News From Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sends profound condolences to former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, on the loss of his beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away today in Cairo, after an illness.
President Tinubu described the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family as a mother who lived a remarkable life and raised children and grandchildren who have contributed greatly to our nation.
“Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo. As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss.
“Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.
“ As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker.
“I join family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with you. May Allah grant your dear mother Aljannah Firdaus,” President Tinubu adds.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
March 27, 2026
As part of its ongoing commitment to community development and social welfare, leading glass and aluminium solutions provider ABUMET, has carried out a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach to the FCT School for the Blind in Abuja.
ABUMET has consistently distinguished itself as a company driven by people-focused impact, particularly within the education sector, where strategic interventions can transform lives. This recent outreach further reinforces the company’s values and strengthens its connection with communities that benefit from its initiatives.
As part of the visit, the company donated essential learning materials, including braille paper, a typewriter, and a talking calculator—items that will significantly enhance the students’ educational experience. For visually impaired learners, these tools are not merely supportive aids but vital instruments that promote independence, confidence, and academic advancement. The gesture, therefore, represents not just an act of giving but a meaningful investment in the intellectual growth and empowerment of the students.
Beyond the donations, the outreach focused on building genuine connections. ABUMET representatives engaged with both students and staff, gaining deeper insight into their daily experiences, challenges, and aspirations. The interaction fostered a warm and respectful atmosphere, with students expressing visible excitement and appreciation. For many, the visit served as a source of encouragement and renewed motivation.
Speaking during the visit, the General Manager of ABUMET, Diemo Schillack, highlighted the motivation behind the initiative:
“We make it a point to visit schools within our country, and this year, we chose your school.”
His remarks underscored the company’s deliberate effort to support institutions serving persons with special needs, guided by a strong sense of responsibility to contribute meaningfully where support is most needed.
Providing historical context, the General Duties Assistant of the institution, Jonathan Momoh, explained that the school was established in 2001 within the premises of the Federal College of Education, FCT, before relocating to its permanent site in Jabi, Abuja, in 2007. He noted that the relocation marked a significant turning point, improving infrastructure, learning conditions, and the overall academic structure of the school.
In her response, the Head of School, Hajia Hamzat, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, stating that the donated materials would greatly support the students’ academic development and overall well-being. She described the intervention as both timely and impactful, particularly in a learning environment where access to specialised materials is essential.
Other members of staff also expressed gratitude, noting that such interventions help bridge critical resource gaps and equip students with the tools needed to compete academically with their peers nationwide. They emphasised the importance of sustained private-sector partnerships in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no group is left behind.
The ABUMET delegation to the outreach included the General Manager, Diemo Schillack; Brand Marketing Coordinator, Esther Duruibe; Human Resource Manager, Tolulope Gbadamosi; Head of Procurement, Okechukwu Juliet Chizoba; Contract Manager, Ufuoma Alile, among others.
US-based family medicine physician, Dr. Austin Orette, on Friday reiterated his vision and plans for the Delta South Senatorial District.
“I will provide job opportunities for our citizens and ensure that the Delta South Senatorial District is well represented in issues appearing before the Senate’
In a message to the wonderful people of Delta South Senatorial District, Orette promised to utilize his contacts in the global community to supplement the efforts of the state government in attracting investments and employment opportunities.
Titled: “Putting the people first”, Orette promised to build a new and strong bridge of prosperity and dignity for Delta South.
“I wish to assure you of my readiness to work and make sacrifices for the senatorial zone. I will make you proud”
The senatorial hopeful listed legal reforms, health care, agriculture, security and restructuring as areas to focus on as a senator.
“The lack of the rule of law has led to our present state of insecurity. Our people need modern hospitals and well-trained staff to attend to them. The building is not a hospital. It is the manpower that is well trained that makes a good hospital. Good and affordable healthcare will reduce the high disease burden amongst our people. We must restructure Nigeria so that our people can take their destiny in their hands. Our District is a gas and oil field but we have no industry that can generate electricity for our people. We cannot be part of modern society without electricity. Providing electricity is necessary to create jobs for our unemployed youth. We must use modern methods of farming and make famine a thing of the past. I will create opportunities; ensure security and abundant living for our people”
He urged the people of the senatorial zone not to settle for past mediocrity that turned politics into a den of criminals.
“Those who are there gained positions through brigandage and they have given nothing back to the voters. The present leaders cannot solve the problems because they are not intellectually equipped to do that. They take orders from those who are not familiar with our terrain and as such have marginalized the Delta South which should be the Bread basket of Nigeria”
He also urged the people to change bench warmers in the National Assembly.
“In a democracy, we have the responsibility to vote out those who have disappointed us by not knowing the reason they were elected. Let us take this responsibility seriously. Those there now are serving themselves while the majority of us are wallowing in abject poverty. We must change our narrative. We cannot afford to continue doing the same over and over and expect a different result. We must as a matter of urgency change the leaders who don’t understand the problems and have no capacity to extricate us from our doldrums”
Particularly, he advised the people to support his senatorial ambition.
“Nigerians believe that supporting my senatorial aspiration is in the best interest of the senatorial zone. I urge you to give massive support. I also urge you to serve as a volunteer by using word of mouth to spread the message of hope so we can be victorious in this endeavor and rekindle hope for the progress and development of our dear senatorial district”
Orette stressed that he stands tall and remains the most competent and qualified aspirant among others.
“I am knowledgeable and well equipped for this task. I am imploring you to volunteer for this project. Sensitize people to the urgency of this moment. This is going to be the most important message of this era. If you want things to change, then you must join me in this endeavor. I want you to elect me to be the voice for your aspiration” he said.
Ending the message, Orette said “Having seen Delta South degenerate into a depth of economic, social and political degradation, I believe the best way to recover the soul of the senatorial district and find a remedy to the problems is to give this important task to a man that possesses the vision, political wisdom, courage and humility”
All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Hopeful, Dr Austin Orette, will on Friday speak on the future of Delta South Senatorial District.
Orette, who is running for next year’s Senate Election, will be in Isoko South, Isoko North, Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West as part of a series of town halls across the senatorial district.
‘’Dr. Austin Orette will hold talks with leaders and stakeholders on March 27, 28, and 29 in Owhelogbo , Ozoro, Oleh and Patani’’ a statement released by the Director of Communications, MediaGate Nigeria, Henry Ebireri said.
Orette declared his intention to contest for the Delta South Senatorial Seat in the 2027 National Assembly Elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) early 2026.
He outlined a vision focused on using his professional skills to empower constituents and reform governance.
He also vowed to fight for a new constitution that decentralizes power from Abuja and empowers local citizens.
His platform includes setting up digital libraries, retraining artisans (welders, carpenters, and mechanics) with modern tools, and encouraging vocational education.
Titled “The way forward”, the Statement said Dr Austin Orette would shed light on healthcare, education, and legal reforms in Nigeria.
“Dr Austin Orette intends to introduce modern equipment and extension services to make the senatorial zone self-sufficient in food production’’
According to Ebireri, a wide demographic of Delta South residents, including students, market women and government officials are expected to gather in Patani on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Orette, who recently promised a more active, service-oriented leadership, is expected to have a strong crowd response from stakeholders in Warri, Koko, Ogbe-Ijoh, Burutu and Bomadi.
‘’The town hall is significant as a chance to hear Dr. Austin Orette talk in person’’
The statement urged Delta South stakeholders to attend the town hall meeting.
‘’The good people of Delta South will get to know Dr Orette and what he actually stands for. We believe by going out to hear Dr Austin Orette speak, people will get a better understanding that he is dedicated to what he’s talking about. Dr. Austin Orette genuinely wants to better Delta South and he believes that his policies are the way forward.”
