resolved all three issues against the appellant, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal in its entirety, affirmed the judgment of the Lagos State High Court delivered on May 3, 2019, and made no order as to costs.

Oborevwori Celebrates Arise News Chairman Nduka Obaigbena At 67, Commends His Promotive Contributions To The Media Industry

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated renowned media entrepreneur and Chairman of THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, on the occasion of his 67th birth anniversary, describing him as one of Africa’s most influential figures in contemporary journalism.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Tuesday, the governor commended Obaigbena for his exceptional contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s media industry and his unwavering commitment to promoting credible journalism over the decades.

Oborevwori noted that the Delta-born publisher has distinguished himself as an innovative media executive whose vision transformed newspaper publishing and television broadcasting, while setting new standards of excellence in the profession.

He said Obaigbena’s leadership of THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News has strengthened democratic values, expanded public discourse, and projected Nigeria’s voice on the global media stage.

The governor also acknowledged the celebrant’s tenure as President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), describing it as a period marked by strong advocacy for press freedom, professionalism, and the advancement of the media industry.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate our distinguished son and brother, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, as he marks his 67th birthday.

“Your remarkable achievements in media entrepreneurship and your enduring contributions to journalism have earned you respect both within Nigeria and internationally. Through your visionary leadership, you have built enduring media institutions that continue to shape public opinion, deepen democratic engagement, and inspire a new generation of media professionals.

“We are proud of your accomplishments and the positive image you have brought to Delta State and Nigeria through your outstanding career,” the governor stated.

Oborevwori prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the media icon, wishing him good health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service to the media profession, the nation, and humanity.

RMAFC Moves to Wean Delta off Oil, Begins Strategic Assessment of State’s Diversification Drive …Says constitutional mandate, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda demand urgent shift to non-oil economy

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By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Monday intensified the national campaign to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil, launching a strategic assessment of Delta State’s economic diversification programme and declaring that the era of relying almost exclusively on petroleum revenues must give way to a more resilient, innovation-driven and productive economy.

Leading a 14-member delegation of the Commission to Government House, Asaba, Chairman of the RMAFC Mobilisation and Diversification Committee, Hon. Victor Eboigbe, said the exercise was part of the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to guide governments at all levels towards building sustainable revenue streams capable of withstanding the uncertainties of the global oil market.

The assessment, he explained, is designed to evaluate Delta State’s policies, programmes and investments aimed at expanding non-oil revenues while identifying areas where the Commission can provide technical advice to strengthen fiscal sustainability.

Eboigbe warned that decades of overdependence on oil had repeatedly exposed Nigeria’s economy to external shocks, insisting that genuine prosperity would only come through deliberate diversification of the nation’s productive sectors.

“Mother Nature has blessed this country and Delta State with abundant human and material resources that should be harnessed for the benefit of the people,” he said.

“But the vagaries of the international oil market remain beyond our control. That leaves us with one glaring option, diversification. It is the pathway to sustainable economic growth, stronger revenue generation and enduring prosperity.”

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places industrialisation, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, digitisation, innovation and the creative economy at the centre of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.

According to him, although many Nigerians associate RMAFC primarily with revenue allocation, the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond sharing the Federation Account.

Citing Paragraph 32(a) and (c) of Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Eboigbe said the Commission is specifically empowered to advise the Federal and State Governments on fiscal efficiency and practical strategies for increasing government revenues.

“Our advocacy for economic diversification derives directly from that constitutional mandate,” he said.

He recalled that the Commission had previously organised a National Stakeholders’ Seminar on Economic Diversification in 2024 as well as advocacy workshops across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to encourage governments to broaden their economic base.

According to him, the current nationwide assessment serves as a follow-up to those engagements while also implementing a presidential directive aimed at accelerating economic diversification across the federation.

Eboigbe disclosed that the Commission had already provided relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Delta State with comprehensive assessment templates and questionnaires, adding that the delegation would spend the coming days engaging critical stakeholders before developing recommendations to strengthen the state’s diversification agenda.

Expressing confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, he said the state’s willingness to subject itself to the assessment reflected a genuine commitment to building a more sustainable economy beyond oil.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, described the Commission’s visit as timely and strategic, stressing that RMAFC had come not to “share the national cake” but to help governments expand it.

“They are not coming to take from us,” Ekedayen said.

“They are actually coming to help us prepare for life outside oil. They are helping us ask the difficult but necessary question: what happens when oil is no longer the mainstay of our economy?”

He commended the Commission for initiating what he described as a forward-looking national conversation, noting that responsible governments must prepare today for tomorrow’s economic realities.

According to him, Delta State has already begun laying the foundation for that future through deliberate reforms aimed at expanding internally generated revenue without imposing heavier tax burdens on citizens.

Ekedayen disclosed that the state’s internally generated revenue had increased from about ₦83 billion when the Oborevwori administration assumed office to over ₦200 billion, attributing the remarkable growth to expanded tax coverage, improved efficiency in tax administration, stronger compliance and better enforcement rather than higher tax rates.

Beyond revenue reforms, he said the administration was aggressively pursuing commercial agriculture through innovative public-private partnerships that enable investors to provide capital and technology while government contributes land and host communities benefit directly from employment and profit-sharing arrangements.

He added that large-scale agricultural investments, particularly in cassava and oil palm production, would not only strengthen food security but also create thousands of jobs and significantly boost non-oil revenue.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, said the Oborevwori administration was positioning Delta as an industrial hub through strategic infrastructure investments, particularly in energy.

He revealed that Governor Oborevwori had directed that the Kwale Industrial Park be fully energised ahead of its inauguration, noting that investors had already begun indicating interest in establishing operations at the facility.

Tilije also identified the shallow navigation channel along the Forcados axis as one of the major constraints to maritime commerce but expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government would accelerate the revitalisation of Warri Port and other maritime assets capable of unlocking enormous trade, industrial and investment opportunities.

The RMAFC delegation is expected to conclude its engagements with key ministries and agencies before submitting recommendations aimed at strengthening Delta State’s transition from an oil-dependent economy to one anchored on diversified and sustainable sources of growth.

ADC Primary Crisis Explodes as Anambra Winners Accuse Party, INEC Officials of Candidate Swap…. Petition seeks reversal of alleged substitutions, probe of INEC Awka official, recognition of ‘authentic’ primary winners

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ADC

A fresh crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), threatening to overshadow the party’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections, as aggrieved members from Nasarawa, Kogi, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo and Lagos States accused the party’s national leadership of allegedly replacing candidates who emerged from duly monitored primary elections with preferred nominees.

In a petition submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the concerned members alleged that the party leadership was attempting to overturn the recommendations of the National Working Committee (NWC) Primary Election Appeal Committee, which reportedly reviewed complaints arising from the primaries and recommended the restoration of about 50 candidates across affected states.

According to the petitioners, the appeal committee conducted what they described as a painstaking review of the disputed primaries and affirmed several aspirants who had initially emerged through the party’s monitored nomination process. They, however, alleged that despite constituting the committee, the National Chairman had yet to implement its recommendations.

The petition further alleged that two senior aides to the National Chairman, his Special Adviser on Political Matters, CID Mmaduabum, and Chief of Staff, Suleiman Adoke, were at the centre of the controversy. The petitioners claimed the aides had assumed functions reserved for the National Working Committee and were allegedly influencing the chairman against implementing the appeal committee’s report because its recommendations were “not in their favour.”

The aggrieved members argued that failure to implement the appeal panel’s findings would undermine the authority of the National Working Committee, weaken internal democracy within the party and erode public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.

“Uploading names of persons not recommended by the Party Appeal Committee set up by the NWC would erode confidence in INEC’s oversight of political party primaries, kill party internal democracy and undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process,” the petition stated.

The petitioners further warned that “INEC must not be seen as a collaborator in institutionalizing internal party dictatorship.”

One of the cases highlighted in the petition concerns the Idemili South State Constituency seat in Anambra State.

According to the petition, Hon. Chiamaka Jessy Okpala was the only aspirant who purchased the party’s nomination form, successfully passed the screening exercise and participated in the primary election monitored by the electoral commission.

Despite being the sole cleared aspirant, the petition alleged that her name was later substituted with that of another individual who had allegedly contested under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The petitioners maintained that the appeal panel recommended the restoration of Okpala’s candidature but alleged that the recommendation had yet to be implemented.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress had issued an official response to the allegations contained in the petition.

In a related development, concerned ADC stakeholders in Nasarawa State called on the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, to urgently convene a meeting of the National Working Committee to review, ratify and fully implement the decisions of the various appeal committees.

The stakeholders argued that respecting the recommendations of the appeal panels would strengthen party cohesion, reduce the likelihood of protracted litigation over nominations and improve the party’s electoral prospects.

They warned that unresolved nomination disputes could distract the party’s campaign efforts, weaken the chances of its presidential ticket and other candidates, and undermine the ADC’s ability to present a united front ahead of the general elections.

They therefore urged the National Working Committee to uphold the integrity of its internal appeal process, investigate allegations of internal sabotage and ensure that only candidates duly affirmed through the appeal committee’s recommendations are uploaded to the INEC nomination portal.

APC Ward 9 Mourns Former Aniocha South Chairman, Emmanuel Sorokwu

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By Celestine Afokobah

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 9, Ewulu/Isheagu, has expressed sadness over the death of former Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Late Emmanuel Sorokwu.

In a condolence message signed by the Ward Secretary, Mr. Augustine Adibeli, the party described Sorokwu’s death as a colossal loss to Ejeme Kingdom, Nsukwa Clan and Aniocha South.

The statement said members received the news with shock and deep sorrow.

It noted that Late Sorokwu’s contributions and legacy as former council chairman would remain indelible in the history of Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The ward extended its condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and the people of Ejeme Kingdom.

It urged the family to take solace in the belief that death is the inevitable end of every human being, although no one knows when it will come.

The party prayed that the family would be comforted during this difficult period.

It also prayed that such an untimely loss would not befall the family again.

The statement wished Sorokwu’s children long life and prayed that the soul of the deceased would rest in the bosom of the Lord.

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