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• August 25, 2025
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Benue Assembly Speaker Resigns, Replaced by Suspended Deputy Whip

Benue Assembly Speaker Resigns, Replaced by Suspended Deputy Whip

George Okoh in Makurdi

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, yesterday resigned his position, two days after he suspended four members of the legislature, including the Deputy Whip, Alfred Emberga.

It was learnt that Dajoh fell out with Governor Hyacinth Alia recently when he insisted that some top government officials, including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Comfort Adagba, be suspended for six months for insubordination. 

Though the governor suspended Adagba for one month, the plot was thereafter said to have thickened to impeach the former speaker, Dajoh.

But in his resignation letter, Dajoh said he relinquished his position in good faith and in the interest of the state, pledging to remain committed to his legislative duties.

In an emergency meeting presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lami Ogenyi,  Sunday evening, the house recalled the suspended Emberga and elected him as the new speaker. 

Emberga who represents Makurdi North State Constituency was recalled and re-admitted alongside three other members. The motion to recall him was moved by the Majority Leader, Tiseer Saater, and seconded by Peter Ipusu, representing Katsina-Ala West. 

The motion to elect the new speaker was moved by Douglas Akya representing Makurdi South and seconded by Abu James, representing Apa constituency. 

In his acceptance speech, the new speaker  said he acknowledged the weight of the office and the expectations of Benue people, who look up to the House to make sound laws, provide effective oversight, and quality representation. 

“I wish to sincerely appreciate my predecessor, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, for his service and commitment to the progress of this House and to the people of Benue State. His decision to resign, though, may be difficult, reflects his courage and respect for the institution of the legislature.  We shall continue to build on the foundation he has laid as we move forward together. 

“To my esteemed colleagues, I assure you that this leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, fairness, and respect for diverse opinions. The House under my watch will work harmoniously with the executive and judiciary, while maintaining our independence, in line with the principle of separation of powers.  Together, we shall ensure that the dignity and integrity of this Assembly is upheld at all times,” he stated.

Embarga called on all members to join hands with him in unity of purpose to ensure that good laws and good governance of the state are made.

“Our people are yearning for development, peace, and good governance. It is our duty to rise above personal interests and partisan divides, to make laws that will improve lives, strengthen institutions, and advance the overall progress of Benue state,” he said.

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George Okoh in Makurdi Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, yesterday resigned his position, two days after he suspended four members of the legislature, including the
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With N35bn, Delta Govt Moves to ‘Rescue’ Effurun-Sapele-Benin Federal Govt Road 

With N35bn, Delta Govt Moves to ‘Rescue’ Effurun-Sapele-Benin Federal Govt Road 

*Awards reconstruction to Chinese firm

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba 

The Delta State Government, has stepped in to salvage Warri-Sapele-Benin Road by awarding a contract for its reconstruction to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the cost of over N35 billion.

Advertised by the Delta State Tenders Board, the projects spans the stretch from the Spare Parts Market U-Turn, Effurun in Ovwie Local Government Area, to near Ohore Junction, before Omenta Bridge in Uvwie and Okpe local government areas. 

The reconstruction is expected to be completed within 12 months.

Terms of the contract indicated that CCECC would reconstruct a total of 10 kilometers of the dual carriageway, that is, five kilometers on each carriageway, with an expanded width of 11.6 metres and 2.8-metre shoulders.

The project also features stormwater drains, reinforced concrete pavement, and a durable wearing course.

The project is in tandem with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E development blueprint, which prioritises “infrastructure renewal and sustainable urban development”.

When completed, the road linking Delta State with other parts of the South-South and Niger Delta region, is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and boost socio-economic activities along one of the busiest corridors of Delta State.

Although regarded as a Trunk A federal road and strategic, the Effurun-Sapele-Benin ‘Expressway’ has for many years seen numerous severely failed portions, leading to frequent gridlocks and accidents, and reportedly worsened insecurity along the corridor with untold hardship for drivers, commuters and businesses.

“The state’s intervention reflects a determination to provide timely relief to motorists and preserve Delta’s status as a commercial hub in the South-South,” the Commissioner for Work and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, noted.

By engaging the CCECC, the Oborevwori administration has assured residents and road users that quality and durability would be guaranteed, he said.

Aniagwu further stated that the intervention, coming on the heels of the completion of the Asaba-Kwale-Isoko-Ughelli highway by the state government, underscored “Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that supports inclusive growth and prosperity; tackling challenges beyond state-owned roads to ensure safer, faster, and more reliable access to markets, industries, and neighbouring states.”

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*Awards reconstruction to Chinese firm Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba  The Delta State Government, has stepped in to salvage Warri-Sapele-Benin Road by awarding a contract for its reconstruction to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the
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• August 25, 2025
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H1: Africa Prudential Records 75% PBT Growth, N41.35bn Assets 

H1: Africa Prudential Records 75% PBT Growth, N41.35bn Assets 

Africa Prudential Plc has announced a strong performance for the first half of 2025, posting a 75 per cent year-on-year growth in Profit Before Tax to N1.98 billion, compared to N1.13 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.

The unaudited results released in Lagos showed that Profit After Tax rose by 73 per cent to N1.35 billion from N779million in the corresponding period of last year. Net total income also increased significantly by 64 per cent to N3.3billion, against N2 billion recorded in 2024.

The company said total assets climbed to N41.35bn as of June 2025, representing a 38 per cent rise from N29.95 billion in the same period last year, while shareholders’ fund grew by 15 per cent to N11 billion, despite a N1.2 billion dividend payout earlier in the year. Speaking on the results, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential, Catherine Nwosu, said the performance underscored the strength of the company’s diversified income base and its resilience in a challenging macroeconomic environment marked by inflation, foreign exchange volatility and high interest rates.

She said, “Our first half performance of 2025 reflects the strength of our diversified income base and the commitment of our people to delivering value despite a challenging operating environment. We are especially pleased to have rewarded our shareholders with a bonus issue this year, the first in the history of the company. This further underscores our dedication to delivering long-term returns while sustaining growth.”

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Africa Prudential Plc has announced a strong performance for the first half of 2025, posting a 75 per cent year-on-year growth in Profit Before Tax to N1.98 billion, compared to N1.13 billion recorded in
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• August 25, 2025
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FATF to Countries: Monitor Digital Assets’ Development, Provide Tools to Watch Potential Terrorist Activities

FATF to Countries: Monitor Digital Assets’ Development, Provide Tools to Watch Potential Terrorist Activities

*Tells UN ISIS using Crypto to finance global terrorism

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Global anti-money laundering (AML) watchdog–Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has raised the alarm that terrorist group, ISIS is using virtual assets such as crypto to fund their operations.It urged countries and the private sector to monitor the development of virtual assets and provide tools to identify potential underlying terrorist activities.FATF, which was originally created in 1989 to tackle money laundering, was mobilised within just one month of the 9/11 attacks to also include in its mandate, combating terrorist financing.The Paris-based group, which sets AML standards worldwide, said the virtual assets technology is being used as a way to conceal payments.FATF President, Elisa de Anda Madrazo told the United Nations (UN) Security Council at the weekend that the agency had in June this year, completed a Comprehensive Update of Terrorist Financing Risks, with the professional collaboration of UN officials and France.The report, she noted, examined different types of financing of terrorist groups and individuals, and included detailed information on the financing of Daesh and affiliates.Madrazo stated: “What we see is that over the past decades, terrorists have demonstrated a persistent ability to exploit the international financial system. “And these methods they employ vary widely, but we see the trend that underscores both their adaptability and determination.”Context really matters. Depending on contextual circumstances, we see that the type of terrorist organisations, individuals and those who finance terrorism have varying financial needs and consequently adapt their financial management strategies,” the FATF chief said According to her, despite improvements in transparency and risk management practices of the private sector, FATF observed that terrorists continue to use formal financial systems, including deposit accounts, wire transfers, and prepaid cards.”The major evolution is due to digital transformation. Digital platforms — such as social media, messaging applications, and crowdfunding systems—are increasingly being abused for terrorist financing, particularly when they offer integrated payment systems that bypass due diligence measures.”We see an increasing level of abuse of virtual assets, with some groups systematically leveraging them and employing obfuscation techniques and shifting towards alternatives promoted as more private and secure. “In particular, our report highlights that in 2024, ISIL-K has increasingly used virtual assets for organisational transfers and to collect donations internationally.  “To address this, the updated FATF Standards support countries and the private sector to monitor the development of virtual assets and provide tools to identify potential underlying terrorist activities.”In parallel, the threat posed by lone individuals radicalized by ISIL ideology — often younger in age — is rising, with such actors relying on microfinancing strategies drawn from both licit sources, petty criminal activity, as well as technology-enabled methods, including gambling online, which we call gaming, and social media features.”While traditional financing channels and schemes continue to be used, there is a marked increase in the interlink of diverse methods and the use of digital technologies. This adds to the complexity of the shields we have to put in place to combat terrorist financing.”We also see an increased decentralisation, with regional financial hubs and self-financed cells playing a larger role, adapting to local contexts, and employing a broader range of funding sources, from criminal activities (as we see with ISIL’s branches in Africa) to investments in business activities. “These financing models are more resilient and less vulnerable to traditional disruption efforts.”This is of course a complex environment, highlighting the importance of the complementarity of the FATF and UN mandates in combatting terrorist financing.”FATF outlined a number of measures to combat the existing and emerging challenge terrorist financing risks, and building upon requirements in Security Council resolutions and the guidance of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, including the Algeria Guiding Principles.It called for the making of multilateral designation of terrorist organisations under Security Council sanctions regimes a key priority, alongside regional and national mechanisms established pursuant to UNSCR 1373.It also urged strengthening implementation of the global Combating the Financing of Terrorism. (CFT) standards, adding that the FATF was actively working to support countries to increase their investigative and prosecuting abilities after identifying that less than a third of countries are investigating and prosecuting terror financing adequately. “There is also an area of opportunity in closing the loopholes – particularly in areas such as virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and transparency of legal persons. This is fundamental to choke the flow of funds to terrorism,” the global anti-money laundering watchdog said

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*Tells UN ISIS using Crypto to finance global terrorism Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Global anti-money laundering (AML) watchdog–Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has raised the alarm that terrorist group, ISIS is
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