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Oyetola Unveils NPA Governing Board, Urges Reform, Unity

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the newly constituted governing board of the Nigerian Ports Authority, calling on members to embrace reform-driven governance that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.

According to Oyetola, “It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome you all to the formal inauguration of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority. Today marks a critical step in our collective efforts to strengthen the governance structures of our maritime institutions and position the sector for greater national impact.”

The minister said this during the inauguration ceremony of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Port Authority, which was held in Abuja on Monday.

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This inauguration of the Board aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reposition key institutions of government for optimal performance.

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“In accordance with the provisions of the NPA Act, this exercise underscores the administration’s firm commitment to institutional reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, improving transparency, and unlocking the immense potential of our marine and blue economy for inclusive, sustainable economic growth.”

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Oyetola highlighted the Board’s statutory responsibilities as defined by the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, particularly in staffing and financial oversight through the Staff and Establishment Committee and the Finance Committee. However, he stressed maintaining clear lines between governance and management.

It is important to emphasise that the day-to-day operations and execution of policy decisions remain solely the responsibility of the Managing Director and the Management Team. This is stipulated in Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and further reinforced by the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency,” Oyetola said.

He added, “The Board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives, but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution.

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“To the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, I enjoin you to engage constructively with the Board in a manner that reflects professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Institutional harmony is vital, and this can only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and unwavering dedication to national service.

“To the newly inaugurated Board Members, I congratulate you. I urge you to approach this assignment with discipline, focus, and a firm commitment to national interest. Your role is pivotal to the development of a competitive and efficient port system, one that meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.”

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Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust reposed in the members.

Describing Oyetola as “a pillar of encouragement,” Adeyeye praised the professionalism of the Ministry and the management of the NPA, pledging that the Board would work collaboratively and harmoniously to fulfill its mandate.

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“We see the Honourable Minister as the head of the family under whose leadership the Board would function with a spirit of shared purpose and without discord,” he said, affirming the Board’s commitment to unity and cooperation.

The newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority is chaired by Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, with Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho serving as the Managing Director. Other members include Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju, Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris, and Barr. Kelechi Igwe, Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel, and Dr. Mercy Ilori, who represent the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Also on the board are Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, the Executive Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, the Executive Director of Marine and Operations, and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration.

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Edo To Immortalise Late IGP Solomon Arase

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The Edo State Government is set to immortalise the late Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, who is an indigene of the state.

Governor of the state, Monday Okpebhole, disclosed this on Saturday while receiving the body of the late Arase at the Benin Airport.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, Okpebholo described late Arase as “one of the finesse police officers and lawyers we have in Edo State,’ adding that “losing him at this time that the Nigeria Police Force and the country in general need him is not good for us”.

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“As a State Government, we will work with the family to see how we can Immortalize him. He was a great son of Edo State.

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It is very painful to the government and people of Edo State but we are consoled with the good life he lived”.

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Okpebholo described Arase as a team player and a man that was always willing to help.

It is painful that we lost somebody who always listens to every complaint and tries as much as possible to solve them”.

He, however, prayed to God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss, assuring that the government will do all that it can to support his family.

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Edo Activist In Police Net Over Alleged Assault On Abure

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Edo-based activist, Precious Oruche, popularly known as “Mama Pee”, has been detained following a heated confrontation with the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, at the Abuja Airport.

The incident, which had since gone viral, had sparked controversy and conflicting accounts from both parties.

According to reports, the saga began at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where Mama Pee allegedly confronted Abure as he prepared to board a Max Air flight to Benin.

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Eyewitness accounts said the activist approached Abure and accused him of being responsible for the hardships Nigerians are currently facing.

“Is this not Julius Abure? You’re the one frustrating Nigerians,” she reportedly told Abure in a confrontational manner.

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Abure was responding by saying ‘how can…’ when Mama Pee interjected, saying, “In case nobody has told you, you’re the one frustrating Nigerians. Are you not Julius Abure? What are you now doing with Labour Party? Police are looking for you. You’ve destroyed the Labour Party, and you’re entering an aeroplane? May God punish all of you.”

Arriving at the Benin Airport, things took a more violent dimension as Mama Pee was allegedly attacked by a group of young men believed to be thugs loyal to Abure.

A video circulating online shows a scuffle at the airport’s exit, with several individuals attempting to drag the activist, before security and immigration officials stepped in.

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Speaking in one of the video recordings, Mama Pee claimed she was assaulted by the group.

“Look at them oh!!! See them oh!!! They want to beat me after I told Julius Abure that he is the one frustrating the lives of Nigerians, and then he brought thugs. He brought thugs to harass me. Look at them, can you see them,” she exclaimed.

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She further alleged, “I saw Julius Abure of Labour Party inside the Max Air, and I told him that you are the one frustrating the lives of Nigerians. You sold Labour Party, and then he called his thugs to wait for me at the airport in Benin.”

Another activist, Peter Akah—widely known as ‘Peter for Nigeria’—released a video calling for Mama Pee’s immediate release.

He appealed to Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika to intervene.

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Akah argued that the activist, who he described as a victim of political violence, had been wrongly turned into a suspect by the police.

Meanwhile, the Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has issued its own version of events, condemning what it termed an “unwarranted attack” on their chairman.

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In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party claimed Mama Pee accosted Abure at the Abuja airport in an unprovoked manner while he was boarding his flight to Benin.

The assault, which attracted a large population of onlookers, continued unabated on disembarkment at the Benin Airport while she continued recording the scene,” Ifoh stated.

He added that Abure had to be quickly escorted to safety by security agents, while the activist was handed over to police for questioning.

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The statement further alleged that Mama Pee, who is described as a known figure in the ‘Obidient’ Movement, bragged in one of her videos about her connections to top police officers.

“She vowed that she will not stop attacking Abure or any member of the Labour Party executive because according to her, ‘you have killed Labour Party and you are the reason why Obi is no longer in the Labour Party,’” Ifoh said.

He called for a thorough probe, just as he urged the Inspector General of Police to look into what they termed cyberbullying and political provocation.

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As of the time of filing this report, attempts to get a comment from the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, were unsuccessful as calls were neither answered nor returned.

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Educationist Gets Guinness World Record For Largest Teachers’ Gathering

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Nigerian teacher and education advocate, Mr Seyi Anifowose, has officially entered the Guinness World Records for convening the largest gathering of teachers in history, a feat achieved at the “Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025” held on September 20 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

A statement by 1 Million Teachers on Friday said the confirmation was announced via a Zoom call on Wednesday, September 23, by Rishi Nath, a representative of Guinness World Records.

Nath commended Anifowose and his team for drawing global attention to an issue that, according to him, “should be on the front burner of policy and dialogue nationally.”

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The record-setting event, powered by 1 Million Teachers, drew an unprecedented number of educators from across Nigeria.

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Organisers had projected attendance of 60,000 teachers, underscoring both the scale of the mobilisation and the urgency of the message: that Nigerian teachers deserve greater recognition, welfare, and policy support.

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“This is more than a number. It is proof that teachers matter. It is a victory for education, and it is a victory for Nigeria,” said Anifowose.

He explained that the choice of Tafawa Balewa Square carried symbolic weight. He said, “It was the same ground where Nigeria declared independence in 1960, and its use for the conference marks another proud national moment—this time celebrating those who build nations in classrooms.”

Anifowose admitted that achieving the milestone was not without challenges.

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“This is not just about breaking a record. It is about resilience. Teachers stood in the rain, braved the sun, and endured long verification lines but refused to back down just to achieve this record,” he noted.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for hosting the event and to his home-state governor, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, for his encouragement.

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He also thanked teacher unions and education agencies at both state and federal levels for their support in ensuring the conference’s success.

Beyond the record, Anifowose emphasised that the next phase would focus on policy advocacy. He revealed plans to engage the National Assembly on reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s education system and boosting teachers’ welfare.

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Nigeria’s education sector has long grappled with underfunding, poor infrastructure, and low teacher morale.

According to UNESCO, the country faces one of the world’s most severe teacher shortages, with many classrooms overcrowded and educators underpaid.

Stakeholders have repeatedly called for reforms to strengthen the sector, improve teacher training, and make the profession attractive to younger generations.

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By securing this world record, Anifowose hopes to transform symbolic recognition into tangible change for teachers nationwide.

(PUNCH)

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