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Navy destroys 6 illegal refining sites in Delta

The Forward Operating Base, FOB, Escravos of the Nigerian Navy says it has deactivated six illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South Local Government of Delta. Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of the FOB, Escravos disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Warri. Okoloagu said the operations were carried
Navy destroys 6 illegal refining sites in Delta

The Forward Operating Base, FOB, Escravos of the Nigerian Navy says it has deactivated six illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South Local Government of Delta.

Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of the FOB, Escravos disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Warri.

Okoloagu said the operations were carried out between October 2 and October 6 in the coastal community.

He said that an approximated 11,200 litres of stolen crude were seized in the series of coordinated operations.

The naval boss added that the products were discovered in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks.

“The FOB Escravos has deactivated six illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community and seized approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude in a series of coordinated operations.

“The products were discovered in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks. Also, one pumping machine was recovered,” he said.

Okoloagu said that the operations were part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II, adding that the feat was made possible through credible intelligence.

According to him, the operations aligned with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla to stern illegalities in the maritime space.

Okoloagu, however, reiterated the Base’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s oil assets against economic sabotage.

Navy destroys 6 illegal refining sites in Delta

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Nigerians expect electoral reforms to deepen, strengthen democracy – IPAC to INEC

The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has reacted to the appointment, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the Chairman of the Independent National Election Commission, INEC. The body of political parties in the country described this period as crucial in the nation’s electoral process. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, was appointed as INEC chairman to replace Prof
Nigerians expect electoral reforms to deepen, strengthen democracy – IPAC to INEC

The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has reacted to the appointment, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the Chairman of the Independent National Election Commission, INEC.

The body of political parties in the country described this period as crucial in the nation’s electoral process.

Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, was appointed as INEC chairman to replace Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who stepped aside after his about 10 years of service.

” It is a well deserved appointment in citizens’ quest for sustainable democracy and development,” A statement signed by
Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, IPAC national.Chairman said.

“A man of integrity, distinguished academic, astute administrator and legal luminary, it is hoped that Prof Amupitan will bring his wealth of experience in discharging this critical national assignment,” it added.

“Nigerians expect an independent electoral body; electoral reform that will consolidate, deepen and strengthen the democratic system; free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections that will foster national unity, political stability and prosperity; rebuild trust in the electoral process and uphold the sanctity of the ballot box in which every vote is counted and counts in the overall result, and the mandate of the people respected by all stakeholders.

“These align with the vision and mandate of IPAC in deepening our democracy, ensuring an environment conducive to successful elections, political stability and overall well-being of Nigerians.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will collaborate with the new leadership of INEC and critical stakeholders to enhance the credibility and integrity of the nation’s electoral process, and strengthen democratic institutions and governance.”

IPAC charged Prof Amupitan to discharge his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour and justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in him bearing in mind that the whole world is watching him, adding that “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

“The litmus test of his leadership is the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election. INEC should remain neutral as an umpire and ensure it is fair, transparent and inclusive. The success of this off-cycle election will indicate what citizens will expect in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls, Osun and Ekiti States gubernatorial elections, and the decisive 2027 general election. The need for patriotism, excellence, transparency, integrity, security and accountability cannot be overstated,” it added.

IPAC said it stands with INEC, stakeholders and fellow compatriots in building a strong, united, stable, prosperous and inclusive democratic nation.

Nigerians expect electoral reforms to deepen, strengthen democracy – IPAC to INEC

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NYSC: Skills acquisition must be your plan B – DG to Corps members

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has called the Skills Acquisition & Entreprenuership Department, SAED, programme a crucial “Plan B” for corps members to ensure self-reliance. ​ While addressing 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members in Kaduna on Friday, Nafiu urged them to fully embrace the SAED initiative
NYSC: Skills acquisition must be your plan B – DG to Corps members

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has called the Skills Acquisition & Entreprenuership Department, SAED, programme a crucial “Plan B” for corps members to ensure self-reliance.
​
While addressing 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members in Kaduna on Friday, Nafiu urged them to fully embrace the SAED initiative during orientation to build sustainable livelihoods.

Nafiu explained that SAED equipped corps members with practical skills to become self-employed, especially when job promises from relatives or access to white-collar employment failed to materialise.

He said the SAED programme was tailored to make Nigerian graduates business-minded, thus reducing dependence on government jobs and promoting youth-led entrepreneurship across the country.

Nafiu highlighted that NYSC was more than a service year; it’s a platform to prepare youth for future challenges while fostering national unity and development across diverse regions.

He said the government’s investment in youth education underscored its belief in their role as drivers of national transformation, urging corps members to value the responsibility.

The Director-General encouraged corps members to go beyond mere participation, urging them to explore meaningful contributions toward national development, even after their one-year mandatory service.

He cautioned against viewing the service year as a vacation, stressing that it should be used to acquire new skills, expand networks, and prepare for future opportunities.

Nafiu lauded Kaduna State for being hospitable, recalling his experience as a camp commandant there, his first NYSC posting, and assured corps members of continued support and safety.

He appealed to the Kaduna State government and communities to maintain their tradition of caring for corps members’ welfare, ensuring their security and well-being throughout the service year.

Nafiu advised corps members to adopt the habit of saving from their monthly stipends, noting that financial discipline is key to making future investments and building stability.

He disclosed that the government had launched a N2 billion loan initiative through the Bank of Industry to support corps members with business ideas and entrepreneurial goals.

According to him, each corps member can access up to N5 million at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent, repayable over three years, with a three-month moratorium period.

NYSC: Skills acquisition must be your plan B – DG to Corps members

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Expert warns Nigerians against negative messages, urges all to protect country’s reputation

A Public Relations expert, Adetokunbo Modupe, has warned Nigerians against spreading negative messages, emphasizing that reputation is a country’s capital. Modupe insisted that building the country’s reputation is a collective responsibility, requiring the efforts of both leaders and citizens, adding that the perception of a country directly impacts the value placed on its citizens. He
Expert warns Nigerians against negative messages, urges all to protect country’s reputation

A Public Relations expert, Adetokunbo Modupe, has warned Nigerians against spreading negative messages, emphasizing that reputation is a country’s capital.

Modupe insisted that building the country’s reputation is a collective responsibility, requiring the efforts of both leaders and citizens, adding that the perception of a country directly impacts the value placed on its citizens.

He made this call at the 2025 Annual Colloquium of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Ogun State chapter, held on Thursday, in Abeokuta.

Speaking on the colloquium theme, Leadership and Reputation: “The Role of Public Relations in Building Trust in Nigeria”, the founder and chief consultant of TPT International Limited, described leadership and reputation as inseparable elements of national development, lamenting that Nigeria’s leadership crisis had eroded public trust.

Modupe urged leaders to rebuild credibility through truth, fairness and service, warning that corruption and disregard for values continued to undermine democratic growth.

He said, “Indeed, the perception of a country is reflected in the value placed on its citizens. If you want to know the reputation of your country, look at the value placed on you when you step out of Nigeria.

“We have data and if I present data to you all on how the world sees Nigeria today, you will feel very sorry for our country. However, it’s not all gloom and doom, we have the bad side and we have the great side.”

Declaring the event open, the National President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, represented by Tope Adaramola, a council member, emphasized that the gap between the leadership and the led, makes PR’s role in fostering trust in Nigeria more pertinent than ever.

Neliaku stated that genuine communication, consistent message, reputation management, crisis communication, and storytelling were all necessary to establish trust.

He reiterated his commitment to building NIPR as a formidable institution in Nigeria, by putting in place strategies to ensure that the institute becomes stronger than any individual, saying “the major deficit of our nation is that we have strong men and very weak institutions.”

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, the 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Oladipupo Adebutu, identified reputation and leadership as co-travellers in the development of any nation.

He noted that Nigeria’s major challenge remains leadership rooted in weak values and loss of reputation, stressing that no nation could progress when integrity and conscience are abandoned.

Earlier, the Ogun State Chairman of NIPR, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, in her welcome address, described nation-building as a shared responsibility requiring leaders, institutions and citizens to uphold ethical values and transparency in their dealings.

Boye emphasised that in order to foster positive relationships between organisations and the public, public relations must establish trust through genuine and consistent communication, reputation management, and strategic stakeholders’ engagement.

Expert warns Nigerians against negative messages, urges all to protect country’s reputation