NUPRC commends TANTITA Security Services for increase in crude production
NUPRC commends TANTITA Security Services for increase in crude production
By: Celestine Ukah
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, has commended oil and gas security giant, TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, for helping to secure the pipelines in the Niger Delta, leading to a drastic reduction in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
This commendation is coming from the spokesperson of the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, while responding to issues bordering on Nigeria’s increased crude oil production on ARISETV Morning Show Tuesday, October 7.
Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu, explicitly stated that since 2021 to date, TANTITA Security Services has been able to help combat crude oil theft by about 98 percent, leading to increased crude oil production and making Nigeria hit up to 1.7 million, reiterating that Nigeria can meet up to 2 million barrels per day if not for the OPEC quota cut.
While responding to the bid round for new oil blocs, Mr. Akinkuotu said they are waiting for directives from the federal government in order to go ahead with it.
THE NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE
THE NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE
By: Dr Austin Orette
Are we really divided by geography or culture? Nigeria is a very heterogeneous society. From the cacophony of our disagreements, there is a straight line that separates the North and the South, the East and the West.
We have been presented with the scenario that the North will always want the opposite of what the South wants. This means if the South wants unity, then the North by default will want disunity. At the moment, most people in the south want restructuring. The North does not want it as we are told.
To what extent has geography decided our destiny? Are we really different temperamentally due to accidents in our geography? We will believe so if we subscribe to the prevailing notion that we are incapable of brewing a culture that is inclusive because of our geographic placements.
Nigeria is a very heterogeneous and variegated society that has failed to evolve a theme that is inclusive of all the people within our borders. The failure to achieve this elusive unity is due to our primordial loyalties and attachments to our origins. There is a failure of imagination and expansion of our consciousness. At this place, we will see each other. This failure also means we are still like children, who have refused to grow up and will not leave home.
Some have posited that we could have been better if the imaginary line that separated the North and South was made more visible and not blurred by the interposition of Lord Lugard. Most Nigerians will always blame the British for this amalgamation. I don’t, because Lord Lugard did what he had to do for the love of Britain. He needed to save costs and make the colonization easier for His Royal Majesty. All he did was for the love of his homeland. No matter how much we blame the British, the constant is that they did what they have to do for the love of Britain.
My question is: What have we done for the love of our people and Nigeria? This is the question we should ask ourselves every day. Have we evolved any system to bring us together as the largest concentration of black people in the World? The answer is no. At the time Africans were crying for the unity of black people, some Nigerians wanted more fragmentation. This means that we cannot go beyond the artificial lines that were created to confine ourselves and we have accepted an imaginary line that makes neighbors to be strangers perpetually. It also suggests that we are lazy and cannot go beyond our comfort zone.
We have a duty to reframe and recalibrate our relationships that are devoid of exploitation by those who gave a numerical advantage. The respect for the rights of minorities is a sine qua non in a society that aspires to be democratic. As the largest concentration of Black people in the world, it is our responsibility to evolve beyond our present conditions of strife and ethnic hostilities and adopt a more inclusive theme for our polity.
I have emphasized at various times that if you remove the imported religions, we have more in common as Nigerians. These foreign religions are actually the fuel for the tribalism and ethnic divisions that are tearing the nation apart.
There are more minorities in the North than in the South. The North is actually more advanced in terms of inter-ethnic harmony than the South. A Northerner is more likely to say he is a Northerner than a Southerner. A southerner will identify with his tribe first. This is where the Northerner is more advanced in inter-ethnic relations. They have a more panoramic view of Nigeria than the average southerner.
The South is still a basin of inter-ethnic rivalries. The reason for this is that the South is not as variegated as the North. The rivalry and low intensity animus between the South-west and South-East is becoming tiresome. This rivalry makes it difficult to evolve ethos that are beyond ethnic nationalism. These tribes instead of developing a blueprint of cohabitation with the minority tribes, they engage in parasitic relationships that are injurious to the minority tribes. They even want the minority tribes to forget their history and become members of the large tribes. Can the parasite absorb the host? Nature says no. The host just wants to be left alone to survive the interplay and ignominy of the so-called big tribes. The way Yoruba and Igbo behave in the South makes me wonder if they are aware of any other people besides them who occupy this terrain we call Southern Nigeria. They need to take a lesson from the North on how to unify people.
We need unity all over the country, but Southern unity is very essential for the unity and progress of Nigeria. Southern unity is needed to free the North from Religious tyranny that impedes progress and imprison Northern youth in a cocoon of Ignorance. This state of ignorance makes the Northern youth erroneously identify with the vision of his oppressor.
How did the North become so united? They used a language of common purpose. No matter the drawback of the Fulani, they were able to draw up a philosophy of a common heritage. This could be religion or culture. Since we don’t have a common heritage in the South, we can draw up a common theme that can unify us. We could adopt the theme: Justice, equality and fairness. It is not enough to say you are Igbo. Do you believe in justice? Do you believe in equality? Do you believe in fairness? If the answer is yes, I will work with you to evolve a better relationship.
What does it mean to be a Yoruba? Do you believe in Justice? Do you believe in fairness? Do you believe in equality? If the answer is yes, I will work with you to evolve a better terrain for our people. It is the negative answers that come from these groups that militate against any form of unity in Nigeria.
Lord Lugard amalgamated Nigeria for the love of Britain. What have we Nigerians done for the love of Nigeria? The answer to this question will lead to our evolution to a better place where our vision is not blurred. One out of every four black people in the world is a Nigerian. This is power and should be backed by our sense of responsibility to all black people around the World. This is a leadership position that every Nigerian must take as his responsibility.
To be effective, we must as a matter of urgency restructure Nigeria for proper governance. Restructuring will reduce hostilities and arbitrarily of governance. Knowledgeable people will move from a mediocre and moribund unitary/Central governance and improve the lives of people at the local level who can be trusted to pick the right people for leadership. Our focus should be on this solemn obligation that must not be trifled by any singular loyalty to the village idiot who is still a troglodyte.
DR AUSTIN ORETTE WRITES FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS
Double Banter as Best Talent thrash Hot Eaglets FA 3-0, Pip Flexy89 FA
Double Banter as Best Talent thrash Hot Eaglets FA 3-0, Pip Flexy89 FA
By: Sunday Agunbiade
It was a clean bill of health for Best Talent Football Club as they took Hot Eaglets FA to the cleaner with 3 -0 and stung Flexy89 1-0 at the Redemption City, Car Park C Arena, Mowe, Ogun State on Friday, 3rd October, 2025.
The Nationwide League One outfit continue to experience surprises with teams picking up maximum points in 9 matches, draw one and only lost one on the road after recording three away wins in the first one week.
The match played with great intensity saw the Adeyinka Adeyemo’s boys dominating the proceedings from the blast of the whistle. Their dominance paid off as Okon opened the scoring in the 17th minutes while Warris made it double three minutes after. It was a brace for Okon against Hot Eaglets FA scoring at 42 minutes to complete the task in the first half as second half efforts produced no goal for the either sides.
On the second game of the day against Flexy89 FC, it was the agent of phenomenon goal machine, Okon’s lone goal that send parking the visitors from Redemption City Temple Arena.
Speaking with journalists after the games, Coach Farouk Yusuf expressed confidence that his youthful boys are coming up and maximally reacting positively to different tactics based on the complexion of the game. “My boys are extremely young but brilliant and this is the mission of the Chairman of this club, Mr Adeyinka Adeyemo who believes in bringing out the best from players. We identify talents here and groom them for bigger stage. My boys are relentless in the games playing 180 minutes with two teams , different approaches and came unhurt in the encounters. I think they deserve accolades “. Says the grassroots football proponent.
Multi-Billion-Naira Flood Control Project Will End Flooding In Asaba- Oborevwori
Multi-Billion-Naira Flood Control Project
Will End Flooding In Asaba- Oborevwori
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday October 6, expressed optimism that the long-standing problem of flooding in Asaba, the state capital, will soon be permanently resolved following steady progress on the ongoing multi-billion-naira flood control project.
The governor made this known during an inspection tour of the massive stormwater drainage system traversing Summit Road through Nwelih Street, St. Patrick’s College, West-End Mixed Secondary School, Anwai Road, and Uche Medua Igeh, all linking the Amilimocha Stream in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Oborevwori said the project, measuring approximately six kilometers in total length, was designed to channel floodwater from the Shoprite axis of Okpanam Road and the Interbau-Ogagifo area directly into the Amilimocha River.
