AljaziralPress

Abuja – The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has cautioned Nigerians to exercise vigilance over the Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief intervention, warning that fraudsters are exploiting public interest in the programme to deceive unsuspecting citizens.

Otiti urged members of the public to disregard online links, social media posts and individuals claiming to offer registration or guaranteed access to the intervention, stressing that such claims are false and designed to defraud desperate applicants.

According to him, there is no official application or registration process for the ₦50,000 relief programme, contrary to misleading information circulating online.

He advised Nigerians not to click on any website or portal claiming to facilitate registration, warning that such platforms could be used to steal personal information or extort money from unsuspecting victims.

The GOMEP-NG President further cautioned citizens against individuals who claim they can influence the selection process or secure a beneficiary slot in exchange for payment or personal details.

He explained that beneficiaries are selected by the Federal Government with the objective of supporting poor and vulnerable households, adding that the selection process is not open to public registration.

“From available information, beneficiaries are identified by the government, and those selected are notified directly. No individual or organisation has been authorised to register applicants or guarantee inclusion,” Otiti stated.

He disclosed that successful beneficiaries would receive official SMS notifications through approved payment service providers and advised Nigerians to rely only on verified government information.

Otiti also urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious messages or fraudulent schemes to the appropriate authorities, and avoid sharing sensitive personal or banking information with unknown individuals or unverified websites.

He reaffirmed GOMEP-NG’s commitment to promoting credible information and combating misinformation, especially on issues affecting the welfare and financial security of Nigerians.

ABUJA –  The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has questioned the reported release of over ₦2 billion by the Delta State Government for the sponsorship of Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan, urging the government to explain the tangible benefits of the expenditure to the people of the state.

Speaking in Abuja, Otiti said while pilgrimage remains an important spiritual exercise for many Christians, governments must also demonstrate how such huge public spending translates into measurable socio-economic benefits for citizens, especially at a time when many residents are grappling with economic hardship, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor electricity supply and rising cost of living.

According to him, governments are entrusted with public funds and must ensure that every expenditure delivers value for the people.
Otiti asked: “Beyond the spiritual fulfilment of the pilgrims, what are the direct benefits and advantages to Delta State from spending over ₦2 billion on pilgrimage sponsorship? How will this investment improve the lives of ordinary citizens?”

The GOMEP President noted that while pilgrimage can promote spiritual growth, moral values and strengthen diplomatic and religious ties, the government owes the public a clear explanation of the objectives and expected outcomes of such an investment.

He listed some of the commonly cited advantages of government-sponsored pilgrimages to include promoting religious tolerance, encouraging moral discipline among participants, fostering peace and unity, supporting faith-based tourism, and enhancing Nigeria’s relationship with the Holy Land.

However, he maintained that these potential benefits should be weighed against pressing developmental needs, stressing that citizens deserve transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

Otiti called on the Delta State Government to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditure, the selection process for beneficiaries, and the long-term benefits expected from the programme.

He added that public confidence in government is strengthened when leaders openly justify major expenditures and ensure that every kobo spent reflects the priorities and welfare of the people.

The GOMEP President urged governments at all levels to maintain a balance between supporting religious activities and investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment and job creation, which have direct and lasting impacts on citizens’ lives.

ABUJA – The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to uphold the principles of neutrality, professionalism and fairness, warning against any form of partisanship as political activities gather momentum across the country.

Speaking during an engagement with stakeholders in Abuja, Otiti stressed that the foremost responsibility of every security operative is the protection of lives and property, rather than advancing the interests of any political party.

He argued that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background or occupation, bears the burden of the nation’s economic realities.

“We all buy goods in the same markets at the same prices,” Otiti said. “No trader reduces the cost of commodities because you are a police officer, a soldier, or a member of any security agency. Whether Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa or from any other ethnic group, every Nigerian faces the same economic challenges. Security personnel must therefore treat every citizen fairly and equally without giving preference to any political party.”

The GOMEP president urged officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces and other security institutions to discharge their constitutional duties impartially, insisting that public confidence in the nation’s democratic process depends largely on the neutrality of security agencies.

Otiti maintained that security institutions belong to the Nigerian people and must remain above partisan politics, particularly as preparations intensify for future elections.

His remarks echoed a similar position expressed by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, who recently stated: “There is no APC Police Force, no ruling party DSS, no ruling party Army. All institutions belong to the people of Nigeria.”

Political observers say calls for professionalism and political neutrality among security agencies have become increasingly significant as Nigerians look forward to transparent, peaceful and credible electoral processes.

Otiti concluded by urging all security personnel to remain faithful to their constitutional oath, protect every Nigerian without fear or favour, and preserve the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions.

By Our Correspondent

ASABA, DELTA STATE – A stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Asaba descended into chaos on Thursday after angry youths allegedly stormed the venue in protest over what they described as the introduction of an “AI-generated voters’ register” ahead of future elections.

The meeting, which was intended to foster dialogue between electoral officials, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, was abruptly disrupted as protesters voiced strong opposition, chanting slogans and demanding explanations from the electoral body.

Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere quickly became tense as security personnel struggled to contain the growing crowd. The disruption forced participants to abandon the meeting, while officials reportedly sought safety as the situation deteriorated.

According to witnesses at the scene,
the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) was escorted out of the venue through a back exit as security operatives moved swiftly to prevent any confrontation.

The protesters reportedly insisted that any move capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process would be fiercely resisted, calling on INEC to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the disruption or responding to the allegations raised by the protesters.
Security operatives later restored calm around the venue, while stakeholders expressed concern over the incident and urged all parties to embrace dialogue and lawful engagement on electoral matters.

The development has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding electoral reforms and the growing public demand for transparency, accountability and confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Abuja – fresh push to strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has emerged following a courtesy visit by the newly appointed British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr Peter Vowles.
During the meeting, discussions centred on deepening UK-Nigeria relations, improving public communication and identifying strategic areas of cooperation in addressing emerging information challenges confronting both countries.

Of particular concern was the growing threat of fake news, misinformation and the deliberate manipulation of information, especially as Nigeria approaches its forthcoming general elections.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for sustained collaboration between Nigeria and its international partners to confront the spread of misleading information, which poses significant risks to public confidence, democratic institutions and the credibility of the electoral process.

Both sides recognised the importance of responsible information management, credible public communication and stronger partnerships in ensuring that citizens have access to accurate, timely and reliable information.

Reaffirming the commitment to international cooperation, it was stated that engagement with the United Kingdom and other development partners would remain essential in promoting responsible information practices and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The meeting signals the continuing importance of UK-Nigeria diplomatic engagement, particularly at a time when the fight against misinformation has become increasingly critical to democratic stability and public trust.

By Our Correspondent

ABUJA – The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has criticised what he described as the growing culture of political leaders abandoning their supporters immediately after winning elections, urging Nigerian youths not to mistake campaign appointments for lasting political inclusion.

Speaking at a political gathering, Otiti said many young people devote their time, resources and energy to election campaigns, believing they are contributing to nation-building, only to be neglected once those they supported assume public office.
According to him, many campaign coordinators, directors-general, media aides and grassroots mobilizes who worked tirelessly to secure electoral victories are often denied access to the same leaders with whom they previously held daily strategy meetings.

During campaigns, you are considered important. You attend meetings, contribute ideas and work day and night to ensure victory. But immediately after the elections and inauguration, many of those leaders become inaccessible. Phone calls go unanswered, text messages receive no replies, and those who once welcomed you now behave as though you no longer exist,” he said.

Otiti expressed concern that political appointments and other opportunities frequently go to individuals who played little or no role during electioneering, but who enjoy the backing of influential political figures.

He said the trend discourages genuine political participation and weakens the confidence of young Nigerians in the democratic process.

