News From Nigeria
November 24, 2025
INTRODUCTION
On November 5, 2025, an undated video of HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, appeared on several Okpe platforms, as well as on some non-Okpe platforms. In the video Orhue l categorically declared that “Okpe is a dialect of the Urhobo” and therefore not a distinct ethnic nationality. This declaration injected another level of schism between the Okpe Union and HRM Orhue l. We consider this declaration a falsity by a Monarch who is supposed to know the truth. Coincidentally, but not surprising, HRM Orhue l had directed Okakuro O. P. Biadoyo, the Secretary of Udogun Okpe/Okpe Traditional Council to send the letter below to the Chairman of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Electoral Committee .
At its meeting on November 15, 2025, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union (Worldwide) exhaustively discussed the Orodje’s declaration and authorized this response. Our response will rely on historical facts in debunking the grave errors in the Orodje’s declaration. It will also provide the evolution of the Orodje’s disturbing flip-flop of policy pronouncements. A flip-flop which falsifies Okpe History and exposes Orhue l as an enemy of the Okpe Kingdom whose national interests he swore to promote and defend when he was crown as the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom on July 29, 2006.
THE OKPE NATION OF DELTA STATE
GENEAOLOGY OF THE OKPE PEOPLE
OBA EWUARE THE GREAT* (Reign 1440 – 1473)
(Father of Oba Olua and Oba Ozolua)
↓
OBA OLUA (Reign 1473-1480) ←Brothers→ OBA OZOLUA (1483-1504)
↓ ↓
Father of Prince Ginuwa Father of Prince Igboze
↓
Prince Okpe
↓ __________________________________________________
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Prince Orhue Prince Orhoro Prince Evbreke Prince Esezi
(*NOTE: Since the current Oba of Benin is known as Oba Ewuare ll, Oba Ewuare the Great is now referred to as Oba Ewuare l).
There were three main migratory waves from Benin Kingdom to the present territory of Delta Central Senatorial District in the Ogiso period of Benin Monarchy. The first was in the 1170s under the reign of the 1st Oba of Benin, Oba Oronmiyan (1170 – 1200 AD) that saw the settlement of a group known as “Usobo” (Urhobo) in Ughelli and other villages. The second wave was the last Usobo migration that settled in contemporary Abraka in the 1370s, under the reign of the 10th Oba of Benin, Oba Ogbeka (1370 – 1400 AD).
The migration of Okpe from Benin Kingdom occurred during the reign of the 16th Oba of Benin, Oba Ozolua (1483 – 1504 AD). Oba Ozolua conquered several territories, including Ijebu Ode, Ondo, and towns in contemporary Edo State. For his unprecedented military conquests in Benin History, he earned the appellation “Ozolua, n’ ibaromi” meaning “Ozolua the Conqueror”. He had several sons, including Prince Eze of Aboh, and Prince Igboze that migrated to contemporary Delta Central Senatorial District in 1550, and whose son, Prince Okpe had four princely sons: Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi. They resided individually and collectively in several villages, moving from Olomu to Okperikpere (Okpe Isoko) and through contemporary Ozoro en-route to Orerokpe. It is instructive to note that, when the Four Princely Brothers, our forefathers founded the Okpe Kingdom with its headquarters in Orerokpe, it was established as an independent ethnic nationality and NOT as a clan or an appendage of any other ethnic nationality. This historical fact underlines the distinct ethnic nationality of the Okpe of Delta State which was extinguished by the British Colonial Office. (For details, see https://okpeunionng.net/okpe-kingdom-history/ ).
For purely its administrative convenience, the British Colonial Office fused diverse ethnic nationalities into one. This British policy gave rise to the falsity of classifying Okpe as a clan of Urhobo. Most contemporary Okpe were born and raised in this falsity.
