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![[PRESS RELEASE] Rivers State Government Rejoinder On Relocation Of NBA AGC 2025](/media/k2/items/cache/657de0f6a27184f685dd734382333a54_L.jpg)
Port Harcourt – The Rivers State Government has noted the statement by the NBA on the relocation the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Enugu State.
The Rivers State Government, however, outrightly rejects the NBA’s recent allegation that the ₦300 million payment made by the state was a "gift", unrelated to hosting rights for the NBA AGC 2025. For clarity, the Rivers State Government’s records show that the payment of ₦300 million to the NBA was made with the mutual understanding that Rivers State would host the 2025 edition of the NBA AGC.
The Rivers State
Government entered into this arrangement with the NBA in good faith, with the understanding that hosting the conference in the state would attract significant economic benefits to our state, positively and directly impact the businesses of our people. The NBA's unilateral decision to relocate the AGC 2025 against our mutual understanding and subsequent decision to withhold the ₦300 million paid for the purpose of hosting the NBA AGC 2025 in Rivers State is unethical and amounts to a breach of trust.
Failure of the NBA to immediately refund the ₦300 million to the Rivers State Government, will compel the implementation of all legal means to recover the property of the good people of Rivers State.
We reaffirm our willingness to engage in partnerships with all professional bodies, including the NBA, but we will not accommodate exploitation of our people and the Rivers State Government.
Signed:
Hector Igbikiowubo
SSA Media
Rivers State Government
Government House, Port Harcourt
![[PRESS RELEASE] Governor Soludo Felicitates Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu On His Birthday](/media/k2/items/cache/43dcae3917a9c451e15931cf7cc480a3_L.jpg)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed warm felicitations to Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (Ezennia) SAN, OON, JP, FCArb, esteemed legal luminary on the auspicious occasion of his birthday.
In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo commended Dr. Ikpeazu's distinguished career as a proof of absolute dedication, intellectual prowess, and an unyielding commitment to the tenets of justice and the rule of law.
His profound contributions to the Nigerian legal landscape, particularly within the realm of constitutional law, have earned him national and international acclaim.
The Governor further noted that beyond his legal eminence, Dr. Ikpeazu's role as one of the leading lawyers in the country also underscores his steadfast dedication to the advancement of democratic principles and the promotion of good governance.
Therefore, Governor Soludo wishes Dr. Ikpeazu, a very happy birthday celebration filled with good health, prosperity, and the fulfilment of his aspirations.
Signed,
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
Nigeria’s external debt service is projected to rise to $5.2bn this year, highlighting growing pressure on public finances despite ongoing economic reforms, Fitch Ratings has said.
The credit rating agency disclosed this in its latest rating action commentary published on Friday, in which it upgraded Nigeria’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating to ‘B’ from ‘B-’, with a stable outlook.
According to the report, government external debt service will increase from $4.7bn in 2024 to $5.2bn in 2025.
This includes $4.5bn in amortisation payments and a $1.1bn Eurobond repayment due in November.
Fitch noted, “Government external debt service is moderate but expected to rise to $5.2bn in 2025 (with $4.5bn of amortisations, including a $1.1bn Eurobond repayment due in November 2025), from $4.7bn in 2024, and fall to $3.5bn in 2026.”
The agency also cited a minor delay in the payment of a Eurobond coupon due on March 28, 2025, as a reflection of persistent challenges in public finance management.
Although Nigeria’s external debt service remains within manageable levels, Fitch warned that high-interest costs, weak revenue performance, and limited fiscal space remain significant concerns.
Fitch said general government debt was expected to remain at about 51 per cent of GDP in 2025 and 2026.
However, it expressed concern over the government’s revenue position, noting that interest payments will consume a substantial portion of income.
It stated, “We expect general government revenue-to-GDP to rise but to remain structurally low (averaging 13.3 per cent in 2025–2026), largely accounting for a high general government interest/revenue ratio, above 30 per cent, with federal government interest/revenue ratio of nearly 50 per cent.”
The agency observed that Nigeria’s gross reserves rose to $41bn at the end of 2024, before declining to $38bn due to debt service payments.
Despite this, Fitch expects the country’s reserves to average five months of current external payments over the medium term, above the median for similarly rated economies.
It added that recent policy reforms had contributed to increased foreign exchange inflows and better monetary stability, with inflation projected to average 22 per cent in 2025.
Fitch stated, “Net official FX inflows through the CBN and autonomous sources rose by about 89 per cent in Q4 2024. We expect continued formalisation of FX activity to support the exchange rate, although we anticipate modest depreciation in the short term.”
The agency commended the government’s commitment to economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, liberalisation of the exchange rate, and tightening of monetary policy.
It noted that these steps had improved policy credibility and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to absorb shocks.
However, the agency warned that risks to Nigeria’s external and fiscal position remained, particularly if oil prices fall or policy implementation slows down.
Fitch’s latest assessment comes amid earlier concerns raised by JP Morgan, which projected that Nigeria’s current account could swing into a deficit if oil prices stay low for a prolonged period, potentially pushing the naira beyond N1,700 per dollar.
Despite these challenges, Fitch maintained a stable outlook for the country, saying the reforms had begun to yield results.
The PUNCH earlier reported that Nigeria expended a total of $5.47bn on external debt servicing between January 2024 and February 2025, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Also, Nigeria spent a total of N13.12 tn on debt servicing in 2024, representing a 68 per cent increase from the N7.8 tn recorded in the previous year, according to an analysis of data from the Debt Management Office.
The PUNCH observed that the debt servicing costs recorded in 2024 surpassed the budgeted allocation of N12.3tn for the year.
The higher-than-expected expenditure highlights the increasing pressure of debt obligations on the nation’s fiscal sustainability.
For the 2025 budget, the Federal Government has earmarked N16tn for debt servicing, reflecting the government’s anticipation of continued debt-related expenses.
This development comes amid rising borrowing costs and an increasing debt burden, putting pressure on the country’s fiscal position.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT] Presidency Disclaims 2027 Campaign Billboards Nationwide](/media/k2/items/cache/c9ca0e47d32577eebde1cff182fd480d_M.jpg)
The Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Worth noting is that some of these billboards with pictures of the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emblazoned on them are springing up in Abuja and Kano in particular.
While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continuing support, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land.
The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections. Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our institutions and the electoral process.
Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channel—be it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television.
Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately.
President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves. This commitment is evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security.
When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
President Bola Tinubu has directed relevant education regulatory bodies to intensify efforts in clamping down on illegal tertiary institutions operating across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 14th convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday, the President ordered the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, and other agencies to take decisive action against what he described as “certificate millers” undermining the credibility of the education sector.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, warned that the integrity of the academic system must not be compromised.
“At this juncture, it has become imperative to reiterate that this administration remains committed to strengthening the integration of all agencies involved in the administration of education to enhance efficiency and quality,” the President said.
He added, “The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) are working in alignment to improve the quality of education and ensure that cases of forgery and unrecognised institutions both within and outside the country have no place in our education ecosystem.
“I therefore charge the heads of these agencies to remain steadfast in upholding government’s resolution to safeguard our education sector from quack and fake institutions as the integrity of our academic system must not be compromised and that the activities of certificate millers are checked and put to a stop permanently.”
At the convocation, 51 inmates from correctional centres across the country graduated from NOUN, including 41 undergraduates and 10 postgraduates.
The event also featured the conferment of honorary degrees on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.
Tinubu further tasked NOUN to lead the country’s transition into a digitally skilled economy, urging the university to embrace full online learning in line with its Open and Distance Learning model.
[Punch]
Withdraw ‘repressive bill to regulate bloggers or face legal action’ - SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas
AFOLABI
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas “to immediately withdraw the repressive bill for an act to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which seeks to regulate the activities of bloggers operating within the ‘territorial boundaries of Nigeria.’”
SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to ensure that any amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act promotes and protects the rights of bloggers and other journalists and does not undermine the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.”
SERAP also urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to end the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on the rights of Nigerians online and Internet-based content.”
There is currently a bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters” (the “bill”).
The bill among others seeks to regulate bloggers including by requiring all bloggers to register local offices and join recognised national association for bloggers. The bill has passed its first and second reading in the Senate.
In the letter dated 12 April 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “This bill is a blatant attempt to bring back and fast-track the obnoxious and widely rejected social media bill by the back-door.”
SERAP said, “If passed, the bill would also be used to ban major social media platforms—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and independent bloggers if they ‘continuously fail to establish/register and maintain physical offices in Nigeria for a period of 30 days.’”
The letter, read in part: “Lawmakers should not become arbiters of truth in the public and political domain. Regulating the activities of bloggers and forcing them to associate would have a significant chilling effect on freedom of expression and lead to censorship or restraint.”
“The bill may also be used to block access of Nigerians to social media platforms. Blocking access to social media platforms is a flagrant violation of fundamental rights.”
“In addition to infringing on Nigerians’ right to access to information and digital technology, the proposed bill would also severely hamper business operations in the country, as many are reliant on foreign tools, services and technologies for their operations, as well as other sectors that rely on online information.”
“The bill would force international tech companies out of the Nigerian information landscape by requiring them to establish/register and maintain physical offices in the country. It would violate the requirement that the right to freedom of expression applies ‘regardless of frontiers.’”
“Should the National Assembly and its leadership fail to withdraw the bill to regulate the activities of bloggers, and should any such bill be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to challenge the legality of any such law and ensure it is never implemented in the public interest.”
“The regulation of bloggers may be used to muzzle any dissenting voice and to silence any form of criticism or negative opinion on the policies and practices of the ruling party or the Government.”
“Authorities may also use the proposed regulation as a pretext to punish bloggers solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.”
“The bill seems to be directed at bloggers living in Nigeria and elsewhere, with severe adverse effects on the freedom of expression of a very wide range of individuals.”
“The proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 fails to meet the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights treaties to which the country is a state party.”
“The amendment, if passed would adversely affect unregistered bloggers operating ‘within the territorial boundaries of Nigeria.’”
“The proposed amendment may also be used to violate the rights to privacy, freedom of peaceful assembly and of association as protected by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights standards.”
“The proposed amendment is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s obligations to respect and ensure the effective realisation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The amendment would disproportionality suppress a wide range of expressive conduct essential to a democratic society.”
“The bill would pose major barriers and threats to any individuals, especially journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organisations who may be critical of the government, as well as stifle democracy and media freedom.”
“Mandatory regulation of journalism is incompatible with the right to freedom of expression. There is no legitimate reason why bloggers – or in fact members of the general public – should be subject to mandatory regulation or licensing to express themselves.”
“Blogging plays an invaluable role in the free flow of information. Bloggers should never be required to register with the government or other official agencies to blog.”
“The bill may also be used as a pretext to force bloggers to disclose their sources. The right to protect sources is a cornerstone of freedom of the press, without which sources may be deterred from assisting the press in informing the public on matters of public interest.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties which the country has ratified protect protects everyone’s right [including bloggers] to maintain an opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers and through any media.”
“Nigerian authorities including the National Assembly have legal obligations to ensure an environment in which a diverse range of opinions and ideas can be freely and openly expressed and debated.”
“The requirement of necessity implies an assessment of the proportionality of restrictions, with the aim of ensuring that restrictions target a specific objective and do not unduly intrude upon the rights of targeted persons.”
“As noted in the 2005 Joint Declaration of the special rapporteurs on freedom of expression, ‘[n]o one should be required to register with or obtain permission from any public body to operate an Internet service provider, website, blog or other online information dissemination system, including Internet broadcasting.’”
“In their 2011 Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the Internet, the four special mandates for the protection of freedom of expression highlighted that regulatory approaches in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors cannot simply be transferred to the Internet.”
[PRESS RELEASE] Governor Soludo Mourns The Death Of Former Super Eagles Captain, Christian Chukwu
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Governor Soludo Mourns The Death Of Former Super Eagles Captain, Christian Chukwu](/media/k2/items/cache/5a6d56a809a4f77e64cc1546a32ad85c_S.jpg)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has mourned the passing of Mr. Christian Chukwu, a distinguished football icon and a true patriot, who died on Saturday 12, April 2025.
In his condolence message, Governor Soludo stated that Mr. Christian Chukwu’s name is etched in the annals of Nigerian football history and his contributions to the development of the sport in our nation are immeasurable, leading the national team in winning the Nations Cup (AFCON) in 1980
The Governor noted that as a player, he was a colossus, a formidable defender and a leader of men, captaining the legendary Enugu Rangers International Football Club and the national team, the Green Eagles now Super Eagles, with unrelenting dedication and exemplary skill.
His leadership on the field earned him the nickname "Chairman," inspiring generations of footballers and igniting a passion for the beautiful game across the country.
The Governor also recalled that Mr. Chukwu’s tenure as coach of the Super Eagles further solidified his legacy, as he guided the team with his characteristic wisdom and tactical acumen. His commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a spirit of unity within the team left an indelible mark on the Nigerian football landscape
Therefore, Governor Soludo consoles the family of Mr. Christian Chukwu, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all who mourn his passing, praying that his soul rest in perfect peace.
Signed,
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
![[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] What President Tinubu Discussed With US President Trump's Advisor](/media/k2/items/cache/21f57475158469014de71a2922ce42db_S.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a State Department representative from President Donald J. Trump's administration, Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa, on Thursday in Paris.
The meeting focused on developing a strategic economic and security partnership between Nigeria, Africa, and the United States anchored on mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability.
The US State Department rep conveyed President Trump's strong interest in deepening direct engagement with Nigeria as a cornerstone of US relations with Africa. The US wanted to work closely with President Tinubu to expand American investment in Nigeria and Africa, support energy and infrastructure development, and align trade and job creation efforts.
Both sides discussed actionable support and shared their perspectives on regional peace, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and across the Sahel.
President Trump's advisor recognised Nigeria's regional and continental leadership and supported President Tinubu's interventions to stabilise key African regions.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria's readiness to build productive alliances with the United States, centred on transparency, opportunity, mutual respect and outcomes that strengthen Africa's place in the global economy.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ,JAMB, has released the results of the 2025 Mock UTME, conducted on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
To this end, the board said candidates can check their results by sending “MOCKRESULT” to either 55019 or 66019 using the phone number (SIM) registered for the examination.
In a release on Sunday, through its spokesman,Fabian Benjamin, JAMB explained that, “This optional mock examination was designed to test the Board’s annual innovations and provide candidates with an opportunity to experience the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment.”
A total of 200,115 candidates initially expressed interest in participating; however, two candidates later withdrew, resulting in 200,113 registered candidates.
Of those registered, 73,844 candidates were absent on the day of the examination, and 88 candidates failed the biometric verification screening.
Consequently, 126,181 candidates successfully sat for the examination, and results for 115,735 of these candidates are now available for viewing. Additionally, 10,446 results are still being processed and will be released soon.
“The Board acknowledges the delays experienced by some candidates during the examination and regrets any inconvenience caused. These challenges are anticipated due to the new features implemented to enhance the overall conduct of the main UTME. JAMB appreciates the support of candidates and parents in facilitating a smoother process.
“The mock examination serves as a trial version of the UTME, allowing the Board to test new innovations while helping candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT environment. Over the years, this initiative has successfully achieved its objectives, addressing noted lapses and equipping candidates with valuable experience for the main examination, “the board said.
It called on all candidates to “continue making the necessary sacrifices to ensure a better examination experience that effectively serves their interests.”
[Vanguard]
![[PRESS RELEASE] NSC Mourns 'Chairman' Christian Chukwu](/media/k2/items/cache/40c4dd9bf38925b99aca8b61ad521c2e_S.jpg)
The National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, on behalf of the Commission and the entire sporting fraternity, has bemoaned the death of the national team's most iconic captain Christian 'Chairman' Chukwu. Mallam Dikko spoke minutes after receiving the shocking news from Chukwu's team mate Dr. Segun Odegbami.
His words, "This news came to me as a big shock. Chairman is no more. On behalf of the Commission and the entire sporting fraternity and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend my condolences to his family and indeed the whole of Nigeria. Frankly, a big iroko tree has fallen. We are the Chairmen leading the sector but Christian Chukwu is the original Chairman on the pitch. He was so commanding and charismatic, decisive and assuring on the pitch that the Late Ernest Okonkwo called him chairman and till today that name Chairman is even more popular than his original name.
"Chairman Chukwu is synonymous with Nigerian football. He lifted our first major trophy in that 1980 AFCON. Growing up, that day stands out. Many of us draw our passion for Nigerian football from that tournament. Chairman was the main catalyst of that feat, motivating and leading the team from the foundation to success ."
He continued, "Whether as a player, coach or administrator, Chairman stamped his feet in the annals of Nigerian football and I had a very good working relationship with him for decades and we have been in constant touch. I just had a meeting with Dr. Segun Odegbami earlier this week. This is happening at a time when we need the experience and drive of the likes of Chairman to push through our vision at the Commission. This is a very gloomy day in Nigerian football.
"One thing that stands out is Chairman's passion for Nigerian football and his humility and peaceful nature all his life. Even in his latter days, he was a regular commentator on the state of Nigerian football. He is always one of the legends I look forward to reading his views on developments in the game. We will do everything within our means to immortalise him and make sure that his dream for Nigerian football is sustained."
NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade lent his voice to NSC Chairman's condolences.
He said, "This is really a sad day for Nigerian football. We all grew up loving this game because of people like Chairman Chukwu. I pray God gives his family and in fact every Nigerian football faithful the fortitude to bear this colossal loss."
Chukwu earned his place in Nigerian football folklore as captain of the victorious Africa Cup of Nations team in 1980. He was the national team captain between 1974 and 1980.
In a meritorious football career spanning about four decades, Chukwu was the Super Eagles Chief Coach from 2003-2005 leading them to bronze at 2004 AFCON. He was also the head coach of the Kenyan national team in 1998 and handled clubs like Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Heartland FC) and Rangers International.
Notably, Chukwu was the assistant coach to Sebastian Brodericks when the Baby Eagles became the first African team to win a FIFA-organized tournament at the U-16 World Cup in 1985.
As an administrator, he was the General Manager/CEO of Rangers International FC.
Signed
Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs)
Director (Information and PR)
NSC
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Press Statement By The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese On The Safety Of Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF
Admin
The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, wishes to express grave concern over the growing rumours surrounding the safety of Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, and his priest, Revd Fr Remigius Ihyula, following the Bishop's courageous and truthful statements on the persistent killings, violence, and displacement of innocent citizens in Benue State and across Nigeria .
Bishop Anagbe, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life, has consistently used his prophetic voice to speak out against the atrocities perpetrated against defenseless communities, especially in the Middle Belt region. His pastoral concern for the suffering and displaced, particularly the victims of violent herdsmen attacks and militia invasions, is not only a moral obligation but a clear response to the Gospel imperative of defending human dignity.
His firm stance, rooted in truth and the Gospel of justice and peace, has awakened many to the urgent need for accountability and action.
It is therefore deeply troubling to hear rumours suggesting that the Nigerian government may be planning to arrest or intimidate Bishop Anagbe upon his return to the country. If true, such actions would represent a dangerous affront to freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the fundamental right of a pastor to speak in defense of his flock.
We, the Catholic priests of Makurdi Diocese, stand solidly with our Bishop. We affirm that Bishop Anagbe has spoken the truth, a truth which many suffer in silence. Our people are being killed and driven from their ancestral homes on a daily basis, with their livelihood destroyed and eaten by cows. Homes and churches are burned down. Where is the lie in what we have suffered since 2001, and since becoming Bishop in 2014, the prelate has continued to advocate for justice in defence of his suffering people.
We have intruders, the Fulani killers and bandits who don't mean well for us, and we want them out of our land. This is not about any personality or personalities, it is about freedom and safety of our people. To target the Bishop for persecution would be to attack the truth itself and to deny the ongoing killings and sufferings of thousands of displaced persons whose lives have been upended by violence.
On March 28, 2025, Fr. Remigius Ihyula received a message from an embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. The message transmitted to Fr Ihyula warned that there "might be" an arrest warrant for Anagbe upon his return to Nigeria.
We therefore:
1. Strongly condemn any attempt to harass, silence, or harm Bishop Anagbe or any other religious leader who dares to speak truth to power.
2. Demand the immediate assurance of safety and freedom for Bishop Wilfred Anagbe , both now and upon his return to Nigeria.
3. Call on the Nigerian government and security agencies to respect his right as a citizen, a cleric, and a moral leader to speak on issues affecting his people without fear of arrest or harassment.
4. Appeal to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), all religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the international community to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring that no harm comes to our Bishop and Revd Fr. Ihyula.
5. Remind the authorities that silencing voices of conscience only deepens the wounds of injustice and emboldens perpetrators of violence.
The voice of the shepherd must not be silenced.
The cry of the oppressed must not be ignored.
Truth is not a crime and so, must never be criminalized.
Advocacy for peace and justice should never be met with repression.
We remain united in prayer, solidarity, and unwavering support for our Bishop and for all victims of injustice across our land.
We stand with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe cmf.
We stand for truth.
We stand for justice.
We stand for the people of Benue State and all persecuted communities in Nigeria.
Signed:
Rev. Fr. Joseph Terfa BEBA,
Chairman, NCDPA – Makurdi Diocese
On behalf of the Priests of Makurdi Diocese
[PRESS STATEMENT] Governor Soludo Congratulates Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) On His Birthday
Admin![[PRESS STATEMENT] Governor Soludo Congratulates Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) On His Birthday](/media/k2/items/cache/0e157c0e159418bd630a587b3e6d6bde_XS.jpg)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed hearty congratulations to Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, on the occasion of his birthday today, April 12, 2025.
In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo proudly lauded Mr. Iyiegbu, a distinguished son of Anambra State, as a dynamic personality who has consistently embodied the ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence for which Ndi Anambra are renowned.
As an ebullient entrepreneur, his ventures have not only created opportunities for countless Nigerians but have also placed Anambra on the national map of commerce and innovation. His philanthropic endeavours, particularly in youth empowerment and community development, also reflect a deep commitment to uplifting lives and fostering societal progress.
The Governor further stated that beyond his business acumen, Obi Cubana’s role as a cultural ambassador and socialite has celebrated the richness of Igbo heritage, strengthening our collective pride and unity.
On this occasion of his birthday, Governor Soludo wishes Mr. Iyiegbu enduring success and prayed that his new age be filled with greater achievements and the fulfilment of his noble aspirations.
Signed:
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday, led members of the party’s National Working Committee to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.
The visit took place hours after the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, led the opposition delegation on a Sallah homage to the former president.
The delegation includied former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai; former governor of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; former governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam; former governor of Adamawa, Jibrilla Bindow; former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting, El-Rufai said the visit to the former president was not political and asked “adversaries” not to lose sleep.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory added that the visit was for “unity and brotherhood”.
While the outcome of the APC NWC’s visit remains unknown, there have been growing concerns about the possible departure of the Congress for Progressive Change faction from the APC following the defection of some party members to the Social Democratic Party.
The CPC was one of the four political parties that merged in 2013 to create the APC, with Buhari being a member of the CPC faction.
Despite the speculations, Buhari has affirmed that he would never abandon the APC.
See the photos below:
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to construct 100 housing units in each of the 774 local government areas of the country, amounting to a total of 77,400 units.
Naija News reports that the construction is expected to be completed within one year from the launch date.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, made this known while receiving a delegation from Creative Sphere Limited at the Ministry’s headquarters, in Mabushi, on Wednesday.
The Minister said the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu‘s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to decent housing.
Dangiwa explained that the programme would be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).
“Each estate will be equipped with auxiliary facilities such as recreational areas, a primary school, a police outpost, a clinic, and a shopping mall,” he said.
Regarding the allocation of the houses, the Minister explained that 80% of the houses would be sold to Nigerians living in the local government areas who earn a living wage, adding that interested individuals would be required to contribute one-third of their monthly income.
“Anyone earning as low as N30,000 per month will be able to purchase a house, as they will only need to pay N10,000 monthly, which is one-third of their earnings. Similarly, someone earning N90,000 will pay N30,000,” he explained.
He further revealed that the remaining 20% of the housing units would be allocated free of charge to citizens with low or no income, such as widows, orphans, and others identified as vulnerable in society.