He said: “The only way to permanently solve the flooding challenge in this area is to take the water straight to the river. The drains here are very deep — about six meters underground and that is what makes this solution sustainable.”
According to the governor, the flood control project features 2.4-by-2.4-meter concrete drains at critical sections, built to handle the high volume of stormwater that typically overwhelms the capital city during the rainy season.
He noted that even the portions of the drainage system already completed have significantly improved the flow of stormwater, leading to a marked reduction in flooding during the current rainy season.
“You can see that this rainy season, there has been no flooding around Shoprite and the adjoining streets. The water now flows freely because the drain from that axis is already functioning. By the time this last phase is completed, flooding in Asaba will be a thing of the past,” Oborevwori assured.
The governor revealed that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has assured the state government that the entire stormwater project will be completed ahead of schedule with drainage works expected to be finished by the end of 2025, and asphalt overlay works set to begin early next year.
“The contractor has promised to deliver all storm drainage works before the end of this year, and by the first quarter of next year, they will start asphalting. By March 2026, we expect this project to be fully completed,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori also disclosed that the state government had already mobilized the contractor with 40 percent of the contract sum to ensure unhindered progress, emphasizing that government was not owing the contractor.
He commended the cooperation of residents and business owners affected by the ongoing construction, saying the people were excited that government was finally addressing a problem that had plagued them for decades.
Oborevwori said; “Our people are not complaining; they are happy. For years, this area has been a flood zone, but now they can see real progress. This is not just about construction, it’s about restoring confidence and improving lives.”
He also commended his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for his efforts to address the problem of flooding in the capital city, saying; “for almost ten years now, we have been tackling the issue of flooding in Asaba. The previous government did a lot, and we are completing what was started.
“We are also replicating the same success in Warri, where phases one and two of the storm drainage projects have been substantially completed, and phase three is ongoing. This government is about continuity and impact”.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure, environmental safety, and people-oriented development.
The governor announced that he would continue his project monitoring visits and that several groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects, adding that the Okpanam-Ugbolu Road construction, would be flagged off tomorrow and others in the coming days.
Residents and business owners along the project corridor, visibly elated by the governor’s visit, expressed appreciation for the state government’s commitment to cure the yearly nightmare of flooding that has long disrupted economic and social life in Asaba.
With visible progress on-site and full government funding in place, the Summit Road-Amilimocha Stream Flood Control Project is widely expected to deliver lasting relief to the people of Asaba.
President Tinubu Returns To Abuja After 10-day working visit
President Tinubu Returns To Abuja After 10-day working visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns to Abuja today following a ten-day working visit to Lagos.
The President arrived in Lagos on Friday, September 26, after attending the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, in Ibadan.
While in the nation’s commercial capital, President Tinubu engaged with key investors, including Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Keem Belo-Osagie, former Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Etisalat, and now Chairman of Metis Capital Partners.
President Tinubu also received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez, in the company of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and other heads of agencies in the sector. During their meeting, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime industry as a viable alternative to fossil energy.
On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of independence, President Tinubu visited Imo State to commission projects undertaken by Governor Hope Uzodimma. The President also unveiled a book authored by the governor, chronicling 10 years of the APC governance in Nigeria.
He delivered the national broadcast from the State House, Dodan Barracks, on Independence Day. He later commissioned the renovated National Theatre — now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts — where he called on Nigerians to speak positively about their country.
On Saturday, October 4, President Tinubu visited Jos, Plateau State, to attend the burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, the chairman of the APC.
At the funeral, the President paid tribute to Mama Yilwatda and assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fairness and equity among all religious groups in the country.
National Sports Festival: NSC to Inspect Facilities in Enugu Ahead of 2026 Coal City Games
National Sports Festival: NSC to Inspect Facilities in Enugu Ahead of 2026 Coal City Games
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that it will embark on an inspection of facilities in Enugu State from October 21–24, 2025, as part of ongoing preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games 2026.”
The inspection of facilities is a crucial step in ensuring standards and that the Festival delivers on its promise of being a world-class sporting event that celebrates excellence, unity, and talent development across Nigeria.
