Civic News

  By Efa Sunday  Dangote Cement Plc has intensified its efforts to improve road safety by installing cameras across its fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks and recertifying all its truck drivers at the company’s Obajana plant in Kogi State. The initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is part of the company’s zero-tolerance policy towards road accidents. Speaking to journalists at the Obajana plant, the Head of Transport, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, said the company had introduced stricter entry requirements for aspiring drivers. According to him, applicants must be at least 23 years old, possess a valid Class G driver’s licence and have a minimum of five years of relevant driving experience. He explained that applicants are subjected to comprehensive medical examinations, drug testing, and thorough background checks. “We are determined to achieve zero road crashes across our fleet,” Silva said. “The process is not just about h...

By Efa Sunday  The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks protecting children’s rights. Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu, the agency emphasized the need to end child detention, ensure access to legal aid for vulnerable children, and promote justice that reflects international child rights standards. The four-day conference, which runs from August 25 to 28 at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, brings together key legal professionals, policymakers, and child protection advocates. UNICEF said its participation includes high-level engagements, panel discussions, and interactive exhibitions designed to spotlight critical child protection issues across the country. “We are here to work with the legal community to bridge the gaps in enforcement and improve access to justice for every Nigerian child,” said Mr. Ibrahim Sesay, Chief of Child Protection, U...

By Efa Sunday  Nigeria is on the brink of reclaiming its full crude oil production potential, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announcing it is now operating close to 100 per cent capacity.  The Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, who spoke at the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit on Monday in Abuja, attributed this breakthrough to reinforced collaboration between the oil and gas sector and security agencies, which has curbed crude theft, vandalism, and illegal refining. Ojulari revealed that crude oil receipts, once as low as 20 to 30 per cent due to sabotage and theft, have now rebounded to near maximum levels. "Today, I can proudly report to you all that our production and receipts are now attaining close to 100 per cent, thanks to the professionalism, discipline and collaborative spirit of our security and intelligence agencies, particularly in stabilising the Niger Delta.” Continuing, he said, "there was a period when pipe...

  By Efa Sunday President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday called for reforms at the United Nations (UN) to give Africa permanent representation on the security council. Speaking at the plenary session on peace and stability during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu argued that Africa deserves two permanent seats with full privileges. The President said the continent also deserves additional non-permanent seats in line with the Ezulwini consensus and Sirte declaration. “It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand, “Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the permanent category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the right of veto. Africa also deserves additional seats in the non-permanent seat category of the security council", Tinubu sid He also used the forum to laud the Nigerian armed forces for recent successes in the...

  By Efa Sunday The Anambra State Government has dismissed eight operatives of the Agunechemba security outfit over the assault of a female corps member. Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Community Security, disclosed this at the agency’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday. Emeakayi said the government acted after receiving reports of the incident. He added that the operatives would be handed over to the police for prosecution. According to him, the dismissed officers were in pursuit of suspected cultists on Tuesday when they attacked the corps member, an action he described as outside the mandate of the agency and condemnable. He said the Soludo administration would not tolerate any form of unprofessionalism, brutality, or abuse of office by security operatives, adding that any officer found guilty of misconduct will face immediate dismissal and prosecution. "The incident will serve as a turning point in reforming the outfit and restoring public confi...

By Efa Sunday The Haven Foundation, a human rights advocacy group, has condemned the brutal assault of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Jennifer Edema Elohor, in Anambra State. The group is calling on Governor Charles Soludo and the Federal Government to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay. In a disturbing video shared on Tuesday via Facebook, Miss Jennifer was seen being beaten and stripped naked by five armed men. The attackers were alleged to be members of Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, operating in the state. Reports indicate that the armed men stormed the corps members’ lodge, accusing them of involvement in internet fraud. Despite the corps members presenting their NYSC identification cards and uniforms, they were still subjected to harassment and violence. According to the Foundation, the victims’ families reached out to the group, narrating how Jennifer and others endured degrading treatmen...

By Efa Sunday  The Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a 110-member organising committee ahead of its 2025 elective national convention. The party’s National Executive Committee had earlier fixed the convention for Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement issued via its X handle on Monday, the PDP said the committee is tasked with overseeing preparations and ensuring a smooth conduct of the national convention. “Sequel to the Resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to hold the 2025 Elective National Convention of our great Party on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, the following Party members have been appointed as Members of the 2025 National Convention Organizing Committee (Main Committee),” the post read. The party said the main organising committee is chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, with Governor Adeleke of Osun State as Deputy Chairman, Kabir Tanimi T...

By Efa Sunday  The Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has announced the Federal Government’s approval of a $238 million power supply project aimed at boosting electricity access in Lagos’ industrial clusters. Adelabu says the project is expected to enhance productivity, attract investments, and support economic growth in the state’s manufacturing and business hubs. Briefing newsmen shortly after Federal Executive Council Meeting on Thursday, the minister breaking down the sum stated, " FE approved N13 billion for right-of-way compensation under the Lagos Industrial Transmission Project and $34 million for the procurement and installation of high-capacity transformers to strengthen Nigeria’s national electricity grid. " What that means is that the N13 billion allocation will compensate property owners and communities affected by transmission line routes under the Lagos Industrial Transmission Project, which is funded through a $238 million loan from the Japan International Coope...

  By Efa Sunday The Dangote Group says it has paid a visit to Mrs. Ruth Otabor, who was injured in a recent road accident involving one of its trucks in Auchi, Edo State. In an official statement on Thursday, the company said senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, alongside its insurance team, promptly visited the accident scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and checked on the victim and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. “This action reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of those affected. We are ensuring full support for Mrs. Otabor, including comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation, in line with Dangote Group’s welfare policy,” the statement read. The company also expressed its sympathy and wished her a speedy recovery. The accident, which occurred on Wednesday near Auchi Polytechnic, left Mrs. Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Josephina “Phyna” Otabor, critically injured. Her left leg wa...

  By Efa Sunday  A tragic accident has left Otabor Bodon Ruth, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Josephina “Phyna” Otabor, critically injured, with her left leg amputated and her other leg at risk. The crash occurred on Wednesday near Auchi Polytechnic and involved a heavy-duty truck allegedly connected to the Dangote Group. Phyna took to social media to accuse Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and his company of shielding the truck driver from justice. “From all that has happened, you decided to tell the Nigerian police to remove the plate number on the truck that crushed my sister… Everybody else takes priority over her,” Phyna wrote in a passionate Instagram post on Wednesday night, tagging both Dangote and the Dangote Group. Actress Kate Henshaw also voiced her anger, revealing that the truck is being held at the Auchi police station. She claimed the driver fled the scene but was apprehended after being chased down by a lecturer who witnessed the c...

By Efa Sunday  The Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Itigidi, has announced that its 2025 aptitude test and oral interview for admission into the ND/HND Nursing and Post Basic Nursing/Midwifery programmes will take place from Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, August 22, 2025. According to a statement signed by the Registrar, Sir Chief Aji E. Eko, the exercise will commence at 8:00am daily. Candidates with form numbers 001–200 will be screened on August 20, 201–400 on August 21, while form numbers 401 and above will take their turn on August 22. The statement urged all candidates to upload their O’ level results on the JAMB portal and present evidence during the screening. They are also required to come with original copies of their credentials. The college warned that any candidate who misses their allocated date will forfeit their chance for admission, as no alternative date will be provided. See full document below

 By Efa Sunday The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime ban on Ms Comfort Emmanson for unruly behaviour on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The decision followed her refusal to comply with safety instructions, a violent physical assault on crew members, and an attempted use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon.  AON spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the association stands united with Ibom Air and all members in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly airline passengers. “While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process. We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, equipment and to maintaining the highest safety standards,” he stated. In a statement issued Monday, AON described the incident as “one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour witnessed this year,” noting it endangered the lives of passengers, crew, and the inte...

 By Efa Sunday  The management of Ibom Air has imposed an indefinite travel ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson following a violent attack on two members of its cabin crew during a Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10. According to a statement issued by the airline, the incident began before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, only complying after a fellow passenger intervened. Upon landing in Lagos, she allegedly confronted the Purser who had earlier spoken to her, forcibly stepping on her, tearing off her wig, removing her glasses, and assaulting her with footwear. She also reportedly slapped another cabin crew member who tried to help. The release stated, “She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.” Security officers were alerted, but the passenger allegedly attacked both Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)...

By Efa Sunday  A heated altercation unfolded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday when a female passenger arriving on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and confronted airport security officials. The incident, captured in several videos shared on X by a user, @OHOgunbiyi, showed the visibly agitated passenger, dressed in a white top and black trousers, yelling at officials who attempted to pacify her. In one clip, she appeared to physically attack a female air hostess, with eyewitnesses claiming she slapped the crew member. Airport police later intervened to restore calm after the disturbance drew the attention of travellers and staff. Reacting to the incident, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, attributed the confrontation to the passenger’s refusal to comply with crew instructions. He urged air travellers to take directives from cabin crew seriou...

  By Efa Sunday  The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has cautioned the Federal and State Governments against ignoring unresolved labour issues in the nation’s public universities, warning that failure to act could trigger another industrial crisis. Reacting to a recent statement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that strikes by university lecturers were a thing of the past, ASUU said it welcomed dialogue but insisted that only concrete action on outstanding demands would restore stability in the system. The union accused successive governments of neglecting the welfare of lecturers and the infrastructure needed for quality teaching and research. According to the statement signed by ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, on August 8, 2025, many lecturers now teach “on empty stomachs” and conduct research without access to essential journals, books, or functional laboratories. He noted that despite these constraints, the public is quick to blame univ...

  By Efa Sunday  Global Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has tied the knot with his longtime partner, Chioma Avril Rowland, in a grand white wedding reportedly valued at $3.7 million in Miami, United States, this is according to a video made by Davido but shared by fellow artist Teni on Instagram. The ceremony, which comes after their court and traditional weddings in March 2023 and June 2024 respectively, both events which drew top politicians, personalities and celebrities from across tee country.    “We’ve spent $3.7 million in cash. So, you should know what we are doing. It’s going to be crazy,” says the 32-year-old singer said in a video shared on Instagram by fellow artiste Teni. The couple arrived in Miami earlier this week, stepping off a private jet adorned with floral decorations and a chair marked “MRS”, a nod to the romance surrounding the celebration. Videos from their pre-wedding party showed Davido wearing a white hat, blue suit...

By Efa Sunday  Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has passed away at the age of 78. He died on Saturday. A statement by the Ogbeh family on Saturday said the elder statesman died peacefully at his residence.  “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78. "He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community. We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set.  “Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. We thank friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support during this time. We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch." Ogbeh, born on 28 July 1947, was a Nigerian farmer, playwright and politician. He was also the National Chai...

  By Efa Sunday  Former Ogun State governor and serving senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has raised an alarm over alleged plans by the state government to demolish his private residence and hotels in Sagamu. In a statement issued by his media aide Steve Oliyide on Saturday , Daniel called the situation a “very displeasing development” and alerted the public and security agencies to the matter. According to the statement, individuals claiming to be agents of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration posted Notices of Contravention, Quit Notices, and demolition threats on three of Daniel’s properties: the Asoludero Court, the Conference Hotels Limited, and its annex. The statement accused the governor of “malicious and vindictive abuse of power” by using a newly enacted law retroactively to target a political opponent. Oliyide said, “We strongly condemn this latest act of political persecution by Governor Dapo Abiodun… [this is a] clear demonstration of the governor’s malicious and v...

By Efa Sunday  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclose that it would allow prison inmates to vote during elections. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday while receiving the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. Yakubu affirmed the judgement of the Appeal Court, granting inmates the right to register and vote in any elections. He referenced a series of meetings the Commission had with the service, to work out modalities for accommodating affected inmates, which include access to facilities, and political parties’ concerns, as well as clarifications for the category of inmates the judgement favour. The INEC chairman re-echoed the need to seek the intervention of the National Assembly on the matter, while also assuring the service of the commission’s determination to allow inmates to vote in any election, provided it is done following existing laws. Yakubu’s c...

  By Efa Sunday  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, revealed that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise would be held in 811 centres spread across 774 local government, 36 States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) offices nationwide. Photo Credit :- INEC website INEC said the exercise would take place between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday every week, with the exception of national public holidays. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement, said the commission’s weekly meeting reviewed preparations for the resumption of the nationwide CVR and further update on the registration of new political parties. Olumekun said as earlier announced by the commission, the CVR would resume on August 18, with the online pre-registration, adding that the in-person registration option would follow a week later on August 25, saying the two processes would continue si...

By Efa Sunday  The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has praised ten Nigerian states for extending paid maternity leave to six months for women in public service, describing the move as a bold step toward improving exclusive breastfeeding and child survival outcomes. Photo Credit :- Google Image Delivering the welcome remark at a two-day virtual Multi-Zonal Media Dialogue to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2025, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Enugu Zonal office, emphasized the need for stronger support systems to help mothers adopt the 1-6-24 optimal breastfeeding model. Explaining the model, Chiluwe said, “this model calls for breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for up to 24 months with safe complementary foods." Mrs. Chiluwe also commended the governments of Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Kaduna, Niger, Ondo, Enugu, and Plateau for showing leadership by extendi...

  By Efa Sunday  As World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is marked globally under the theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System,” health workers across Cross River State are ramping up efforts to ensure more mothers embrace exclusive breastfeeding, while also encouraging stronger community support systems at every level, from the home to health facilities and public institutions. Photo Credit:- Google Images  In Cross River State, the exclusive breastfeeding rate stood at 38 percent in 2023, but nutrition experts are hopeful that ongoing awareness campaigns and strengthened health education will reflect a marked improvement when the next survey is conducted. Health facilities across the state have intensified sensitization efforts targeting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, often using antenatal clinics, routine immunization days, and church events to reach a wider audience. During a field visit closely monitored by Civic News Nigeria, the Director of ...