NEWS
Delta Students Emerge National Debate Champions, Set to Represent Nigeria in Qatar

From Francis Sadhere, Delta
A team of five outstanding Delta State students has emerged winner of the 2025 National Basic Education Debate Championship, earning the honour of representing Nigeria at the prestigious World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar.The national competition, organized by the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria (PSDN), brought together the brightest young minds from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, showcasing excellence in oratory, critical thinking, and teamwork.
The victorious Delta State team comprises Wisdom Chukwuma of Government College, Ughelli; Otorvo Uyoyou of Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun; Abraham Honour of Okpaka Secondary School, Okpaka; Ekhamateh Splendour of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba; and Alika Daniel of Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale.Demonstrating superior argumentation, eloquence, and depth on contemporary issues, the Delta team outshone their peers in a series of fiercely contested rounds to clinch the national title.Receiving the champions at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, hailed their feat as a reflection of his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement.“I am truly delighted by the intellectual depth and eloquence demonstrated by these students. They are true ambassadors of Delta State,” the Governor said.He emphasized that the state’s investments in school renovations, teacher training and recruitment, provision of learning materials, and promotion of extracurricular activities are beginning to yield measurable results.“This win proves that our investments in education are bearing fruit. These are homegrown talents trained right here in Delta. Their success shows how much we value education and its power to transform lives,” he stated.As a reward for their excellence, Governor Oborevwori announced that the state government would fully sponsor the team’s trip to the World Schools Debate Championship in Qatar.“Representing Nigeria on the global stage means you have already made us proud. We are happy to sponsor your international trip and will continue to support young Deltans who bring glory to the state,” he affirmed.The Governor urged the students to remain disciplined and committed, urging them to learn and grow from their international exposure.“As you embark on this trip, be good ambassadors. Learn as much as you can and return victorious. By God’s grace, you will succeed and come back with greater achievements,” he prayed, adding the spirited slogan: “Delta no dey carry last!”He also extended appreciation to the students’ parents and guardians for their support, calling on the team to uphold the values and pride of the state.Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, also lauded the students for their performance, describing them as worthy representatives of Delta.Similarly, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Mariere, commended Governor Oborevwori for the logistics and support that enabled the students’ national victory.“We sincerely thank you for all you have done. The children have made Delta proud, and we are committed to preparing them thoroughly for the world stage,” Mariere stated.Team leader, Wisdom Chukwuma, speaking on behalf of the students, expressed gratitude to the governor and state education authorities, pledging to make Nigeria proud at the global championship.With this historic win, Delta State further cements its reputation as a beacon of academic excellence and youth empowerment in Nigeria.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.