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University Don Tasks Buhari on Corruption
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
A Professor of International Study and Diplomacy in the University of Benin, Prof. Eddy Eragbe, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to compromise on his anti corruption fight, adding that if he fails, it will be the greatest tragedy to befall this country.
This is even as he said that corruption provides basis for recolonization.
Eragbe spoke Thursday in Benin, Edo State, while delivering the Keynote address at an event organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for the formation of Vanguard against corruption, to mark the World anti corruption day.
“Corruption has become a cankerworm in Nigeria today. But I can see some improvement in the activities of the ICPC and the EfCC.
“I want to advise President Muhammadu Buhari not to compromise his fight against corruption. It will be the greatest tragedy to befall this country, if he should compromise,” Eragbe said.
He described corruption as a product of moral, mental and spiritual poverty that hampers emotional and intellectual development.
“Corruption has eroded the ability of the government to provide social amenities like water, light and good roads.
“When corruption is in place, good governance is compromised. It tarnishes the international image of the country.
“Our students and youths are getting digital in crime and this is disturbing. We cannot continue like this in this country,” Eragbe said.
He noted that the two organs of government saddled with the investigation of corrupt cases, the ICPC and the EfCC, are too weak and are manipulative to the executive arms of the government.
“If these bodies are independent, that they are not answerable to anyone, [they will perform better],” he said.
The University Don alleged that monies recovered from looters have sometimes been re-looted by those who’s custody they were.
He noted that it is sad that the government of Switzerland had to reach an agreement with the Federal Government to have knowledge of and supervise the projects the over $300 million Abacha loot will be used for, before it will be released.
“It is now global knowledge that recovered looted money are re-looted by government officials. So, the world no longer trusts us again,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Oghara, Prof. Austin Anigala, lauded the initiative by ICPC.
Anigala called on students to key into the anti corruption drive of the ICPC
In his remark, the Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said it was fit and timely to bring students into the consciousness of the drive to get rid of corruption in Edo state and our country Nigeria.
Obaseki who was represented by a Special Assistant, Dr. (Mrs.) Doris Ayanka-Imalele, disclosed that his administration has already established a blueprint for eradication of all manner of corruption in the State.
“This programme is a strategic step to assist the state in making the students become partners in the government’s drive to wipe out corruption in all segments of the population in the State
“I believe that this initiative of ICPC will go a long way in creating the much needed awareness of all, especially students, to join in the crusade of eradication of corruption,” Obaseki said.
In his Goodwill message, the Executive Director of Independent Communications Network, publishers of TheNEWS/P.M. NEWS, Mr. Kunle Ajibade, gave assurances of support of the organization to the anti corruption drive of ICPC.
Ajibade who was represented by the Edo/Delta States correspondent, Jethro Ibileke, noted that TheNEWS and its sister paper, P.M. NEWS were founded on integrity.
“Today, corruption has found its way into the family, religion, educational institutions, and the government. If the youths are leaders of tomorrow, then, it is very important that they take the front seat in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, the State Commissioner of ICPC, Mr. Olukile Olusesan, said the program is significantly targeted at students of tertiary institutions.
“We are here today to ginger a student-led network against corruption. We are here to kick-start a social transformation mechanism that will produce useful, responsible, responsive and productive adults.
“Corruption is evil. The effects are evident everywhere in the country. There is urgent need for a determinate action. There is need for every Nigerian to be actively involved in the fight against corruption.
“We should all remember that our destiny is in our hands. If we do not jointly kill corruption, corruption has a murderous capacity to kill Nigeria,” Olukile said.
News
Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares
President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”
Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.
Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”
According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.
While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.
“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”
Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”
He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.
Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”
“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.
The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”
He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.
Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.
During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.
“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.
In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”
The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”
He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.
“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”
Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.
“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.
News
Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere
By: Fabian Apechihin
In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.
The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.
Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:
“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”
She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.
Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:
“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”
She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.
Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.
News
Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra
By Fabian Apechihin
A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.
However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:
“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”
He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.
“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.
Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”
He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.
“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.
Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.
“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.
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