The Atlantic Bell

Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has partnered the Delta State Government, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to promote voluntary blood donation as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s blood supply and save lives.

The initiative, which forms part of SEEPCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for its host communities, aligns with activities marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day with the theme, “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives.”

The campaign was conducted across Delta State’s three senatorial districts—Asaba, Ughelli and Warri—where stakeholders sensitised residents on the importance of voluntary, regular and unpaid blood donation as the most sustainable means of ensuring adequate blood supply for healthcare facilities.

The exercise followed a similar campaign in Lagos State, where SEEPCO, in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, mobilised about 550 pints of blood within two days.

VCDF also highlighted the steady growth of its annual blood donation drive, with the number of donors increasing from 98 in 2022 to 147 in 2023, 268 in 2024 and 341 in 2025.

Before the Delta campaign, the foundation had recorded a cumulative total of 1,404 voluntary donors, a feat that earned it the Blood Donation Champion Award from the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service.

At the Central Hospital, Ughelli, the hospital’s management and Blood Transfusion Committee commended SEEPCO, VCDF, the Delta State Ministry of Health and other partners for supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to safe blood for patients.

Speaking during the campaign, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, described voluntary blood donation as critical to responding to public health emergencies and saving lives during accidents, childbirth and other medical emergencies.

He said: “Voluntary blood donation is important for public health emergencies and to save lives during accidents and childbirth. We are deeply grateful to VCDF and its partners for their commitment to promoting voluntary blood donation and supporting life-saving healthcare initiatives.”

Participants said the awareness campaign had increased public understanding of the importance of blood donation, with many first-time donors expressing willingness to become regular donors after learning about the safety, benefits and life-saving impact of donating blood.

Stakeholders also stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment, noting that a single blood donation could save multiple lives, as the campaign recorded impressive community participation across the three senatorial districts.

President Bola Tinubu has approved 27 road projects valued at over N3.9 trillion across 15 states, with most states in the oil-rich Niger Delta excluded from the massive infrastructure package, except for a road project traversing Cross River State.

The approvals were announced on Monday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The projects, which form part of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure expansion programme, are spread across Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe states.

Notably absent from the list are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, despite the region’s strategic contribution to the nation’s economy through oil and gas production. Cross River was the only Niger Delta state to feature, through the reconstruction of the Adikpo-Ajayi-Tese-Akpa-Otukpo Road, which traverses Benue and Cross River states.

Among the largest approvals is the re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State under the tax credit scheme to businessman Aliko Dangote at a cost of N1.8 trillion.

Other major projects approved include the N276 billion dualisation of the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road; the N265 billion reconstruction of the Iseyin-Eruwa-Agbesi Road linking Oyo and Kwara states; the N217 billion dualisation of the old alignment from Ijaye through the Federal Government College to Ilorin Road, with a spur to Akinmorin; and the N116 billion Abakaliki-Afikpo Road in Ebonyi State.

The council also approved N110 billion for the Ogbomoso-Oko-Illupu Road in Oyo and Osun states; N104 billion for the rehabilitation of Sections One and Two of the Ilorin-Omorin-Egbe-Kabba-Obajana Road linking Kwara and Kogi states; N98 billion for the construction of the 30-kilometre Idi-Araba-Ayede-Olodo Road in Oyo State; and N92 billion for the rehabilitation of the Baban-Lamba-Sharan Phase Two Road in Plateau State.

Other approvals include N86 billion each for the reconstruction of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road with a flyover and the Adikpo-Ajayi-Tese-Akpa-Otukpo Road linking Benue and Cross River states; N83 billion for the Jimeta-Mayo Belwa Road in Adamawa State; N82 billion for the rehabilitation of Igbeti Road in Oyo State; N74 billion for the Igbeti-Soro-Kishi Road; N71 billion for the 52-kilometre Dabban-Makina Road in Niger State; and N62.99 billion for the Tungo-Karamti Road, with five bridges connecting Adamawa and Taraba states.

The FEC further approved N58 billion for the rehabilitation of the Yola-Hong-Mubi Road (Phase II); N46 billion for the Amasiri-Okporojo Road; N34 billion for the Ikere-Ekiti-Ijare Road linking Ekiti and Ondo states; N26 billion for a new flyover on the Trans-Sahara Road; N24.7 billion for the rehabilitation of the Kabba-Ifaki-Ado Ekiti Road connecting Kogi and Ekiti states; and N21 billion for the construction of a flyover at Oko-Olowo Junction in Kwara State.

