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60-year-old Orphanage Owner, Others Arrested for Child Trafficking

60-year-old Orphanage Owner, Others Arrested for Child Trafficking

. Police Burst Baby Factory, Kidnapping Rings in Ondo

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a 60 years old prominent member of the orphanage owners umbrella body in Nigeria and founder of an internationally recognised civil society organisation, National Council of Child’s Right Advocates of Nigeria (NACRAN), based in Benue State, (name withed), in connection with an alleged large-scale case of child trafficking, child sale, and illegal adoption. 

In a similar development, operatives of  the  Ondo State Police Command have uncovered a baby factory and human trafficking syndicate in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, and arrested members of a notorious kidnapping gang terrorising travelers along major highways in the South-west.

A statement by the National Press Officer of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, yesterday read: “In a major breakthrough led by operatives of the agency, Markudi Command, the agency rescued 26 children, out of the over 300 suspected to have been trafficked and sold to different persons within Benue, Enugu, Lagos, Nasarawa, and Abuja, while about 274 others are still being traced, as investigations intensify to unravel the full extent of the syndicate’s activities.”

He said also arrested with the suspect is a suspected 34-year-old female accomplice, and two other orphanage operators in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Nasarawa State,  where some allegedly trafficked children were recovered.

The sad development came  a few weeks after the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the unwholesome activities of some operators of orphanages in Nigeria and called on the various state ministries of Women Affairs to beam searchlights on the centres to checkmate their operations.

He said the latest operation by the agency was a continuation of the renewed crackdown on orphanages and care homes across the country ordered by the DG of NAPTIP following a series of reported cases of alleged infractions and illegal activities by the operators of the orphanages.

 He revealed that the detail of the case indicates that on 1st May 2025, a complaint was lodged by a man who reported that his four-year-old son was given out by his mother-in-law to an NGO without his consent. When he demanded the return of his child, he was told he could only see him after three years. 

He noted that this prompted a petition to NAPTIP, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the uncovering of a wider network involved in trafficking and illegal adoption of children.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects feasted on the vulnerability of the rural communities in Benue State through a voodoo initiative called “Back to School Project” to recruit children from crisis-ridden communities in Guma Local Government Area, especially in areas affected by farmer–herder conflicts such as Daudu, Yelwata, and, and trafficked them to Abuja, Nasarawa, Enugu, and Lagos States.

He revealed that the suspects organised meetings with villagers and traditional leaders, convincing them that the project would sponsor children’s education. Parents were deceived into signing consent forms or verbally agreeing to release their children, with promises that they would see them again after three years, adding that over 300 children were reportedly handed over to the suspects. Some parents were unaware or did not sign any consent forms.

 He said the children, aged between one and 13 years, were transported to orphanage homes in Abuja and Nasarawa States, where they were allegedly sold to interested couples under the guise of adoption, for amounts ranging from N1 million to N3 million per child.

He revealed that some of the orphanages identified were used as holding centres where children awaited “adoption” or sale, include four orphanage homes located at Kaigini, Kubuwa Expressway, Abuja; Masaka Area 1, Mararaba, by Abaca Road; and Mararaba, behind the International Market, have been linked to the syndicate and are currently under investigation.

He said one complainant alleged that he paid N2.8 million as an adoption fee and N100,000 consultancy fee to a member of the syndicate.

 He alleged the identities of many rescued children had been changed, complicating tracing efforts.

Speaking on the development, the DG of NAPTIP, Bello, described the situation as unbelievable and mind-bugling.

She said: “Arising from the case at hand, I wish to say that issues of child trafficking and adoption are becoming a national crisis that requires urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders.

“A few weeks ago, based on credible intelligence, I expressed concern and alerted the State Ministries of Women Affairs on the unpatriotic and illegal activities of some Orphanage Operators across the Country.

“It is painful that some unpatriotic elements with recognised entities and status, now use their social class to deceive the already vulnerable people in the crisis-prone communities, traffic their children, most of whom narrowly escape death in the wake of communal or farmer–herder clashes, and sell them to challenge parents in the name of adoption without the valid legal consent of the parents.

