Business
How Imo state government rendered citizens homeless by demolition + how they disobeyed court order to stop
The Imo State capital, has been in the news lately for diverse reasons bordering on the good and the bad, according to the perceptions of the people. But of all the recent incidents and events recorded in the city, the ongoing demolition of structures has featured more prominently in the news as it continues to draw a lot of tears and scathing criticisms. Indeed, it has been outrage and lamentations galore since the state government commenced the demolition of properties as a prelude to the planned expansion of some roads in the state capital. Section of a school structure affected by the demolition exercise in Owerri The demolition, which started along the Amakohia/Akwakuma axis, saw the destruction of several ancestral homes, residential buildings, business concerns, the desecration of graves, parts of the premises of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Akwakuma, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Amakohia and several others. Within the past week, some bank premises, the state headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party and the residential home of the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho have been visited pulled down by bulldozers. Establishments like the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri and the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, AIFCE, also suffered same fate after being marked for demolition. Irked by the planned destruction of their institution’s properties by the Governor Rochas Okorocha administration Students of AIFCE last week stormed the streets of Owerri in protest. Although the students pleaded with Okorocha to drop the idea of destroying any part of the school premises, their pleas obviously fell on deaf ears as parts of the institution were later demolished. The incensed students have, however, vowed to do everything possible to ensure that the state government does not carry out its threat of also destroying the pedestrian bridge, perimeter fence, gate and other parts of the school. Some of the placards carried by the students read: “Okorocha, spare our pedestrian bridge”, “Okorocha cannot destroy the beauty of our College and security of students”, “Okorocha, leave us alone and continue your demolition exercise elsewhere”, and “Okorocha, please don’t provoke us”.
Similarly, economic activities were held up for hours in Owerri, following a massive protest against the proposed plan by Imo State Government to move artisans from the Orji and Nekede Mechanic Villages to Avu in Owerri West local council area of the state. Vanguard Metro reliably gathered that Governor Rochas Okorocha invited the artisans to a meeting but it was not very clear at press time, what went wrong before the aggrieved self-employed workers stormed the streets in a protest march. Some of the protesters expressed regret that the Governor had made up his mind to forcibly move them to a virgin land where no amenity is in existence. “I can tell you that we are not against his (Okorocha’s) government. If he insists that we should move to Avu, he should also do us the favour of putting some social amenities in place,” Mr. Edward Okoli said. “Some of us have built houses and other immovable structures in the Mechanic Villages, which cost us millions of Naira. Today, government wants to move us to a place that has nothing to support us and our jobs,” he added. Another artisan, who simply identified himself as Sylvester, said “there is no access road into the place, no electricity, no potable water and no buildings”. Court issues restraining order Apparently alarmed by the threat of imminent destruction of his personal residence, Captain Ihenacho approached the Federal High Court, Owerri, presided over by Hon. Justice Ambrose Lewis Allagoa. After listening to Ihenacho’s counsel, the court issued a restraining order against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, the Governor of Imo State, Attorney General of Imo State, Commissioner of Works, Imo State, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Imo State and the Imo State Government. This order of court was disobeyed. Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho reacts “The signboard of Lamonde Guest House, owned by Rochas Okorocha, is located just one metre from the culvert on Orlu Road. The gate of Lamonde Guest House is located less than 10 metres from the culvert. Neither the signboard nor the gateways was destroyed by Okorocha for road expansion. “The same Okorocha personally came to my residence with armed soldiers and other security officers on Thursday, July 7, 2016, to supervise the demolition of my residence, up to 14 metres from the edge of the culvert, barely three days after a High Court order restraining him from the demolition”. Some affected victims speak Similarly, some residents of Amakohia and Akwakuma communities in Owerri North Local Council Area of the state, have decried the demolition of their homes and business outfits by government. A victim of the demolition, Nze Obinna Emereole, told newsmen that he recently accessed a loan from a micro finance bank, which he used to erect a building at Amakohia. While saying that the Owerri Capital Development Authority, OCDA, approved the building plan before he commenced the construction, Emereole however wondered why the Governor would personally supervise the destruction of his house. “Are we animals? Why must a government and governor we brought on board, treat us like animals? It is indeed most unfortunate. God is watching,” Emereole lamented. Governor’s Chief Press Secretary responds Reacting on behalf of his boss, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, had this to say: “Former Minister of Interior and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the State, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, has been very supportive to the Rescue Mission Government in the State since 2011, and that is why efforts by certain politicians in the State to incite him against the government has failed. “It is also against the backdrop of this development that Captain Iheanacho would see the demolition of the fence of his house that was very close to the main road, and that is Orlu/Amakohia Road, as an action sincerely taken in the overall interest of the State and her people, and not out of malice. “And seeing the good work going on, on Amakohia/Orlu road, Captain Iheanacho would not have gone to Court for an Order to stop the good work; and that is why we had doubted the report on Court Order when we read it on the pages of newspapers; and that could be the reason that, uptill now, nobody has seen a copy of the reported Court Order. “The Governor and indeed the Rescue Mission government will continue to appreciate the support and understanding of Imo people, including Captain Iheanacho, whose fences or kiosks have been touched in the course of the expansion work going on, on some major roads within Owerri and environs in line with the Governor’s determination to make Owerri a model city. “The Governor will continue to work for Imo people with sincerity of purpose until his ambition of building a state of our collective dreams and aspirations is achieved. Imo PDP’s office is intact “The state office of the Imo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Okigwe Road, Owerri, is intact and has not been touched or demolished as being falsely claimed by certain elements, especially in the social media, in the course of the expansion work going on, on that road. “But the front fence of the building housing the party’s office was touched because it was built very close to the main road and there was no way it would not have been affected by the on-going expansion work on that road. “It is very unfortunate that few indigenes of the state who have sworn not to appreciate any good thing being done by the government of Rochas Okorocha have been working tirelessly to use the expansion works on some major roads in Owerri and environs to blackmail the Governor vis-à-vis the government. “Most people in the state appreciate what the government is doing at the moment to add a lot of values to Owerri as the state capital and make it a model city. “The Governor has continued to appeal to the people of the state, especially those whose fences, kiosks and other structures have been touched for understanding. The Governor’s ambition is to leave the state better than he met it and all hands must be on deck to encourage him in his effort to achieve that lofty goal.”
FirstBank Makes Home Ownership Possible for Nigerians with Single-Digit Interest Rate Loan
For millions of Nigerians, homeownership has long felt like an ambition deferred. Squeezed by rising property prices, persistent double-digit inflation and high commercial lending rates, the dream of owning a home has remained just that – a dream.
But that narrative is quietly changing. Thanks to FirstBank.
The N1 Trillion Intervention Reshaping Access
In partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), FirstBank has unveiled a mortgage opportunity that could redefine access to housing finance in Nigeria.
Backed by the Federal Government’s N1trillion mortgage fund, the initiative is designed to empower Nigerians with affordable, long-term credit to own their homes.
9.75% Interest Rate in a 30% Lending Environment
MREIF is priced at 9.75% per annum, dramatically lower than prevailing commercial loan rates. Eligible Nigerians can access up to N100 million and repay within 20 years. This translates into significantly more manageable monthly repayments and greater long-term financial stability.
Built for Salary Earners, Entrepreneurs and the Diaspora
The MREIF mortgage facility has been structured to be inclusive. It is available to salary account holders, business owners and diaspora customers. Whether you are a young professional aiming to exit the rent cycle, an entrepreneur building generational stability, or you’re a Nigerian abroad looking to secure assets locally, the product opens a pathway that has historically been out of reach for many.
Taking the First Step
For those who have been waiting for the right time, this is definitely it. The question is no longer whether homeownership is possible. The real question is: will you act before the window narrows?
Visit https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ and in no time you could be the latest homeowner in town.
Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako
Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties within key business communities and bringing its financial expertise closer to individuals, and enterprises driving the city’s growth.
The new branch, located at Plot 1121 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja is strategically positioned to serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients within Utako and surrounding districts.
The expansion follows the Bank’s recently concluded Economic Review Webinar held in February 2026, as the bank continues to position as a thought-leader in the financial services industry.
Speaking on the opening, Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, said the move underscores the Bank’s commitment to accessibility and service excellence.
“Proximity matters in banking. As communities grow and commercial activity expands, financial institutions also evolve to meet customers where they are. The Utako Branch allows us to deliver our services to people in that community efficiently while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,”
The Utako location will provide a full suite of retail and corporate banking services, including account opening, deposits, transfers, business banking solutions, and financial advisory support.
Customers and members of the public are invited to visit the new Utako Branch to experience the Bank’s approach to satisfying banking.
Dangote Refinery Prioritises Domestic Supply Amid Global Energy Turbulence
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Nigeria insulated from international fuel shocks as Dangote Petroleum commits to uninterrupted local delivery.”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the domestic market, pledging to shield Nigerians from the ripple effects of ongoing global energy disruptions. The assurance, delivered in Lagos on 5 March 2026, comes as international refinery operations experience shutdowns or reduced output due to escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, which have sent crude oil and petroleum product prices soaring worldwide.
“Our mandate remains clear: Nigeria’s local market takes precedence. In times of global supply shocks, we will continue to ensure that domestic availability of petrol, diesel, and kerosene is uninterrupted,” said Mr. Folorunsho Alakija, spokesperson for Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery’s declaration arrives amid mounting concerns over fuel scarcity, triggered by export restrictions imposed by major international producers, including China, and shipping delays that have further tightened global petroleum supply chains. Industry analysts have hailed the domestic focus as a critical buffer against volatility that could otherwise push Nigeria into deeper energy insecurity.
Domestic Shield Against Global Disruption
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil processing facility, has leveraged its multi-million-barrel refining capacity to mitigate Nigeria’s historical dependence on imported petroleum products. The company emphasised that prioritising local supply provides a strategic advantage in insulating the nation from international market shocks.
“Our refinery’s scale allows Nigeria to withstand short-term external disruptions. We have the infrastructure and capacity to meet local demand even when global supply chains falter,” explained Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Operations Director at Dangote Refinery.
The proactive approach is particularly significant as several international refineries have either reduced throughput or temporarily halted operations, causing a global scarcity of refined products. Experts warn that without domestic cushioning, fuel prices in Nigeria could have surged sharply, exacerbating inflationary pressures in a fragile economy.
Managing Costs While Prioritising Supply
In response to rising procurement costs for crude oil amid the international crisis, Dangote Refinery introduced a modest ₦100 per litre increase in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), absorbing roughly 20 percent of the cost escalation to lessen the impact on consumers.
“We are balancing operational sustainability with affordability. While global prices have risen sharply, we have chosen to absorb a significant portion to protect Nigerian households and businesses,” noted Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, Chief Finance Officer.
This pricing strategy underscores the refinery’s dual focus: ensuring uninterrupted supply while cushioning the public from abrupt spikes that could destabilize economic activity. Industry observers have lauded the approach as pragmatic, considering the volatility in international oil markets.
Strategic Distribution Initiatives
Beyond refining, Dangote Petroleum has initiated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks to enhance nationwide distribution efficiency. The initiative seeks to reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions while ensuring a more reliable delivery network to petrol stations across urban and rural areas.
“Logistics is a critical part of the energy supply chain. By deploying CNG-powered trucks, we reduce dependency on expensive diesel, lower delivery costs, and improve supply reliability across the country,” explained Ms. Funke Adedoyin, Head of Logistics Operations.
This strategic move reflects a broader commitment to modernising Nigeria’s petroleum distribution infrastructure, reducing bottlenecks that have historically contributed to scarcity at retail outlets.
Implications for National Energy Security
Nigeria has historically struggled with fuel imports to meet domestic demand, making the country vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Dangote Refinery’s prioritisation of local supply mitigates this vulnerability by leveraging home-grown refining capacity, which allows for timely access to petroleum products and less reliance on foreign shipments.
“With Dangote Refinery leading local prioritisation, Nigeria is less exposed to global fuel shocks. The country is moving towards self-reliance in petroleum product supply,” commented Dr. Halima Suleiman, energy sector analyst.
Experts note that sustained operations at the refinery not only enhance energy security but also preserve foreign exchange, reduce import bills, and stabilise domestic market prices.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Stability
The refinery’s commitment is part of a broader corporate responsibility framework. Dangote Petroleum continues to engage with government agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring that domestic supply is coordinated with Nigeria’s Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to prevent panic buying and market distortions.
“We are in constant consultation with the government to ensure that our supply strategies align with national economic priorities,” said Mr. Alakija.
Such collaboration helps avert artificial shortages, stabilises pump prices, and maintains confidence in the domestic fuel market. Analysts argue that this approach exemplifies how private sector capabilities can complement governmental policies to enhance national resilience.
Navigating Global Uncertainties
The refinery operates in a complex global environment, where geopolitical crises, shipping constraints, and crude oil volatility can trigger disruptions. Dangote Petroleum’s domestic-first approach positions Nigeria to weather such crises more effectively.
“Global uncertainties are unavoidable, but our infrastructure and strategy ensure that Nigerians remain insulated from immediate shocks,” said Mr. Okonkwo.
This emphasis on resilience aligns with global best practices, where national refining capacity is leveraged to protect local markets from international supply disruptions.
Stakeholder Reactions
The government, civil society, and industry stakeholders have welcomed Dangote Petroleum’s strategy. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources noted that prioritising local supply aligns with Nigeria’s energy security policies and reduces the burden of foreign exchange expenditures on crude imports.
“Dangote Refinery is demonstrating leadership. Its domestic prioritisation ensures that the Nigerian economy remains insulated during turbulent global markets,” said Dr. Tunji Olumide, Special Adviser on Energy.
Consumers have also expressed cautious optimism. Retail operators and commuters reported steadier fuel availability in Lagos and other cities, though concerns remain about sustained pricing and distribution efficiency.
The Road Ahead
While Dangote Refinery’s strategy provides immediate relief, experts argue that long-term stability requires further investments in alternative energy, diversified refining infrastructure, and strategic reserves. This ensures that Nigeria can withstand global shocks without relying excessively on imports or temporary supply adjustments.
“Short-term measures like prioritising local supply are critical, but long-term energy security demands diversification, renewables adoption, and consistent policy implementation,” said Dr. Suleiman.
The refinery is exploring additional initiatives, including expanding storage capacity, upgrading pipeline networks, and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems to ensure supply continuity across the country.
Final Take
By prioritising domestic fuel supply amid global market turbulence, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has demonstrated its role as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s energy sector. Through strategic logistics, modest pricing adjustments, and engagement with government regulators, the refinery is insulating the nation from international shocks while maintaining operational sustainability.
“Our responsibility extends beyond profitability; it’s about ensuring Nigerians have reliable access to essential fuel. We take that mandate seriously,” concluded Mr. Adeyemi.
The refinery’s actions offer a blueprint for how large-scale domestic capacity can protect national economies in times of global energy instability, underscoring the critical intersection of private sector resilience, public policy, and national energy security.
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