ANDERSON Ebimobowei West does not like being idle. That is why he has started a new football club called Active Life FC. He found a way to cast off his boredom by scouting for young football talents, and offering to coach them to standard.

In August 2025, Anderson effectively began his search for footballers in his Agudama neighbourhood of the Bayelsa State capital, and was pleased with the result. All he did was provide a leather football on an open pitch, and put a whistle between his lips.

From all around the vicinity, eager youngsters showed up to kick the ball around. Anderson readily broke them up into teams, and kicked off the first match with a blast of the whistle. Today, only a few months later, the boys are dreaming of playing in the African Nations Cup, and the World Cup many years to come.

Praise, 14, and Victor, 18, are among his squad of promising midfield maestros. Anderson West is teaching only the basics in football. He counts himself an ex-footballer, currently serving as an assistant coach with Bayelsa United Football Club.

Having received coaching training at the National Institute of Sports, Lagos, and with an advanced coaching certificate in his kitty, West is awaiting his final endorsement as a coach by the Confederation of African Football, CAF.

Anderson Ebimo West began clubside football experience with Calabar Rovers in 2007, before joining Enyimba FC of Aba, and later Bayelsa United. In 2009, he flew out of Nigeria and joined Maccabi Haifa in Tel Aviv, Israel. He later moved to Maccabi Achi in Nazareth, and then to Maccabi Betyam.

After three years in Israel, he pitched tent with Dontam Longman in Vietnam where he played for five years. In due course, he relocated to Myanmar where he played for five different clubs, namely Ayeyawadey Myanmar, Chin United, Rakin United, Zwekapine United, and Yangon United, Myanmar. Back in Nigeria, he returned to Bayelsa United and formally hung his boots before going into full-time coaching.

Ebimo West was also invited to the Under-20 Camp, and the Under-23 Camp under Coach Samson Siasia. He was equally invited to join home-based Super Eagles players under Coach Emodi, where he played two friendly matches.

In like manner, he was among twelve home-based players invited to the main Super Eagles camp in Faro, Portugal, under Coach Austin Eguavoen, ahead of the 2006 African Nations Cup in Egypt. He didn’t make the final list.

Anderson Ebimobowei West hails from Amatolo in Southern Ijaw local government area. He has lived in Yenagoa for the past five years. He picks the best players he can find from the streets, gives them basic football training, and arranges matches.

For agility training, he has acquired moveable obstacles of every kind. He is persuading parents to provide their children and wards under his charge with boots and jerseys to boost their morale. He is convinced that the eventual outcome can only bring pride to the families of individual players and, ultimately, glory to Bayelsa State.

By Nengi Ilagha

The people of Wakirike Nation turned out in large numbers to witness the commissioning of the 9.450-kilometre rigid pavement Ogu Internal Road Network and the 1,500-seater Royal Hall, projects executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and commissioned by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS.

The historic event commenced with the formal commissioning of the newly completed internal road network, after which dignitaries, traditional rulers, and invited guests proceeded to the Royal Hall for the main ceremony.

Speaking during the commissioning, the FCT Minister expressed delight at the remarkable transformation of Ogu Kingdom since his previous visits.

“I am overwhelmed—not just by the hall, but by the level of development I have seen today. This reflects the original vision of the NDDC: to bring development to all communities of the Niger Delta,” he stated.

The Minister commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and the management of the NDDC, noting that their effective collaboration with the Executive Director of Finance and Administration had yielded tangible results. He urged public office holders to prioritize development within their home communities.

“If you are given the opportunity to serve, let your people testify that you brought development to your community,” he charged.

He further noted that the current NDDC stands distinct from previous administrations in terms of visible impact, quality delivery, and accountability.

Earlier in his address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Alabo Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed that the Commission’s development efforts were not limited to Ogu Kingdom but extended across the entire Niger Delta region.

He attributed the successes of the NDDC to the mentorship and leadership of the FCT Minister, describing him as a true champion of development.

“He did it in Rivers State, and he is doing it again in Abuja. We work closely with him and have learned a great deal from his leadership,” Dr. Ogbuku said.

He assured the audience that the quality of the commissioned projects justified the presence of the FCT Minister.

In his welcome remarks, Alabo Boma Iyaye described the FCT Minister as a son of Ogu Kingdom, emphasizing that the visit was a homecoming. He recalled that in 2022, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike was honoured with the traditional title “Se Belemabo I of Ogu/Bolo Kingdom,” affirming his deep-rooted connection to the community.

“Your Excellency, this event is a side attraction of the grand reception organised by the Wakirike Ethnic Nationality. You are part and parcel of this community, and we warmly welcome you and all those who have accompanied you to Ogu Kingdom,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs (ODCC), Alabo Barr. Lawrence A., expressed profound gratitude to the FCT Minister, noting that such a landmark project had never before been executed in Ogu Kingdom.

“Without you, we would not have witnessed this level of development today. This project is one of the best Ogu has ever had. On behalf of my people, we say thank you,” he said.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged the unwavering support of the Wakirike people to the FCT Minister in appreciation of his commitment to the region.

“Through you, we say the President has done well. Come 2027, Wakirike will stand firmly behind you,” he added.

The Project Director later presented a comprehensive overview of the Royal Hall, highlighting its modern design and facilities. The hall boasts a 1,500 seating capacity, with an overflow allowance of up to 1,700 persons, and features fully furnished interior with modern fittings, firefighting equipment and strategically positioned fire extinguishers, acoustic wall systems for sound control and heat absorption. Also, air-conditioning and high-quality sound system,
boreholes and modern toilet facilities, dedicated 100KVA generator for uninterrupted power supply.

The facility was described as first-of-its-kind in the area, designed to serve Ogu Kingdom and neighbouring communities.

Following the presentations, the FCT Minister formally commissioned the road network and the Royal Hall, accompanied by political associates and other dignitaries.

The ceremony was attended by high-profile political leaders, traditional rulers, and community members, marking a significant milestone in the development history of Ogu Kingdom and Wakirike Nation.

The commissioned projects stand as enduring symbols of partnership, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to grassroots development in the Niger Delta.

Armed bandits have again struck Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, burning a police station and a church and abducting residents during a coordinated early-morning raid on Sunday.

Residents said the attackers arrived at about 2:00 a.m., parking their motorcycles several kilometres from the town before trekking into the community. The assailants reportedly headed first to the Agwara police station, where officers on duty were overwhelmed by the attackers’ superior numbers and forced to withdraw. The station was subsequently set ablaze.

Eyewitnesses said the bandits then moved from house to house, carting away valuables and foodstuffs, before proceeding to the United African Missionary Church (UAMC), also known as the YMCA, which was completely burnt. A monthly church vigil was said to have been ongoing at the time, but worshippers fled after receiving warnings of the attack.

It was not immediately clear whether there were casualties at the police station or the church.
Confirming the incident, the Reverend Yakubu Yohanna said no worshippers were present when the attackers reached the church. “The town was invaded by bandits, and they came to our church. They did not meet anyone, but they burnt the church building and everything inside,” he said. “So far, no life has been lost, but we are still waiting for people to return from hiding to determine the full extent of the damage.”

The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the attack. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, said the police station was attacked at about 3:40 a.m.

“Armed bandits attacked the police station, set it ablaze, and also burnt part of a church in Agwara community,” he said.

“Police tactical teams engaged the attackers, but they were overpowered. The assailants used suspected dynamite to set the station on fire.”

According to the police, the attackers later moved to other parts of the community and abducted five persons, whose identities had yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report.

Agwara has witnessed repeated security breaches in recent times, including the abduction of about 300 pupils, students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri last year, an incident that has continued to fuel fear and anxiety among residents over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

The prosecution of BFI Group Corporation (BFIG) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being framed by the company as a calculated political offensive tied directly to the protracted battle over the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).

BFIG’s Chief Executive Officer, Alabo Prince Mietamuno Saturday Jaja, has accused the Federal Government of deploying criminal charges as state pressure to compel his company to abandon ALSCON, despite two subsisting Supreme Court judgments affirming BFIG’s ownership.

According to Jaja, the EFCC case has nothing to do with fraud and everything to do with power, politics, and control of a strategic national asset.

“This prosecution is a ruse — malicious, unfounded, and politically driven,” Jaja said. “It is designed to intimidate BFIG into surrendering ALSCON without negotiation or compensation after the government failed repeatedly at the Supreme Court.”

‘No Petition, No Victim, No Crime’
Jaja disclosed that no individual, corporate body, or financial institution has ever petitioned the EFCC against BFIG over the alleged €100 million transaction forming the basis of the charges.

“There is no complainant. No victim. No loss,” he said. “Yet the EFCC has chosen to criminalise a legitimate transaction to frustrate the execution of court judgments.”

He explained that the transaction involved Centage Mortgage Bank, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-licensed institution, which negotiated a €100 million facility intended for the real estate and residential development components of ALSCON.

Jaja questioned why the EFCC targeted BFIG and its executives rather than the issuing bank, suggesting selective prosecution driven by political interests.
ALSCON at the Centre of the Storm

According to BFIG, the timing of the prosecution is not coincidental. The company points to the Supreme Court’s rulings against the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and subsequent committal proceedings involving a former Director-General as the real trigger for the EFCC action.

“This case is about ALSCON — pure and simple,” Jaja said. “The criminal justice system is being weaponised to reverse what the government failed to overturn legally.”

He described the prosecution as part of a coordinated scheme to obstruct the handover of ALSCON, a strategic aluminium smelting plant that has remained dormant amid years of political and legal controversy.

EFCC Arraignment
Despite BFIG’s claims, the EFCC on January 29, 2026, arraigned BFI Group Corporation and six others before Justice M.S. Idris of the FCT High Court, Jabi, Abuja.

The defendants were charged on a five-count amended information bordering on alleged fraud, conspiracy, and false pretence involving €100 million, including claims of attempting to obtain a Certificate of Capital Importation using false representations.
All defendants pleaded not guilty.

During proceedings, defence counsel described the case as an abuse of process and applied for bail, while EFCC prosecutors opposed oral bail applications, insisting that written applications must be determined under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Justice Idris adjourned the matter to February 3, 2026, for ruling on bail. One defendant was ordered remanded in EFCC custody, while others were sent to Kuje Correctional Centre.

‘This Will Not Stand’
Jaja said BFIG’s legal team is already responding robustly and announced plans for an expanded press conference to release documents and clarify what he called “deliberate distortions” surrounding the case.

“This is not the first attempt to stop ALSCON from being handed over,” he said. “But just like before, this too will fail. The rule of law must prevail.”

As the legal battle intensifies, the case is fast becoming a test of whether court judgments can withstand political pressure when powerful economic interests are at stake.

Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has attributed the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria to the failure of some individuals and communities to cooperate with security agencies, particularly by shielding bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.

Musa spoke on Saturday night in Abuja, where he noted that Nigeria is facing a complex form of modern conflict that cannot be resolved through military action alone, stressing that public cooperation is indispensable to restoring peace.

According to him, the country’s security challenge fits the pattern of asymmetric warfare, in which the enemy is embedded within the society rather than confronting the state in a conventional manner.

“This is asymmetric warfare. It is not like conventional warfare where you are fighting another country. Here, the enemy is within, and that makes it more dangerous,” he said.

The defence minister explained that many criminal elements live and operate within communities under the guise of ordinary citizens, making intelligence sharing and timely reporting critical to the success of security operations.

“You cannot identify them by appearance. It could be someone you trust or relate with daily. That is why people must not provide criminals with any form of safe haven,” Musa said.

He urged Nigerians to report all forms of criminal activity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and insurgency, assuring that the security agencies would act decisively on credible information.

Musa added that the security situation across the country was gradually improving, attributing the gains to sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering and increasing public support.

“We are making progress. It is improving day by day. Peace is a whole-of-society effort, and everyone has a role to play,” he said.

Earlier, in a goodwill message, the Emir of Doma Kingdom, Alhaji Ahmadu Onawu, described OurNigeria as more than a publication, saying it represents a message of patriotism, hope and national renewal.
Onawu said Nigeria was endowed with vast human and natural resources and had no justification for remaining poor, arguing that the country’s main challenge lay in the failure to effectively harness its potentials for national development.

He called on Nigerians, irrespective of status, to take collective responsibility for building a prosperous and self-reliant nation, warning that future generations would judge the present by the legacy it leaves behind.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has rejected calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as unjustified and a danger to constitutional freedoms.

The call, reportedly made by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, followed comments allegedly attributed to Amupitan on the issue of genocide.

However, the PFN insisted that the remarks were made in a personal capacity and bore no connection to his official responsibilities as head of the electoral body.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the Fellowship maintained that Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is entitled to freedom of expression on matters of national concern, regardless of the public office he occupies.

According to the PFN, the issue in question had no link whatsoever to elections or electoral administration, stressing that there was no basis for associating the alleged comments with Amupitan’s duties as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to comment on what he perceives to be happening in the country, irrespective of his appointment or assignment,” the statement said.

The Fellowship condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that a public official should be removed from office on the basis of personal opinions expressed outside the scope of official duties, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.

PFN also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach risks deepening divisions and undermining peaceful coexistence.

“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging individuals based on their religious beliefs or affiliations. Prof. Amupitan has a right to express his views, and this should not come at the cost of his job,” the statement added.

Calling for restraint, understanding and mutual respect, the Fellowship urged all stakeholders to approach sensitive national issues with maturity and responsibility, emphasising that unity and peace must remain paramount.

The PFN reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, stressing that these values should guide public discourse and responses to issues affecting the nation.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has extolled former Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Gabriel Toby, and his wife, Dame Christy Toby, describing them as rare embodiments of faith, service and enduring marital devotion.

The Governor spoke at a grand thanksgiving service held in honour of the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary and the 87th birthday of Sir G.T.G. Toby at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt—an event that drew the crème de la crème of Rivers State society, including traditional rulers, senior clergy, political leaders and other distinguished men and women from across the state and beyond.

Represented by his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, Fubara said the couple’s six decades of marital union stand as a compelling testament to love, sacrifice, patience and unwavering commitment to God.
He noted that Sir Toby’s towering legacy in public service, particularly his years of mentorship, has continued to shape the Rivers State civil service, with many senior officials today tracing their professional foundations to his guidance and leadership.

According to the Governor, celebrating a statesman of Sir Toby’s calibre is a moment of collective pride for the state, stressing that both he and his wife have lived lives anchored on godly values, humility and selfless service to humanity.

Fubara praised the couple for building a lasting legacy that transcends public office, describing them as exemplary mentors whose peaceful disposition and disciplined lifestyle continue to inspire younger generations.

While congratulating Sir and Dame Toby on 60 years of marital bliss and celebrating Sir Toby’s attainment of 87 years, the Governor prayed God to grant them continued good health, peace and long life.
Delivering a sermon titled “The Flow of God’s Mercy and Goodness,” the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, said the hand of God has been visibly evident in the life and family of Sir G.T.G. Toby.

He described Sir Toby’s longevity as a manifestation of divine mercy rather than mere medical intervention, noting that his life reflects steadfast faith and obedience to God.

Most Rev. Enyindah described Sir and Dame Toby as peaceful, kind and humble, adding that their greatness is firmly rooted in their love for God and their unwavering commitment to serving humanity.

The Rivers State Government has firmly rejected claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that it denied his supporters access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, insisting that the facility is currently under reconstruction and unavailable to any group whatsoever.

The government’s clarification followed comments by Wike on Friday, in which he accused the state administration of frustrating the activities of the Rivers State chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors by refusing them permission to use the stadium for their inauguration.

Wike had warned that future refusals would be resisted, declaring that his supporters would “take it by force” if access was again denied.

However, reacting to the allegation, the state government described the claim as false, misleading and politically charged.

Speaking to journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the stadium, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is presently unsafe for public use due to extensive reconstruction work.

“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is under reconstruction and cannot be used by any group at this time,” Sirawoo said.

“This has nothing to do with politics. The safety of lives and public assets is paramount.”

Sirawoo urged political actors to put the interest of Rivers State above partisan considerations, adding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to peace and to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports, who doubles as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Mr Christopher Green, said his ministry never received any formal application for the use of the stadium, contrary to claims by Wike and the state coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor.

“At no time did the Ministry of Sports receive a formal request for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium,” Green said. “The allegation that access was denied is therefore baseless.”

Green further noted that the inauguration eventually held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, also took place in a facility owned by the Rivers State Government, underscoring the administration’s openness and lack of bias.

Providing technical insight, the site engineer handling the stadium reconstruction, Mr Michael Ebitenye, warned that the facility is in a delicate condition, with underground installations exposed.

“Any heavy human traffic could cause serious damage and pose safety risks,” Ebitenye said, adding that the contractor, Monimichelle, would not permit the use of the stadium for any event while work is ongoing.

The Rivers State Government maintained that the closure of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium applies uniformly and is purely a safety decision, stressing that no individual or group is being singled out.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stressed that sustainable development in the Niger Delta is impossible without a healthy population, describing the wellbeing of the people as central to the region’s growth and prosperity.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this at the Sickle Cell Health Promotion and Sensitisation Programme held at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. He noted that Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with a particularly heavy burden in the Niger Delta.

Represented by the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, Ogbuku said the sensitisation programme was designed to deepen public awareness, promote prevention, and strengthen care for people living with sickle cell disease across the region.

“As a Commission mandated to enhance the wellbeing of our people, the NDDC recognises that sustainable development is impossible without a healthy population,” he said. “This programme reinforces our commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and community education.”

He urged young people to know their genotype early, patients to remain hopeful, and health professionals to sustain collaboration in research, counselling and community outreach.

According to him, the Commission’s goal is to ensure that every young person understands genotype compatibility, every family has access to screening, and every patient receives care without stigma.

“Prevention is achievable, and informed choices save lives,” Ogbuku added, reaffirming the NDDC’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, empowering communities and building a healthier Niger Delta.

Earlier, the Founder of the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland–Nigeria (SCAIIN), Mrs Esther Pepple Onolememen, commended the NDDC for prioritising public health and recognising sickle cell disease as both a medical and socio-developmental challenge.

She explained that SCAIIN, a non-governmental organisation, is dedicated to breaking the cycle of pain, stigma and silence associated with sickle cell disorder through research, education and community mobilisation.

According to her, the sensitisation programme would improve health outcomes and strengthen public trust. “Together, we are rewriting the story of sickle cell in Nigeria—from silence to knowledge, from stigma to support, and from neglect to action,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Derefaka Yemiesibo, a parent of a child living with sickle cell disease, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for supporting awareness initiatives, noting that such efforts help families build resilience and hope.

The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing surge in criminal activities involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting unsuspecting members of the public across the state.

According to the Command, the suspects reportedly dress in black attire, mount illegal and hostile checkpoints, and unlawfully harass citizens—often forcing them to submit their mobile phones or laptops for inspection and, in some cases, coercing victims to withdraw or transfer money through POS operators and other financial channels.

Describing the trend as deeply concerning, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, PSC, mnips, has ordered the immediate activation of a robust security mechanism aimed at monitoring, identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all those involved to the full extent of the law.

The Police Command emphasized that no officer or individual, irrespective of any claimed affiliation, has the legal authority to search personal electronic devices on the road or at checkpoints, nor compel citizens to withdraw or transfer money under any circumstances.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or hostile checkpoints to the Police through the following hotlines: the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 07057605256, 08120822987, and 09035774814; the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818; or the Control Room on 08032003514.

Reassuring the public, the Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and called on residents to continue supporting legitimate police operations to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

The alert was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, ANIPR, on January 30, 2026.