News From Nigeria
. You remain the best in all you do for Nigeria – NUJ to company
. Kaita: This is testimony to the innovative impact we’ve made
Frontline engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC weekend clinched the prestigious Construction Company of the Year Award amidst pomp as journalists celebrate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
According to the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya who presented the Award plaque to Julius Berger at the well attended event, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC deserves the Award having being at the frontline of several landmark projects across the country.
We have observed during the year under review that the company has remained the best in all the construction works they have undertaken and the ones that are currently Work-In-Progress. Name it, from Eko Bridge, Lagos built in 1965, through the Second Niger Bridge to the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road, Julius Berger is excelling. We must state that you are deserving of this Award and more, the NUJ President declared amidst applause.
Speaking after receiving the Award on behalf of Julius Berger, the Director, Administration, Alh. Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita thanked the NUJ for the Award saying that it is a most unique gesture coming same day with the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day.
This honour, especially coming in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, carries a deep and symbolic significance for us, the Director said.
Noting that the Day was set aside to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom worldwide, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty, Kaita added that, the United Nations underscored the Day to highlight the importance of a free press.
Thus, as a company, we are elated to be so honoured with this Award on this Day when the world is acknowledging the contributions of members of the fourth estate to worldwide development, he further said, adding, this recognition is not only a testament to the innovative impact we have made in the construction industry, but also a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainable development in Nigeria. At Julius Berger, we believe that innovation is not merely an option—it is a responsibility we owe to the future of infrastructure and to the communities we serve.
He said that at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, innovation is at the heart of everything. From pioneering cold recycling technology for more sustainable road construction, to deploying advanced digital tools in project management and engineering design, to setting benchmarks with ISO 9001 quality assurance standards and ISO 45001 occupational safety practices, Kaita declared that the company has consistently raised the bar in Nigeria’s construction landscape.
He therefore concluded that, through these innovations, Julius Berger is not only building infrastructure, we are building trust, empowering local talent, and driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement.
Other winners at the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025 organised by the NUJ included the Governors of Kaduna, and Kebbi States as well as the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, Nigeria National Petroleuim Company Ltd; Dirtector General National Senior Citizens Centre and the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.
Delegates from the seven continents of the world have started arriving in Lagos for the 95th anniversary of the Okpe Union.
‘’The National leadership of the Okpe Union calls on all Okpe Nationals and friends of the Okpe Nation to roll out their drums on the 16th of May, 2025 to celebrate the 95th Founders Day Anniversary of the Okpe Union’’ a statement by the General Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide), Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin said Thursday.
Okpe Union is designed to project the concept of Okpe personality, forge closer link of friendship, brotherhood, collaboration and unity among Okpe people.
According to the statement, the Okpe House, Lagos will be the centre of the celebrations.
‘’All branches of the Okpe Union the world over are expected to do their bit in celebrating the day’’ the statement said.
The statement entitled call for unity and support by all well-meaning Okpe nationals and friends of the Okpe Nation as Okpe Union clocks 95 announced the date of elections into all the offices of the Okpe Union National Executive Council.
‘’The union holds elections into all the offices of the National Executive Council on the 15th of May, 2025 at its registered office and birthplace, 65, Moshalashi Street, Obalende’’
The statement issued in Lagos emphasized nationalistic feeling among the people, continuous prayers and support.
‘’The national leadership of the Okpe Union headed by Prof. Igho Natufe again calls for the sustenance of the solidarity of all Okpe nationals and members of various branches of the Okpe Union’’.
The statement enjoined all who cannot physically be present at the Okpe House, Lagos, to employ modern communication technologies to follow the national elections and Founders’ Day activities on the 15th and 16th of May, 2025, respectively, virtually.
‘’Let us take pride in celebrating the establishment of the oldest registered Ethnic Union in Nigeria.
The Okpe Union Founders Day, a re-awakening of the Okpe spirit, promotes Okpe culture and the relevance of Okpe language to children. It ensures better quality of life for our people and bring the development challenges of the Okpe Nation to the attention of the global community.
‘’Okpe Union Day exists to raise awareness and celebrate what makes Okpe culture unique. Since its inception in 1930, Okpe Union Day has been celebrated through major activities. At 95, this milestone offers us the unique opportunity to acknowledge the tireless effort of our founders while celebrating the achievements of the union’’.
The Okpe Union Day brings together around 1,000 notable leaders and intelligentsia from across the world to discuss political, social and cultural problems and recommend practical steps for implementing development strategies in Nigeria, particularly Delta State.
‘‘A number of high-profile political leaders, including local, state and federal officials will be treated to some of the finest Okpe dance steps and delicious meals in Lagos’’ the statement added.
Kogi youths on Thursday applauded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for the quality of her thought and purification of the country’s politics.
They also denounced the massive lies, hypocrisy and masquerading of the Immediate Past Chairman of Nigeria-America Public Affairs Committee, Mr. Ike Chidolue
‘’This is not competent public relations. Ike Chidolue is just supercilious’’
The youths in a statement in Okene urged the US President, Donald Trump and the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott to be wary of people working against the interest of democracy and good governance in Nigeria
The youths also asked South-East people in America to keep their distance from Prof Mgbeke and Chidolue.
They described Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a good woman and an upright and virtuous patriot.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a great potential and a bright future. We feel strongly about that’’
The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Central Youth Movement (KCYM), Alhaji Mustapha Jato criticized the Senate leadership for resisting the voice of honour and reason.
The youths denounced Chidolue and Dr Sandra Duru for dishing out nonsense, spreading dubious claims and distorting the basic issue and situation.
The statement emphasized ferocious spirit of despotism, public posturing in pompous dress and ways of restoring patriotism and morality in the senate.
‘’These are trying times for true democrats to fight these repressive tendencies’’
The youths called Duru and Chidolue debased slaves and dump robots.
‘’The Igbo Nation is very strict with precise ideas about manners and beliefs proper to men and women”
They mocked Duru and Chidolue for bringing America and the South-East geo-political zone into disrepute and ridicule.
The youths further denounced the Senate leadership for the overwhelming demonstration of wickedness.
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
‘’It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women’’
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
‘’The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
‘’Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.
Director General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, has said 100,000 artisans would be empowered through the SUPA Phase 11 Deployment and Training Programme.
He also said all actions of the agency have been with the best intention to aid easy cultivation of manpower to meet industrial needs and provide continuous development/life-long skill for graduates to match them with available opportunities in the industrial sector.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the Fund completed its latest round of assessment of privately owned Training Centers collaborating with it for the delivery of SUPA program across Nigeria, Ogun explained that though SUPA was given to ITF as a mandate to address rampant quackery, unemployment and youth restiveness, the program completely aligns with ITF’s core mandate and also addresses a long-standing challenge of providing contributing employers to the Fund with skilled manpower to keep their businesses going.
The ITF boss said that SUPA Phase II deployment and training process will be pursued with vigour and in the most transparent, accountable and comprehensive manner.
‘’ ITF will increase the number of privately owned training centers from 880 (Eight Hundred and Eighty) to 1500 (One Thousand Five Hundred). This is to enable it to achieve the target of graduating 100,000 (One Hundred Thousand) artisans in this phase’’.
The Director General said the 100,000 (One Hundred Thousand) artisans will be drawn from the 29,000 that graduated from SUPA Foundation program (Phase I) last year and from the pool of over 700,000 (Seven Hundred Thousand) registered artisans on its SUPA platform.
‘’As this population is scattered across every local government area in Nigeria, it is necessary to have at least two training centers per local government to guarantee ease of access by artisans’’.
According to him, the training centre accreditation will involve the examination of the corporate structure of Training Centers, evaluation of their physical infrastructure and set-up, appraisal of their training equipment and assessment of competence/qualifications of their instructors.
‘’Each Training Center is required to firstly register on the SUPA platform of the ITF. Upon completion of the registration process, the Fund will publish the list of successful training centers based on their categorizations in categories “A”, “B” and “C”. Thereafter, the Fund will begin the process of notifying artisans of their deployment to the various accredited training centers based on proximity to their disclosed residential address. The exercise will commence and end before April 30, 2025’’.
