Ushongo APC Holds Pre-Congress Meeting

...Dissolves Ward and Local Government Exco, pledges loyalty to Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia's administration

By OrJande Agundu

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ushongo Local Government Chapter, today held a pre-congress meeting in Lessel, the headquarters of Ushongo Local Government Area, to strategize ahead of the party’s forthcoming elective ward congresses.

Addressing the party faithful, the Lead Point Man and Leader of the party in Ushongo, Hon. Aondo Terkula Solomon, said the meeting became necessary to harmonize positions and ensure unity of purpose ahead of the ward, local government, state, and national congresses.

Hon. Aondo Terkula Solomon, who also serves as the Focal Person of the Governor in Ushongo, assured that under his leadership, the process would be transparent, fair, and inclusive, and everything will be equitably distributed across all divides.

He commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his developmental strides across the state, urging party members to remain steadfast and work towards delivering even higher votes for the governor in 2027 elections than in 2023.

Other speakers at the meeting including the Member representing Mata (Ushongo I) Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Simon Gabo; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula; Hon. Sam Yuwa; Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange; and Hon. Alfred Acha also lauded the governor’s performance and called on Ushongo APC members to remain united and loyal to his administration.

They all emphasized the need for a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive congress.

In a motion moved by Hon. Alex Alex Toryiila Avakaa, the meeting unanimously dissolved the Tersoo Nyam-led Executive Committee, paving the way for a fresh elective congress.

The meeting had in attendance several key stakeholders, including the Executive Chairman of Ushongo Local Government Council, Hon. Adzu Terkimbi; Hon. Simon Gabo; Sir Tersoo Kula; Hon. Sam Yuwa; Prof. Terkura Tarnande; Gubernatorial Liaison Officer for Ushongo, Hon. @Mvedaga Atetan; Hon. Jacob Agede; Hon. Alfred Acha; all Councilors, and other prominent party stalwarts.

Lawmaker Whingan Condemns Immigration Officer’s Shooting in Badagry, Vows to Intervene

By Peter Dansu 

The Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, has strongly condemned the reported shooting of a woman by an immigration officer in Igbogbele, Badagry.

According to reports, the victim, Mrs. Hunsu Elizabeth, was hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) while she was inside her home.

Reacting to the incident, Hon. Whingan in a press release described the act as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” calling for an immediate investigation and accountability from the relevant authorities.

“We are grateful that her life was spared, and I pray for her quick and full recovery. My heartfelt sympathy goes to her, her family, and everyone shaken by this unfortunate event,” the lawmaker said.

He lamented the recurring incidents of harassment and harm caused by security operatives in Badagry, especially during chases through residential areas.

“The high number of checkpoints and the unprofessional conduct of some officers continue to endanger innocent citizens. This must stop,” he stated firmly.

Hon. Whingan reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the lives, dignity, and safety of the people of Badagry, warning that reckless use of force or intimidation by uniformed officers would no longer be tolerated.

“My office will immediately engage the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies to demand accountability and push for reforms that put public safety first,” he assured.

He further appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, promising that justice would be pursued through proper channels.

“Badagry is known for its peace and resilience. We won’t let the actions of a few lawless individuals define who we are or disrupt our community’s harmony,” he concluded.

LAGOS SUMMIT: TOGETHER, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND LAGOS STATE TO HARNESS BLUE ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

BY JUMOKE OWOOLA and LAIDE ADESANYA 

The Federal and Lagos State Governments on Thursday reaffirmed their commitments to harness the potential of the blue economy for sustainable growth and job creation. Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu also launched the Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic (CIOD), a document aimed at bridging the gap between urgent environmental priorities and providing tangible investment pathways needed to build a resilient, low‑carbon future for all residents.

Speaking at the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit themed “The Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” Sanwo‑Olu said, “the discussions at the summit are not just peripheral but pivotal.” He added that the state government’s approach to the climate era is anchored on three interconnected pillars: Resilience, Innovation and Financing. “We are building coastal resilience to protect lives and livelihoods. We are driving ocean innovation to re‑imagine commerce and mobility. And we are unlocking green and blue finance to power both.”

He highlighted the Great Wall of Lagos, one of Africa’s most ambitious coastal‑defence systems, which has transformed a potential Atlantic wasteland into the thriving Eko Atlantic City. “What was once threatened by erosion now stands as a beacon of renewal,” Sanwo‑Olu stated. He also spoke of the Omi‑Èkó Initiative, a low‑carbon water‑transport network powered by partnerships with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), featuring clean‑energy ferries and solar‑powered infrastructure.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by NIMASA Director‑General Dayo Mobereola, said, “Nigeria’s coastline and inland waterways form one of West Africa’s most strategic frontiers. Supporting vital sectors such as   fisheries, shipping, tourism, energy and biodiversity conservation ;  they collectively have the potential to redefine Nigeria’s growth model. It presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to transition from oil dependency to a diversified, innovation‑driven and environmentally‑resilient economy. The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 marked a major policy breakthrough under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” He added that the ministry has implemented wide‑ranging reforms to strengthen governance and position Nigeria as a continental leader in sustainable maritime development.

Earlier, State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab said, “Lagos sees opportunity. With this summit we have the chance to redefine our relationship with the ocean, not as a resource to be exploited but as a living system to be nurtured — one that sustains both our people and our planet. The blue economy represents more than just water‑based industries; it embodies a new frontier for sustainable prosperity.”

Wahab noted that the Governor officially launched Lagos’ latest policy document, the Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic. “This landmark document serves as a vital bridge between our urgent environmental priorities and the tangible investment pathways needed to build a resilient, low‑carbon future for all Lagosians. It reflects our commitment to turning climate ambition into action, and action into lasting impact. Lagos recognises that our challenges transcend borders. Other coastal African cities face similar vulnerabilities. This is why we must work together, sharing data, expertise and resources to build a united African front for coastal resilience. The future of our coastlines depends on the decisions we make today.” He concluded