WAFFI TV | Feature

Ijansa / Ijelejele / Ikeremor Community Reaffirm Peaceful Yet Unyielding Stand Against Land Trespassers

In a unified and resolute message, the Ijansa/ Ijelejele/ Ikeremor community of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, have strongly cautioned individuals and groups allegedly attempting to trespass into their ancestral lands, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and heritage preservation. Addressing the press during a media briefing, the Chairman of the community, Hon. Johnbull Aniyanghan, emphasized the people’s dedication to peace, but warned that their tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness. “We are a peace-loving people, but we will never compromise the sanctity of our ancestral land, which has been passed down from our forefathers,” Hon. Aniyanghan stated. “We are using this medium to warn those attempting to trespass or cause disruption to immediately desist. Any further interference will not be tolerated.” Hon. Aniyanghan also commended Kalm Marine, a major oil and marine operator in the area, for its positive contributions to the host communities. He praised the company for fostering development and maintaining open and peaceful relations. “Kalm Marine has been a blessing to our people. They have respected our values, brought visible development, and consistently maintained transparent engagement with our communities. We fully support their continued operations,” he added. The Ijansa / Ijelejele / Ikeremor community, renowned for their cultural depth and hospitality, have consistently upheld peace and progress. This recent declaration reinforces their stand: while they remain champions of peace, they will not compromise on the protection of their ancestral rights.

8/1/2025, 1:39:15 PM

FG, States Collaborate To Empower 1000 Persons Per Ward

The federal and state governments on Thursday agreed to jointly empower 1,000 individuals in each of the country’s 8,809 wards. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, revealed this after a special session of the National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Describing the meeting as “a very historic step,” Bagudu said the initiative falls under the *Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme*, aimed at supporting the administration’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms. According to him, ” Having stabilized the macro economy. The next step is to drill down development to the lowest levels so that we can in the 8,809 wards of the country simulate economic activity, which we believe will generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security and even enhance social protection.” Bagudu noted that it is also in fulfilment of the Constitutional provisions in Chapter Two which demands that the government, federal, state and local government, harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and efficient, dynamic and self reliant economy. “This can only be done cooperatively. And president as an ardent believer in federalism today, presented Renewed Hope Ward based development programme as a collaboration between federal state and local governments, a Federation project to be funded with the increased revenues accruing to the Federation account, as well as other programmes that the federal government and states are undertaking.

8/1/2025, 9:20:18 AM

FEC Approves N145bn Solar Projects For 8 Varsities, Teaching Hospital

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved two major electrification projects aimed at boosting access to clean, renewable energy in Nigeria’s educational institutions and rural agricultural communities, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Addressing State House correspondents after Thursday’s FEC meeting, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the projects reflect a strategic move towards sustainable energy solutions that reduce reliance on the national grid while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and national development. According to Adelabu, the first key approval is for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of solar hybrid power systems under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), to be implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). This initiative will provide solar-powered electricity to eight federal universities and one teaching hospital. It is funded through the Special Intervention Window of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. The minister disclosed that the total project cost is N145 billion, inclusive of 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT), with completion expected within seven to nine months. “This is a major milestone in the transformation of our tertiary education infrastructure,” the Minister said. “It will significantly lower energy costs, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and provide a clean, stable source of power to support learning, research, and healthcare delivery.” The Minister disclosed that the beneficiary institutions under this new phase are: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Ibadan (UI), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and Federal University, Wukari (Taraba State). The Minister noted that further project details will be confirmed at the commencement stage. He explained that the current initiative builds on earlier phases supported by the World Bank, which provided solar mini-grid systems to institutions including the University of Abuja (3MW), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (12MW), the University of Calabar (8MW), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW). The second major approval involves the deployment of solar-powered infrastructure across Agricultural Centres of Excellence. Also funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund and executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), this phase targets rural communities and agricultural clusters still without access to the national grid. Valued at ₦68.7 billion (inclusive of VAT), the project is expected to be completed within three months. It will provide energy to homes, agro-processing facilities, cold storage systems, and small-scale rural enterprises—helping to enhance productivity and stimulate local economies. “This initiative goes beyond lighting homes; it’s about powering agriculture, creating employment, and enabling value addition within communities,” Adelabu emphasized. He said both projects underscore the Tinubu administration’s commitment to using reliable electricity access as a catalyst for inclusive development. The minister added that these interventions would serve as templates for expanding renewable energy adoption across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.

7/31/2025, 7:37:51 PM

BREAKING: Izansa/Ijelejele/Ikeremor Community Warn Against Sabotage As Armed Men Storm Kalm Marine Site

The leadership of the Izansa/Ijelejele/Ikeremor Community in Warri South-west local government area of Delta State has raised alarm over a violent attempt by some individuals to forcibly shut down the operations of Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited. In a press briefing on Thursday by Hon. Johnbull Aniyanghan (Chairman), Mr. Moses Izoukumor (Secretary), Chief Michael Akoubodo (Leader), Mr. Stephen Senne (V-Chairman), and Chief Richard Inaikpo Evene (Elder), they condemned the recent invasion of the firm’s operational site by Alex Ebi Fenimine, Pastor Benjamin K. Lude, and others. The attackers allegedly arrived in five speedboats, each powered by 200HP engines and carrying over 100 men, with the intent to disrupt company operations. Their efforts were, however, thwarted by the timely intervention of soldiers stationed at the site. The community expressed shock at the brazen attack and the claims being made by the group under the name “Ogbanabou Federated Communities-Diebri Clan.” According to the community, the said entity does not exist, and the land in question has always belonged to Izansa/Ijelejele/Ikeremor. Read the full statement below: RE: ATTEMPT TO FORCEFULLY SHUTDOWN OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF KALM MARINE AND PETROLEUM SERVICES LIMITED IN IZANSA/ IJELEJELE/IKEREMOR COMMUNAL LAND BY ALEX EBI FENIMINE, PST. BENJAMIN K. LUDE AND OTHERS. 1. The attention of the Leadership and people of Izansa/Ijelejele/Ikeremor Community has been drawn to the criminal activities of Alex Ebi Fenimine, Pst. Benjamin K. Lude and others when they, in a war like manner, came to the Operational Site of your Company with five (5) speed boats fitted with 200 HP engines each and loaded with over 100 (One Hundred) persons and forcefully attempted to shut down the operations of your Company, but for the presence of soldiers in the operational site. We received this information with deep shock and resolved that the issue will not be swept under the carpet, with a view to avoiding a reoccurrence. 2. Upon enquiry, it was revealed that several letters have been written to your Company on a false claim of ownership by Alex Ebi Fenimine and Pst. Benjamin K. Lude in the name of a non-existing “Ogbanabou Federated Communities-Diebri Clan”, over our Communal Land which our Community gave your Company permission and freedom to operate after entering into documentations. Therefore the Leadership of the Community is surprised that the attention of the Community was not drawn to the said letters until the recent press release dated the 26th day of June, 2025 and the unprovoked attack on your Company. 3. We state categorically that the Land on which your Company is carrying out its operations belongs exclusively to the Izansa/Ijelejele/Ikeremor Community. We state without any fear of contradiction and equivocation that there is no Community known as “Ogbanabou Federated Communities-Diebri Clan” anywhere in Delta State or elsewhere and that the claim of ownership by Alex Ebi Fenimine and Pst. Benjamin K. Lude over our Communal Land in the name of a non-existing entity is inimical to peace and should be checked by Law Enforcement Agencies. 4. Let it be known that Ogbanabou Land where your Company operates is within Izanzabou which is part of the large expanse of Land founded by our ancestor, Apribodo at a time beyond human memory and there was no other human being in that area at the time, according to history. It is therefore unthinkable that they will lay claim to ownership of Ogbanabou Land. Their ulterior motive is basically to benefit from the operation of your Company and further to cause a breakdown of Law and Order in our peaceful Community. 5. As Landlords and Host Community to your operational facilities, we state again that there is no Community known as “Ogbanabou Federated Communities-Diebri Clan” and that the Land on which your Company operates is exclusively that of the Izansa/Ijelejele/Ikeremor Community and not an inch of the Land belongs to the non-existing Ogbanabou Federated Communities-Diebri Clan or any other person or Community. We therefore request as follows: a. That any further attempt to forcefully stop your Company from operations by Alex Ebi Fenimine and Pst. Benjamin K. Lude, their agents and privies or and any other person should be resisted in a proportionate manner. b. That any other attempt to forcefully stop your Company from operations by Alex Ebi Fenimine and Pst. Benjamin K. Lude, their agents and privies or and any other person should be reported to Law Enforcement Agencies for purpose of investigation and if found wanting should be made to face the wrath of the Law. c. That any other attempt to forcefully stop your Company operations by Alex Ebi Fenimine and Pst. Benjamin K. Lude or any other person either physically or through letters should be made known to Izansa/ Ijelejele/Ikeremor Community. d. That your Company should not and should never have any dealing with Alex Ebi Fenimine and Pst. Benjamin K. Lude and/or the non-existing “Ogbanabou Federated Communities-Diebri Clan” or any other person in whatever name in respect of your Company’s operation in our Land. e. That all matters and issues in relation to your Company’s operation in our Communal Land should be discussed and had with the Community through the Constituted Executive Council and Leaders. 6. We use this medium to warn Alex Ebi Fenimine and Pst. Benjamin K. Lude that are parading in the name of the non-existing entity; Ogbanabou Federated Communities-Diebri Clan to desist henceforth from writing warning letters to and/or attempting to physically shut down the operations of Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited. Note that the Law does not respect its breakers. 7. We thank the Management of your Company for informing us about this recent development and the Leadership and people of your Host Community identifies with your Company at this time as always.

7/31/2025, 3:48:09 PM

University Students To Face Drug Tests~ Education Minister

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has endorsed the implementation of mandatory and random drug integrity tests for students in tertiary institutions nationwide. This decision was reached following a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), where both officials discussed strategies to combat substance abuse among students. According to a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Dr. Alausa also approved a review of the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education. He further committed to setting up an inter-ministerial working group in collaboration with the NDLEA. Babafemi revealed that Marwa proposed a three-pronged strategy: updating drug education materials in schools, introducing dedicated drug abuse prevention programmes at the secondary level, and enforcing drug testing policies for tertiary institutions—including screening of new and returning students, as well as random tests. Marwa described the drug problem as a major threat to national security and youth development, linking it to crimes such as terrorism and banditry. He added that over the past two years, the NDLEA had arrested more than 40,000 drug offenders and confiscated over 5,500 metric tonnes of illicit drugs. “We are fighting for the souls of our children. Without drugs, many criminal activities would not be possible,” he said. Responding, Alausa acknowledged the urgency of the problem, stating: “When the youths get into drugs, they won’t go to school, and even when they go to school, they are not getting a functional education. “At the end of the day, what happens? Their level of critical thinking is lower. “Their ability to make informed decisions in the later part of their life becomes significantly reduced. So, they become unemployable. “And what happens? You now have that vicious cycle. They’re not functional.” The minister stated that drug tests for fresh and returning students in tertiary institutions would be done. He said, “You also said something very important about the drug test policy in tertiary institutions. We will do it. “We have to do it. We do not have a choice. At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students as well as random testing.” He announced the creation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the ministry and confirmed that a revised curriculum for secondary schools was underway. Alausa said, “I would suggest we form a technical working group, an inter-ministerial working group between our ministry and NDLEA. “As a result, I would also like to create a Substance Use Prevention Unit in the ministry. “We’re reviewing the curriculum now for secondary school. And that’s why I’ve asked the Director of Senior Secondary School to come, to be here and then we find a way to cascade it down to primary school. “We need to incorporate both primary and secondary schools into their curriculum. But the one for secondary school, we can do that now. We’re currently developing their new curriculum. “Also, on the stand-alone school programmes, I agree with you fully. We should also design ongoing programmes in our schools. That we can roll out, and cascade down.”

7/31/2025, 7:16:14 AM

Otuaro Applauds Tinubu's Support For Amnesty Programme's Peace Drive In N'Delta

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the PAP’s peacebuilding efforts in the Niger Delta. Dr. Otuaro gave the commendation on Wednesday while addressing participants at the opening of the second batch of the Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Media Training for PAP stakeholders, held in partnership with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. The training, which began with its first batch from July 16 to 18, 2025, at the same venue, aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in leadership, mediation, and public communication. Otuaro attributed the sustained peacebuilding momentum under the PAP to President Tinubu’s genuine commitment to long-term peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. According to him, “President Tinubu’s backing of the Amnesty Programme reflects his concern for a better, more secure future for the Niger Delta. Securing that future begins with a peace process that has the President’s full support.” Declaring the workshop open, Otuaro praised the President’s “tremendous and strategic support,” describing it as a clear demonstration of Tinubu’s dedication to peace and socioeconomic progress in the region. “I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his trust in the PAP’s peacebuilding initiative in our communities. His support has been instrumental to the progress we are making,” Otuaro said. He called on Niger Deltans and other stakeholders to show appreciation to President Tinubu for his ongoing support of the PAP and its peace-focused leadership. Addressing the participants, Otuaro described them as vital partners in the region’s stability and urged them to fully engage with the training, which was designed to enhance their effectiveness as peace ambassadors. He also acknowledged the critical role of the Office of the National Security Adviser, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in strengthening the programme through strategic guidance and interventions. Reaffirming his commitment to inclusivity, Otuaro disclosed plans to expand the programme’s empowerment initiatives to better support women in the region, noting that they, too, had borne the brunt of past conflicts. He urged participants to remain focused and make the most of the training, emphasizing that the knowledge gained would be essential in advancing peace and development in their respective communities.

7/30/2025, 9:10:45 PM

Michael Jackson’s Dirty Sock Sells For Over $8,000 In France

A single glittery sock once worn by the late pop icon Michael Jackson during a 1997 concert in France has sold for over $8,000, according to a French auctioneer. The sock, adorned with rhinestones and heavily stained with age, was discovered by a technician near Jackson’s dressing room after his performance in Nîmes during the “HIStory World Tour.” Auctioneer Aurore Illy described the sock as an "exceptional and even cult object" for Jackson fans. The white athletic sock, originally estimated to fetch between 3,000 and 4,000 euros, was ultimately sold for 7,688 euros (approximately \$8,822), as reported by the website interencheres.com. Footage from the tour shows Jackson wearing similar socks while performing his iconic hit “Billie Jean.” Other Jackson memorabilia have fetched much higher sums in the past. In 2009, a Macau gaming resort paid \$350,000 for the glittery glove he wore during his first “moonwalk” performance in 1983, and a hat worn just before that moment sold for over \$80,000 in Paris in 2023. Michael Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50 due to a drug overdose. Despite longstanding allegations of child molestation—which he and his estate consistently denied—he remains a deeply admired figure with a global fanbase.

7/30/2025, 7:30:48 PM

Dafinone Decries ‘Pull~Him~Down Syndrome’ Among Urhobos

Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has strongly condemned what he described as the “Pull-Him-Down Syndrome” among the Urhobo people across the country. He noted that this negative tendency is often targeted at Urhobo political and economic leaders, stressing the urgent need for unity within the ethnic group to fully harness its collective strength for the socio-economic advancement of the Urhobo nation. He also called on Urhobo leaders across the board to “be more united in order to speak with one voice on issues affecting the Urhobo nation”. “As champions in our community, we must stand together. If we continue to undermine one another, we risk losing our place at the table when it comes to the distribution of Nigeria’s resources,” he stated. Dafinone made the assertions in a keynote address he delivered at the inaugural Urhobo Leadership Series organised by the Urhobo Consultative Forum, themed “Redefining Public Service and Accountability: Reflections on Senator Ede Dafinone’s Representation”, held virtually on Monday night. The virtual event attracted over 160 Urhobo leaders, professionals, youths, and women from Nigeria, Europe, America, and Canada. In his address, the Delta Central lawmaker decried the current situation in Urhobo leadership where, according to him, “the nation no longer stands shoulder to shoulder with its peers in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria”. While noting with concern that “the Urhobo nation has sadly lost its voice in national discourse”, Dafinone stressed “the urgent need to redirect and refocus Urhobo leadership toward building a more vocal and united front.” Senator Ede Dafinone, while speaking further, drew attention to ongoing conversations surrounding the proposed creation of a new Urhobo state, citing the Ethiope State creation initiative. He revealed that he had participated in several meetings with groups championing the cause of carving out a new state from the current Delta State. However, he pointed out the absence of broad-based consultation and inclusion of all Urhobo leadership structures in the ongoing dialogue about state creation. Dafinone also recounted his contribution at a constitutional amendment public hearing in Bayelsa, where he expressed support for Hon. Ben Etanebena’s push to have Ethiope State recognized within Nigeria’s federal framework. He voiced concerns over the historical lack of unified backing for proponents of the Urhobo state and emphasized the importance of collective deliberation among Urhobo leaders to weigh the pros and cons of establishing Ethiope State as opposed to preserving the current arrangement. Addressing broader issues, Dafinone underscored the urgent need for visionary leadership within the Urhobo community, kingdoms, and the nation as a whole. He lamented the absence of a unifying figure or institution akin to the influential role once played by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU). Earlier, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Urhobo Consultative Forum, explained that the Urhobo Leadership Series was conceived as a strategic platform for dialogue aimed at promoting unity and driving progress in the face of prevailing socio-political and economic challenges confronting the Urhobo nation.