The DG stated that the Fund will do everything possible to improve the capacities of accredited training centers to meet the target of SUPA which is international certification.
‘’Over 3000 (Three Thousand) instructors from the 880 (Eight Hundred and Eighty) accredited training centers have undergone train-the-trainer courses. The Fund is developing a holistic system for equipment support for training centers and also seeking ways to ease access to finance’’.
Ogun restated that the SUPA Phase II training entails training of artisans in soft skills of Project Management, Professional Ethics and Patriotism and Industrial Health and Safety.
On Project Management, he said ITF is collaborating with the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria, (CIPMN) to deliver a bespoke certification for artisans in a special category.
‘’Both the examination and certification process of artisans in this phase will be handled by CIPMN. SUPA Phase II is to take 8 weeks and successful artisans will automatically graduate to the final phase of SUPA which is Phase III. This phase will cover the actual technical training which is based on 30% theory and 70% practical as well as training in Entrepreneurship’’.
Particularly, the ITF BOSS emphasized the sincerity and sense of direction of President Bola Tinubu to build a better nation.
He lauded him for his deep foresight.
Ogun commended the Minister of Industry for his leadership.
He applauded the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance for his solid support for the program.
He also praised the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN and Nigerian Employees Consultative Association, and other relevant public and private Organizations that have reckoned with the SUPA program.
Ogun assured that in a short while, Nigerians will begin to feel the impact of all the good work being done behind the scenes by ITF in the form of better skilled workmen in relevant trade areas.
‘’The skills acquisition programme exposes graduates to local and international awarding bodies to certify them fit for local and international markets’’.
South-South leaders on Tuesday advised Kogi Central constituents not to allow political clowns, destructive elements and saboteurs masquerading as Progressives to confuse them.
“The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a taunt to Kogi Central constituents and Nigerian women.
They also urged leaders in other geo-political zones to make Akpoti-Uduaghan’s cause their own.
“Some senators and Kogi APC chieftains think fake signatures and hooligans mobilized by them can lead to recalling Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate”
The South-South leaders in a statement in Port Harcourt described the six months suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as a bad idea and strategic mistake.
“If it is the intention to have unity in the Senate, then the leadership must ensure the lifting of the six months suspension”
The notable leaders praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for weathering a lot of storms.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is on the right side of history”
The statement issued by the Chairman of South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, berated some senators for playing countless destructive games and knocking down the guardrails that define the boundaries of acceptable political discourse.
They blamed the Senate leadership for sending a terrible signal of moral failure, selfishness and shortsightedness throughout Nigeria.
The highly respected zonal leaders described calls for the arrest of Akpoti-Uduaghan as foolish.
In blunt terms, the leaders urged Senator Akpabio to put aside partisanship, pettiness and unnecessary pride, modernize his approach to issues, allow sanity to return to the life of the Senate and avoid escalating the crisis.
“This is a delicate moment. We urge Senator Godswill Akpabio to think of the consequences and discuss the way out of the crisis with the Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan. He should not waste energy on petition and court processes”
The respected South-South leaders also hit back at Executive Watchdog, describing its criticism directed towards Akpoti-Uduaghan as sickening and unacceptable.
They vowed to stick with Akpoti-Uduaghan throughout the crisis.
The statement highlighted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s achievements, political skills, strength and determination.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an asset to Nigeria”
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has been recognised as a Most Influential Corporate Voice by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR. The credit came at the National Spokespersons Awards 2025 which wrapped up the just ended 2nd Nigeria Spokespersons Summit jointly organised by the Institute and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, held in Abuja, Wednesday.
According to the Chairman of the Awards Planning Committee, Mr. Segun McMedal who announced the awards, Julius Berger joined two other corporate organisations to clinch the worthy recognition as influential corporate voices in the 2024/25 year under review.
He listed the adjudication criteria to include: ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, ensuring messages are easily understood, possession of skill in tailoring communication to different media channels while maintaining message integrity, frequency and quality of media engagements, including interviews, press conferences, press releases, and op-eds and ability to craft compelling narratives that effectively communicate the organization’s objectives and achievements.
Besides, the recognition, he added, was also based on proficiency in leveraging emerging communication channels, tools, and technologies to enhance engagement and outreach as well as NIPR’s evaluation of how effectively the organisations PR objectives were met, measuring the overall success and influence of communication efforts.
Thus, being media savvy and the organisation’s visibility in the media, story telling and framing ability, the use of new technologies and the outcome and impact of the effort among others helped in determining the influence of our corporate voices of choice, he said.
In a related development, Julius Berger’s Media Relations Manager, Emmanuel Isibor won NIPR’s Outstanding Spokesperson, Crisis Management, (Private Sector) Award at the event. Citing the rise and positive visibility of Julius Berger throughout 2024 till date in the media inspite of the challenges in the sector and the general public as well as regularity of the organisation’s media reports across the print, broadcast and online platforms, McMedal said, the Award was very deserving even as he urged all winners to continue to up their professionalism in the discharge of their duties as worthy ambassadors of the Institute.
In his short remarks ahead the Awards ceremony, President of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, said, the summit leads to the awards. This is part of that whole process of remembering spokesperson so that you can help a voice. You have a platform to yourself. Not only that you come together to interact to learn to understand the new things going on in the industry. It is also for you to be able to showcase yourselves through crisis.
Declaring the event open on the first Day of the Summit, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the NIPR as a compelling imprimatur of professionalism in Nigeria’s public relations practice.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, emphasised the urgent need for ethical leadership communication to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, saying, “after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigeria has reached a point where our communication of leadership and policy must reflect the maturity of our democratic process.”
He warned that the spread of misinformation undermines democratic values, adding that, public relations should not be viewed as spin or propaganda but as a vehicle for truth. When communication is rooted in integrity, citizens are empowered to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable.
The Minister of Information, Alh Mohammed Idris Malagi, fnipr, his predecessor, Alh. Lai Mohammed, CON, fnipr, former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, CFR, CON; former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, fnipr; and the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr were among the participants at the two-day event hosted by the President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr.
Nigerians will assemble in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area on Friday, April 25 to pay homage to the memory of Bible translator, Deacon Stephen Ejueyitsi Aganbi,
‘’Late Pa Aganbi was a lawyer, a community leader and a lover of God. He was a highly reputed politician of the Second Republic in Nigeria and the Olare-Aja (community leader) of Koko’’.
The nonagenarian, gifted interpreter and scholar died on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
The 99-year-old legal luminary, politician par excellence and an astute intellectual was interred on Saturday, May 9, 2020 in his hometown.
“Deacon Aganbi was a man of character, courage and compassion. He advanced an agenda that elevated his people”
A statement by the family announced a competitive golf tournament in honour of Deacon Aganbi.
“On behalf of Canaanland and Country Club, we are pleased to extend a warm invitation to you for the upcoming Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic scheduled for April 25 to 27, 2025. The event commemorating his legacy and celebrating the vibrant culture of our community will feature an array of sports for non-golfers, including badminton, table tennis, darts and traditional games such as Ayo and Ludo. We will also host a Cocktail Night on Friday, April 25 and an award presentation party on Saturday evening to celebrate the spirit and values our father cherished”
The statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi said the late Bible translator’s life brought a greater dignity to the country.
‘’The golf tournament celebrates the life and legacy of Deacon S. E. Aganbi, the revered founder of Canaanland, who served his people with unwavering dedication until his passing. Through this event, we aim to honour his enduring values of leadership, integrity, love and cultural stewardship, reflecting the profound impact he made during his life time’’
The statement praised Aganbi for inspiring generations of lawyers, writers and clergymen.
Deacon Aganbi served as chairman for the Itsekiri Bible Translation Project, the team that completed the Old and New Testament translation in the Itsekiri language.
“Deacon Aganbi was committed to his family and lived a great life marked by service to his people.
The statement further praised Deacon Aganbi for putting his learning to the service of the Church, using the Bible to nourish the faith and life of believers as well as for serving as a spiritual guide to many.
“The title of Olare-Oja holds deep significance in Itsekiri tradition, bestowed upon the eldest man in the community. As a custodian of heritage and wisdom, the Olare-Aja guides progress while preserving the cultural identity of the Koko community within the historic Warri Kingdom. Deacon Aganbi embodied this role with grace, balancing forward -thinking vision with a steadfast commitment to tradition”
The statement emphasized Aganbi’s extraordinary moral leadership.
‘’Deacon Aganbi lived a noble life full of meaning and purpose. He inspired people through the power of his example.
The statement praised the accomplished translator for his well-known vision and linguistics competence in the languages of the Niger-Delta region.
He would be remembered as a modern and progressive community leader, a committed citizen.
“Deacon Stephen Aganbi was a quintessential Nigerian. Throughout his political years, he proved to be an honest and courageous administrator. He also added charisma to education and astuteness both of which he displayed at difficult times’’
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
Youths in Kogi Central on Friday pounced on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo.
‘’The comments made by Kingsley Fanwo are offensive, bigoted and disgusting’’
They also described Governor Ododo as ‘’a man who can’t stand on his own feet without crutches.
‘‘Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Yahaya Adoza Bello ought to know that in a contest at the grassroots level, they have not the ghost of a chance to win in Kogi Central’’
The youths in a statement in Okene advised Fanwo to tame his appetite for falsehood against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
‘’Kogi Central constituents represent a variety of viewpoints and temperaments. The home coming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shows how faithful the Kogi Central people are to the true spirit of democracy and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’’.
The statement issued by Kogi Central Youth Forum Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jato scolded Fanwo for penciling a chit to the public, insulting civilization and presenting a shrouded and remote figure at the peak of an unintelligent bureaucracy as a responsible person.
‘’Nothing is more important for a politician than to command the necessary abundance of understanding and loyalty on the part of the people’’
They described the Ododo government as a model of poor administration.
‘’Kingsley Fanwo’s comments on Akpoti-Uduaghan are distasteful and provocative. The APC leaders in Kogi State are officious people. They need to imbibe the values and ideals of civilization and democracy’’.
Specifically, the youths applauded the Kogi Central senator for her patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
‘’The senate president is not a person. It is an institution. Senator Godswill Akpabio should not jeopardize the institution’’
They denounced the absurd idea that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home coming was to create crisis in the state.
The youths added that the future of Nigeria, particularly Kogi State lay with politicians who realized that the people are more interested in government than politics.
‘’We urge the public not to pay attention to what the Commissioner for Information and Communication is saying’’
The statement stressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s simplicity, personal charm, courage and bubbling nature.
‘’Our task is to prevent those behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and recall from committing suicide’’
Business mogul, Chief Linus Obi, on Monday paid glowing tributes to President Bola Tinubu, who he described as “a man of integrity and principles”
Obi in a statement in Lagos expressed satisfaction with the level of transformation taking place in the country.
‘’President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for promoting good governance, strengthening Nigeria’s economy, improving fiscal capacity and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
The Igbo entrepreneur commended Tinubu for the investment in infrastructure, security, education and health in the country
‘’Even the blind can see the impressive achievements of President Bola Tinubu’’.
In the statement entitled 73 cheers to a pragmatic and purposeful leader, Obi applauded Tinubu for creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.
‘’President Bola Tinubu is working in the best interests of the country’’.
He lauded Mr. President for raising the bar of governance in Nigeria to enviable height, providing important political guidance on the development of the country and working selflessly for the prosperity of Nigeria.
The statement emphasized President Tinubu’s moral leadership, concern for the people, zeal for excellence and diversification of the economy.
‘’President Bola Tinubu is a true leader, bridge builder and stabilizer. He has shown excellence in governance’’
It also underscored Tinubu’s long trail of legacies in Lagos State, foreign exchange stability, oil and gas investment boom, electricity sector reforms, regional development and agriculture.
Ending the statement, Obi said ‘’Congratulations on this very important occasion, His Excellency, and may God bless you with good health, unlimited strength and long life’’