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PANDEF hails Tinubu for lifting of Rivers emergency rule

The Pan Niger Delta Forum has hailed the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members on Thursday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the emergency rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the state, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added

20 Years Gap: Edo Lawmaker Gushes Over 2Baba on 50th birthday

Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, has poured glowing tributes on her husband, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, as the Afrobeats legend clocked 50 on Thursday.

In an Instagram post, Osawaru described the music star — who is 20 years older than her — as “the love of my life,” adding that waking up beside him daily was “one of the greatest gifts ever.”

“Happy birthday to the love of my life. You are 50!!!!! Oh wow!!!!!! You spaced me with 20 years and you look younger than I do…

“Innocent Ujah Idibia my husband… words cannot express the joy you’ve brought into my life. My joy is complete with you in it,” she wrote.

The lawmaker and the multi-award-winning singer tied the knot in a private traditional wedding in Benin City in April, barely months after 2Baba ended his long marriage with actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia.

The traditional rites, held at the residence of the Esama of Benin, drew close family and associates but were kept off-camera in a bid to preserve the ceremony’s privacy.

2Baba had earlier, in February, confirmed his relationship with Osawaru publicly, declaring: “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.”

Yahoo boys worsening visa restrictions for Nigerians – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

His statement was contained in a release issued by the commission on Tuesday.

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.

“Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

He urged young people in the South-South and across the country to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.

He was quoted as saying, “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”

Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to intensify sensitisation, enforcement and collaboration with communities to combat fraud and related crimes.

Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, warned that drug abuse remained one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.

The EFCC has recently intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country.

In August, operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, following days of surveillance.

Items recovered from the suspects included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for fraud-related offences.

They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court after pleading guilty to charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime.

Airline Operators Opposes NAMA push for Tariff Hike

The Director-General of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Farouk Umar, has declared that the current charge of N11,000 per flight imposed on airline operators is no longer sustainable, given prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of maintaining aviation infrastructure.

Umar made this known in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing stakeholders at a summit organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation. The event focused on the theme: “Emerging Trends in Global Aviation: Sustainability, Technology and Digital Transformation.”

Umar explained that the N11,000 fee, which has remained unchanged since 2008, is charged per flight rather than per passenger. He cited an example of a Lagos-to-Abuja flight where airlines pay only N11,000 to NAMA, regardless of the number of passengers carried.

“In 2008, NAMA was collecting N11,000 per flight. From then till now, airfares have risen significantly, with economy tickets now ranging between N150,000 and N200,000, yet we are still charging the same N11,000,” Umar said.

He stressed that the agency is a cost recovery organisation, not a charity, and must recoup the money invested in procuring and upgrading critical aviation infrastructure, including landing, surveillance, and communication systems.

NAMA has invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities to ensure safety in Nigerian airspace. These include upgraded Instrument Landing Systems, modern radar surveillance technologies, and enhanced communication systems that align Nigeria’s aviation sector with global safety standards.

Umar warned that the cost of procuring, installing, and maintaining these facilities has grown exponentially due to inflation, exchange rate pressures, and global supply chain disruptions.

“We keep modernising to ensure Nigeria is not left behind in global aviation development. Yet, the airlines are still paying us peanuts. The world needs to know, and the airlines need to face reality. We cannot continue this way,” he insisted.

Airlines resist

According to Umar, NAMA has made several attempts to engage airlines on the need for a fee review, but operators have resisted the idea. He argued that this resistance is unfair, especially as airlines frequently increase ticket fares to reflect rising operational costs.

“The airlines have not been fair to the agency. They respond to economic circumstances by raising ticket prices, but they do not want to understand that we also operate in the same economy. We go to the same markets to procure equipment. Safety is at stake if we cannot recover costs,” he said.

He emphasised that the agency’s charges are not designed for profit-making but strictly for cost recovery to ensure safe, reliable, and modern air navigation services.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Garba, stressed the importance of collaboration in developing a stronger aviation sector. Represented by his deputy, Festus Akingbaso, Garba described the summit as a critical step toward strengthening the sector’s foundation.

“Our goal is to develop actionable plans and reinforce priorities that enhance aviation safety, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance,” he said. Garba emphasised that parliament remains committed to supporting NAMA and other aviation agencies in addressing funding challenges, provided they can demonstrate transparency and efficiency in their operations.

Nigeria’s aviation sector faces a unique dilemma: airlines struggle with high operational costs, while regulators face shrinking budgets to maintain critical infrastructure. Unlike in many advanced economies, where airspace management agencies charge rates reflective of operational costs, Nigeria’s charges have remained stagnant for 16 years.

For instance, in countries such as the United States, Canada, and across Europe, en-route and terminal navigation charges are pegged to aircraft size, distance covered, and other operational parameters, ensuring that airspace management agencies recover the full cost of services.

By contrast, Nigeria’s flat N11,000 charge per flight severely undercuts the real cost of providing air navigation services. Aviation analysts argue that the disparity not only undermines NAMA’s sustainability but also poses risks to safety if the agency cannot reinvest in its systems.

Airline operators, however, argue that increasing regulatory charges could worsen their already fragile financial situation. With rising fuel costs, foreign exchange shortages, and multiple taxes across different tiers of government, many airlines claim they are operating on thin margins.

Operators fear that higher charges could translate into even higher ticket prices, further burdening Nigerian travelers who already pay some of the highest airfares in Africa. Industry stakeholders therefore call for a balanced approach—one that ensures NAMA recovers its costs without pushing airlines or passengers to breaking point.

Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 with Discounts, Flexible Payments, and December Rewards

Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

🎁 Promo Rewards by Category:
• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration
• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

Group calls on Security Agencies, International Community to include former AGF Malami on terrorism watch list

…Describes Malami’s allegations against Gov Nasir as a smokescreen to promote terrorists agenda in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Justice and Equity (CJE) has called on security agencies and the international community to include former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on their terorrism watchlist due to the potential dangers his actions pose to national stability.

The group labelled Malami’s recent allegations against Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, as a “smokescreen to promote a terrorist agenda” in Nigeria, labelling his claims as baseless, politically motivated, and a dangerous attempt to destabilise Kebbi State and undermine Nigeria’s national security.

Comrade Isaac Olayemi, Executive Director of the Coalition for Justice and Equity, emphasised that Malami’s petition represents “a brazen display of political opportunism” and “deeply mischievously fabricated with the intent to distract, destabilise, and delegitimise the progress Kebbi State has made under its current leadership.”

In a petition dated September 10, 2025, addressed to the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, and other security chiefs, Malami alleged that Governor Idris was covertly supporting the importation of foreign mercenaries, thugs, and clandestine arms networks into Kebbi State.

However, the coalition dismissed these claims as “mischievously fabricated” and a desperate bid by Malami to deflect attention from his own alleged involvement in similar activities, including reports of him facilitating banditry in the state just 48 hours prior.

Olayemi accused Malami of hypocrisy, pointing to his silence during his eight-year tenure as Attorney General (2015-2023) under President Muhammadu Buhari.

“During that era, bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs brutally attacked numerous towns in Kebbi and throughout Nigeria during that time. Yet, not once did Malami raise his voice in solidarity with the victims, issue letters of condolence, or used his immense power to persuade the federal government to take immediate action,” Olayemi said.

He described Malami’s sudden concern for Kebbi as “laughable and insulting,” accusing him of attempting to recast himself as a “messiah” after years of alleged negligence and corruption scandals, including “the brazen abuse of office we want to start from, the unexplained accumulation of wealth that is visible to the blind, the controversial handling of high-profile cases, or the brazen attempt to shield cronies from accountability.”

The coalition highlighted the suspicious timing of Malami’s petition, noting it came just 48 hours after reports surfaced accusing him of facilitating banditry in Kebbi.

“This is the oldest trick in the book: when caught in the act, cry louder than your accusers. This is a classic case of the guilty pointing outward to deflect attention from his own shadowy dealings—just like a hunter who is trying to pose as prey,” Olayemi stated.

The group questioned the credibility of Malami’s intelligence, asking, “Could it be that he knows so much because he is himself part of the orchestration?”

Olayemi praised Governor Idris for his proactive leadership in tackling insecurity, collaborating with security agencies, and supporting affected communities.

“Since the Governor assumption into office, he has demonstrated proactive leadership by working together with security agencies to tackle insecurities, support victims of attacks, and restore peace to troubled communities,” he said.

He called Malami’s claim that Idris has ties to terrorists “very laughable and unfounded,” arguing it is “an attempt to weaken the public’s confidence in legitimate institutions” and part of a broader conspiracy by “displaced politicians – people who have lost relevance, who the people have rejected, and who now seek to fan the embers of discord to regain political relevance.”

The coalition labelled Malami’s actions as unpatriotic and treasonable, warning that “Security is not a pawn on the chessboard of political ambition.

“The preservation of lives and property is the sacred duty of any responsible government. To politicize it, to exaggerate figures, to conjure phantom mercenaries, and to smear sitting leaders with unsubstantiated allegations, is not only unpatriotic but treasonable.”

They urged the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of DSS, and all relevant agencies to place Malami under strict watch, subjecting “his finance, movements, networks, and people he associates must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny.”

Group demands immediate proclamation of emergency rule to forestall continuous use of security votes by Governor Lawal to feed bandits

The Situation Room on Monitoring the War Against Banditry has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of complicity in the state’s spiralling banditry crisis.

The group alleged that Lawal is using state funds to carter for bandits in his state, emboldening criminals and betraying the trust of ordinary citizens.

The group’s fury was sparked by a viral video in which Governor Lawal admitted to knowing the precise locations of bandit leaders terrorising the state

Patriot Henry Abba, the group’s convener, at a press conference condemned this as a “shocking, heartbreaking, a betrayal of trust, a failure of leadership, and a dangerous signal to every Nigerian who still believes in the rule of law.”

He labelled Lawal’s words a “confession of complicity,” arguing that his failure to share this intelligence with security agencies has left Zamfara a “graveyard” synonymous with death, destruction, and broken dreams.

Abba described Zamfara’s suffering in vivid terms, with communities ravaged by abductions, killings, and displacement.

Despite receiving “₦600 million monthly in security votes,” Lawal’s claim of powerlessness was deemed “irresponsible on many levels” and a move that “demoralises our soldiers” and “insults the memory of those who have died defending our country.”

The group rejected efforts by Lawal’s loyalists to frame his remarks as a cry for help, with Abba asserting, “This is not a cry for help. It is a confession of complicity.

“It is an admission that he knows where the killers live, yet chooses to remain passive while his people bleed.”

Abba questioned why Lawal has not provided evidence of sharing these “known locations with the necessary or relevant security agencies that in turn, failed to act on the shared intelligence.”

The group further accused Lawal of allowing local government chairmen to operate from Gusau, alleging that “allocations meant for developing the grassroots through the local governments somewhat found their way into private pockets.”

Some suspect the governor’s video was a political stunt, with Abba noting a “fringe postulation” that Lawal’s “video theatrics were politics taken too far” to “demonise the government at the center” and mask his administration’s failure to govern Zamfara’s ungoverned spaces.

He called this a “confirmation that what we have in Zamfara state is a leadership that has lost its moral compass and raison d’être.”

The Situation Room urged President Tinubu to halt Zamfara’s federal allocations pending a “full investigation” into Lawal’s handling of security funds and intelligence.

They demanded a joint probe by the EFCC, DSS, and the National Security Adviser to determine “whether public funds have been misused or diverted,” alongside a National Assembly hearing to hold the governor accountable.

The group also pressed for “protection for whistleblowers and victims who may have been silenced or ignored” and urged “strong consideration of the declaration of a state of emergency in Zamfara State” if Lawal is found to have enabled criminal networks.

Sahara Weekly Publisher, Femi Oyewale, Launches New Book, ‘Brand-New Beginnings’, on Selar and Amazon

Publisher of Sahara weekly Magazine and Sahara online, Femi Oyewale has released a powerful new book, “Brand-New Beginnings: Finding God in the Midst of Endings,” now available on Selar and Amazon.

The book speaks directly to anyone who has faced sudden loss, heartbreak, or the silence of unanswered prayers. With compassion and authenticity, Oyewale weaves together real-life–inspired stories, biblical truths, and reflective lessons that remind readers that endings are not final—they are God’s way of preparing the stage for something greater.

Structured in five uplifting chapters—When the Curtains Close, The Silence Between Seasons, Rising from the Rubble, The Birth of the New, and Living with Expectation—the book takes readers on a journey from pain to purpose. Each chapter includes reflection questions and key takeaways designed to help readers not only process their struggles but also embrace hope.

“Life has a way of surprising us with sudden endings—jobs end, relationships fracture, dreams collapse,” Oyewale explains. “But what feels like the end is often God’s way of setting the stage for a brand-new beginning.”

Oyewale’s writing offers encouragement to the “weary heart and silent sufferer,” blending personal insights with timeless biblical examples. From Joseph’s pit to Job’s ashes and Ruth’s loss, the stories in the book point to one truth: every ending can become a doorway to a new beginning when God is involved.

This inspiring release comes at a crucial time, as many are navigating uncertainty and searching for renewed faith. Whether in seasons of silence, rubble, or transition, Oyewale’s words equip readers to trust God’s process and step into fresh hope.

Brand-New Beginnings: Finding God in the Midst of Endings is available now on Selar and Amazon.

For anyone standing at the edge of an ending, Oyewale’s message is clear: Your story isn’t over. The best is yet to come.

NiDCC Sets Stage for Lagos Grand Launch After High-Level Washington Conference

by Patricia McDougall

The Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC) has concluded a pivotal conference at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., setting a clear course for its highly anticipated Lagos Grand Project Launch scheduled for December 15–16, 2025.

Hosted by Ambassador Samson Itegboje, the event drew diplomats, business leaders, diaspora professionals, and development partners under the theme “From D.C. to Lagos: Shaping the Future of Business.”

NiDCC President and CEO, Patience Ndidi Ofure Key, declared the Chamber as “a bridge between emerging and advanced markets, between vision and execution, and between our diaspora and Africa’s enterprise.” She stressed that NiDCC is not just about Nigeria but about Africa’s broader participation in global trade.

The Chamber previewed five flagship initiatives, including a Diaspora Capital & Guarantees Facility to de-risk African SMEs, an AfCFTA Export Readiness Accelerator, a Women-in-Procurement Cohort, the Youth365 Talent Pipeline, and a Digital Trade Corridor.

Keynotes emphasized shifting from aid to trade, investment-led growth, and industrialization across Africa. Delegates agreed the Lagos event would serve as a watershed moment for diaspora-led economic transformation.

Wema Bank Concludes ₦150 Billion Rights Issue with CBN & SEC Approval, Surpasses Regulatory Capital Requirement

Wema Bank Plc (“the Bank”) announces the successful completion of its ₦150 billion Rights Issue, which opened on April 14th,2025, and closed on May 21st,2025. The exercise has received formal approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This Rights Issue was undertaken in response to the CBN’s directive on the recapitalization of banks in Nigeria. With the successful completion and regulatory approval, Wema Bank has now met the
₦200 billion minimum capital requirement applicable to commercial banks with national authorization.

In addition to the Rights Issue, Wema Bank also recently concluded a ₦50 billion Private Placement, which is now awaiting regulatory reviews. This additional capital raises the Bank’s total capital base above the regulatory threshold, further strengthening its buffer, enhancing its shock-absorption capacity, and positioning the Bank for sustained growth.

Commenting on the Bank’s success in meeting the regulatory threshold ahead of the 24-month timeline, Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, reaffirmed the Bank’s promise of delivering the best value as it continues its growth journey. According to Oseni, “As a growth-driven Bank, the industry recapitalization requirement came as a welcome mission, and we undertook it with full confidence. Our success in surpassing the ₦200 billion benchmark ahead of the 2026 deadline not only reinforces our strong financial standing as a bank but also attests to the mutual trust and confidence that exists between Wema Bank and its shareholders. We do not take this trust for granted and we take this moment to firmly reiterate our commitment to continue delivering optimum value to every shareholder and stakeholder of Wema Bank.”

The conclusion of these capital-raising initiatives reinforces the Bank’s prudential position and provides a solid foundation for long-term stability. It also reflects the continued confidence of stakeholders in Wema Bank’s governance, financial performance, and strategic direction.

Wema Bank remains committed to full regulatory compliance and prudent risk management. With its strengthened capital base, the Bank is well positioned to support customers, contribute to the stability of the Nigerian financial system, and deliver sustainable value to its stakeholders.

For more information, please reach out to investor.relations@wemabank.com or visit www.wemabank.com.