7/30/2025, 9:31:13 AM

Niger Delta Group Accuses Tinubu, Wife Of Meddling In Warri Electoral Map

• Warns of Oil Shutdown, Vows Fierce Resistance — IPDI A prominent Niger Delta advocacy group, the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu of interfering in the Warri Federal Constituency delineation process to favour the Itsekiri ethnic group, warning that any attempt to sideline the Ijaw majority in the area would be met with fierce resistance. In a strongly worded statement signed by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, IPDI claimed it had credible intelligence that the presidency was influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to alter the delineation report in favour of the Itsekiris, despite the Ijaws being the dominant ethnic group in the constituency. The group alleged that the President and his wife had effectively hijacked the responsibilities of INEC by transferring the delineation issue from the National Security Adviser’s purview to the Chief of Staff’s office — a move it described as suspicious and manipulative. “The deliberate move to skew the delineation in favour of the Itsekiri minority is a grave injustice against the Ijaw and Urhobo people, who are the rightful majority stakeholders in Warri Federal Constituency,” Ozobo stated. He accused the First Lady, an Itsekiri by origin, of using her influence to push for changes that could alter the political balance of the region. Warning of dire consequences, the group declared that the Ijaw people would resist the move with every means available, including the possibility of shutting down oil operations in the Niger Delta if the decision is not reversed. “We will not stand idly by while our constitutional and political rights are being eroded by the Tinubu administration. This injustice will not go unchallenged,” Ozobo said. IPDI called on former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Abdulsalami Abubakar to intervene and caution President Tinubu and the First Lady against what they described as a dangerous path. The group also urged the National Boundary Commission to resume its constitutional duty in overseeing the delineation process and called on the international community to monitor the situation to prevent a breakdown of peace in the region. In a final warning, IPDI threatened that continued provocation could lead to unrest in Warri, cautioning that any further attempt to marginalize the Ijaw people might trigger violent resistance with grave consequences for the region’s stability.

7/30/2025, 7:10:20 AM

Nigeria Safer Today Than It Was Two Years Ago~ Ribadu

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has stated that cases of Boko Haram attacks, banditry, and communal clashes in northern Nigeria have dropped significantly under President Bola Tinubu's administration, compared to the previous government. Speaking on Tuesday during a two-day interactive session hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, Ribadu credited the decline to President Tinubu’s directive for a coordinated and unified national security strategy. “Kaduna State alone recorded 1,192 killings and over 3,348 kidnappings under the previous administration. In Benue, over 5,000 people lost their lives within the same period,” Ribadu said. He revealed that ongoing military operations in the North-West have led to the rescue of 11,259 hostages as of May 2025, and that several notorious bandit leaders and their groups have been eliminated in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states. The NSA commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for implementing a non-kinetic approach to address unrest in Southern Kaduna, Birnin Gwari, and other volatile areas, describing the strategy as both “commendable and impactful.” Among the northern leaders present at the summit were Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, along with current and former governors, ministers, service chiefs, and political appointees from the region. The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, which convened the conference, stated that the session was intended to assess the Tinubu administration’s impact on the socio-economic development and security of northern Nigeria, serving as a benchmark for federal performance. Ribadu affirmed, “Nigeria is safer today than it was two years ago, and we are witnessing the results of a unified and disciplined security framework.”

7/29/2025, 5:44:46 PM

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