Okpe Industrialists, Technocrats, Others Assemble In Lagos

Thousands of Okpe indigenes in the South-West geo-political zone will assemble in Lagos on Sunday, December, 28, 2025 to promote Okpe civilization, history, language and culture.

 

“The 2025 Okpe Union end of year festivity is designed to present Okpe civilization, culture and humanism to the global community’’ a statement by the South-West Deputy President General of Okpe Union, Engineer Francis Redemi said. 

 

The statement issued in Lagos stressed on the values of the Okpe people and the unity of Okpe kingdom.

 

“The people of Okpe today and particularly its leaders have a duty to their ancestors and to their descendants. We consider it our responsibility to provide bursary to Okpe indigenes in Nigeria.”

 

The event promoting a full and brotherly cooperation between Okpe indigenes in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo according to Redemi, promises to be a display of Okpe heritage.

 

“We are concerned about the past, what is taking place today, what should take place tomorrow and what should make the future of Okpe Kingdom more happy and prosperous.” 

 

Scheduled to begin from 3:00 PM at Okpe Union House, 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende, the statement emphasized the high priority which must be given to the education of the youths and the role of the union in giving Okpe sons and daughters the opportunity to enjoy a full and satisfying life. 

 

“Okpe children want a good education. We must plan for the future. We must act on a wider plane of ideas.”

 

Particularly, the statement highlighted respect for the character and institutions of Okpe Kingdom, positive thought, constructive action and the effort of Okpe leaders to uplifting Okpe students in tertiary institutions. 

 

“This year’s ceremony echoes the region’s commitment to maintaining ancestral identity, encouraging academic excellence, supporting the next generation of Okpe leaders in their educational pursuits and proclaiming unity among ourselves’’ the statement added.

 

 Credit: Henry Ovie

 

 

 

Wike: The Price of Loyalty and the burden of Sacrifice

Written by Oby Ndukwe

 

There's no use pretending not to know what's going on within the kitchen cabinet of the President and Grand Leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda which has given birth to the Campaign body- the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. I have tried not to write or speak considering that many on this App are just too biased, yet they still wait for me to drop something.

 

I was close to the man in the eye of the storm while we both fought for the mandate of Rotimi Amaechi from the build up of the PDP primaries in 2006 to the K-leg saga and subsequent 10-month legal battle in 2007! Until he left as Minister of State, Education, our relationship remained tight. Unfortunately, some friends dived a dagger in the wheel of our friendship.

 

Many found it strange when I decided to take a walk from the Amaechi political family. Anyway, that's a story for another day, if it is even necessary.

 

 Let’s go to the actual topic for today:  When it wasn't fashionable to support Asiwaju’s ambition, Nyesom Wike showed a resilient spirit as he has always been known for. Even though some say it was because he was not picked as Atiku's running mate after his loss at the PDP presidential primaries.  Let's continue.  While many of today’s "loyalists" were hiding in their shells, afraid to speak up, especially with the issue of Muslim - Muslim ticket and the tag of "Emilokan"( my turn), Wike was in the trenches!  He didn't just talk; he walked the walk— rallying the G-5(Five Governors and their followers), funding the movement under the "Enye Nde ebea, Enye Nde ebea"- power rotation and balance and insisting that for the sake of equity, the South must produce the President. Of course, every politician must take advantage of every moment to show strength to win. That Wike did even though it may be against popular opinion.

 

 Fast track to his appointment as FCT Minister, his record speaks for itself—he is a man on a mission to deliver on the Renewed Hope agenda even though he remains a PDP Chieftain. And let's not forget the political masterstroke: the depopulation of the PDP into the APC is largely his handiwork- rightly or wrongly!

 

 To those whispering that Wike should be sidelined for 2027 or after, it is not out of place considering that failure is an orphan but victory has many friends. The Tinubu political family is bigger now but old firewoods still burn better.  President Tinubu is a master of the game who knows the value of a battle-tested ally and he knows you don’t discard a General who helped you win the war just to please soldiers who only showed up for the victory parade.

