News
Nigerian Navy Fingered as Tompolo Alleges Sabotage in the Anti Oil Theft Battle
By Favour Bibaikefie
Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has raised concerns over acts of sabotage hindering efforts to combat crude oil theft in Nigeria.
During a meeting with the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, Tompolo shared his grievances. The NBA delegation was led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Tompolo revealed that his staff members were recently attacked while apprehending oil thieves along the creeks of Port Harcourt. He urged the NBA to intervene, emphasizing the economic repercussions if such issues persist.
“The NBA has a duty to play in this present situation because if we are not careful in this country, we will not have money to do any reasonable thing,” he said. “We are going to do our part locally, but you are there at the top. If we arrest today, lawyers will appear on both sides. My appeal is that you need to help us.”
He explained that his commitment to tackling oil theft had provoked resistance and personal threats. “In the course of this surveillance, we have stepped on so many toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja. After my court cases, I cannot travel anywhere. If I must travel, I have to go with two or three security personnel,” he noted.
The NBA delegation had earlier visited the palace of Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed optimism about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent announcement of an increase in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day. He highlighted the critical role Gbaramatu Kingdom and TSSNL play in curbing oil theft, emphasizing the broader benefits for the nation.
“If the oil production keeps going up, it will benefit all of us, and government will be able to provide for the needs of the people. However, there is a need to stem the theft of our commonwealth from some individuals,” Osigwe said. “The fight against oil theft is more desirable now more than ever before because Nigeria is borrowing so much to fund its budget.”
The NBA leader explained that their visit was aimed at understanding the challenges faced by oil-producing communities, including the effects of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.
“First to get first-hand knowledge of how this battle has been fought and what the challenges and approach are. Tantita has done a lot of good work on the issues of pipeline protection and oil theft. We thought that it would be a good place for us to come,” he stated.
Osigwe also underscored the need for justice and equitable distribution of the nation’s oil wealth, highlighting the neglect faced by communities like Gbaramatu.
Meanwhile, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom called on the Federal Government to address the infrastructure deficit in the region. “Presently, government is far from us. It should come closer to us and do the needful for us to reciprocate,” the traditional ruler said.
He also advocated for the establishment of a Magistrate Court in the area, while pledging the community’s commitment to peace in the Niger Delta.
TSSNL, a private security firm engaged by the Federal Government, is tasked with safeguarding pipeline assets across the country.
Source: NAN
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.