‎The Rivers State Boundary Commission has inaugurated a 13-member Technical Committee to resolve the boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area.

‎Inaugurating the Committee at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, charged members to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

‎Prof. Odu informed the Committee members that they were carefully selected based on their proven antecedents and integrity, stressing that the assignment before them is a delicate one that must be approached with courage, determination, professionalism, and a strong sense of justice.

‎She emphasized that the recommendations of the Committee must be credible, objective, and capable of standing the test of time, noting that the ultimate goal of the exercise is to promote lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between the affected communities.

‎The Deputy Governor wished the Committee successful deliberations in the discharge of its mandate.
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‎The Committee is, among other responsibilities, tasked with determining the boundary line between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area, in accordance with relevant and valid documents submitted for its consideration.

‎Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government for the confidence reposed in the members to handle the assignment. He assured that the Committee would work diligently within the stipulated timeframe.

‎King Eke pledged that the Committee would exhibit sound leadership, utmost professionalism, and foresight in delivering objective outcomes that would assist the Boundary Commission in fostering lasting peace and mutual understanding between the communities.

‎The Committee has one month to submit its report.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, have emerged as top honourees at the 2025 OurNigeria News Awards, with particular recognition given to Fubara’s leadership and governance record.

The recipients were unveiled on Tuesday at a press briefing in Abuja by the organisers of the awards.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Editorial Board of OurNigeria Magazine, Dr. AK Peters, said the awards were established to recognise Nigerians whose leadership, service and commitment to national development have delivered measurable impact across critical sectors.

He explained that the theme of the 2025 edition, scheduled to hold in 2026, is “Providing a Podium for the Unsung Hero,” noting that it reflects the magazine’s mission to spotlight individuals who have made significant contributions to nation-building without commensurate public acclaim.

Governor Fubara was named Governor of the Year 2025, marking the second consecutive year he has clinched the magazine’s top honour.

“Governor Siminalayi Fubara was our Man of the Year 2024, and he has again emerged our Man of the Year 2025. He has demonstrated the consistency and the type of leadership we want to see in Nigeria,” Peters said.

He noted that despite political distractions and challenges, the Rivers State governor has remained focused on governance, peace and the welfare of the people, maintaining a strong connection with grassroots communities.

General Musa, on his part, was named Man of the Year 2025, following his role in shaping Nigeria’s security architecture and his appointment as Minister of Defence. Peters described Musa’s appointment as one of the most celebrated decisions of the current administration, citing his record, public profile and the high expectations surrounding his leadership of the defence sector.

According to Peters, the honourees were selected through a rigorous process involving nationwide nominations, editorial screening and independent assessment by evaluators drawn from the 36 states.

“From the nominations we received, we scaled them down, subjected them to independent assessment, and zeroed in on those whose impact stood out within the 2024–2025 review period,” he said.

Other award recipients include the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, named Minister of the Year; Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, Politician of the Year; Mubarak Ahmad Tijani, winner of the Plato Leadership Award for Young Politician of the Year; and Comrade Uba Sani, honoured as Icon of National Unity and Patriotism, alongside several leaders across politics, security, academia, media and civil society.

Peters expressed appreciation to the media and other stakeholders for supporting the magazine’s vision of projecting positive Nigerian narratives and promoting excellence, accountability and patriotism.

The Federal Government has announced plans to engage retired military personnel in reclaiming ungoverned spaces across the country as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and enhance economic viability.

The initiative follows the inauguration of an 18-member committee on Reclaiming Ungoverned Spaces for Economic Viability and the Repositioning of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, on Tuesday.

In a statement by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the Minister—represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwa—said the repositioning of the Nigerian Legion forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that veterans who served the nation with honour are not abandoned, but are empowered to live dignified and productive lives after service.

Musa described the initiative as a deliberate and strategic policy intervention aimed at addressing long-standing structural and operational challenges that have constrained the defence community’s contribution to national development.

He said the Nigerian Legion remains “a critical institution with a proud history of service, sacrifice and patriotism,” noting that it has continued to play important roles in supporting national security and veterans’ affairs.

However, he stressed that changing socio-economic realities make it imperative to reform and reposition the corps for greater relevance, effectiveness and sustainability.

The Minister advocated a shift from an over-reliance on purely military offensives to a more comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable approach to national security. While military operations remain indispensable, he said enduring peace and stability could only be achieved by addressing the underlying socio-economic conditions that allow insecurity to thrive.

According to him, the committee’s terms of reference include repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development; deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces and bring them under effective oversight and development; and strengthening the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires to enhance operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration and deepen their contribution to national security.

Musa urged members of the committee to adopt innovative, practical and forward-looking solutions that reflect contemporary realities, while fostering trust and cooperation between communities and the state.

Membership of the committee was drawn from the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as representatives from the offices of the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence.

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Government House, Port Harcourt, describing the claim as misleading and capable of inflaming political tensions in the state.

The clarification followed a statement credited to an individual identified as Bestman Innocent Amadi, who purportedly spoke on behalf of the Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), alleging that the governor acted out of disrespect and ingratitude towards the President.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo on Tuesday, the state government said it has no policy, directive or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the authority of the Federal Government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government has no policy or action that undermines the President or the Federal Government,” the statement read.

The government stressed that Governor Fubara currently enjoys a robust and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government, noting that this cooperation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and has continued to yield positive outcomes for Rivers State and its residents.

Describing the allegation as irresponsible and unsupported by verifiable facts, the government warned that such narratives risk heating up the polity at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue and responsible leadership.

It also expressed concern that a body expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it described as incendiary language, personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims capable of deepening political divisions.

The state government urged members of the public, particularly youths, to disregard the allegation and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups promoting divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

“Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility and the collective desire for peace and progress,” the statement said.

The government further advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid amplifying inflammatory statements, cautioning against what it described as the activities of fifth columnists seeking to destabilise the state.

The Presidency has dismissed speculations over the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring Nigerians that the President remains in good health and fully engaged in official duties during his ongoing state visit to Türkiye.

The clarification followed widespread reactions on social media to a brief video showing the President momentarily losing his balance during a welcome reception in Ankara on Tuesday.

In a statement addressing the reports, the Presidency explained that the incident was not health-related but was caused by a poorly laid blue carpet at the venue, which led to a brief stumble. It stressed that the President quickly regained his balance and proceeded with the event without any disruption to his schedule.

“The momentary loss of balance had nothing to do with the President’s health,” the Presidency said, adding that the incident had been exaggerated online.

According to the Presidency, President Tinubu has since continued with his official engagements, including bilateral meetings with Turkish government officials as part of the state visit.

He is also expected to address a joint press conference with his hosts after the conclusion of the meetings.

The Presidency further assured that the President remains in high spirits and physically fit, noting that he continues to lead Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements without interruption.

President Tinubu arrived in Ankara on Monday for the state visit, which is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Türkiye.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to roll out a comprehensive training programme on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion for youths across the nine states of the Niger Delta region.

The initiative, aimed at building technical capacity and improving youth employability, is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to align skills development with emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s energy transition and automotive sectors.

The training programme focuses on the conversion of vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), promoting cleaner and more efficient fuel alternatives.

According to the NDDC, the programme is open strictly to indigenes of the Niger Delta states between the ages of 18 and 35. Applicants must possess a minimum qualification of SSCE or WAEC with science-related subjects, an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in science disciplines, or a Trade Test Certificate from a recognised institution. Individuals with other technical qualifications related to automotive, mechanical or allied trades are also eligible.

Fresh graduates of engineering-related courses from institutions within the Niger Delta are particularly encouraged to apply, as the training is designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant skills in CNG vehicle conversion and maintenance.
Interested applicants are required to apply online via the NDDC skills portal at skills.nddc.gov.ng.

The Commission said the programme is expected to contribute to job creation, promote cleaner energy adoption, and empower Niger Delta youths with skills that are increasingly in demand within Nigeria’s evolving transportation and energy landscape.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations into alleged misconduct by some military officers uncovered claims of a plot to overthrow the government.

The DHQ disclosed this on Monday, providing an update on the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, which was first announced in October 2025.

The officers, who range in rank from Captain to Brigadier General, were reportedly arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency following allegations that they held clandestine meetings aimed at toppling the government. At the time, media reports also linked the alleged plot to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.

Reacting to the reports in October, the then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed suggestions of a coup plot, describing the matter as an internal disciplinary issue and warning that the publication was capable of creating tension and distrust among Nigerians.

He had said an investigative panel had been constituted and that its findings would be made public.

In a statement issued on Monday, the new Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in line with established military procedures.

“The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations,” Uba said.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”

According to him, the investigation carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel and found that some of the officers had cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.

“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement said.

Uba said the indicted officers would be formally arraigned before relevant military judicial panels to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

He stressed that the measures being taken were purely disciplinary and formed part of institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the military, while ensuring fairness and due process.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” he added.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will fully automate its procurement processes by the end of the first quarter of this year to strengthen transparency, compliance and service delivery, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has said.

Ogbuku made the disclosure at the Mandatory Continuous Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Centre for Skills Development, Port Harcourt.

He said the automation drive was part of broader reforms aimed at improving corporate governance and internal processes within the Commission. “We will soon automate our procurement processes to ensure compliance, transparency and better service delivery. We have recently reformed our corporate governance structure and internal processes,” he stated.

According to him, the NDDC has commenced the implementation of a new Governance Advisory Service to deepen accountability and transparency in service delivery. He added that hosting the training in the Niger Delta underscored the region’s stability and its contribution to national peace.

“We have transitioned from transaction to transformation, and this is evident in our public procurement processes,” Ogbuku said, stressing that the Commission places premium value on due process in public procurement.

He disclosed that the NDDC currently has 35 BPP-certified procurement professionals in its procurement unit and continues to prioritise capacity building through regular training and retraining. He also noted ongoing ICT training for staff to boost digital competence in line with the Commission’s automation agenda.

Highlighting achievements under his leadership, Ogbuku cited the success of the Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative, one of the Commission’s flagship programmes, adding that projects are now guided by needs assessment. “Mr President loves the Niger Delta, and we are doing our best to bring his programmes home to the people,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to procurement reforms and transparency, which he said had strengthened professionalism and repositioned procurement as a key driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adedokun said the capacity-building programme reflected the Bureau’s resolve to institutionalise a cadre of trained, certified and accountable procurement professionals, noting that it was designed to enhance competence, ethical standards and professionalism within Nigeria’s procurement system.

“The training is in line with the requirements of the Procurement Act. Procurement is a distinct cadre that provides the foundation for effective project delivery,” he said, urging participants to fully engage in the programme and uphold due process at all times.

Delivering the keynote address titled “The Role of Procurement Officers in the Delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, described procurement as a critical instrument of good governance and a potent tool in the fight against corruption.

He urged procurement officers to internalise and align their responsibilities with the eight priority areas of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting a plan to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as false, speculative and without foundation.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said it had noted a surge in media speculation over the matter, including the circulation of names allegedly being considered as potential replacements for the Vice President.

The party stated categorically that the reports were “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless,” urging media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid amplifying rumours sourced from what it termed “mischievous news sources of questionable provenance.”

The ruling party further reminded the public that a ban on political activities remains in force under existing laws and electoral regulations, stressing that discussions around the 2027 elections are premature and inappropriate at this time.

According to the statement, the APC’s immediate focus is on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the delivery of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the ongoing economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, fostering growth and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

The party also cautioned ministers, senior government officials and party leaders against making comments or taking actions that could fuel unnecessary speculation, calling on them to concentrate instead on effective service delivery and on communicating the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration.