Home Blog

Opinion: State Police- Before We Shout Eureka

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy with over 200 million people, is about to decentralise its police for the first time in over five decades. After approval by 30 of 36 state parliaments, a bill to create state police is now on the president’s desk. While many are celebrating this milestone, available facts suggest it is too early to celebrate.

It’s too early to celebrate because the anticipated law has not addressed some pertinent questions: what kind of police does Nigeria need? Is it a police institution that does the bidding of the political elite to the detriment of the vast majority of the citizens? Do we need a police institution that protects human rights or one that violates them for personal gain? Are we expecting the proliferation of underfunded institutions in the name of creating state police?

A cursory look at the State Police Bill shows it partially addresses palpable fears previously raised by opponents of a dual police structure in the country. Such fears include, but are not limited to, a likely hijack of police institutions by state governors as well as an envisaged funding gap.

Under the anticipated law, state governors are empowered to appoint state police commissioners with the confirmation of State Houses of Assembly, acting as watchdogs to check abuse of executive powers in the administrative affairs of state police institutions. The proposed legislation also provides for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions to manage recruitment and discipline to limit political interference in policing.

The mere existence of laws is not a guarantee that they would serve public interests – what matters is their application for the common good of society. Vesting oversight in state legislators is not enough. State police commissioners should not be nominated by governors alone. The commissioner should be nominated by a joint panel of the State Police Service Commission, National Police Council, a state chief judge, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society organisations and appointed by the governor on the recommendation of that panel, subject to confirmation by two-thirds of the State House of Assembly, for a fixed single term of four years.

The current economic reality in the country also suggests that the argument on funding state police has not been adequately addressed.

Most state governments are currently contending with workers’ increasing demands for pay rise in the face of inflation. Essential social services in education and health are derelict on account of inadequate funding. Given this situation, many wonder what kind of police institutions states intend to establish.

Over the years, the debate on state police has narrowly focused on politics, ignoring the equally important social aspects. Policing shapes citizens’ lives in profound ways – affecting public safety, mental and psychological health, community trust, and daily freedoms. It places enormous powers in the hands of individuals left to use their discretion in the exercise of the authority the law vests in them. The abuse or misuse of such powers for personal gain is what amounts to police corruption.

In recognition of the fact that police corruption is universal, many crime scholars are beginning to pay a great deal of attention to fair policing, which must ensure the validity of arrests, appropriateness of shootings, and other crime prevention-related activities of the police. Most notably, the 1969 resolution of the International Chiefs of Police called for collective action and increased efforts to rid the police of rotten apples.

The rotten apple theory places the onus of corruption on the individual police officer. That is to say, it is the few rotten apples in the system that are responsible for corruption. The theory gained prominence with the findings of the Knapp Commission appointed to investigate alleged police corruption within the New York City Police Department. In its final report, the Knapp Commission recommended that any officer found guilty of corruption should be dismissed as a rotten apple that must not soil the clean barrel.

In alignment with the rotten apple theory, many crime researchers have underscored the need for proper scrutiny in police recruitments to ensure that unfit persons are not enlisted as candidates for policing. They insist that the right candidates must be educated, without criminal records, and demonstrate high ethical standards in their conduct.

In more recent times, however, other crime scholars are beginning to find the rotten apple theory inadequate for the explanation of police corruption. They would rather rely on the structural theory which holds that police corruption is systemic. The structural theory is based on the premise that organisational culture influences how decisions are made, how individuals interact, and how they share knowledge in an organisation. It argues that it is the prevailing corruption in the system that influences the individual officer, and not the other way around. Consequently, there is a tendency for a newly recruited officer with high moral standards to become corrupted by the system.

As criminal justice scholar, Frank Heley, notes in his analysis of the structural theory, those ensnared in the corruption web are not only the small spiders – they include police supervisors and chiefs. According to Heley, police corruption is encouraged or discouraged by the conduct of those at the helm of affairs. To reduce professional misconduct, he demands leadership by example and proper supervision of the rank and file to keep them in check. He also emphasises the need for periodic internal investigations as a remedy for the proliferation of the so-called rotten apples in the system.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu recently reiterated the need for a people-centred policing which is at the core of the debate on state police. Speaking at his monthly conference with senior officers in Abuja on November 11, 2026, he observed that “ As we approach another important electoral period, I wish to emphasise that the Nigerian Police Force remains a strictly non-partisan institution. Our allegiance is to the constitution and the Nigerian people”.

That charge is altruistic, but merely addresses the symptoms of systemic shortcomings preventing policing from meeting the needs of citizens. The greater challenge lies in how the police have been designed to operate that creates room for lack of accountability to citizens, especially in matters where political interests collide with citizens’ rights.

In their operations, the police have been driven more by loyalty from the bottom to the top, than accountability to citizens. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) refers to the Commissioner of Police who is answerable to the IGP who in turn reports to the president.

In this chain of command, the interest of a sitting president is overriding, even if it conflicts with the collective good of society. It’s an awful loyalty chain that travels down swiftly. And this is what should not be replicated with the creation of state police.

The danger of creating state police without the necessary safeguards is inherent in the transfer of an old culture of policing in the interest of a privileged few, particularly for state officials that call the shots, rather than the society as a whole.

Creating state police means decentralising policing in Nigeria. It is expected to enhance community policing through proximity. Under state police institutions, an officer who knows the terrain of a particular community well and speaks the local language, arrives at the crime scene in minutes rather than several hours it takes an officer deployed from Abuja. Proximity also means that a resident of Yenagoa, in the oil-rich Niger Delta, can approach the state police complaints commission and get results with more ease than proceeding to Abuja for the same purpose.

From the foregoing, it’s essential to decentralise police. However, it is dangerous to decentralise without creating standards to reinvent policing in Nigeria. There must be a paradigm shift from the colonial legacy of emphasising on crowd control to de-escalating a mob as a better way of crime prevention. The brand new police institutions Nigerians expect are those that should not be investigating crimes after they have been committed, but a better equipped force fully committed to crime prevention based on community intelligence. In a nutshell, we don’t need reactionary police institutions, but those that are proactive enough to nip crime in the bud to protect lives and properties.

In the final analysis, the president should withhold his assent to the proposed law on the creation of state police.The bill should go back to the National Assembly to replace the clause that empowers state governors alone to appoint police commissioners with a joint nomination clause. Allowing the bill to become law in its current form means the same loyalty compelling partisan loyalty at the centre will be replicated in states. This would distract senior officers, from DPOs to Commissioners of Police, and keep them at the beck and call of state governors.

This course of action is consistent with the provision to make state police funding seamless. The logic is clear: if he who pays the piper calls the tune, then the governor must not be the piper. Funding must therefore be a first-line charge, released automatically, not at the discretion of the governor.

Failure to address this gap in the proposed creation of state police means creating a new law that brings back old problems that could prove more difficult to fix in the near future. It amounts to refusing to make the police independent of political influences. It means perpetuating structural injustice that prevents police officers from meeting their constitutional obligations to citizens. When salary is lean and comes late, road blocks become the salary that will never disappear from Nigerian roads. It is a practical explanation for the systemic shortcomings that teaches young recruits to adopt survival strategies in the midst of structural adversities.

Nigeria is not alone in this dilemma. But many other countries are beginning to realise that decentralising policing without changing police culture only decentralises abuse.

By Tekena Amieyeofori

Dr. Amieyeofori, Journalist and Conflict Analyst, can be reached on tekena4real@gmail.com.

AFCONQ: Mixed Fortunes For Nigeria As Super Eagles Beat Tanzania, Olympic Eagles Fall To DR Congo

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

Nigeria’s football teams recorded contrasting results on Friday, with the Super Eagles securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, while the Olympic Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in the first leg of their U-23 AFCON qualifying tie.

The contrasting outcomes saw the senior national team bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau, while the U-23 side was left with an uphill task ahead of Tuesday’s return leg.

At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Super Eagles produced an impressive second-half performance to overcome Tanzania after the visitors had threatened to frustrate their hosts.

Nigeria got off to a flying start when Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring in the second minute, finishing off a pass from Ademola Lookman.

The early goal appeared to set the tone for a comfortable evening for the hosts, who dominated possession and created several opportunities to increase their advantage.

However, Tanzania responded against the run of play in the 32nd minute, with Alphonce Msanga restoring parity to leave both teams level at 1-1 at half-time.

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle responded with a double substitution after the break, introducing Moses Usor and Tolu Arokodare for Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi.

The changes proved decisive as Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, connecting with a cross from captain Wilfred Ndidi with an exquisite backheel finish.

The striker completed his brace eight minutes later, converting another cross, this time from substitute Usor, with a low finish to give Nigeria a commanding 3-1 advantage.

Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi made further changes in an attempt to revive his team’s fortunes, but the Super Eagles held firm to secure all three points.

The victory moved Nigeria to second place in Group L with six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven points.

While the senior side celebrated a much-needed victory, Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles endured a difficult outing against DR Congo in their 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations second-round qualifying encounter.

The Nigerian team, coached by Ikorodu City manager Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and former U-20 assistant coach Deniran Ortega, fell 2-0 to the Congolese side, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Nigeria started brightly and could have taken an early lead through Victor Samuel, whose efforts in the fourth and ninth minutes failed to find the back of the net.

The missed opportunities proved costly as DR Congo took the lead in the 20th minute in controversial circumstances.

Nigeria goalkeeper Samuel James appeared to have been fouled by a Congolese player while attempting to gather an aerial ball, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.

The Olympic Eagles suffered another setback when Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna was forced off through injury in the 30th minute.

DR Congo capitalised on their advantage five minutes before half-time, with Felozefe Mabete scoring an impressive free-kick to double the hosts’ lead.

Despite Nigeria’s attempts to reduce the deficit after the restart, the Olympic Eagles struggled to break down the Congolese defence as the hosts held on for a 2-0 victory.

The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a strong response in Tuesday’s return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium, where they must overturn the two-goal deficit to advance to the final qualifying round.

The U-23 AFCON tournament also serves as the qualifying pathway for the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Bonny Royal Houses Celebrate Bristol-Alagbariya’s Re-election As UNIPORT Law Dean

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

Professor Edward Bristol-Alagbariya, re-elected Dean, Faculty of Law, UNIPORT.

The Association of Duawaris (Founding and Aboriginal Royal Houses) of Grand Bonny Kingdom has congratulated Professor Edward T. Bristol-Alagbariya on his unanimous re-election as Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), for a second two-year tenure.

The association also congratulated Dr (Mrs) Mercy Oke-Chinda on her unanimous re-election as Associate Dean of the faculty.

The re-elections were announced in a congratulatory statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and signed by the Registered Trustee and Secretary-General of the association, Aseme-Warisenibo Elliott D. Dublin-Green.

According to the statement, Bristol-Alagbariya’s re-election was secured at the 82nd Board Meeting of the Faculty of Law, held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The association described the professor, who is renowned for his contributions to sustainable development and multidisciplinary sustainable development-oriented practices, as a distinguished son of Grand Bonny Kingdom.

Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Oke-Chinda, re-elected Associate Dean.

The group also identified him as its Royal Highness (Aseme-Alabo), Founder of Grand Bonny (Okoloamakoromabo) XX and Kuruama Amadabo.

Similarly, the association acknowledged Dr Oke-Chinda’s re-election, noting her role as Team Lead, Public International Law, in the Faculty of Law.

While expressing delight over the outcome of the election, the association attributed the development to the grace of God and prayed for divine wisdom, guidance and direction for both academics as they discharge their responsibilities over the next two years.

It further wished the entire Faculty of Law, University of Port Harcourt, continued success in its academic and administrative endeavours.

Pochettino Becomes Manchester United’s Eight Manager Since Ferguson’s Exit

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

Manchester United announced Friday that Mauricio Pochettino would be their new manager following the dismissal of Michael Carrick.

The club issued a statement saying the USA coach, who has previously managed Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League, would take charge from November 18.

“The club has reached an agreement with the US soccer federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the US men’s national team,” United said.

“The Argentinian is renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players.”

United are in the Premier League relegation zone after just one win in 10 games.

Manchester United: Eight Managers in 13 Years Since Ferguson’s Exit
Manchester United have appointed eight permanent managers since the departure of legendary Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson in May 2013, as the English Premier League giants continue their search for the stability and success that characterised Ferguson’s remarkable 26-year reign at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, who announced his retirement after guiding United to their 20th English league title in the 2012/2013 season, left behind an enormous legacy, having won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League trophies, among other honours.

However, the club have struggled to maintain that level of consistency since his departure, with a succession of managerial appointments failing to establish a sustained period of dominance.

David Moyes was the first manager appointed to succeed Ferguson in 2013. Handpicked by the departing United manager, Moyes signed a six-year contract but lasted only 10 months before being dismissed in April 2014 following a disappointing campaign.

He was succeeded by Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who took charge in 2014 and spent two seasons at the club.

Although he guided United to FA Cup success in 2016, he was dismissed shortly afterwards.

Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho became the club’s third permanent manager in 2016. He delivered the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield in his first season, but his relationship with the club deteriorated, leading to his departure in December 2018.

Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed caretaker manager before securing the permanent position in March 2019. He guided the club to a second-place Premier League finish in the 2020/2021 season but was dismissed in November 2021 following a poor run of results.

German coach Ralf Rangnick took over on an interim basis for the remainder of the 2021/2022 campaign before Erik ten Hag was appointed in April 2022.

Ten Hag won the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 but was relieved of his duties in October 2024 after a disappointing start to the season.

Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim succeeded him in November 2024 but also struggled to deliver consistent results and was eventually dismissed in 2026.

Michael Carrick subsequently had a spell in charge before Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment on November 13, 2026, adding another chapter to United’s post-Ferguson managerial history.

The club have also relied on interim and caretaker managers, including Ryan Giggs, Carrick, Rangnick, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher, during periods of transition.
The frequent changes in the dugout underline the difficulty United have faced in rebuilding the winning culture established under Ferguson.

Despite significant investments in players, changes in football administration and repeated managerial overhauls, the club have yet to reproduce the sustained domestic dominance that made them one of Europe’s most successful sides under their former manager.

For Manchester United, the challenge remains finding a manager capable of restoring consistency, competing regularly for major trophies and bringing back the glory days of the Ferguson era.

Amid Chatham House Protest, Amupitan Seeks Nigerians’ Trust In INEC Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged Nigerians to give the commission another chance to rebuild public confidence, insisting that lessons learnt from the controversial 2023 general election and improvements in subsequent polls have positioned it to deliver credible elections in 2027.

Amupitan made the appeal on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during a high-level dialogue at Chatham House, London, organised in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), under the theme, “Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot.”
His appeal comes amid protests at the London venue, reflecting the lingering public distrust and controversies surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the conduct and management of the 2023 presidential election.

Acknowledging the damage caused by the 2023 election to INEC’s reputation, the chairman admitted that the commission had yet to fully recover from the significant loss of public confidence.

“First and foremost, let me speak about what happened in 2023, which resulted in a significant trust deficit for INEC—damage so large that the Commission has not yet fully recovered from it,” he said.

However, he argued that his leadership, which began in October 2025, had used subsequent off-cycle elections as opportunities to identify operational shortcomings and strengthen the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Responding to concerns over why Nigerians should trust him and the commission, Amupitan pointed to what he described as measurable improvements in the Anambra and Osun governorship elections, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls, Ekiti governorship election and 16 legislative by-elections.

According to him, the recent elections demonstrated that INEC was learning from past mistakes and making progress in the conduct of elections.

“Why must Nigerians trust me? Nigerians must trust me because, number one, I have conducted off-cycle elections—and observers agree that the recent election in Osun State marked a clear improvement,” he said.

He described every election as a learning opportunity, noting that the 2023 general election and the subsequent Anambra poll had provided important lessons for the commission.

Amupitan recalled that Anambra and Osun states had previously experienced prolonged and inconclusive governorship elections, citing the 2021 Anambra election, which took about five days to conclude.

He said, however, that under the current reforms, results in both states were declared the day after voting, describing the development as evidence of improved electoral management.

Beyond the conduct of elections, the INEC chairman identified insecurity, logistics and result management as the three major challenges the commission was prioritising ahead of 2027.

On the controversies surrounding electronic transmission and result management in 2023, Amupitan said a post-election assessment by the commission revealed that some of the most serious failures occurred at collation centres rather than polling units.

He disclosed that INEC had consequently introduced stricter technical validation measures to prevent inaccurate results and figures reflecting over-voting from being uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

“We found that the core problem of election result management and declaration in Nigeria is not even at the polling unit—it is at the collation centres,” he explained.

“In 2023, there were instances of inaccurate results or results with over-voting being uploaded onto IReV. We have now devised a technical safeguard: if a result is not accurate at the polling unit, it will not go to IReV at all.”

He added that the new safeguards would ensure that results displayed on the portal had passed the commission’s validation process, thereby strengthening transparency and public confidence in the outcome of elections.

“The moment a result appears on IReV, citizens can trust what they see. By eliminating inconsistencies at the source, collation will become a transparent formality,” he said.

The INEC chairman also explained that the commission had considered introducing an entirely new electoral technology for the 2027 elections but opted to upgrade its existing infrastructure because of the limited time available before the polls.

Addressing concerns over the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the 2023 elections, which he attributed partly to extreme heat and poor storage conditions, Amupitan said the commission was constructing climate-controlled storage facilities across the states.

He further disclosed that INEC had procured additional BVAS devices and reduced the maximum number of voters assigned to each machine from 1,250 to 850 to improve efficiency and minimise technical disruptions.

As part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, the commission also announced November 28, 2026, for a nationwide mock accreditation exercise to test its systems and identify possible technical challenges ahead of the polls.
The INEC chairman maintained that the reforms, operational improvements and lessons from recent elections would strengthen the commission’s capacity to conduct credible polls in 2027.

However, with the controversies of 2023 still fresh and public scrutiny of the electoral umpire heightened, the success of the proposed reforms will ultimately depend not only on INEC’s assurances but also on their transparent implementation and the confidence Nigerians have in the electoral process.

FG, Labour Unions Seal Port Harcourt Airport Concession Deal, Assure Workers Of Job Security

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement for the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, with PH Airport Limited, assuring aviation workers that the arrangement will not result in job losses.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Group Managing Director of PH Airport Limited, Eyo Asuquo, following consultations with aviation labour unions.

The minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the unions, led by Ben Nnabue, endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances from the government and the concessionaire on the protection of workers’ jobs.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, Nnabue said workers’ welfare and job security were critical considerations in their decision to support the concession, stressing that organised labour would not endorse any arrangement capable of threatening the livelihoods of its members.

He said the unions were satisfied with the assurances given after extensive engagements with the government and the concessionaire on the implications of the agreement for workers and the future management of the airport.

In his remarks, Asuquo said Port Harcourt’s strategic location within the Gulf of Guinea presented enormous opportunities to transform the airport into a major gateway for regional commerce, investment and connectivity.

He said the concessionaire’s vision extended beyond taking over the management of the facility to investing in infrastructure, improving operational standards and expanding economic activities around the airport.

“Our vision goes beyond taking over the management of the airport. We are committed to driving development, expanding opportunities and creating additional jobs through investments and the growth of airport-related activities,” he said.

Asuquo added that the company intended to harness the airport’s strategic location to attract greater economic activities and strengthen Port Harcourt’s position as an important aviation and commercial hub.

Keyamo, who presided over the signing ceremony, had earlier held a closed-door meeting with aviation union leaders to address their concerns and secure their understanding of the concession process.

The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; directors of the ministry and representatives of the aviation labour unions.

RSU Assures Etche Community Of Campus’ Survival, Commissions 120-Capacity Chemistry Laboratory

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

The Pro-Chancellor of RSU, Okay Wali, commissioning the laboratory.

The Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and developing its Etche Campus, assuring the host community that the institution will not abandon the satellite campus despite concerns over its future.

The assurance came from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 15th Governing Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, during the commissioning of a 120-capacity, fully equipped Chemistry Laboratory at the campus located in Etche LGA of the state on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Wali said the Governing Council was determined to strengthen the University’s presence at Etche through sustained investment in infrastructure and academic facilities, stressing that the campus remained an important part of the institution’s development plans.

He recalled that during the Council’s familiarisation visits to the University’s campuses, members discovered that the Chemistry Laboratory building at Etche was in a deplorable condition, with structural defects that made it unsuitable for academic activities.

He said the Council consequently constituted a joint committee of Council and Management to assess the facility and supervise its renovation and completion.

Reaffirming his earlier assurance to the Paramount Ruler of Etche that the campus would remain operational, Wali said the Council would undertake more developmental projects to improve its academic and infrastructural capacity.

He explained that Chemistry was prioritised because of its importance to teaching, learning and research, adding that the Council would pursue the development of Physics and Biology laboratories in subsequent phases.

Vice Chancellor of RSU, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi (left) watches keenly during the commissioning of the laboratory.

“This is all about changing the narrative of this University, and we are determined to do that. By God’s grace, we will achieve it,” he said.

The Pro-Chancellor, who said the 15th Governing Council was committed to repositioning RSU as one of the leading universities in Nigeria and Africa, commended the Vice-Chancellor and Management for their cooperation in delivering the project.

He also congratulated members of the Governing Council, the project committee, the Head of Campus, faculty members and the Paramount Ruler of Etche for their contributions.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, said the successful completion of the laboratory reflected the determination of the current Governing Council to sustain projects initiated by its predecessor.

He acknowledged the contributions of the 14th Governing Council, led by Justice Mary Odili (Rtd.), and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum S. Okogbule, towards initiating the project.

Zeb-Obipi particularly commended Wali and members of the 15th Governing Council for ensuring that the project was completed despite challenges, including an upward review of the initial cost estimate.

He said the Council approved the additional funding required to bring the project to completion, demonstrating its commitment to the development of the Etche Campus.

The Vice-Chancellor also praised the Paramount Ruler and chiefs of Etche for providing security and protecting construction materials and equipment against theft, while acknowledging the contributions of the Head of Campus, Dean, lecturers and students.
He disclosed that the University’s next development priority at the campus would be the construction of Physics and Biology laboratories.

According to him, the additional facilities would eliminate the need for students to travel to the University’s main campus in Port Harcourt for practical sessions, thereby reducing transportation costs, saving time and improving academic efficiency.

He urged staff and students to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the newly commissioned laboratory.

Earlier, the Head of Campus, Etche, Prof. M. J. Ayotamuno, described the commissioning as a landmark in the development of the satellite campus, noting that the Chemistry Laboratory was the first facility of its kind to be established at any of RSU’s three satellite campuses, which were established about five years ago.

Ayotamuno commended the Pro-Chancellor and members of the 15th Governing Council for their commitment to completing the project within a short period, adding that its delivery ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session was particularly significant.

He stressed that functional laboratory facilities were essential to modern university education, which increasingly demanded graduates capable of applying knowledge, solving practical problems, innovating and creating value for society.

He said the Chemistry Laboratory would particularly benefit the Faculty of Agriculture through research and practical activities in soil analysis, water quality assessment, fertiliser studies, agricultural chemistry and food quality evaluation, among others.

These activities, he noted, were critical to sustainable agriculture and food security.
Giving an account of the project, the Chairman of the Council Committee on the Science Laboratory Project, Engr. Soibiton N. Isokariari, said the facility was completed within the approved budget and schedule, notwithstanding additional infrastructure incorporated into its scope.

He listed the additions to include a fume cupboard, an independent borehole to ensure regular water supply and a solar power system to provide alternative electricity.

Also speaking, the Acting Director of Physical Planning, Engr. Dr. Captain Gospel Otto, commended the Governing Council for its commitment to the project, disclosing that the 120-capacity laboratory was powered by a 12kVA solar energy system.

The commissioning underscores the University’s renewed commitment to sustaining its Etche Campus through improved infrastructure, expanded academic facilities and a development plan aimed at bringing quality university education closer to the host community.

NCDMB Awards Scholarships To 500 Bayelsa Students Under Cradle-to-Career Initiative

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

NCDMB officials at Day 2 of the conference in Takoradi, Ghana.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has awarded scholarships and cash prizes to 500 students in Bayelsa State under its Cradle-to-Career Initiative, in a renewed effort to promote academic excellence and expand access to quality education.

The awards, presented at the Bayelsa edition of the initiative in Yenagoa, covered pupils and students across primary, junior and senior secondary schools, as well as candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The beneficiaries comprised 100 primary school pupils, 100 junior secondary school students, 150 senior secondary school students and 150 UTME candidates, who received cash prizes and educational materials in recognition of their academic performance and as support for their educational pursuits.

Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, at the event, the Manager, Infrastructure and Economic Development (IRED), Engr. James Eyiteigha, urged the beneficiaries to regard the recognition as a springboard for greater achievements rather than an end in itself.

He stressed the need for young people to prepare early for the opportunities and responsibilities ahead, noting that the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Eyiteigha encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies, sustain their commitment to excellence and make productive use of the opportunities provided by the Board.

The Cradle-to-Career Initiative is part of NCDMB’s efforts to promote educational development and invest in the intellectual capacity of young Nigerians, particularly in oil-producing communities.

Through the programme, the Board seeks to encourage a culture of academic excellence while supporting young people at different stages of their educational journey, from primary education to preparation for tertiary studies.

The scholarship intervention also underscores the importance of investing in human capital as a critical component of Nigeria’s local content development agenda.
NCDMB’s commitment to education and capacity development was also reflected in its participation in the 2026 Local Content Conference and Exhibition in Takoradi, Ghana, where the Board shared Nigeria’s experience in developing local capacity in the oil and gas industry.

In a goodwill message delivered by the General Manager, Human Capital Development, Ms Alexis Emelle, the Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to support the growth of Ghana’s oil and gas industry, particularly in strengthening its local content performance.
He urged participating African countries to draw lessons from Nigeria’s local content journey, including its successes and challenges, as they develop their respective capacities.

He also called for stronger collaboration among African oil-producing countries to promote continent-wide local content development.

At the conference, Emelle presented a paper on From Training to Transformation: Developing Sustainable Competency Frameworks for the Oil and Gas Workforce during the In-Country Value Addition, Capacity Building and Innovation Forum. She also participated in a panel discussion on the subject.

The General Manager, Upstream PCAD, Mr Jefferson Tuatongha, equally participated in a panel session on Preparing Local Companies for Global Competitiveness: Beyond Compliance to Capability Development.

Similarly, the General Manager, Zonal Coordination, Mr Ifeanyi Ukoha, joined discussions at the Gas Monetisation and Value Chain Linkages Forum on Strengthening Linkage Opportunities for Indigenous Companies in the Oil and Gas Value Chain.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, Emeafa Hardcastle, also visited the NCDMB exhibition stand during the conference.

Other members of the Board’s delegation included the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Silas Ajimijaye, and the General Manager, Downstream PCAD, Tassalah Tesurgh.

The Board’s interventions in education and professional capacity development reflect its broader commitment to building the skilled workforce and indigenous capabilities required to sustain the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

NDDC MD Hails Tinubu On Youth Development, Says 18-Point Agenda Will Shape Nigeria’s Future

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (middle), with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele (right), during the 2026 National Youth Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting youth inclusion in national decision-making, expressing confidence that the outcome of the 2026 National Youth Conference will provide a roadmap for addressing challenges confronting young Nigerians.

Ogbuku, who spoke at the 2026 National Youth Conference held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, described the gathering as a historic opportunity for young people to contribute meaningfully to shaping the country’s future.

The conference, themed, “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future”, produced an 18-point action agenda covering six critical areas of national development.

The six priority areas are Governance, Leadership and Political Participation; Economic Transformation, Entrepreneurship and Job Creation; Education and Seven-Star Skills for the Future; Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation; Climate Change and Energy Transition; and Social Cohesion and Security.

The NDDC Managing Director said the conference outcome represented an important step towards harnessing the ideas, creativity and energy of young Nigerians in addressing the country’s development challenges.

He urged the delegates to embrace national unity, mutual understanding and collaboration across ethnic and regional divides, while demonstrating their readiness to assume leadership responsibilities.

Ogbuku also encouraged the youths to translate their passion for change into practical solutions that would promote national development, expressing optimism that the recommendations from the conference would contribute significantly to building a better Nigeria.

President Tinubu, who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the 18-point recommendations were translated into tangible policies and programmes.

The President directed the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, to collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, state governments, the private sector and development partners to develop a practical implementation framework for the recommendations.

He stressed that young Nigerians must be actively involved not only in policy formulation but also in the implementation and monitoring of decisions affecting their future.

Tinubu noted that the success of the conference would ultimately be measured by the extent to which its recommendations improved the lives of young people.

He acknowledged challenges confronting Nigerian youths, including unemployment, rising cost of living, limited access to education, inadequate business opportunities and insecurity, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities through education, skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, highlighted the importance of investor confidence, economic growth and job creation to national development.

He urged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, constructive engagement and practical solutions, noting that positive perceptions of the country and a conducive investment environment were essential to expanding economic opportunities.

Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, announced that the conference had produced the 18-point action agenda across the six thematic areas, providing a framework for addressing youth concerns and strengthening their participation in Nigeria’s development.

Fubara Tasks APC, Rainbow Coalition Leaders On Teamwork To Deliver Tinubu, Chinda In 2027

The Atlantic Bell
-
0

L-R: Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; Chairman of the Rivers Elders Forum, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra and APC Governorship Candidate for Rivers State, Rt Hon Kingsley Chinda at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Rainbow Coalition in the state to embrace teamwork, unity and sincerity of purpose to ensure victory for President Bola Tinubu, the party’s governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and other candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Fubara gave the charge on Thursday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers State, insisting that the ability of the state to deliver massive votes for the party and its candidates would depend largely on the willingness of members to work together.

The governor described unity as the surest path to electoral success, noting that the present political alignment offered an opportunity to consolidate on the achievements of the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, when a united campaign structure mobilised support for him and President Tinubu.

According to him, the inclusion of some individuals who belonged to opposing political camps during the previous elections had further strengthened the coalition and made the task of mobilisation easier.

Fubara, however, cautioned that such an expanded political platform could only succeed if members demonstrated genuine commitment and avoided divided loyalties.

L-R: Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (left) in a tet-a-tet with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

He thanked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, who coordinates the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers State, as well as other political leaders who worked towards the inauguration of the council.

The governor also congratulated those appointed into the campaign council, urging those whose names were not included in the initial list not to feel discouraged, as more opportunities would emerge with the constitution of sub-committees and possible updates to the list.

The FCT minister, who is also the national leader of the PDP/Rainbow Coalition, reminded members that their appointments were based on their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the campaign and deliver electoral results.

He charged them to work assiduously towards securing victory for Tinubu and other APC and Rainbow Coalition candidates in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

Wike disclosed that, in addition to the presidential campaign council and its sub-committees, local government campaign councils would soon be inaugurated to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and ensure wider coverage across the state.

He reiterated the need for members to demonstrate commitment and work collectively to deliver massive votes for the coalition’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.

123...210Page 1 of 210