The GOMEP-NG President further criticised the practice whereby some public office holders abandon their publicly known telephone numbers after assuming office, making it difficult for ordinary citizens and former campaign associates to reach them.

“Some officials claim they receive too many calls and messages to respond to. Others simply abandon the numbers they used during campaigns and begin using private lines accessible only to a privileged few. Public service demands accessibility, accountability and respect for the people who entrusted leaders with power,” he stated.

Otiti urged political office holders to remain connected to the people who supported them, stressing that leadership should be defined by humility, accessibility and service rather than social status or political privilege.

He also called on Nigerian youths to participate in politics with clear expectations, noting that campaign titles alone should not be regarded as guarantees of future recognition or appointments.

According to him, democracy can only thrive when elected leaders remain accountable to the electorate before, during and after elections, maintaining open channels of communication and treating every supporter with dignity and respect.

Otiti urged  public office holders to remember that political power is a trust bestowed by the people and that enduring leadership is measured not only by electoral victory but by continued accessibility, responsiveness and faithful service to the citizens.

ABUJA – The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has conferred its prestigious Outstanding Excellence in Legal Practice and Professional Service Award on F.E. Ipogah & Associates, recognising the firm’s exceptional contribution to Nigeria’s legal profession and its unwavering commitment to justice, integrity and professional excellence.

Announcing the honour, GOMEP-NG described the Abuja-based law firm as one of Nigeria’s leading legal practices, noting that its consistent delivery of high-quality legal services has earned it the confidence of individuals, corporate organisations, financial institutions and government agencies across the country.

Established as an independent legal practice in 2020 following years of successful professional collaboration, F.E. Ipogah & Associates has built a reputation for providing innovative, efficient and client-focused legal solutions. The firm operates fully functional offices in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and Port Harcourt, with plans to expand its footprint into other states.

GOMEP-NG commended the firm’s outstanding record in civil and criminal litigation, corporate and commercial law, conveyancing, arbitration, debt recovery, constitutional law, election petition matters, intellectual property protection, legal consultancy and property documentation.

The Guild also paid tribute to the firm’s Principal Partner, Felix Emake Ipogah, Esq., a Notary Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whose leadership has been instrumental in building a law firm renowned for professionalism, diligence, innovation and ethical legal practice.

According to the Guild, the firm’s dedication to protecting the rights and interests of its clients, coupled with its prompt and professional service delivery, has positioned it as a trusted legal adviser within Nigeria’s legal and business communities.

Beyond courtroom advocacy, GOMEP-NG noted that the firm has distinguished itself through corporate advisory services, intellectual property management, legal documentation, policy development, strategic consultancy and other value-added professional services that have contributed meaningfully to national development.

Presenting the award, the Guild stated that the honour recognises F.E. Ipogah & Associates’ exceptional contributions to legal practice, unwavering commitment to justice, remarkable professionalism and sustained excellence in delivering quality legal services.

The Guild congratulated the management and staff of the firm on the well deserved recognition, expressing confidence that F.E. Ipogah & Associates will continue to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence while contributing to the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.

ABUJA – The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has raised concerns over what it described as the increasing incidence of failed Plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling installations across the country, attributing the trend to the use of substandard materials and poor workmanship.

Speaking during an engagement with artisans in Abuja, the National President of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, cautioned craftsmen against abandoning proper apprenticeship and professional training in the rush to secure contracts.

According to him, many individuals now undertake POP ceiling installations without acquiring the necessary skills or receiving certification from experienced masters, resulting in unsafe construction practices and premature structural failures.

“You do not have to run away from apprenticeship and begin collecting jobs when your boss has not certified you as competent. Many POP ceilings in homes are falling apart because of inadequate training, poor workmanship and the use of low quality materials,” Otiti said.

He lamented that modern POP ceiling installations often fail to meet acceptable standards, adding that many no longer possess the durability associated with traditional ceiling construction methods.

“I still believe the older ceiling construction methods were more durable than some of the POP installations we see today, which collapse far too easily,” he added.

Otiti called on relevant government regulatory agencies, professional associations and stakeholders in the building industry to strengthen oversight of artisans and contractors to ensure only qualified professionals undertake ceiling installation projects.

He further urged homeowners and property developers to engage certified and experienced professionals, stressing that cutting corners during construction could endanger lives and lead to costly repairs.

The GOMEP-NG President maintained that improving professional standards, enforcing quality control measures and encouraging proper apprenticeship would help restore confidence in POP ceiling installations and enhance safety in the nation’s construction industry.

UGHELLI – The Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Movudu Egbo, KSC, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, led the October edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise across major streets and communities in the Local Government Area.

The exercise witnessed the participation of the Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prosper Ajerio;Councillors, Secretary to the Local Government, Pastor Goodluck Unuavworho; Supervisors, Head of the Department of Environment, Mrs. Victory Ikpibako; other principal officers, environmental health officers and council staff.

The exercise was aimed at promoting a cleaner, healthier and safer environment through proper waste disposal, regular desilting of drainage channels and sustained environmental sanitation practices.

Speaking during the exercise, Egbo urged residents to embrace personal and community hygiene as essential measures for preventing diseases and safeguarding public health. He particularly stressed the need for heightened environmental consciousness as part of precautionary measures against infectious diseases, including Ebola.

The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance by residents, describing their participation as encouraging. He explained that vehicular movement was restricted during the exercise to allow unhindered access for waste evacuation trucks and facilitate the effective removal of refuse from designated locations across the metropolis.

“I am very pleased with the level of compliance demonstrated by our residents. Sustainable measures have been put in place to ensure that the standard of environmental cleanliness being promoted in Ughelli North is sustained, even beyond my tenure,” Egbo stated.

He further called on residents to make regular drainage maintenance a priority and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised locations, stressing that maintaining a clean environment requires the collective responsibility and commitment of all residents.

As part of the enforcement measures, a mobile court headed by Onome Esade was established to prosecute environmental sanitation offenders. No fewer than 36 persons were convicted during the exercise, 35 was fan while one (1)offender was subjected to hard labour as part of the sanctions imposed.

The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining environmental sanitation and enforcing compliance with existing environmental regulations, noting that a clean environment remains fundamental to the health, safety and well-being of the people of Ughelli North.

Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC Candidate for Delta North Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Victor O. Ochei, Esq., FNSE, has paid tribute to the late Professor Kamene Okonjo, describing her as a distinguished scholar, women’s rights advocate and exemplary matriarch whose life and values continue to inspire generations.

In a condolence message following her passing at the age of 96, Ochei extended his sympathies to the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the entire Okonjo family.

He described Professor Kamene Okonjo, who was married for 66 years to the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, as a woman whose intellectual excellence, humility and commitment to the advancement of women distinguished her both in academia and in community life.

Ochei particularly highlighted her influence on the upbringing of her daughter, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose international career and leadership have earned her global recognition.

“The achievements of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala remind us of the enduring influence of a mother’s guidance and the values instilled at home. The discipline, courage, integrity and commitment to excellence that shape an individual’s life often begin with the lessons learnt from parents,” Ochei said.

He noted that Professor Kamene Okonjo’s legacy extended beyond her academic accomplishments to the values she nurtured in her family, adding that her example offered important lessons for young girls and women aspiring to excel in education, leadership, public service and other fields.

“Professor Kamene Okonjo is herself a role model for young girls and women. Her life demonstrates the importance of education, purposeful living, service to humanity and the courage to make a difference. These are virtues that generations of women can emulate,” he added.

Ochei prayed that Almighty God would grant the departed professor eternal rest and comfort the Okonjo family, the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and all who mourn her passing. He said her contributions to scholarship and women’s advancement, alongside the values she instilled in her family, would remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.