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Ondo Niger Delta women to Tinubu: End marginalization in Ilaje oil-producing areas
Women from the oil-rich Ilaje region of Ondo State have called on President Bola Tinubu to end what they describe as longstanding marginalization and neglect of their community despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
Under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Network for Ondo Indigenous Women, the group expressed deep frustration over the lack of development projects in their region compared to other Niger Delta communities. In a statement signed by their President, Chief (Mrs.) Otunba Funmileyi Omogbemi, and Secretary, Adetoke Owoyemi, the women decried the “grave injustices” faced by Ilaje residents.
“While other Niger Delta regions have enjoyed continuous developmental and empowerment projects, Ilaje-Ese Odo has remained at the tail end of these initiatives. This has hindered socio-economic progress while we battle environmental degradation head-on,” the statement read.
The group also accused the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), led by Dr. Dennis Otuaro, of excluding Ilaje communities from key engagements and benefits. They claimed that despite Ilaje’s crude oil production of approximately 60,000 barrels per day and an estimated 4 billion barrels in reserves, the region has received little to no attention in terms of resource allocation and economic development.
“Despite the programme’s stakeholders’ engagement across the region, Dr. Otuaro has refused to visit our oil-rich local government area, denying us the opportunity to interface with him and address our concerns. This is a clear indication of the marginalization we face,” they stated.
The group recalled that Ilaje youths were disarmed under an amnesty agreement in 2017 but have since been sidelined while their counterparts in other regions continue to receive benefits. They warned that the growing frustration among the youth could lead to heightened agitation if urgent action is not taken.
The women urged President Tinubu to:
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Ensure that the Presidential Amnesty Programme is administered fairly.
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Implement a transparent and equitable distribution of benefits across all Niger Delta regions.
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Hold Dr. Otuaro accountable for the perceived exclusion of Ilaje communities.
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End administrative favoritism and unfair allocation of resources.
“The level of marginalization faced by Ondo State in the Niger Delta region is unbearable. Our agitations grow by the day, and we want change!” the statement warned.
They called for swift intervention from the presidency, demanding a clear response on steps to address their concerns. “A timely intervention is crucial,” they concluded.
The Anambra State Police Command has refuted reports of casualties following an early morning fire that engulfed a two-storey building storing textile materials on Ifejika Street, near Main Market, Onitsha.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed in a statement on Friday that no lives were lost in the incident. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he reiterated that earlier reports of fatalities were false.
During a media briefing in Awka, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed sympathy for the victims of the fire, noting that the incident could have been avoided with proper precautionary measures.
“However, no lives were lost. The Command appreciates the support of the Fire Service and well-meaning individuals in ensuring the fire was extinguished. The police have taken over the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent hoodlums from exploiting the situation to commit crimes,” Orutugu stated.
The Fire Chief of the Anambra Fire Service, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, also confirmed that no fatalities were recorded. He urged the public to dismiss a viral video claiming otherwise, labeling it as fake and an attempt to discredit security agencies.
Authorities have assured residents that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing while urging traders and warehouse owners to adopt better fire prevention measures.
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You are “Aare Ona Kankafo” of all political and democratic struggles – Keyamo hails Tinubu at 73
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, marks his 73rd birthday on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has praised him as a bold reformer, master strategist, and champion of democracy.
In a glowing tribute, Keyamo highlighted Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly his role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought against military rule. He recalled Tinubu’s emergence as the Governor of Lagos State in 1999, where he led legal and political battles against the then-ruling party.
Keyamo also noted Tinubu’s influence in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC), which ended the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 elections. He further acknowledged Tinubu’s struggles to secure the APC presidential ticket in 2022 and his eventual victory in the 2023 general elections, describing it as a testament to his resilience and commitment to national transformation.
According to Keyamo, Tinubu’s economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the Naira, demonstrate his willingness to address difficult issues. He expressed optimism that these reforms would drive economic growth, job creation, and the revival of Nigeria’s middle class.
“Now, we are clearly headed in the right direction as a country,” Keyamo stated, predicting that the reforms would yield positive results in the coming years.
While acknowledging ongoing political challenges, Keyamo urged Nigerians to celebrate Tinubu’s leadership and contributions to democracy.
“For now, let us pay tribute to this enigmatic and bold reformer, this quintessential democrat, this master of political consensus, this exemplary President, and this ‘Aare Ona Kankafo’ of all political and democratic struggles,” he said.
Dr. Emana Ambrose-Amawhe, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State during the 2023 general election, has resigned from the party.
In a letter dated March 28, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Ambrose-Amawhe announced that her resignation was effective immediately.
She stated that the decision was not made lightly but emphasized her continued commitment to serving Cross River State and Nigeria in other capacities.
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” she wrote. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me over time to contribute my quota to the growth of the party and the chance to serve as the Deputy Governorship Candidate in the last general elections.”
Ambrose-Amawhe expressed gratitude for being part of the PDP’s vision and engaging with the people but cited recent reflections on the state of affairs within the party as the reason for her departure.
“This decision was not made lightly, but I remain committed to serving my community and contributing to the progress of our state and nation in other capacities,” she added.
Ambrose-Amawhe was the running mate to Senator Sandy Onor in the 2023 Cross River governorship election. She also previously contested for a seat in the House of Representatives, representing Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency under the PDP.
Her resignation adds to the shifting political landscape in Cross River State ahead of future elections.
No casualties recorded in Onitsha fire incident – Police
Our ongoing investigation not linked to Atiku, Sanwo-Olu – EFCC
