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Group Backs Oba Of Benin On Market Leadership

The Atlantic Bell
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Group Backs Oba Of Benin On Market Leadership

The Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI), has thrown its weight behind Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on his stance on market leadership in the kingdom.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Okpioba Idemudia on behalf of EACHI and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, in Benin.

Idemudia said that the group aligned itself with the position of the Oba that the Iye-Eki was the only recognised traditional head of the markets in the kingdom.

According to him, EACHI believes that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as markets’ traditional head.

He expressed the group’s commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

He noted that attempts to impose external leadership structures would contradict cultural norms and traditions of the kingdom and warned against such.

He commended the Oba of Benin for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the kingdom.

He also commended Edo market women for taking a bold stand against the imposition of market leadership and Iyaloja on them.

Idemudia also called on sons and daughters of the state to stand in unity and continue to support the Oba’s disapproval of the Iyaloja concept.

”We at EACHI reassure the people of Edo and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage,” he said.

ACReSAL Restores 800,000 Hectares Of degraded lands, Impacts 8m People … FG Assures Partnership

The Atlantic Bell
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ACReSAL Restores 800,000 Hectares Of degraded lands, Impacts 8m People … FG Assures Partnership

The Federal Government is to partner with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable livelihoods in the semi-arid region of the country.

This resolution was taken during the Federal Technical Committee (FTC) meeting of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, held with the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by stakeholders to review the project’s progress and examine its Annual Work Plan for the upcoming implementation year.

This is as the Project has restored 800,000 hectares of degraded landscapes and its activities impacted over eight million persons in Northern Nigeria.

ACReSAL is a World Bank-financed project designed to tackle the pressing issues of land degradation and climate change in 19 states of Northern Nigeria.

Mr Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment described the gathering as a defining moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of environmental sustainability and community resilience.

“As we confront the realities of climate change, drought, and food insecurity, our shared vision through ACReSAL is transforming into concrete action.

“This plan embodies our collective responsibility to restore degraded lands, strengthen livelihoods, and secure a sustainable future for millions of Nigerians,” Kambari said.

Also speaking, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the ministry’s full support for the project’s objectives.

“The ACReSAL project aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen food security through climate-smart agriculture.

“By promoting drought-tolerant crops, soil restoration, and improved farming practices, we are empowering small holder farmers and building resilience in rural communities. Together, we can ensure that our agricultural sector continues to thrive despite environmental challenges,” Ogunbiyi assured.

Also, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted the project’s critical role in protecting Nigeria’s water ecosystems and improving sanitation standards in semi-arid regions.

“ACReSAL offers a comprehensive approach to managing our fragile water systems, through watershed rehabilitation, sustainable irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.

“We are not only preserving water resources but also enhancing public health and agricultural productivity. Our ministry remains committed to providing the technical leadership necessary to advance water security across the country,” Pheelangwah assured.

Mr Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, delivered a presentation on the project’s current status and impact across the participating states.

He said that ACReSAL’s interventions are technologically driven and encompasses afforestation, reforestation, ecosystem restoration, erosion and flood control livelihood initiatives, climate-smart agriculture, water management, capacity building and policy development.,

“Strategic catchment management planning, institutional strengthening, and environmental education initiatives, are all geared toward long-term impacts and sustainable environments,” Umar said.

He sais that so far, the project has restored over 800,000 hectares of degraded landscapes adding that civil works have reached an almost completion stage in some states.

He further stated that out of the wide range of impactful activities implemented in the state, 8,708,291 persons have benefited from the project intervention, with 4,120,649 being women.

Umar stated that ACReSAL has successfully addressed numerous environmental challenges, including those that once plagued communities in the Nguru Wetlands and Hadejia axis of the Northeast, now cited as classical examples of the project’s transformative impact.

The ACReSAL project seeks to mitigate the impacts of climate change in northern Nigeria by restoring degraded lands, improving water management, increasing agricultural yields, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for continued inter-ministerial synergy to ensure that ACReSAL delivers measurable benefits to communities most affected by desertification, drought, and land degradation.

Reps To Debate Motion Seeking Medical Intervention For Nnamdi Kanu

The Atlantic Bell
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Reps To Debate Motion Seeking Medical Intervention For Nnamdi Kanu

The House of Representatives will this week debate a motion seeking urgent medical intervention for the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

This is contained in a statement by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker, on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The decision, according to Orizu, followed an intervention during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu.

Kalu has reacted to a point of order raised on the subject matter by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Rep. Obi Aguocha.

Aguocha had raised a point of order (order 6 rule 2 on matters of privilege) during the plenary.

He stated that he was yet to get a response to the letter he wrote to House Leadership and FG for urgent medical intervention for Nnamdi Kanu, whose health is reportedly deteriorating.

The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas urged Aguocha to step it down and present the matter properly another legislative day, as he came under the wrong House rules.

Corroborating, the Deputy Speaker while noting that the subject matter presented is important, assured the

Speaker that the motion will be presented properly before the house in the course of the week.

“Mr Speaker, I’m also from Abia State. On the issue that is being raised by my colleague, we will present it before the house properly in the course of the week.

“We will come properly before the house so that proper hearing will be given to it. I beg that you will give us the audience maybe tomorrow or next tomorrow,” Kalu said.

Responding, Speaker Abbas said, “No problem, it’s just the procedure that I was challenging, not the substance of the issue. We will be willing and ready to give you all the time to present.”

Minister Accused Of Certificate Forgery Resigns

The Atlantic Bell
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Minister Accused Of Certificate Forgery Resigns

Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology has resigned following some allegations of certificate forgery against him.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s media aide Bayo Onanuga who confirmed the resignation in a statement, said the president has accepted the Minister’s decision.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

According to Onanuga, Tinubu has “accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.

President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

“Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents

President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours”.

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Equities Market Gains N110bn

The Atlantic Bell
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Equities Market Gains N110bn

The Nigerian Equities market continued its bullish trend on Tuesday with N110 billion gain.
This marked the 8th consecutive session of uptrend.

Accordingly, the market capitalisation, which opened at N91.921 trillion, gained N110 billion or 0.12 per cent to close at N92.031 trillion.
The All-Share Index also added 0.12 per cent or 172.48 points to settle at 144,995.26, against 144,822.78 recorded on Monday.

Sustained investors’ interest in stocks like Cornerstone Insurance, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings, CHAMS, VFD Group, International Energy Insurance, and 34 other stocks drove the market performance higher.
Meanwhile, the market breadth closed positive with 39 gainers against 34 losers.

On the advancers’ chart, Cornerstone Insurance led by 9.92 per cent, ending the session at N6.65, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings followed by 9.52 per cent, closing at N4.37 while CHAMS grew by 9.22 per cent, settling at N4.62 per share.

Also, VFD Group increased by 9.17 per cent, finishing at N11.90, and International Energy Insurance rose by 8.82 per cent, closing at N2.96 per share.

On the other side, Livingtrust Mortgage Bank led the decliners’ chart by 10 per cent, finishing at N5.94 while Austin Laz dropped by 9.74 per cent, settling at N3.15 per share.
Juli dipped by 9.60 per cent, ending the session at N8.95 and Livestock Feeds shed by 7.50 per cent, to close at N7.40 per share.
Also, Tantalizer fell by 6.45 per cent, closing at N2.32 per share.
Analysis of the market activity revealed an improvement in the market value with a decline in the market deals and volume as 507.41 million shares worth N24.29 billion were traded across 30,681 deals.
This is compared to 519.92 million shares valued at N14.55 billion that was exchanged across 35,490 transactions earlier on Monday.

Transactions in the shares of Access Corporation topped the activity chart in volume with N45.86 million shares valued at N1.19 billion.

Ellah Lakes followed with 39.49 million shares worth N594.3 million while CHAMS sold 30.8 million shares valued at N140.17 million.

Sovereign Trust Insurance transacted 27.79 million shares worth N86.69 million, and Aradel Holdings traded 22.58 million shares valued at N13.16 billion.

Amupitan: The Man Who Could Preside Over The 2027 General Election

The Atlantic Bell
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Amupitan: The Man Who Could Preside Over The 2027 General Election

As the National Council of States meets on Thursday, Nigerians would be eager to know if the projection that Professor Joash Amupitan who hails from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State is the man to preside over the 2027 General Election as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It is projected that barring any last minute change the legal scholar and administrator with over 34 years of academic and professional experience will get the nod, having been tipped by President Bola Tinubu, to replace Mamood Yakubu as the INEC helmsman.

Amupitan began his academic journey at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer. He steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008.

Over the years, he has held several key administrative positions, including Head of Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and a member of the University’s Governing Council.

He has also served on the Governing Councils of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education. Today, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.

In December 2023, Professor Amupitan was inaugurated as the second Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), thereby affording him affiliation with the school.

The Law professor is said to have obtained his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing the Barrister at Law program at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

He went on to earn a Master of Law degree in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Law in 2007, both from the University of Jos. He was conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title in 2014.

His areas of specialisation include the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law.

Amupitan has contributed to research, focusing on the legal frameworks for privatisation, reform of electoral laws, and reforms in petroleum and corporate governance laws.

Prof. Amupitan is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the National Association of Law Teachers.

He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and together, they are blessed with four children.

INEC: Yakubu’s Ten-Year Reign Ends … Agbamuche Takes Over as Acting Chairman

The Atlantic Bell
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INEC: Yakubu’s Ten-Year Reign Ends … Agbamuche Takes Over as Acting Chairman

The ten-year tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally come to an end.

Yakubu’s exit as INEC chairman marks the end a 10-year tenure across two terms. He was appointed by late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

On Tuesday, Yakubu handed over to May Agbamuche as the Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Agbamuche is the oldest serving National Commissioner in the electoral body.

In a brief ceremony at the commission’s headquarters on Tuesday, Yakubu handed over to National Commissioner, May Agbamuche.

Professor Mahmood announced this at the meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He solicited the support of the commissioners and directors of the commission for Agbamuche until the appointment of a substantive chairman.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to name a new chairman for the electoral agency any moment from now.

The appointment of a new INEC Chairman is expected to be one of the main issues to be discussed at the forthcoming Council of State meeting slated for later this week.

Rivers Secretariat Inferno: Fubara Declares Immediate Action On Secretariat Renovation Plan

The Atlantic Bell
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Rivers Secretariat Inferno: Fubara Declares Immediate Action On Secretariat Renovation Plan

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed relief that no life was lost to Monday’s fire outbreak which damaged a section of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.

The governor at Tuesday’s inspection of the outcome of the fire declared the immediate reactivation of his planned renovation project for the State Secretariat.

Gov. Fubara said, “It is really unfortunate, but we give God all the glory that no life was lost,” adding that the Secretariat has a Creche that cares for babies of civil servants which is the section that is most affected.

The governor hinted that his earlier plan to undertake a comprehensive renovation of the Secretariat has become necessary with the fire incidence.

“What is very important is that the renovation and refurbishing of this very foremost State Secretariat has been on the drawing board. With this particular incidence, there won’t be any reason not to continue it.

“Whatever it will require this government to commence the process we will immediately swing into action. I thank the civil servants for their support. When government makes investments people don’t truly understand what they are doing.”

Gov. Fubara emphasised that before the emergency rule his administration invested in the refurbishment of the fire service and wondered what would have happened if the State did not have a formidable and functional Fire Service to contain the inferno, assuring that his administration will continue to do things that will uplift Rivers people and make them happy.

DTF Set To Raise N100bn For Military, Paramilitary Families

The Atlantic Bell
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DTF Set To Raise N100bn For Military, Paramilitary Families

In a bid to support the families of Nigeria’s military and paramilitary personnel, the Defend Trust Fund (DTF) has announced plans to raise ₦100 billion through a national empowerment and welfare initiative.

Speaking at a press conference held on Monday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kaduna, the campaign’s lead advocate, Mohammed Thompson, said the movement seeks to gather 100,000 citizen signatures in support of the project over the next four months.

According to Thompson, the campaign—which commenced on October 6, 2025, and will run until January 14, 2026—is designed to provide scholarships, business grants, vocational training, cooperative financing, and psychosocial support for the families of uniformed men and women.

He explained that the initiative would lead to the establishment of the Defence Families Empowerment and Development Fund (DEFDF), an endowment aimed at restoring dignity and hope to the often-forgotten families of fallen officers.

“Every day, men and women of Nigeria’s armed forces and paramilitary services put on their uniforms to defend the nation often at great risk.
Behind each of these brave individuals stands a family, spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who carry silent burdens,” he said.

Thompson described the campaign as “deeply personal,” noting that he grew up in a military barracks where he witnessed the struggles of bereaved families firsthand.

“I have seen too many non-commissioned officers’ families live in abject poverty because of meagre salaries and the absence of structured support.
This campaign is about justice, dignity, and hope for the families behind the uniform,” he added.

He further stated that the Defend Trust Fund would serve as a sustainable national social justice mechanism to institutionalize support for uniformed personnel and their dependents, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s economic inclusion agenda and ongoing reforms to protect vulnerable groups.

“Establishing a sustainable trust fund for military and paramilitary families aligns perfectly with these priorities and provides a structured mechanism to uplift those who have long been underserved,” Thompson emphasized.

The campaign will run in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which will help drive nationwide awareness and advocacy. Thompson noted that the DTF draws inspiration from successful international models, including the Armed Forces Covenant Fund in the UK, the Military Families Fund in Canada, and several veteran and service family trust programs in the United States and Australia.

“Nigeria must not be left behind,” he stressed.

In a related development, Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi, a member of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing tertiary education as a driver of growth, innovation, and societal transformation.
He said the fund continues to pursue a change-driven policy agenda anchored on the Renewed Hope Vision, following the inauguration of the board by President Tinubu.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi

Rivers Civil Servants Go Wild With Joy As Fubara Visits Burnt Secretariat Building

The Atlantic Bell
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Rivers Civil Servants Go Wild With Joy As Fubara Visits Burnt Secretariat Building

It was a scene to behold on Tuesday morning as Rivers State Civil Servants went wild with joy as the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara visited the scene of yesterday’s fire which consumed a part of the ground floor of the Podium block of the Secretariat complex.
It was the governor’s first visit to the Secretariat Complex since the end of the emergency rule and his reinstatement on September 17.

Governor Fubara, who arrived at the complex at about 11.30 a.m., could not help but respond with smiles to the enthusiastic crowd who had gathered on learning of his visit.

The governor went straight to inspect the area that was consumed by the inferno yesterday.

 

Governor Fubara declined to comment on the fire and what the government’s response would be to the unfortunate scenario.

Some civil servants who spoke with The Atlantic Bell at the Secretariat said that in spite of the unfortunate situation, they were overjoyed to see the governor and could not resist expressing their joy.

It would be recalled that a raging inferno destroyed a wing of the ground floor of the Podium Block yesterday. The area mostly affected was the Audit Unit, which lost valuables, although no life was lost.

Yesterday, the Head of the Civil Service in the state, Dr. Inyingi Brown, who visited the scene, said there were no casualties during the fire incident that occurred at the State Secretariat Complex on Monday.

Speaking to newsmen on the ground floor of Podium Block, location of the incident, the Head of Service disclosed that on noticing the fire outbreak, the State Fire Service and other agencies were promptly called to contain the inferno.

“We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block and we immediately made calls to the Rivers State Fire Service, and they responded promptly.

“We also called other partners of the state, such as Renaissance, Federal Fire Service, and the military, who all promptly sent their fire trucks. It was a combined effort, and as we speak, you can see that the fire has been contained,” she stated.

“We thank God, and we thank His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before this time. If not for his investment in the fire service, this situation would have been worse,” she stressed.

She disclosed that no life was lost, even though the state medical service was on the ground to curtail any emergency.

She explained that preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been as a result of electrical faults and thereby called on all civil servants to be responsible in putting off all electrical services at the close of work.

“We urge all civil servants to take responsibility in safety. Put off our sockets and our lights. Not just putting off the sockets, but unplug to ensure there is no residual charge because these buildings are heritage buildings, and we don’t want anything to happen to them,” she admonished.

Dr. Brown further assured that Governor Fubara was working on measures to refurbish the secretariat buildings, which will be made known soon.

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