The member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Alex Egbona, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Pillar Today, Mr Anietie Ben Akpan, describing his passing as a devastating loss to the media profession, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River State and the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers (ANDOP).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Egbona said he found it difficult to accept the news of Akpan’s death, noting that the journalism profession still needed his wealth of experience and commitment.

The lawmaker recalled his longstanding relationship with the late journalist, dating back to his days as a correspondent of The Guardian newspaper in Calabar, where he distinguished himself through professionalism and dedication to the craft.

Egbona disclosed that only a few weeks ago he was informed about Akpan’s deteriorating health and the urgent need for financial assistance to enable him undergo critical medical procedures.

According to him, he responded immediately by providing support and also contacted the deceased’s representative in the National Assembly in a bid to mobilise further assistance.

“I did not only assist, I was in a hurry to send the financial assistance. I also reached out to his representative in the National Assembly, who is a close friend. I wanted Anietie to live and continue doing his good works for humanity,” he said.

The federal lawmaker said he was, however, left heartbroken by the news of Akpan’s death.

“Two days ago, I got the shocking news that he had passed on. At first, I did not believe it was true. That news made me really sad. He was a good journalist and had paid his dues. This is a huge loss to the NUJ family and to the Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers, which he belonged to,” Egbona stated.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, praying for divine strength and comfort as they come to terms with the painful loss.

“My heart is with his family. I pray that they find comfort in God’s arms and receive the grace to bear this painful loss. I also want them to know that they will not walk alone during this difficult time,” he added.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, revealing that 1,200,514 candidates obtained the minimum requirement of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, for admission into tertiary institutions.

The figure represents 61.54 per cent of the 1,950,726 candidates who sat the examination and reflects a marginal decline of 1.42 percentage points compared to the 2025 performance.

Announcing the results in Lagos on Wednesday, the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, disclosed that 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools registered for the examination conducted across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.

According to him, 1,687,378 candidates, representing 86.50 per cent, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, irrespective of whether they passed English Language and Mathematics.

Of the candidates who met the benchmark of five credits, including English and Mathematics, 558,883 (28.65 per cent) were male, while 641,631 (32.89 per cent) were female. Overall, 953,459 males and 997,267 females sat the examination.

Dangut said 1,834,695 candidates, representing 94.05 per cent of those who sat the examination, have had their results fully processed and released, while the results of 116,031 candidates (5.95 per cent) are still being processed.

He also disclosed that 1,213 candidates with special needs registered for the examination, including 137 visually impaired candidates, 491 with hearing impairment, 55 who were spastic or mentally challenged, and 41 physically challenged candidates.

On examination malpractice, the WAEC boss said the results of 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 per cent, had been withheld over alleged involvement in examination malpractice. He noted that the figure represents an improvement over the 9.7 per cent recorded in 2025.

Dangut attributed persistent malpractice to the increasing use of mobile phones in examination halls despite existing restrictions, as well as organised cheating in some schools. He added that supervisors and invigilators found to have aided malpractice had been apprehended and would be sanctioned through the respective State Ministries of Education.

Highlighting improvements introduced by the Council, Dangut said the 2026 examination marked the second edition of the Computer-Based WASSCE for school candidates. He listed innovations such as the Digital Examiner Marking System (DEMS), the serialisation of question papers to curb malpractice, and a new online portal that enables candidates to generate electronic PINs for result checking.

The examination was conducted between April 24 and June 19, 2026, with 102,708 examiners engaged across 88 marking centres nationwide.

He, however, warned that results of candidates sponsored by state governments indebted to WAEC would remain withheld until the outstanding financial obligations are settled.

Candidates can access their results within 12 hours through the WAEC result-checking portal, while certificates will be available for collection within 90 days.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, granting pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent in a move aimed at strengthening troop welfare and boosting morale in the fight against insecurity.

The salary review, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit about 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Under the new structure, officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant-Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Officers from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer are to enjoy a 50 per cent increase, while personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment of 80 per cent.

The salary review will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from N660 billion to N924 billion.

The Presidency said the decision reflects Tinubu’s recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” the President said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, stressing that efforts would also continue to modernise the Armed Forces through the provision of advanced weapons systems, equipment and technology needed to enhance operational effectiveness.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.

