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Otuaro Hails Orodje Of Okpe On 19th Coronation Anniversary
The Immediate Past Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Esq., has extended a royal tribute to His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, CFR, mni, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, as he marks his 19th coronation anniversary. In a message shared on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, issued on behalf of his family and political associates, Otuaro lauded the monarch’s enduring legacy of principled leadership, cultural stewardship, and commitment to peace. He further acknowledged the monarch’s steady guidance at the helm of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, describing it as a vital source of harmony and stability among diverse communities. Otuaro said, "With deep reverence and sincere admiration, I onbehalf of my family and political associates, extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, CFR, mni, the distinguished Orodje of Okpe and Chairman, Delta State Traditional rulers Council, on the momentous occasion of your 19th Coronation Anniversary. "Your reign has exemplified what it truly means to be a custodian of culture and a beacon of principled leadership. For nearly two decades, you have ruled with the quiet strength of tradition and the enduring wisdom of service, standing firm as a unifying figure in both Okpe Kingdom and across the length and breadth of Delta State. "Your commitment to peace, your relentless pursuit of harmony among diverse communities, and your steady guidance at the helm of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers have etched your name into the noble history of our state. "Indeed, your Majesty’s throne is not only adorned with a crown but with the respect of your people and the gratitude of all who have benefited from your counsel, fairness, and fatherly presence. "On this proud anniversary, I pray that the Almighty continues to preserve you in strength and wisdom, and blesses Okpe Kingdom with many more years of your exceptional leadership.
7/29/2025, 12:32:40 PM
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Nurses Strike To Hit Hospitals Nationwide Wednesday
Healthcare services across Nigeria are set to experience major disruption on Wednesday as nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions Sector, commence a seven-day nationwide warning strike. The industrial action will impact 74 federal hospitals, as well as various state-owned facilities and primary healthcare centres. The strike is expected to cripple operations at teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, and specialist institutions, as nurses protest issues including poor pay, inadequate staffing, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions. The union had, on July 14, 2025, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, urging urgent intervention to avert a total collapse of healthcare services. However, the association said the government has yet to respond or initiate talks. Speaking to The PUNCH correspondent on Monday, NANNM-FHI National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, listed the union's demands: upward review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a distinct salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health. “The strike in question is inevitable as the Federal Government or the Federal Ministry of Health remains adamant. “Right now, nurses are lumped together with other health workers on the same salary scale. There’s no special consideration for the unique work nurses do. “We want a dedicated salary structure that reflects our profession and contribution. We are not just like every other health worker. We deserve our salary scale,” he said. The national chairman lamented that despite the fact that they work round-the-clock shifts, they were not treated fairly. “Nurses are the only professionals who work round-the-clock shifts. Night shifts are even more demanding and dangerous now due to security concerns. “We are supposed to receive 30 per cent of our basic salary as shift allowance, as stated in a 2009 circular, but they’re only getting 6.8 per cent, the same as a gate man running shifts. “It’s unfair. We work the longest hours with patients, and yet they give us crumbs,” he said. The national chairman lamented that for 20 years now, nurses only get N20,000 per year for uniforms, even though they need to replace their wears constantly. “Nurses get N20,000 per year for uniforms, a figure that has not changed in over 20 years, even though nurses wear white uniforms that get stained easily and need constant replacement. “We wear full uniforms, and we sometimes need several per week. N20,000 can’t buy enough for a year anymore. “Meanwhile, lab coat allowances for doctors and others were recently reviewed, but nurses were left out, even though uniform allowance is a long-standing rule for nurses and fire service officers,” he said. He added that nurses wanted the core duty allowance raised from 1.7 per cent to four per cent, lamenting that despite nurses making up a large chunk of the health workforce, there’s no dedicated department for nursing in the ministry. “Currently, a director reports to another director from a different department, which undermines the profession. We want a proper Department of Nursing, led by a full-fledged director, not sidelined under someone else. “Since 2016, a scheme of service (defining ranks, roles, and duties of nurses) was approved and circulated, but it’s still not being implemented. We’re not asking for a new document. Just implement the one already approved. “Nurses are still working in hospitals with no gloves, syringes, or gauze. They’re forced to improvise, which puts their lives and their health at risk. We save lives even with nothing. Imagine how much more we can do if we’re properly equipped. “The government keeps saying there’s a nursing shortage, but Nigeria produces over 10,000 nurses annually, but many are underemployed, working in private hospitals for peanuts or on temporary locum contracts in government facilities. We have enough nurses. They just don’t employ or pay them well, that’s why they leave,” Rilwan said. He emphasised that the planned strike would affect all levels of public healthcare facilities across Nigeria. “This includes 74 federal hospitals – teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, specialist hospitals like orthopaedic, neuro-psychiatric, and eye centres, as well as all general hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas,” he highlighted. Also, the National Public Relations Officer, Omomo Tibiebi, said that during the warning strike, there would be no services, including emergencies. “There will not be emergency services, the strike is total, and there will be no skeletal services. The 15-day ultimatum ends by Tuesday, July 29, 2025, by midnight, and the warning strike commences on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12:01 am,” Tibiebi noted.
7/29/2025, 7:19:38 AM
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IPF Urges EFCC To Investigate Ogbuku, NDDC Management Over Failed Projects
The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF), Nigeria’s foremost media body representing Ijaw interests, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a thorough probe into Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), over allegations of financial mismanagement surrounding the Youth Internship scheme known as "HOPE." The IPF raised concerns that despite claims by Ogbuku that 10,000 beneficiaries were selected to receive N50,000 monthly stipends through the programme, there has been no visible evidence of its implementation, especially in the core oil-producing, riverine communities. According to the group, many of these areas lack internet access and smartphones—basic requirements for participating in an online registration process. The forum stated that those supposed "10,000 empowered youths" remain untraceable, describing them as “ghosts” and warning that Ogbuku may eventually face legal consequences for what it termed deceptive and unimpactful projects. In a press release signed by IPF spokesman Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala and distributed to journalists in Abuja on Monday, the group declared: *"There are claims that 10,000 selected beneficiaries of the NDDC’s Youth Internship scheme have been receiving a monthly stipends of N50,000. However, IPF said such projects or programmes were scams with ghost identities being deliberately orchestrated to misappropriate the public funds, 'Ogbuku should publish the beneficiaries and their account numbers, including figures allocated to each state in the nine Niger Delta States and criteria for the selection. The people of Niger Delta are eager to know how their money is spent',"* he stated. The IPF insisted on full transparency regarding the project and challenged the NDDC to account for how funds earmarked for youth empowerment were disbursed. *"The youth of the Niger Delta deserves better,"* the statement added. *"We cannot allow the funds meant for their development to be mismanaged or siphoned off. We urge the EFCC to act swiftly and investigate funds allocated to Projects 'HOPE' and other unrealistic projects of the commission under Dr. Ogbuku to restore public confidence in the NDDC."* Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, IPF vowed to keep a close watch on the commission’s activities while urging the general public to report abandoned and fraudulent NDDC projects for further scrutiny. It concluded with a scathing rebuke of the commission’s leadership: *"The Project HOPE was just a mere paper work created to divert funds meant to develop the Niger Delta region, and that it is unparalleled absurdity, broad day robbery and gross corruption of Ogbuku led NDDC for replacing and shortchanged over 10,000 Niger Delta youths with non-existent entities.* *"Ogbuku's management of NDDC is terrible, opaque and lacks accountability, Niger Delta people have the rights of benefit from an interventionist agency created to transform their lives and as such it is grave injustice and affront on the Niger Delta people who have been replaced with ghost entities,"* they concluded.
7/28/2025, 5:57:58 PM
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Appeal Court Rules FRSC Can't Seize Licences, Awards N10m To Motorist
The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has ruled in favour of Dr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs, declaring that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the legal authority to confiscate the documents or property of motorists without lawful justification. In Appeal No: CA/OW/199/2022—filed by the FRSC, its Corps Marshal, and an officer identified by Uniform No. COSS 35 (1st to 3rd Appellants) against Mr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs (Respondent)—the appellate court upheld the earlier judgment of the Abia State High Court. It ruled that the unlawful seizure of a driver’s licence, vehicle, or related documents constitutes a breach of fundamental human rights. The judgment, delivered unanimously by Justices Amina Audi Wambai, M. Lawal Abubakar, and Ntong F. Ntong, held the FRSC liable but reduced the damages awarded to Dr. Shebbs from ₦30 million to ₦10 million. The compensation covers both general and exemplary damages for the violation of his rights. An enrolled order signed by Suobo Zuofa Esq. on behalf of the Deputy Chief Registrar and obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, stated in part: “This is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Abia State, Aba Judicial Division, delivered on March 15, 2022, by Hon. Justice A.I. Nwabuogu in Suit No: A/M/86/2021.” "On this Friday, the 27th day of June, 2025, upon reading the record of appeal herein and briefs of argument filed and exchanged by the parties in this appeal. And after hearing Amobi Nzelu Esq of Counsel for the Appellants and Ikechukwu D. Maduike Esq, for Counsel for the Respondent, it is here by ordered that: ‘On the whole issues 1 and 2 having been resolved against the Appellant, the decision of the lower court adjudging the Appellants as having violated the fundamental human rights of the Respondent is affirmed. "However, the appeal succeeds in part only with respect to the quantum of damages awarded against the Appellants. "The sum of N30,000,000.00 awarded as general and exemplary damages is reduced to N10,000,000.00 only." Background The case began five years ago, in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when FRSC officers stopped the Respondent/Applicant along Bende Road in Umuahia. Ugochukwu said, "It was a Saturday–one of the designated days during the COVID-19 lockdown when Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (as with other governors) allowed residents to go out and restock essentials.” "While it was expected that citizens would use this window to restock their homes," Ugochukwu said, "some FRSC officers saw it as an opportunity to 'restock'; not their kitchens, but their pockets." He said, as usual, the FRSC officials checked his vehicle's documents, safety items like the spare tyre and fire extinguisher, and confirmed everything was in order. According to him, when he was about to enter his car, one officer asked him for "something" (money), and he offered an explanation that he was heading to the market and needed to withdraw cash from an ATM. He said, “At that moment, I had no cash on me, so literally, I had no ‘something’ to give. "Suddenly, they embarked on a second round of inspection; this time, ransacking my car.” "From that point, a new set of 'offences' emerged; 'worn out tire or no spare tire', they named it. From a casual 'find me something', I had suddenly become a traffic offender," Ugochukwu stated, describing it as "so funny." Thereafter, he said the officer booked him N3,000 and retained his driver's licence. "I didn’t argue. I left," he said in a statement made available to SaharaReporters. "Perhaps they assumed the man driving a Toyota Avalon was just another ‘Yahoo boy’ (internet fraudster) or maybe an ordinary Nigerian youth who is easily expendable and dispensable. I don't look for trouble, but when I start, I mean business." He said he had options but chose the legal way to contribute and enrich the legal jurisprudence on the use of roads. He said, "I could have flashed my official ID card, and they would have responded with, 'Doc, Doc; carry go; carry go.' "I could have picked up my phone and called one of my former students in the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly, the PPRO or even the then Commissioner of Police (CP Janet), doing it ‘the Nigerian way.’ "I could have easily paid the N3,000 fine. But I remembered the many Nigerian youths who neither had connections nor ID Cards; those who couldn’t afford to 'pay their way out' of an abusive law enforcement system. "I remembered the many youths whose vehicles, papers, and licences have been unlawfully confiscated by some abusive officers, who weaponise their uniforms against innocent youths contrary to the law. "So, I decided to put myself through the crucible. I approached the High Court to enforce my fundamental rights. From the affidavit I submitted, they realised who they were dealing with. "I received calls from well-meaning friends urging me to withdraw the case, but I refused. I wanted justice. "The High Court gave judgment in my favour and awarded me N30 million in damages. On appeal, the Court upheld the judgment of the trial court, reduced the award to N10 million. "But for me, it’s not about the money. It’s about the judicial precedent now established in FRSC & Anor v. Shebbs, that the seizure of a driver’s licence, vehicle, or related documents without lawful justification is a breach of fundamental rights. This is my humble contribution to the development of Human Rights Law in Nigeria." "The Appeal Court has ruled that Road Safety does not have the right to seize documents and properties of road users unless they intend to charge you to court,” he added. "The Appeal Court has broken the fetters of injustice in the Road Safety operations," he stated, calling on Nigerians to demand their properties seized by the agency. Saharareporters
7/28/2025, 11:42:33 AM
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FG Launches N10m Support Scheme For Tertiary Institution Workers
The Federal Government has introduced a new loan scheme aimed at improving the welfare and professional growth of staff in tertiary institutions. Tagged the **“Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund,”** the initiative targets both academic and non-academic personnel in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Under the scheme, each eligible staff member can access up to **N10 million**, capped at **33.3% of their gross annual salary**. The loan can be used for transportation, medical expenses, and small-scale business ventures such as poultry farming. The launch was announced in a statement issued by **Folasade Boriowo**, Director of Press at the **Federal Ministry of Education**, on Sunday. According to the statement, the fund was unveiled during a high-level stakeholder meeting in **Abuja**. Minister of Education, **Dr. Tunji Alausa**, said the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to revamp the tertiary education system in Nigeria. The statement read, “TISSF is not just about welfare. It is about empowerment. “We are ensuring that our education workforce is supported to live well, grow professionally, and continue contributing meaningfully to institutional excellence. “TISSF is a welfare-focused loan scheme that promotes financial stability, improves quality of life, and supports career advancement for staff across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.” The programme will be implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry, which will manage the disbursement process to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective delivery. The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, was quoted as stating that the programme was developed through extensive consultation with staff unions, institutional leaders, and other key stakeholders. The statement also noted that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework had been embedded to track progress and ensure the long-term success of the fund. Stakeholders at the launch included representatives from the Tertiary Education Fund, Bank of Industry, vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, who were said to have expressed strong support for the initiative.