 

 As for the rumours and the political chess which are currently going on in the Villa, it's all part of the game.

 

Wike  isn’t leaving in a hurry because he has a lot of unfinished business beyond the votes of Rivers State. For the first time, the Votes of the FCT will not go to the opposition.

 

 Loyalty not coerced pays, and Jagaban knows this game!

 

-Oby Ndukwe

MediaFBI

Customs Port Harcourt Area I Command Honours Agencies At Its Maiden Stakeholders Get-together

By Bon Peters

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The Nigeria Customs service, Port Harcourt Area I Command says it has  on Thursday,  December 18, 2025, held its maiden Stakeholders Get-Together at the Command's Training Room in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
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‎This was contained in a press release issued, signed and made available to journalists and online news platforms on Friday, by the Command's Public relations officer, Barilule Aanee, an  Assistant Superintendent of Customs I.
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‎The statement described the event as a historic engagement  which was organized to appreciate Stakeholders who worked closely with the Command throughout the year and contributed to its operational, revenue, and compliance achievements.
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‎Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, noted that the gathering was a platform to formally acknowledge the vital roles of Stakeholders in the successes recorded by the Command adding  that the achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, cargo clearance, and enforcement were made possible through sustained compliance, cooperation, and constructive engagement with Stakeholders.
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‎The customs Area 1,  boss  further emphasized that the Stakeholders Get-Together was conceived to strengthen mutual trust, promote dialogue, and reinforce the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and fairness.
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‎She  however,  acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his  Management team ,whose policy direction and initiatives have enhanced ease of doing business and improved Customs-Stakeholder relations.
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‎In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, Customs Zone C, Headquarters Port Harcourt, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Kamal Mohammed, who was at the event, commended the Command for organizing the maiden engagement even as he described the initiative  as timely and commendable  insisting that continuous interaction between Customs and Stakeholders remained critical to effective Customs operations and national economic growth.
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‎Goodwill messages were also delivered by Some of the Stakeholders, including the Chairman, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Area I Chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Okoh, the Chairman, ANLCA Airport Chapter, Mr. Charles Onyema, the Vice President,  Eastern Zone Nigeria Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) chief. Ngozi Uzohuo,  and the Chief Executive Officer of JFDOR International Ltd, Dr. Femi Otunba.
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‎The speakers applauded the Command for its openness, improved engagement, and professional handling of Customs operations.
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‎The event also reflected the collaborative spirit between the Command and its Stakeholders beyond core Customs operations.
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‎The statement emphasized that Comptroller Atuluku highlighted that Stakeholder support contributed to the successful execution of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility project at Model Primary School Orominike I and II, D-Line, Port Harcourt, where pupils received donations of school uniform materials, Customs-customized books, and school bags.
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‎A major highlight of the  maiden Stakeholders Get-Together according to the statement was presentation of awards to Stakeholders who actively worked with the Command throughout the year.
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‎Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, Customs Zone C Headquarters Port Harcourt, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs  (ACG) Kamal Mohammed, received an award in recognition of his guidance and support to the Command, while the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, was honoured with a Social Impact Pioneer award by the Command Management Team for her leadership and initiative in driving the successful execution of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility project at Model Primary School Orominike I and II even as the Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain engagement and build stronger partnerships in the years ahead.

100 Days After: What Has Opobo/Nkoro To Show? A Scorecard of Expectations and Reality

 By Inyie Okpukpo 

 

One hundred days in office is widely regarded as a symbolic but important milestone for any public office holder. It offers the first real opportunity for citizens to assess leadership direction, governance style, and the seriousness of campaign promises. For the people of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, the question today is simple and direct: what tangible projects can the Chairman, Barr. James A. James, genuinely boast of after 100 days in office?

