From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo has commended Ekinri-Ade Community in Ijumu Local Government Area for its relentless efforts to continue to embark on Self-Help Projects that would impact on lives of the people.

The Governor gave the commendation while speaking at this year’s Ekinri-Ade Community Day celebration, held in the area, over the weekend, to Advance and showcase its development  and cultural heritage.

Ododo who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo at the event, noted that the launch of N750 million development projects is a welcome commitment of the people of the community to build a better future through collective action.

The Governor stressed the need for rural communities to complement government’s efforts in the provision of basic necessities of lives and urged other communities across the state to emulate the spirit demonstrated by Ekinri-Ade in this direction.

“My administration will continue to remain committed towards the development of Kogi State, both in the urban and rural communities to boost the living conditions of citizens. We have invested heavily on road, education, agriculture, and other basic infrastructure to improve on the living standard of the people”

He said that the celebration has actually championed the promotion of the People’s history, their vibrant culture, identity, and heritage over the years.

Ododo also called on the people of the area to continue to embrace peace, unity, hardwork, and love for one another which had facilitated their development efforts.

The Governor lauded President Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope development initiative which he said had impacted on lives of Nigerians across the country.

In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ibrahim Haruna who also spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the event, Engr. Olusoji Otitoju, said that the annual ceremony is put in place to mobilize for community Self-Help development and promotion of the People’s cultural heritage.

According to him “The people of Ekinri-Ade Community is determined to improve the quality of life in the area. We as community will continue to embark on partnership that would attract development”

He praised Governor Usman Ododo for his efforts to secure the lives and property of Ekinri-Ade people in the wake of the rising insecurity in Okunland.

He urged the people to be security conscious and always be ready to provide information that would assist security operatives track criminals, bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists.

Haruna admonished youths in the area to focus on ventures that would provide self-employment for them as White Collar jobs are no longer available.

Governor of Ekiti state, Abiodun Oyebanji, and that of his Boronu counterpart, Babagana Zulum sent representatives to grace the occasion

Governor Zulum of Boronu state donated N50 million  towards the launch of N750 million for execution of Self-Help Projects in Ekinri-Ade Community.

The Governors through their representatives in separate speeches urged indigenes of Ekinri-Ade Community to join hands in contributing to the development of their father land.

They also appealed to the community to make judicious use of the funds raised for the purpose intended.

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