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Abia Online Media Publishers Hails Chief Smart Iheoma for Supporting Union’s AGM

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Abia Online Media Publishers Hails Chief Smart Iheoma for Supporting Union's AGM

The Abia Online Media Publishers has expressed deep appreciation to Chief Smart Iheoma, Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, for his unwavering support towards the growth and activities of the association.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the union revealed that Chief Iheoma generously offered the Umuahia North Local Government Multipurpose Hall for the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Abia Online Media Publishers, scheduled for Friday, 12 December 2025. The gesture, described as a “timely and invaluable contribution,” underscores the Mayor’s commitment to promoting media development and fostering closer collaboration with journalists and media professionals in Abia State.

Speaking on behalf of the union, the AGM Organizing Chairman Comrade Ugochukwu Nwankwo emphasized that Chief Iheoma’s gesture goes beyond providing a venue. “The support from Chief Smart Iheoma reflects his dedication to community development and his understanding of the crucial role media plays in governance and public awareness. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and look forward to a continued partnership,” the statement read.

Chief Smart Iheoma, a distinguished leader and visionary public servant from Umuda Isingwu, Ohuhu, has consistently demonstrated a hands-on approach to governance. A graduate of Business Administration with extensive private sector experience, he has brought innovative strategies to local governance, prioritizing infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and socio-economic programs.

Through his leadership, Umuahia North has witnessed measurable progress, with initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of residents and supporting institutions that contribute to community growth. His collaboration with the Online Media community is seen as part of a broader commitment to fostering sustainable development and supporting institutions that promote transparency, civic engagement, and local empowerment.

As online media Publishers prepares for its AGM, the union reiterated its excitement about the collaboration and pledged to nurture a lasting relationship with the Mayor, hoping to leverage his support for future programs, capacity building, and initiatives aimed at uplifting media professionals in the state.

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo Dies After Collapsing In Office

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Bayelsa Deputy Gov Slumps In Office, Dies At 60
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, is reportedly dead.

It was gathered that the deputy governor died on Thursday in an undisclosed hospital at the age of 60.

As of the time of filing this report, the Bayelsa State Government and his family have not released any information on the circumstances surrounding his death.

ABN TV recalls that the deputy governor collapsed on Thursday and was rushed to the hospital.

Ewhrudjakpo, born on September 5, 1965, was a former federal lawmaker and had served as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State since 2020.

Details later…

Ohafia Improvement Union Sets December 13 For Executive Elections, Releases Delegate Guidelines

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Ohafia Monarchs Reject 'UDUMEZE OF OHAFIA' Title, Insist It's Unrecognized, Misleading [Document Attached]
Okpu Agu

The Ohafia Improvement Union Inc. (OIU) has announced Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the official date for its executive committee elections, signaling the final phase of preparations for a smooth and transparent transition of leadership.

The Chairman of the OIU Electoral Committee, Chief Hon. Mba Ukaha, disclosed this while briefing members of the Union’s executive committee. He explained that the date was carefully selected to ensure that the entire electoral process is concluded before the festive season begins, noting that several Ohafia villages will commence their Igba Uche celebrations from December 20, 2025.

Delegates Mobilization Begins Across Ohafia

Branches, villages, and autonomous communities have been urged to mobilize their accredited delegates in line with the official Electoral Guidelines. The committee released a detailed breakdown of the 189 expected delegates who will participate in the election:

  • Branch Delegates: 93 from 35 branches

Group 1: 4 per branch

Group 2: 2 per branch

Group 3: 1 per branch

  • Village Delegates: 66 from 26 villages
  • Autonomous Community Delegates: 30 (2 each from 15 autonomous communities)

The Electoral Committee emphasized that the guidelines outline eligibility criteria, contesting positions, and the procedures for voting, all in accordance with Article 9 of the OIU Constitution.

