NEWS
Otti Insists on Compulsory Igbo Language in Schools

From Chidi Precious, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has charged the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Abia State chapter to take proactive steps in propagating and preserving Igbo culture.
Otti, who gave this charge when the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia, emphasized the importance of promoting the Igbo language in schools across the state.
He noted that this was why his administration had made the Igbo language a compulsory subject in both Basic and Secondary schools, even as he warned that a community without a firm grasp of its cultural identity risks extinction.
He expressed concern that many Igbo youths have deviated from the core values of hard work and integrity, choosing to indulge in fraudulent activities in pursuit of quick wealth, and stressed the need for a well-defined roadmap to guide the organization’s objectives.
The Governor, represented by the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba encouraged Ohanaeze to establish strong youth wings in schools to foster cultural awareness and leadership development among young Igbos just as he urged the organization to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations, ensuring that Igbo heritage remains a guiding principle for future generations.
In their contributions, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning, Eric Egwuibe, and his Trade and Investment counterpart, Chief Nwaka Innem, expressed confidence in Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Abia chapter’s ability to live up to expectations.
They reiterated the importance of accountability and strategic planning in the organization’s operations, emphasizing that government support would be contingent upon transparency and effectiveness.
Earlier in his address, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Abia State Chapter, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, commended Governor Otti for his remarkable developmental strides and commitment to the advancement of Abia State.
He applauded the governor’s decision to make the Igbo language compulsory in schools, stating that it aligns with Ohanaeze’s mission to promote Igbo culture and heritage.
Dr. Okwuonu further outlined the organization’s plans to mobilize town unions and traditional institutions across local government areas to strengthen Igbo unity and cultural preservation.
He emphasized the importance of securing government support to drive their initiatives effectively and reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to working closely with the state government to achieve these goals, just as he appealed to the government for assistance in acquiring and furnishing a permanent secretariat, as well as providing an official vehicle for the group.
In her vote of thanks, the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Woman Leader, Deaconess Ijeoma Clara Okere, appreciated the governor for the warm reception and pledged the group’s support for his administration in building the “New Abia” that everyone envisions.
NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.