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Fubara Revokes N134bn Secretariat Contract, Orders CCECC to Refund N20bn

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Fubara Revokes N134bn Secretariat Contract, Orders CCECC to Refund N20bn

The Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has revoked the ₦134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the State Secretariat Complex.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, said the decision was taken during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Fubara at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the council directed the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee earlier paid to the contractor.

The council also approved the revalidation of the bidding process for four major projects, including the renovation of the State Secretariat Complex, and the construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in riverine communities across Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the original contracts were awarded “in a hasty manner” without due process.

He explained that the government would now begin a fresh bidding process, to be advertised in national newspapers, for qualified contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.

Ezekiel-Hart listed the projects to include:

  • Construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
  • Construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA.
  • Construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA.
  • Renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, announced that the council also approved the constitution of a committee to develop a proposal for the creation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that beginning in 2026, all examinations conducted by WAEC and NECO will be computer-based.

The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, as well as Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Works, Information and Communications, and the Commissioner for Energy.

Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu said the initiative aims to equip Rivers youths with digital skills and improve the quality of education across the state.

On employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed ongoing efforts to create jobs for young people in Rivers State.

He said the ministry had been directed to develop a framework for job creation and economic empowerment, adding that Governor Fubara’s administration remains committed to expanding opportunities for the youth.

“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment,” Dr. Gbali said. “We know our Governor—when he makes a promise, he ensures it is fulfilled.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, revealed that the council discussed the recent flash floods affecting parts of the state and ordered immediate remedial action to address the situation.

He cautioned residents against indiscriminate disposal of waste into drainage channels and building on waterways, warning that such practices worsen flooding across the state.

Yamal Set To Return As Barcelona Begin Clasico Countdown

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Yamal Set To Return As Barcelona Begin Clasico Countdown

Injury-hit Barcelona are set to welcome back teenage forward Lamine Yamal ahead of their La Liga clash against Girona on Saturday, offering a timely boost as they prepare for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.

Yamal, who missed the 4-1 defeat to Sevilla and Spain’s World Cup qualifiers due to a recurring groin injury, returned to full training this week and is expected to feature in the local derby. Fermin Lopez has also resumed training, while Raphinha is nearing a return.

Barcelona suffered their first loss of the season before the international break, with head coach Hansi Flick describing the performance as the team’s worst under his management. The defeat came amid a growing injury list that includes Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Marc-André ter Stegen.

“It’s one match and we lost it, and we have to keep going on,” Flick said, urging his players to stay focused and avoid a repeat of last season’s mid-season collapse.

The Catalans, currently two points behind leaders Real Madrid, face a packed schedule — meeting Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday before hosting their arch-rivals at the Olympic Stadium on October 26.

Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who recently extended his contract until 2029, expressed optimism about returning to the renovated Camp Nou, which remains closed due to construction delays.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will visit Getafe on Sunday, hoping Kylian Mbappe recovers from an ankle injury, while Atletico Madrid and Villarreal continue their push near the top of the table.

Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In As Madagascar’s President

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Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In As Madagascar’s President

Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new President of Madagascar, just days after a military takeover that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

Randrianirina, who led the CAPSAT army unit that mutinied and joined anti-government protesters over the weekend, took the presidential oath on Friday at a ceremony held at the nation’s top court in Antananarivo.

“Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With a people in full fervor, driven by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland, we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation,” Randrianirina declared during the ceremony.

The swearing-in event, presided over by the head of the Constitutional Court, was attended by senior military officers, political leaders, youth representatives from the Gen Z protest movement, and foreign delegations from the United States, European Union, Russia, and France.

Randrianirina expressed gratitude to the youth who led the protests that ousted the former administration, pledging to work collaboratively with all national stakeholders.

“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution and to agree on new electoral laws for the organisation of elections and referendums,” he said.

He further vowed to usher in a new era of governance in Madagascar.
“We are committed to breaking with the past. Our main mission is to thoroughly reform the country’s administrative, socio-economic, and political systems of governance,” Randrianirina stated.

Troops Arrest Wounded Bandits, Destroy Camps In Kogi

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Troops Arrest Wounded Bandits, Destroy Camps In Kogi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, have arrested two injured bandits and their doctors during a coordinated operation in Aherin-Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), confirmed the development on Thursday, noting that the operation followed credible intelligence on the whereabouts of the suspects.

“We received intel that two bandits were receiving treatment in a settlement in the Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu LGA. We swiftly deployed security personnel and arrested the two wounded bandits. We also arrested fake doctors treating them; anyone perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals will be dealt with, regardless of their status,” Omodara said.

He explained that the suspects had sustained gunshot wounds from a previous encounter with security operatives in the area.

According to him, the combined security forces, acting on the directive of the state governor, destroyed the bandits’ camps, including a makeshift clinic, farmlands, and other structures used to aid their criminal activities.

Omodara commended the synergy between the various security agencies, hunters, and vigilantes, stressing that Kogi State would continue to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure lasting peace and security.

Kenya Bids Farewell To Raila Odinga At State Funeral

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Kenya Bids Farewell To Raila Odinga At State Funeral

Kenya on Friday held a state funeral for the late opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, in an emotional ceremony attended by national and regional dignitaries at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.