7/28/2025, 9:00:27 AM
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NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Flash Floods Across Nigeria
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across various parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, cautioning residents about the possibility of flash floods in some locations. In its weather outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected Monday morning in parts of Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina States in the northern region. It added that other parts of the North will remain mostly sunny with cloudy intervals, while more thunderstorms and moderate rains are anticipated in the afternoon and evening over Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States. The agency warned of likely flash floods in parts of Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano during the forecast period. In the central region, cloudy skies are forecast in the morning, with light to moderate rain expected over Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa States. These areas, along with Kogi, are also likely to experience rainfall later in the day. A high risk of flash flooding is noted in parts of Plateau State. For the southern region, cloudy conditions are predicted in the morning, followed by light to moderate rainfall later in the day over Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. **Tuesday’s Outlook** On Tuesday, NiMet projects sunny conditions with patches of clouds over the North. Morning thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected in Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano. By afternoon and evening, storms are likely in Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi. The central region will likely experience light to moderate rainfall in the morning over Niger, Benue, FCT, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa, with moderate rain expected later across Plateau, Niger, FCT, Kwara, Kogi, and Nasarawa. In the South, morning clouds may bring rain to Akwa Ibom and Cross River, followed by moderate rainfall in Abia, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States by afternoon and evening. **Wednesday’s Forecast** By Wednesday, northern states are expected to see mostly sunny skies with intermittent clouds. Morning thunderstorms with moderate rain are forecast for Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. More storms are predicted in the afternoon and evening in Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. Central states including Plateau, Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa could see morning thunderstorms and rain, followed by moderate rainfall in the afternoon and evening across FCT, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Nasarawa. In the South, morning showers are expected in Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States, with cloudy skies elsewhere. Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated later in the day across Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. **Public Advisory** NiMet urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and activate emergency preparedness plans. The agency also advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, secure loose objects, dress warmly due to cooler night temperatures, and stay indoors during storms. “Unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms and avoid sheltering under tall trees,” the agency warned. Airline operators were also encouraged to obtain location-specific weather briefings from NiMet offices to ensure safe flight planning. The public is urged to stay informed by checking regular weather updates on NiMet’s website: [www.nimet.gov.ng](http://www.nimet.gov.ng).
7/28/2025, 7:26:49 AM
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Court Orders NYSC To Allow Skirts For Female Corps Members
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) violated the Nigerian Constitution by refusing to allow female corps members to wear skirts in observance of their religious beliefs. Delivering judgement on June 13, 2025, Justice Hauwa Yilwa held that the NYSC’s insistence on trousers as the only acceptable uniform for female corps members infringes on the rights to freedom of religion and human dignity as enshrined in the Constitution. The ruling followed two separate but similar suits filed by former corps members Miss Ogunjobi Blessing and Miss Ayuba Vivian, which were later consolidated. Both applicants had challenged the NYSC’s dress code, arguing that being compelled to wear trousers contravened their Christian beliefs, particularly referencing Deuteronomy 22:5, which they interpret as forbidding women from wearing clothing associated with men. The suits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020, sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights, claiming that the NYSC’s dress policy was discriminatory and unconstitutional. The respondents in the suits included the National Youth Service Corps and its Director-General. The applicants brought the cases under Order 11, Rules 1–5 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009; Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); as well as Articles 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 17, and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, invoking the court's inherent jurisdiction. They sought the following reliefs, “A declaration that the refusal of the NYSC to recognise and allow skirts as part of the NYSC uniform constitutes a breach of the applicant’s right under Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Deuteronomy 22:5 of the Bible, and a misinterpretation of Schedule 2, Article 1(I)(a) of the NYSC Bye-Laws 1993. “A declaration that the use of skirts by the applicant in the NYSC scheme forms part of her fundamental rights to freedom of religion and to manifest the same in practice and observance as provided for in Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “A declaration that the harassment, embarrassment, and humiliation suffered by the applicant at the hands of NYSC officials constitute a clear infringement of her rights to freedom of religion and to manifest same in practice, as well as the right to human dignity and protection from degrading treatment. “An order compelling the respondents, their servants, agents, privies, or anyone acting on their behalf, to recognise, allow, and provide skirts for the applicant or any female corps member wishing to wear same in accordance with Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Deuteronomy 22:5”. They also demanded damages for ₦10,000,000, and any such further order(s) as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
7/28/2025, 6:23:19 AM
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