NEWS
PAP Boss Seeks Partnership with Military to Empower Ex-agitators
The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dikio (Rtd), has called for a stronger relationship between the scheme and the military to strengthen the former’s momentum.
Dikio spoke when he led senior officials of PAP to visit the Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Sapele, Delta and the Naval Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
Dikio, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr.
Nneotaobase Egbe, PAP would build on such partnership to further reposition the scheme.He said PAP was going through a lot of transformation.
Dikio explained that as an institution, the military had a vital role to play in the newly-introduced Train, Employ and Mentor (TEM) Scheme, designed to provide a new approach to the training and empowerment of ex-agitators.
He said apart from specialised maritime and engineering courses, the ex-agitators would also be exposed to military discipline and precision.
“I know the military has a lot of highly installed capacity and as much as possible, those of us looking in from outside want to tap into the capacity through knowledge and skill transfer.
“This creates the bridge that enhances the civil-military relationship in our society.
“On the substance of it, the core of the ex-agitators are largely from the riverine communities and so the current management of PAP is of the thought process that they have inherent skills and if we can convert that energy positively, they will contribute to our dominance of the maritime economy.
“There is a lot, so many of them are beginning to realise that the economy of the Niger Delta is not just oil. There is a lot that can be harnessed if only we keep our heads down and look carefully around us.”, Dikio stated.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Commodore A. Abdullahi enumerated some of the courses offered by the institution and said they were ready to work with PAP to achieve its intentions for ex-agitators.
Also, the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard Limited, Rear Adm. S.J. Oyegade, pledged the support of the company towards the realisation of the core objectives of the PAP. (NAN)
The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)
The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
There is another round of hostility arising from communal skirmishes between two brotherly communities of Etono 2 and Biakpan in Biased Local Government Are of Cross River State.The resumption of hostilities happened some days ago when youths from Etono 2 were alleged to have attacked and killed a visitor to Biakpan and another youth whose identity was not immediately known.
Before then there were reports that nearly 50 persons had been killed on both sides. In the latest resurgence, a source said, “Sporadic shootings were heard on Monday and Tuesday inside Biakpan. A few persons have been killed.”State security adviser Southern district, Patrick Odion told our correspondent that he has his men on ground to calm the situation.Recall that about three weeks ago, Commissioner of Police in the state, Olusegun Omosanyin summoned the two sides to his Headquarters in Calabar and cautioned them.The police commissioner had disclosed how there was massive arms buildup by the two communities and said he would launch police action to retrieve the arms from them.He had expressed anger that the two sides had earlier refused to appear before him three times when he summoned them, adding that he had also dispatched his key officers to the two communities.Following the resumption of the hostilities, the police commissioner again met with the leadership of Biase LGA in his office.He assured that he would mobilize his men today to Biakpan and Etono 2 to quell the uprising.When DAILY ASSET spoke with some concerned stakeholders from the two communities they lamented that often when police and soldiers sent to douse tensions would leave, hostilities would resume soon after.A youth leader from Etono 2 who gave his name as Egwu Jerry, lamented, “The presence of the security men usually give us confidence but once they leave, our safety is no longer guaranteed. We’re few compared with those from Biakpan.”He also lamented that they do not have access road elsewhere than the one into Biakpan which reason, their adversaries usually encircle and easily attack and kill them.But a chief from Biakpan who gave his name as Onun Ekpezu alleged that Etono people were too aggressive and violent, and have destroyed their important properties and farms, and have killed their people and visitors.”Because of these, our youths have positioned themselves to defend our women and properties”, Ekpezu said.
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash
ShareThe Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister...
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics
ShareThe Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the...
Cross River Communities Resume Hostility with More Casualties
ShareFrom Ene Asuquo, Calabar There is another round of hostility arising from communal skirmishes between two brotherly communities of Etono...
Entrepreneurship University Matriculates 4000 Students in Cross River
ShareFrom Ene Asuquo, Calabar The Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship held its maiden matriculation ceremony yesterday, welcoming...
Ombugadu Declares 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Bid
ShareFrom Abel zwanke, Lafia Former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu...
Otu Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Principles
Share From Ene Asuquo, Calabar In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Otu has reaffirmed...
Nigerians Are Dying of Hunger, Human Right Activists Tells Tinubu
ShareFrom Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan Human Right Activists on Thursday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State lambasted President Bola Tinubu...
Ibadan Indigenes to Meet, Brainstorm on Development
ShareFrom Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan The President of Ibadan Foundation, Alhaji Tunji Afunlehin has said prominent successful Nigerians particularly Ibadan Indigenes...
Dennis Otuaro Launches 2027 Campaign for Tinubu in Warri
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa A Political Movement code named Dennis Otuaro (Door 2 Door) 4 Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 have...
Oborevwori Tours IIICF Exhibition, Backs Waste-to-Energy Innovation
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday toured the exhibition hall at the ongoing 16th International...
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish