In a bid to deepen national consciousness and promote the use of key national symbols, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has presented 5,000 copies of the reintroduced national anthem, the Nigerian national flag, and a plaque highlighting the National Values Charter to the National Sports Commission.

The Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties and State Operations, Mr David Akoji, described sports as a powerful and unifying force capable of transcending barriers of tribe, religion, and political affiliation, stressing that the collective desire to win often brings people together under a common purpose.

He mentioned that the agency had received complaints and video clips showing athletes struggling to accurately sing the national anthem, prompting the Director General to approve the donation of anthem copies to the commission to enhance correct understanding and performance.

While presenting the plaque containing information on the National Values Charter, he explained that the charter serves as a vital social contract between the government and citizens, adding that it encompasses the Nigerian Promise, the Citizens’ Code, and key institutional policies designed to guide the behaviour and responsibilities of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasised the significant role of sports as a key driver of the country’s economy, highlighting that beyond fostering national unity, sports also create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

The Chairman, who described the gesture as timely and impactful, especially as the Nigerian Falcons prepare to face Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, also added that the materials would be distributed at the event to help strengthen national pride and ensure proper rendition of the anthem.

The NOA delegation, led by the Director of Special Duties and State Operations, Mr David Akoji, comprised other senior officials including the Director of Communication and Media, Mallam Bala Musa; Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education, Dr Olukemi Afolayan; Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, Mrs Blessings Oyem; Director of Legal Services, Mr Dogo Williams; and Director of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Mr Emeka Egbugara.

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has congratulated Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his official endorsement at the just-concluded National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described Prof. Yilwatda as a thoroughbred politician with the right blend of vibrancy, intellect, vision and character needed to steer the APC toward a new era of credibility, unity and purposeful leadership.”

According to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the newly elected party chairman brings with him a rich combination of academic excellence, bureaucratic expertise, and political maturity, which he believes will inject fresh energy into the APC’s leadership and help consolidate its position as Nigeria’s ruling party.

“Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda is vibrant and deeply rooted in progressive ideals. His emergence reflects the party’s readiness to adapt, reform and remain responsive to the yearnings of Nigerians. I am confident that under his leadership, the APC will gain renewed credibility and clear direction, especially as we consolidate on the gains of democracy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that Prof. Yilwatda’s emergence signals a shift towards a more inclusive and intellectually driven leadership and a future-focused APC capable of delivering on its mandate and sustaining its hold as the dominant political force in Nigeria.

He called on all stakeholders, party leaders and members across the country to rally around the new chairman to ensure stability, party discipline and continued electoral success.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated supportive aids and mobility devices to persons living with disabilities in Bayelsa State.

Speaking at an awareness programme organised for people with disabilities at the NDDC Bayelsa State office in Yenagoa, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged persons with disabilities to maintain a positive outlook and not feel inferior due to their disabilities.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director of the Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamiesiegha, acknowledged the importance of encouraging people living with different challenges.

He advised: “Life is a privilege, and you should be proud of yourself. NDDC is committed to inclusivity and the social welfare of all persons in the Niger Delta region. This is not the first time we have supported persons with disabilities, and it certainly will not be the last. We cherish and love you, and we urge you to persevere because where there is a will, there is a way.”

The NDDC boss promised that the Commission would continue to prioritise the welfare of persons with disabilities in its programmes.

he stated: “The NDDC Board and Management recognise your challenges, and we always plan for you.”

Technical Adviser on NDDC to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Nyenye Kuro Matthias, acknowledged the event’s impact, stating that it was the first time persons with disabilities had gathered in large numbers to benefit from such a well-structured initiative.

He remarked, “We deeply appreciate this gesture from NDDC. We assure you that the supportive aids will be used well. We urge the NDDC to consider PWDs in their youth and women’s training programmes and employment opportunities.”

Giving a mental health awareness talk, the lead facilitator, Dr Daniel Smile George, emphasised the need to recognise mental health as a form of disability, citing global statistics that indicate a high level of mental health challenges.

He stressed: “Raising awareness about mental health will encourage individuals to seek help early, thereby reducing mental health disorders within the society.”
The Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Bayelsa State, Mr. Ekpomokumor Mayor, thanked the NDDC for the donations and support to persons living with disabilities.

He said: “We thank the NDDC for its continued support to our members. We are grateful to the medical personnel and support staff for all their contributions to ensure the execution of this programme.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Dennis Stephen, expressed his gratitude after receiving a wheelchair. He said that he had struggled with mobility since his leg was deformed.

“Before today, moving around was a challenge. NDDC has given me a new opportunity to regain my mobility, and for that, I am grateful,” he said.

The NDDC distributed mobility aids, including wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames, mobility aids for the visually impaired, hearing aids and visual aids.

The Yoruba Youthsocio-political group, Igbimo Odo Yoruba Afenifere, has issued a strongly worded press release today condemning what it described as “unrelenting and malicious attacks” by Sahara Reporters publisher and perennial presidential aspirant, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, against the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police Muyiwa Adejobi.

In the statement released to the media in Lagos, and signed by Omooba Daisi Abejide the Secretary General, the group expressed grave concern over what it termed the “serial cyber stalking, blackmail and deliberate falsehoods” being deployed by Sowore in a targeted campaign against ACP Adejobi, who, they asserted, is merely carrying out his statutory duties as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the statement the group said, Sowore’s repeated attacks on ACP Adejobi are nothing more than an indirect plot to undermine and discredit the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, whom the group described as the real target of Sowore and his alleged political backers.

“We are fully aware that Mr. Sowore and his sponsors, who have long desired to remove the Inspector General of Police by all means necessary, have now turned their sights on ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, a professional and disciplined officer, simply for doing his job,” the group stated.

The group further asserted that as Yoruba people, they will no longer fold their arms and allow one of their own to be subjected to ridicule and unprovoked attacks in the name of political activism or media freedom.

“It is unacceptable that a fellow Yoruba son, who has served Nigeria with honour and integrity, is being continuously harassed and falsely accused. These baseless attacks by Mr. Sowore are not only irresponsible but amount to a calculated attempt to weaken the morale of the security architecture of this country,” the statement read.

Igbimo Odo Yoruba Afenifere issued a stern warning to Mr. Sowore, demanding an immediate cessation of all hostilities and defamation against ACP Adejobi, or face the full weight of legal consequences.

“Let it be known that we will take every necessary legal step to protect our sons from this malicious onslaught. Mr. Sowore must stop these shenanigans immediately or prepare to meet us in court. We shall no longer tolerate his antics, which are clearly aimed at undermining national security under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the group concluded.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, national unity, and the rule of law, but emphasized that it will not hesitate to mobilize lawful action to defend its members from what it described as “a campaign of cyber terror and political blackmail.”

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been encouraged to adopt digital tools to enhance their operations and drive sustainable growth. This call was made during the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the bank’s dedicated SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.

The event, which drew a large turnout of entrepreneurs and stakeholders, marked the official launch of Fidelity Bank’s initiative to equip 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems and business support tools—at no cost to the beneficiaries.

Welcoming guests, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, emphasised the bank’s commitment to SME development:

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”

Through the initiative, benefiting businesses will receive a fully installed POS desktop system, ERPRev business software, a receipt printer and barcode scanner, inventory data input support, financial and bookkeeping training, branding and onboarding support, six months of post-installation monitoring, and a free Fidelity POS with instant settlement.

The three-day program features high-impact trainings, masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed to spark innovation, build partnerships, and unlock new markets.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawune, CEO of Manmark-Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner, noted, “This digital transformation initiative is a game changer. It replaces manual bookkeeping with a unified system that simplifies accounting, inventory, HR, and profitability tracking. These tools are not handouts—they are instruments for long-term business success.”

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, SMEs make up 96% of all businesses in the country, employ over 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% to the national GDP. Despite their critical role in the economy, many still rely on manual processes that hinder efficiency and limit access to finance.

Fidelity Bank’s intervention is therefore both timely and strategic—providing SMEs with the digital tools and support they need to streamline operations, improve transparency, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognised as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.