According to R. E. Bradbury, a renowned British scholar, (The Benin Kingdom and the Edo-Speaking Peoples of South-Western Nigeria, 1970, p.128) the classification of Okpe among the Urhobo was influenced by geographic contiguity and the expediency of British colonial administration “rather than a linguistic basis.” He concluded that “Okpe is …closer to the Edo of the Benin Kingdom than are the Urhobo”. In the 1930s the Okpe was placed in “Western Urhobo” while the Isoko was in “Eastern Urhobo.” By administering the Okpe under the Urhobo umbrella, the British set in motion a process that led to the gradual but a systematic attempt to deny Okpe ethnicity which was erroneously subsumed under the Urhobo. Over time, this grave error of British colonialism assumed a “truth” of its own as the outside world and several Okpe began to refer to the Okpe as “Urhobo.” This falsity was inherited by post-colonial Nigerian governments. A similar fate befell the Isoko of “Eastern Urhobo.” However, unlike the Okpe, their western counterpart, the Isokos were able to extricate themselves from the Urhobo appellation and restored their independence as a distinct ethnic nationality. Okpe and Urhobo do not share a common ancestry, or a common language. The Urhobo argument that Okpe is “Urhobo” is anchored on the concept of transferred colonialism from British rule to Urhobo rule in post-colonial Nigeria. This diabolical plot is facilitated by internal fifth columnists that, in most cases, have an Urhobo parent and therefore posit that “Okpe is Urhobo”. As stated by a senior Chief in the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe of Kingdom, this group of supposedly Okpe nationals has captured policy formulation and implementation in Okpe Kingdom. The enemy is within.
For more than seven decades, there has been a growing realization among leading Okpe personalities to follow the Isoko example. Two subjective factors seem to conspire against this legitimate proposition. First, the Urhobo argument is that, Okpe will be weakening the Urhobo nation if they emulate the Isoko. Second, some Okpe, after being assimilated into the Urhobo fabric as a consequence of flawed colonial policy, seem conditioned to accept Urhobo as their nationality. Both viewpoints are based on weak and false argumentations. To endorse either is to condone the denial of Okpe nationality. And to suggest that by upholding their nationality the Okpe will weaken the Urhobo nation, we are invited to accept the lie that “Okpe is Urhobo”. On the contrary, the extrication of Okpe from Urhobo will strengthen the independence of both ethnic nationalities. They each need to re-define their respective identities.
The uniqueness of the Okpe Nation is that each Okpe national is a descendant of one or two of the four ruling houses of the Okpe Kingdom, as depicted in the above GENEAOLOGY OF THE OKPE PEOPLE: Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi. Thus, the Okpe ethnicity satisfies all the properties of statehood and nationality as the nationals share the same common ancestry, the same language, culture, and traditions. The Okpe Kingdom has a clearly defined territory under a single monarchy and a permanent population of Okpe ethnicity. In fact, Okpe is one of the few ethnic nationalities in Nigeria that possess these clearly defined properties. The others are, inter alia, in alphabetical order, Benin, Nupe, and Itsekiri, etc.
THE ORODJE’S DECLARATION: A PATRIOTIC ACT OR BETRAYAL?
Major General Felix Mujakperuo (RTD) was crown as HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom on July 29, 2006; after a 2-year interregnum. (See https://okpeunionng.net/orodjes-of-okpe-kingdom/). He immediately positioned himself as the chief advocate of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. Not only did he and several Okpe chiefs participate actively in the deliberations of the 1st Okpe Voice World Conference held in Sapele, October 17 – 18, 2006, he hosted a delegation of Okpe leaders drawn from the Okpe Union Nigeria, the Okpe Union of North America (OUNA), and the Okpe Union UK, under the auspices of the OKPE VOICE, at the Palace, on October 20, 2006, to review and approve the resolutions and communiqué of the Conference. The communiqué included, inter alia. the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, the establishment of an all Okpe federal constituency, the teaching of Okpe language in all primary and secondary schools in Okpe Nation, etc.
HRM Orhue l delivered a powerful landmark address entitled Tradition and Governance in the Okpe Kingdom: A Keynote Address , on September 1, 2007 AT THE 3RD ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE OKPE UNION OF NORTH AMERICA HELD AT MARRIOTT HOTEL, COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND, USA AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 03, 2007. This was a defining moment in the struggle for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. Let us refer to some excerpts of the Keynote Address. The Orodje succinctly declared:
“Okpe is a unique ethnic nationality. It has distinctive roots in ancient history, tradition, culture, customs and language.”
He added:
“Our people are rooted in migration from the Bini Kingdom. This historical experience is similar to most other ethnic nationalities of the Western Niger Delta. Of all these nationalities however, Okpe History, language, tradition, and culture are closer to those of Bini which form part of the Edo group of languages”.
It should be stressed that, not only did Orhue l endorse the conclusions of R. E. Bradbury and Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume, (The Okpe People, 2006 edition), about the origin of the Okpe, he classified Okpe as “a unique ethnic nationality” with “distinctive roots in ancient history, tradition, culture, customs and language” irrespective of its similarity “to most other ethnic nationalities of the Western Niger Delta”.
Regarding the wrongful excision of Okpe territory from the Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue l was very categorical in expressing the position of the Okpe on this issue. He averred:
“Let me also mention briefly that although the Okpe Kingdom covers the two local government areas of Sapele and Okpe, our people and communities are located in towns and villages presently and wrongly included in some neighbouring local government areas, for example, Ohorhe in Uvwie Local Government”. (For the full text of the KEYNOTE ADDRESS see: https://okpeunionng.net/tradition-and-governance/)
In the above keynote address, HRM Orhue l positioned himself as the chief promoter and defender of Okpe national interest. He subsequently established an Udogun Okpe Education Committee to liaise with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to ensure the recognition of Okpe Language as a teaching subject in Okpe Nation.
By 2010, the Orodje began to move away from his role as the chief promoter and defender of Okpe Identity in favour of his personal aggrandizement. He cautioned the then NEC of the Okpe Union (Worldwide) to stop the agitation for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, because, according to him, the advocacy will diminish his chances of becoming the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council. That notwithstanding, the Orodje was trying to walk on both sides of the street at the same time by internally espousing Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality while externally he was collaborating with the anti-Okpe Identity forces to undermine the internal cohesion of the Okpe Nation. Internally, in a study initiated and financed by HRM Orhue l, Udogun Okpe stated emphatically that
“Okpe is indubitably known to be a distinct and autonomous Kingdom, an ethnic entity from its beginning. The people and their language are distinct and are named after their progenitor, Okpe, whose four sons founded the present day Okpe Kingdom”. (Udogun-Okpe, THE OKPE PEOPLE OF DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA, 2020, p. 2)
But externally, simultaneously, the Orodje’s emissaries, mostly Palace Chiefs, continued their anti-Okpe Identity narratives by their false claim that “Okpe is Urhobo”. The Orodje’s declaration that “Okpe is a dialect of Urhobo” lends credence to the statements of his emissaries that “Okpe is Urhobo”. The dictionary defines dialect as “a particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group”, while a language is “the principal method of human communication, consisting of words used in a structured and conventional way and conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture”. From all available historical sources, Okpe is a distinct language from the Urhobo language. The Orodje’s declaration is not only a blatant distortion of Okpe History, but a shameless public denial of Okpe Identity. History will Judge if this seismic shift was influenced by the Orodje’s personal interest or by Okpe national interest.
Commenting on an article entitled “IS OKPE STILL URHOBO?” that was posted on the Okpe People’s Forum (WhatsApp) platform on November 28, 2023, that bears relevance to the Orodje’s declaration, two brilliant Okpe sons responded in strong defence of Okpe Identity. Barr. Ehensiri Akpederin declared: “When the leadership of a people claim the identity of a neighbouring nation for political correctness, they have wittingly or unwittingly opted to destroy their own identity, language, arts and the self esteem of the people of their nation or ethnicity. May the Okpe Nation be saved from betrayers”. Prof. Kenneth Eni opined: “Well, it’s only a few Okpe people who do not know their roots that will trumpet Okpe as Urhobo. The Urhobo people have not really considered Okpe as Urhobo. This is not coming as a surprise to me. The more Okpe is not included in this type of affair, the better for the identity struggle”.
It is obvious to all perceptive observers and policy analysts that the Orodje has sacrificed Okpe national interest for a pot of ukodo prepared by his political masters ahead of the 2027 elections. This is political correctness gone awry. The Okpe Union, and indeed all sons and daughters of Okpeland, are greatly distressed by the video of HRM Orhue l making rounds about our identity. As proud children of Okpe, we have access to several literatures and ancestral information about our origin which has never been disputed by the Orodje who is the traditional ruler as at today. Perhaps he is in possession of new facts and documents which have altered our ancestry. The time to produce it is now. It is highly regrettable that our revered Traditional ruler would grant such weighty interview about the core of our existence without presenting facts and references.
There is no linguistic or empirical research that has determined that any of the languages of the Edoid Group of Languages is easier to understand by the speakers of the others in the language group as to position one as a general language or dialect. Indeed, it is acknowledged by many that a large segment of the Uvwie people understand the Okpe Language. However, this has not driven the Okpe people or leaders to conclude that the Uvwie Language is a dialect of the Okpe Language. Similarly, as close as the Esan Language is to the Edo Language, Edo leaders or scholars have never claimed that it is a dialect of Edo Language but as one of the languages of the Edoid Group of Languages just as Etsako, Okpe, Isoko, Urhobo and others.
