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Ignore Reckless Propaganda Against PAP, TANTITA ,Others, Ex- Agitators notify International Community

Ignore Reckless Propaganda Against PAP, TANTITA ,Others, Ex- Agitators notify International Community

 

Ex-Agitators of the Amnesty phase 1, 2 and 3 and some Concerned Niger Delta Youths have condemned the alleged reckless propaganda and lies being peddled within and outside Nigeria against authorities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited charged with the responsibility of protecting pipelines and combat oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

The Amnesty phase 1,2 and 3 and a concerned youth from the Niger Delta region alleged that certain groups in Nigeria and the United States have accused Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, (aka Tompolo), Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Dr. (Chief) Dennis Brutu Otuaro and the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin E. Pondi and others of crime against humanity, kidnapping and misappropriation of funds which they dismissed.

According to them, the International communities should note that allegation of crime against humanity, kidnapping, corruption, misappropriation of funds and other malpractices claimed by the protesters are a figment of the imagination of them– Ebikabowei Victor, Boyloaf, Shoot at sight, and their co-travellers fuelled by hatred, jealousy and desperation.

The group said the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has helped to boost oil production and revenue to the country, adding that the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the watch of Dr (Chief) Dennis Brutu Otuaro has given many youths in the Niger Delta region promising future through scholarships and worthy means of livelihood.

They called on the US, EU and United Nations to be wary of the activities of the leaders of the group, saying that they are out to disturb the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta Region

They said that; “Dr. Dennis Otuaro has been very impactful to the youths of the region and as Concerned Youths in Niger Delta, we are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast with the duo by giving them the needed support and encouragement in the form of increasing funding to achieve their mandates in line with the 8 point RENEWAL Hope Agenda”.

According to them also; “These desperate elements should refrain from what they are doing and seek peace. Right now, we need peace in the Niger Delta Region. Let Peace reign in our land. The peace we are enjoying today is because of Tompolo, it was because of Tompolo they called for amnesty and the Nigeria economy is stable now that is why most of them are fighting to terminate the job”.

Expand existing Universities to admit more students, Prof. Mainoma tells FG

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Expand existing Universities to admit more students, Prof. Mainoma tells FG

By: Celestine Ukah 

The former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University Keffi, Prof. Mohammed Mainoma, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to expand and improve infrastructure in the universities in order to admit more intending students.

Prof. Mainoma, an academic, made this known this Sunday during AIT news hour, addressing Nigerian university education.

The university don, in the live interview, spoke about limited space for student applications into universities and also opposed the proliferation of new universities by the government instead of strengthening existing ones that can absorb double the number of admission seekers.

Former Jigawa Governor, Lamido rejects El-Rufai’s call to join SDP, Says it’s an insult to ….

Former Jigawa Governor, Lamido rejects El-Rufai’s call to join SDP, Says it’s an insult to ….

 

Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Sule Lamido, has dismissed a call by ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging opposition leaders to join the Social Democratic Party.

El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the SDP, made the call in an interview with BBC Hausa.

While he did not mention Lamido by name, he invited key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join him in the SDP.

According to Punch, Responding in a separate BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, Lamido dismissed the invitation as an insult, insisting that the PDP, which he helped build, laid the foundation for El-Rufai’s political career.

“The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai.

“You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido said.

He added, “He once said that there are no adults in Nigeria in politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP.”

The former governor also questioned El-Rufai’s motives for defecting from the APC to the SDP.

“He said he told President Buhari about his decision to leave the APC, but now he is saying that he is one of the adults in Nigerian politics,” Lamido stated.

The former governor argued that the PDP had not done anything to warrant his defection, emphasizing his long-standing loyalty.

“If I was going to leave the PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed,” he said.

The former governor also criticised El-Rufai’s leadership style, saying that leadership is not about anger or selfish ambition.

“Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole,” Lamido said.

Lamido advised El-Rufai to put patriotism first instead of showing anger towards others, saying, “What should be done is to put patriotism first, instead of showing anger towards someone.”

He added, “The PDP has been working to rebuild its strength after losing the 2015 presidential election.”

Rep Ereyitomi attends FUPRE 4th Convocation ceremony in Delta

Rep Ereyitomi attends FUPRE 4th Convocation ceremony in Delta

**As institution awards Dangote, Pondi, Ikpea, Komolafe, Lulu-Briggs two others with Honourary Doctors

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Abuja, Honourable Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi attended the 4th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE.

The event which held at the FUPRE main campus at Ugbomro near Effurun in Uvwie LGA, Delta Saturday March 15, 2025, witnessed large turnout of guests across Nigeria gracing the epoch making event.

Hon. Chief Ereyitomi, Chairman House of Reps Committee on Petroleum Resources Training Funds together with other top dignitaries including the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpepholo to commission one of the newly built blocks attracted by Engr. Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea, CON who is also one of the Honourary Doctorate Degree recipients of the institution.

The FUPRE’s 4th Convocation ceremony also witnessed award of honourary Doctorate Degree Causa to Engr. Chief Kestin Pondi, FNIIS, FNSE, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, NUPRC CEO, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, FNSE, Engr. Femi Bajomo and Mr. Sholaye Jeremi both received awards in different areas of the oil and gas industry in recognition of their contributions and distinguished performances and in their specialised fields and businesses.

Other dignitaries present include: the Chancellor of FUPRE, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Governing Council, Engr. Bello Gachi Issa as well as the chief host and Vice Chancellor FUPRE, Engr. Professor Akpofure Rimi- Rukeh.

Enthusiasm as Akogate Engineers light up Abuja

Enthusiasm as Akogate Engineers light up Abuja

 

Abuja, the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is now aglow.

The smart leaf solar streetlight was installed in the Federal Capital Territory last week.

‘’The smart leaf solar streetlight has changed outdoor lighting in Abuja, particularly the Airport roundabout’’ a statement Friday said.

The statement issued by the Managing Director of Akogate Group, Mr. Felix Aganbi, stressed the efforts of the company to brighten Nigeria through high quality customized solar solutions.

Aganbi said the company got franchise from the SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited, the most professional and reliable solar LED lights manufacturer in the global market in 2025.

‘’Jinhua SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited is a Zhejiang based enterprise specialized in supplying solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind & solar hybrid lights, small & medium solar generating system, solar home lighting system and solar pump system’’.

He emphasized the gains of alternative sources of electricity supply, the features, benefits, and applications of Smart Leaf solar streetlights as well as the desire of Akogate Engineers to light all the streets in the country.

He explained that streetlight was one of the priorities of the current administration.

‘’We supply high quality solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind and solar hybrid lights, mobile solar lights towers and solar pump system’’

He also stressed on facilities for catching the rays of the sun and converting their energy to electrical power.

‘’Smart Leaf solar streetlights integrate advanced technology with sustainable design to offer superior performance and reliability in urban and rural settings.

Aganbi explained how these innovative lights leverage smart technology to optimize energy usage, enhance illumination, and improve overall functionality.

The Epic Shooting Stars Versus Zamalek Clash is ……..

The Epic Shooting Stars Versus Zamalek Clash is ……..

The often recalled continental match involving Shooting Stars of Ibadan is their 1984 encounter with Zamalek of Egypt. Well, the match etched its self into history.

But before then, there was even a more memorable encounter of both teams. It is 45 years today since that match.

As most football followers will agree, matches do not necessarily have to be cliff-hangers to be ranked as memorable.

Neither do encounters have to offer high individual skills or spectacular teamwork.

Matches are remembered for various reasons. Some matches became spectacular as teams put up courageous performances against heavy odds or sprang back from the brink of glaring defeats.

The 2 October 1976 IICC Shooting Stars – Zamalek match fall in this category. Zamalek had won the first leg 2-0, which the then IICC could not cancel until six minutes to the end of the return leg match.

That was the match that converted me to a Shooting Stars supporter. As a teenager growing up in the sprawling ancient city of Ibadan, I was not particularly a keen follower of IICC.

Perhaps it was because some of the players , especially those of Ghanaian descent were living in the same neighbourhood with me.

I saw them daily and were therefore just too common for me to attach any element of importance, let alone greatness to them.

I found stars in the players of Mighty Jets, a flamboyant club at the time and I got attracted to them. But they soon faded out. The rampaging Enugu Rangers caught my fancy with their performances at the 1975 African Cup of Champion Clubs.

So in the 1975 Challenge Cup semi finals that paired Mighty Jets with the IICC, my favoured club was the former. After all, they paraded my favourite players like Sam Garba, Olayiwola Olagbenro, Ismaila Mabo, the Atuegbu brothers, Baba Otu Mohammed, Gabriel Babalola, Sule Kekere among others. I never gave the ‘local’ boys in my neighbourhood any chance of survival.

I considered it a major upset when IICC scaled the hurdle into the final to face Enugu Rangers, my team of the moment.

I expected a complete annihilation. Rangers have had continental experience and, almost with religious devotion, I was following their exploits. To my surprise, Shooting Stars put up a spectacular performance and almost won the Challenge Cup.

So by virtue of being runners-up to Rangers who had also picked the ticket for the more prestigious Cup of Champion Clubs, IICC were registered in the second-tier African Winners Cup which was in its second edition in 1976.

I saw them as mere participants even after achieving a double against Kenya Breweries in the opening round.

There was a sort of justification of my views when they barely beat Zambia’s Rokana United 3-2 in Lagos in the first leg of the next round. But against all odds, they survived the return leg with a 1-1 draw in Ndola.

Significantly, it was from Zambia that emerging football legend, Segun Odegbami was drafted into the Olympic Games-bound national team. The NFA had to crop his passport photograph from newspaper cuttings to fill his accreditation form.

Jide Dina was dropped for the new discovery, Odegbami. Yet, IICC had no place in my heart. Being at home in September 1976, awaiting my WASC result, I had ample time to begin to get informed about the club.

At the time, they had lost 0-2 to Zamalek in Cairo. In the first leg match on Friday 24 September 1976, Shooting Stars with their array of young talents like Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Kunle Awesu, Philip Boamah, Best Ogedegbe among others were more than intimidated by the large and cheering crowd at the Cairo Stadium.

After holding on grimly for 75 minutes, a tightly knit defence suddenly crashed under a 10-minute blitz and conceded two goals by Zamalek’s Wahid Kamel which gave the home team a 2-0.

Perhaps the tally could have been more but for the agility of Goalkeeper Best Ogedegbe who had been thrown into the international assignment, owing to the injury sustained by first choice goalkeeper, Zion Ogunfehinmi.

The eventual scoreline was enough to paint a picture of gloom for the Shooting Stars despite their putting up brilliant performance. They fell to the antics of the capacity Cairo crowd who continuously whistled, causing confusion to the Shooting Stars players

In Ibadan, the atmosphere during the week preceding the return leg was very electrifying. On daily basis, radio and TV jingles on the ‘big match’ filled the airwaves.

Every one seemed to believe that Shooting Stars were going to turn the table. “How can?”, I silently asked myself. Anyway, seeing is believing.

I was part of the enthusiastic crowd that besieged the then Liberty Stadium on 2 October 1976.

The tension was very palpable. Before noon, the stadium had already been filled up.

Months, before then, the old Western State of which Ibadan was the capital had been divided into three – Oyo, Ogun and Ondo.

The three state governors – Colonel David Jemibewon of Oyo State, Lt. Colonel Saidu Ayodele Balogun and Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme of Ondo State – were among the capacity crowd at the match venue.

The match was fixed to kick off at 3pm in the afternoon so that the weather would have effect on the Egyptians.

Alas! An early morning rain ensured that the weather was cool. All the same, the atmosphere was frenzied. Amid rhythmic sensation of talking drums and other musical instruments, the game kicked off.

The dream of early goal did not materialise despite Shooting Stars opening the game with ferocious attack.

Zamalek were forced to concede a corner kick within two minutes of kick off. In the first 15 minutes, the visitors had conceded five corner kicks as Kunle Awesu on the left flank and Philip Boamah from the right, created a lot of opportunities for Segun Odegbami and Moses Otolorin in the central position to connect.

They piled pressure upon pressure, but the Egyptians were able to absorb all. Goalkeeper Adel El-Maamour was particularly very outstanding, making saves after saves.

At a point, it appeared the ball would never get past him. Hassan Shahetan also fell back to help the defence as the anxious crowd was kept on the edge.

Otolorin and Odegbami’s sizzlers either hit the post or got blocked by the defenders. The agony increased as the minutes ticked away.

The pressure was intense and the misses were many and also very painful. After the half time, with goals refusing to come, it appeared the Shooting Stars were on a ‘mission impossible’.

The crowd at the stadium was getting frustrated. So also it appeared the Shooting Stars’ players too.

At half time, Skipper Samuel Ojebode reportedly broke down in tears in the dressing room and had to be psyched up by Governor David Jemibewon.

In the second half, the crowd cheers had given way to deafening silence. The match seemed to be heading for a scoreless draw and an elimination of Shooting Stars.

There was even a terrible fright mid way into the second half when a Zamalek striker almost scored.

But barely 15 minutes to the end, just as it happened for the Egyptians in the first leg, Skipper Ojebode, overlapping from the left steered the ball past two defenders, floated the ball into the Egyptian penalty box.

Odegbami took a great leap to nod the ball past Goalkeeper Adel El-Maamour. Even Mahmoud El-Gohary’s last ditch effort to retrieve the ball failed. Shooting Stars were a goal up!

There was renewed vigour in the attack. The stars were all over the field looking for the important second goal. Then six minutes to end the match, Otolorin volleyed in from a goal mouth scramble for the second goal.

The crowd went wild with joy. The game then went into penalty shoot-out, the very first in an international match in Nigeria.

Ojebode, Otolorin, Odegbami, Idowu Otubusin and Ogedegbe all took the kicks successfully for Shooting Stars.

After three kicks, the pendulum was already swinging in Shooting Stars’ favour as they converted all, while Zamalek had lost one.

Otubusin took the fourth kick which Adel El-Maamour made spirited efforts to stop, but it slipped off his hands into the net.

He was in agony. Goalkeeper Best Ogedegbe took the decisive kick to give the Shooting Stars a 5-3 win by penalties!

 

Ogun Governor, Abiodun endorses 2025 South-West Games

Ogun Governor, Abiodun endorses 2025 South-West Games

 

** As Zone is set to host 1,200 athletes, 120 officials in grand celebration of sporting excellence

 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has given a resounding endorsement to the South West Games 2025, hailing the tournament as a groundbreaking initiative poised to unlock vast opportunities for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and sustainable socio-economic growth in the region.

Governor Abiodun made this declaration while receiving the members of the Organising Committee at the State House in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta. The delegation, in recognition of the Governor’s unwavering support for youth and sports development, presented him with a customized tournament jersey, a gesture that further cemented his commitment to the landmark sporting event set to hold later this month, precisely March 25th to 28th at Onikan Stadium, Rowe Park, YabaTech,and Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos

Speaking glowingly about the upcoming tournament, Governor Abiodun expressed profound excitement over the initiative, describing it as an innovative platform that will redefine the role of sports in fostering development, unity, and economic prosperity across the southwest.

The Governor, known for his progressive governance and support for youth-focused initiatives, emphasized that sports are critical to nation-building. He acknowledged that the tournament aligns perfectly with his administration’s vision for Ogun State as a hub of talent development, economic growth, and tourism.

The South West Games 2025 is set to bring together 1,200 athletes and 120 officials in a grand celebration of sporting excellence, with competitions spanning multiple disciplines. One of the tournament’s most anticipated highlights is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a sub-event dedicated to nurturing young athletes under the age of 18, Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating that it would play a crucial role in discovering and grooming the next generation of world-class athletes.

Governor Abiodun’s endorsement of the South West Games 2025 adds to the growing list of eminent personalities and institutions that have thrown their weight behind the tournament..

Kaduna: Gov. Sani Launches subsidized tricycles, electric motor cycles transportation scheme 

Kaduna: Gov. Sani Launches subsidized tricycles, electric motor cycles transportation scheme 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has launched a transportation loan scheme to provide state workers with subsidized tricycles and electric motorcycles.

The initiative, inaugurated by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe at Murtala Square, allows employees to acquire these vehicles through salary-deducted loans, making repayment easier.

The program is a collaboration between the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Paynacle Digital Services Limited, and Optimus Bank. It aims to improve worker mobility, reduce transportation costs, and promote eco-friendly alternatives. Charging stations and service centers will be set up across the state’s three senatorial districts to support sustainability.

Daily Independent honours Peter Black with ‘Humanitarian Personality’ Award, describes his contributions as Unique

Daily Independent honours Peter Black with ‘Humanitarian Personality’ Award, describes his contributions as Unique

**Award, well-deserved- Amurum, Taniowho

*** Investiture to hold in Lagos Saturday

 

All roads lead to Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, for the formal investiture presentation of the Humanitarian Personality of the Year 2024 Award to the celebrated philanthropist and accomplished captain of industry, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, popularly known as Peter Black.

The prestigious award was bestowed on the Edo State-born Chairman of Oceanwave Group, by the management of a frontline national newspaper, Daily Independent, in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to humanity.

His exceptional commitment to humanitarian concerns, especially his attention and focus on the less privileged members of the society such as orphans, widows and the physically challenged, especially in the twin states of Edo and Delta, regarded as his catchment nexus, apparently informed his nomination for the award.

His contributions to general good of the people of Edo and Delta states are legion. It was easily recalled how he funded the hitherto darling football team of the oil city of Warri, Warri Wolves, for over two years. This action was in consonance with his principles and commitment to engender love and happiness within his vicinity, having it mind that soccer was a unifying force in a city embroiled in a long drawn ethnic war.

Similarly, his avowed commitment towards the emancipation of his community, Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, and its inhabitants, excited the management of Daily Independent.

The management of the National tabloid was particularly enthusiastic that Peter Black has mustered many initiatives out of the public glare to put Ogbona on the world map.

In delving into the archives to arrive at the decision to honour Peter Black, the top hierarchy of the newspaper chronicled how he single-handedly built virtually all the roads with drainages in Ogbona, a world-class police station, kitted with modern facilities, ongoing construction of the biggest skills acquisition and ICT Centre in the country, provision of sports complex and a two-thousand capacity school auditorium, in his hometown.

As an Executive Director of an oil servicing company, Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, under the chairmanship of the late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, Peter Black used his privileged position in the company to persuade the management to construct an ultra-modern multipurpose auditorium and indoor sports complex at Ogbona Secondary School. The palatial edifice was inaugurated in July 2024.

As a team player, most of the socio-economic intervention initiatives aimed at making life worthy of living for his kinsmen were carried out in collaboration with the community youth body and other critical stakeholders.

His roles in the resolution of the Niger Delta crisis and restoration of an enduring peace in the oil-rich belt, especially in granting amnesty to the freedom fighters by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, also came into focus of the managers of the newspaper.

A known ally of notable Niger Delta freedom fighter, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, whom he intimately nick-named Ogbueifi, late President Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan, hardly celebrate himself.

He also refused to be celebrated, no wonder his associates are wondering how the management of Daily Independent succeeded in prevailing on him to pick the award.

Peter Black avoids publicity like a plaque. This philanthropist is not a typical media tiger.

He believed that his intervention in the lives of the people was a contract between himself and God , which should not be celebrated in the public glare.

In a rare and unprecedented press interview, he granted the Daily Independent, in the wake of his acceptance of the award, Peter Black, gave an insight into his philanthropic gestures.

He said, “Life has taught me a lot, growing up with hardship and perseverance, then the only thing that just makes me happy is to be able to help in any way I can.”

“I don’t like lazy people. In as much as I see you want to do something and I can be of help, then I will. Even God said he will bless the works of our hands, so do something, don’t just be in a place and complain.”

The Daily Independent honour bestowed on Peter Black has elicited joy and excitement, particularly among industry operators in the Niger Delta.

His associates are particularly impressed that a reputable newspaper like Daily Independent discovered and singled out their benefactor for recognition and honour.

His admirers and associates are already trooping to Lagos to identify and celebrate their own, 48 hours to the landmark event.

The social and conventional media platforms were agog in the early hours of the weekend with goodwill and congratulatory messages for the astute businessman.

In one of the numerous accolades, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manroy Global Services Limited, Mr. Idama Amurum and Mr.
Taniowho Michael, respectively, hailed the management of the Daily Independent for recognising the contributions of Peter Dunia to mankind.

Amurum and Taniowho, in a statement jointly signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday, described the award as “well- deserved.”

The duo eulogised Peter Black for his exceptional leadership, wisdom and kindness to all and sundry, regardless of religious, ethnic and any other parochial considerations.

“We are very elated to hear about the recognition and honour bestowed on our Leader and Benefactor, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, alias Peter Black by the management of Daily Independent Newspaper as the Humanitarian personality of the Year 2024 Award. His impacts in the lives of everyone are immeasurable and unquantifiable. We are particularly grateful to him for what he has done in our lives as his associates.”

“We can only continue to offer prayers for him for a refreshing long life in robust health and abundant wealth to enable him to continue to do what he knows how to do best, which is to make people happy.”

“Once again, we are very happy that an uncommon destiny helper to many is being honoured on Saturday in Lagos and we wish him more power to his elbows,” added Amurum and Taniowho, in the press statement.

Ahead 2027: More people will come to join SDP- Adebayo declares

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Ahead 2027: More people will come to join SDP- Adebayo declares

By: Celestine Ukah

The Social Democratic Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Adewole Adebayo, has declared that he is ready to receive more people into the party ahead of 2027.

Mr. Adebayo made the declaration on Friday, March 14, 2025, during a live interview on ARISETV The Morning Show, adding that as the SDP goes ahead to welcome new members across all parts of Nigeria, the rescue of the country from the ruling party in 2027 is on.

He, however, dismissed insinuations that those coming to join the SDP are interested in taking over the SDP presidential ticket from him, noting that in the SDP there’s seniority and that he will remain as the SDP presidential candidate because those coming to join the party will work together with him to make the SDP and Nigeria succeed.

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