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Nationwide Protest: 1,000 Benue Youth Groups Bactrack After Minister Utsev’s Intervention

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Pondering the Remarkable Policies of Utsev as Water Resources Minister

 

…to mobilise statewide prayer support for Tinubu

 

 

About 1,000 youth groups in Benue State have decided to cancel the proposed nationwide strike scheduled for August 1.

The Benue Youth Good Governance Movement (BYGGM), Benue Advancement Forum (BAF) and Benue Pro-Active Network (BPN) in a joint statement said this followed careful consideration and intervention by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev.

The statement co-signed by Comrade Abajih Terhide Gabriel and Oche Daniel Itodo expressed concern over the security situation in Benue, as the state is currently volatile and prone to violence.

The groups said that they do not want to exacerbate the situation with a rally that could lead to unrest and further destabilization.

The youths also pledged to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration, adding that his leadership has the potential to bring about positive change in Nigeria.

“We have been monitoring the situation closely, and we believe that a strike would not be in the best interest of our people at this time. Instead, we have decided to channel our energy into more positive and productive activities that will benefit our communities,” the statement said.

“We are grateful for the intervention of Professor Utsev, who has shown a genuine interest in the welfare of our people. His willingness to listen to our concerns and work towards finding solutions has given us hope for a better future.

“We are impressed by his commitment to the development of Benue and his passion for the well-being of our people. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, and his presence in the federal government is a positive influence.

“We are grateful for his support and guidance, and we pledge to work with him to achieve our goals. We believe that together, we can make a positive impact on our community.

“We will work tirelessly to promote President Tinubu’s policies and programs, especially those that benefit our community. We urge our members and supporters to join us in this effort and to have faith in the President’s ability to deliver.”

The groups, however, called on youths from other states to tow the path of peace. “We believe that violence and unrest are not the solutions to our problems,” the statement added.

“Instead, we should work towards finding constructive solutions through dialogue and engagement. We urge them to support the government and Utsev who are working tirelessly to address our concerns.”

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A LIFE LOST, A NATION WOUNDED: NAPS DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY RECKLESS POLICE FIRE

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NAPS National Convention: Polytechnic Students Call for Reforms, Elect New Leaders

A LIFE LOST, A NATION WOUNDED: NAPS DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY RECKLESS POLICE FIRE

With a heart weighed down by grief and outrage, I, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, President of the Senate, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), issue this statement to vehemently condemn the senseless killing of a young, innocent student by a reckless officer of the Nigeria Police Force in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to eyewitness reports, officers pursuing a vehicle along Gbagi Market Road opened fire indiscriminately. A stray bullet struck a student who was calmly seated in his father’s car. This young boy, en route to sit for his WAEC examination alongside his twin brother, was rushed to Welfare Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA).

This was not just a bullet—it was a bullet that pierced a family’s heart, shattered the dreams of a generation, and struck at the very soul of our nation. That boy had a future, a purpose, and a vision—but now, his life has been unjustly cut short.

Instead of providing protection, the Nigeria Police Force has once again inflicted pain. Instead of offering security, we are handed death in the form of stray bullets. This senseless act of violence has plunged another Nigerian family into irreparable sorrow.

We are devastated. We are enraged. We refuse to remain silent.

On behalf of over 20.1 million Nigerian Polytechnic Students represented by NAPS, I demand the following:

Immediate identification and arrest of the police officer responsible.

Transparent, public prosecution—no secret trials, no cover-ups.

State-funded compensation and formal apology to the bereaved family.

Urgent reform of police engagement protocols, especially the use of firearms in populated areas.

Declaration of all school zones as firearm-free zones for any police operations involving chases or conflict.

We will no longer accept deaths disguised as “mistakes.” We will not condone reckless policing dressed in the cloak of duty. We will resist the normalization of brutality against students and young Nigerians.

If justice is not served immediately, we will not hesitate to mobilize nationwide peaceful protests that will echo through every corner of this country. We will stand still until justice moves.

Enough is enough.
We demand justice for the slain boy.
We demand a Nigeria where every child, student, and youth can live and learn without fear.