Thus, we are shocked and disappointed by the Orodje’s declaration, which undermines the rich cultural heritage and dignity of the Okpe people. As the mouth-piece of the Okpe Nation, the Okpe Union rejects the Orodje’s de-marketing of our ethnic nationality and asserts our pride in our identity, culture, and sovereignty. While we sympathize with various political actors who in a bid to score political mileage have been manipulating ethnic boundaries for political gains, we cannot comprehend how the custodian of our rites and traditions will join the fray. Several monarchs have betrayed their respective countries. Why did the Orodje shift from his strong position as a promoter of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality that he brilliantly articulated on September 1, 2007, to become a shameless apologist for Urhobo ethnic nationality? Historians will compare the declaration of Orhue l and the dictatorship of Esezi l, to determine which of the two is more injurious to the Okpe Nation.
IN LIEU OF A CONCLUSION
We call on members of the Okpe Union (Worldwide), and indeed all Okpe sons and daughters to remain united under the umbrella of the Okpe Union in the continued advocacy for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. The struggle is going to be long and difficult, but the redemption of the Okpe Nation is worth the battle.
A kingdom exists because there was a Nation that produced it. Thus, a king or an Orodje cannot be superior to the Nation that birthed it. This is particularly true of the Okpe Kingdom where the Okpe Nation congregates to elect one of its male citizens as the Orodje via a democratic electoral process. The sovereignty of an Orodje does not grant him an absolute or dictatorial power or authority, but is derived from the results of the electoral process on behalf of the Okpe Nation. When the four princely brothers, our ancestors – Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi – decided to establish the Okpe Kingdom, they did so from the bowel of the Okpe Nation. Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era was resuscitated in 1945 after an interregnum of 166 years. (See https://okpeunionng.net/orodjes-of-okpe-kingdom/) During this period, there were no Orodjes because there was no kingdom, but Okpe Nation continued to exist and represented by power brokers in several Okpe communities that exercised independence and sovereignty.
It is therefore our historical and sacred responsibility, as members of the Okpe Union, to ensure that the Okpe monarchy remains a symbol of unity and strength of the Okpe Nation, and not to degenerate into anarchy and dictatorship.
Long live the Okpe Nation.
Long live the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.
Long live the Okpe Union.
Prof. O. Igho Natufe
President General, Okpe Union (Worldwide)
Barr. K. Ehensiri Akpederin
General Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide)
Barr. Victor Oruno
National Publicity Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide)
President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Eze Anaba, has described Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as one of the few organizations in the country that has consistently enjoyed positive media coverage, attributing the feat to the company’s professionalism and its deliberate, strategic engagement with the press.
Anaba made this remark in Lagos at the weekend during Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s annual dinner with senior media executives, held at the prestigious Sky Restaurant, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. According to him, the company’s steady presence in the news for the right reasons has made it easy for journalists and editors to confidently tell the Julius Berger story.
Your robust and strategic interactions with the press are a professional beauty to align with. We are always ready to partner with your company, he said, noting that the construction giant remains a reference point for corporate transparency and responsible communication.
Representing the Managing Director, the company’s Director of Administration, Alhaji Dr Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, expressed Julius Berger’s appreciation to the media for their consistent support throughout the year. He emphasised that the partnership between the company and the media has significantly contributed to shared progress for both Nigeria and the organisation.
“In all, you have demonstrated that we are upping our partnership for the progress of the larger Nigerian community and our company,” Kaita said, while recounting Julius Berger’s long-standing tradition of delivering quality infrastructure across the country.
He called for even deeper collaboration as the company continues to champion innovation, engineering excellence and capacity development.
In Abuja, the 2025 Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Annual Media Parley continued with the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M. Ali, who delivered a keynote titled Public Relations and the Media: The Missing Link, underscoring the need for a symbiotic relationship between PR practitioners and the press.
Ali stated the need for a more deliberate and sustained relationship between public relations practitioners and journalists; one built on trust, mutual respect, and value creation. He noted that the rapidly evolving communications landscape requires strategic thinking, strong storytelling, and a deep understanding of audience behaviour.
He cautioned PR professionals against the common mistake of only engaging the media during crises, stressing that strong relationships built over time often determine how effectively an organisation manages challenging moments. Using Julius Berger as an example, he noted that the company’s crisis-management experience shows that established trust encourages journalists to actively seek the company’s perspective during controversies.
Ali also highlighted the fundamental difference between journalism and public relations: while journalists pursue truth, PR practitioners manage perception and reputation. He described perception as a powerful driver of public behaviour, often shaping opinion more strongly than reality itself.
According to him, the real missing link in PR practice is story framing. Well-crafted stories are more likely to be published than poorly written press statements, he said, insisting that compelling narratives remain the strongest bridge between PR and the media.
