By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted prohibited imported goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N273 million in Cross River State, as part of efforts to protect local manufacturers, preserve jobs and curb smuggling.

The Customs Area Controller, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Comptroller Giwa Dauda, disclosed this during a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Dauda said the seizures were part of the Command’s sustained operations against smuggling and illegal importation, which he said pose serious threats to Nigerian industries and the wider economy.

He said officers intercepted two 20-foot containers containing 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil along the Odukpani–Calabar Highway on June 14, 2026.

According to him, the vegetable oil, with a DPV of N195.5 million, was concealed in a truck intercepted during a routine patrol operation.

The Area Controller said vegetable oil is one of the sectors in which Nigerian manufacturers have made substantial investments, adding that the importation of prohibited foreign products could weaken local production capacity, discourage investment and threaten jobs in the agricultural and manufacturing value chains.

“These products are listed under the Federal Government’s import prohibition policy, which seeks to stimulate local production, promote self-sufficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base,” Dauda said.

He added that the Command also intercepted 1,500 used tyres and 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing.

Dauda said the total DPV of the prohibited goods, including other seizures made by the Command, stood at N273.7 million.

The Controller further disclosed that officers intercepted 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bringing the total volume of petrol seized by the Command in 2026 to 5,760 litres.

He said the petrol was disposed of in line with approved safety procedures because of its highly combustible nature.

Dauda warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illegal importation, noting that smuggling weakens local industries, distorts market competition and undermines government efforts to diversify the economy through industrialisation.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) Alumni Association has restated its commitment to supporting indigent students and contributing to the overall development of the university following the successful hosting of its 2026 Global Delegates Conference and General Assembly.

The conference, held at the association’s newly built Secretariat (H.

E. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu Building) within the university campus in Keffi, brought together alumni members, stakeholders, and invited guests to deliberate on the future of the association and its role in advancing the institution.

During the event, the National President of the Alumni Association, Barr. Nuhu J. Egya, said members adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening student welfare programmes and repositioning the association for greater impact.

He emphasised that the association would continue to prioritise charitable initiatives, especially support for indigent students of the university.

“We must ensure that every indigent student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is adequately supported and taken care of by the Alumni Association whenever the need arises. This remains one of our core responsibilities and forms part of the resolutions adopted at this conference,” he said.

Barr. Egya noted that members extensively deliberated on issues affecting the association and approved amendments to its constitution to encourage broader participation, progressive ideas, and improved service delivery.

He also announced the appointment of a Funds Mobilisation Committee and other sub-committees, chaired by the association’s former president, Alhaji. Muhammed Oshafu. He described Oshafu as a seasoned and capable leader, expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to attract support and enhance the association’s growth.

The President urged members to remain united and actively participate in alumni activities, stressing that collective contribution remains central to the association’s mission.

He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, for her transparent leadership and commitment to institutional development, noting that her administration had inspired accountability and service-oriented leadership across campus bodies.

The president highlighted recent interventions by the association, including the donation of drugs, medical equipment and supplies to the university medical centre, as part of its ongoing support for students and the institution.

He further disclosed that the association had launched a hostel project capable of accommodating over 200 students as part of efforts to give back to the university community.

Barr. Egya also outlined key achievements of his administration since June 2025, including the donation of a vehicle to the association by Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada and the completion of the alumni secretariat building.

He appreciated Ambassador Yakubu Musa, Deputy Dean of the Postgraduate School, Dr. Shaibu, and others for their contributions toward the completion of the secretariat project.

He also thanked the Visitor of the university, Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Pro-Chancellor, the Emir of Keffi, and other stakeholders for their continuous support for the growth of both the university and the association.

Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Sustaining Institutional Development Through a Responsive Alumni System,” Ambassador Victor Udoh highlighted the importance of alumni associations in driving institutional progress.

He said alumni bodies must go beyond internal interests to focus on meaningful contributions to their alma mater through scholarships, mentorship programmes, counselling, seminars, and infrastructure development.

He noted that strong alumni networks play a significant role in enhancing the reputation and growth of educational institutions globally.

Ambassador Udoh urged NSUK alumni to see themselves as ambassadors of the university and to actively contribute to its continued development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Abbah John Michael, commended the leadership of the association for its achievements and urged members to sustain their support for the current administration.

He described the establishment of the alumni secretariat as a landmark achievement, noting that it provides a permanent base for operations and strengthens the association’s capacity.

Dr. Abbah further called for unity, teamwork, and collective commitment among members, stressing that these values are essential for the future success of the association

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr .Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Dr. Ihu Eunice Ogbenyi as new Acting Head of Service (HoS) of Benue State.

The appointment followed the unfortunate demise of Dr.

Agbogbo Ode who was Head of Service from 2023 – 2026.

The acting HoS, Dr. Ogbenyi hails from Oju Local Government Area of Benue and was born on the 12th June 1973.

Before her appointment, she was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Survey.

She obtained her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Maths/Physics in 1996 from College of Education, Oju and further obtained B.Sc. 2005, Masters 2010 and Ph.D 2021 all in Mathematics Education at the Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi.

She was employed into the Benue State Teaching Service Board as Principal Assistant Education Officer (PAEO II) in 1998.

Her service was deployed in February 2012 to the Benue State Ministry of Education.

She later served variously as Deputy Director Education (DDE) in the department of Planning, Research and Statistic (DPRS) heading Joint Consultative Committees on Education/National Council on Education (JCCE/NCE) unit and assistant Head of Education Management Information System (EMIS) unit.

While congratulating the Acting HoS, Governor Alia stated that “As you assume this critical role, I charge you with the responsibilities, principles, and priorities that will guide your stewardship and ensure continuity, professionalism, and service to the public.

“You must ensure your official actions conform with the vision and principles of this administration to continue with the reforms in the civil service and uphold at all times the sanctity and dignity of your office.

“You must ensure in all your official dealings that the interest of the state comes first”.

The governor in a statement by his chief press secretary Kula Tersoo, said the appointment takes immediate effect.