Breaking
Warri NUJ Chapel Raises Alarm Over Alleged Constitutional Breaches Ahead of Delta Council Election
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tension appears to be mounting within the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the state chairman, Mr. Churchill Oyowe, ahead of the union’s forthcoming election.
At an emergency congress convened in Warri, members of the chapel expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as actions that allegedly undermine the provisions of the NUJ Constitution 2023 (Amended) and the democratic traditions of the union.
The congress particularly faulted the alleged removal of some members from the voters’ register, describing the move as contrary to Article 3:3(g) of the union’s constitution. According to the chapel, the development has generated unease among members who fear it could affect the credibility of the impending election.
Members at the meeting also criticised what they termed a style of leadership that allegedly sidelines key administrative processes within the council. The congress claimed that concerns raised by the Acting State Secretary regarding the election process were not adequately addressed.
In a resolution reached after deliberations, the chapel urged the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to intervene in the matter to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process within the Delta State Council.
The Warri Correspondents’ Chapel also appealed for the reinstatement of members reportedly removed from the voters’ list and called for a review of the status of candidates said to have been disqualified from contesting in the election.
While reiterating its commitment to the unity and credibility of the union, the chapel emphasised the need for transparency and strict adherence to constitutional provisions in the conduct of NUJ affairs.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Delta State Council leadership were ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Effurun, Delta State — The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Engr. Kestin Pondi, has empowered 80 entrepreneurs with business grants of ₦10 million each under the second edition of the Kestin Pondi Business Grant (KPBG) programme, in a move aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses across the region.
The presentation of the grants took place at the MBB Event Centre in Effurun, where beneficiaries gathered alongside guests, supporters, and business stakeholders for the grand finale of the programme.
The atmosphere at the venue was filled with excitement as the successful entrepreneurs were formally unveiled and presented with cheques to support the expansion of their businesses.
Speaking during the event, Pondi reiterated his commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and promoting enterprise development. According to him, the initiative was conceived as a platform to provide financial support to individuals with viable business ideas and help strengthen the foundation of small and medium-scale enterprises.
In a moment that attracted loud applause from the audience, Pondi announced that each of the 80 beneficiaries would receive ₦10 million to scale up their ventures.
Following the announcement, the entrepreneurs were invited to the stage one after another to receive their cheques and pose for photographs, as friends, family members, and supporters celebrated their achievements.
The Kestin Pondi Business Grant programme was first introduced in 2025, when 40 entrepreneurs were selected as beneficiaries and each received ₦5 million to support their businesses.
With the number of beneficiaries doubled and the grant amount significantly increased in the second edition, the initiative has gained wider recognition as one of the notable private-sector driven efforts in the Niger Delta aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, stimulating economic activity, and creating opportunities for emerging business owners.
Observers at the event described the programme as a significant intervention that could help nurture sustainable businesses and encourage more young people to pursue entrepreneurship.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans to organise a nationwide mock presidential exercise as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The proposed simulation, according to the commission, is aimed at testing and strengthening its result transmission infrastructure, while addressing technical shortcomings observed in previous electoral cycles.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made this known in Abuja during the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026. He assured Nigerians that the commission is taking deliberate steps to enhance transparency, logistics and technological efficiency in order to deliver what he described as the country’s most credible election yet.
Amupitan explained that the mock poll would serve as a stress test for the commission’s systems, particularly in the area of electronic transmission of results across the country. He noted that lessons from the exercise would be applied to fine-tune operational strategies ahead of the main elections.
The commission also announced an adjustment to the 2027 election timetable. Under the revised schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
INEC maintained that early planning and system testing remain central to restoring public confidence and ensuring a seamless electoral process nationwide.
Source: GbaramatuVoiceTV
Breaking
International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.