“This is unacceptable, and those already arrested in connection with this wicked act shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Our children are not commodities to be displayed in Orphanages and sold at will to the highest bidders. This must stop.”

Meanwhile, operatives of  the  Ondo State Police Command have uncovered a baby factory and human trafficking syndicate in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, and arrested members of a notorious kidnapping gang terrorising travelers along major highways in the South-west.

In the first operation, a swift response from the Police followed the escape and report of a 17-year-old girl, Vivian Peter, who revealed that she had been trafficked from Akwa Ibom State to Ore under the pretext of a job offer but on arrival, she was taken to what appeared to be a clinic but later turned out to be a baby factory where several pregnant girls were allegedly held for exploitation.

A statement issued yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ayanlade Olusola, revealed that the girl managed to escape after being instructed to undergo a medical scan at another hospital where she swiftly ran to the Ore Division and narrated her ordeal to operatives.

“However, acting on her tip-off, detectives from the Ore Division and the Command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit stormed the facility, rescuing five pregnant girls and a baby boy. One of the victims was discovered to have already delivered and is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Ore.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the operator of the facility, one Ada Clement and her accomplices, allegedly used the centre as a baby factory, where pregnant teenagers were confined until delivery. The babies were reportedly sold for N400,000 and above for girls and N600,000 and above for boys.”

He said the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the syndicate’s activities and directed that all fleeing members be tracked and brought to justice. 

In a related development, operatives of the State Command also recorded another success with the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Ibrahim, believed to be a member of a notorious kidnapping gang responsible for several abductions along the Benin–Ore Expressway.

“The suspect was apprehended in Ore following credible intelligence linking him to multiple kidnap-for-ransom operations across the South-west. During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a gang operating across Ondo, Edo, and Lagos States, using forested routes to evade security surveillance.”

He noted that his confession led the State Anti-Kidnapping Section (SAKS), Akure, to Benin City, where two additional suspects were arrested, stressing that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members still at large.

Commending the operatives for their diligence and professionalism, CP Lawal assured residents that the Police would sustain aggressive intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks across the state.

He urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, while reaffirming the Command’s readiness to protect lives and property. “Ondo State will continue to remain unsafe for criminals but secure for law-abiding residents,” the CP assured.

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. Police Burst Baby Factory, Kidnapping Rings in Ondo Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a 60

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Demolition Protest: Stay Out of Lagos, Police Warn Sowore

Demolition Protest: Stay Out of Lagos, Police Warn Sowore

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has warned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising protests over recent demolitions in the state.

Jimoh gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland bridge, Lagos on Monday.

The police boss said that the command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder.

He emphasised that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.

“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law.

“The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to the Nigerian economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it.

“Every day, thousands of people depend on that route for their livelihood and medical emergencies,” he said.

The police chief said officers had been stationed at strategic points including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas to ensure peace and order.

According to him, while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protests must follow due process and must not infringe on the rights of others.

“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid down procedures.

“What we have seen in recent times is not protest but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.

On the recent Oworonshoki demolition, CP Jimoh defended the government’s action, describing the affected areas as illegal structures and hideouts for criminals.

“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians.

“The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago,” he said.

He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use the guise of protest to cause mayhem.

“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit crime, we will not permit that,” he said.

The commissioner assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.

“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety and freedom of movement.

“We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated,” he said. (NAN)

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The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has warned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising protests over recent demolitions in the state. Jimoh gave the warning while

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Senator Adeola Intervenes in 12  Electricity Projects in Ogun

Senator Adeola Intervenes in 12  Electricity Projects in Ogun

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Senator Representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, has  intervened to provide solution to the lingering power outages in parts  of Ogun State. 

The current intervention, covered stakeholders in communities in Ogun West and Ogun Central, who had been experiencing  power outages that had been lingering for several months.

Residents and stakeholders of the benefitting communities including business owners, traditional rulers, community leaders, had been lamenting over power outages in the area, which had literally paralysed social and exonomic activities in parts of Ogun West and parts of Ogun Central senatorial districts.

In a statement issued by the Senator’s Media Office, the law maker lamented that such prolonged power outages not only affect businesses particularly, micro, small and medium scaled businesses that cannot afford the huge cost of alternative energy, but the quality of lives of the people.

