Alex otti Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners and other stakeholders to promote safe, orderly and regular migration. Otti made the call at Government House, Umuahia, while declaring open the inaugural South-East Migration Dialogue 2026. He urged participants to translate the National Migration Framework into practical outcomes that would benefit people across the region. The dialogue, organised by the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development (CSoNetMADE), was themed, “Partnership for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.” The South-East Coordinator of CSoNetMADE,…
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Obi: Police arrest 46 over blockage of movement in Benue
By Ebere Nnadi Benue State Police said the Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state on Tuesday. The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Makurdi, explaining that the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched shortly after the incident. Nwadiogbu said the command was notified of Obi’s visit at about 5:30pm on Monday, September 7, after which security personnel were…
Read MoreSouth-South Govs Move to Build Regional Economic Powerhouse
Photo: South-South Govs By Mandy Park South-South governors have resolved to build a stronger regional economic bloc anchored on infrastructure connectivity, investment mobilisation, maritime development, industrialisation and coordinated engagement with the Federal Government, as they seek to translate the region’s enormous economic potential into tangible prosperity for its people. The resolution formed the thrust of the communiqué issued at the end of the second meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum, held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday under the chairmanship of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. The governors…
Read MoreAlcohol abuse damages kidney, liver says Prof Adeyeye, NAFDAC Boss
Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye By Mandy Park The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has raised fresh concerns over the dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption, warning that prolonged abuse can cause serious damage to vital organs, particularly the kidneys and liver. NAFDAC also linked alcohol abuse to wider social and security challenges, warning that excessive drinking can contribute to behaviours that encourage violence and criminal activities, including banditry. The agency’s warning comes amid growing concerns over the accessibility and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria, particularly…
Read More‘I don’t want my father jailed,’ says 19-year-old sexually abused daughter
Victim and suspect A 19-year-old lady, Miss Ugo (not her real name), has found herself torn between seeking an end to years of alleged sexual abuse by her father and seeing him sent to prison. Ugo alleged that her father, Uche Didie, a 43-year-old man from Delta State, first sexually abused her in 2019 when she was 12 years old. According to her, the abuse continued for years until Sunday, September 6, 2026, when she finally found the courage to disclose her ordeal to someone outside the family. Ugo, who lives with…
Read MoreObi Rejects Datti’s Verdict, Says Anambra Record Proves He Can Transform Nigeria
By Mandy Park Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed the assessment of his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, that none of the politicians seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, including himself, has the capacity to improve Nigeria. Obi, while outlining his vision for the country, said his record as governor of Anambra State demonstrated that he had the experience and capacity to deliver meaningful development if given the opportunity to lead at the federal level. Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s…
Read More26 states lean on FAAC as wage bills outstrip IGR
By: Mandy Park At least 26 state governments could not generate enough internal revenue to cover their personnel costs in 2025, as they continue to depend on allocations from the Federation Account despite a significant improvement in their finances. An analysis by The PUNCH showed that only eight of the 34 states covered by a new BudgIT report generated Internally Generated Revenue higher than their personnel expenditure during the year. The eight states were Lagos, Enugu, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Kwara, Abia and Anambra. The remaining 26 states generated about N1.16tn…
Read MoreGov. Otu placing culture, tourism at heart of Cross River development – Obudu Chair
Photo: Gov. Otu The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, has commended Governor Bassey Otu for placing culture and tourism at the centre of the state’s development agenda. The council chairman said the governor’s administration had demonstrated a renewed commitment to harnessing Cross River State’s rich cultural heritage, natural attractions and tourism potential as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. He noted that Obudu, with its renowned mountainous landscape, cultural heritage and tourist attractions, remained strategically positioned to benefit from the state government’s renewed…
Read MoreRivers: CAPPA Raises Alarm Over Bille Gas Explosion, Demands Probe
By Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has raised the alarm over the risk of a major environmental and public safety disaster in Bille, an island community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, following another gas-related explosion in the area. CAPPA urged the Rivers State Government and relevant regulatory authorities to urgently investigate the incident and address what it described as persistent gas bubbling and seepage in the community. The latest explosion occurred at about 8am on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at No. 18, Opu…
Read More2027 presidency: APM unveils campaign plans for Makinde
Photo: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (middle); receiving certificate of return and Flag as Allied People’s Movement (APM), Presidential Candidate from the party National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle (left) while the Organizing Secretary, Hon Bashiru Bala looks on, during the APM primary election collation/unveiling ceremony, held at Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Ibadan. By Mandy Park The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has rolled out its campaign strategy for the 2027 presidential election as the party begins efforts to build nationwide support for its candidate, Seyi Makinde. The party has…
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