News
Breaking: Traditional Rulers’ Future Secured in Constitutitional Amendment
Breaking: Traditional Rulers’ Future Secured in Constitutitional Amendment
By Tobouke JEMINE
The roles of traditional rulers in governance and national security are set to be formally recognized, as governors and traditional leaders reached a landmark agreement on their constitutional role. This development follows a meeting between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the National Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The gathering, led by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, focused on a bill currently before the National Assembly. The bill aims to outline the roles and responsibilities of traditional rulers within the constitution.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun addressed the media following the meeting, emphasizing the value of traditional leaders in community security and governance. He noted, “Our traditional rulers are deeply rooted in their communities; they understand the local dynamics better than government officials higher up.”
Governor Abiodun further explained that the bill’s details were shared with attendees and announced that a joint committee would be established to ensure broad input, making the bill more inclusive and responsive to citizens’ needs.
Highlighting the contributions of traditional rulers to local security, Abiodun said, “They are aware of the community’s dynamics, the families, and can significantly contribute to community policing. We are fortunate to have traditional rulers who are highly experienced and well-educated, including retired military personnel who add substantial value to national security efforts.”
The new joint committee, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and comprising 15 members, will work to refine and enhance the proposed legislation.
Governor Abiodun elaborated on the committee’s mandate, stating, “The document we present to the National Assembly will be comprehensive and inclusive, aimed at empowering traditional rulers in governance and enhancing peace and security across the country.”
In addition to discussing the constitutional role of traditional rulers, the meeting also addressed issues of gender-based violence, with praise given to the Sultan of Sokoto’s foundation for its work in this area. Governor Abiodun encouraged other traditional leaders to lead similar initiatives, emphasizing the unique trust communities place in traditional institutions.
Discussions also covered the implications of local government autonomy on traditional institutions, with governors updating monarchs on recent Supreme Court rulings and their potential impacts.
The Etsu Nupe, who presented an overview of the bill, highlighted that the proposed legislation covers the structure and functions of traditional institutions, while shielding them from partisan politics. He spoke about the extensive experience within the traditional leadership, emphasizing that many current leaders bring backgrounds in diverse fields, including military and professional expertise.
Reflecting on the significance of their role, the Etsu Nupe stated, “Our traditional institution is rich with professionals and technocrats who have served the country for decades and are now dedicated to leading our communities. We believe that with proper support, we can effectively address the social, political, and economic challenges facing the nation.”
This commitment by both the governors and traditional rulers represents a step forward in formalizing the critical role of traditional institutions in Nigerian governance and community well-being.
Source: Leadership News
By: Divine Perezide
The Imo State Government has introduced a new education policy prohibiting graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students, alongside a ban on the yearly replacement of textbooks.
According to a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) learners will now be allowed to hold graduation events-reflecting the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education model.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo stated.
In a further move to ease the financial burden on parents and streamline academic consistency, the policy also mandates that approved textbooks must now be used for at least four years. This change is expected to allow siblings to reuse educational materials and prevent yearly replacement costs.
Violations-including frequent textbook changes or deviation from the approved list-are strongly discourage, The Guardian Nigeria reported in a related news.
Prof. Ikegwuoha emphasized in the directive that these reforms aim to reduce exploitative practices, foster learning continuity, and ensure focus remains on academic achievement rather than celebratory
By: Divine Perezide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived back in Nigeria following his participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and a short vacation in London. He touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of today, around 4 a.m.
In a statement upon arrival, Akpabio explained: “At about 4 a.m. this morning, I landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from London. While abroad, I attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a brief vacation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian people, the Senate President assured that the legislature would resume with renewed energy. “Nigerians can expect vibrant legislative activities when we reconvene. Our delegation made a strong impression at the global parliamentary forum in Geneva. Together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we ensured Nigeria’s voice was well represented,” he said.
Akpabio further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to pursue meaningful collaboration with the executive and judiciary to advance the collective interest of citizens.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.