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Emefiele Pleads not Guilty to Alleged Unlawful Possession of 753 Housing Units, Fraud, Forgery

Emefiele Pleads not Guilty to Alleged Unlawful Possession of 753 Housing Units, Fraud, Forgery

* Gets 72 hours to perfect bail 

Alex Enumah in Abuja 

A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, on Monday pleaded not guilty to an alleged charge of unlawful obtainment of an Abuja property containing 753 housing units.

Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the entire eight-count charge, which included fraud and forgery, filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Following his not guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court for an accelerated hearing of the matter in pursuit of the EFCC’s establishment Act to avoid unnecessary delays.

While he sought a date for commencement of trial, he prayed that Emefiele be remanded in custody of the correctional centre.

Responding, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mr Mathew Burkaa (SAN), informed the court that he has filed for the bail of the defendant on June 13, adding that since the prosecution did not file any counter affidavit, it is presumed that he was not opposed to the grant of the bail application.

He drew the court’s attention to the fact that the defendant is already being tried by the prosecution in three other matters and this is the fourth, adding that Emefiele was granted bail in the three matters.

Delivering ruling, trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, held that bail is constitutional and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Justice Halilu, who observed that the highest offence in the land is treasonable felony, noted that the court had on several occasions admitted defendants to bail.

“I have seen the charge filed against the defendant. Although the defendant did not file counter, he however raised some concerns in some parts of the affidavit in support of the application and those issues are hereby struck out,” the judge held.

In granting Emefiele bail, the judge also recognized that Emefiele did not jump the bail granted by Justice Maryanne Anenih and Justice Hamza Muazu.

As part of conditions attached to the new bail, Justice Halilu said that the defendant’s travel documents already before Justice Muaza are attached, provide two sureties who must own landed property within the jurisdiction of the court worth N2 billion.

The sureties in addition must sign an undertaking to always ensure Emefiele is in court during the trial and will be jailed if the defendant jumps bail or forfeit the property.

Responding, Burkaa prayed the court to release the defendant to the defence team for at least seven days to enable the defendant to perfect his bail.

Oyedepo however objected, stating that it would amount to variation of the bail. 

He claimed that the conditions of the bail are not something the defendant would find difficult to meet.

The judge, however, ordered that Emefiele has till Wednesday to perfect the bail or be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

Meanwhile, the court fixed July 11 for commencement of trial.

Earlier, Emefiele through his lawyer challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit on the grounds that he was not in any way linked with the charge.

The said property the former CBN boss is being tried is located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, measures 150,462.86 SQM and comprises 753 housing units.

A High Court of the FCT had last year ordered the forfeiture of the said property to the Federal Government over claim that the estate forms proceeds of crime.

However, Emefiele had approached the court to challenge the forfeiture order of the court.

While the matter is currently pending at the Court of Appeal, the anti-graft agency, on May 30, filed a fresh charge against Emefiele and one Eric Ocheme, said to be at large.

The charge number: CR/358/2025, borders on alleged having control of property reasonably suspected to be unlawfully obtained. 

The offence is punishable under Section 319 of the Penal Code Law.

Besides the housing estate, the two defendants are also charged with unlawfully keeping in their possession billions of naira in proxy accounts .

In count one of the charges, Emefiele and Ocheme are being accused of knowingly having within their control the housing estate suspected to be unlawfully obtained contrary to the law.

While in count two, they were alleged to knowingly have in their possession the sum of N167 million domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 

In count three, they were alleged to have held the sum of N1.23 billion in the same account. 

According to the anti-graft agency, the said sums were said to be reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

In another count, they were also alleged to have in their control another sum of N2.9 billion domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled in a bank

In count five, the commission stated that the defendants between January and December 2022, knowingly had under their control the total sum of N1.98 billion domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled in a bank , which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

In other counts, they were also linked to the sum of N900 million and N600 million in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account No: 1210750237 domiciled in a bank

Meanwhile, in count eight, Emefiele was said to have in January 2021, forged a document titled, ‘Irrevocable Power of Attorney Between MG Properties Limited and H and Y Business Global Limited’ with the intention of causing it to be believed that the said titled document was executed by the authority of H and Y Business Global Limited.

The offences, according to the EFCC, contravened the provisions of sections 319, 362 and 364 of the Penal Code.

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* Gets 72 hours to perfect bail  Alex Enumah in Abuja  A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, on Monday pleaded not guilty to

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At 4th Africa Sovereign Investors Forum Meeting, Tinubu Demands Collective Action To Develop Continent

At 4th Africa Sovereign Investors Forum Meeting, Tinubu Demands Collective Action To Develop Continent

* Charges relevant institutions to utilise continent’s sovereign wealth funds with sound financial discipline

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has called for collective action and regional cooperation among African countries in actualising transformative development on the continent.

Specifically, he said shrewd utilisation of sovereign wealth funds is crucial in ongoing efforts to close the infrastructure gap, build climate change resilience and create job opportunities for the growing youth population on the continent.

President Tinubu gave the charge on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 4th Annual Meeting of the Africa Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF), hosted by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The president, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, noted that the forum’s meeting with the theme, ‘Leveraging African Sovereign Wealth Funds to Mobilise Global Capital for Transformative Development in Africa,’ was holding at a time the world is witnessing rapid transformation and is under pressure to think outside the box.

For Africa, President Tinubu said, it is time to position the continent to seize the opportunities rooted in the wave of global change.

He also charged African nations to take a cue from evolving sovereign wealth funds across the world, which have moved beyond serving as mere fiscal buffers to become architects of national transformation.

According to him, “Our future lies not in working in silos but in pursuing regional cooperation and collective ambition. Our sovereign wealth funds must become the anchors for pan-African investment platforms that de-risk projects, standardise processes, and deliver sustainable outcomes at scale. This is not just a strategy. This is a necessity.”

Emphasising that Africa is currently facing a development dilemma, as it contends with limited fiscal space amid growing expectations and demands for long-term capital to fuel inclusive and sustainable growth, the president, however, identified creativity as a solution to the puzzle.

He said: “There can be no greater inspiration to reimagine how we invest, whether in setting up critical infrastructure, strengthening our climate resilience, promoting food security through agricultural innovation, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, or embracing the digital economy to create jobs and expand opportunity.

“None of these is possible without catalytic institutions that combine strategic foresight with sound financial discipline. This is why the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority stands not only as a steward of our sovereign capital but as a vehicle for the delivery of strategic infrastructure.

“It is a catalyst in our national quest to redeem renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture and much more. It is also a hub for pioneering innovative capital mobilisation solutions tailored to the realities of our continent.”

President Tinubu noted that ASIF has the pan-African apparatus to harness the collective strength of the continent’s sovereign investment institutions, just as he maintained that the time to act was now.

“We must act and act now to close the infrastructure gap, build resilience to climate change, and create jobs for our expanding youth population. This is precisely why platforms like the Africa Sovereign Investors Forum are not just relevant but essential.

“ASIF offers a pan-African mechanism to harness the collective strength of our sovereign investment institutions. It gives us the power to share knowledge, co-invest across borders, and speak with a unified voice in the global financial ecosystem. Through this kind of collaboration, we will attract the scale of capital required to unlock Africa’s latent potential,” he stated.

The president applauded the formal launch of the ASIF Investment Platform, saying it is a strategic initiative that deepens collaboration among Africa’s sovereign wealth funds.

According to him, the platform is not just an innovative tool but also a bold move that pools the continent’s capital, expertise and networks to mobilise financing for high-impact, cross-border projects, as well as “a step forward in advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the continent”.

He expressed delight that the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), as a founding member of ASIF, has taken an active role in advancing the vision, even as he commended its leadership for “mobilising like-minded African funds and international partners to design long-term, impactful investment solutions”.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, listed priorities for stakeholders at the forum to include capital mobilisation at scale, regional and intercontinental collaboration, human capital and policy alignment, noting that they are critical for transformative development across the continent.  

He expressed hope that the ASIF meeting would birth significant transactions that can mobilise the required resources, drive economic transformation across Africa, forge impactful partnerships and build a sustainable future.

Also speaking, the President of AfreximBank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, emphasised the need for stakeholders to keep African sovereign wealth funds on the continent by investing in domestic markets.

He noted that the forum can help reshape Africa’s development financing in a manner that gives the continent greater opportunity to determine its development trajectory.

The AfreximBank boss dismissed insinuations that Africa does not have bankable projects, noting that the potential across the region is huge and the challenge lies with stakeholders, especially managers of sovereign wealth funds in the continent, to rethink strategies for investment, prioritising domestic investments.

On his part, the Chairman of African Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF), Mr Obaid Amrane, said while Africa is open for business, the forum is committed to facilitating the participation of sovereign investors in Africa’s transformation.

He said in just three years, ASIF has made significant strides in enhancing Africa’s global positioning, closing the infrastructure funding gaps across the continent and promoting greater collaboration among governments and sovereign investors in transformative projects that impact lives across the length and breadth of the region.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, explained the focus of the meeting, noting that private capital plays a critical role in driving investments in infrastructure development on the continent.

He outlined the priority areas of the meeting and noted that the forum will catalyse investments across Africa and beyond, impacting lives through projects across diverse fields.

Also speaking, a Pan-African activist, Prof. PLO Lumumba, called on leaders across Africa to leverage huge resources domiciled on the continent to invest in the future of unborn generations by investing more within the continent, noting that sovereign funds should be invested within and not outside Africa.

He said it is an intergenerational duty for political and economic leaders on the continent to cater for generations yet unborn, adding that Africa’s resources are inexhaustible, hence leaders must invest in the future of generations to come.

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* Charges relevant institutions to utilise continent’s sovereign wealth funds with sound financial discipline Deji Elumoye in Abuja  President Bola Tinubu has called for collective action and regional cooperation among

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Ex-President Obasanjo to Inaugurate Projects in Zamfara

Ex-President Obasanjo to Inaugurate Projects in Zamfara

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is set to commission some major projects in Zamfara State on Tuesday.
A Government House statement said that Obasanjo will inaugurate the Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital, renovated by the the Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration
The statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that, “the hospital has been fully renovated and is now equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
“Additionally, former President Obasanjo will commission major roads in the GRA Gusau area, which are part of the administration’s urban renewal project.”

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is set to commission some major projects in Zamfara State on Tuesday.A Government House statement said that Obasanjo will inaugurate the Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital, renovated

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FG, UNESCO Push for Climate-resilient WASH in Schools

FG, UNESCO Push for Climate-resilient WASH in Schools

The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) have called for increased investment in climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigerian schools to promote sustainability and protect student wellbeing.

The Director of Educational Planning, Research and Development in the ministry, Mrs Obianuju Anigbogu, made the call at a workshop in Abuja on Monday.

The event, themed ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Nigerian Educational Institutions,’ focused on addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change and poor WASH infrastructure in schools.

She was represented by the Director of Educational Planning, Mrs Juliet Uzor.

Anigbogu highlighted the need to address both climate change and inadequate WASH services.

She cited data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shows that countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, are especially vulnerable to climate-related disruptions such as floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall.

“Inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in schools negatively affects attendance, academic performance and student health. It is both a development issue and a matter of human rights,” she said.

Anigbogu stressed that as climate change continues to threaten the availability and sustainability of essential services, urgent and collaborative action was necessary to ensure that all Nigerian children learn in safe and healthy environments.

“The importance of WASH services in schools cannot be overstated. We must act swiftly to protect our children’s future and equip schools to withstand the impacts of climate change,” she added.

Anigbogu expressed hope that the workshop would drive cross-sectoral collaboration and generate policy recommendations that will help Nigeria meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

“With just five years to the 2030 deadline, the time to act is now,” she said.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of NATCOM-UNESCO, Dr Lateef Olagunju, described the workshop as both timely and necessary, in light of worsening climate impacts on WASH systems in schools.

“Climate change is altering how we access, manage and use water resources.

“These disruptions have serious implications for sanitation and hygiene, especially in schools where poor facilities can lead to disease outbreaks, absenteeism and poor academic performance,” Olagunju said.

He noted that while schools are vulnerable to climate change, they also offer unique opportunities for change.

“Schools are more than just centres of learning, they are community anchors. By embedding sustainability into the curriculum and investing in resilient infrastructure, we can raise a generation of environmentally responsible citizens,” he added.

Olagunju emphasised that access to clean water and sanitation is not merely a service, but a fundamental human right.

The workshop also featured student perspectives.

An SS2 student at Government Secondary School, Ushafa, Onyinyechi Livinus, shared her school’s challenges with water and sanitation.

“Our toilet has no water supply. We fetch water from a lifting pump located far away. The same pump is used by the junior and primary sections.

“We don’t have proper hand washing basins, so we use plastic bowls and rubbers with taps. Even our drinking water is fetched from the pump and transferred into dispensers,” she said.

In contrast, an SS1 student at Government Science and Technical College, Area 3, Pascalyn Agbor, said her school had comparatively better facilities.

“We have toilets with showers, flushing systems and handwashing stations. Water is supplied through tanks and dispensers.

“During our periods, we have a proper place to dispose of pads. Some of us use reusable ones, which we wash and store hygienically.

“Even during water shortages, the school ensures we fetch and store water, so the disruption doesn’t last,” she added.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from the education, health, environment and development sectors to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s climate resilience. (NAN)

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The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO) have called for increased investment in climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigerian schools to promote

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Ijaw Traditional Rulers’ Appoints Committee to Resolve Lingering Crisis in Okomu Community

Ijaw Traditional Rulers’ Appoints Committee to Resolve Lingering Crisis in Okomu Community

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

In a bid to resolve the agelong crisis in Okomu community, Ijaw traditional rulers have appointed an 18-man Peace and Conflict Resolution committee to resolve the crisis.

This development came after a meeting among stakeholders including the traditional rulers which cut across the riverine areas of the Ijaw communities in Ondo, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States where it was resolved that all identified factions should cease hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution.

Traditional Rulers who approved the reconciliation move include, HRM. William Ogoba, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom; HRM. Zacheus Egbunu, Pere of Arogbo Kingdom; HRM. Joel Ibane, Pere Of Iduwini Kingdom; HRM. Capt, King Frank Okiakpe, Pere Of Gbaraun Kingdom, HRM Stephen Oyabebefa Ebikeme, Pere of Poromor Kingdom; HRM. Godwin Ogunoyibo, Pere Of Olodiama; HRM. Gbebokedi Ajiroba, Pere of Tubutoru; and HRM. Roman Ikiyouseigha, Pere Of Furupagha.

The committee, headed by Chief Sunny Ajele is to engage with critical stakeholders to identify the root causes of the crisis and propose solutions.

Others in the Committee are;
High Chief Pascal Akpofagha Secretary, High Chief Thompson Eduh, treasurer, Gen Don Ben Donyegha, Amb Andrew Igiri, High Chief Julius Tonfawei and others.

The committee was tasked with critical areas to foster peace in the affected region, including conducting a comprehensive assessment, facilitating dialogue and reconciliation between the warring factions, documenting damage and losses caused by the crisis, including property destroyed, to facilitate compensation, as well as work closely with security agencies.

The Okomu Community in Ovia Southwest Local Government Area of Edo State where the Okomu Oil Palm Plc is domiciled, has been plagued by a long-standing crisis for many years, where several people have lost their lives and over 74 houses razed down.

Caught in the midst of the conflict in the Ovia locality and severely impacted by the crisis, were several Ijaw villages, including Okomu, Agbede, Oweike, and Okorodudu.

The crisis led to heightened tensions and instability in the area, causing significant disruptions to the lives of the people in these settlements.

Several attempts by leaders of Ijaw groups including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), to resolve the crisis were short-lived, after attaining minimal effect as both factions continue to lay claims to dominance and the alleged one sided role played by past administrations for political reasons.

In a statement in Benin City at the weekend, head of the reconciliation committee, Chief Sunday Ajele said the agelong crisis has its roots in a dispute between different factions within the community.

According to Chief Ajele, “This crisis has been lingering for years now without a solution. INC came but couldn’t do much. Prominent ijaw people tried but were also frustrated out. The major community is Okomu but the crisis escalated to other areas where some persons were killed and houses burnt.

“In the Agbede community they burned over 30 houses, and in the Winke community, they destroyed about 18 houses, at Okorodudu six Houses were burnt. Most security men are afraid to go to the waterside”. That is where a certain militant leader Lawrence came from” he said.

Ajele further noted: “But the traditional rulers told Lawrence to surrender his tools which he never did. The military and the state’s vigilante invaded his community, destroyed his property, and killed his boy”. Lawrence managed to escape but came back with a reprisal attack on those he fingered to have let out his secrets to the government amongst his kinsmen and this eventually escalated”.

Continuing he said, “What we want to do now as a committee is to bring everyone together under one roof to live as one and work with security agents to do a thorough work in the waterside areas to ensure peace return to the Okomu community”.

While pointing accusing fingers at the divide-and-rule tactics used by the top government of the past administrations, which some believe have exacerbated the crisis, Ajele outlined the vision of the committee for peace and reconciliation in the community, believing that dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect are key to resolving the crisis.

He expressed hope that the resolution committee headed by him is expected to bring a new level of hope and optimism to the community, promising to work tirelessly to bring the warring factions together and find a lasting solution to the crisis.

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Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City In a bid to resolve the agelong crisis in Okomu community, Ijaw traditional rulers have appointed an 18-man Peace and Conflict Resolution committee to resolve

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Ijaw Leader Kicks against Plot to Jettison Tantita’s Contract to Secure Oil Facilities

Ijaw Leader Kicks against Plot to Jettison Tantita’s Contract to Secure Oil Facilities

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Grand Patron of Ijaw Youth Congress and ex-House of Representatives aspirant, Prince Collins Eselemo, has kicked against a sinister plot by some security experts of Itsekiri origin to blackmail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led federal government into jettisoning the existing contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to provide round-the-clock security for oil infrastructure in the maritime environment. 

He also warned those behind the sinister move to delink the security of pipelines from the controversies surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation of Warri Federal Constituencies, as well as claims and counterclaims to the ownership of some ancestral lands.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, Prince Eselemo reminded those scheming to truncate Tompolo’s contract with the federal government to understand that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has provided employment to hundreds of youths of the Niger Delta, irrespective of tribe or cultural affinity, stating that its employment policy is an example of employment in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

He also noted that the Land Use Act empowers governors to issue certificates of occupancy to landowners within their jurisdiction.

He said: “I will leave the federal government and members of the security community with this strong warning that some elements in the Niger Delta area want to import something alien and present it as a security threat to blackmail the President of this country because of his marital link to the Itsekiris, in order to jettison the well-intentioned appointment by the federal government of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which has increased oil production to better the lives of Nigerians through people oriented projects executed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led federal government.

“So, the federal government should not listen to them; it is a cheap blackmail for so-called security experts to come on board and give a fictitious report. The members of the security community are domiciled in the Niger Delta. Therefore, the ball is in the government’s court. The Director of DSS is in Delta State, and the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force and all other members of the security forces are there. They can bring their reports and not rely on reports from makeshift security experts to jettison the well-intentioned project being handled by Tompolo.

“What is at stake is that the Nigerian government has put in place a security network via Tantita, and it is producing results, which have nothing to do with the ward delineation of constituencies, Itsekiri, or the Niger Delta region. It has everything to do with Nigeria. So, we take serious exception to that, and the President should ignore that cheap blackmail by the Itsekiris.” 

He stressed that Tompolo is doing his job in accordance with the terms of the contract and has not faulted in any way and has been performing very well.

“Therefore, let the Itsekiris not bring politics into it through their alleged court judgment on ward delineation that is still pending. The ward delineation should be separated from the Tompolo-Tantita job,” he reiterated.

Noting that the Supreme Court verdict on the ward delineation of Warri Federal Constituencies is sacrosanct and INEC must obey it, the Ijaw leader said the executive and legislative arms of government cannot stop the execution of the judgment.

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Linus Aleke in Abuja The Grand Patron of Ijaw Youth Congress and ex-House of Representatives aspirant, Prince Collins Eselemo, has kicked against a sinister plot by some security experts of Itsekiri

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Bayelsa to Launch e-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme for MSMEs

Bayelsa to Launch e-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme for MSMEs

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has announced the unveiling of a landmark Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP 2025) set to equip 500 business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the e-commerce space.

This flagship initiative under the MPOWER500 Programme is expected to be launched on June 17, 2025, by the state Governor, Douye Diri, at the Government House banquet hall, Yenagoa, the state capital.

Addressing the media at the weekend, the state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Kolu-Obiyal, said the programme aligns perfectly with the Prosperity Agenda, which prioritizes economic inclusion, youth and women empowerment, and sustainable development.

She said: “This year, the government intends to  equip 500 business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the e-commerce space through BEEP. This programme will not only empower our youths and women but also contribute to the economic development of our state.

“I urge all stakeholders, including our citizens, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, to take advantage of this opportunity. Let us work together to build a prosperous Bayelsa State, where everyone has access to opportunities and resources.”

Giving an overview of the programme, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Mrs. Owanari Henry, said each year, under the MPOWER500 initiative, the Bayelsa State government will empower 500 MSMEs, youth-led startups, women-owned ventures, and grassroots enterprises through expert-led training, strategic mentorship, and direct access to markets, funding, and digital tools.

She said: “The Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme is more than an economic initiative; it is a bridge designed to transition 500 of our most promising micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

“Because in the midst of Nigeria’s digital boom, too many of our businesses in Bayelsa State remain excluded from its benefits, held back by limited access to digital tools, technical know-how, and viable markets.

“BEEP is our answer to that gap. It is our strategy to ensure no entrepreneur is left behind. From e-commerce and logistics to branding, payment systems, and marketplace integration, BEEP 2025 will  provide structured support that ensures every beneficiary is prepared to scale and succeed.”

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Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Government has announced the unveiling of a landmark Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP 2025) set to equip 500 business owners with the skills and

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Lagos Pledges Support, Tasks Vets on Biosecurity, Data Integration

Lagos Pledges Support, Tasks Vets on Biosecurity, Data Integration

Sunday Okobi

In a bold push for stronger collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health systems, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Lagos chapter, has called on the Lagos State Ministry of Health to adopt the One Health paradigm to tackle public health threats, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic diseases.

The call was made yesterday during a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, by the leadership of NVMA Lagos, led by its Chairman, Dr. Ofua Mark, and the immediate-past President of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association, Dr. Olatunji Nasir.

In his address, Mark highlighted the urgency of a united front between the veterinary and human health sectors, citing Lagos’s vulnerability to emerging public health crises such as AMR and zoonoses.

He said: “We come with a shared vision: to safeguard the health and well-being of Lagosians. We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animals and humans.”

He expressed deep concern over recent findings that antimicrobial-resistant organisms are now being isolated from bush meat and wildlife, calling for immediate action.

“The NVMA Lagos chapter is here to pledge our commitment to forging stronger ties with your ministry to protect our communities,” he said.

Nasir and other team members, including veterinary surgeon, Dr. Victor Onehi; Vice Chairman and Treasurer, Dr. Bernard Oluoha; Public Relations Officer, Dr. Okoro Calista; past State Chairman, Dr. Alao Mobolaji; General Secretary, Dr. Anu Durodola-Brown; and COO of GET Africa, Dr. Bobadoye, reinforced the association’s willingness to support the state health initiatives.

In his response, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi welcomed the initiative, emphasising that the Ministry of Health was already advancing biosecurity and surveillance in human health. “We need to incorporate animal health surveillance into our systems. The One Health principle is critical,” he affirmed.

He revealed ongoing collaborations with the World Bank for accurate febrile illness diagnosis and malaria elimination, and cited the use of SHIP (State Health Information Platform) as a potential tool for data integration with the veterinary sector.

“We can develop a module on SHIP for NVMA to feed animal health data into,” Abayomi suggested.

The commissioner advised the veterinary association to work closely with key Ministry of Health personnel—Director, Environmental Health, Dr. Theophilous Ajayi, and Director Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam.

He proposed a follow-up meeting within three months to assess progress on the collaboration.

In his remarks, Abdus-Salam expressed optimism about the One Health collaboration, stating that Lagos had previously spearheaded such inter-sectoral efforts.

“We have led several One Health responses, including the anthrax outbreak, and facilitated significant funding through cross-ministerial coordination,” he said.

He remarked that there’s a key challenge in health data access, citing the need for better integration among the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment.

“Environmental data on air and water pollution is locked away. We need access to this to inform proactive human health responses,” he added.

The NVMA visit concluded with a firm commitment from both parties to deepen collaboration.

The association pledged support for awareness campaigns, capacity building, vaccination drives, and regulatory enforcement aimed at curbing AMR and preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks in the state.

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Sunday Okobi In a bold push for stronger collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health systems, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Lagos chapter, has called on the Lagos State

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82,150 Nasarawa  Farmers Receive Tree Seedlings for Climate Change Mitigation

82,150 Nasarawa  Farmers Receive Tree Seedlings for Climate Change Mitigation

Igbawase Ukumba in lafia

In a bid to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nasarawa State, a non-governmental organisation, One Acre Fund Nigeria, has commenced the distribution of over 2.3 million Albizia Lebbeck and Moringa tree seedlings to no fewer than 82,150 smallholder farmers in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off of the exercise in the Adogi community of Lafia Local Government Area of the state yesterday, the Trees Lead of One Acre Fund Nigeria, Zainab Haruna, noted that the organisation aims to support farmers by providing them with access to high-quality agricultural inputs to end poverty, hunger and generally improving their livelihoods.

While explaining that the gesture was done in order to reduce the devastating effects of climate change in the state, she noted that trees planting was part of the avenues the organisation uses to support farmers to continue to feed themselves, their families and generally enjoy financial stability.

The trees lead further explained that if the trees are well nurtured, the farmers will be able to harvest the trees when they reach maturity and enjoy their numerous environmental benefits which include protecting their farmlands from erosion, adding that they will also be able to sell some of the trees for furniture purposes.

She said: “In 2025, One Acre Fund Nigeria aims to reach 471,700 smallholder farmers across the three states of Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger with 12.5 million tree seedlings.

“Out of this total, Nasarawa State alone will receive 2,300,200 pieces of tree seedlings which will be distributed to 82,150 farmers in the state. This is a testament to our commitment to driving Nigeria’s agroforestry transformation.

“We are offering this programme because we have seen changes on our lands as climate change continues to have negative effects on them by damaging nutrients within the soil and affecting rain falls, among other challenges that our farmers face on a regular basis.”

She, therefore appealed to the beneficiaries to plant the seedlings and take care of them, expressing confidence that in the coming years, the trees would serve as an additional source of income that could sustain them and their families.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Umar Tanko Tunga, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Lidia Kyari, commended One Acre Fund, Nigeria for the empowerment programe.

The commissioner further reiterated the state government’s commitment to continue to support and partner organisations that are making efforts to mitigate the issues of climate change in the state.

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Igbawase Ukumba in lafia In a bid to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nasarawa State, a non-governmental organisation, One Acre Fund Nigeria, has commenced the distribution of over 2.3