He said: “I have listened carefully to the cries of our people in Ogun West and adjoining parts of Ogun Central. The persistent power outages have crippled businesses and made life difficult for our people residing in many communities and settlements. 

“As their elected representative and apostle of the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I cannot fold my arms while my people and other resident Nigerians suffer in darkness. 

“I am fully committed to ensuring that power is restored and sustained in the shortest possible time going forward,” he stated.  

The senator’s  intervention includes the mobilisation and concluding negotiations with electrical engineering contractors over the weekend to undertake immediate critical rehabilitation, reconnection, and construction works as well as supply of transformers across the affected areas with the listed projects.

The projects cover the reactivation of Ilaro to Ibese 33KV Overhead Lines; Reactivation of Ibese to Dangote 33KV Overhead Lines and Reactivation of (Dangote) Ibese to Joga 33KV -Overhead Lines.

Others include Reactivation of Isaga Junction to Ibara Orile and Isaga 33KV Overhead Lines; Reactivation of (Dangote) Ibese to Igbogila 33KV Overhead Lines (118 spans); Reactivation of Igbogila to Ayetoro 33KV Overhead Lines and  Reactivation of Igbogila to Ijoun 33KV Overhead Lines.

The project also include:supply and installation of 500KVA 11/0.415KV Transformer at Onikoko, Abeokuta; supply and installation of 500KVA 11/0.415KV transformer at Kings Dominium Street, Off Kuforiji Olubi Road, Saraki Area, Adigbe, Abeokuta and  reactivation of 33KV overhead Lines from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro to Oja Odan – through Ebute Igbooro (331 spans) among others.

The Senator popularly called Yayi and who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Appropriations, said the 12 intervention represents part of a comprehensive and sustained power infrastructure rehabilitation programme designed to ensure reliable and equitable electricity supply across all communities within Ogun West and adjoining areas.

He said: “Electricity is the backbone of industrial and social development. By addressing these power challenges, we are restoring hope, reviving local economies, and creating an enabling environment for business growth.”

 Adeola appreciated residents for their patience and understanding during the blackout period, assuring them that the current intervention will bring visible and measurable improvements in power supply within the shortest possible time.

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James Sowole in Abeokuta The Senator Representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, has  intervened to provide solution to the lingering power outages in parts  of Ogun State.  The current intervention, covered stakeholders in communities

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Foundation Extends Scholarship Indigent Students in UNIZIK, COOU, Others

Foundation Extends Scholarship Indigent Students in UNIZIK, COOU, Others

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Ugochukwu Okeke Foundation led by its founder and benefactor, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (Enyioha), has announced the expansion of its scholarship programme to support indigent students at three major institutions in Anambra State

According to the foundation, universities to benefit from the scholarship are Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), and Federal Polytechnic Oko.

The Coordinator, Ugochukwu Okeke Foundation Scholarship Programme, Mr. Chuka Okeke, who spoke to newsmen, said the scholarship will cover the 2025/2026 academic session.

He added that the programme, which has run for over 10 years, was designed to lift the financial burden off the shoulders of brilliant but economically disadvantaged students, giving them a fair shot at academic success and a brighter future

The act, Okeke said, is in continuation of the foundation’s annual scholarship support to Anambra students across the nation, and non-indigenous students studying in institutions in the state.

“As a firm believer in education as a catalyst for growth, endowment and upliftment, the foundation has continued in the trajectory of supporting education-based initiatives including education competitions as programmes targeted at encouraging and rewarding hard work among students” he explained.

Okeke stated that the latest move by the Foundation marks a significant milestone in its mission to democratize access to higher education across the South-east.

“By targeting students in these three prestigious institutions, and across the three senatorial zones of Anambra State, the Foundation is not only investing in individual lives but also sowing seeds of transformation across communities,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the scholarship programme, Okeke said: “Education is the bridge between dreams and reality. Every child deserves the chance to cross that bridge, regardless of their financial background. This scholarship is our way of saying: ‘we see you, we believe in you, and we’re walking this journey with you’.”

Students, and officials across UNIZIK, COOU, and FEDPOLY Oko have hailed the scholarship programme as timely and transformative.

For many recipients, the scholarship represents more than financial relief, it is a vote of confidence in their potential and a catalyst for hope.

Clementina, a beneficiary from UNIZIK, was excited and expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying: “This scholarship has changed everything for me. I was on the verge of dropping out, but now I can focus on my studies and dream again.”

Another beneficiary of the scholarship, Ezenwenyi Ekenedirichukwu Marcellinus of COOU Uli, said: “This generous support could not have come at a better time. It has greatly eased my financial burden and has inspired me to stay focused, work harder and pursue excellence in my studies. Your kindness has left a lasting impact on my academic life, and I hope to one day extend the same generosity to others.”

The Ugochukwu Okeke Foundation has long been a beacon of hope in Anambra State, championing causes that uplift the underserved—from education and healthcare to youth empowerment and community development.

The scholarship package includes tuition support and essential academic expenses, and recipients will be selected based on academic merit, financial need and a demonstrated commitment to personal growth and community service.

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Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Ugochukwu Okeke Foundation led by its founder and benefactor, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (Enyioha), has announced the expansion of its scholarship programme to support indigent students

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APC Zamfara Slams Shinkafi, Praises Tinubu’s War on Insecurity

APC Zamfara Slams Shinkafi, Praises Tinubu’s War on Insecurity

Onuminya Innocent

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, describing him as a serial betrayer driven by envy, frustration, and meddlesomeness.

In a statement issued by the party Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the APC applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

According to the statement, “Shinkafi’s actions are motivated by a desperate quest for relevance, and he has been maligning former Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who provided him with political shelter in 2019 after he lost relevance in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).”

The party claimed that Shinkafi’s allegations about Kabiru Mafara being forced out of the APC are false, stating that Mafara left voluntarily.

The state APC asserted that it has never been more united in Zamfara State, crediting the commitment of leaders like Minister Matawalle, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, and former Governor Mamuda Shinkafi.

The APC expressed confidence in its strong comeback in Zamfara State in 2027, despite Shinkafi’s betrayal, and warned him to redress himself or face consequences. The party thanked President Tinubu for trusting Matawalle and addressing insecurity.

“Since 2019 when Bello Mohammed Matawalle became governor in Zamfara State, Shinkafi who had lost it all in APGA and was in desperate search for a place, found succour in the new government of Matawalle who he found accommodating. 

“Even when he claimed to have brought in his APGA supporters to Matawalle, the supporters had to leave him to follow Matawalle”

“Having lost it all, Sani Shinkafi retreated to Zamfara seeking absorption from the PDP governor even as he claims to be an APC member and in trying to manipulate the government into liking him. He felt the best way is to start causing trouble for former Governor and now Minister of State  for Defence, Matawalle since that is an easy spot on governor Dauda Lawal who always sees Matawalle as a threat. 

The party said Shinkafi’s claim  that Kabiru Mafara was forced out of the APC smacks of deliberatel attempt to distort facts because Marafa who couldn’t secure any appointment left on his own volition. 

“Marafa even boasted that he had made several moves against and for the APC to sack him but it didn’t which was why he exited himself” 

APC said even close supporters of Marafa and Sani Jahi, a member of the House of Representatives who was also suspended by the party, are well aware of the circumstances that led to their exits. 

The party insisted that there was no division in its rank as claimed noting that the APC has never been so united in Zamfara as it is now, owing to the dogged commitment of the trio of Minister Matawalle, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Senator Yarima Bakura, former governor Mamuda Shinkafi among others. 

“It was this unity that made the APC to overwhelmingly defeat the ruling PDP in the state at the recent by-election for Kaura-Namoda South State Assembly election and we remain highly confident that even with the combination of betrayers like the money seeking monger Sani Shinkafi, anti party activist Sani Jaji and envious Kabiru Mafara, the APC is heading for a strong comeback in Zamfara come 2027.

“As APC is waxing stronger in Zamfara State will ensure that no stone is left unturned especially those with ill motive against the party’s success and unity. 

“ The party is calling on Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi to redress himself or face the consequences of his actions because we know of all his romance with the PDP in the state.” 

In contrast, Shinkafi has called on President Tinubu and APC national chairman to urgently address the widening divisions within the party in Zamfara State, warning that internal rivalries and factionalism could hand victory to the opposition in 2027.

