Bayelsa State Government, on behalf of the people of the state, mourns the passing of an illustrious son, retired Navy Captain Walter Feghabo.
According to a press release on Tuesday. October 21, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the late naval officer died on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the age of 67 years. He would have been 68 on December 10.
Feghabo, who was a head chief in Nembe Kingdom and bore the title “Amain,” was the pioneer Military Administrator of Ebonyi State when it was created in 1996 alongside Bayelsa State. He was re-assigned to Delta State in 1998 till the country’s return to democratic rule in May 1999.
Governor Douye Diri, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the demise of Feghabo was a great loss to the state, the people of Nembe, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria in general.
Senator Diri described him as a disciplined officer and a great patriot, who left at a time his services were still required by the state and the country.
He said Feghabo, as a military officer, had indelible marks in public service and left very exemplary footprints wherever he served.
The governor extended the condolences of the state to the Feghabo family and the Nembe kingdom, and urged them to take solace and be comforted by his distinguished military career and unblemished national service.
He also prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the family and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been honoured with the London Political Summit and Awards, LPSA, Nigeria Regional Government Development Champion of the Year 2025.
The award ceremony, which took place at the UK House of Commons in London, was bestowed on Ogbuku for his outstanding contributions to regional development, innovation, and governance in the Niger Delta region.
Presenting the certificate during a special Parliamentary Session hosted by Hon. Oliver Ryan MP, for Burnley and chaired by Prof. Kishan Devani BEM, Ogbuku was applauded for his outstanding contributions to regional development, innovation, and governance in the Niger Delta region, particularly his leadership in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth initiatives across Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.
Ogbuku, represented by Dr Chris Ekam and Dr Willie Etim, thanked the leadership of the London Political Summit for choosing him and NDDC for the prestigious Nigeria Regional Development Agency of the Year 2025 award.
He said that such recognition from an international organisation based in London means people within and outside Nigeria see the changes the NDDC has brought to the region.
The NDDC boss said the recognition would spur the Commission’s Board and Management to do more. He assured that the intervention agency would redouble its efforts to ensure the completion of legacy projects that would foster regional development while not forgetting human capital development.
Speaking at the occasion, the founder and convener of the London Political Summit and Awards, Mazi Godson Azu, observed that the summit had evolved into one of the most respected international platforms for dialogue on governance, leadership, diplomacy, and democratic peace across Africa, the Commonwealth, and the global political community.
He stated: “The summit was born from a vision to promote dialogue, peace, and democratic partnership between Africa, the Commonwealth, and the global community.”
He said the event was an annual global forum that unites political leaders, academics, business innovators, and development partners to engage in constructive discussions on governance, democracy, and sustainable development.
Other notable honourees included Former Kenyan Vice President Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, and Mayor Paul Bristow.
….. meets with leadership of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA)
The Police Service Commission today, Tuesday October 21, 2025 met with the leadership of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) led by its Director General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde.
According to a press release signed by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani The team was in the Commission to explore a workable joint implementation of an AI-enabled digital complaint response and case management system for the protection of Employers rights and promotion of ethical policing in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni who received the visitors in the company of Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police welcomed the desire of NECA to assist the Commission produce quality Police Officers who will be properly equipped to shape the future of Nigeria security architecture.
DIG Argungu told his visitors that the Commission will cooperate and work together with them to achieve a lot in digital complaint response and case management system for the protection of ethical policing in Nigeria. “Your ideas will help us grow positive policing and we are happy you are here to assist us.”
The Director General of the Association, Mr. Oyerinde said they were in the Commission to forge a Strategic partnership that will assist the Commission achieve the desired goal in ethical policing in Nigeria. “NECA is the voice of the private sector, we want to assist the Commission in handling the treatment of complaints to ensure integrity and reduce the incidence of extortion and corruption in the system, we are the voice of business, we represent the interest of the Nigerian private sector and we collaborate with strategic Government Agencies. We collaborate with Government Agencies and champion the interest of corporate and critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Mr. Oyerinde promised that the Association will train the Commission staff free of charge in its Academy in Abuja.
….. System part of efforts to streamline operations, remove bottlenecks and curb drug scourge, says Marwa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless and more accessible and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
According to a press release on Tuesday 21st October 2025, signed by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) on Tuesday 21st October 2025 in Abuja where the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) declared that the symbolic launch signifies “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”
Marwa who was represented by the Agency’s Secretary Shadrach Haruna said in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, with focus on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.
“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterised by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues.
“With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks. The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.
“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home and choose any preferred location and book a date convenient and available for both applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office.
“With the E-Certification and Verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations and at the headquarters.
The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions, and others is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatize any student or anyone, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.”
Speaking further on the essence of the platform, the NDLEA boss explained that “the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels. This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen: a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.
“All applicants need to do is logon to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account and apply from anywhere and book appointment at any available centre for either Drug Integrity Test or Visa Clearance, while the system generates drug test certificates on the spot as the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or maximum a week in peculiar circumstances.”
He said the Agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test founded on a principle of prevention, rather than punishment, adding that it is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.
According to him, “This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals—including parents and prospective couples—to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for Demand Reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign—proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.
“This initiative is a proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging the power of technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse. It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before.”
He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new change and utilize the new platform fully because its success is a shared responsibility.
As the world recently marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Nigeria stands tall among nations making steady progress in building resilience to disasters—thanks in large part to the visionary leadership of the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar. Since assuming office, Mrs. Umar has ushered in a new era of professionalism, innovation, and collaboration in Nigeria’s emergency management system, transforming NEMA into a more proactive, efficient, and people-centered agency.
Driving Disaster Risk Reduction through Innovation and Collaboration
Under Mrs. Umar’s leadership, NEMA has moved beyond the traditional focus on post-disaster relief to embrace a holistic approach centered on disaster risk reduction. This shift aligns with the global agenda of building resilience rather than merely responding to crises. Through nationwide sensitization campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and partnerships with local and international agencies, NEMA has strengthened community preparedness and improved early warning systems.
The Agency’s observance of the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction—held under the theme “Building Resilience, Not Disasters”—exemplified this commitment. The event, graced by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, underscored the government’s support for NEMA’s renewed focus on resilience-building, community empowerment, and the integration of climate risk reduction in national development planning.
Prioritizing Staff Welfare and Capacity Development
Recognizing that an effective emergency management system begins with motivated personnel, Mrs. Umar has made staff welfare a cornerstone of her administration. Improved working conditions, prompt promotion exercises, and enhanced health and insurance packages have boosted morale across NEMA offices nationwide.
Equally significant is her investment in capacity building—both for NEMA staff and for critical stakeholders across the emergency management ecosystem. Regular training programs, technical workshops, and simulation exercises are equipping responders with modern skills in disaster preparedness, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian coordination. This sustained human capital development is ensuring that NEMA maintains a professional workforce capable of responding efficiently to evolving disaster dynamics.
Zubaida Umar
Modernizing Infrastructure and Equipment
Mrs. Umar’s tenure has seen a significant upgrade of the Agency’s infrastructure, Search and Rescue (SAR) assets, and communication equipment. From revitalized operations offices to the acquisition of advanced response vehicles, drones, and digital communication tools, NEMA is now better positioned to deliver timely and coordinated responses to emergencies across the country.
These improvements have strengthened inter-agency synergy and reduced response time during crises—solidifying NEMA’s reputation as a technologically responsive and dependable national institution.
Strengthening Partnerships and Institutional Synergy
In an unprecedented move to streamline Nigeria’s emergency management framework, Mrs. Umar convened the first-ever National Forum for State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs). The groundbreaking forum brought together emergency managers from all 36 states and the FCT to harmonize strategies, share best practices, and forge a united front for disaster risk governance in Nigeria.
Through her leadership, NEMA has also provided increased support to SEMAs in logistics, training, and operational coordination—ensuring a more unified and efficient national response mechanism.
Recognition and Awards
Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s transformative leadership has not gone unnoticed. She has been widely recognized for her contribution to public service excellence, women’s leadership, and the advancement of disaster management in Africa. Her administration’s achievements have earned NEMA several national and international commendations for innovation in emergency response, risk reduction, and humanitarian coordination.
A Legacy of Vision and Impact
Mrs. Umar’s tenure has redefined what effective emergency management looks like in Nigeria. By emphasizing resilience over relief, people over process, and collaboration over competition, she has positioned NEMA as a model institution in Africa’s disaster management landscape.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, conflict, and humanitarian crises, Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope—demonstrating that with vision, dedication, and reform-driven action, Nigeria can indeed build a safer, more resilient future for all.
Abdulkadir Ibrahim writes from the NEMA press Unit
The protest held in Abuja on October 20, 2025, in the name of demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, left behind more confusion, injuries, and damage than any meaningful outcome.
What was intended to be a show of solidarity for the detained IPOB leader turned out to be a day of chaos for the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
As the protesters gathered at various unauthourized locations, security operatives moved in to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes that disrupted public movement, stranded commuters, and forced businesses to close prematurely.
Tear gas filled the air, and in the stampede that followed, many innocent residents were injured while running for safety. Even journalists covering the event were not spared; the camera of an AFP correspondent was reportedly damaged in the commotion.
This raises a fundamental question: what did the protest truly achieve? Did it bring Nnamdi Kanu closer to freedom, or did it simply make life unbearable for ordinary citizens trying to go about their day?
The reality is that the matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is already before the judiciary, the only constitutionally empowered arm of government to determine his fate. The courts must be allowed to dispense justice fairly and without interference, not under the pressure of street demonstrations that too often turn violent.
It is time to accept that protests, especially those that disrupt public peace and order, do more harm than good.
History has shown that emotional outbursts and street agitations rarely produce lasting results. Dialogue, legal advocacy, and respect for the rule of law remain the most effective paths toward achieving justice.
Those who truly believe in Nnamdi Kanu’s cause should focus their energy on supporting his legal team, not organising protests that inconvenience thousands and tarnish the image of the capital city. Abuja residents deserve peace and safety, not tear gas, roadblocks, and fear.
In the end, the October 20 protest did not advance the cause of freedom; it only deepened the wounds of division and frustration. If we truly seek justice, we must trust the courts to do their job and choose peace over chaos.
…. CP Giwa Vows To Sustain Onslaught Against Criminals
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has reiterated his firm resolve to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminal elements across the State, particularly those involved in violent crimes.
This assurance follows the arrest of one Chinweuba Edeh, aged 42, for allegedly robbing a Point of Sale (POS) operator of ₦70,000.00 on October 17, 2025, at about 6:40 a.m.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police operatives attached to the Nkanu West (Agbani) Division swiftly responded to a distress call from a female victim who reported being robbed at gunpoint at Oriemba Akpugo Market, Nkanu West Local Government Area. The prompt response led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of a locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with two live cartridges.
The suspect is currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
While commending the officers for their professionalism and quick response, CP Giwa urged residents of the State to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to continue providing useful information that will assist the Police in the fight against crime.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious persons or criminal activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08032003702, 08086671202, or the Command-and-Control Centre numbers: 112, 09134666668, and 09134448093
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old armed robbery suspect, Chinecherem Ugwuagu, who attempted to evade arrest by disguising himself in a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform.
According to a press release on Monday, October 20, 2025, signed by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspect was intercepted on October 11, 2025, by officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway. Items recovered from him include a locally fabricated gun-like object made from a body lotion container wrapped in cloth, a stolen *Carter* motorcycle, clothes, an ATM card, and other exhibits.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Ugwuagu had earlier that day, around 8:00 a.m., broken into the home of a victim at 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area. He reportedly threatened the victim with the imitation firearm and carted away the recovered items. He then dressed in the NYSC uniform to disguise himself and avoid police checks while fleeing the scene but was apprehended by vigilant operatives on patrol.
The suspect will be charged in court upon completion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response, which led to the arrest and recovery. He reiterated the Command’s determination to clamp down on criminal elements and maintain peace and safety across the state.
He also urged residents to remain law-abiding and to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police to aid crime prevention efforts.
The Integrity Youth Alliance has strongly condemned the false and misleading statements made by the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr. Omoyele Sowore, accusing Nigerian security operatives of launching an unprovoked attack and shooting live bullets at the #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters in Abuja.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, on Monday, the group described Sowore’s claims as a deliberate attempt to incite the public against the nation’s security institutions and distort the truth about the incident.
According to Lamido, contrary to Sowore’s fabricated report that security forces opened fire at protesters shortly after the protest began in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, there was no single casualty or evidence of live ammunition being used during the demonstration.
“The truth is that law enforcement agencies acted within their constitutional mandate to maintain order and prevent a breakdown of law and order. The use of tear gas to disperse unruly crowds is a standard crowd-control measure globally and is still permitted for domestic riot control,” Lamido stated.
The group also debunked the false narrative being circulated by Sahara Reporters, alleging that a combined team of soldiers and police officers fired tear gas at a crowd near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Utako. Lamido clarified that there was no official report or confirmation from the NUJ to support such a claim, describing it as another example of Sahara Reporters’ pattern of misinformation.
The Integrity Youth Alliance further reminded the public that in August 2025, the Federal High Court dismissed Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission, thereby paving the way for him to continue facing terrorism-related charges.
On the issue of Kanu’s health, Lamido noted that the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) had confirmed that the detained IPOB leader’s illness was not life-threatening, and therefore, the call for his immediate release on medical grounds lacks merit.
“We call on Mr Sowore to allow the Federal High Court to perform its constitutional duties without undue interference or attempts to whip up public sentiments,” the statement added.
“Nigeria’s judiciary remains independent, and no amount of blackmail or falsehood will derail the ongoing judicial process.”
The Integrity Youth Alliance reaffirmed its confidence in the professionalism of the Nigerian security agencies and urged citizens to ignore politically motivated narratives designed to destabilise national peace and order.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has strongly condemned the arrest and assault of Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist Mr John Okunyomih by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the incident as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.”
Okunyomih was reportedly manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen deployed to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. His professional camera and other work tools were also destroyed while covering the protest near the Unity Fountain.
The NUJ FCT Council called for a full investigation into the incident and urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, to identify and sanction the officers responsible for the assault.
“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duty is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement read.
The Union further demanded the immediate replacement of Okunyomih’s damaged camera and equipment, stressing that such action would deter future attacks on journalists.
While acknowledging the journalist’s release, the NUJ emphasised that the police must exercise civility when dealing with media professionals performing their statutory duties.
“We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to call his officers to order and ensure that journalists are treated with the respect their work deserves,” the statement concluded.
