The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra to create a more business-friendly environment by addressing multiple taxation in the state.

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN’s Enugu Depot Community, made the appeal during the inauguration of new executive of Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN), Anambra Branch, on Thursday in Awka.

Mr Chibuike Izukanne emerged as Chairman, Ozomadu Michael as Vice Chairman, and Augustine Ejimofor as Secretary.

Anyaso, who oversees IPMAN activities in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, expressed concern over the increasing number of taxes and levies imposed on petroleum marketers.

He noted that the proliferation of charges was threatening the sustainability of their operations in the state.

“We used to have a consolidated tax system, but now additional levies such as business premises charges, land use fees, and Local Government Council dues have been introduced.

“The burden is becoming unbearable, and while we are still engaging with the government, we hope for a resolution soon,” he said.

Anyaso congratulated the new PEDAN leadership and urged them to remain law-abiding while safeguarding the interests of members.

In his acceptance speech, Izukanne thanked members for their confidence in him and pledged to lead in a way which benefited both members and the state government.

He also echoed concerns over the issue of multiple taxation and harassment by various government agencies.

“These challenges have continued to affect our operations. However, we will engage with the government constructively without compromising the interests of our members,” Izukanne said.

Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock and sadness over the heartbreaking demise of the 29-year old brilliant lawyer and exceptional personality in Nigeria’s bustling media industry, Ms Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, on Monday, September 29, 2025, during a robbery incident in her residence within the Katampe precinct of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, on behalf of the governor, dated October 1, 2025, noted that Somtochukwu, one of the shining stars that Rivers State bequeathed to Nigeria and the world, was not just “a distinguished Journalist, but an embodiment of kindness, humility, brilliance, resilience, and hope of a brighter future for Nigerian youths.

“Her voice on ARISE News Television was an inspiration to millions, her passion for Justice reflected in her legal mind; and her humiilty and persistence while probing for the truth, a latent pointer to her professionalism. Therefore, losing Sommie at this time is an unwholesome tragedy to her family, our dear Rivers State, and indeed, our country.

“We regret the circumstances of this unfortunate incident, knowing that the vacuum created by her death cannot be filled. We, however, take solace in the fact that the Federal Government has ordered the appropriate security agencies to ensure that justice is served in this case.

“On behalf my family, the Government and good people of Rivers State, the Governor condoles with the Maduagwu and ARISE News families, relatives and friends, as we collectively mourn the passing of a shining star and colossus in the Media Landscape,” the statement concluded.

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has advised all Nigerians to work harder to achieve a greater nation.

The First Lady gave the advice in Abuja on Wednesday in her message to wish all citizens happy 65th Independence Anniversary.

She quoted the 1925 Essay, “The New Frontier” by Gebran Kalil Gebran.

“Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite. If the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.”

She also urged Nigerians to be virtuous, citing the Jan. 20, 1961, inaugural address of USA 35th President, John F. Kennedy. My Fellow Citizens, ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country.

“My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of Man.

“Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain, ” she stated.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members to limit call duty to a maximum of 24 hours, with the directive taking effect from October 1, 2025.

NARD President, Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, said in an interview on Tuesday that the decision is aimed at reducing stress among doctors and improving the quality of healthcare delivery.

He noted that the deterioration in doctors’ health due to prolonged hours has affected service delivery and exposed medical practitioners to serious health risks.

“Members will no longer engage in call duty beyond 24 hours. Call rosters that exceed this limit are unsafe and could result in mistakes, collapse, or even death,” he warned.

Dr. Suleiman explained that the directive requires every 24-hour call to be followed by adequate rest. “NARD is charging members to reject rosters that schedule back-to-back 24-hour calls,” he added.

The association described excessive call schedules as “unsafe and unstable,” stressing that limiting call duty hours will give doctors time to rest, bond with their families, and attend to other aspects of their lives.

He recalled the case of a young doctor in Rivers State who reportedly died after being on duty for 72 hours. “Some accounts said he had malaria and was on medication, others said they did not know what happened. But after 72 hours on call, he decided to rest and never woke up,” Dr. Suleiman said.

He further noted that doctors’ duties go beyond calls, including attending to patients in the wards, administering medications, and managing clinics, which make excessively long duty hours even more burdensome.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi