NEWS
C’River Steps Up War against Illegal Mining with Statewide Sensitization Campaign

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
In a determined move to bolster security consciousness and curb the growing threat of illegal mining by foreign elements, the Cross River State Government, through its Anti-Illegal Mining Committee/Taskforce in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, has embarked on a five-day sensitization tour across 10 Local Government Areas of the state.
Chairman of the Anti-Illegal Mining Committee/Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong, described the situation as dire, warning that “Cross River State is sitting on a time bomb if the activities of illegal miners are not urgently curtailed. ”He underscored the immense natural and mineral wealth of the state, stressing that when properly harnessed; it could drive sustainable development and boost the state’s economy. “Illegal mining is not only destroying our environment, but also threatening public health and security,” Effiong stated.“Our farmlands and forests are being ravaged. Toxic chemicals are seeping into our water sources, raising the risk of cholera, cancer, and other diseases. We must act now.”He also cautioned communities to be vigilant against bribery and manipulation by illegal miners. “They come bearing cash, gifts, and false promises, but their intention is to divide and exploit,” he said.Effiong further raised security concerns about the unchecked movement of foreign nationals into forested areas. “With the rising insecurity in the country, we must be cautious about who we allow access to our communities. Many of these foreigners arrive in numbers without registration or profiling—it’s a ticking security threat.”In Boki Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman, Hon Beatrice Etta Nyiam, emphasized the urgency of the sensitization initiative. “The alarming influx of unidentified individuals engaging in unauthorized mining in our hinterlands is deeply concerning,” she said.“I call on our traditional rulers and youths to work with the anti-illegal mining team. This is not just about minerals; it’s about protecting our heritage and the future of our children.”Federal Mines Officer, Ayelabola Bumi, noted that Cross River is blessed with vast mineral deposits, but warned against misuse. “God has blessed this land abundantly. Let us guard His gifts jealously so that He will not regret bestowing them upon us,” he said.“Illegal miners extract what they want with no regard for the environment or host communities. The devastation they leave behind is ours to deal with.”Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (rtd), acknowledged that Cross River has a longstanding reputation for peace and hospitality but warned that the influx of unidentifiable strangers poses a clear risk.“Cross River remains committed to being a safe haven, but we must tighten our security systems,” he stated. “Most of these people come at night, and their identities remain unknown. There must be proper documentation and profiling of every visitor entering our communities.”He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of its citizens: “Security is our shared responsibility. It is paramount and non-negotiable.”Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Otuekong Francis Edet, appealed to community leaders to take a principled stance. “Mining is a legitimate economic activity, but not when it’s done illegally or at gunpoint,” he warned.“Our traditional institutions must avoid sharp practices. Don’t mortgage the future of your communities for temporary gains. If mineral resources are exploited legally, the Corporate Social Responsibility of companies will ease the burden on the government and improve our living standards.”Edet also encouraged community members to report suspicious activities without hesitation. “Timely information can save lives and protect our environment.”In his closing remarks, His Royal Majesty Otu Fredaline Akandu lauded Governor Bassey Otu for establishing the Anti-Illegal Mining Committee and pledged full support from the traditional institution.“We will stand side by side with the government to protect our land, our people, and our future,” he declared.The sensitization campaign aimed to create synergy among the three tiers of government, share vital knowledge, and develop sustainable strategies for effective resource management. It also sought to enhance environmental preservation, strengthen community vigilance, and foster long-term security and development in Cross River State.NEWS
Kairos Hof Unveils ‘Stroom Solar Systems’ to Power Nigerian Homes

By David Torough, Abuja
In a major leap towards eradicating energy poverty and boosting clean energy access for households, Kairos Hof Energy has launched Stroom Solar Systems, a solar solution aimed at delivering affordable and reliable power to Nigerians through an innovative credit-based structure.
The unveiling ceremony in Abuja brought together stakeholders from the finance, energy, and creative industries, including partners CREDITCORP, Fidelity Bank, entertainment icon D’banj, and popular Nigerian comedian Samuel Animashaun Perry, known professionally as Broda Shaggi.
Delivering the keynote address, CEO of Kairos Hof Energy, Mr. Ojehomon Anetor, described the initiative as a transformative step in providing equitable access to energy.
“This is not just a press event—it is the unveiling of a solution that brings clean energy directly to homes. With Stroom, our mission is simple: let credit meet Nigerians at their point of need. You don’t need to save for years to enjoy reliable power,” Anetor stated.
He emphasized that Stroom Solar Systems will be deployed through a tripartite partnership: Creditcorp provides capital through its CALM Fund (Credit Access for Light and Mobility), Fidelity Bank manages credit administration, and Kairos Hof Energy supplies and services the solar systems.
Anetor commended the simplicity and transparency of the structure, adding, “Our goal is to build trust between the consumer, the provider, and the financier. This partnership is the future of clean energy access in Nigeria.”
He added that with Stroom Solar Systems, Kairos Hof Energy and its partners—accessible through their digital credit platform at credit.kairoshof.com—are not just powering homes—they are powering the future.
The CEO of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, underscored the company’s mandate to ensure that credit is not just a promise, but a lived experience for Nigerians—especially in critical areas like energy.
“Access to solar power is central to our work at CREDITCORP. Our CALM Fund exists to eliminate the frustration of ObNepa and empower Nigerians with the electricity needed to study, rest, work, and thrive,” Nwagba said.
He added that CREDITCORP, established under the Federal Government of Nigeria, currently partners with 25 financial institutions and has impacted over 100,000 Nigerians across sectors like digital devices, mobility, home improvement, and energy.
“Our structure is simple: Creditcorp funds Fidelity Bank, Fidelity profiles and approves the beneficiaries, and Kairos Hof delivers the energy. It’s a credit model designed to change lives,” Nwagba explained.
Also speaking on behalf of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Godwin Dajoh lauded both Kairos Hof and CREDITCORP for selecting the bank as their credit partner.
“For us at Fidelity, our role is to intermediate—receive the funding from CREDITCORP and disburse to end users. The rates are significantly below market rates. It’s affordable, healthy credit for clean energy access,” Dajoh said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the opportunity: “We encourage you to be part of this amazing program. Fidelity will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure this vision becomes a widespread reality.”
One of the early adopters of Stroom Solar Systems, Mrs. Aisha Abdullahi, shared her personal experience during the event.
“I first saw the system at a friend’s office—no wires, no flickering, sleek design. When I called Kairos Hof, they came the very next day, installed the system, and even fixed our internal wiring for free.”
According to her, the company’s responsiveness is unmatched. “I once messaged them at 6 a.m., and by 7 a.m. someone was at my doorstep. Their after-sales service is excellent. It’s more than a product; it’s a commitment.”
Popular Nigerian entertainer D’banj (Oladapo Oyebanjo), who has worked with the Kairos Hof founders since 2020, gave an emotionally charged goodwill message.
“When they first came to me, they had no land, no solar—just a vision. I gave up a paid endorsement for equity in the company because I believed in that dream. Today, it’s a reality.”
He praised Kairos Hof’s vision of building fully off-grid communities, especially in creative spaces like the planned African Entertainment Village in Ido.
“This initiative is a game-changer for young creatives. If we can power one million youths with clean energy, then we are solving more than just electricity—we are igniting dreams.”
He also called on Fidelity and Creditcorp to prioritize extending credit facilities to Nigeria’s creative industry:
“This is the soft landing we need. Give us the power, and we will move mountains
NEWS
Awujale’s Burial: ICIR to Sue Ogun Govt, Late Monarch’s Family

From Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan
The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has over the weekend vowed to institute litigation against the Ogun State government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona for violating the legal and laid down traditional rites of burying a traditional rulers in the State.
The famous monarch joined his ancestors on July 13, at a ripe age of 91 and was buried according to Islamic rites. The ICIR promised to correct what they called an anomaly and a departure from the laid down traditional practice of the Yoruba tribe in giving the last respect and rites to the deceased king.This was contained in the address of the President of ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode and the legal representative of the group, Barrister Opeodu at a Press Conference which was held at Ibadan on Saturday.In his words, Fakayode referred to the last judicial pronouncement over the matter when the late Awujale was alive, which upheld the burial of traditional rulers according to the customs and traditions of the Yoruba people as against that of foreign religions like Islam and Christianity.While commending the Osugbo Confraternity that was saddled with the responsibility of performing the final rites on any dead Awujale for their peaceful conduct after been prevented from doing their traditional duties, ICIR President said the action of the State, by enforcing an Islamic burial rites for Oba Adetona contravened part 8, section 55, sub-section ¡¡ of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.According to him “Following the recent controversy surrounding the burial rites of Oba Awujale of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, we at the International Council For Ifa Religion-ICIR commend the Osugbo Confraternity of Ijebu-Ode for their exemplary restraint and patience in the face of adversity. That is infact a virtue that aligns with the noble teachings of Òrúnmìlà.”This poignant moment reminds us that the gentleness of a lion is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to its wisdom and strength, as embodied in the proverb ‘Yíyọ́ ẹkùn; tojo kọ́’.”Regarding the burial rites of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, it is essential to recall that the matter was settled while the late kabiesi was still alive, by a court of law and with the new bill passed in the state.”Any actions contrary to this judgment and the laws of the land would be a disregard for the customs and traditions that have been the cornerstone of our heritage, there is no doubt that the burial was not in consonance with the law of the State and It is obvious that the burial arrangement contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section ii of the Ogun State Chieftaincy law.”This issue transcends a mere burial rite; it represents a challenge to the very fabric of our customs and traditions, the actions taken at the event were part of a larger agenda to erode the cultural practices that have defined us for generations and strategic plan towards annihilation of our race by invaders who mischievously naturalized and whose offsprings are now pursuing their fathers’ agenda.”We urge the sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Yoruba race to recognize that the institution of Obaship is not only a sacred tradition but also a choice that demands respect for our cultural heritage. We must acknowledge that our diversity is our strength and that our differences are what make our culture so rich and vibrant.”We condemn the disrespect shown to the Osugbo Confraternity during the event by the family of the late Oba, the Government officials and the security agencies concerned, furthermore, to prevent such occurrence in the future, we will take necessary legal actions.”In his words, the legal representative of ICIR, Barrister Opeodu noted that the actions of the family of the late Ijebu-Ode monarch, the government of Ogun State and various law enforcement agencies in the State constituted threat to the growth of democracy and an infringement on the fundamental rights of the traditional believer.NEWS
NNPP Chieftain Urges FG to Improve Facilities at Correctional Centres

From Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan
A South-West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has called on the Federal Government to improve the conditions of inmates and the facilities at the Correctional Centres across the country.Ajadi, who was speaking on Sunday when he celebrated his birthday at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan said he came to the centre to celebrate his birthday just to make the Inmates happy and feel the good atmosphere of celebration.
Ajadi donated food, drinks and essentials like medicine, detergents, toiletries, solar lights, writing materials among others to the centre to improve the inmates’ conditions and well being.Speaking at the occasion, Ajadi said, “Going round the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan today, I am not happy. The condition of the inmates are nothing to write home about. If you see where they are staying, it is not the best. I know the government is trying but it should do more. We see how people in the Correctional Centres in developed countries are treated. I plead with the Federal government to do more for the inmates for the period they will stay there in the Centres.”I also want to implore the Federal Government to please recognise those working in such an environment like Correctional Centres and give them better working conditions. I want the government to treat the Warders the same way they are treating the Police and the military especially in terms of remuneration.”The government should improve the facilities in our Correctional Centres because it is not all the inmates that are condemned criminals. We have many people there awaiting trials who have not been pronounced guilty for any offence. At the end of the day, some of these people may not be found guilty of the offences they are remanded for.”I know President Bola Tinubu’s administration is a listening one and will improve the conditions of the Correctional Centres”I also called on Nigerians to come to help the government in providing adequate facilities in the Correctional Centres. They won’t carry money to heaven. They should put smiles on the faces of inmates at least once in a while”.On the reason for celebrating his birthday at the Correctional Centres, Ajadi said,. “I started the idea of celebrating my birthday at the correctional.centres two years ago at Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.Ajadi after the celebration, promised to help provide a Solar panel and Inverter to power the Solar borehole at the centre and bus for the usage of the Agodi Correctional Centre.