The inspection team will assess existing infrastructure, review progress on upgrades, and engage with local stakeholders to guarantee that Enugu is ready to host athletes and fans from all over the country.
The Commission expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government for its commitment to delivering a successful festival, noting that their dedication reflects the true spirit of partnership needed to elevate Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
The National Sports Festival remains Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, serving as a breeding ground for champions and a symbol of national unity.
According to the S.A, Media,
Office of the Director General,
National Sports Commission (NSC). Kola Daniel, it reaffirmed its commitment to working hand in hand with Enugu State to deliver a festival that will inspire the nation and leave a lasting legacy.
Imisi Wins Big Brother Naija Season 10, gets ₦150 Million after 10 weeks
Imisi Wins Big Brother Naija Season 10, gets ₦150 Million after 10 weeks
Imisi has won Big Brother Naija Season 10, taking home ₦150 million grand prize. This victory marks the fourth time a woman has won the show. The finale was a thrilling event watched by millions, showcasing the show’s enduring popularity.
Beyond the Wound: Nigerian women bearing the weight of infertility stigma. Peace in pieces may be better than no peace at all, by Owei Lakemfa. Her victory makes her the fourth woman to win Big Brother Naija, joining Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye in the show’s history.
After 10 weeks of drama, entertainment, and unforgettable moments, and as predicted by PREMIUM TIMES, Imisi has been crowned the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10. The 23-year-old beat 28 other housemates to clinch the coveted title and walk away with the ₦150 million grand prize. Imisi secured the win with votes from fans across Nigeria and beyond, edging out Dede Ashiogwu and Koyin Sanusi, who emerged as first and second runners-up respectively, in a thrilling finale watched by millions.
Her victory makes her the fourth woman to win Big Brother Naija, joining Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye in the show’s history. “This season of Big Brother Naija has been nothing short of phenomenal.
The housemates gave Nigerians unforgettable moments, and Imisi’s win is a testament to her authenticity, resilience, and ability to connect with fans. “At MultiChoice, we are proud to continue creating platforms that celebrate Nigerian talent, showcase our culture, and unite African audiences.” The grand prize includes ₦80 million in cash alongside a brand-new SUV. Now in its tenth season, Big Brother Naija has cemented itself as Africa’s biggest reality television show, creating stars and cultural moments that resonate beyond the screen.
2025 IWF World Championships: NSC Applauds Lawal, Nigerian Weightlifting Federation on Historic Feat
2025 IWF World Championships: NSC Applauds Lawal, Nigerian Weightlifting Federation on Historic Feat
The National Sports Commission (NSC) applauds Nigeria’s weightlifting sensation, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, following her historic performance at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Forde, Norway.
On Saturday, October 4, Lawal etched her name into the history books as the first Nigerian to win three silver medals at the World Championships, competing in the fiercely contested women’s 58kg category.
Lawal lifted 101kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 229kg to secure her place as No. 2 in the world. North Korea’s Kim Il-Gyong clinched gold with a world record total of 236kg, while Olympic champion Kuo Hsing-chun of Chinese Taipei took bronze with 224kg.
Lawal’s achievement builds on her remarkable record of success, including gold medals at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, the 2023 African Games in Accra, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Congratulating the Champion, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko stated that “Rafiatu Lawal’s performance in Norway is a proud moment for Nigeria and a shining example of what dedication, resilience, and hard work can achieve. Her three silver medals on the world stage not only highlight her consistency since the 2019 African Games but also the harwdwork of Nigeria’s Weightlifting Federation. “We won’t stop pushing and supporting our athletes and Federations, as every finish line is the beginning of a new race.”
DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade thus said “We are proud of Rafiatu and the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for this milestone achievement. She is not only inspiring young girls but she has lifted the spirit of our nation, flying our flag high at the World Championships. We’d set our eyes on the Olympics and other international competitions; with hard work, impossible is nothing. ”
According to the Press statement sent to this Media Sunday October 5 by Director, Press National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR, the NSC also commended the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for their tireless efforts in nurturing and supporting athletes to achieve global recognition.
NFF-PSAC Crackdown: NNL Clubs Rush to Clear Player Debts as Registration Deadline Nears
