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OKANGA 2027: Full Support for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese

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OKANGA 2027: Full Support for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese

I’m thrilled to announce my full support for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese Okanga’s re-election in 2027 by God’s Grace.

As a proud son of the Owukpa community in Ogbadibo Local Government, I’m overjoyed to see the numerous projects for Owukpa included in the 2025 budget, which will soon kick off. Despite all he has already done, I score him 60% in his 2 years in office.

This tangible progress has convinced me that Honorable Agbese’s achievements are not mere propaganda, but a testament to his dedication.

Having contested for the same seat in 2023, I’ve had a front-row seat to his exceptional work. I’m impressed by his commitment to our constituency, and I believe I might not have done any better if I had won. His youthfulness is an asset, and I think it’s time to give our younger generation a chance.

As many know, our constituency has an informal zoning arrangement, where each local government gets an eight-year term from 1999-2023. By the last election conducted 2 years ago, every local government in Enone Federal Constituency had already enjoyed two terms. Ado LG (1999-2003), Okpokwu (2003-2011), then Ogbadibo (2011-2019), and then Ado came on board again (2019-2023). This was the basis for my contesting the election in 2023, since every local government had, had its fair turn.

It may interest you to know that no local government voluntarily left the stage after enjoying their two-term turn. In 2011, Okpokwu Local Government forced its way to do a third term but lost in the field, while in 2019, Ogbadibo Local Government also forced its way to get a third term but met stiff resistance and lost in the field. In all this analysis, it was Ado Local Government that broke its tenure into two, which is 1999-2003 and then 2019-2023. This became the major reason we all stood against Ado Local Government in 2023, with a superior argument that they had done their two terms, irrespective of how they managed to split it.

After many crucial stakeholders’ meetings and upon meetings in 2022, a school of thought came together in Okpoga, the constituency headquarters, and reviewed exhaustively, concluding that since we (Ogbadibo) refused to let Ado Local Government continue solely in the election (considering they were the incumbent then), we could all go ahead and contest for the election from the three local governments, with the agreement that whosoever wins, the zoning will start from there. It was named “The Okpoga Accord 2022” and happened in the buildup to the primary election in 2022. As faith would have it, the three local governments participated in the general election, with Ogbadibo in (PDP), Okpokwu in (Labour), and Ado in (APC).

Given that Ado Local Government won the seat in 2023, it is only normal to concede the zoning to them, especially in a civilized society where agreements are respected and values are maintained.
I believe Honorable Agbese should be allowed to complete his second term without disruption, except if another accord is entered into that every local government should just start doing one term turn now, which I don’t think will work.

While this decision might not sit well with everyone, I’m making it based on my conviction that he’s the best person for the job. I’ve seen his blueprint, and the 2025 budget reflects his commitment to our constituency. With projects planned for all 35 wards, I’m confident that he’ll continue to deliver. I pray for his success and wish him all the best in his re-election bid.

As a matter of fact, I’ve had some individuals, friends and wellwishers approach me to contest against him, but I believe that God’s plan is what’s most important. As I always say, A man can get nothing except what he’s given to him from God. I’m focusing on supporting Honorable Agbese for now, but if the Lord tarries, I’ll continue to prepare for higher elections and share my plans with you. Let’s give our younger generation a chance to lead and make a difference. I’m 100% behind Honorable Philip Agbese, and I believe he’ll win the 2027 House of Representatives seat for Enone Federal Constituency 2027 by the special grace of God 🙏.

 

Rep. Philip Agbese Celebrates Comrade Austin Agada on His Birthday

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Rep. Philip Agbese Celebrates Comrade Austin Agada on His Birthday

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Honourable Member representing Ado, Ogbadibo, and Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese, has extended his warmest birthday wishes to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State and Chairman of the National Agricultural Seed Council, Comrade Austin Agada.

In a heartfelt message, Chief Agbese, widely known as Okanga K’Agila, described Comrade Agada as a symbol of resilience, visionary leadership, and commitment to progress. He commended Agada’s transformative leadership within the APC in Benue State, noting that his tenure has been defined by unity, strategic growth, and unwavering dedication to party principles.

Highlighting Comrade Agada’s role as a beacon of hope and inspiration to the youth, Rep. Agbese reaffirmed his readiness to continue working alongside leaders like him in fostering the socioeconomic development of Benue State and, more specifically, the Enone Constituency.

Chief Agbese also offered prayers for Comrade Agada, asking for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, and protection as he leads with purpose and contributes to both state and national development. He wished him good health, peace of mind, and many more impactful years ahead.

On this special occasion, Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese joins friends, colleagues, and well-wishers in celebrating a leader whose commitment to public service continues to inspire.

One Killed in Chaos During APC Bwari Primary Election

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One Killed in Chaos During APC Bwari Primary Election

After violent altercations during the All Progressives Congress (APC) council primaries in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja on Wednesday, one person was confirmed dead.
It was discovered that the incident took place as emotions grew over alleged anomalies in the list of delegates used for the election.
It allegedly acquired a video of the event showing a body being hastily loaded into a black car.

The media claims to have heard a voice saying, “Quickly, put him inside the car,” in the background.

According to a party source, Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s national chairman, was also in charge of submitting a controversial list of delegates for the primary election for the Bwari Area Council.
According to the source, the list purportedly created by the chairman of the APC Local Council was unanimously rejected by candidates and authorized delegates.

After the disputed list was supposedly sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the APC leadership, the situation apparently worsened.

“APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje is accused of compromising IEC by supplying the list of delegates for the local government election in the Bwari Area Council. The purportedly fraudulent list that was sent by the APC Local Council Chairman was unanimously rejected by candidates and authorized delegates, according to a different source.

In a video that journalists were able to get, the APC council chairman, however, charged that certain party members had been compromised after allegedly taking payment to sabotage the primaries.

He begged everyone to examine their consciences and stop causing trouble for financial gain during the heated discussion.

Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, told reporters when they reached him that “I am not in Abuja at the moment.” Thanks.

SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, stated that she was out of town and would respond to reporters later.
The police spokesperson told SaharaReporters, “I will call to confirm as I am out of town at the moment, but let me confirm and get back to you.”

Oyetola: Blue Economy Up 90%, On Track to Outpace NNPC

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Oyetola: Blue Economy Up 90%, On Track to Outpace NNPC

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has announced a staggering 90% rise in revenue earned by Nigeria’s blue economy sector. He expressed confidence that, with continuing changes, the sector will overtake the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in income generation.

Speaking at the “My Harassment-Free Ship” 2025 Day of the Seafarers celebration in Port Harcourt, Oyetola emphasized the importance of port automation, modernization, and digital transformation as key drivers of this progress.

“In a short period of time, we boosted our revenue by at least 90%. “We are confident that with continued modernization and technology adoption, the blue economy will eventually outperform the NNPC in terms of revenue generation,” the minister stated.

NPA forecasts ₦1.27 trillion revenue by 2025.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) anticipates a 40% rise in revenue from ₦894.86 billion in 2024 to over ₦1.27 trillion by 2025, in line with the minister’s declaration. The NPA’s estimate is based on increased operational efficiency, full activation of the Dangote Refinery’s marine infrastructure, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology in Nigerian ports.

Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, presented the data during a budget defense session with the House Committee on Ports and Harbours, noting that capital projects will account for more than 70% of 2025 spending.

Maritime Labor E-Platform Launched
To improve transparency and labour governance, the federal government has launched the Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital portal that will streamline maritime worker administration. The technology enables real-time data access, encourages regulatory compliance, and centralizes workforce management.

Read Also: First International Civil Service Conference, Global Leaders Unite for Governance Reform in Abuja

“This e-platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation,” Oyetola said, pushing all stakeholders to adopt the system.

Promoting Seafarers’ Welfare and Safety.
Oyetola, speaking on the topic of the 2025 celebration, underlined the need of eliminating harassment and bullying in the marine sector. He underlined the ministry’s commitment to raising seafarer education to international standards and fully complying with the STCW Convention, including anti-harassment training.

He also applauded NIMASA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which established standards for fair compensation, reasonable working conditions, and conflict resolution for seafarers.

NIMASA Encourages Alignment with MLC 2006 Amendments
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, has urged shipowners and crewing agencies to update their operations manuals in accordance with the recently approved changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

The reforms address crucial problems such as recognising seafarers as key workers, improving safety, shore leave, and repatriation benefits. The revised rules are planned to go into force internationally by December 2027.

“These reforms represent a global agreement to safeguard seafarers and ensure fair treatment. “Our operators must quickly align to ensure compliance,” Mobereola stated.

With substantial progress in modernization, regulation, and human capital development, Nigeria’s blue economy is developing as a crucial source of national revenue. The government’s commitment to building a harassment-free, digitally enabled maritime industry is a solid foundation for long-term success.

First International Civil Service Conference, Global Leaders Unite for Governance Reform in Abuja

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First International Civil Service Conference, Global Leaders Unite for Governance Reform in Abuja

In a groundbreaking event held in Abuja, Nigeria welcomed leaders and experts from across the globe to the First International Civil Service Conference — a platform for reimagining governance in the modern age.

