Akpabio unveils multi-billion naira empowerment programme - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Akpabio unveils multi-billion naira empowerment programme

Published

on

Akpabio unveils multi-billion naira empowerment programme

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Monday launched a comprehensive empowerment initiative worth billions of Naira for his constituents in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

The programme featured the distribution of various items, including sports utility vehicles, cars, buses, motorcycles, tricycles, farm equipment, makeup kits, deep freezers, grinding machines, generators, computers, and mini hand tractors. Business grants were also disbursed to further boost economic activities in the area.

In a statement by Anietie Ekong, Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media and Communication, it was revealed that 10 paramount rulers from the district received sports utility vehicles, while over 500 students were awarded scholarships and bursaries.

Senator Akpabio explained that the initiative was designed to uplift his constituents economically and socially. He described the programme as an expression of gratitude for their overwhelming support during the last elections, which also contributed significantly to President Bola Tinubu’s victory.

“The items and grants will enhance economic activities, improve livelihoods, and elevate the well-being of the beneficiaries,” Akpabio said.

READ ALSO:

He commended the people of his senatorial district for voting en-masse for President Tinubu, noting that over 119,000 out of 160,000 votes for the president from Akwa Ibom State actually came from his district.

Senator Akpabio also commemded President Tinubu for the creation of development commissions in the country and said it would fasttrack grassroots development in the country.

“We decided to create regional developmental nexus for the president to use in sending empowerment to most regions in Nigeria. And the 10th National Assembly believes strongly that development should go to the grassroots,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President urged the people of the South South and South East to continue to support President Tinubu’s administration, noting that the president has shown love and commitment to the development of both regions.

“I can tell you that one of the best decisions the president made for the South South region was his support, together with the party, the APC, that this region should once again produce the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The constituency briefing and empowerment programme was graced by Senators and other members of the political class, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups, youth groups, who came to show their support for the Senate President.

Speaking at the event, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro praised the leadership of Senator Akpabio at the 10th National Assembly and said Akpabio enjoyed the support of his fellow Senators across party lines because of his pragmatic leadership.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo said Akpabio had justified the mandate of the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and that was why the people had decided that they would return him to the Senate to continue to offer effective representation to the people.

 

Akpabio unveils multi-billion naira empowerment programme

Loading

metro

How Thugs Killed Islamic Teacher in Bauchi Over Political Posters

Published

on

How Thugs Killed Islamic Teacher in Bauchi Over Political Posters

How Thugs Killed Islamic Teacher in Bauchi Over Political Posters

Residents of Karofin Madaki quarters in Bauchi metropolis were thrown into shock and mourning following the killing of a renowned Islamiyyah teacher in the area, Rilwanu Dauda . Dauda, 42, was allegedly killed on Sunday by two brothers suspected to be political thugs after a quarrel over political posters . Daily Trust gathered that Dauda was stabbed in the stomach with a knife and died on the way to hospital .

Trouble started around 10am on that day after the deceased asked the thugs to remove political posters pasted on a billboard adjacent to his family house . The thugs refused and engaged him in a fight . According to the deceased’s elder brother, Hamza Dauda, the younger of the two thugs struck Malam with a stick while the elder struck him with a knife on the head. The cleric collapsed, and people around intervened to force the thugs to leave the scene . However, the younger thug crossed the road, entered his family house, and returned minutes later holding a knife. He met the late brother at the main gate and stabbed him in the stomach before fleeing. Some neighbours saw him sneak away, and it was only after he had gone that they realised the cleric was bleeding from the injury . He was rushed to the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival, having died on the way .

Hamza, who was at work when the incident happened, received a call from a friend informing him of his brother’s death. He described his late brother as someone who “never quarreled with others,” adding: “Unfortunately, look at how he was brutally murdered for no reason” . He called on the government and the police to arrest the killers and bring them to justice, saying: “I want justice in this matter. Everybody knows Malam was not troublesome and he was killed unjustly. His family wants justice. The killers should be arrested and made to pay for their actions” .

READ ALSO:

When our reporter visited the deceased’s family house, sympathisers were still trooping in four days after his murder for condolences . Residents, who spoke to Daily Trust, described the late cleric as humble, kind, humane and a gentleman . One of them, Muhammad Aminu, lamented: “I wonder why people no longer value human life. People can kill over a slight provocation. This is unfortunate and something should be done to prevent its recurrence” . He suggested that the thugs may have had a grudge against the deceased, noting that after the fight had ended following intervention, one of the thugs returned to the scene and stabbed him. He described the late cleric as kind, religious, generous, and someone who related well with people, residing with his family along Ibrahim Bako Road .

One of the deceased’s neighbours, Bello Ibrahim, gave further details, stating that the thugs called a colleague who came to the scene and proceeded to paste the poster, resulting in a heated argument, after which one of the thugs brought out a dagger, stabbed the late Ridwan in the chest and fled . Residents rushed out, picked him up, and took him to hospital, but he died on the way .

Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed visited the deceased’s family to offer condolences . The governor pledged to take responsibility for the education of the deceased’s children from primary school through university . He said perpetrators of violent crimes anywhere in the state would have no hiding place, as the government intensifies efforts to safeguard lives and property . He assured the bereaved family that justice would be pursued without fear or favour, and anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law . The governor called on citizens to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations .

Confirming the incident, the Bauchi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nafi’u Habib, said police had commenced investigation . “No stone will be left unturned in the course of our investigation until the killers of the cleric are arrested. We will not relent until we arrest them all,” he said . Asked whether any arrests had been made, the police spokesperson said there had been none but assured that the culprits would surely be arrested and brought to book . He urged the public to always report crimes in their communities, adding that the fight against crime is everybody’s responsibility .

Commenting on the rise in murder cases, a retired Police Commissioner, Muhammad Wakil, attributed the incidents to lack of good moral upbringing, drug abuse, illiteracy, and hatred, among other vices . He said: “It is unfortunate that the majority of our youths are into drug abuse and their level of illiteracy is also a contributing factor. Most of our youths are school dropouts and they also lack Islamic knowledge. They don’t have a sound background. This kind of generation can engage in any crime you can think of. With little money you can persuade them to commit any crime. An empty brain is the devil’s workshop and can engage in all sorts of crimes” . He called for a reflection on how forefathers lived and urged the culture of brotherhood to make these vices disappear .

How Thugs Killed Islamic Teacher in Bauchi Over Political Posters

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

DJ Chicken Arrested Over Viral Video Threatening Seyi Tinubu

Published

on

DJ Chicken Arrested Over Viral Video Threatening Seyi Tinubu
Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken

DJ Chicken Arrested Over Viral Video Threatening Seyi Tinubu

Controversial disc jockey and TikTok personality Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, has reportedly been arrested by security operatives in Ikeja, Lagos State, over a viral video in which he allegedly made threatening remarks about Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The entertainer’s lawyer, Rotimi Stephen, disclosed the development in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday. According to Stephen, DJ Chicken was apprehended at the Ikeja Police Headquarters, and he further alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) may also be involved in the matter. “So, DJ Chicken is now with the authorities. He was arrested at Ikeja and he is now at Ikeja Police Headquarters, but I am very sure it is the DSS. He was arrested in connection with the statement he made some days ago about the son of the president, Seyi Tinubu,” the lawyer stated.

The reported arrest stems from a video that recently circulated widely across social media platforms. In the clip, DJ Chicken is heard saying in Yoruba“Tinubu, you can’t win the election. If you win, I will kill Seyi Tinubu. I won’t say more than that.” Following the public backlash, the entertainer later posted another video apologising, explaining that the initial clip was intended to generate engagement and boost his earnings as a content creator, rather than as a genuine threat. This apology, however, appears to have come after the video had already gone viral and attracted the attention of security agencies.

READ ALSO:

In an emotional plea, Rotimi Stephen appealed to DJ Chicken’s supporters, well-wishers, and individuals with access to the Presidency to intervene and help secure his release from custody. The lawyer described DJ Chicken as his “personal project” and part of his contribution to mentoring young people in society. He also suggested that the entertainer may have mental health challenges, stating: “He is not that okay. We are just managing him.” Stephen further pleaded: “Please, fans and well-wishers, people that like Chicken and people that are close with the Presidency, please forgive Chicken. He is not that okay. We are just managing him. Chicken is my own personal project. It is my own part of giving back to society.” He urged the government to show leniency, assuring that steps would be taken to address the situation. “I don’t know what to do again. They should please,” he added, expressing his uncertainty about the next steps and his growing concern over the entertainer’s fate.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Department of State Services (DSS) has officially confirmed DJ Chicken’s arrest or issued any statement regarding the circumstances surrounding his reported detention. Seyi Tinubu has also not publicly reacted to the lawyer’s appeal or the controversy surrounding the video. The Presidency has remained silent on the matter, leaving the public to await official communication from the relevant authorities. This lack of confirmation has left many of DJ Chicken’s fans and followers in a state of uncertainty, with social media buzzing with mixed reactions ranging from sympathy to criticism.

DJ Chicken, whose real name is Ademola Abiodun, is a well-known social media personality and disc jockey based in Lagos. He has built a significant following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram for his provocative and often controversial content. His outspoken style has previously landed him in online disputes, but this marks the first known instance of reported arrest over his online activities. The case has reignited conversations about the boundaries of free expression on social media in Nigeria, particularly when comments are perceived as threatening toward public figures or their family members. As the story continues to develop, many are watching to see whether the authorities will issue an official statement or if the matter will be resolved through legal channels and diplomatic intervention.

DJ Chicken Arrested Over Viral Video Threatening Seyi Tinubu

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Troops intercept foreign courier carrying drugs, alcohol to terrorists in Borno

Published

on

Troops intercept foreign courier carrying drugs, alcohol to terrorists in Borno

Troops intercept foreign courier carrying drugs, alcohol to terrorists in Borno

Operation HADIN KAI troops have intercepted a suspected foreign courier allegedly transporting a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Islands of Borno State.

The successful operation was carried out by troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, during a coordinated search mission along the Maiduguri–Monguno highway on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Military authorities said the suspect was intercepted while travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, an area close to the Lake Chad Basin that has remained a strategic route used by insurgents and their logistics networks.

According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the suspect was identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, a 48-year-old Chadian national from Kelo, Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.

Captain Goni disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the prohibited items were being transported to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area that has long served as a stronghold for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Items recovered during the operation included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, popularly known as “Suck and Die,” 48 bottles of dry gin, 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, one mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, cash and other personal belongings.

READ ALSO:

Military authorities said the recovered exhibits are valued at millions of naira, adding that the suspect is currently in military custody while the seized items have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.

The military described the interception as another major success in ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistics and supply chains that sustain terrorist operations in Nigeria’s North-East.

According to the statement, intelligence gathered over the years has consistently shown that terrorist groups often rely on illicit drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and sustain violent attacks against both civilians and security personnel.

By intercepting the consignment before it reached its intended destination, the troops disrupted what the military described as a critical support network used by terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Basin, a region spanning parts of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon that has witnessed years of insurgency.

The latest operation adds to a series of recent offensives by Operation HADIN KAI targeting terrorist logistics, weapons supplies and cross-border movements. Nigerian troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have intensified coordinated land and air operations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, leading to the destruction of terrorist enclaves, recovery of weapons, rescue of kidnapped victims and the surrender of several insurgents and their family members.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that disrupting terrorist logistics remains one of the most effective strategies for weakening insurgent groups. Beyond military offensives, cutting off access to drugs, food supplies, fuel, weapons and financial support significantly reduces the operational capability of armed groups.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to protecting national security. It reaffirmed that operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue until lasting peace is restored across the North-East.

The military also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial in identifying suspicious movements, dismantling criminal networks and sustaining the gains recorded in the fight against terrorism.

Troops intercept foreign courier carrying drugs, alcohol to terrorists in Borno

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending