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BIRTHDAY: Ex-NBA President, Akpata Celebrates, Thanks God, Narrates How He Survives Terminal Ailment

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2023

Family members, friends from the legal profession and the media, political associates gathered yesterday, October 7th, 2023 to celebrate and rejoice with a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata as he clocks 51.

The who-is-who birthday luncheon held at the ultramodern Rose Garden event centre, Benin City, also attracted the State Working Committee of the Labour Party (LP); top government functionaries from Edo State Government including the Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq.; Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Osaigbovo Iyoha and commissioners.

Also in attendance was the celebrant’s political family, that is the Labour Party led by the Edo State Chairman, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi and all members of the State Working Committee.

Akpata, who is aspiring to become governor of Edo State on the platform of the Labour Party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, could not hide his feelings as he danced joyfully in appreciation to God for how far He (God) has helped him particularly for making him to survive a terminal ailment that would have sent him to the great beyond ten year ago.

The celebrant, while thanking family members, friends, political associates for joining him in celebrating the faithfulness of God Almighty, said: “We are here to celebrate and to thank God. You may have noticed that I have been dancing around the hall, I am dancing in thanksgiving to God because I turned 51 today.”

He added: “It is a miracle that I am still standing, and at every point I must give thanks to God. I am a cancer survival. I was diagnosed with a stage 3 cancer over ten years ago, but as you see me I have been cancer free for at least five years, by the grace of God.

“I have had multiple surgeries; but even before that, I was only 19 years old in my final year in the University of Benin when I lost my mother at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. My mother did not make it to 49, anything could have happened to me.

“My journey would have been different, the lost of a mother at that critical stage can just turn things around, but God was there and He has been there for all these 31 years till today. She died when I was writing my final year examinations, yet I became a lawyer, I started my career, I set up a law firm in conjunction with my elder brother and ultimately I became president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

“So, you understand why I am so excited; why I am so happy; why I am grateful to God, and that is why I gather friends and family to celebrate with me.”

Related Topics:Labour Party Olumide Akpata

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Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

9 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

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JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

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Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.