News
20th Anniversary: National Network Team Visits Homes For The Elderly, Children In PH
As part of activities marking its 20th anniversary celebration, the management and staff of National Network newspapers have visited the Home for the Elderly and Port Harcourt Children Home in Port Harcourt, bringing joy and cheer to the residents.
The team, led by the Publisher of the newspaper, Rev Canon Jerry Needam, presented gifts and interacted with the elderly and children, sharing words of encouragement and hope.
At the Home for the Elderly along Harbour Road in Port Harcourt, the team was warmly received by the Rev Sister in charge, Rev Sr Jane Raphael Agubosi, who expressed gratitude for the visit and the gifts presented.
“Your gifts came as answered prayers, and we pray for your continued success in business. God is awesome.
“Whenever we call on God to supply our needs, he touches some individuals and groups to supply those needs.
“We are happy that you became that instrument that God used to meet our needs today.
“The reward of obedience to the voice of the Almighty will be your portion in Jesus’ name, amen,” she prayed.
Rev Sister Agubosi said the facility, which is owned by the Catholic Church, depended solely on charity for its sustenance, and drew the attention of the Rivers State government to the deplorable state on the road leading to the Home.
The elderly residents, who were visibly delighted by the visit, shared their life experiences with the team while the Vice Chairman of the National Network Editorial Board, Rev (Prof) Faraday Iwuchukwu led a prayer session with the elderly citizens.
Speaking on their behalf, 80-year-old Pa David Odogwu thanked the newspaper for their benevolence.
His words, ”We are delighted to have you with us today, as you celebrate your 20th anniversary. We are thrilled that you have come to share in our joy and to bring blessings to our lives.
“We pray that God will continue to guide and prosper National Network Newspaper and that your publication will reach a global audience, spreading truth and inspiration to all who read it.
“We thank you for your kindness and generosity in coming to visit us today. May God bless you abundantly and surprise you with His goodness as you have surprised us with your presence.
“May He be with you always and provide for your every need”, Odogwu prayed.
Similarly, at the Port Harcourt Children Home along Nembe Street, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, the Director of Child Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Jacinta Lenu Vipene, and the children welcomed the team and were thrilled to receive gifts and words of encouragement. They offered prayers for National Network newspapers.
Addressing the visitors, Mrs. Vipene said: “Our primary responsibility here at the children’s home is to provide care and protection to the children, treating them as if they were in their own homes with their parents.
“We currently have good number of children in our care, and I’m pleased to report that they are all happy and content. You can see for yourself that they are well taken care of.
“As for challenges, I’m grateful to say that we don’t have any significant issues at present, thanks to our children-friendly governor, compassionate permanent secretary, and caring commissioner”.
In his remarks, Chairman of National Network newspaper Editorial Board, Prof Baragbon Nsereka, told the visibly excited children, “We are honored to represent National Network Newspaper, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary today.
“For two decades, our publication has consistently provided news and information to the public, shedding light on important issues affecting our community, including the struggles of our children and the elderly.
“We attribute our success to God’s guidance and provision, which has enabled us to overcome challenges and continue publishing without interruption.
“We are delighted to be here today to show our love and care for you and to assure you that we will advocate for your needs to be met by the government and other organizations
“We want to ensure that you are comfortable, happy, and joyful during your stay here.
“We are pleased to see that you are well taken care of by the dedicated staff, and we appreciate their hard work.
“We have brought some gifts to contribute to your well-being, which will be delivered to you,
“Our publisher, Rev Canon Jerry Needam, is a man of God, a seasoned journalist, and a government official who will draw attention to your needs and advocate for government support. We are proud to have him lead our team,”Nsereka said.
National Network’s General Manager/Editor in chief, Chris Konkwo, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of showing love and care to the elderly and vulnerable children and commended the management of the homes for their selfless service.
Mr. Konkwo, who also Chairs the 20th Anniversary Planning Committee, pledged the newspaper’s continued support to the homes and vulnerable groups in the society.
News
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
News
Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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