WAFFI TV | Feature

Family Sets August 9 for Burial Of Rosemary Oromoni

The family of the late Evangelist Mrs. Rosemary Sylvester Oromoni has announced funeral arrangements for their beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and sister, who passed away at the age of 57 on November 25, 2024. According to the family, a Night of Tribute will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the family compound on No. 8 Edah Street, opposite Oasis Hotel, Okumagba Estate, Warri. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Ogbe-Ijoh Town in Warri South-West Local Government Area. This will be followed by a reception at the family compound at Edeh Street near Oasis Hotel. Evangelist Oromoni, the wife of the chairman , Warri South-West Local Government, Chief Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, born in 1967, is fondly remembered as a devoted wife, caring mother, and cherished grandmother who touched many lives with her faith and kindness.

7/7/2025, 10:30:06 AM

NiMet Forcasts Three~day Rain, Thunderstorms From Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast rainy and thundery weather across the country from Monday to Wednesday. In its weather outlook issued on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected cloudy skies on Monday morning, with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Adamawa States. It also indicated the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by rain later in the day over areas including Zamfara, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kaduna States. “In the North-central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in the morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa State during the afternoon or evening hours. “In the southern region, cloudy atmosphere is expected with prospects of morning rains over the coastal parts of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa. “Later in the day, rain showers are anticipated over parts of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa,” it said. NiMet envisaged sunny skies in the northern region on Tuesday with patches of clouds in the morning. It forecast isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano and Adamawa later in the day. “In the North-central region, partly cloudy atmosphere is expected during the morning hours. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger. “In the southern region, morning rain showers are anticipated over parts of Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom. “In the afternoon/evening hours, isolated rains are expected over parts of Ekiti, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers and Lagos State,“ it said. According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano and Gombe states on Wednesday. It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, and Zamfara later in the day. “In the North-central region, cloudy skies are envisaged during the morning period. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the entire region. “In the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning. Later in the day, isolated rain showers are envisaged over the entire region,” it said. NiMet urged the public to take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur and to ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision. According to the agency, driving under heavy rain should be avoided, and electrical appliances from electrical sockets should be disconnected. “Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees. “Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

7/7/2025, 7:33:55 AM

IYC Condemns UPU’s Call To Terminate Tantita Contract, Urges Tinubu To Resist Ethnic Pressure

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has strongly criticized the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) over its recent call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revoke the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) covering Urhobo territories. In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Nicholas Igarama, Chairman of the IYC Western Zone; Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo, Secretary; and Comrade Tare Magbei, Information Officer, they described the UPU’s appeal as “a grave display of immaturity” and warned that it could inflame existing tensions in Warri and its environs. The group expressed disappointment that the UPU, a historically respected organization, appears to have departed from its founding principles of unity and peaceful coexistence. The IYC clarified that Tantita’s contract with the Federal Government was secured through an open and competitive bidding process, stressing that it was awarded purely on merit and not based on ethnic considerations. The Council also noted that Urhobo firms had the opportunity to bid but were not excluded. According to the statement, Tantita has significantly contributed to curbing oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production, which is now nearing two million barrels per day. The IYC contrasted this achievement with the previous period when the contract was handled by Capt. Hosa Okunbo of Edo State for over eight years, during which, it alleged, illegal bunkering persisted without protest from the UPU. While acknowledging UPU’s right to seek benefits for the Urhobo nation, the IYC condemned what it described as an attempt to “whip up ethnic sentiments,” warning that this could lead to sustained blackmail against an Ijaw-owned firm and escalate conflict among ethnic groups in Delta State. The group called on President Tinubu to ignore demands to terminate Tantita’s contract, citing the company’s proven competence and impact. Instead, the IYC urged the President to expand Tantita’s operational scope to further strengthen the fight against oil theft. Additionally, the IYC appealed to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene promptly to defuse rising tension in Warri, especially amid reports of attacks on Ijaw individuals by some Urhobo and Itsekiri groups. Concluding its statement, the IYC encouraged Tantita to remain committed to its mission of securing oil facilities and sustaining its corporate social responsibility programs.

