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Archibong Urges Constructive Engagement with Gov. Eno’s Administration

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Archibong Urges Constructive Engagement with Gov. Eno’s Administration

A strategic communications expert, Ini Archibong, has called on stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to adopt constructive dialogue and responsible engagement in their assessment of the administration of Governor Umo Bassey Eno.

Archibong, who is the Strategy Director of Chastest Consult, made the call while speaking with journalists in Abuja after a consultative meeting, urging supporters, critics, and members of the opposition to engage the state government with facts, civility, and a shared commitment to development.

According to him, while the governor deserves recognition for ongoing development efforts, governance in the state would benefit more from informed criticism than from uncritical praise.

“Akwa Ibom belongs to all of us, it is not the exclusive property of any one individual, party, or administration,” Archibong said. “Every stakeholder, whether within the APC, the opposition, civil society, or the diaspora, has a right and a responsibility to speak up. What we must insist upon is that those conversations are grounded in facts, driven by genuine concern for our people, and delivered with the civility our state deserves.”

He also cautioned against what he described as politically motivated attacks on the government, noting that there is a clear difference between constructive and destructive opposition.

“There is a difference between a constructive opposition and a destructive one,” he said. “No governor knows it all. Governor Eno himself would benefit from a robust and engaged opposition that challenges him with ideas, holds him accountable with evidence, and offers alternatives where necessary.”

Archibong commended the administration’s development efforts, citing investments in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and transportation across the state.

Among projects he referenced were the Ibom Model Farms initiative, shoreline protection works, construction of a new jetty in Oron, warehouses and cold rooms to support fishing communities, and upgrades at the Akwa Ibom International Airport ahead of the commencement of international flights in April 2026.

He also highlighted ongoing road construction programmes, the development of the ARISE Palm Resort, and the recently commissioned Senior Citizens Centre, inaugurated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

“These are not just projects; they are foundations,” Archibong said. “My support for this administration is rooted in the desire to see these foundations translate into a state capable of competing globally and attracting foreign direct investment.”

Despite expressing support for the administration’s direction, Archibong stressed that his backing remains guided by objective assessment.

“I am not here to be a cheerleader. I am here as a stakeholder who wants results,” he said. “Where the governor gets it right, I will say so loudly. Where there is room for improvement, I will also say so through the right channels and with the right intent.”

Archibong also commended the appointment of Raymond Abia as Senior Special Adviser to the governor on Inter-Governmental Affairs, describing the decision as well considered.

According to him, Abia’s experience in both the public and private sectors, particularly in the oil and gas industry, as well as his international networks, make him well suited for the role.

The remarks followed a recent meeting of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative’s Federal Capital Territory chapter, which swore in advisory and sub-committee members with a mandate to mobilise for the All Progressives Congress National Congress and support the return of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Eno.

IGP Disu Appoints CSP Aliyu Giwa as Force New Media Officer

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blacktalker
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IGP Disu Appoints CSP Aliyu Giwa as Force New Media Officer

The Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Aliyu Giwa, a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, as the new Force New Media Officer.

The appointment takes immediate effect and forms part of efforts by the police leadership to strengthen the Force’s communication architecture and enhance its digital engagement with the public.

In his new role, CSP Giwa will oversee the management and coordination of the Nigeria Police Force’s presence across various digital and social media platforms.

He is expected to ensure the timely dissemination of information, promote transparency and help strengthen public trust in the police.

The appointment comes amid ongoing reforms within the Force aimed at improving strategic communication and leveraging digital technology to enhance public relations and policing operations.

CSP Giwa will also work closely with the office of the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, to deepen engagement with citizens, counter misinformation and promote accurate reporting of police activities nationwide.

POWA President Prioritises Empowerment of Police Families, Widows, Girls

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blacktalker
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POWA President Prioritises Empowerment of Police Families, Widows, Girls

The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA, Olufunmilola Disu, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to empowering police families, widows and young girls through targeted welfare and development programmes.

Disu, who is the wife of the Nigeria Police Force Inspector-General, said the association will intensify initiatives focused on skills acquisition, education support and community outreach aimed at improving the livelihoods of women and children within the police community.

Speaking on the association’s priorities, she said empowering women connected to police families is critical to building stronger households and more resilient communities.

According to her, POWA’s skills acquisition programmes are designed to equip women with vocational and entrepreneurial abilities that enable them to establish sustainable sources of income and support their families.

“These programmes are not just about learning a trade; they are about restoring confidence, dignity and independence, especially for widows and women who must take on greater responsibilities within their families,” she said.

Disu also emphasised the association’s commitment to promoting girls’ education, describing access to quality education as a key tool for breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.

She said POWA is supporting girls within the police community through scholarships, learning materials and other forms of assistance to help them pursue their academic ambitions.

“Education is one of the most powerful investments any society can make. When we support a girl’s education, we are strengthening the future of families, communities and the nation,” she added.

Beyond economic and educational empowerment, the POWA president noted that the association would continue to expand its community outreach initiatives to support vulnerable families and enhance welfare within the police community.

According to her, such programmes include welfare support, health and well-being initiatives and community-based interventions aimed at fostering solidarity among police families.

She stressed that strong family support systems play a vital role in boosting the morale and effectiveness of officers serving the nation.

Disu reaffirmed that POWA remains committed to ensuring that every police wife, widow and girl within its network has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive.

“Our goal is to build a community where no woman feels forgotten and no girl is denied the opportunity to fulfil her potential,” she said.

Lagos CP Charges Screening Team on Integrity in Police Constable Recruitment

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blacktalker
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Lagos CP Charges Screening Team on Integrity in Police Constable Recruitment

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, has urged officials overseeing the ongoing police recruitment exercise to maintain integrity, fairness and transparency in the screening process.

Jimoh gave the charge on Monday while receiving the team responsible for the credentials and physical screening of successful applicants from the state at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja.

The team, comprising officers from the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Police Service Commission (PSC), is supervising the screening exercise for the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 police constables nationwide.

Addressing the officials, the police commissioner stressed the need for strict adherence to the guidelines and standards governing the recruitment process to preserve the credibility of both the police and the PSC.

The screening team assured the commissioner of its commitment to due process, noting that only qualified and suitable applicants would be selected.

The police delegation is led by Adebisi Balogun, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, while the PSC team is headed by Eleyinmi Akinola, Chief Administrative Officer.

Officials from the Federal Character Commission and the Police Community Relations Committee are also participating in the exercise to ensure transparency and fairness.

The command reiterated that the screening exercise is completely free of charge and warned applicants and members of the public to beware of fraudsters who may attempt to solicit money or promise to influence the process.

Applicants were advised to adhere strictly to their scheduled screening dates and present all required documents, including their invitation slip, credential screening form, National Identity Number printout, O’Level certificate, birth certificate or declaration of age, and certificate of origin.

The command also directed applicants to log in to the official recruitment portal to check their status and print the necessary documents required for the screening exercise.

Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Sokoto Forest Operation

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blacktalker
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Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Sokoto Forest Operation

Troops of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, working with the 8 Division Strike Team under the Joint Task Force North West’s Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised suspected terrorists during a major security operation in Kadam Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Military authorities said the operation targeted a terrorist network believed to be affiliated with the Lakurawa group operating in the area.

According to the statement, troops launched the mission after receiving credible intelligence that more than 100 terrorists had gathered deep inside Kadam Forest to coordinate attacks and kidnappings in nearby communities.

The intelligence report also indicated that the group planned to transport kidnapped victims to their strongholds within the forest.

Troops mobilised quickly to intercept the group and established contact with the terrorists at about 12:00 p.m., triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the confrontation, the terrorists reportedly attempted a rear-flanking manoeuvre, but the troops responded with what officials described as superior firepower, maintaining tactical control throughout the engagement.

Following the clash, troops conducted exploitation operations within the forest, confirming the neutralisation of three terrorists, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and equipment, including one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three magazines, two communication radios, three motorcycles and a mobile phone.

Military authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to confirm additional casualties among the fleeing terrorists and recover more weapons.

They added that troop morale remains high, with fighting efficiency described as strong, as security forces continue aggressive patrols and offensive operations across the area to prevent the regrouping of fleeing terrorist elements.

CSOs Petition PSC to Probe Lagos CP Over Alleged Assault on Activist Soweto

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blacktalker
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CSOs Petition PSC to Probe Lagos CP Over Alleged Assault on Activist Soweto

A coalition of civil society organisations has petitioned the Police Service Commission, PSC to investigate the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Jimoh Moshood, over allegations of abduction, torture and unlawful detention of activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto during a protest in January.

The petition, dated March 9, 2026, was signed by 15 organisations, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Justice and Empowerment Initiatives (JEI), Take It Back Movement (TIB), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and the Joint Action Front (JAF).

Addressed to the chairman of the PSC, the coalition alleged that Moshood ordered police officers to disperse protesters with tear gas and later supervised the arrest and assault of Soweto during a demonstration held on January 28.

According to the petitioners, the protest drew more than 5,000 participants from communities including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki and Ajegunle, who were demanding an end to forced evictions and demolitions in parts of the state.

The groups claimed that despite reports that the protest was peaceful, police officers fired tear gas at the crowd near the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, injuring at least two protesters and a passer-by.

One of the injured protesters, identified as Kafayat Muftaudeen, was reportedly hospitalised for seven days at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after being struck by a tear-gas canister, the petition stated.

The organisations further alleged that Soweto was arrested at the protest venue and dragged into the Assembly complex, where he was blindfolded, handcuffed and beaten by several officers.

A medical report dated January 29, 2026, from Cityview Hospital reportedly confirmed that the activist sustained multiple injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma, including bruises, abrasions and a hematoma near the mouth.

According to the petition, repeated kicks to Soweto’s back aggravated a previous lumbar condition, leaving him with severe pain when walking, bending, sitting or standing. The activist has since been undergoing weekly physiotherapy sessions involving cryotherapy, TENS therapy and lumbar stabilisation exercises at a Lagos health facility.

The coalition also alleged that while Soweto was detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, he was denied access to his lawyer and family members. Officers allegedly told him they were acting on the orders of the Lagos police commissioner.

The groups further claimed that the confrontation occurred after the activist challenged Moshood during the protest over alleged police involvement in enforcing demolitions and evictions on behalf of land developers.

They also raised concerns about reports of police participation in violent eviction operations in communities such as Makoko, Oworonshoki and Owode Onirin, where residents allegedly suffered injuries and deaths during demolition enforcement exercises.

The petitioners urged the PSC to institute an independent investigation into the incident and invite Moshood and other officers involved to respond to the allegations. They also asked the commission to suspend any consideration of the commissioner’s promotion pending the outcome of the probe.

Moshood is reportedly among senior officers currently being considered for elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

According to the civil society groups, promoting an officer facing such allegations without a transparent investigation could undermine public confidence in the police disciplinary system.

“The Police Service Commission, as the constitutional body responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, has a duty to uphold accountability and professionalism within the Force,” the petition stated.

However, in an earlier interview in January, Moshood denied the allegations, insisting that police officers acted professionally during the protest.

“I don’t have any reason whatsoever to brutalise Taiwo Hassan and Dele Frank. As he has said that I, as Commissioner of Police, supervised his being beaten during the protest, it’s not correct. That is not true. I was not part of even when he was arrested,” he said.

Other signatories to the petition include the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTiON), Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM), the EndBadGovernance Movement, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), Activista Nigeria, Voice of the Masses and Support for Credible Leadership (VMSCL), the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON), United Campaign Against Anti-people Policies (UCAPP) and the Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM).

Middle East Tensions Should Spur Nigeria, Africa to Rethink Oil Dependency — Martins

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blacktalker
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Middle East Tensions Should Spur Nigeria, Africa to Rethink Oil Dependency — Martins

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria and other African countries to urgently rethink their heavy dependence on fossil fuels.

In an analysis of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Olamide Martins who is Associate Director, Extractives and Environment at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA warned that disruptions in global oil supply could significantly affect vulnerable, oil-dependent economies across Africa.

Martins said the crisis has already triggered a surge in oil prices and exposed the fragility of global energy systems.

He pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow corridor through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, warning that any prolonged disruption could push global crude prices above $100 per barrel.

According to him, such volatility could have severe consequences for African economies, particularly oil-importing nations like Kenya, Ghana and Uganda, which may face rising transportation and production costs, as well as increased food inflation.

While oil-exporting countries may benefit temporarily from higher prices, Martins said their reliance on fossil fuel revenues leaves them equally exposed to external shocks.

“The reliance on fossil fuels for Africa as the main source of energy and revenue leaves the continent at the mercy of geopolitical crises beyond its borders,” he noted.

Martins argued that the situation underscores the urgent need for Africa to accelerate its transition to renewable energy sources.

He highlighted the continent’s vast renewable energy potential, from solar resources across the Sahel region to wind along coastal areas and hydroelectric capacity in the Congo Basin, saying these resources could significantly reduce dependence on imported fuels.

He also called for stronger commitment to initiatives such as the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), which aims to expand clean energy access across the continent.

Beyond energy security, Martins said investments in renewable infrastructure could stimulate economic diversification through emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and other clean technologies, creating jobs and strengthening local industries.

For Nigeria, he said recent global disruptions, from the COVID-19 pandemic to current geopolitical conflicts should prompt a reassessment of development priorities and fiscal strategies tied to oil revenues.

According to him, the country must develop long-term financing frameworks that reduce exposure to global oil price fluctuations and redirect investments toward sustainable economic sectors.

Martins concluded that Africa’s vulnerability to global oil shocks is not inevitable but rather a policy choice, urging leaders across the continent to prioritise sustainable industrialisation and clean energy as the pathway to long-term resilience and economic independence.

Ogun Police Order Investigation into Kemta Incident, Reaffirm Inter-Agency Cooperation

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blacktalker
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Ogun Police Debunk Banditry Reports, Confirm Security Stability Across State

The Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into an incident involving officers from Kemta Police Station at the Government Technical area of Abeokuta.

In a statement, the Command said the matter has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID for a thorough probe to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the Command, the investigation will be conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, stressing that security agencies in the state maintain strong working relationships.

The police said the joint review is aimed at ensuring due process is followed and that appropriate sanctions are applied where necessary to prevent a recurrence.

The Command also reassured residents that all security agencies operating in the state continue to work together in the interest of public safety.

It reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the maintenance of law and order across the state.

Nigeria Customs, PEBEC Partner to Accelerate Port Digitalisation

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blacktalker
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Nigeria Customs, PEBEC Partner to Accelerate Port Digitalisation

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to building a fully paperless port environment as part of efforts to improve trade efficiency and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Adeniyi made this known while receiving the Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, Zahrah Audu, during a strategic meeting at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions to accelerate digital reforms in Nigeria’s port system and improve the ease of doing business.

According to the CGC, the Customs Service has institutionalised regular consultations with key stakeholders, including the American Business Council and other trade associations, to identify operational challenges and receive direct feedback from businesses operating within the port ecosystem.

He disclosed that the Service recently conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, using Tin Can Island Port in Lagos as a case study.

The study involved shipping companies, terminal operators, the Nigerian Ports Authority, licensed customs agents and financial institutions, with findings published in a report launched on January 26, 2026.

“We deliberately involved every segment of the port community so that the findings would reflect the real operational environment. The report has already provided valuable insights guiding our ongoing reforms,” Adeniyi said.

He noted that while some issues raised by stakeholders have been addressed, others would continue to shape future reforms within the Service.

On the proposed 24-hour port operations, the Customs boss said success depends on the full participation of all actors in the logistics chain, including banks, shipping companies and terminal operators.

Adeniyi also revealed that most core Customs processes, such as pre-arrival documentation, cargo declaration, duty payment and release communication, have already been digitised, adding that remaining delays are largely linked to operators still relying on physical documentation.

He added that the Service is investing in scanning technology and ICT infrastructure to strengthen risk-based cargo management and reduce reliance on physical cargo examination.

Earlier, PEBEC Director-General Zahrah Audu said the Council is implementing a 90-day Business Environment Enhancement Programme aimed at addressing operational challenges identified in its Business Facilitation Compliance Report released in November 2025.

According to her, the initiative seeks to improve efficiency across business-facing government agencies through stronger inter-agency collaboration.

As part of the programme, PEBEC conducted a three-day operational assessment at Lagos ports in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority to observe cargo-handling processes and consult stakeholders across the port value chain.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said vessel arrival schedules already provide adequate data for operational planning, adding that smarter personnel deployment based on such schedules is key to effective 24-hour port operations.

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade further highlighted several trade facilitation tools introduced by the Service, including the Authorised Economic Operator programme, Advance Ruling system and the One-Stop-Shop initiative, all designed to speed up cargo clearance and improve trade efficiency in Nigeria.

NPA Celebrates Women in Maritime on International Women’s Day

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blacktalker
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NPA Celebrates Women in Maritime on International Women’s Day

The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA has celebrated women across the maritime sector as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, highlighting their growing contributions to port operations and industry development.

In a statement commemorating the occasion, the Authority acknowledged the resilience, dedication and impact of women working in various areas of maritime operations, including firefighting, security, marine piloting, engineering, hydrography, administrative services and other maritime-support roles such as aids to navigation.

The Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, emphasised that the Authority has deliberately prioritised gender inclusion in leadership and operational roles within the organisation.

According to him, women currently occupy about 60 per cent of positions among his aides and Technical Assistants, while men account for the remaining 40 per cent.

“This intentional step underscores NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and success across the maritime industry,” he said.

The Authority commended the women of the NPA and others across the maritime sector for their efforts in breaking barriers and contributing to the growth and efficiency of Nigeria’s port system.

NPA added that the celebration reflects its broader commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting women to thrive in roles traditionally dominated by men within the maritime industry.

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