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Delta gov urges LG leaders to drive development, curb insecurity

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The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has tasked local government Chairmen and councillors across the state to seize the opportunities inherent in the prevalent principle of financial autonomy to drive sustainable grassroots development, tackle insecurity, and improve service delivery to the people.

Speaking at the Delta State Councillors Forum Symposium 2025 held on Tuesday in Asaba, the Governor commended the Forum for initiating what he described as “a timely and consequential dialogue at this defining moment of Nigeria’s democracy.”

Oborevwori said the recent Supreme Court judgement granting full financial autonomy to local governments was a constitutional milestone that now removes every excuse for non-performance.

He said, “With this autonomy, it is expected that development at the grassroots will be enhanced and unhindered by political interference or administrative bottlenecks. Chairmen and councillors must now deliver on their mandate without excuses”

On security, the governor reminded council leaders that “safety is a shared responsibility that must begin from the wards.

“If councillors and chairmen work closely, they will gather intelligence that will help security agencies respond effectively.

“Councils must be proactive, not reactive. We are planning to resume statewide town hall meetings in 2026 to keep the people abreast of what the government has done, what it has not done, and what it plans to do.

He charged councils to embrace civility in tax and levy collection by engaging properly trained personnel, urging them to remain dedicated to their constitutional responsibilities and uphold the dignity of their office.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta State Councillors Forum and Leader of Warri South-West Legislative Arm, Mr Samuel Ekpemupolo, stressed that autonomy must translate into greater accountability and visible impact in communities.

He also called for dignified recognition of councillors as lawmakers at the local level, lamenting that councilorship was being  reduced to “a mere empowerment scheme.”

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Police present ₦33.8m to families of fallen officers in Kebbi

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The Kebbi State Police Command has disbursed cheques totalling ₦33,816,610.97 to 50 families of police officers who died in active service.

The presentation, held on Thursday at the Command’s Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, was made by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, as part of the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes initiated to support families of fallen heroes.

PUNCH Online reports that the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes are part of the ongoing initiatives under Egbetokun to enhance welfare and provide financial relief to families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sani commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his steadfast commitment to the welfare of police personnel and their families.

He described the gesture as a reflection of the IGP’s compassion and dedication to the well-being of officers, saying it had brought “immense joy and relief” to many bereaved families.

“The Inspector-General’s magnanimity continues to boost morale, enhance performance, and uplift the spirit of our officers across the country,” the Commissioner said, praying for God’s continued guidance for the police chief.

Sani urged the beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely in ventures that would ensure lasting benefits for their dependents.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Sonnen Simeon Mome thanked the IG for his generosity, noting that the support would have a meaningful impact on their lives.

“This gesture shows that the Nigeria Police Force has not forgotten the sacrifices of our loved ones,” Mome said, assuring that the money would be put to good use.

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Tinubu congratulates minister, NLNG boss on GECF roles

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his emergence as President of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.

PUNCH Online reports that the 27th ministerial meeting was held today, Thursday, in Doha, Qatar. Key items discussed include coordination among member states to address global policies that may pose challenges to the development and trade of natural gas.

Participants also discussed organisational matters, including the election of the next GECF Secretary-General and preparations for the 8th GECF Heads of State Summit, to be held in Moscow.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also felicitated with the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Philip Mshelbila, on his election as Secretary-General of the GECF.

The president described their new roles as a further consolidation of Nigeria’s leadership in global gas diplomacy.

Tinubu expressed confidence that both Mshelbila and Ekpo will represent Nigeria with excellence and collaborate with other member states to deepen cooperation, stability, and inclusivity in the global gas market.

“The Nigerian government is proud of Mshelbila’s election as secretary-general and Ekpo’s emergence as president of the GECF Ministerial meeting, as the two positions reflect the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and technical expertise in the global gas sector,” the President said.

“Natural gas remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation under our administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Our country shall remain a dependable voice in advancing equitable energy access and a cleaner energy future,” he added.

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Trailer kills Kogi varsity lecturer

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Tragedy struck in the university community of Felele, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on Wednesday, as a heavy-duty truck crushed a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, Federal University, Lokoja.

The Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Tenimu Etuku, confirmed the death of the lecturer, Mrs Kemi Emmanuel, on Thursday in a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Lokoja, describing the incident as “very sad and unfortunate.”

Etuku said the accident occurred around 3:30 pm on Wednesday when the lecturer fell off a commercial motorcycle, popularly known as an okada, after being hit by a speeding truck along the highway at Crusher, in the Lokoja metropolis.

“When the accident happened, our rescue team responded promptly and quickly rushed the victim to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, where she was confirmed dead.

“The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary,” he said.

The FRSC commander expressed shock over the conduct of the okada rider involved in the incident.

This heartrending occurrence has once again highlighted growing concerns over the increasing frequency of accidents involving heavy-duty trucks along the busy Felele axis.

PUNCH Online reports that in May 2025, 19 people, including five children, lost their lives in a tragic accident along the Obajana–Lokoja road, prompting the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to call for stricter enforcement of road traffic laws on federal highways.

Similarly, in April, six persons died in a road crash involving a passenger bus along the Lokoja–Abuja road, while on October 12, ten persons were killed in another accident along the same Obajana–Lokoja route.

Residents and students have since voiced their concerns, urging the Kogi State Government to take immediate and strategic actions to prevent further tragic loss of lives in similar incidents.

It has been strongly suggested that regulations be introduced to restrict trailers from passing through the city during the day, allowing their movement only after 9:00 pm.

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