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Onuminya Innocent The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, describing him as a serial betrayer driven by envy, frustration, and meddlesomeness. In

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Alleged Terrorism Charge: Kanu Makes U-turn on Defence, Maintains He Has No Case to Answer

Alleged Terrorism Charge: Kanu Makes U-turn on Defence, Maintains He Has No Case to Answer

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The resumption of trial of the detained Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, witnessed another drama, as the defendant, abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his defence in the alleged terrorism charge filed against him by the federal government.

Kanu had last week stunned the Federal High Court in Abuja and other people following his trial when he sacked his entire legal team and decided to defend himself in the seven-count amended terrorism charge.

He had in an application filed last week also listed some serving and former governors, ministers and heads of security agencies, he prayed the court to summon to testify in his defence.

Also at the proceedings of October 24, Kanu had pleaded with the court for time to receive and study his case file for his defence, claiming that he was yet to receive the case file from his former lawyers.

Justice James Omotosho in granting the request, fixed October 27, for the self acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to open his defence.

However, when the matter came up on Monday, Kanu informed the court that he had gone through the case-file and had realised that there was no valid charge against him to warrant entering a defence.

While claiming that there is no valid charge against him, the Biafra nation agitator informed the court that he was subjected to unlawful trial.

Responding, Justice Omotosho directed the defendant to file a written address to that effect and serve same on the prosecution.

The judge however advised Nnamdi Kanu to consult experts in criminal law on the consequences of the option he has chosen.

Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned till November 4, 5 and 6, for the adoption of the final written addresses based on Kanu’s submission that evidence led so far as well as the charge have not established a prima facie case against him that would require that he enters his defence.

Details later.

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Alex Enumah in Abuja The resumption of trial of the detained Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, witnessed another drama, as the defendant, abandoned his earlier plan to

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Govt Urged to Recognise Dokpesi’s Contributions to Broadcasting

Govt Urged to Recognise Dokpesi’s Contributions to Broadcasting

Mary Nnah

Eighteen years after the first Raymond Dokpesi Endurance Trek, Nigerians continue to demand government’s recognition of the late media mogul’s contributions to broadcasting in Nigeria.

Nigerians marked the 18th anniversary of the Raymond Dokpesi Endurance Trek on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with a renewed call on the federal government to declare October 25 as the “Day of Private Broadcasting in Nigeria.”

The annual event, themed “Raymond Dokpesi: The Beacon of Hope for Broadcasting in Nigeria,” drew media practitioners, journalists, and industry stakeholders to the streets of Lagos, all calling on the Federal Government to declare October 25 as the “Day of Private Broadcasting in Nigeria.”

The trek, which started from Kollington Bus, Alagbado, Lagos, and ended at the AIT Compound, where Raymond Dokpesi’s media empire began, underscored the enduring legacy of the late media mogul. Dokpesi, widely regarded as the architect of private broadcasting in Nigeria, pioneered the country’s first private television station, AIT, and its first private radio station, Raypower FM.

Founder and Director-General of the Raymond Dokpesi Centre for Media Development, Dr. Christopher Ebuetse, said: “This is more than just a celebration; it’s a recognition of the impact one man has had on our nation’s media landscape. Raymond Dokpesi’s legacy is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Ebuetse emphasised that Dokpesi’s contributions to broadcasting in Nigeria were unparalleled. He recalled how Dokpesi’s innovative approach to broadcasting had created opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, both in the media industry and beyond. He revolutionised broadcasting in Nigeria, introducing 24-hour broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and promoting local content. His legacy continues to inspire and empower Nigerians,” he said.

A Nollywood actor, Eric Obinna,  who has participated in the endurance trek for 18 years, praised Dokpesi’s pioneering role in private broadcasting.

“We need to keep telling the government until they realise that this thing needs to be done. It’s like the people in authority are so far away from the people that you need to keep shouting, shouting until it will go from one ear to the other, and then it will get to them,” he said.

Obinna expressed optimism that the government would eventually recognise Dokpesi’s contributions.

 “I’m sure it’s getting to them. I’m sure they understand. They have heard from us. They have seen us on television. They have seen us with great agitation. Hundreds of people marching all over the country that this man be recognized, this day be recognised,” he said.

Yakubu Dokpesi, a relative of the late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, said: “This has been going on for a while, asking the federal government to declare October 25 as the ‘Day of Private Broadcasting in Nigeria.’ We will continue to cry. We will continue to cry because the Nigerian people are crying that this man was great,” he said.

Prophet Ezekiel Bamigboye, who represented the church in Nigeria, described Dokpesi as a man with a great heart. “He sacrificed a lot. He came, he fought and he conquered. He was even arrested, and one way or the other the law released him. Do you know one thing? He is not a tribalistic person. So this man is a man with a great heart. He’s a man of the people,” he said.

The participants, who included Nollywood actors, journalists, and media personalities, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a friend of Dokpesi, to use his office to immortalise the late media mogul. They emphasised that recognising Dokpesi’s contributions would not only honor his legacy but also encourage other entrepreneurs in the industry.

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Mary Nnah Eighteen years after the first Raymond Dokpesi Endurance Trek, Nigerians continue to demand government’s recognition of the late media mogul’s contributions to broadcasting in Nigeria. Nigerians marked the

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Delta Communities to Shut Down  NEPL’s Operations over Failure to Fund HCDTDeltaDelta Communities to Shut Down  NEPL’s Operations over Failure to Fund HCDT

Delta Communities to Shut Down  NEPL’s Operations over Failure to Fund HCDTDeltaDelta Communities to Shut Down  NEPL’s Operations over Failure to Fund HCDT

Sylvester Idowu inWarri

Stakeholders from various communities in Isokoland, hosts to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Productions Limited (NEPL) and operators of OML 26 and the new players, Sterling Global, as well as other oil companies operating in the areas have threatened to shut down their operations over refusal to implement the PIA act

They were particularly disturbed and disappointed that nearly two years after the inauguration of AIO Host Community Development Trust (AIO HCDT) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, nothing has happened to speed the growth of their communities.

Reacting under the auspices of Isoko Grassroots Mobilisers, the stakeholders in a statement issued yesterday and signed by Erere Okpako and Angela Akpofa, said unless urgent steps were taken, the operations of the oil companies would be disrupted to vent their anger.

“We are worried about the deplorable state of our various communities as a result of decades of neglect by oil companies operating in Isoko land, and we are spoiling for shut down of oil operations in our land.

“We are particularly disturbed and disappointed that nearly two years after inauguration of AIO Host Community Development Trust (AIO HCDT) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021,nothing has happened”, they said.

The stakeholders explained that by the Act, oil companies were expected to channel three percent of their Operating Expenditure (OPEX) to the HCDTs for the development of the host communities adding that of these funds, 75 percent was earmarked for infrastructure development while 20 and five percent were for investment and administrative purposes respectively.

“But as we write this, even the five percent that is to enable a proper take off has not been released let alone those for infrastructure and reserve,” they stated, adding that the various communities were visibly disturbed, and therefore, called for a review of any relationship that exists between them and the oil companies particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Productions Limited (NEPL) operators of OML 26 and the new players, Sterling Global.

The stakeholders noted that the AIO HCDT has been working without tools, not even office accommodation despite several meetings held with NEPL in Warri and Ozoro with the hope of resolving all grey areas without any positive result.

They recalled that sometime in October this year, the NEPL informed the AIO Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman of the approval of the five percent administrative budget but that up till now, the account was yet to be credited, thereby creating more complications to operationalising the HCDT activities.

While the agitated communities, including the Isoko Youth Assembly, were spoiling for a show down with the oil companies, the stakeholders acknowledged that the BOT of the AIO HCDT has been trapped between two difficult sides of the divide.

The stakeholders warned that the oil companies should not overreach their luck as “we can no longer allow them to take us for granted. We implore the operators to expedite actions to forestall any possible consequences that may result from a shutdown.”

They prevailed on federal and the state governments interventions to save the situation and avoid economic losses to all.

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Sylvester Idowu inWarri Stakeholders from various communities in Isokoland, hosts to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Productions Limited (NEPL) and operators of OML 26 and the new players, Sterling