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Otu Seeks Closer Ties with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon

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From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has called for closer diplomatic ties between Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

The Governor made the call when the Consuls General of both countries paid him a courtesy call in his office in Calabar, the state capital.

Speaking when he received the Consul General of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Iideonso Ondo Mchama, Governor Otu disclosed that plans are underway for the commencement of flight operations as well as marine transportation to the country.

His words; “We are happy to receive you on behalf of all Cross Riverians, I believe that your main aim is for us to build stronger ties with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Otu stressed on the need for an aviation and maritime transportation between both countries through Cross River state, the governor stated that “at the moment, there are a lot of gaps we should fill that would be mutually beneficial.

According to him, we are planning to get some international flight that would be flying direct from Calabar to Equatorial Guinea. I believe it will do our commerce a lot of good.

He said further, “Statistically, Nigerians are the highest number of immigrants in the Equatorial Guinea; and flying through Calabar to Equatorial Guinea is about 20-25 minutes, unlike other longer routes.

“The marine economy is also something that is majorly lacking. And what we need is a vessel that would convey cargo between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea directly. And there are lot of cargo movement between these two countries.”

Speaking earlier, the Equatorial Guinea envoy, Mr. Mchama, said the visit was to identify with the Cross State Government for its hospitality and how to strengthen the relationship between his country, Nigeria and Cross River in particular.

Otu also hosted His Excellency Patrice Onana Consul General of Cameroon for the South-South, South East and Benue State.

He noted that Nigeria and Cameroon have had long standing relationship and there was need to strengthen it in the face of security threats that has undermined trade and commerce between both countries.

He said the state was keen on boosting security especially along its maritime corridor, welcoming a meeting of the Nigeria/Cameroon Mixed Commission with his counterpart across the border.

The governor assured his guest that Nigeria will not harbour separatist elements in the country, but Cameroon must work hard on border control.

Delivering his message at the visit, the Consul-General, Patrice Onana, noted that Governor Otu’s leadership has been exemplary as the Calabar, the State Capital, was showing signs of progress, hinting of his desire to continue in the state.

He commended the Cross River State Government for hosting over 60, 000 Cameroonian refugees following crisis in two of its 10 provinces.

The Consul-General stressed that the visit is to maintain good collaboration with the State, assuring that the peaceable nature of Cross Riverians will not be abused.

The Envoy also maintained that the long maritime border between both countries require robust security collaboration to safeguard and boost trade and business.

NEWS

Menstrual Hygiene: Stakeholders Seek Affordable Sanitary Products for Girls

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A Non-Governmental Organisation, MAHCare Foundation, has called for increased awareness and support to address period poverty among women and girls in the country.

The President of the foundation, Maryam Musa, made the call during a “Walk for Her Dignity” awareness campaign in Kaduna on Saturday, organised to highlight challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary products.

Musa said the initiative was to educate the public on the dangers of period poverty and the health risks associated with the use of unhygienic menstrual materials.

She added that “period poverty is not something to be neglected, it is something to be tackled. Sanitary pads are so expensive that many women and girls now use unhygienic products that affect their health, education and daily activities.

She explained that the awareness campaign would continue beyond the walk, adding that the organisation planned to distribute sanitary products to vulnerable groups and communities.

She noted that the foundation was also promoting the use of reusable sanitary pads to support girls who could not afford disposable products.

“We educate them on how to properly manage reusable pads because not everybody can afford disposable ones. We are also trying to correct misconceptions that sanitary products are against religion or culture”, she said

She added that women and girls should understand that using sanitary pads was important for their health and hygiene.

Sahura Maidoki, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said the campaign was necessary to educate communities on menstrual hygiene and end the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Maidoki stressed the need to involve men in menstrual hygiene education, noting that “some parents failed to educate their daughters on proper menstrual care.

“We also have issues with some men because they do not educate their children on the importance of taking care of themselves during menstruation.”

She explained that sensitisation talks would help people to understand the importance of providing sanitary pads for their daughters and wives and ensure that menstruation was not seen as a barrier for the girl-child.

A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) advocate, Doris Zakama, who spoke at the event said many girls, especially those in rural communities, lacked access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate education on menstrual health.

Zakama urged the government to subsidise menstrual hygiene products, make them affordable for girls and women struggling with rising cost of living.

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One Year into OPay’s N1.2 billion 10-year Scholarship Initiative, What’s Next?

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Getting into a tertiary institution is only half the journey. Staying in school, paying fees on time, and having the right support system can be the bigger challenge. Over the past year,

OPay has stepped into that gap, not just as a fintech company, but as a partner in the ambition and aspirations of thousands of students.

Through its long-term scholarship initiative, OPay has committed N1.

2 billion over 10 years to support outstanding and indigent students across more than 20 partner tertiary institutions nationwide.
What began as tuition support has grown into something more profound, a structured investment in young people who have the capacity but need financial backing to stay focused on their studies.

In campuses from Ife to Zaria and Calabar, OPay scholarship beneficiaries have shared stories of relief and renewed confidence. For many, the scholarship meant their parents no longer had to borrow money for school fees. For others, it meant more time in the library and less time worrying about part-time work. In a country where education remains one of the strongest ladders to upward mobility, this kind of support goes beyond money; it restores dignity and hope.

But OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey is not stopping at the scholarship initiative.

Building on the strong foundation already laid, OPay is launching OPay Scholars, a bold expansion that moves from financial support to full career development. The 2026 edition will introduce OPay Futures and a National Innovation Challenge, where students can propose practical solutions to real-world problems. It will also feature a focused webinar session and a bootcamp led by industry experts, providing scholars with direct access to knowledge in technology, entrepreneurship, and career growth.

Most notably, the 2026 edition will create a structured career development pathway, culminating in a grand finale of OPay’s second annual Empowering Futures Conference.

This platform will not only celebrate academic excellence but also spotlight creativity, leadership, and innovation among Nigerian students.

At a time when many young Nigerians are asking, “What next after school?”, OPay is helping to answer that question. By combining financial aid with mentorship, exposure and opportunities for innovation, the company is positioning education as both a safety net and a springboard.

OPay’s impact over the past year proves one thing clearly: when businesses invest consistently in people, communities grow stronger. And in 2026, OPay Scholars is set to support ambitions and actively shape the future, one student, one idea, and one opportunity at a time.

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Benue Not Owing Workers’ Salary – Odey

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By Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Benue State government has debunked reports in some sections of the media including DAILY ASSET NEWSPAPER over alleged owing of Workers’ Salary.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Odey who refuted the media claims on Sunday in Makurdi said the state government was only carrying out workers verification exercise, which according to him, they will be paid accordingly after the conclusion of the exercise.

Odey, who said the state government remains committed to the welfare of workers, urged media organizations to always verify the sources of their information before going public.

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