 

This question becomes even more significant given the strategic importance of Opobo/Nkoro. As the Local Government Area of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Opobo/Nkoro is expected to lead by example in grassroots governance, unity of purpose, and visible development. Any sign of drift, silence, or underperformance here sends a troubling signal beyond its borders.

 

Funds without Footprints:

 

Local Government Areas receive substantial monthly allocations from the Federation Account, in addition to statutory state support and internally generated revenues. While 100 days may be too short to complete major capital-intensive projects, it is more than enough time to initiate, flag off, or visibly commence people-oriented interventions.

 

Ordinarily, Citizens Would Expect To See:

 

Clearly identified and ongoing infrastructure projects such as road grading, drainage rehabilitation, or market upgrades.

 

Functional health or education interventions, including renovation of primary health centres or schools.

 

Youth and women empowerment programmes, skills acquisition initiatives, or SME support schemes.

 

Environmental sanitation drives and community-focused public works.

 

Transparent communication outlining achievements, challenges and plans.

 

Yet, many residents continue to ask: where are the visible signs of governance?

 

Leadership without Consultation

 

Beyond projects, governance is also about process and inclusion. There have been growing concerns about an apparent disconnect between the Chairman and key stakeholders within the LGA, councilors, party leaders, appointees, and community figures. Effective local governance thrives on consultation, consensus-building, and shared ownership of development goals. A leadership style perceived as solitary or closed risks alienating stakeholders and slowing progress.

 

In a local government that should exemplify harmony and coordination, internal divisions or silence are particularly troubling.

 

The Cost of Silence 

 

Another missing link in the first 100 days has been public accountability. Citizens deserve to be informed. Even where projects are at planning or procurement stages, clear communication helps build trust. Silence, on the other hand, fuels speculation, dissatisfaction, and the perception of inactivity.

 

A simple 100-day scorecard, outlining achievements, expenditures, and immediate plans, would have gone a long way in reassuring the people that governance is on course.

 

The Road Ahead 

 

The 100-day mark should not be seen as a final verdict, but it is certainly an early warning indicator. Barr. James A. James still has ample time to reset priorities, open channels of engagement, and align his administration with the expectations of the people.

 

Opobo/Nkoro deserves proactive leadership, visible development, and inclusive governance. As the LGA of the sitting governor, it must not become a reference point for missed opportunities or unfulfilled expectations. Rather, it should stand as a model of what effective grassroots governance looks like.

 

The coming months will therefore be decisive. The people are watching, expectations remain high, and history will ultimately record not intentions, but results.

 

CSR: Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Donates Educational Materials in Rivers

 By Bon Peters

 

The Nigeria Customs Service Area 1 Port Harcourt Rivers State has last week donated educational materials worth Millions of Naira to the pupils of Model primary school Orominike 1 and 11 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state Capital.

 

The gesture, the Customs Area controller, Port Harcourt Area 1, Customs Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku says “this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project is in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his Management Team, who have continued to champion initiatives that promote education, youth development, and community support."

 

Continuing, Compt. Atuluku said, “We sincerely appreciate their leadership and commitment to touching lives across the country."

 

Comptroller Atuluku who emphasized that it gave her great joy to stand before the audience  for the all  important and heartwarming event added that the gathering was to show support and love to the wonderful pupils of Model Primary School, Orominike.

 

The Customs Area 1 boss noted "As the Customs Area Controller of Port Harcourt Area I Command, I am delighted to spend this beautiful moment with you."

 

"Today’s event is special because it reminds us that the work of the Nigeria Customs Service goes far beyond securing our borders or enforcing laws. We are also part of the communities we serve, and it is our responsibility to contribute to their welfare, and development."

 

 Atuluku used the opportunity to express gratitude to the Zonal Coordinator, Customs Zone C, Headquarters Port Harcourt, ACG Kamal Mohammed for his support.

 

She thanked the National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, and the COWA Executive for their compassion, dedication, and continuous support for children and families which she said had added great value to communities nationwide.