’The statement said the floor would be opened up to questions and comments from the constituents.
‘’It is also an opportunity for the stakeholders to voice their own opinions and be better represented. Constituents will have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Austin Orette and participate in a question-and-answer session’’ the statement added.
Okpe Union statement on political participation by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union (Worldwide)
As we enter the season of another election circle in Nigeria, we expect politicians to be flocking town and village halls distributing cups of rice, beans, wrappers, etc to buy the votes of Nigerians, including Okpe nationals. This is an opportunity for critically minded Okpe nationals to assess all prospective candidates – for the presidency, vice presidency, governorship, the National Assembly, and the State Assembly – of all political parties before casting their votes in 2027. Therefore, we call on Okpe nationals to begin the process of assessing the performances of current incumbents and prospective candidates of all political parties not through the prism of political affiliations, but on the basis of individual candidate’s suitability.
Promoting the Okpe Nation Agenda
The Okpe Nation Agenda derives from the communiqué of the Okpe World Conference held in Sapele on November 17 – 19, 2006 organized by the OKPE VOICE. It gave rise to the renaissance of Okpe identity as an ethnic nationality. In fact, it also derives from the coronation brochure of HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, which recognized Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. The Okpe Nation Agenda, as expressed in the communiqué of the 1 Okpe World Conference, was approved by HRM Orhue l and his Palace Chiefs on November 20, 2006 at a meeting with the delegates of OKPE VOICE, which included the leaders of the Okpe Union Nigeria, Okpe Union of North America, and the Okpe Union UK Branch. The communiqué identified several key elements that Okpe must address in order to facilitate the re-birth of the Okpe Nation. These included, inter alia:
The development and sustenance of an Okpe identity as a distinct ethnic nationality; concern over the threat of extinction posed to Okpe language; the need to teach Okpe language in all primary and secondary schools in Okpeland; the restoration of Okpe language news broadcasts on the State owned Television and Radio stations; post graduate scholarship fund; the ploughing of ten percent of funds accruing from oil firms’ donations to Sapele and Okpe local government councils into an Okpe Scholarship Fund; the establishment of a Board of Trustees to manage the scholarship fund; the conversion of the Sapele Technical College to a polytechnic; involvement of Okpe in state and national politics; periodic meetings between elected Okpe leaders and the Okpe people; the establishment of an Okpe Leaders’ Forum or Leaders of Thought; empowerment of Okpe women; establishment of an Okpe Monitoring Board; and the twinning of Okpe towns with major towns and cities in Europe and North America as a way of attracting foreign direct investment to Okpeland.
As the mouth-piece of Okpe Nation, it is the responsibility of the Okpe Union to work towards the realization of the Okpe Nation Agenda outlined in the 14 Points above. This Statement directs us on how to approach this Historical responsibility as we march towards the 2027 elections.
Okpe Union and positive Neutralism
Okpe Union, like other responsible ethnic organizations, will only endorse candidates for elective offices who subscribe to the 14 Points Okpe Nation Agenda referenced above. Thus, while Okpe Union is not affiliated with any political party, we remain resolute in our support and endorsement of candidates who are committed to the 14 Points Okpe Na on Agenda. We shall embark on an intensive voter’s education campaign across Okpe Nation, so as to sensitize Okpe nationals on this existential matter ahead of the 2027 elections.
Identifying Okpe Agenda Friendly Candidates
We shall identify Okpe candidates seeking to represent Okpe Na on at any level (local, state, and federal), who are committed to the actualization of the 14 Points Okpe Na on Agenda, irrespective of their political affiliations. Okpe Union shall contact all such candidates to ascertain their positions on the 14 Points Okpe Na on Agenda, before advising Okpe nationals on whom to vote for.
Concluding Remarks
We call on all Okpe nationals to vote for only candidates that subscribe to the 14 Points Okpe Nation Agenda. Blind support for political parties/candidates since 1999 has failed Okpe Nation in all indices of growth and development. It is time to reclaim Okpe Nation for the growth and development of Okpeland. We therefore call on Okpe nationals to register and obtain their permanent Voter’s card (PVC) as soon as possible.
Long Live the Okpe Union!
Long Live the Orodje of Okpe!
Long Live the Okpe Na on!
Prof. O. Igho Natufe
President General
Okpe Union (World Wide)
Barrister Victor Oruno
National Publicity Secretary
Okpe Union (World Wide)
Business mogul, Felix Aganbi, on Friday unveiled plans of a major golf tournament to celebrate Canaanland Golf Course and Country Club’s second year anniversary.
“The second-year anniversary of the 18-hole golf course will attract international talent and create opportunities for emerging players” Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi said in a statement.
Powered by Sir Alfred and Mrs. Warami Temile, the mission of Canaanland Golf Course and Country Club, according to Aganbi, is to strengthen the game in Nigeria, deliver significant benefits to the Niger Delta, bring men and women, officials and fans to Koko and boost tourism and hospitality industries in Delta State.
“Aganbi said, ” On Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Canaanland Golf Course and Country Club, Koko, we will host local and foreign investors, amateur and professional players, highlight the benefits of investing in Koko Town and celebrate Delta State’s exceptional history and culture”
Designed to prepare men and women for numerous and significant roles in all facets of life, Aganbi urged chief executives and managers of private and public organizations in the country to show the people of Delta State how committed they are to the development and promotion of sports in Nigeria.
He said positive steps have been taken towards providing the necessary standard sporting facilities in Koko Town.
“The second anniversary is an opportunity for the men and women to earn prize money”
Aganbi, who is also the Chairman of Canaan Land Golf & Country Club, expressed the happiness of the management and members of Canaanland Golf Course & Country Club at celebrating the second anniversary on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
“The one-day event marks our club’s two-year anniversary and expands our horizons beyond golf to include badminton, table tennis and darts”
The statement emphasized networking and socializing, skill development, health and wellness, career advancement and exposure.
“As part of the activities, we will host a special anniversary ceremony to reflect our growth, complete with refreshments and networking. Additionally, we will be incorporating a give-back medical outreach program focused on eye care and full health checkups at our Christiana Aganbi Sickbay.
“Our goal for this event and beyond includes strengthening community ties, promoting wellness and showcasing the potential and opportunity in Koko town through the Canaan Land Smart City, a sustainable development featuring eco-friendly residences, a tech hub, wellness facilities and tourism attractions”
Prominent leaders of Koko community in Warri North Local Government Area on Monday described the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club, Hon Felix Aganbi, as a dynamic thinker, a defender of the collective interest of the Itsekiri Nation and a rallying point for the Koko people.
‘’Hon Felix Aganbi is a shining example, a role model to all of us. His life is that of accomplishment and service to humanity’’
They also applauded the astute businessman, politician, philanthropist, humanist and mentor for conceiving a rigorous development agenda for Koko, which has so far dictated the steady growth of the Itsekiri community.
‘’April 25, 2026, is a day of jubilation for the peaceful and God-Fearing people of Koko. It is a great opportunity for us to celebrate Canaan Land Golf and Country Club, the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi, his contributions to the development of Warri North and to say a big thank you to our great son’’
In a statement in Koko, the community leaders commended the Akogate chief executive officer for bringing Koko forward in terms of physical and human development.
‘’It’s our dream to see a prosperous Koko and we are near to achieving the objective.
The community in a statement issued by Chris Ebrajolor, Alex Orogun, Wilson Omawumi Alatsha and Phillip Daibo extolled the charming qualities of the celebrated businessman.
‘’Hon Felix Aganbi is a man of integrity. He knows where the problems of the community lie and how to keep solving them’’
The leaders praised Aganbi for his numerous contributions to youth and community development.
The statement highlighted Aganbi’s benevolence, leadership qualities, development initiatives, commitment to the well-being of the people of Koko and his role in building the new Koko of prosperity for all.
It also highlighted his honesty, reliability, uprightness, modesty and practical ability.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Tuesday, proudly demonstrated its unflinching commitment to being socially responsible when the leading engineering construction company’s Academy marked the successful completion of its Batch 2025 Vocational Training Programme with the graduation of 36 trainees across key technical disciplines, including carpentry, masonry, and plumbing. The initiative underscores the Company’s continued commitment to skills development, youth empowerment, and sustainable capacity building within its host communities.
Delivering his address at the ceremony, the Director, Administration, Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, described the occasion as more than a graduation ceremony, but a celebration of purpose and measurable impact. He emphasised that Corporate Social Responsibility must be measurable, sustainable, and impactful, noting that the Vocational Support Programme clearly meets these standards.
Kaita stated that the graduation of Batch 2025 trainees does not mark the end of their journey, but rather the beginning explaining that the Company’s vision is to scale the initiative sustainably, ensuring that more Nigerian youths acquire certified technical skills that contribute meaningfully to the economy. Highlighting the broader economic value of vocational excellence, he noted that skilled artisans reduce dependence on imports, improve construction quality, enhance productivity, and create micro-enterprises, adding that this is how grassroots economic transformation begins.
Addressing the graduates directly, he charged them to step forward with confidence, build with excellence, work with integrity, and grow with discipline even as he expressed his hope that the training received would serve as a solid foundation upon which the graduands would construct prosperous futures for themselves, their families, and the nation, affirming that their future begins now.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Head, Human Resource Department, Olorunfemi Ojomo also commended the graduands for their dedication and reaffirmed Julius Berger’s strategic focus on investing in human capital as a critical driver of national development and organisational excellence, just as he emphasised the importance of vocational expertise in strengthening Nigeria’s construction sector. He also noted that beyond infrastructure delivery, Julius Berger remains intentional about creating meaningful opportunities that empower individuals and uplift communities.
In her address, the Talent Manager, Mrs Goodness Onoja reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to strengthening technical skills development in Nigeria through its Vocational Support Programme. She highlighted its growth from automotive training in 2024, with 36 participants and 30 graduates to its expansion in 2025 into masonry, carpentry, and plumbing, where 36 of 40 trainees completed the programme, including two female graduates. She announced that all graduating participants would receive Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level 1 and Level 2 certifications in their respective trades, further reinforcing the programme’s objective of equipping them with industry-recognised qualifications aligned with national standards.
Looking ahead, Onoja revealed that the 2026 batch, scheduled to commence in late April, will introduce new training streams in electrical installation and solar technology. This expansion will be supported by a strategic partnership with GIZ, which has provided an integrated technical expert to strengthen curriculum development, training materials, tools, and infrastructure to meet international standards.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, the Class President, Ms. Victorious O Odah expressed deep gratitude to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the opportunity to undergo ten months of intensive vocational training in plumbing, masonry, and carpentry. She acknowledged the company’s provision of a structured learning environment that fostered discipline, professionalism, and technical excellence. According to her, the programme not only equipped participants with practical skills, ranging from water system installation and block laying to the construction of wooden structures, but also strengthened their confidence and preparedness for the realities of the working environment.
The comprehensive training programme was designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant competencies aligned with global best practices in construction and engineering. Over the course of the programme, the trainees received hands-on instruction, technical mentorship, and structured learning aimed at enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
Through programmes such as this, Julius Berger continues to reinforce its role as a responsible corporate citizen, committed to building structures, strengthening communities, and shaping futures.
Key Julius Berger staff at the historic event include, the Director, Administration, Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita Isa, Head, Corporate Communications, James Agama, Head, Human Resource Department, Olorunfemi Ojomo, Coordinator, Julius Berger Plant and Equipment Academy, Ajamah Himernuel, Talent Management Manager, Onoja Goodness, Human Resources Coordinator, Nasiru Mohammed, Deputy Human Resources Cordinator, Samuel Adenuga, Snr. Training Manager, Akin Ogunfuyi, Commercial Manager, Abuja Building & Facilities, Aleks Serafimowski, Document Control Officer, Region Central North, Caroline Akani and representatives of the company’s Media Relations Office.
PRESS RELEASE
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Mr Alfredo Miranda-Ortiz, have stressed the need for Lagos and Mexico to strengthen bilateral ties, to enhance their economic prosperity and areas of mutual benefits.
Sanwo-Olu and Miranda-Ortiz spoke on the need for the bilateral relationship during a courtesy visit by the Mexican delegation, led by the Ambassador at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating conducive business and tourism potential in Lagos State. He said the THEMES+ developmental agenda of his administration is further pushed to make Lagos hospitable, habitable and attract more investments.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the opening of a Honourary Consulate of Mexico in Lagos, under the leadership of the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Lagos, Mr. Abiodun Otunola, to boost relationships between both countries.
Speaking earlier, the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Mr. Alfredo Miranda-Ortiz, lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu’s giant strides, saying the State has proved its capacity to expand economic relationships.
He explained that with 53 free Trade Markets in Mexico, his country is poised to strengthen its economy by working collaboratively with Lagos as the economic engine of Nigeria.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
MARCH 10, 2026
I am in receipt of a letter that asked parents to pay for an excursion to England. I was very perturbed because this goes beyond the mandate of the school. These kids barely know the geography of Nigeria, and you want to export them to another culture for indoctrination and cultural imperialism.
What is London for the Nigerian child? Are we still under colonialism? This program has nothing to improve the child except to give them a false sense of elitism which has destroyed Nigeria.
In these tough economic times, you are asking parents to cough out so much money for the vanity project of indulgent children and nouveaux rich parents who want vicarious existence through their children. I weep for my country.
Nigeria used to be a place where the children of the rich and poor went to the same school without anyone being subjected to any form of alienation. It is becoming very clear that the Nigerian educational system has been bastardized by actions like these.
We send our children to learn and have a better understanding of themselves and the world, but you are teaching them a sense of entitlement. As someone who has travelled around the world, there is nothing any of those kids will gain from this stupid enterprise than egotism that alienates them from their mates. Even if I can afford it, it does not make any economic sense. I will never participate in this hubris you mistake for education. It appears your school has substituted foreign cultures for education.
Teach the Nigerian child how to be Nigerian. Education is supposed to start from the home. It appears a large percentage of the parents are people who came into so much money without a modicum of common sense. This is the reason why they consider it a thing of dignity when their child is being culturally miseducated. This trend where everything foreign is romanticized must stop. We should never raise our children to feel inferior to anyone.
The moral decadence that has become prevalent in Nigeria is due to this wrong education of the Nigerian child and his parents. They employ maids for their children; drive them to school in expensive limousines. At the end, the child grows up entitled and does not have any sense of service or allegiance to his community, as he is trained from childhood that the world owes him a living.
We must teach our children how to serve. Service to others is the rent we pay for the space we occupy. If parents must take their children overseas, that should be done in their private time not under the pretext of education.
A good education will be an excursion to the numerous slums in Lagos and let the children produce an assignment about creating sustainable neighborhoods that are livable.
If you don’t stop this practice, I will make a formal protest to the Ministry of Education and your school and other schools that are introducing this odious culture should be sanctioned.
The Nigerian child must be trained to think instead of making him a consumer of foreign cultures that have disdain for our way of life.
I used to complain of wayward parents who have destroyed Nigeria until I found out that the Nigerian schools are becoming incubating chambers for producing wayward and dysfunctional children who will perpetuate the vicious cycle in the Nigerian decay.
DR AUSTIN ORETTE WRITES FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS