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Nigeria Begins Diplomacy Campaign for IMO Council Seat

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Nigeria Begins Diplomacy Campaign for IMO Council Seat

In line with ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s presence on the global maritime stage, the Nigerian government has intensified a wide-reaching diplomatic campaign to secure Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who formally flagged off Nigeria’s campaign at the IMO Headquarters in London on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, has since embarked on a series of high-level bilateral engagements.

The Minister has been meeting with representatives of key maritime nations in what has been described as “door-to-door diplomacy” aimed at winning critical support ahead of the upcoming elections.

Speaking to delegates on the sidelines of the ongoing 134th Session of the IMO Council in London, the Minister said: “Nigeria is not just seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership. We come to the IMO table with a strong track record in maritime security, a vast coastline brimming with potential, and a renewed national agenda anchored on collaboration and sustainability.”

Among the countries already engaged in this diplomatic outreach are Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, Italy, and several others.

Oyetola also delivered messages of goodwill from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reinforcing Nigeria’s seriousness and unity of purpose in the bid.

A cornerstone of Nigeria’s campaign is its impressive performance in maritime security, particularly the eradication of piracy in Nigeria’s territorial waters and the reduction of incidents in the larger Gulf of Guinea.

Oyetola said for three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero incidents of piracy in its waters, a feat largely attributed to the deployment of the Deep Blue security architecture and improved regional cooperation.

“Security is the bedrock of maritime prosperity,” Minister Oyetola stated. “Our success in this regard demonstrates what is possible when nations take bold, coordinated action.”

He underscored Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral maritime relations, highlighting investment potential across strategic areas including shipbuilding and repair, port modernisation, green shipping corridors, and intra-African maritime trade.

“Nigeria is ready to work with IMO Member States to strengthen the pillars of global maritime growth. Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations,” he said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness, Oyetola said: “We are committed to upholding IMO’s values of safety, security, and environmental responsibility. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a more inclusive, cooperative, and resilient global maritime future.”

Category C of the IMO Council includes countries with special interests in maritime transport and those whose election ensures the representation of all major geographic regions of the world.

Nigeria’s inclusion would further elevate Africa’s voice in global maritime governance and allow it to shape international shipping policies from a position of influence.

Kano Police Launches ‘Operation Kukan Kura’ To Prevent Crime

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Kano Police Launches ‘Operation Kukan Kura’ To Prevent Crime

To improve crime prevention in Kano state, North West Nigeria, the Police says it has launched a new operation strategy tagged ‘Operation Kukan Kura’ for robust crime prevention and improved community policing.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, revealed this while briefing Journalists on the security situation of the state and successes recorded by the command in the fight against crime.

He explained that the”Operation Kukan Kura” symbolizes adherence to the co-ethics of community policing, where members of the public participate actively in policing activities, including information sharing, crime prevention, management, and control.

CP Bakori noted that the objective of the Special Operation is to act as a radar to detect and proactively nip in the bud any threats of thuggery related crimes within Kano Metropolis.

“This is in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to all Police Command and Formations on community-centric policing and strategy to dominate the public space against all forms of crimes a criminality.”

Arrests

CP Bakori announced that the command has arrested 98 suspects who were involved in 21 major cases of armed robbery, thuggery, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

He said significant breakthroughs have been made since the launch of the operation on the 1st of July, 2025.

Achievements

He said the suspects arrested were “21 armed robbers, four kidnappers, five drug dealers, 12 motor vehicle thieves, four fraudsters, and 47 suspected thugs.

CP Bakori also listed items recovered to include ten thousand counterfeit US dollars ($10,000), six motor vehicles, eight tricycles, nine motorcycles, and 42 tubes of red solutions, among others.

“I assure you that the Kano State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the State.

“I urge everyone to keep reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or through the following emergency contact numbers, 08032419745,” CP Bakori said.

Labour Party Movement Seeks Northern Leaders’ Campaign Backing

Confidence Okwuchi
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Labour Party Movement Seeks Northern Leaders’ Campaign Backing

The Sokoto State chapter of the Obidients Movement has called on Northern leaders to join efforts in launching the “North for Obi Campaign”, an initiative aimed at promoting economic justice and enhancing regional security.

The call was made at the Labour Party Secretariat in Sokoto State while briefing journalists.

Speaking on behalf of the Obidient stakeholders movement, Abubakar Yawale said the door-to-door campaigns and community outreach in 23 local government areas of Sokoto showed that Obi’s policies resonate with farmers, artisans, and youth beyond social media trends.

Mr Yawale stated that the traditional title conferred on Mr Peter Obi recently as ‘Sarkin Maskan Pantami’ (Chief of Shelter and Peace) by the District Head of Pantami in Gombe State reflects his deep-rooted northern respect for his humanitarian work and leadership.

He rejected Mr Kenneth Okonkwo’s assertion that only a northern candidate can defeat the incumbent president in the 2027 election.

“This claim undermines Nigeria’s democratic spirit and ignores Peter Obi’s proven nationwide appeal. Okonkwo’s stance that a southeastern candidate cannot win perpetuates the very power imbalances we seek to dismantle. Nigeria’s unwritten zoning rule reserves 2027 for the South.

“So, fielding a northern candidate fractures opposition unity and legitimises President Tinubu’s incumbency,” he said.

He urged Mr Okonkwo to retract his divisive claims and join the winning strategy for sustainable development in the country.

Mr Yawale further urged the former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 to remain steadfast as the coalition’s presidential flagbearer, saying, “Sokoto Obidients reject any vice-presidential arrangement.”

The briefing was attended by the Movement State Coordinator, Aminu Caliphate; Secretary Jamilu Adamu and Chairman of Elders Sa’idu Muhammad, among others.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Nigeria To Host Maiden National Summit On Steel

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Nigeria To Host Maiden National Summit On Steel

The Nigerian Government is set to host a National Summit on Steel Development, aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s steel sector.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja ahead of the summit, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said the summit would serve as a platform for stakeholders to engage in collective dialogue and foster collaboration towards repositioning the sector.

Prince Audu explained that the summit would grant opportunities for the ministry to share in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Ministry of Steel Development, as part of its efforts to rebuild and unlock the nation’s Steel potential, is hosting its inaugural National Steel Summit 2025, themed Rebuilding and Consolidating Nigeria’s Steel Industry: Collaborative Action for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness.”

The minister further emphasized that the summit would create an avenue for stakeholders to discuss and work in unison to move the sector forward.

“The Summit which aims to assemble key stakeholders to appraise the current status of the industry, explore investment opportunities, identify policy and infrastructural needs and adopt a consensus way forward for the revival and sustainable Development of the Nigeria’s Steel sector will be declared open by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu” Audu stated.

According to Prince Audu, stakeholders will be given an even platform to interact in their mutual areas of collaboration, especially in market promotion and infrastructure sharing windows for competitive production.

“There will be executive parley amongst selected policy makers, Paper presentations, Panel Discussions, Questions and Answers, Exhibitions, etc, and I want to assure all stakeholders that every contribution will be given adequate consideration in the emerging Steel sector in Nigeria,” Prince Audu stated.

“Despite the chequered history of Steel development in Nigeria, which dates back to 1958, the present Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already pushing the right buttons to ensure the emergence of a virile Steel industry in Nigeria along the following key mandate instructions,” he added.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described the steel sector as the cornerstone of any nation’s industrial and economic development.

Dr. Isokpunwu added that the summit represents a call to action for all stakeholders, public and private, local and international, to unite in forging a bold and sustainable path for the industry.

According to him, the summit marks a critical step in the national drive to rebuild and consolidate the steel industry through inclusive dialogue, strategic policy development, and targeted investments.

VP Shettima Urges Public Officials to Document Their Stewardship

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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VP Shettima Urges Public Officials to Document Their Stewardship

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public service, urging former and current public officials to summon the courage to document their lives and stewardship while in service.

He gave the advice on Thursday during the public presentation of “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,” a memoir written by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke.

The Vice President noted that public servants live under perpetual scrutiny, as life itself is litigation with no end and no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice.

Recalling the highly litigious (Oil Prospecting Licence 245) OPL 245 deal, VP Shettima said the book serves as an access card to the next phase of hearings in the court of public opinion, just as he emphasized that public service must be remembered, scrutinized, and preserved as part of national history.

“Each of us who has had the privilege of serving this country owes the people an account of our stewardship. Our stories are not ours alone. They belong to the nation. They belong to history,” the Vice President stated.

VP Shettima described the culture of secrecy in Nigeria’s public institutions as a form of silence that must be broken.

“There is silence to preserve relationships. There is silence to protect secrets too delicate to disclose. And there is silence for memories we would rather forget. But as a generation of leaders, we must summon the courage to document our journeys,” he said.

Courageous Move

The Vice President described Adoke’s reflections in the book as courageous, saying the former minister’s claim of being “bloodied but unbowed” will resonate with anyone who has walked the corridors of power in Nigeria.

His words: “There is no doubt that those named in this book will tell their side of the story. That, indeed, is how history finds its balance. Every witness must speak. Every accused person must speak. Every participant must speak.

“Life itself is litigation with no end. There is no final adjournment in the pursuit of justice. There is no permanent discharge in the reckoning of history. We are always being summoned—not by a judge, but by conscience and by posterity.”

National Memory

VP Shettima emphasized the need for public officials to see themselves as custodians of national memory, stressing that the importance of storytelling is not in perfection but in the necessity of preserving the truth for future generations.

Chairman of the occasion, former President Goodluck Jonathan, applauded the author’s wisdom, courage, and doggedness in the face of intimidation and blackmail, describing the public presentation of the book as a celebration of victory over deliberate persecution.

Represented by former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the former President cautioned politicians against recklessness and abuse of office, urging all public office holders to always commit to the virtues of justice, fairness, and service to humanity.

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, commended the commitment and hard work of the author in chronicling his account of stewardship as Attorney General of the Federation.

Makinde noted that beyond contextualizing the disputed OPL 245, the book x-rays broader issues of institutional governance and justice framework in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, among others.

He said the public presentation of the book will, among other things, emphasize the need for policy reforms and the reinvigoration of the culture of documentation in public service, which, according to him, are essential ingredients of national development.

The author of the book, and former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Adoke, said the motivation behind writing the book was not to denigrate any individual or group, but to set the records straight and provide insights into the issues surrounding the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Bloc transaction.

He said while he has forgiven the individuals and organizations that played active roles in the saga that caused significant damage to his person, family, and business, he remains unwavering in his belief and commitment to the Nigerian project and its success.

Adoke called for holistic reforms in the Nigerian justice and public service systems to forestall a recurrence of his unfortunate experience.

While reviewing the book, former Special Adviser to ex-President Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, agreed with the author that the book is, indeed, therapeutic, stressing that the book needed to be written to set the records straight for posterity.

“The focus is on the OPL245, in an extensive and comprehensive account of the allegations about his role, the burden he has endured in terms of what he called clinical persecution, or “the lies and lies and more lies” that were told against him and his eventual vindication.

“Adoke’s OPL 245 is, by his admission, therapeutic – a book that needed to be written to set the record straight for posterity and to clear his name through a documentation of facts,” Abati stated.

Also present at the event were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Joel Salifu; former Governors of Kwara, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Bauchi, Adamu Muazu; Kaduna, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (rtd), among other friends and associates of the author.

EFCC Warns Nigerians on Rising Virtual Investment Scams

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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EFCC Warns Nigerians on Rising Virtual Investment Scams

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has raised alarm over the growing threat of virtual asset and investment scams across Africa.

He warned that fraudsters are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to exploit unsuspecting investors.

The warning was delivered through the Ilorin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Mr. Daniel Isei, at a public lecture marking the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day held at Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Africa Anti-Corruption Day, marked annually on July 11, is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of corruption and mobilizing collective action to combat it. This year’s theme focuses on the evolving nature of financial crimes in the digital age.

In a thought-provoking address titled “Understanding Virtual Assets & Investment Scam,” Olukoyede said Africa’s fight against corruption is being undermined by a surge in illicit financial flows, with money laundering and virtual asset fraud topping the list.

He explained that virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies and digital tokens, are not inherently criminal but become dangerous tools in the hands of fraudsters.

“Technology is advancing rapidly, and while virtual assets were created for legitimate financial innovation, criminals are exploiting them for money laundering and fraudulent investments,” he said.

Olukoyede pointed to recent investigations that revealed politicians and corrupt individuals hiding stolen funds in cryptocurrency wallets to evade detection.

“Politicians hiding stolen funds in cryptocurrency wallets “

He also warned about the growing trend of fraudulent investment schemes using virtual assets to lure desperate investors with promises of quick returns.

Highlighting the infamous CBEX scam, the EFCC Chairman cited it as a case study of how ignorance and negligence among investors can fuel the success of fraudulent schemes.

“The CBEX case showed how failure to conduct due diligence and report suspicious transactions on time can lead to devastating losses. No investment scam can succeed without the negligence of the investing public,” he said. 

Despite the increasing complexity of virtual asset fraud, Olukoyede assured the public that the EFCC remains a step ahead through proactive intelligence, training, and operational breakthroughs.

He noted that the agency has already recorded significant successes in the investigation and prosecution of such crimes.

He emphasized the need for public enlightenment and stakeholder collaboration to tackle the menace.

“Virtual asset and investment fraud are preventable. The key is education, vigilance, and timely reporting. This interactive forum is a step in the right direction,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC Chairman also called on experts at the forum to demystify virtual assets for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians and help close the “window of ignorance” that fraudsters exploit.

In his presentation, an Assistant Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, ACE II James Allison, emphasized the growing vulnerability of Nigerians to digital investment scams and cryptocurrency-related frauds.

In his lecture titled “Understanding Virtual Assets and Investment Fraud”, Allison outlined how fraudsters are exploiting virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and unregulated investment platforms to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

“Fraudsters are increasingly taking advantage of people’s lack of understanding of virtual assets. They dangle unbelievable returns on investment, create fake trading platforms, and often vanish without a trace once they secure their victims’ money,” he explained.

To protect themselves, he advised members of the public to “research thoroughly before investing, verify regulatory compliance, and never trust unsolicited offers.” He ended with a strong caution: “If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a fraud.”

He urged participants to engage in open and fact-based discussions, emphasizing that fighting corruption and financial fraud is a shared responsibility.

In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who was represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos, noted that most people who are victims of financial fraud are greedy themselves.

According to him, most people, including market men and women, have also been duped due to ignorance and greed.

The traditional ruler assured that they would embark on enlightenment programmes to discourage people from falling victim to fraudsters.

Campaigns End Ahead of Lagos Council Polls

Confidence Okwuchi
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Campaigns End Ahead of Lagos Council Polls

Political campaigns are winding up ahead of local government elections scheduled for Saturday July 12, in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.

Supporters of the various political parties have been busy canvassing for votes from prospective voters.

Only twelve political parties will take part in the polls whilst election will take place in the twenty local governments and thirty-seven local council development areas.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission earlier concluded training for adhoc officials who will be manning the polling centres.

The commission restated its readiness to conduct hitch free elections even as some political parties like the New Nigeria Peoples Party withdrew its participation citing irregularities on the part of the electoral body.

Security

The Nigeria Police Force assured residence and voters of its heavy presence before, during and after the polls to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The Police has also restricted movement of goods and persons on the land and waterways from 3.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday as part of measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the course of the elections.

Election History

Local government elections in Nigeria have been marred by voter apathy and low awareness and lagos council polls have been no exception.

While the local councils are the closest tier of government to the people, many Nigerians have shown little or no interest at choosing who leads them at this level of government.

This may not be unconnected with the fact that in most cases, the ruling party at the State level wins all the chairmanship and Councillorship seats, leaving little or nothing for the opposition.

However, the recent increase in funds allocation to local governments and the much awaited autonomy may stimulate a better turnout this time around.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

Jigawa, Customs Service Partner to Revive Maigatari Free Trade Zone

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Jigawa, Customs Service Partner to Revive Maigatari Free Trade Zone

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reviving the Maigatari Free Trade Zone, describing it as a key driver for economic growth, trade expansion, and industrial development in the region.

The governor made the remarks while receiving the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Dutse.

Governor Namadi congratulated Comptroller Abubakar on his recent appointment and commended the Customs Service for its support toward advancing the state’s economic goals.

“We sincerely appreciate this visit. It reflects the importance of building strong collaboration between the Nigerian Customs Service and Jigawa State,” the governor said.

He particularly praised the Comptroller’s interest in the Maigatari Free Trade Zone, describing the project as a long-standing initiative with untapped potential.

According to him, the zone, established over 25 years ago, had remained inactive but is now a priority for revitalisation.

“Maigatari has a history spanning more than two decades, but little progress has been made. By Allah’s grace and with the support of institutions like yours, we are determined to make it fully operational,” Namadi stated.

He noted that the state had already taken key steps including settling statutory fees, undertaking resettlement in surrounding communities, and initiating discussions with prospective investors.

“We are committed to making Maigatari a success and will continue to work hand-in-hand with federal agencies like the Customs Service to realize that goal,” he added.

In response, Comptroller Abubakar assured the governor of the Customs Service’s readiness to commence operations at the trade zone, while acknowledging that some operational and technical issues still need to be addressed.

“If the state is ready, we can begin operations immediately. Yes, there are a few challenges—administrative, technical, and operational—but they are all manageable,” he said.

The Comptroller also acknowledged the dedication of stakeholders from the state, including the management of the Maigatari Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and local government officials.

“Your appointees are capable and highly committed. They have shown great resolve to deliver on your vision,” he said.

Highlighting Maigatari’s strategic advantage, he emphasized the zone’s potential to position Jigawa as a competitive trade hub.

“While Kano has its advantages, Maigatari stands out—it shares a border with another country, which offers a unique edge. With the right support, this project can compete with any in the region,” Abubakar noted.

 

 

 

 

Hauwa Abu

Supreme Court Upholds Edo Governor’s Election Victory

Confidence Okwuchi
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Supreme Court Upholds Edo Governor’s Election Victory

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has firmly upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, dismissing an appeal filed by opposition candidate Mr. Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The ruling marks a definitive legal end to one of the most closely watched gubernatorial disputes in the country.

In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday, the apex court ruled that the PDP and its candidate failed to substantiate claims of electoral irregularities, including allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, delivering the lead judgment, stated that “the petition was without merit and lacked credible evidence.”

The court resolved four out of five contentious issues against the PDP.

“The appellants could not prove their case beyond mere allegations,” the court held, affirming the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s electoral victory and the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

All parties involved in the case—including INEC, Governor Okpebholo, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—were ordered to bear the respective costs of the litigation.

 

Confidence Okwuchi

APC Prepares For Victory at Lagos Council Polls

Confidence Okwuchi
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APC Prepares For Victory at Lagos Council Polls

Thousands of supporters of the All Progressives Congress l, APC in Lagos State are thronging the streets campaigning ahead of Saturday’s local government elections.

Women groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders affiliated with the APC are not resting on their oars even as they anticipate the party’s victory at the polls.

In Oshodi-Isolo local government area of the State, party faithfuls trooped out for the mega rallies held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Party leaders and supporters were out in colourful wears to garner support for the return of the incumbent chairman, Kehinde Oloyede.

They cited the unequalled infrastructure development in the area of roads construction, building of new schools and more importantly the construction of a ultra modern mini-general hospital in the local government as some of the reasons why he should be returned for another four year term.

Residents of the local government, said that the Council Chairman had broken every record as the only one who embarked on massive road reconstruction in the local government since its establishment.

They however want him to prioritize education, health and stable supply of electricity if he eventually wins a second term

The rallies are over and party supporters are now doing door to door campaigns as part of last minute effort to ensure that their preferred candidates emerge victorious in Saturday’s polls.

Confidence Okwuchi

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