‎Nigeria Government Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
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‎The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly criticized Israel’s recent preemptive strike on Iranian territory, which led to a retaliatory missile attack from Iran, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.
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‎In a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed deep concern over the rising conflict and called on both countries to stop further military actions and resume diplomatic dialogue.
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‎The government condemned Israel’s aggressive move, which it said had sparked dangerous exchanges of missiles and airstrikes between the two nations. The violence intensified after Israel carried out its most extensive military strike on Iran, claiming to have targeted nuclear and military facilities in Tehran and Natanz.
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‎Iran responded by launching multiple missiles at major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, causing widespread panic and forcing civilians into shelters.
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‎Nigeria warned that the ongoing cycle of retaliation poses serious risks to civilian lives and could further destabilize the already fragile Middle East region. The conflict, the government noted, could have dire implications for global peace, security, and economic development.
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Are Brands Shortchanging The Southeast?

We pride ourselves on having a large market in the Southeast. Numbers and statistics support this claim. When I was in the telecom industry, Onitsha was a big revenue center for the telcos.

However, we cannot say that brands benefiting from the huge Southeast market have shown enough good faith in their social investments decision-making and this is baffling.

Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt usually receive a large chunk of corporate sponsorships from major Nigerian brands, to the neglect of the Southeast market, which can be likened to the goose that lays the golden egg.

We once had MTN as the title sponsor of Enugwu-Ukwu Igu-Aro and the other associated festivals. That relationship stopped and no other brand has bothered to throw their muscle behind the rich cultural fest. Globacom sponsors the Onitsha Ofala Festival. However, other brands are yet to step in as co-sponsors to help blow the festival the same way they have done with the Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

These fliers are just a few examples of how other brands have helped to activate the Ojude-Oba festival.

Organizing world-class festivals requires a lot of resources which only brands can provide. We people of the Southeast are demanding more from brands that are generating tons of revenue from the Southeast. Fair is fair.

We are simply asking for a re-think of the corporate social investments (CSI) strategies of major Nigerian brands to also favour the Southeast which also generates the revenues for them.

The argument that insecurity in the Southeast is one of the reasons why brands chose to stay away from CSI investments is not completely true. Insecurity may have impacted social life but people are still making calls and using data in the Southeast so the telcos can’t complain. On the Mondays of sit-at-home, I can bet that data and call usages increase as people idle away at home. On weekends, and even weekdays, bars and nightclubs are still banging so beverage companies are smiling. The financial services sector is thriving despite the security challenges. POS operators are almost lined up inch after inch in our communities. Banks are still declaring trillions of Naira in profits.

During festive periods such as Easter, New Yam, and Christmas seasons when these festivals take place. It’s choc-a-block and bumper-to-bumper traffic in the Southeast. So a bit more CSI gaze towards the Southeast by the brands won’t be a bad idea. The tokenism approach should be discarded because it’s good business for them.

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Federal government discuss with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to fast-track a ¥15bn (about $110m) emergency loan to improve food security across the country.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance

It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government Areas, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks.

These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.

Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond. Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.

This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident. We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.

More updates will follow as our security teams are on the ground. I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their duty.

Here are students today writing WAEC exam with candles which started 7pm this evening and ended at 9pm.

They said English question papers leaked and was circulating in groups on Whatsapp and rather than have it tomorrow, they made students sit for it today forcefully.. writing exams at night in pitch darkness despite the insecurity in country.

Was it worth the stress and risk?

For many young Nigerians who may not know, Tompolo is not just a name you hear in passing. He is one of the most powerful figures to ever emerge from the Niger Delta, and his story is far from ordinary.

Back in 2005, Tompolo joined the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF), a militant group that took up arms against the Nigerian Army deep within the creeks of the Niger Delta. After gaining experience and influence, he went on to create his own formidable militia — the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Tompolo didn’t just lead this group; he equipped it with weapons and ammunition, commanding thousands of fighters who launched a fierce campaign against oil companies and government forces. They successfully shut down pipelines, crippled oil production, and held control over vast swathes of the Delta’s waterways.