With over 30 participating nations, the conference focused on building a smarter, more inclusive civil service — one driven by technology, integrity, and innovation.

Delegates explored critical themes ranging from digital transformation to workforce development, ethical leadership, and service delivery reform.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading change across Africa’s public institutions. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation also unveiled forward-thinking reforms already reshaping Nigeria’s administrative systems — aligning them with global standards.

The conference concluded with a unified declaration — a shared pledge to raise standards, strengthen institutions, and embrace a new era of efficient and citizen-focused service.

The First International Civil Service Conference — where global minds met to build the future of public service.

2027: Suswam Cautions APC as Opposition Alliance Gains Momentum

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2027: Suswam Cautions APC as Opposition Alliance Gains Momentum

Ahead of the general elections in 2027, Gabriel Suswam, a senior PDP official and former governor of Benue State, has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be wary of the burgeoning opposition coalition.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Suswam characterized the alliance as a powerful political force that is becoming more powerful as a result of the general discontent with the economic policies of the current administration.

We are seeing this kind of political realignment for the first time. Nigerians are coming together across party lines as a result of the hardships they are going through under this government. The coalition will be a powerful force in 2027 because everyone is impacted, Suswam said.

He emphasized that he would be “very worried” if he were a member of the current APC.

During a recent trip to Nasarawa State, President Bola Tinubu criticized the opposition alliance, calling its members “internally displaced politicians.” This was interpreted as a jab at disgruntled members of the APC and other parties as well as defectors.

Read Also: Historic Triumph: Enyimba FC’s Global Impact on Nigerian Football

Reacting to the PDP’s 2015 error of underestimating the then-forming APC, which ultimately beat them at the polls, Suswam issued a warning.

“When APC was being created, we made the same mistake. Suswam said, “They won the election, but we ignored them.”

After stating that some APC members are covertly siding with the new coalition in expectation of a political change, he went on to say that the ruling party should take note of internal dissatisfaction.

Historic Triumph: Enyimba FC’s Global Impact on Nigerian Football

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Historic Triumph: Enyimba FC’s Global Impact on Nigerian Football

Football fans are left thinking back to a period when Nigerian club football was among the greatest in the world, dominated by the legendary Enyimba International Football Club in the early 2000s, as the recently expanded FIFA Club World Cup moves forward without a single Nigerian team in sight.

Nigeria, a former continental superpower, is not present in the global championship, despite the fact that major African teams like Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Esperance are. Debate has been sparked by the absence, particularly after Ahmed Musa, the captain of the Super Eagles, publicly demanded immediate changes in Nigerian football.

A Golden Age of Club Football in Nigeria
Nigeria was proud of Enyimba FC, also referred to as The People’s Elephant, in the early 2000s. The Aba-based team became the first Nigerian team to win the CAF Champions League twice in a row, accomplishing the unthinkable.

The continent was ruled by Enyimba’s tactical discipline and indigenous skill under the direction of Kadiri Ikhana and Okey Emordi. In both years, they also won the CAF Super Cup, solidifying their position as Africa’s top team.

Read Also: Peter Obi Meets Former AGF Malami for Strategic Talks in Abuja

Even though the FIFA Club World Cup schedule was erratic at the time, Enyimba was still considered a top-tier squad and was placed among the top 30 clubs worldwide.

Same Absence, New Format
With an increased 32-team format for the 2025 Club World Cup, there will be greater chances for African representation. However, none of the Nigerian clubs made the cut, highlighting the widening divide between football in Nigeria and the rest of the continent.

Even though Enyimba recently played in the African Football League (AFL), which is supported by CAF, their early elimination against Wydad Casablanca indicated that their previous dominance is now a thing of the past.

The following are the main reasons why Nigerian football is lagging behind:

Insufficient funds

Poor administrative frameworks

Poor infrastructure

Absence of grassroots development

Due to these ongoing difficulties, Nigerian clubs are now far behind their rivals in North and South Africa.

It’s Time to Reset
Ahmed Musa called on all parties involved to restructure the football system, from club management to youth development, in response to Nigeria’s persistent exclusion from elite competitions.

Nigeria’s ability to compete on a global scale is demonstrated by Enyimba’s heyday. Will the country take action before the next opportunity passes?

Peter Obi Meets Former AGF Malami for Strategic Talks in Abuja

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Peter Obi Meets Former AGF Malami for Strategic Talks in Abuja

Abuja, June 26, 2025 – Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi met with former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami in Abuja in an effort to spark new political discourse ahead of the 2027 general election.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, interim national coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, verified the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Malami’s office. Tanko announced the meeting in a post on X (previously Twitter), describing it as part of Peter Obi’s ongoing efforts to develop coalitions within Nigeria’s political landscape.

“On June 25th, 2025, the Obedient Movement welcomed another senior member into its fold. “This is part of our mission to build bridges and free Nigerians from the daily hardships they face,” Tanko said.

Read Also: Oyo Declares Friday Public Holiday for Special Observance

Photographs from the encounter show Obi and Malami conversing amicably, fueling suspicion about a potential alliance or political partnership. Tanko later clarified in an interview with TheCable that, while the meeting was noteworthy, Malami did not formally join the Obedient Movement.

The Obidient Movement, which emerged as a powerful political force during the 2023 elections, continues to gain momentum as a platform for reform, public involvement, and cross-party collaboration.

Oyo Declares Friday Public Holiday for Special Observance

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Oyo Declares Friday Public Holiday for Special Observance

Under Governor Seyi Makinde’s direction, the Oyo State government has proclaimed Friday, June 27, to be a day off for all employees.
Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the Secretary to the State Government, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, June 25.

In honor of Hijrah, the start of the new Islamic calendar, the day was deemed work-free, according to Naija News. Smartphones from POCO

The message urged Muslims and other state citizens to commemorate the Islamic New Year and consider the occasion’s spiritual meaning.

Governor Makinde asked the state’s citizens to use the occasion to offer prayers for long-term peace, harmony, and prosperity for Oyo State and, by extension, Nigeria.

Part of the statement said, “The Governor encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to pray for the peace, harmony, and prosperity of the state in particular, and the nation in general.”

The notification states that the holiday is to be observed in all state offices and public institutions.

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress’s (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, has claimed that the government is more terrified of unarmed demonstrators than of violent threats.

In an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Sowore reportedly stated this while denouncing the government’s continued crackdown on nonviolent demonstrators.

Read Also: Mama Boko Haram Faces Justice Again – Slapped with 14-Year Jail Term

Sowore responded, “I do,” when asked if he thought the administration was afraid of protesters. I fully do. Because they are capable of responding to those who are shooting at the government, but lack the ability, capacity, and plan to stop the majority, they are more terrified of placards than they are of firearms.

“They are more dangerous when their light numbers are carrying placards than when they are carrying guns.”

Mama Boko Haram Faces Justice Again – Slapped with 14-Year Jail Term

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Mama Boko Haram Faces Justice Again – Slapped with 14-Year Jail Term

On Wednesday, Aisha Alkali Wakil, better known as Mama Boko Haram, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyode were found guilty by Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri. Each of them was given a 14-year prison sentence.
According to reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the development in a statement released on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.
On September 14, 2020, the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate placed the defendants before the court on a two-count accusation of conspiracy and acquiring ₦11 million under false pretenses.

In July 2018, in Maiduguri, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, you, Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyode, while serving as Chief Executive Officer, Programme Manager, and Country Director, respectively, of Complete Care and Aids Foundation (a Non-Governmental Organization), along with Saidu Mukhtar (who is currently at large), obtained ₦11 million from Muhammad Ambare of Muhammed Ambare Ventures under the false pretense of signing a purported contract for the supply, installation, and servicing of two units of X-Ray Machine Model 1800, which you knew to be untrue. This was a violation of Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

However, when the accusations were brought, the defendants entered a not guilty plea, which resulted in a full trial.

It was understood that Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, the prosecution’s attorney, and S. O. Saka called one witness and provided the court with a number of papers to support their case throughout the trial. Smartphones that are accessible

Justice Kumaliya delivered the verdict on Wednesday, convicting the defendants on counts one and two and sending them to seven years in prison each, following several adjournments that the defendants had asked.

Concurrent service of the sentences is required.

The judge ordered the prisoners to pay back N8 million to the petitioner both individually and collectively, or else they would be sentenced to seven more years in prison.

The inmates’ journey to the correctional facility began as a result of their dishonest behavior in giving the petitioner and his business false contracts for the provision, installation, and maintenance of two X-Ray Machine Model 1800 units.

Read Also: “Placards Scare Them More Than Bullets” – Sowore Slams Government

Neither the contract nor the money were completed after they forced the petitioner to transfer ₦11 million into the account of a third person, Saidu Muktar, who is currently at large.

The CEO of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Complete Care and Aid Foundation, Aishal Wakil, also known as Mama Boko Haram, and two other officials from her group were sentenced to five years in prison each six months ago for their roles in a fraud involving more than ₦6 million. Smartphones that are accessible

Tahiru Saidu Daura, the NGO’s program manager, and Prince Lawal Shoyode, the organization’s country director, are the other two people that were jailed with Mama Boko Haram.

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