Online Voting Introduced for Distant Delegates

In a major step toward modernization and inclusiveness, the committee announced that delegates who cannot be physically present will be able to vote online. The electronic voting system is powered by end-to-end blockchain encryption, ensuring transparency, security, and credibility throughout the process.

Chief Ukaha encouraged all accredited delegates, whether voting physically or virtually, to participate fully, expressing the committee’s commitment to delivering a seamless and accountable electoral exercise.

The announcement was endorsed by the OIU Secretary General, Hon. Richard O. Agwu, who urged members to review the full Electoral Guidelines for further details.

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo Collapses In Office, Rushed To hospital

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Bayelsa Deputy Gov Slumps In Office, Dies At 60
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, was on Thursday rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Yenagoa, after reportedly collapsing in his office.

Security operatives have cordoned off the hospital, and top government officials have visited to express concern.

Attempts to reach the deputy governor’s media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, for comments were unsuccessful.

However, a member of the hospital’s management disclosed that the deputy governor is receiving the best possible care and is stable.

As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by the Bayelsa State government regarding the development.

“Drugs Poses Threat To Nigeria’s Blue Economy” – Marwa

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"Drugs Poses Threat To Nigeria’s Blue Economy" - Marwa

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), says Nigeria cannot fully unlock the wealth of its coastal and marine resources unless the nation treats the fight against drug trafficking as a critical line of defence for its emerging blue economy.

Speaking in Abuja at the Presidential Dinner for the Graduating Senior Executive Course 47/2025 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPS), organised by the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Marwa drew a direct connection between maritime security, national prosperity, and the expanding threats posed by transnational drug syndicates.

He emphasised the enormous opportunities embedded in Nigeria’s blue economy maritime transport, offshore oil and gas, coastal tourism, fisheries, and port operations.

However, he cautioned that this potential is being aggressively undermined by illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria’s waterways.

According to Marwa, drug smuggling syndicates exploit legitimate vessels, corrupt maritime infrastructure, and expose coastal communities to violence, pollution, and economic distortion.

He noted that chemicals from illicit drug production, including dangerous methamphetamine labs hidden in residential homes, pose irreversible environmental damage to Nigeria’s marine ecosystem.

“To reclaim the full potential of our coastal and marine resources, we must therefore treat the war against drug trafficking as a direct defence of the blue economy,” he stated.

He stressed that drug crime is not just a social problem but a direct assault on national development, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods.

The NDLEA chairman commended the graduating participants and emphasised the enormous opportunities embedded in Nigeria’s blue economy maritime transport, offshore oil and gas, coastal tourism, fisheries, and port operations.

FG To Strengthen Security Around Schools Nationwide

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FG To Strengthen Security Around Schools Nationwide

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening security around schools and safeguarding students and citizens across the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated this when he led a Federal Government delegation to the Governor of Niger, Umaru Bago.

This was contained in a statement issued by Idris’s Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, in Abuja.

Idris described the rescue of some of the abducted students of the St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papyri, Niger, as a moment of profound relief for the nation and families of the children.

He said the rescue of these children is a moment of profound relief for their families and the entire nation.

“We are grateful for the tireless work of our security agencies, the swift response of the Niger State Government, and the strong community cooperation that made this outcome possible.

“I want to reaffirm the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthening security around schools and safeguarding students and citizens nationwide.

“We also want to state that the protection and welfare of Nigerian children remain a central priority of the Federal Government. Our children must be able to learn safely.

“The Federal Government is committed to working closely with states to boost school security and ensure that such violations of our collective peace have no place in our country,” Idris said.

The minister commended the coordinated efforts of security agencies, the Niger government, and community stakeholders, describing their collaboration as a decisive factor in the successful rescue operation.

According to the statement, Bago thanked the minister and the delegation for the visit and commended the security agencies and local communities for their roles in securing the release of the pupils.

Bago also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Federal Government on security and social stability. (NAN)

Osimhen Receives ‘Sportsman of the Year’ Award In Turkey

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Osimhen Receives 'Sportsman of the Year' Award In Turkey

Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, has been named Sportsman of the Year at the 2025 GQ Türkiye Men of the Year Awards.

The 26-year-old received the prestigious award at an elaborate ceremony on Wednesday night.

He earned the award for his standout impact at Galatasaray last season, where he scored 37 goals and provided seven assists in 41 matches, leading the club to the league title and prompting Galatasaray to break the Turkish transfer record with a €75 million permanent deal from Napoli.

Osimhen has maintained his impressive form this season, already netting 11 goals in 14 games for the Istanbul giants.

Oyo APC Tells Nigerians To Blame Makinde For PDP Misfortune

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Oyo APC Tells Nigerians To Blame Makinde For PDP Misfortune

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Nigerians to blame governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for any misfortune that may befall the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The party made this declaration via a statement made available on Wednesday. Some Nigerians have been attributing the misfortunes in the PDP to Tinubu.

APC has, however, said that Nigerians should not blame Tinubu for the challenges facing the party.

The party in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, Wasiu Olawale Sadare noted that Governor Makinde of Oyo State and his colleagues should be held responsible for the misfortunes in PDP.

Sadare in the statement noted that Makinde has ruined the PDP.

He said, “Rather than look inward for solutions, supposed elders and leaders within the PDP left everything to chance and paved the way for the likes of Gov. Makinde to take over the affairs of their party.

“Because he lacked capacity, experience and other traits required to lead a national party, Gov. Makinde emerged the final nemesis which consumed the PDP as he is now the only governor belonging to the umbrella party in the whole of Southern Nigeria with only three or four left in the North.

“As a matter of fact, Gov. Makinde cannot deliver the PDP from its current comatose condition.

“If virtually all his governor colleagues can leave the party for him, questions should be asked about his mission and vision for the PDP while President Tinubu should be allowed to focus on his job as the president of the country”.

“Manchester City Far Away From Winning Champions League” – Guardiola

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"Manchester City Far Away From Winning Champions League" - Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester City “are far away” from winning the Champions League.

On Wednesday night, City defeated Real Madrid 2-1, strengthening their bid to finish in the top eight.

The victory moved Guardiola’s side up to fourth, with Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray yet to play in the New Year.

According to Sky Bet, City are the third favourites to lift the trophy, behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

But Guardiola told TNT Sports: “We are (far) away. Still, we are not ready.

“In February, we will be better. We have been here in the past, playing much more than today, and we have lost. That’s football sometimes.

“The players made an incredible effort, it was an incredibly good result, the spirit is unbelievable, but there are still margins to improve.”

ECOWAS Appoints Dangote As Pioneer Chairman Of EBC

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ECOWAS Appoints Dangote As Pioneer Chairman Of EBC

Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS President, announced this during the 95th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to DAILY POST reports that EBC is an independent platform by ECOWAS to empower the private sector, boost sub-regional trade, foster investment and drive economic integration.

The EBC is envisaged to bridge the gap between businesses and policymakers within the West African sub-region.

Touray explained that the choice of the Nigerian billionaire was based on his vast business experience, not just in the ECOWAS sub-region, but across the continent.

He said that the idea of promoting intra-regional investment was already gaining traction among ECOWAS Member States.

He cited some economic investment fora, such as the Forum Senegal Invest; West African Economic Summit in Nigeria; and ‘Invest in District Savanes’ forum in Côte d’Ivoire, which all took place in West Africa this year.

“This appetite for intra-regional investment underscores the need to mobilise capital within our region to build our community, rather than wait for precarious foreign investments.

“I am confident that with the kind of investments we have seen from the likes of Alhaji Dangote, our regional private sector actors can lead the way in the development of our Community, if given the right incentives and opportunity,” he said.

The commission’s president said that through the EBC, ECOWAS would bring private sector actors together to discuss economic integration, and regional development.

The Council is also expected to facilitate dialogue and partnerships among private sector players, government agencies, and ECOWAS institutions, among others.

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