For years, MEND clashed with the Nigerian military, and despite repeated offensives, the army struggled to overcome them. By 2009, the government under President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua decided negotiation was wiser than war. They offered Tompolo and his fighters amnesty, bringing an uneasy peace to the region and allowing oil companies to resume operations.

The story didn’t end there. In 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari tried to revive the crackdown. He ordered Tompolo’s arrest, hoping to finally put an end to his dominance. Once again, Tompolo’s loyal fighters — popularly known as the Egbesu Boys — stood their ground. The conflict dragged on until Buhari’s government was left with little choice but to return to the negotiating table. Eventually, the federal government reinstated a multi-billion naira security contract with Tompolo — a contract that still exists today.

Beyond militancy, Tompolo holds deep cultural influence. He is the high priest and chief worshipper of the river goddess Egbesu, a spiritual figure that many in the region believe protected him throughout his battles.

Despite his reputation and wealth — he is quietly a billionaire — Tompolo remains rooted in the creeks, far from the public eye. He does not parade on social media, nor does he seek online fame. His power lies in action, not talk. When Tompolo makes a move, it’s real, not for show.

This story is public record. It is not hidden, and it speaks volumes about a man whose legacy still shapes the Niger Delta today.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti Announces Plans To Transform The New Government House At Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Constructed By Okezie Ikpeazu Into A 5-star Hotel

According to Dr. Alex Otti, the structure is a security risk to his life and Government House officials because it was built inside a private residential area.

My take on VDM.

VDM is finally winning the battle against EFCC and every other government security agency. The guy is pure ...dem no see anything on him I believe. But make we dey watch sha...but I believe he has won. If it is about Tax Evasion, worse case them go ask am to pay fines and if na money laundering, I doubt VDM would do that intentionally. If at all, it may be oversight error ( like transferring his own money abroad or internal without due process ) . So I see him winning in the end and MAY later be used as government informant. So to all his yahoo boys followers , you may want to watch out or you would become a pawn in this game of chess. IN ALL, I AM JUST SAYING, NOTHING OF FACT HERE UNTILL WE SEE THE CHARGES IF THERE IS ANY.

PRESS RELEASE BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE

My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court's judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sir, Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

A Heartbreaking Discovery: Kidnapping Den Uncovered in Imo State

Too many families in Igboland have suffered unimaginable pain, losing their loved ones to the hands of kidnappers. The recent discovery of a kidnapping camp at the boundary between Umuosinta Amuzi Obowo and Iheteafor-Ukwu Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo State has once again exposed the horrors many have endured in silence.

At this site, unmarked graves were found—silent witnesses to the fate of victims who never made it home. Some were reportedly murdered even after their families paid ransom, while others were killed outright. Scattered among the graves were stolen vehicles—Toyota Avalons, Range Rovers, Toyota Camrys, Lexus models—belonging to individuals whose fates were cruelly sealed by these criminals.

Reports indicate that this gang operates from Port Harcourt. After carrying out their evil acts in Imo State, they retreat there to hide, only to return and continue their reign of terror in the Obowo axis. Just this past Monday, witnesses say they came back to move two stolen cars, likely to sell them off.

This discovery is a painful reminder of the insecurity that plagues our land. But it is also a call to action. Our communities must stand together, and our authorities must act swiftly to dismantle these networks of terror. No family should have to endure the agony of losing a loved one in such a cruel manner.

Let’s not look away. Let’s demand justice.

#JusticeForVictims #EndKidnapping #SecureOurCommunities

Anambra Government Shuts Down Church Over Alleged Oke Ite Practices

The Anambra State Government has sealed off a church in Nkpor, Idemili North LGA, led by Pastor Onyebuchi Okocha a k.a Onyeze Jesus, over alleged Oke Ite practices. The closure followed public petitions and a viral video where the pastor admitted to performing controversial rituals.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, led the enforcement team, stating that while the government respects religious freedom, it will not tolerate exploitative practices. Authorities have seized liquid substances for forensic testing and plan to analyze the waters of "River Bethsaida", allegedly used for questionable rituals.

The government urges the public to report harmful religious activities as investigations continue.