Additional approvals include N15.7 billion for the Pacific Road linking Igbe Laara to Ikorodu in Lagos State; N15.5 billion for the Badeku-Jaiye Road in Oyo State; N15.246 billion for Phase II of the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road project in Adamawa State; and N15 billion as augmentation for the 32.2-kilometre Gashua Road project in Yobe State.

Umahi also disclosed that the council approved the full business case for the operation and maintenance concession of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and directed the immediate reconstruction of failed sections of the highway along the Ibadan axis using concrete pavement.

He further announced the completion of the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion.

The omission of most Niger Delta states from the latest round of road approvals is expected to fuel concerns over infrastructure distribution in a region that remains the economic backbone of Nigeria through its vast oil and gas resources.

Residents of Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday demanded their immediate relocation from their ancestral homes following a prolonged gas leakage they say has triggered an environmental and public health crisis.

The demand was presented to the Rivers State Government during a peaceful protest at Government House, Port Harcourt, by members of the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative (PCCEI) and the Lekeh Development Foundation (LDF).

The protesters, who also called for transparency in the management of remediation funds under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), said the persistent pollution had contaminated water sources, destroyed fishing livelihoods and exposed residents to serious health risks.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, assured the delegation that government would act swiftly to address the situation.

Sirawoo said the state government would not ignore the plight of affected communities, stressing that protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment remained a priority.

He commended the protesters for embracing dialogue despite the hardship caused by the pollution.

“From what you have listed, it was enough to provoke a violent demonstration because people can no longer drink clean water, fish or carry out legitimate economic activities due to pollution. But you chose the path of peace.

“Be assured that the Rivers State Government has a responsibility to protect the lives and property of our people, and this issue will not be swept under the carpet,” he said.

According to him, preserving the environment is essential to sustaining farming and fishing, the main sources of livelihood in the state’s coastal communities.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative, Mr Courage Nsirimovu, said the gas leakage had created an ecological emergency in Bille and warned that other communities, including Rukpokwu, Ebubu and Elelenwo, were facing similar environmental challenges.

He urged the government to immediately relocate residents of Bille to safer locations and ensure accountability in the utilisation of funds earmarked for environmental remediation under the PIA.

Sixteen-year-old Osasere Okundaye has etched her name in Nigeria’s history books after becoming the country’s youngest chartered accountant, breaking the existing national record by qualifying through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the age of 16.

Her achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who earned the prestigious professional qualification at the age of 17, making Okundaye the youngest person ever to attain the feat in Nigeria.

The milestone has attracted commendation from the Federal Government, with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, describing her accomplishment as a testament to hard work, discipline, resilience and excellence.

“I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age,” the minister said in a statement on Monday.

According to Olawande, the teenager’s success reflects the immense potential of Nigerian youths and should inspire young people across the country to pursue their dreams with determination.

“Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment shows that with determination, dedication and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers and set new records,” he said.

The minister also acknowledged the contributions of her parents, teachers and mentors, noting that their guidance and encouragement played a crucial role in her remarkable success.

He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to policies and programmes that empower young Nigerians to maximise their potential.

“Osasere’s achievement reinforces our belief that the future of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused and talented young citizens,” Olawande added.

The ICAN professional qualification is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most rigorous professional certifications, requiring candidates to pass a series of demanding examinations and demonstrate high standards of competence in accounting and finance.

The Atlantic Bell reports that by attaining the qualification at just 16, Okundaye has not only rewritten the record books but also set a new benchmark for academic and professional excellence among Nigerian youths.

Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over what he described as an alleged coordinated plot by elements within the ruling establishment to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku claimed he had received credible intelligence suggesting that political and legal manoeuvres were being orchestrated to keep the ADC off the ballot ahead of the next presidential poll.

According to him, the alleged moves are aimed at weakening the opposition by targeting what he described as Nigeria’s “most credible alternative” political platform.

“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative,” he said.

The former vice-president called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to undermine the country’s democratic process by determining which political parties should be allowed to contest elections.

He also challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow a level playing field if it was confident of its electoral strength.

“If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?” Atiku asked.

Although he expressed hope that the alleged plot would not materialise, Atiku argued that recent political developments had made it difficult to dismiss such concerns.

He alleged that institutions expected to be neutral were increasingly being drawn into partisan contests through litigation, administrative actions and other forms of political pressure.

According to him, opposition parties have in recent months faced attempts to manufacture internal crises, judicial challenges, administrative harassment and campaigns aimed at undermining their credibility.

Atiku further accused the Federal Government of prioritising political calculations over governance at a time Nigerians were grappling with inflation, hunger, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

He maintained that the growing popularity of the ADC should be challenged through the ballot box rather than through what he termed institutional intimidation.

“The proper response to a popular political movement is not suppression. It is to present superior ideas before the electorate. Democracies are won at the ballot box, not in back rooms, not through manipulated court processes, and certainly not through the abuse of state institutions,” he said.
The former vice-president warned that any attempt to prevent the ADC from participating fully in the electoral process would constitute a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

He also urged the judiciary to remain independent and resist external influence, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant against actions capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 general election.

“We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy flourishes only when citizens refuse to be indifferent. Eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty. Every Nigerian who believes in constitutional rule must pay close attention to unfolding events,” he added.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to immediately refer allegations surrounding the alleged diversion, misapplication and disappearance of over ₦6.3 billion in constituency project funds to relevant anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

The organisation also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists, while all diverted or unaccounted public funds are recovered and returned to the national treasury.

SERAP further demanded the disclosure of the identities of contractors and companies, including their shareholders and beneficial owners, that received constituency project funds but allegedly failed to execute the projects.

The allegations are contained in the 2022 Annual Report of the Auditor-General for the Federation, published on September 9, 2025.

In a letter dated June 27, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the alleged diversion of the funds as a “grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption standards.”

According to the organisation, persistent corruption in constituency projects continues to undermine economic development, erode public confidence in democratic institutions and deprive citizens of essential public services.

SERAP stressed that the National Assembly must demonstrate leadership in tackling corruption by ensuring a transparent investigation into the allegations involving constituency projects approved by lawmakers.

It gave the Senate President and the Speaker seven days to act, warning that it would institute legal proceedings should they fail to respond.

The Auditor-General’s report cited several ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), including the Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom, the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Among the findings were alleged payments into private bank accounts, contracts awarded without due process, payments for abandoned or non-existent projects, undocumented expenditures, inflated contracts and widespread procurement violations.

The report alleged that EHORECON paid over ₦22.9 million from constituency project funds into private accounts of staff without evidence of how the money was utilised. It also cited consultancy contracts worth more than ₦12 million for projects whose deliverables could not be traced, as well as contracts exceeding ₦404 million allegedly awarded to companies with questionable registration records.

Other allegations against the council include over ₦103 million paid for undocumented capacity-building programmes, ₦656 million reportedly spent on constituency projects without authorisation, and ₦389 million paid for abattoir projects in Kebbi State that were allegedly never executed.

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom, was accused of making several undocumented payments running into hundreds of millions of naira for youth empowerment, vocational training, medical outreach and agricultural programmes, with no evidence of procurement compliance or project execution.

Similarly, the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, was alleged to have made questionable payments for mobilisation fees, inflated solar power contracts by over ₦192 million, paid contractors for unexecuted projects and awarded contracts without proper documentation.

The report also accused NAPTIP of awarding contracts to related companies, making undocumented payments for logistics and consultancy services, and fully paying contractors for solar lighting and classroom renovation projects that were allegedly never executed.

In the case of NILDS, the Auditor-General reported that the institute failed to submit audited financial statements for a decade, from 2012 to 2022, failed to remit more than ₦15 million in stamp duties and spent public funds without the required authorisation.

SERAP maintained that the allegations represent serious breaches of the Constitution, the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the Public Procurement Act 2007, which require transparency, accountability and competitive procurement in the management of public resources.

The organisation argued that corruption in constituency projects disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable Nigerians by limiting access to quality healthcare, education and other essential public services.

It insisted that the National Assembly, as the institution responsible for oversight of government agencies, must lead efforts to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in the management of constituency project funds.