The President urged members of the Armed Forces to regard the salary increase as a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for their service and dedication.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he added.

The salary adjustment is one of the administration’s latest measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of security personnel amid sustained military operations against criminal and insurgent groups across the country.

The Association of Niger Delta Online Publishers (ANDOP) has expressed profound grief over the death of one of its members, Mr Anietie Ben Akpan, describing his passing as a devastating loss to the journalism profession and the online publishing community in the Niger Delta.

Akpan, publisher of the Calabar-based online newspaper The Pillar Today, died on August 2 after a period of illness.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday by the association’s Founding President, Mr Ofonime Umanah, and Secretary, Celestine Ogolo, ANDOP said members were deeply shocked by the news, noting that the late journalist remained optimistic and cheerful despite his health challenges.

The association described Akpan as an accomplished media professional whose passion, integrity and commitment to responsible journalism made him a valuable member of the organisation.

“We received the news of the death of our friend, colleague and brother, Mr Anietie Ben Akpan, with profound sadness.

Although we were aware that he had been battling ill health, every conversation we had with him was filled with hope, warmth and unwavering optimism,” the statement said.

According to the association, Akpan was committed to its vision of promoting professionalism and raising standards in online journalism across the Niger Delta.

“As a young professional body, we found in him a thoroughbred journalist who was eager to contribute meaningfully to our collective aspiration of reshaping online publishing in the region. He embraced our ideals and was prepared to be one of the change agents the industry urgently needs.

“His death has left a painful vacuum in our ranks. We have lost not only a distinguished journalist but also a dependable colleague, a trusted friend and a committed partner in progress. His passing is a painful blow that will be deeply felt by all who knew and worked with him.”

ANDOP extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them of its solidarity during the period of mourning.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time. We pray that God grants them the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. We also pray that the soul of our departed colleague finds eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has urged local and international investors to take advantage of the improved security and business climate in the Niger Delta, declaring the oil-rich region safe and conducive for investment.

Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Ogbuku described the Niger Delta as a region richly endowed with vast economic opportunities, assuring prospective investors of a stable environment for business growth.

According to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Commission’s chief attributed the renewed confidence in the region to the reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda had significantly transformed the Niger Delta into a more peaceful and investor-friendly destination, creating fresh opportunities for economic expansion and sustainable development.

Ogbuku also commended Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for convening the investment summit, describing it as a strategic initiative capable of attracting investors to both Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.

He further congratulated the governor on his administration’s strides in infrastructure development, noting that such investments were critical to sustaining economic growth.

Addressing participants at the summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria’s economic outlook had improved despite global economic uncertainties, insisting that President Tinubu deserved commendation for stabilising the economy.

“Our reserves have grown from three billion dollars to 52 billion dollars and counting in a turbulent world. I think the President deserves commendation,” he said.

Shettima described Delta State as one of Nigeria’s foremost investment destinations, citing its educated and enterprising population as key drivers of economic prosperity.

According to him, the summit represented a timely opportunity to mobilise resources and unlock the state’s immense economic potential.

“Potential has no economic value unless it is organised, financed and put to work,” the Vice President stated.

In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori said the summit was designed to move beyond rhetoric by presenting a practical roadmap for repositioning Delta State as a competitive investment hub.

He reaffirmed that the state remained peaceful, secure and open to investors, while stressing the need to diversify its economy beyond oil.

The governor said his administration had prioritised prudent public financial management through disciplined budgeting, transparent allocation of resources and accountable governance, all aimed at improving service delivery and creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving more than ₦6.79 billion within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, warning that the reported diversion of public funds and disappearance of firearms pose serious threats to national security.

In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate all officials, contractors and companies implicated in the Auditor-General’s findings and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.

SERAP also demanded the recovery of all allegedly diverted public funds, missing firearms, ammunition and police exhibits, insisting that they must be properly secured and accounted for.

The rights group based its demand on the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025, which detailed widespread allegations of financial mismanagement, procurement irregularities, abandoned contracts and weak accountability within the police and the Ministry of Police Affairs.

According to SERAP, the report reveals “a grave betrayal of the public trust” and raises fundamental concerns about corruption, fiscal accountability and the handling of police weapons and exhibits.

It warned that the reported disappearance of firearms and ammunition, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, poor record-keeping and insecure storage of weapons could undermine public safety and worsen the country’s security challenges.

“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity,” the organisation said.

Among the findings highlighted by SERAP is the alleged payment of nearly ₦500 million for the construction of a Police College in Bashar, Plateau State, which the Auditor-General said was never executed, raising fears that the funds may have been diverted.

The report also cited payments of more than ₦12 million for the rehabilitation of a police building in Abuja and over ₦111 million for a transit camp project in Kaduna State, both of which were allegedly not executed despite full payment.

It further alleged that contracts worth over ₦1.9 billion classified as ongoing projects were abandoned, while fresh contracts were awarded without completing the original projects, with the new contracts reportedly untraceable.

SERAP also drew attention to allegations involving the FCT Police Command, where 42 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, alongside 737 rounds of live ammunition, reportedly disappeared after being lodged in the armoury between 2021 and 2022.

The Auditor-General also alleged that police exhibits, including recovered vehicles, firearms, ammunition and laptops, were released or converted to operational use without proper authorisation or documentation, while several exhibits could not be accounted for.

According to the report, monetary exhibits exceeding ₦5 million, as well as firearms and other recovered items, were released without the required documentation, while obsolete firearms were allegedly stored in unsecured locations.

The report equally accused the Police Headquarters of multiple financial infractions, including the payment of allowances outside approved budgetary provisions, failure to prepare statutory financial statements, irregular payments to an aide of the Inspector-General of Police, unretired cash advances and the failure to deduct statutory taxes from awarded contracts.

SERAP also cited allegations that the Police Insurance Unit paid over ₦681 million to insurance brokers for beneficiaries’ claims that were never settled, while insurance liabilities exceeding ₦1.6 billion remained outstanding.

The organisation further highlighted findings against the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including contracts worth over ₦438 million for security equipment allegedly awarded without due diligence, over ₦258 million reportedly paid to an unqualified contractor for patrol vehicles, and ₦18 million disbursed for a women empowerment programme without evidence that the training was conducted.

It also pointed to alleged irregular payments of security allowances and procurement contracts awarded without competitive bidding.

Invoking Sections 14 and 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, SERAP argued that the Federal Government has a constitutional duty to guarantee citizens’ security and eliminate corruption in public institutions.

The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its recommendations, warning that it would initiate legal proceedings if no concrete steps were taken to investigate the allegations and recover the affected public assets.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment, declaring that investing in women is central to achieving sustainable development, stronger families and inclusive economic growth across the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Owerri, the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, said the Commission was deliberately equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in agriculture, entrepreneurship and international trade before granting them access to financial support.

According to him, the Commission has already introduced an Agricultural Investment Fund targeted at women, stressing that capacity building is essential to ensure beneficiaries make productive use of available opportunities.

“This International Women’s Day training is a preparatory programme for what the NDDC is ready to do for women. If they are not adequately prepared before accessing the funds, they may not get it right,” Uchegbu said.

He explained that the training was designed to position women to benefit from the Commission’s expanding programmes, particularly opportunities in the export of agro-based products, thereby enabling them to become drivers of economic growth within their communities.

Also speaking, the Director of the NDDC Imo State Office, Mr. Patrick Obayelu, described International Women’s Day as more than a celebration, saying it was an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions of women while renewing the commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.

He noted that women continue to distinguish themselves in leadership, governance, education, business, science, healthcare and community development through resilience, innovation and dedication.

According to him, building a society where every woman and girl can realise her full potential requires sustained collaboration between government institutions and other stakeholders.

The Imo State Commissioner for Health and Social Services, Dr. Chioma Egu, commended the NDDC for bringing the initiative to the state, saying the programme had provided women with practical knowledge that would strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Participants also received specialised training on developing export-ready businesses from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), while the Board Secretary of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), Dr. Solomon Edebiri, delivered lectures on business growth and sustainability.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Nkiruka Nwosu, described the training as transformative, saying it had equipped her with practical skills to better manage her interior decoration business.

“The teachings have been very enlightening. I have learnt how to manage my staff and my finances to sustain my business,” she said.

At a similar event in Umuahia, the NDDC Director of Youths and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, said the Commission remained steadfast in creating opportunities that would enable women to achieve economic independence and contribute more meaningfully to regional development.

She described women as indispensable partners in nation-building, adding that the Commission’s annual International Women’s Day programme reflects its recognition of the resilience, creativity and enterprise of women across the Niger Delta.

Imoni urged women to embrace innovation, build sustainable businesses, understand their rights and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.

She maintained that empowering women goes beyond promoting gender equality, insisting that it strengthens families, stimulates community development and lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth across the Niger Delta.

BOPANE Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) has commissioned two landmark community development projects in Finima, Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State, while simultaneously flagging off two additional projects in what stakeholders described as a significant milestone in sustainable host community development under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The newly inaugurated projects, the Buo-Nungo Playground and the Owu-Ogbo House, were unveiled at a colourful ceremony attended by traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and residents, who applauded the Trust’s commitment to improving the quality of life in oil-producing communities.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BOPANE HCDT, Mr. Samson Agba, said the event transcended the commissioning of physical infrastructure, describing it as a celebration of a shared commitment to sustainable development, cultural preservation and partnership.

According to him, the Trust was established under the Petroleum Industry Act with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited as the Settlor to serve host communities in Bonny, Opobo-Nkoro and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State, as well as Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Agba said the Trust was designed to respond to the genuine aspirations of host communities through impactful projects and programmes that deliver lasting value.

“Today’s commissioning is a practical demonstration of that vision. It is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, traditional institutions, our Settlor and the Trust work together with a shared commitment to sustainable development,” he said.

He disclosed that the Trust has installed more than 1,000 solar-powered streetlights across 50 communities, distributed fibre fishing gears and safety jackets to fishermen, and embarked on the construction of modern guest houses to stimulate local economic growth.

Other completed interventions, he said, include the renovation of community town halls, construction of public conveniences, rehabilitation of water supply systems, establishment of sachet water factories and installation of solar-powered boreholes fitted with water treatment facilities.

“We have deliberately pursued projects that create lasting social, economic and educational value while preserving the dignity and cultural heritage of our people,” Agba stated.
On human capital development, he revealed that the Trust had awarded scholarships to over 203 undergraduate and 28 postgraduate students, while nearly 300 youths are undergoing vocational training in fashion design, catering and hospitality.

“The greatest legacy we can build is not merely in concrete and steel, but in the opportunities we create, the lives we transform, the culture we preserve and the hope we inspire,” he added.

Agba also announced the commencement of two additional projects in Finima—a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lodge and a waste management facility—which, according to him, will further strengthen infrastructure and improve environmental sustainability within the community.

He commended TotalEnergies for its commitment to the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust framework and lauded the people of Finima for their cooperation throughout the execution of the projects.

Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, who commissioned the projects, described the Owu-Ogbo House as one of the finest cultural edifices in Bonny Kingdom.

“I make bold to say that the Finima Opobo House is the most beautiful Opobo House in Bonny Kingdom,” he declared.

Pepple also praised the leadership of Finima Community and TotalEnergies for ensuring accountability and transparency in the utilisation of development funds.

“Community leaders can decide to pocket the funds and nothing would have been seen on the ground. But to show you that you have a leadership that is accountable to the people, that is why you are seeing transparent development,” he said.

The council chairman announced that the local government would soon commence the construction of a Women Development Centre in Finima, while plans were also underway to build a modern fire station to further enhance public infrastructure in the community.

Amadabo of Finima and Head of Buoye Omuso Brown Major House, His Royal Highness Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown, commended TotalEnergies for what he described as full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act and the regulatory framework governing host community development.

“The difference between before and now is clear—so clear that even the blind and the deaf can feel it,” the monarch remarked.

He urged other oil and gas companies operating in Bonny Kingdom, particularly Shell and Mobil, to emulate TotalEnergies by faithfully implementing the Host Communities Development Trust provisions of the PIA.

Brown said the proposed NYSC lodge would encourage more corps members to serve in schools and healthcare facilities within the community, while the waste management facility would create employment opportunities through recycling and transform Finima into an emerging environmental management hub.

“When communities benefit, the kingdom grows. Growth is always from the bottom up,” he said, adding that a management committee would be constituted to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the newly commissioned facilities.