Category: General News

  • Commissioner debunks allegation of sponsoring violence, attack in Mburubu community

    Commissioner debunks allegation of sponsoring violence, attack in Mburubu community

    Commissioner debunks allegation of sponsoring violence, attack in Mburubu community

    The Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, has debunked allegation of sponsoring violence, arming youths, orchestrated attacks, and manipulating security agencies in Mburubu community in Nkanu East LGA.

    This is contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner by his Personal Media Aide, Dr Chidipeters Okorie, on Wednesday in Enugu.

    The commissioner said that the recent publication by an online publication circulating on various online platforms alleging that he sponsored violence, armed youths, orchestrated attacks, and manipulated security agencies in Mburubu remained totally false.

    Ezeh, who is also a Prince in Mburubu community, said that the “online publication is yet another desperate attempt to distort the truth and mislead the public”.

    He said, “The truth is that both the 1976 and 2003 constitutions of the Mburubu community carry equal legal weight, as affirmed in the judgment delivered on Feb. 12, 2025, by Hon. Justice C.O. Ajah, Ph.D.

    “The court made it clear that neither constitution abolishes the principle that has guided Mburubu for decades: Igweship must rotate among the villages in their order of seniority.”

    According to him, this is not the first time such fabrications have been churned out. They come from the same small group, driven by the same ambitions, telling the same lies in different forms.

    “Their objective remains constant: to impose illegality on the peaceful community of Mburubu by one man.

    “The real issue in Mburubu is simple: the community must decide whether to uphold the constitution or allow one individual’s ambition to override the rule of law.

    “The 2003 constitution remains clear. The courts have spoken. The community has spoken. Elders, youths, opinion leaders, and stakeholders have all affirmed that the constitutional order must stand.

    “Myself (Prince Lawrence Ezeh) and the majority of peace-loving indigenes believe in following the law. The opposing camp believes in violating it,” he said.

    He said that every attempt to drag his name into the mud “is nothing but a political strategy to blackmail him into silence”.

    Ezeh said that the goal remained to weaken institutional resistance so that an unqualified candidate could be imposed as the traditional ruler of the community.

    “This will not happen. The people of Mburubu have come too far and sacrificed too much to allow the constitution to be shredded for the sake of one man’s ambition.

    “The truth remains that I did not arm youths. I did not sponsor violence. I did not orchestrate attacks. I did not manipulate the DSS or the police.

    “These allegations exist only in the imagination of those who authored them.

    “What I have consistently championed is peace, constitutionality, and respect for judicial authority.

    “The crisis stemmed solely from the reckless defiance of court orders and the failure of one man to accept that he is not eligible to be Igwe (traditional ruler),” he said.

    Ezeh, therefore, advised members of the public to disregard the misleading publication and rely on the verifiable facts already affirmed by the courts and the constitution of Mburubu.

    “Propaganda will fade. The law will stand. No degree of falsehood, emotional blackmail, or media manipulation can change the undisputed truth that it is not the turn of Umunafor village,” he added.

  • 2 die, 9 injured in multiple accident along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway – FRSC 

    2 die, 9 injured in multiple accident along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway – FRSC 

    2 die, 9 injured in multiple accident along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that two persons lost their lives in a multiple accident involving 11 vehicles along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway on Wednesday.

    The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, gave the confirmation to newsmen in Enugu shortly after rescue operations by operatives of the Corps along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    Agbakoba said that no fewer than nine males got injured as a result of the multiple accident, which involved 30 people (26 males and four females).

    He said that the multiple accident happened at about 11:45a.m. within the Port Harcourt bound axis of the expressway and precisely within the New Garki axis of the road in Enugu State.

    The sector commander said that multiple accident involved four trucks, two trailers, one sienna, one tipper, one Hiace bus, one Mini-Bus and one Jeep.

    According to him, within 10 minutes of the fortunate incident, officers and men of FRSC Ozalla Unit Command stationed along the road and started the rescue operations.

    “Officers and men of FRSC Ozalla Unit Command were later joined by other close-by units and personnel of other security agencies.

    “The injured victims were taken to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ozalla by the FRSC Zebra 32 Ambulance team stationed along the expressway.

    “Also, the obstructions were cleared by the FRSC and Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA) tow truck teams.

    “Both the FRSC Unit Commander, Ozalla and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ozalla coordinated the rescue operation,” he said.

    The sector commander said that causative factors that led to the multiple crush (accident), included: Speed Violation (SPV); Route Violation (RTV) and Loss of Control (LOC).

  • Badaru Denies Viral Claim on Reason for Resignation as Defence Minister

    Badaru Denies Viral Claim on Reason for Resignation as Defence Minister

    Former Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has dismissed as false a viral online publication alleging he resigned from office because he “could not stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”
    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Badaru described the claim as malicious, baseless, and deliberately concocted, insisting it did not originate from him or anyone authorized to speak on his behalf.
    He said the publication was intended to damage his reputation, strain his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and create unnecessary distractions from national governance.
    Badaru stressed that the genuine reasons for his resignation had been formally communicated to President Tinubu and made public through official channels. “Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers,” he said.
    The former minister reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s peace, security, and stability. He also pledged continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
    Badaru resigned from his position as Minister of Defence in November, a move that had drawn public attention and sparked various speculations before his official clarification.

  • International Day of PWDs: Removal of Barriers Against Persons with Disabilities’ Participation in Society Is a Must – Gov. Otti

    International Day of PWDs: Removal of Barriers Against Persons with Disabilities’ Participation in Society Is a Must – Gov. Otti

    International Day of PWDs: Removal of Barriers Against Persons with Disabilities’ Participation in Society Is a Must – Gov. Otti

    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to eliminating all barriers hindering participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in societal affairs and functions.

    The governor, who made this known in a goodwill message on Wednesday in Umuahia, declared that the removal of such barriers “is a must.”

    The governor’s goodwill message was issued by his Special Assistant on Persons with Disabilities and Chairman, Abia State Disability Commission, Mr David Anyaele.

    The governor message came as Abia residents joined other Nigerians and the global community to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), celebrated yearly on Dec. 3.

    Otti described the Day as one set aside by the United Nations to promote broader understanding of disability issues, with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities.

    He said that the Day also focused on the gains to be derived from integrating PWDs fully into political, social, economic and cultural life.

    According to him, We (Abia State people) are joining the international community to pause and reflect on the state of persons with disabilities’ participation and contributions to the socioeconomic development of our state.

    Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to disability inclusion, the governor noted: “We are determined to guarantee the well-being of all persons with disabilities”.

    “The state government will achieve this through the promotion of equal opportunities, guided by the Abia State Disability Law, the National Disability Act, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

    Speaking on the theme for the 2025 IDPD Day, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” Otti said the theme aligns perfectly with the value Abia places on disability inclusion.

    “To ensure the sustainability of our investments in persons with disabilities and to ensure that barriers removed never reappear, we have built the capacity of Permanent Secretaries across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies on disability inclusion.

    “We have built their capacity on the Abia State Disability Law and disability-responsive budgeting.

    “This will help ensure that no one is left behind in government programmes and activities by reason of disability,” he said.

    He further highlighted ongoing efforts at improving accessibility – “Our public infrastructure is being upgraded to accommodate persons with different forms of disabilities.

    “The newly acquired mass-transit buses, for instance, are equipped with accessibility features for persons with physical disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly,” he said.

    The governor also disclosed that similar capacity-building initiatives had been extended to the local government level.

    He said, “We have trained Local Government Area Mayors/Chairmen across the three senatorial zones on disability inclusion.

    “Additionally, over 800 Primary Healthcare Workers, Teachers, and Parents/Caregivers have been sensitised on supporting children with intellectual disabilities in Abia State.

    “Therefore, we will continue to say no to all forms of discrimination, stigma, and isolation of Abians by reason of disability,”

    Otti, while wishing all Abians with disabilities a happy celebration, emphasised that his administration remained fully committed to scaling up the state’s response to disability issues in the coming year and beyond.

    “As we restore the glory of Abia and make her truly the number one State in Nigeria—God’s Own State—no one will be left behind by reason of disability,” he added.

  • OmoBarca Celebrates Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents in New Month Message, Reaffirms Commitment to Development

    OmoBarca Celebrates Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents in New Month Message, Reaffirms Commitment to Development

    OmoBarca Celebrates Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents in New Month Message, Reaffirms Commitment to Development

    Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, has extended warm felicitations to residents as the month begins, praising their resilience, unity, and commitment to the progress of the constituency.

    In a message released on Monday, OmoBarca described the people of Ajeromi Ifelodun as “hardworking, courageous, and unbreakable,” adding that their daily contributions continue to inspire his service and push the constituency toward greater development.

    He noted that the new month presents a fresh opportunity for renewed optimism, collective commitment, and strategic action toward transforming the constituency.

    According to him, “This new month is a fresh chapter, a chance for all of us to recommit to the collective vision of a better and more prosperous Ajeromi Ifelodun. Our strength as a people lies in our unity, our determination to rise above challenges, and our shared belief that progress is possible.”

    OmoBarca reiterated that his focus remains the welfare of constituents across all communities within Ajeromi Ifelodun. He assured residents that ongoing plans for enhanced infrastructure, quality education, accessible healthcare, and socio-economic empowerment remain at the core of his legislative and constituency agenda.

    “Your welfare has always been, and will continue to be, my foremost priority,” he affirmed. “Together, we will pursue meaningful development that reflects the aspirations of every family and strengthens the foundation of our constituency.”

    Highlighting the determination of Ajeromi Ifelodun residents in the face of economic and social pressures, the lawmaker urged constituents to keep faith and maintain hope as the year progresses. He noted that although challenges persist nationwide, Ajeromi Ifelodun will continue to stand as a model of courage and community-driven progress.

    OmoBarca encouraged residents to remain united and focused, describing unity as an essential ingredient for sustainable growth.

    “The road ahead may not always be smooth, but with collective resolve, mutual respect, and shared commitment, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome,” he said. “Our constituency has always risen above adversity because we face challenges together.”

    The legislator also appealed to citizens to sustain their support for one another, remain law-abiding, and continue to uphold the values that distinguish Ajeromi Ifelodun as a vibrant and purpose-driven community.

    He assured that more developmental initiatives will be unveiled in the coming months, expressing confidence that the constituency is on course for a period of significant transformation.

    In closing his message, OmoBarca extended prayers of protection, peace, and prosperity for all households across Ajeromi Ifelodun, emphasizing that the new month should be embraced with optimism and renewed dedication.

    “Stay hopeful, stay focused, and stay strong,” he concluded. “Let us continue building a future that honors the dreams and dignity of every citizen of this great constituency. Onward and upward, Ajeromi Ifelodun!”

    Residents have widely praised OmoBarca for his consistent engagement with the community, grassroots empowerment efforts, and visible presence in local development initiatives. Many see his new month message as further reassurance of his commitment to inclusive growth and responsive representation.

    As the new month unfolds, constituents look forward to ongoing collaboration with their representative and to a period marked by progress, stability, and shared prosperity.

  • Insecurity : Alabi Raises Alarm Over Rising Kidnappings, Urges Govt to Act as Communities Face Fresh Attacks

     

    This growing climate of insecurity took a grim turn again when suspected kidnappers invaded Bayagan, a settlement in Omupo District, Ifelodun Local Government Area, abducted Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, a 4th Class Oba and threw the entire axis into fresh wave of panic.

    The attack has left households traumatised and deepened the sense of abandonment felt by many communities in the region. For residents of the district, Igbomina land, and surrounding villages, the threat is no longer distant, it lives next door.

    Amid this rising tension, Dr. Oluwatoyin Tajudeen Alabi, a public affairs analyst, entrepreneur, and prominent voice in Igbaja development advocacy, has raised a loud alarm, sounding a warning that resonates beyond the walls of Bayagan.

    “We have reached a dangerous point where people cannot sleep with both eyes closed,” Dr. Alabi lamented.

    “When the breeze begins to blow clothes out of the cupboard, those wearing theirs must not relax. Evil is gradually creeping toward the innocent. Those responsible for our safety must brace up immediately.”

    Using this vivid proverb, Dr. Alabi painted a stark picture of a region edging toward helplessness. He stressed that the recent kidnapping is not an isolated case but part of a pattern of persistent insecurity that has plagued several parts of Kwara South, including Oke-Ero, Ekiti, Ifelodun, and Irepodun.

    He cautioned residents to be more vigilant and community-minded, insisting that security must now become a collective effort. He, however, placed the ultimate responsibility where it belongs:

    “Security is the first duty of government,” he said firmly.

    “People cannot live like refugees in their own homes while those in power look away. This is the time for government at all levels to rise, reinforce, and reclaim our communities from criminal elements.”

    Dr. Alabi called for stronger collaboration between local vigilantes, traditional rulers, security agencies, and state authorities.

    He urged Kwara State Government to deploy more personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, and support rural surveillance structure, especially in hard-hit areas like Omupo District.

    The Bayagan incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural dwellers, who despite contributing immensely to food production and community development, remain the most exposed to banditry, herdsmen encroachment, and kidnapping syndicates.

    As the dust settles on the latest attack, fear still hangs in the air. Mothers pray over their children before bedtime; farmers step out cautiously; and elders worry that the land they nurtured with peace is slowly slipping into uncertainty.

    And until decisive action is taken, the people of Kwara South continue to live with the unsettling truth that nightfall no longer guarantees rest, and safety can no longer be assumed.

    ============

     

  • IBEDC Rolls Out 55,000 Free Meters, Warns Against Extortion and Bypass

    IBEDC Rolls Out 55,000 Free Meters, Warns Against Extortion and Bypass

    IBEDC Rolls Out 55,000 Free Meters, Warns Against Extortion and Bypass



    ‎By Adewale Owoade


    ‎The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced the resumption of its free prepaid meter installation exercise under Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP), two major initiatives aimed at closing the metering gap across its franchise area.


    ‎In a statement signed by the Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Angela Olanrewaju, the company said a total of 33,450 smart meters will be deployed under MAF Tranche B, while 22,104 meters will be installed under DISREP Phase 1.

    ‎IBEDC explained that the MAF rollout prioritizes unmetered customers on Band A feeders, while DISREP will cater to customers on Bands A and B.

    ‎The company reaffirmed that both the meters and installation are entirely free, cautioning customers against making any payment to installers or staff.

    ‎“The meters are completely free, and installation is also free. Customers must not make any form of payment to anyone. Anyone requesting money should be reported via maf_disrep@ibedc.com or ethicscompliance@ibedc.com,” the statement emphasised.



    ‎IBEDC noted that the MAF scheme is funded through a market-supported mechanism approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to help electricity distribution companies bridge the metering gap nationwide.


    ‎“The scheme complements the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and is designed to accelerate nationwide metering. It will run concurrently with the MAP scheme, but unlike MAP, MAF meters come at no cost to customers,” the statement added.



    ‎The company urged customers to cooperate with installers by granting them access upon presentation of valid identification.


    ‎ “Denying access for meter installation may result in disconnection as directed by NERC. We urge customers to cooperate fully so we can serve them better.”



    ‎IBEDC also warned against tampering with or bypassing the new meters, stressing that such acts constitute energy theft and attract serious penalties.


    ‎Customers with outstanding arrears were encouraged to visit the nearest IBEDC office for resolution to ensure a smooth transition to prepaid metering. However, the company clarified that outstanding bills will not disqualify any customer from receiving a free meter.


    ‎ “No customer will be denied a meter on account of outstanding bills. Arrears will be managed in line with the company’s debt settlement policy and established procedures,” the statement said.

  • Defence Minister Badaru Reaffirms Federal Government’s Commitment at North-West Security Summit

    Defence Minister Badaru Reaffirms Federal Government’s Commitment at North-West Security Summit

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, on Saturday attended the North-West Zonal Security Summit organised by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on National Security at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna.

    Speaking at the event, the Minister restated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places national security, unity and community resilience at the centre of government priorities. He noted that the President’s vision is to build a society anchored on shared prosperity, tolerance and mutual respect.

    Badaru highlighted recent improvements in security operations, attributing the progress to stronger collaboration among security agencies. He stressed that lasting national security can only be achieved through a whole-of-society approach involving citizens, communities and state governments.

    He commended state governors across the North-West for supporting security efforts through logistics, community engagement and early-warning mechanisms. According to him, their actions as Chief Security Officers have been vital in strengthening on-ground responses.

    The Minister also recognized the roles of traditional rulers, women and youth groups, religious leaders and civil society organisations in promoting trust, countering misinformation and driving peace and reintegration programmes.

    Badaru reaffirmed President Tinubu’s directive for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to sustain operational momentum, deepen interagency cooperation, improve intelligence sharing and step up the protection of schools and rural communities.

    He praised the Senate for convening the summit, describing it as an important platform for dialogue and accountability in the security sector.

    The summit drew attendance from Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, representatives of other North-West governors, traditional rulers, Ulama, civil society groups and other key stakeholders.

  • 287 Pilgrims Return with Testimonies as Smile Dove Wraps Up 2025 Holy Tour

    287 Pilgrims Return with Testimonies as Smile Dove Wraps Up 2025 Holy Tour

       

    287 Pilgrims Return with Testimonies as Smile Dove Wraps Up 2025 Holy Tour

    ‎By Adewale Owoade

    ‎Smile Dove Travel has announced the successful completion of its 2025 Holy Pilgrimage to Jordan and Jerusalem, a spiritually enriching journey that took place from November 17 to 25, 2025.

    ‎The Managing Director of Smile Dove Travel, Dr. Oluwasesan Marcus Debo, disclosed that this year’s pilgrimage—organised in partnership with Comfort Life Mission—recorded an impressive turnout, with 287 pilgrims from Nigeria and the diaspora participating.

    ‎According to Debo, the pilgrims embarked on a profound 7-day spiritual experience, visiting major biblical sites across Jordan and Israel.

    ‎The journey, he noted, offered participants moments of deep reflection, prayer, and renewal of faith. All pilgrims returned safely, many testifying to divine encounters and spiritual upliftment.

    ‎He expressed heartfelt appreciation to spiritual leaders, partners, coordinators, and the entire Smile Dove family for their unwavering support and trust, which he said has continued to position Smile Dove Travel as one of Africa’s most reliable names in pilgrimage and global travel.

    ‎“To all our pilgrims—thank you for choosing Smile Dove,” Debo said. “We remain committed to delivering excellent hospitality, peaceful travel experiences, and unforgettable journeys.”

    ‎He added that the company would continue to uphold its promise of providing pilgrims with comfort, care, and memorable encounters, saying: “Smile Dove Travel… giving you a super hug and a journey you will never forget.”