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How To Make Amnesty Work -Oba
The Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Emenice, Chukwumela Nnam Obi, the Oba of Ogbaland has said that the sustainability of the federal government amnesty programme on the Niger Delta militants would largely depend on the implementation of its various programmes.
Eze Nnam Obi made the assertion yesterday while speaking as chairman during the flag-off ceremony of the first Niger Delta Tourism, Cultural fair and exhibition held at Protea Hotel, Port Harcourt.
The royal father stated that time has come for the federal government to compel oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to begin the refining of their crude oil here so that employment opportunities would be created for the teeming unemployed youths in the zone.
He regretted that inspite of the abundant natural resources God has bestowed on the region, it has continued to live in despicable condition, adding that the federal government must act fast to ensure that the oil companies refined their products here especially in this period of amnesty.
“The agitation by the Niger Deltans were as a result of their perceived grievances over neglect of the region by the federal government.
Our leaders must act fast now to compel these oil companies to start refining their products here”.
“They should insist on them to do this so that employment opportunities can be provided for these people. Our lawmakers, civil societies and every body must rise and insist that these companies do their oil refining here”, he added.
The monarch opined that where there is injustice people are bound to cry adding that such situation could lead to amnesty.
He urged the federal government to look inward on how to address the numerous problems bothering on the unity of the country.
The Ogba monarch thanked the organizers of the project for the programme, adding that it would reposition the mindset of the youths in the region and urged the youths to embrace the federal government amnesty programme in order to promote sustainable peace that would usher in accelerated development in the area.
Earlier in his address of welcome , the Project Director of the first Niger Delta Tourism, Cultural Fair and Exhibition, Chief Bimbo Afolayan said that the intention of the programme is to build on the amnesty programme of the federal government and capitalize on the new positive and enabling environment in the Niger Delta area and work with important stakeholders in the region in order to move thing to the next level.
“We all share a vision and mission and that is to make the Niger Delta a most peaceful and prosperous place in the world. Our collective vision is to make the Niger Delta area the preferred destination for tourism in Africa in the next couple of years or so’ he stated.
Also speaking, the project coordinator, Dr Kenneth Kalu said the programme is about showcasing the natural abundant resources in the region to the world for economic development.
He urged state governments in the region as well as the people of the area to join hands with the organizers of the project to ensure the success and the substances of the programme.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
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Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