Ali praised Julius Berger’s PR lead, Emmanuel Isibor, describing him as a model practitioner who effectively blends newsroom experience with strategic communication expertise.
In his remarks, Dr. Kaita paid tribute to the media for their ongoing collaboration, adding that the relationship has played a significant role in sustaining public trust in the company. He revisited Julius Berger Nigeria’s contributions to national development since its establishment in 1965, including iconic projects such as the Eko Bridge, the Third Mainland Bridge, and the Abuja–Kano Expressway.
He also highlighted the company’s partnership with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) on cold recycling technology, a groundbreaking innovation that earned international recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The achievement, he said, reflects Julius Berger’s commitment not just to construction, but to research-driven engineering excellence.
Editors and senior journalists from ThisDay, BusinessDay, The Punch, Nairametrics, PressTV, Vanguard, and MoneyCentral as well as the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Daily Trust, The Guardian, Asset Tv and The Sun among others also attended the landmark events alongside the top media professionals who attended the events in Lagos and Abuja, further cementing the relationship between the construction industry leader and Nigeria’s media community.
Well known for his steadfast adherence to principles and thorough leadership, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba stands very tall as a man of great moral rectitude. His style of leadership has distinguished him as a hardworking and an upright Nigerian.
Naturally zealous about development, the current Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka comes across clearly as a competent hand that would not back away from a public interest policy. Perhaps, the most fascinating part of Asagba is that he is a reformer.
A highly accomplished scholar, biochemist, and academic leader, Asagba’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to excellence in research, education, and institutional development.
The seasoned academic with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and university administration began his academic career at the Delta State University, where he steadily rose through the ranks, holding several strategic positions including: Head of Department of Biochemistry, Dean of Faculty of Science, and Chairman of numerous university committees.
His appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka was not only a testament to his outstanding academic credentials but also a groundbreaking moment. His leadership ushered in a new era of innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence at Delsu.
Professor Asagba has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, with particular focus on Toxicology. He also authored several personal and peer-reviewed publications, many of which appear in reputable international journals. His research work has been instrumental to the advancement of knowledge in health and nutritional sciences, and his academic excellence and leadership have earned him several professional honors.
A member of numerous national and international academic bodies and a reviewer and editorial board member for several scientific journals, Professor Asagba since assuming office as Vice Chancellor of Delsu has emphasized innovation, gender equity, research-driven education, university industry collaboration, Infrastructure development and digital transformation.
This devoted and resilient Vice-Chancellor has prioritized institutional expansion and modernization, establishing two groundbreaking faculties to meet emerging academic demands. The Faculty of Health Sciences now encompasses Pharmacology, Nursing, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Optometry, while the Faculty of Environmental Sciences resuscitated from the defunct Asaba campus includes Surveying, Estate Management, Geography and Regional Planning, Architecture and Building programs.
Further unbundling initiatives have elevated specialized disciplines: Computer Science has evolved into the stand-alone Faculty of Computing, and the Department of Mass Communication has been separated from the Faculty of Social Sciences to form the new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. This faculty now offers diverse programs such as Public Relations, Advertising, Mass Communication, Film and Multimedia Studies, Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies.
Prof. Asagba’s achievements extend to creating three new faculties overall; Environmental Sciences, Computing, and Allied Health Sciences fostering a more dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment.
Infrastructure development stands as a cornerstone of his administration. Key projects include the construction of an access road linking the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) and the Faculty of Arts. The ongoing construction of the Faculty of Agriculture building addresses long-standing challenges.
Since relocating from Asaba, the faculty has relied on the old College of Education structure. “We have started the Faculty of Agriculture structure,” Prof. Asagba noted. “As more money comes in, I hope to finish it within two months. It’s a complex of two- or three-story buildings.”
Other vital upgrades include the reconstruction of an abandoned 500-capacity lecture theatre; renovation of the 750-capacity Lecture Halls A, B, C, and D, and refurbishment of the old Faculty of Pharmacy building.
At the Faculty of Clinical Sciences in Oghara, lecture halls have been renovated alongside the installation of fibre optic internet and a robust 24-hour server room to enhance research connectivity.
Power reliability has been strengthened at the ICT centre in Site II with an upgraded server room featuring a 15KVA inverter and 32 panels for constant supply. Additionally, there has been procurement of office equipment and furniture for the current accreditation exercise, ensuring seamless operations across lecture halls and administrative offices. His tenure so far has been marked with efforts to deepen Delsu’s global partnerships while improving internal systems, staff welfare, and student development.
Asagba is known for his meticulous planning. Those who have worked with him echo his reputation for reading memos word by word—ensuring every line counts. This is not just a formality; it’s the mark of a leader committed to effective administration.
As Professor Samuel Asagba marks his first year in office, he continues to represent the pinnacle of intellectual brilliance, visionary leadership, and gender progress in Nigeria’s academic space.
As Vice-Chancellor of Delsu, he is not only shaping the future of science and technology education but also inspiring a new generation of leadership.
His story is one of dedication, excellence, and breaking barriers; and his legacy will continue to influence the Nigerian academic community for years to come.
DANNY KEMS IS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN THE FORUM FOR CREDIBLE ELECTION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA. HE WRITES FROM WARRI, DELTA STATE.
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, has broadened its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR efforts with major women’s health advocacy programs in Abuja and Lagos.
Last Tuesday, the company partnered with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat and the Family Peace and Women Empowerment Initiative (FAPWEI) to host the 2025 Women’s Health and Advocacy Program in Abuja. The initiative focused on early detection and management of breast and cervical cancer, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community representatives for sensitization sessions.
FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, praised Julius Berger’s commitment, describing the company as not only building roads, but building people and strengthening communities. She emphasised the company’s role in advancing women’s health and aligning with national development agendas.
Julius Berger’s Chief Risk Officer, Mrs. Shakira Mustapha, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to community development, noting that the program celebrated women’s resilience while promoting awareness of mental health and preventive care. Head of Corporate Development, James Agama, added that the collaboration underscored the company’s vision of enabling progress and prosperity.
The Abuja event also featured donations of 400 bags of rice to beneficiaries, reinforcing Julius Berger’s commitment to social investment and sustainable partnerships.
Two days later, the company extended its outreach to Lagos, supporting a women’s health program at Gbagada General Hospital. Hundreds of women from Kosofe attended sessions themed “Woman’s Reproductive Journey and the Importance of Wellness through Self-awareness and Self-preservation.” Topics included menopause, pregnancy care, and self-care, alongside free medical check-ups.
Healthcare experts, including Dr. Olutokunbo Oseni and Dr. Noimot Balogun, stressed the importance of early detection and lifestyle awareness, commending Julius Berger’s role in preventive care. The company also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with Gbagada General Hospital, including rehabilitation of the Intensive Care Unit.
For Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, these initiatives are more than CSR checkboxes. They represent a philosophy of nation-building that integrates physical infrastructure with social investment. By focusing on women’s health, the company acknowledges that strong communities are built not only on roads and bridges, but also on informed, healthy, and empowered citizens.
As Chief Risk Officer Mrs. Shakira Mustapha noted, “When you train a woman, you have trained a nation.” Her words reflect the Julius Berger’s belief that empowering women is central to sustainable development.
From Abuja to Lagos, Julius Berger’s recent programs have demonstrated that its legacy is not confined to engineering marvels. It is also about shaping lives, strengthening communities, and ensuring that progress is inclusive.
Community members celebrated the opportunity to learn, engage, and receive care in a supportive environment. Local leaders and hospital officials lauded Julius Berger’s contributions, with Councillor Christiana Kuboye noting that the firm’s impact extends beyond infrastructure to meaningful community engagement.
Even the Master of Ceremony, and a physiotherapist at the hospital, Lanre Elegbeleye, reminded participants of Julius Berger’s enduring reputation: None of their bridges have ever collapsed because they stand for excellence, responsibility, courage, and collaboration, he further said.
With these initiatives, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC continues to demonstrate that its legacy of excellence is not confined to engineering projects, but also to strengthening communities and advancing public health across Nigeria.
The 2025 Canaan Land Smart City Golf Tournament and Business conference will begin on Friday, December 12 in Delta State.
‘’Koko Town has the huge potential for investment, particularly in real estate, agriculture, health, tourism and other areas. So we are expecting investors and some of the most famous and highly-ranked golfers in the sport’s history and in the contemporary game from different parts of the world’’ a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi, said.
The golf tournament and business and conference will hold from12-14 December, 2025 in Canaan Land, Koko Town.
‘’Koko Town is a hub for fishing and shrimping operations. There are a lot of oil and gas companies. Whether you are a local or foreign investor or looking at residential or commercial properties, there is something for everyone in Koko’’
The statement said ‘’the event will showcase the diverse range of opportunities that the port town has to offer’’
On security, Aganbi said ‘’Steps have been taken to ensure that visitors from within and outside the country have a secure and conducive atmosphere within which to assess the economic opportunities of Koko”
He emphasized the tight security in Koko and the hospitality for which the residents are known for.
“Top business men in Nigeria and abroad, members of the diplomatic corps and key actors in government across the country are looking forward to converging on Koko beginning from December 12, 2025. They are excited by the prospect of experiencing the hospitality for which the good people of Koko are known for and the vast opportunities for commerce, tourism and industry”
According to Aganbi, the event is expected to drive long term sustainable economic participation and create new opportunities for local and foreign investors in the area.
‘’It will provide valuable insights into untapped business opportunities, encourage private sector participation, showcase the real estate and tourism potentials of Koko and unite the people and the communities.
‘’Situated off Benin-Sapele expressway, the port town is 30 minutes’ drive from Benin City and over 45 minutes away from Warri town by road. Koko has the best aquatic products in Nigeria as of today. Completion of the coastal road will reduce travel time between Delta and Lagos to less than two hours. There are ongoing refinery projects. People who are coming to Koko will be in for a surprise’’ he added.
Wike-Backed PDP Expels Makinde, Mohammed, Lawal, George, Others
It also approved the dissolution of the State Executive Committees in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States. The Edo State Exco, led by Nosa Ogieva, was, however, affirmed.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expelled Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
It also expelled the party’s former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Chief Bode George; and the newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
It also approved the dissolution of the State Executive Committees in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States. The Edo State Exco, led by Nosa Ogieva, was, however, affirmed.
These decisions were taken at the PDP group’s NEC meeting held on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Its National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, read the communiqué of the NEC meeting, which stated in part:
“NEC approved the expulsion of the following: Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden,” he said.
“These people have been expelled from our party based on anti-party activities, disobeying of court judgements and other (acts) that cause disaffection in the party.”
He assured party faithful and stakeholders that the decision to expel the members was to stabilise the PDP, insisting that the party would not tolerate any form of impunity or indiscipline within its fold.
The pro-Wike PDP Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo recommending the expulsions, said the affected party leaders flagrantly disregarded court judgments, thereby bringing the party into disrepute.
This decision followed last Saturday’s PDP national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Wike and ten others, including former governors, serving lawmakers, and key party figures were suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
The Ibadan convention, convened by the other faction of the party, accused Wike’s bloc of attempting to “destabilise the party structure” ahead of a planned nationwide reorganisation.
Earlier on Tuesday, both groups arrived at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, to hold parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings.
The clash triggered a chaotic scene, as security operatives struggled to separate supporters from both camps, resulting in heated arguments, pushing, and an eventual shutdown of parts of the secretariat before the meetings proceeded separately.
COURTESY: CHANNELS TELEVISION
For democracy to work, citizens must be enlightened. The issue is not about demolition. I am against demolitions. Nearly all the governors in Nigeria are guilty of that because they do it without due process.
To demolish the abode of a person, the government must go to court and obtain a judgement before carrying out any demolition. The governors have been very lawless. The unfortunate thing is that no one has gone to court to challenge these illegal acts. Apart from citizen apathy, the Land Use Decree of 1978 gave unchecked powers to do as they wish with the land that belongs to the people. The governors have unchecked powers in this regard.
This is a military decree that have not been reviewed by the lawmakers because it benefits them as they use their positions and relationship to acquire choice lands in Nigeria.
The process of acquiring land in Nigeria is so opaque that only well-connected people can authenticate their property. In a functioning democracy, a law like this should never exist. No elected person should have unchecked powers. All over Nigeria, the governors are abusing this power.
Part of the unrest in the North can be linked to this abuse of process by these governors who are using their powers to take land from indigenous people. The Land Use Decree gave the governors the hammer and the nails, and the governors have been hammering away carelessly.
No one should have unchecked powers in a democracy. That law came from the military which I have written about extensively.
In a democracy, no one should be given power without checks and balances. No one is coming to save us. We must address these issues under our system of democracy by electing people who will be subject to the will of the people.
As it is right now, a lot of elected politicians are behaving like military dictators because that is all they know and the citizens are apathetic and have been made to feel that the abuse in the hands of elected officials is normal. This is a result of military induced cognitive dissonance and lack of political education.
The soldiers are not the answer to our present malady. They created the problem.
To correct a mistake, you have to rise above the level of understanding where the mistake was made. The Nigerian soldier can never be the solution because they created the sclerosis that is undermining our political process. The answer to problems in a democracy is more democracy, not military coups.
Military coups put the citizens in a state of arrested development. That is what we are experiencing now. If we trust the process, we will find the answers. This issue is not about Wike. It is about due process. You will lose the road if you focus on the mirage.
