News

Oyetola Unveils NPA Governing Board, Urges Reform, Unity

Published

11 months ago

June 30, 2025

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

22 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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