 

“The National President of COWA Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, our Mama, a woman of substance and an innovative reformer, you came to Port Harcourt yesterday for the Green Border Initiative Campaign and was scheduled to return immediately after the event, but you graciously suspended your other engagements to stay back and be with us."

 

"This act of support and sacrifice reflects your deep commitment to the welfare of children and families. Ma, we are truly honoured to have you with us" Compt. Atuluku said.

 

She thanked the pupils describing them as the stars of the event and the reason for the gathering.

 

"Each of you has a bright future ahead, and it is our responsibility as adults to support you and guide you."

 

Our visit today is to add to those efforts and ensure that your learning environment becomes even better."

 

"Education is a powerful tool. It opens doors to opportunities and helps shape responsible citizens. We want you to be bold, hardworking, honest, and disciplined. We want you to believe that you can become anything you dream of. Whether you want to be a doctor, a teacher, a pilot, an engineer, an artist, or even a customs officer, the important thing is to keep learning and never give up" she admonished.

 

She admired the teachers, their dedication and concerted efforts in shaping the pupils whom she described as leaders of tomorrow, insisting that their work was truly priceless, adding that the support would make their work easier and ensure improvement to the school environment.

 

She equally expressed gratitude to  sister agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps including the officers and men of Customs Area 1 command  for their effort in organizing the  CSR project.

 

"Your dedication demonstrates that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to giving back, uplifting communities, and supporting the next generation."

 

"Dear pupils, as we present our gifts today, we hope they will bring you comfort, joy, and motivation. Take care of your classrooms, use your books well, respect your teachers, and always be kind to one another. You are special, you are valued, and you have the potential to achieve great things."

 

 "We are delighted to present to you Customs Customized notebooks, school bags, and school uniforms" Atuluku said.

 

"These items are meant to support your learning and encourage you to continue putting in your best"

 

In his contribution, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education represented by Mr. Emmanuel Onumgbu thanked the Customs Area 1 Controller, for her kind gesture saying that the ministry of Education and Rivers state government were delighted for her kind gesture especially investing and showing presence in Education.

 

He added that the state government would remain grateful.

 

Head Teacher , Model primary school 1, Orominike  Etete Awajirowa Ataisi thanked the Nigeria Customs  Service for the show of love to the school even as she promised that the pupils would make judicious use of the materials.

 

To the pupils, it was a joyful moment which they vowed, they would not forget in a hurry as they prayed God Almighty to continue to grant the Customs Area 1 Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku and the entire Nigerian Customs Service more wisdom, strength and steadfastness in carrying out their duties.

 

Items donated were Customs Customized notebooks, school bags, and school uniforms.

 

Present at the event include (COWA) National President Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi and her executive, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the  Nigeria Police, Teachers, Customs Officers among others.

 

COWA Launches Sustainability and Green Border Initiative in Zone C, Rakes in Over N500M

.... Zonal Coordinator of Customs ACG Mohammed Kamal Lauds initiative

 

 By Bon Peters

 

Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) has launched its pet project, Sustainability And Green Border Initiative at the Zone C Headquarters Rivers state, raking in over N500M, even as the Customs Zone C, Zonal Coordinator, ACG Mohammed Kamal has lauded the National president for a well thought out project .

 

The National president of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi the initiator of the project and the wife of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR says Sustainability And Green Border Initiative would target the Border towns of Nigeria while focusing on, restoration of the degraded ecosystem and empowerment of her members.

 

The event which started at the Customs Area 1 Port Harcourt Command Wednesday, December 10, 2025, with a tree planting exercise later shifted to Js Signature Hotel for a dinner and fund raising.

 

Speaking at the event, the COWA National President, stated that the essence of the project was to take the campaign of environmental awareness and sustainability to the Border towns that have so far been neglected.

 

She hinted that the issue of climate change has been at the front burner prompting her team to think on how to make the environment a better place while empowering their members not only in sewing but also in research on how to cash in on the environmental sustainability to make wealth especially through waste.

 

She went further to posit that their members would be exposed on waste management skills including separations and recycling among others even as she informed the audience that COWA has engaged in numerous successful environmental sustainability activities especially Tree planting exercise whereby about 862 trees have been planted since October 2025 when the initiative was launched.

 

She also disclosed COWA's determination to plant about 15,000 trees in the near future to mitigate environmental pollution and ensure a clear and clean ecosystem.

 

The COWA boss, who frowned at the level of deforestation in the Nigeria Delta region due to oil

exploration and exploitation, admonished that people can plant trees including vegetables in their backyard to stem the tide of environmental pollution and greenhouse Gas emissions.

 

She said COWA has taken this initiative to the Seme, Idiroko,Illela borders while expressing her intention to visit others. 

 

She charged her members, communities, officers to nurture the trees so far planted, insisting that "if you plant trees, you plant hope and anything COWA plants grows" 

 

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Allwell Chinedu Okereuku who represented the Rivers state Governor, His Excellency Sir, Siminilaye Fubara expressed satisfaction with COWA's initiative saying he was so delighted to be part of the project especially as it is related to the environmental sustainability.

 

The Rivers state governor expressed his readiness to partner with COWA to achieve its laudable objectives even as he buttressed the importance of clean environment to Rivers state and Nigeria at large.

 

Throwing more light on the programme, the chairperson COWA FOU Zone C Owerri and the wife of Comptroller B Balogun, Dr Mrs. Bolanle Balogun said that the project is very broad and could not be confined to only Tree planting.

 

Her words: You know that the world is battling with climate change, anything you can think of on the green side is what the project is all about. Whether re-cycling, tree planting, Environmental pollution mitigation, waste Disposal among others."

 

Continuing, she said, "it was a pet project of our National president, Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi MFR and we have to key into it."  She started locally but now she has gone international."

 

Recently she was in Brazil to address the world on COWA's Sustainability And Green Border initiative.

 

And what the Customs Officers' Wives Association is doing, is aimed at bringing positive change to our members and the society at large."

 

She promised to ensure that the project is sustained at FOU Zone C, Owerri and introduced to the grassroots, so as to impact positively on their members.

 

Meanwhile, speaking at the Dinner, Customs Zone C, Zonal Coordinator, AGC Kamal Mohammed represented by the Customs Area controller, Port Harcourt Area 11, Command Onne, Comptroller Yusuf Alkali welcomed the guests.

 

Mohammed said,it was with warmth and profound gratitude that he welcomed everyone to Zone C and to the occasion which he described as more than a formal Dinner.

 

He emphasized that the Green Border and Sustainability Initiative was a laudable objective which, according to him, stood as "a testament that safeguards the Land that shelters us and the future of our children."

 

He added that Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi has long been a beacon of service, compassion and resilience through initiatives like this, noting that the Association has continued to champion the empowerment of women, equipping them with opportunities and skills among others that would influence positive change within their homes, communities and beyond.

 

He stated that COWA "is a reflection of women working together for a greener, safer and more inclusive society."

 

He therefore enjoined all the stakeholders to be committed to the fund raising to enable COWA realize its objectives.

 

Present at the event, include All the Customs Zone C, Area Controllers including, Comptroller B Balogun of FOU Zone C, Owerri, Customs Area 1, Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, Customs Area 5, Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Controller, Comptroller Usman Yahaya, Comptroller AB Jaja of Eastern Marine Command, Controller Akwa Ibom/ Calabar Area command, Comptroller Dauda Giwah, Comptroller A Bodunde, Anambra/Enugu/ Ebonyi Command, and other officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

 

Also present were members of ANLCA, NAGAFF and other Freight Forwarding Associations, Bonded Terminal Operators, WACT, Shipping Companies, Rivers state Government officials among others.

 

However, leading the pack of Donors was the Customs Zone C Freight Forwarders that made a donation of 500 Million.