DR AUSTIN ORETTE WRITES FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS
The journey to discover and celebrate Africa’s future music stars has begun, as the 9th Edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has opened the application portal for its Diamond Showcase, the award institution’s platform for rising music talents.
The 9th AFRIMA Diamond Showcase is designed to give undiscovered African artists a real chance to present their music to a wider audience and take a major step toward mainstream success.
The Showcase welcomes singers, rappers, DJs, producers, and instrumentalists from all parts of the continent to apply and take their place on one of Africa’s most respected music stages.
Janatte Haddadi, Regional Manager, Northern Africa for AFRIMA, described the Showcase as a rare and valuable opportunity for young creatives who are ready to grow. she explained that AFRIMA is committed to finding, mentoring, and promoting new African music stars who often remain unnoticed in their communities even though they have strong talent.
Haddadi announced that applications will run from November 18 to December 8, 2025, and she encouraged all interested artists to apply early through www.afrima.org/Diamond-Showcase or AFRIMA’s official Instagram page.
To apply, artists must submit a 45-second performance video. The AFRIMA Jury will then review all entries and select the top 15 finalists, known as “The Diamonds,” who will be invited to Lagos for the live Showcase.
Haddadi said, “We want to find the brightest diamonds in the rough across Africa. There are young artists in small towns, big cities, and everywhere in between who are doing amazing things with their music. Many of them have never had the chance to stand before the people who can help shape their careers. The Diamond Showcase is here to bridge that gap.”
The selected finalists will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 6 to 7, 2026, with performances each evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The Showcase is part of the activities leading up to the 9th AFRIMA Awards.
Those selected will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Lagos, special AFRIMA gifts, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to perform in front of top music executives, major media platforms, and key industry leaders.
Haddadi urged young talents not to waste the opportunity. “If you believe in your gift, this is the time to act,” she said. “Don’t wait. Don’t hold back. Submit your entry. Africa is ready to meet its next big talents, and we are ready to support your first major step.”
Unarguably Africa’s global music awards, the 9th AFRIMA Awards will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 7 to 11, 2026, with events including the Africa Music Business Summit, the Diamond Showcase, the Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, the Red Carpet, and the grand Awards Night. In partnership with the African Union and Lagos State (Official Host City), the ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries globally.
PRESS RELEASE
The Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday sought the support of investors to make the approved Lekki–Epe International Airport, a reality.
He said the Lagos State Government is committed to partnering with the Federal Government and its agencies, as well as investors, in building a stronger, safer, more competitive aviation industry for Nigeria.
The Lekki-Epe International airport is an initiative of the Lagos State Government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference held at Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Governors Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), represented by his deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and Board Chairman of FAAN, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, among others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State will work hand-in-hand with all federal agencies to ensure that the Lekki–Epe International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) become models of what is possible when federal and sub-national governments work in the same direction.
He said: “The Federal Government has granted approval to Lagos State to build a new international airport in the Ibeju–Lekki axis as a public-private partnership project.
“The airport is designed as a Code F-compliant facility, capable of handling the Airbus A380 and other wide-body aircraft, and is planned to sit on about 3,500 hectares of land, roughly 10 kilometres from the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The master plan provides for an initial capacity of five million passengers annually, with modular expansion as demand grows.
“Lekki–Epe International Airport is not a vanity project. It is a strategic response to decongesting MMIA and building resilience; positioning Lagos as West Africa’s preferred hub; unlocking new opportunities in MRO, training and aviation services; and supporting the Lekki industrial corridor, which is already home to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, and an emerging industrial and residential city.
“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with FAAN, NCAA and all federal agencies to ensure that the Lekki–Epe International Airport – and indeed MMIA – become models of what is possible when federal and sub-national governments pull in the same direction.
“Here in Lagos, together with the Federal Government and our partners, we are determined to create a future in which Nigerian aviation is safe, modern, competitive and inclusive – a future in which our airports are not bottlenecks, but bridges to opportunity,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an integrated mobility ecosystem in which rail, road, water and air transport are seamlessly connected in Lagos State.
He said his government over the last few years has made historic progress with the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line, running from Marina to Mile 2, and the Red Line, linking Agbado to Oyingbo, adding that it has also signed an MoU and unveiled plans for the Green Line, a 68-kilometre rail corridor from Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“We are building an integrated, multi-modal transport backbone designed to move more than 20 million residents and the millions who come to do business with us,” he said.
Also speaking during the conference, Governors Uzodinma, Zulum and Abiodun highlighted aviation as a driver of economic growth, showcasing new airports, integrated transport systems, and investment opportunities across Imo, Borno and Ogun states.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
17 NOVEMBER 2025