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Prof. Agbalagba Appointed as New Vice Chancellor of FUPRE
Divine Perezide
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, has named Prof. Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalagba as its new Vice Chancellor. The announcement was made by Engr. Bello Gachi Issa, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, during a press briefing at the university’s Conference Hall.
According to Issa, a total of 39 applicants contested for the prestigious role, but Prof. Agbalagba emerged as the best candidate following a thorough selection process. He emphasized that the appointment adhered strictly to due process and commended the professor’s academic expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh, expressed confidence in the transition process, describing it as transparent and smooth. He also highlighted Prof. Agbalagba’s qualifications and vision, stating that the university would benefit significantly from his leadership. The new Vice Chancellor is expected to serve a single five-year term.
About Prof. Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalagba
Prof. Agbalagba, a distinguished scholar in Environment and Radiation Physics, hails from Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Pure and Applied Physics from Delta State University, Abraka, in 2000, followed by a Master’s degree in Environmental Radiation Physics in 2007, and a Ph.D. in Nuclear and Radiation Physics from the University of Port Harcourt in 2012.
With an international reputation in nuclear and radiation health physics, he has had a long and distinguished academic career. He began lecturing at Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science, Yenagoa, from 2003 to 2010, while also serving as a Research Assistant at the University of Port Harcourt. Before his recent appointment, he held the position of Dean of the College of Science at FUPRE and was also a former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) FUPRE Chapter.
Research and Contributions
Prof. Agbalagba’s research spans various critical areas, including:
* Radiation and radionuclide assessment in the Niger Delta’s oil and gas sector
* Background ionizing radiation levels in Nigerian urban centers
* Modeling of radioactivity pollutant transportation
* Noise pollution in industrial and urban environments
* Impact of non-ionizing radiation from GSM masts and mobile phones
* Environmental impact assessments
A prolific researcher and author, he has published four books, co-authored over 60 scientific papers in reputable local and international journals, and presented more than 40 conference papers. He was also the keynote speaker for FUPRE’s 6th Inaugural Lecture on September 5, 2024, and currently serves as the Managing Editor of the FUPRE Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Additionally, Prof. Agbalagba is a certified Nuclear Security Specialist with expertise in radionuclide waste security management, accredited by the World Institute of Nuclear Security, Australia.
With his extensive experience in academia and research, his leadership is anticipated to propel FUPRE to greater heights in innovation and academic excellence over the next five years.
- By Favour Bibaikefie
Labour Party’s former Presidential flag bearer, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency again in 2027. Speaking during a live interactive session on X Space last Sunday, Obi pledged to serve only one tenure in office if elected, aligning with the conditions of any national coalition formed to rescue the country.
His spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Umar, followed up with a formal confirmation of Obi’s statement on Monday.
Obi clarified that his ambition is not driven by a desire for power but by a commitment to national transformation. He stated unequivocally: “If the coalition is one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031 – not even May 29. I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.”
He underscored that any such coalition must be guided by principles of integrity, character, and accountability, rather than political compromise or personal ambition.
No Alliance With Atiku, Focus Remains on National Challenges
The former Anambra State Governor dismissed speculations of a potential Alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Obi stressed that his focus is not on political arrangements but on assembling a result-driven team capable of tackling the country’s pressing issues, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians, count me out,” he asserted.
Vision: Stabilising Nigeria Within Two Years
Obi expressed confidence in his ability to bring stability to Nigeria within two years of assuming office. He pledged to prioritize key sectors such as security, education, and poverty reduction. He also vowed to run a clean administration, assuring that his family would be kept out of government business and contracts.
“To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty,” he said.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Foreign Trip Amid Crisis
During the session, Obi took a critical stance on President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to St. Lucia, describing it as disconnected from the nation’s current realities. He questioned the President’s leadership commitment amid ongoing security and economic challenges.
“You can’t build strong international relations when your domestic house is on fire. We’re losing lives in Niger, Benue, Zamfara and we’re gallivanting,” Obi lamented, adding that the President had not spent a single night outside Lagos in any Nigerian state since taking office.
No to Political Cross-Carpeting and Electoral Manipulation
Reaffirming his commitment to electoral reforms, Obi said he would champion credible elections and condemned the trend of elected politicians switching parties for personal gain.
He pledged a peaceful and transparent campaign, highlighting the importance of respecting voter decisions. He also restated his support for regional power rotation, noting his adherence to this principle while governing Anambra State.
In closing, Obi called for a compassionate and people-centered leadership approach, drawing from his own experiences of empathising with victims during crises in his home state.
With this declaration, Peter Obi sets the stage for what promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s 2027 electoral cycle.
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BREAKING: TINUBU SEEKS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVAL FOR US$21.5BN LOAN, NGN₦758BN DOMESTIC DEBT TO FUND KEY SECTORS
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval to secure a new round of multi-billion-dollar foreign and domestic loans aimed at supporting critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy and addressing longstanding pension obligations.
In a detailed letter sent to both chambers of the National Assembly, the President sought approval for an external borrowing plan totalling US$21.5 billion, in addition to EUR€2.19 billion, PRC¥15 billion, and a EUR€65 million grant.
The request is part of the Federal government’s 2022 – 2024 borrowing framework intended to fund major development initiatives.
Additionally, President Tinubu is asking for legislative endorsement to raise NGN₦757.9 billion through domestic bonds. According to the Presidency, these funds will be directed primarily toward offering federal government pension liabilities, especially accrued pension rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The proposed external loan, the government clarified, will be deployed across priority sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, job creation, water resources, and security. A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance emphasized that the loan requests are consistent with Nigeria’s Midium-term Debt Strategy and will be responsibly managed to avoid placing undue burden on future administrations.
“This borrowing is not arbitrary, ” the statement said. “It is structured to support growth-driven projects across key economic areas and improve the living standards of Nigerians.”
Despite these assurances, critics and civil society groups have raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing public debt profile and the need for greater transparency, fiscal discipline, and measurable outcomes in loan utilization. Some have accused the government of pilling on debts without clear accountability mechanisms or demonstrable impact on productive sectors.
However, the government insists the borrowing will not increase Nigeria’s debt distress risk and that appropriate debt management strategies are in place.
The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the requests in the coming days.
(c) IduwiniVoice
Assassination Fear: Islamic Republic of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Chooses 3 Successors, Skips His Own Son
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly handpicked three potential successors in case he is killed during Israel’s ongoing military campaign — a revelation that signals unprecedented urgency inside Tehran’s highest ranks.
According to an investigative report by The New York Times on Saturday, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader, now operating from a fortified bunker, privately named three senior clerics to assume power should he die during the conflict.