Odinga, aged 80, passed away on Wednesday in southern India following a suspected heart attack. His death has triggered a wave of grief across the nation, with thousands of Kenyans paying tribute to his decades-long struggle for democracy and good governance.

Fondly referred to as “Baba” (father), Odinga was widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. Though he never succeeded in five presidential bids, he served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and played a pivotal role in returning Kenya to multi-party democracy in the 1990s. He is also credited with driving the enactment of the country’s 2010 Constitution, which remains a landmark achievement in Kenya’s political history.

President William Ruto led the tributes during the ceremony, which also had in attendance Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and several other African leaders.

The event followed Thursday’s tragic scenes at Kasarani Stadium, where security forces reportedly opened fire on crowds that had gathered to receive Odinga’s body, killing at least three people.

Following the state funeral, the late leader’s body will be taken to his ancestral home in western Kenya, where thousands are expected to gather for a final public viewing on Saturday. A private burial will take place on Sunday.

Odinga’s passing leaves a significant void in Kenya’s political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

BDIC Leads National Push for TVET Apprenticeship Reform

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BDIC Leads National Push for TVET Apprenticeship Reform

The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) has taken a leading role in Nigeria’s efforts to reform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) apprenticeship systems, aiming to bridge the country’s skills gap and promote sustainable economic growth.

At the ongoing Multi-Stakeholder National Public Dialogue in Abuja, BDIC engaged key players including the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, German Development Agency (GIZ), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to help modernize apprenticeship frameworks to meet digital economy demands.

Represented by his Chief of Staff and Special Adviser, Owoicho Igoji, BDIC’s Managing Director and CEO, Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, emphasized the urgent need to integrate digital skills training into traditional apprenticeships to tackle youth unemployment and skill mismatches. “Nigeria’s future lies in equipping its youth with digital and technical skills that can drive innovation, create jobs, and attract global investment,” he stated through his representative.

Nigeria’s apprenticeship system faces long-standing challenges such as informal training structures, lack of standardized curricula, and insufficient funding, which hinder youth access to quality, industry-relevant training.

Reform efforts seek to harmonize apprenticeship training with emerging sectors like ICT and renewable energy, positioning TVET as a key driver of socio-economic development.

BDIC is playing a pivotal role in this transformation by collaborating with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to develop specialized training modules and innovation labs.

These initiatives equip apprentices with the technical skills necessary for emerging industries while advocating for standardized certification and sustainable program funding.

This leadership follows BDIC’s recent recognition at the 2025 Bureau of Public Sector Reform (BPSR) and GovTech Awards, where it won Best State ICT Agency and its CEO, Gbande-Hembaor Terwase, received the Trailblazer Award for visionary digital governance.

These accolades affirm BDIC’s growing influence in national policy and its success in driving digital infrastructure development.

Gbande-Hembaor Terwase stresses that integrating ICT tools and digital skills into apprenticeships is essential for sustainable job creation and Nigeria’s global competitiveness. BDIC is building a resilient digital backbone to support TVET program delivery, assessment, and certification nationwide.

Industry experts and development partners commend BDIC’s approach as a model for leveraging technology to align workforce development with the realities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. BDIC’s efforts are seen as a strategic pivot toward inclusive economic empowerment that can transform Nigeria’s apprenticeship landscape, improve youth employment outcomes, and enhance productivity for national growth.

Senate Screens Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Nominee

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Senate Screens Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Nominee

The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Tinubu had earlier transmitted a formal letter to the Senate seeking the confirmation of Amupitan, a professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State. The letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, stated that the nomination complied with constitutional provisions requiring Senate approval for such appointments.

Last week, the President presented Amupitan’s name as his preferred candidate to fill the vacancy created by the exit of former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.

The Council of State had earlier given unanimous approval to the nomination, with President Tinubu describing Amupitan—an indigene of Kogi State—as an “apolitical figure and a man of integrity.”

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State also endorsed the nominee, commending his reputation for transparency and competence.

Amupitan, aged 58, is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the role of INEC Chairman.

Nigeria Has No Reason To Be Poor, Says Tinubu

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Nigeria Has No Reason To Be Poor, Says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is too richly endowed with natural resources to remain poor, calling for a renewed commitment to harnessing the country’s vast solid mineral wealth.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, Tinubu—represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume—stressed that the nation’s mineral deposits and human capital must translate into prosperity.

“Nigeria has no reason to be poor, given our abundant resources and talented people,” he said. “Our challenge is to harness these potentials to bring prosperity to all. Let us turn our minerals into miracles of development. ‘Minerals to Miracles’ must be our rallying cry.”

The President assured stakeholders of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring safety and security across mining areas, adding that the administration is working to create a conducive environment for investors, workers, and host communities.

Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent, noting that Africa holds about 30 percent of the world’s known mineral reserves and significant deposits of critical minerals essential to the global economy.

“When our mining sector thrives, it signals that value-added resource development is Africa’s way forward,” he said. “We must harness this wealth responsibly to ensure that more value remains within our economies, creating jobs and industrial clusters.”

Earlier, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) urged policymakers to strengthen the regulatory framework of the solid minerals sector. Chris Ochonu, NEITI’s Deputy Director of Communications and Stakeholders Management, highlighted the need to end multiple taxation and policy overlaps discouraging investors.

NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, described the mining sector as being at a “defining moment,” undergoing reforms to reposition it as a cornerstone of economic diversification and energy transition.

Citing the 2023 Solid Minerals Industry Report, Orji noted that the sector’s contribution to GDP remains below 1 percent, despite revenues increasing from ₦339.57 billion in 2022 to ₦401.87 billion in 2023.

He explained that artisanal and small-scale miners account for over 80 percent of total production volumes, yet contribute less than 30 percent of royalties, underscoring deep governance and structural gaps that require urgent reform.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, presented a progress report on ongoing reforms aimed at transforming the sector into a key driver of economic growth.

On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Orji addressed a special mining forum organised by the Kaduna Mining Development Company, where he stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in boosting investor confidence and sustainable development at the sub-national level.

Court Overturns Ban on Political Gatherings in Kaduna, Orders Police to Pay ₦15m Damages to ADC, SDP

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Court Overturns Ban on Political Gatherings in Kaduna, Orders Police to Pay ₦15m Damages to ADC, SDP

The Kaduna State High Court has overturned the police ban on political gatherings in the state and awarded ₦15 million in damages to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for what it described as an “abuse of court process” and “violation of fundamental rights.”

Delivering judgment, Justice Murtala Zubairu declared that the blanket prohibition of political meetings by the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, was unconstitutional, amounting to “selective enforcement and abuse of process.”

The judge also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the Commissioner, his officers, agents, and privies from interfering with the lawful political activities of the opposition parties — including meetings, rallies, and assemblies — without due process of law.

Justice Zubairu faulted the police for disrupting the ADC meeting held on August 30, 2025, which was attended by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other party leaders. The event was reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs, leading to injuries and property damage.

He ruled that the police had acted outside their statutory powers and violated the opposition’s constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The applicant’s actions demonstrate a clear pattern of potential abuse of power, warranting perpetual restraint by the court,” Justice Zubairu said. “The unconstitutionality of the applicant’s conduct justifies the grant of the declarations sought.”

The court awarded ₦5 million each for the arbitrary suspension of the September meeting, the public mischaracterisation of the parties as violent, the unlawful ex-parte injunction obtained by the police, and the failure to investigate the August 30 violence.

Justice Zubairu also set aside the ex-parte order granted on September 4, ruling that it was issued “without merit and in breach of procedure.”

Furthermore, the court directed the police to investigate the violence that occurred during the ADC meeting and submit a report to the Kaduna State Attorney-General within 60 days for necessary action.

Court Sentences Three to Jail for Currency Counterfeiting in Ilorin

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Court Sentences Three to Jail for Currency Counterfeiting in Ilorin

The Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has convicted and sentenced three men to various jail terms for being in possession of counterfeit naira notes.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro, who presided over the case, found the trio — Olaitan Dina, a 46-year-old aluminium fabricator from Maraba in Ilorin; Opeyemi Jeremiah, a bakery worker from Oke-Ero Local Government Area; and Adebayo Abiola from Osi, Ekiti State — guilty of currency counterfeiting.

In her judgment, Justice Awogboro ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing currency counterfeiting as a serious crime against the law and society.

Dina was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, while Jeremiah and Abiola were each handed 15 months imprisonment, with all sentences to run concurrently without an option of fine.

The court also ordered that all counterfeit naira notes recovered from the convicts be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Travellers Must Declare Cash Above $10,000 At Airports, NFIU Warns

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Travellers Must Declare Cash Above $10,000 At Airports, NFIU Warns

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has reiterated that all air travellers carrying cash exceeding $10,000 must declare it at international airports during check-in.

The directive follows a series of joint intelligence operations that uncovered suspicious cash movements, including one case involving over $6 million at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The clarification came through a statement by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announcing its partnership with the NFIU and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts.

Speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop in Lagos, Maryesther Eworitse, Deputy General Manager, Currency Operations Department, MMIA, said the NFIU had installed currency declaration kiosks at international terminals to facilitate compliance and enhance public awareness.

“Travellers are reminded that the declaration of cash above $10,000 is mandatory,”
— Eworitse stated.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Zone A, Mohammed Babandede, representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating illicit financial activities.

He said the initiative underscores the Customs Service’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders against money laundering and terrorism financing, adding that officers from airports and land borders were deliberately selected for the training to improve vigilance and enforcement.

Similarly, Shehu Muhammad, Head of Investigations, EFCC Lagos Zonal Office, emphasised that effective synergy among security agencies was vital to dismantling sophisticated financial crime networks.

“The Customs Service leads the currency declaration process, while the EFCC handles investigations and prosecutions. Strengthening inter-agency cooperation will make enforcement more effective,”
— Muhammad noted.

The workshop, jointly organised by the NFIU and NCS, focused on improving institutional coordination, compliance with financial regulations, and Nigeria’s capacity to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other cross-border financial crimes.

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