7/7/2025, 7:17:16 AM

NASS To Transmit Constitution Review Report To States Before Dec 2025

As the process of reviewing the 1999 Constitution continues, particularly across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, the National Assembly has pledged to forward the final report of the ongoing constitutional review to the 36 state Houses of Assembly before December 2025, in line with its schedule. The National Assembly, however, urged all stakeholders with specific proposals to actively engage and lobby their respective state assemblies, stressing that the review cannot be completed without their consent. Speaking on Saturday after the two-day zonal public hearing on the constitution review held at the Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the Leader of the Senate and Zonal Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), highlighted key issues that have consistently dominated discussions since the start of constitutional amendments in the Fourth Republic. These include devolution of powers, local government autonomy, creation of new states, and establishment of state police. According to a statement from Bamidele’s media office, other senators present at the public hearing included Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olarere Oyewunmi; Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsangba; and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire, among others. Addressing participants, Bamidele reaffirmed that the review committee plans to transmit its report to the state assemblies before December 2025. “We have concluded the public hearings and will now return to Abuja to compile our report. Our timetable provides for final notifications before year-end, after which we’ll send the report to all state assemblies, thus completing this phase of the constitution review,” he said. He dismissed criticisms that the exercise is a mere formality, emphasizing instead that it aims to introduce meaningful reforms to promote national prosperity, better governance, and sustainable development. Bamidele also cautioned that the National Assembly’s effort could fail if the proposed amendments are not approved by at least two-thirds of the state assemblies. He therefore urged stakeholders nationwide to intensify lobbying efforts to secure the necessary endorsements. While assuring that the National Assembly will process all received proposals and transmit them accordingly, Bamidele called on stakeholders to continue active engagement with state lawmakers to ensure the proposed amendments are adopted into the Constitution. “State assemblies are part of the process. We have been in Lagos State in the last 48 hours, listening to people’s aspirations, concerns and will. All six states in the geo-political zone were represented by their elected representatives. We are in this process together to receive their presentations. “The state assemblies are already anticipating the report of the constitution review from the National Assembly. They are not waiting for the report alone. They are also part of the constitution review process. I do not envisage any problem from the state assemblies. “Therefore, we are advising all the stakeholders who are also looking for special considerations to extend their advocacies to the state assemblies. It is not just about them as elected representatives, but as representatives of people who elected them. People should be aware when they are making decisions to be sure that they are also doing so in consonance with the wishes of their constituents.” Also at the public hearing, Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker, Oyo State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin solicited for more power to be devolved to subnational governments for rapid and accelerated development. Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, said both federal and state governments should be allowed to legislate on issues that border on solid minerals, labour matters, drug and poisons, telecommunications, stamp duty amongst others. He said: “Devolution of powers is key to this on-going constitutional amendment by devolving key items from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List in the interest of all. For instance, the removal of the electricity matter from the Exclusive Legislative List has significantly transformed many states’ power sector through independent power supply initiatives. “ Ogundoyin also backed the establishment of state police, pointing its benefits to include improved local security, community policing, decongestion of federal responsibilities, enhanced accountability and employment opportunities. The speaker said: “Concerning the state police, all the stakeholders will agree with me that the debate over the establishment of state policing has garnered momentum from both supporters and critics. The potential benefits of state police far outweigh the challenges. “In essence, what the amendment seeks to address will be the powers, responsibilities and limits of the state police should be clearly defined, provide oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and design a comprehensive framework for federal and state police to work in harmony to balance power and for effective coordination mechanisms.”

7/6/2025, 6:48:55 AM

Ex~Delta Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro Celebrates Delta Students’ Landmark Win At Global Debate In Qatar, Emphasizes Education As His Priority

Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Barrister Kingsley B. Otuaro, has praised the outstanding achievement of Delta State students who led Nigeria to an historic triumph at the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar. A well-known promoter of education, Otuaro lauded the students for their brilliance and determination, calling their victory clear evidence of the transformative power of quality education. He described the accomplishment as a proud milestone not just for Delta State but for the entire nation, reinforcing his consistent message that investing in education is the surest path to a better future. Otuaro also extended warm commendation to the Government of Delta State under the leadership of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, acknowledging that such success is only possible in an environment where education is genuinely prioritized. He noted that the administration’s continued commitment to supporting schools, teachers, and students has helped lay the groundwork for achievements like this, calling it proof of what can happen when leaders place learning at the forefront of development. The Delta State team earned the right to represent Nigeria after emerging victorious at the national contest conducted by the Presidential Schools Debate Nigeria, an initiative under the Presidency. The winning squad featured Wisdom Chukwuma from Government College, Ughelli; Otorvo Uyoyou of Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun; Abraham Honour of Okpaka Secondary School, Okpaka; Ekhamateh Splendour of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba; and Alika Daniel from Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale. In Qatar, the Nigerian representatives showcased exceptional debating talent, edging out their opponents with a hard-won 2–1 result in the first round before sealing a commanding 3–0 victory in the final. Their overall 5–1 aggregate secured them the championship crown against strong teams from Chicago in the USA and the host country, Qatar. Otuaro commended not only the students for their intellect and poise but also the dedication of their teachers and the encouragement of their families. He urged continued support for academic excellence in Delta State, reiterating his own unwavering dedication to advancing educational opportunities for the youth, whom he described as the true architects of the state’s future.

7/5/2025, 11:40:11 AM

I’ll Resign As FCT Minister If… ~Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to make public the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which he claimed implicates former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Wike pledged to resign if the released report fails to indict Amaechi. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday in Abuja, Wike was reacting to Amaechi’s allegations of corruption against him. He further alleged that Amaechi’s wife collected N4 billion monthly from the NDDC to train women in the Niger Delta. Wike added that, unlike Amaechi, he does not come from a poor background, which explains his preference for luxury. Wike said, “First of all, Amaechi’s wife was not an industrialist. She has never been, and that is why I call on Mr President to release the forensic audit of NDDC. “Amaechi’s wife company, every month, got N4 billion to train Niger Delta women. That is N48 billion in one year alone, and the forensic audit report is there. Who killed it? It was Malami, then the Attorney General. That is one of the people who is now talking. Mr President should help Nigerians. You see, this is what I have always said. Mr President should help Nigerians. Please, release the forensic audit of the NDDC. “I have said, let Mr President please do us a favour to release that document. Former Attorney General, Malami, killed that document to protect those who were concerned. I am not just saying what I am saying, let them release the document. If what I am saying is not in the document, I will resign at the Minister of the FCT. I said I will resign. I don’t worship office. What I am saying, let them release the forensic audit of the NDDC. I didn’t say the forensic audit was right, but I said, release the report of the forensic audit. That is how the wife became an industrialist – N4 billion every month to train Niger Delta women”, he stated.

7/4/2025, 10:10:18 PM

I'm Not From Poor Background Like Amaechi, Have A Rolls~Royce— Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that he indeed owns a Rolls-Royce and that it was not a gift from anyone. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday, Wike was responding to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who had accused him of corruption and owning a luxury vehicle. Wike further stated that, unlike Amaechi, he does not come from a poor background, adding that he even drove a Mercedes-Benz while still a student. “I have a Rolls-Royce; nobody gave it to me; I bought it for myself. I didn’t come from the same background as Rotimi Amaechi. As a student, I was using a Mercedes-Benz. My father was the manager of so many companies. I come from a rich background but not too rich like the Dangotes.

7/4/2025, 9:43:45 PM

South~West Demands Five New States, Constitutional Roles For Monarchs

Calls for the creation of five additional states, formal constitutional roles for traditional rulers, and the inclusion of new local governments and the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) established by the Lagos State government in 2003 topped the list of demands from the South-West region as efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution continue. These demands were highlighted on Friday during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on proposed constitutional amendment bills held in Lagos. The Deputy Senate President and Chairman Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution , Jibrin Barawu, represented by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader said, “The request of the people of the South-West before us include Bill for creation of Ijebu State from Ogun State, Bill for creation of Coastal State from Ondo as well as Igbomina State from the three states of Osun, Ekiti and Kwara, bill for creation of Ibadan State from Oyo State as well as New Oyo State also from Oyo State with state capital in Oyo. “Others are bill for listing of created LCDAs into the constitution so as to be recognized as local government, bill for the excision of Orile Oko from Remo North Local Government into Obafemi-Owode Local Government of Ogun State, bill for boundary adjustment of Isheri Olofin Mole between Lagos and Ogun State as well as Bill to change Irewole Local Government in Osun State to Ikire.” Barawu said that other demands that the 10th Senate is equally passionate about are constitutional roles for the traditional rulers as well as reserved seats for the women at both national and state assemblies. He added that in as much as the national assembly has always in the past wanted roles for the traditional rulers to be included in the constitution, the amendment had always failed because of the refusal of the 2/3 of the state House of Assembly of the federation to support the passage of this bill as ordered by the constitution. Barawu explained, “The last 1999 constitution amendment that we did during the 9th Senate, we almost got there, we almost succeeded with having constitutional roles for our traditional rulers but the law says that constitutional amendment required the approval of 2/3 of the state assemblies in our 36 States. “That is where it got stalled but I want to advise that as traditional rulers, you have to do a lot of advocacy, you have to take your case to conference of Speakers of the state House of Assembly to get their support. You have to do a lot more too to talk to governors, present your case before the Governor’s Forum because that has always been where the challenge lies.” Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, emphasized that their call for constitutional roles is not aimed at competing with the government, but at complementing its efforts to deliver quality leadership to the people. Supported by other prominent traditional rulers — including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi; and the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, who represented the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Kayode Adetona — Oba Ogunwusi urged that the ongoing constitutional amendment must address the long-standing demand to formally assign constitutional roles to the traditional institution to strengthen governance. The Ooni noted that traditional rulers already contribute significantly to national security, conflict resolution, and sociocultural and economic development, stressing that constitutional recognition would further empower them to do even more for the country’s progress. Also speaking at the event, the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, praised the forum for giving people of the South-West a meaningful voice in the constitutional review process. Mr Sanwo-Olu however said that it will continue to amount to injustice if the 37 LCDAs created in the state in 2003 due to the growing population of the state is not included in the constitution and allow to be recognized just like other local governments in the country. He explained that “For instance Alimosho Local Government with a population of almost same as Bayelsa State had to be broken into six LCDAs, even Kano with almost same population as Lagos State has 44 Local Governments, Jigawa with 27 local government was later created out of Kano State, yet Lagos is still expected to continue to have 20 Local Government. “It is just fair and proper to have the LCDAs created about 22 years ago to be listed into the country’s constitution and be given due recognition just like other local governments across the country.” In his address at the public hearing, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly who also doubles as the Chairman, South-West of Speakers, Adeoye Aribasoye described the constitutional review as long overdue. Aribasoye stated that the lawmakers in the South-West are bothered about issues of Local Government autonomy, legislature autonomy as well as constitutional roles for the traditional rulers adding that his colleagues would do their best to support the passage of amendment of the constitution in these areas when the amended bill is sent to them. Making presentation for the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun State, a former governor of the state and Senator representing Ogun East at the Senate, Otunba Gbenga Daniel said that the move was necessary to correct over a century injustice meted out to people of Ijebu land. Daniel said that of all the provinces created by the colonial government over a 100 year ago such as Oyo, Sokoto, Ondo, among others only Ijebu Province has not been made a state. The Senator said that Ijebu land did not only have vast land and population but also have lots of resources both human and materials and it is economically viable to drive its development. He explained that just on Thursday, the Remo people who seemed to be traveling a different route have also agreed to support the call for the creation of the new state as long as their name and identity are reflected in the new state such. They have therefore demanded that the new state should be called Ijebu Remo State just like Akwa-Ibom State. There were also proposals for the creation of New Oyo State and Ibadan State from the current Oyo State, Coastal State from Ondo State, and Igbomina State from parts of Osun, Ekiti, and Kwara States, along with a call for reserved seats for women in both the national and state assemblies. The PUNCH

7/4/2025, 7:09:01 PM

Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

Ukrainian forces have captured Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, a 29-year-old Nigerian national allegedly fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing Ukraine war. According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, Oluwagbemileke was apprehended by the Freedom of Russia Legion—a unit made up of Russian volunteers supporting Ukraine—in the Zaporizhzhia region after serving with Russian troops for five months. The project reported that Oluwagbemileke had lived in Russia for four years before being arrested on drug charges. To avoid imprisonment under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code, he allegedly agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence. “Kehinde is among thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defence Ministry to fight in Ukraine,” the organisation stated, adding that many foreign fighters are misled about the nature of the conflict and treated as expendable. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again urged foreign nationals not to enlist in the Russian military and instead contact the “I Want to Live” programme. Oluwagbemileke’s case adds to the growing number of foreigners captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting on Russia’s side.

7/4/2025, 6:59:52 PM

Delta Extends Associate Professors’ Retirement Age To 70

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved an extension of the retirement age for associate professors in state-owned universities from 65 to 70 years. The announcement was made on Friday in Asaba by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, during a briefing with journalists. Tonukari described the decision as both strategic and compassionate, saying it aims to strengthen the academic system, expand postgraduate programmes, and enhance mentorship for younger lecturers. He explained that the approval brings Delta State universities in line with the federal policy, which in 2012 increased the retirement age for academic staff in the professorial cadre to 70 years and for non-academic staff to 65. Although the law had already been applied at Delta State University, the new approval now extends its full implementation to all other state-owned universities. “In 2012, the Federal Government amended the law to extend the retirement age of academic staff to 70 years. Now, His Excellency has magnanimously applied this to associate professors across all state universities,” Tonukari noted. Addressing concerns that the policy might block opportunities for younger academics, Tonukari explained that recent expansions in tertiary education have opened many new positions. “Since 2023, more than 600 academic and non-academic staff have been recruited across our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education due to ongoing growth and accreditation,” he said. He commended the Oborevwori administration for its investment in institutions such as Southern Delta University, Ozoro; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; and the new Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe. Tonukari added that these expansions have almost doubled the size and capacity of the state’s higher education institutions.

7/4/2025, 2:56:01 PM

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