Signed,
Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide
President of the Senate
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

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IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR CHINEDU NSOFOR REJECTS UMAHI’S CLAIMS, LISTS SOUTHEAST DEMANDS

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IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR CHINEDU NSOFOR REJECTS UMAHI’S CLAIMS, LISTS SOUTHEAST DEMANDS

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Joseph Monday

Owerri, Imo State, May 21, 2025 – The Igbo Heroes Foundation has issued a stern rebuke of recent remarks made by the Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, describing his comments as “a gross misrepresentation” of the collective aspirations of the Igbo nation. In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Foundation’s National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, said Umahi lacked the mandate to speak onbehalf of Ndigbo on such crucial matters.

“Who is Senator Dave Umahi to articulate the needs and demands of the Igbo nation in such a myopic nature?” Nsofor asked pointedly. “Why would he equate a few infrastructural projects executed through his office as constituting the actual needs of the entire Igbo nation across all sectors of national development? This is a dangerous oversimplification and a betrayal of the larger Igbo agenda.” He further lamented what he described as a trend where certain leaders use their privileged access to the federal government to suppress genuine agitation and trade the interests of the region for personal and political gain.

Nsofor, who served as Special Assistant to the late Igbo elder statesman and former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, emphasized that the current generation of leaders, such as Umahi, have deviated sharply from the vision of their predecessors. “Our great leader, Chief Iwuanyanwu, was among the few who truly articulated the developmental needs of Ndigbo. His generation believed in equity, justice, and holistic development, not political tokenism,” Nsofor said. “We at the Igbo Heroes Foundation, where Chief Iwuanyanwu served as our founding chairman, cannot sit and watch his legacies and all he fought for be exchanged for cheap political rewards.”

The Foundation insists that the demands of the Southeast region are longstanding and non-negotiable. “For the avoidance of doubt, what the Igbos want has always been clear,” Nsofor said. “We demand for Igbo presidency; since no Igbo man has been President of Nigeria or head of state since after 1966, we demand for the creation of an additional state to bring the Southeast in line with other zones, the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu for peace to return to the region, and the inclusion of the Southeast in the national security council.” He also reiterated the region’s long-held call for the restructuring of Nigeria to allow each region develop at its own pace, and for the implementation of rotational presidency to promote equity and national unity. He cited several previous positions by prominent Igbo leaders in favor of restructuring and warned that ignoring these demands would only deepen national disunity.

Reacting to Umahi’s recent comments and the proposed Southeast Summit being reportedly convened by him, Nsofor described it as an “alleged gathering of selfish leaders poised to mortgage the collective aspirations of the Igbo people.” He stated, “Such a summit is unacceptable to us. The Igbo Heroes Foundation and indeed all true sons and daughters of Igbo land must reject attempts to dilute our collective struggle with staged narratives for political convenience.” He further alleged that “Umahi and his associates are attempting to scuttle the Igbo agenda for the sake of what they are personally benefiting from the Tinubu government. We are not against anyone serving in government, but no one should attempt to sell off the soul of Alaigbo for appointments.”

Nsofor admitted that Senator Umahi may be one of the most performing ministers in the current administration but warned against using performance as a license to distort Igbo demands. “Performance does not give you the right to betray your people,” he said. “Even the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani nations do not compromise their regional interests because a few individuals are appointed to government positions. Instead, they use such platforms to further project their collective agenda. Why should the Igbo situation be different? Are we really cursed in Alaigbo?”

He concluded by urging all Igbo political office holders, across party lines, to prioritize the regional interest above individual gains. “Let Senator Umahi face his job and use his office to advance the Igbo cause, not undermine it. That is what is expected of every well-meaning son or daughter of Alaigbo. The Igbo Heroes Foundation remains committed to protecting the legacies of great leaders like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR and upholding the true demands of our people.”

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Testimonies Galore As Apostle Suleman Ends Two-Day ‘Recovery Conference’ in Canada

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Testimonies Galore As Apostle Suleman Ends Two-Day ‘Recovery Conference’ in Canada

 

As the powerful ‘Recovery Conference’ gathering enters its second and final day today, Wednesday 21st of May, 2025, in Ottawa, Canada, hundreds of believers are already testifying and bearing witnesses to God’s work in their lives. In a world where young people and adults alike are dying for something to live for, the powerful sermons and prayers from the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), Apostle Johnson Suleman are bearing testaments that are like water in the desert that brings life to parched souls.

The world is thirsty for spiritual fulfillment and long for tangible signs of God’s power. The world yearns for men of God with a mark of authenticity, truth, and a deeper connection with the divine, and it hopes for miracles to address suffering and hardship. At Apostle Suleman’s Canada conference, participants shared their stories about finding Jesus, experiencing God’s grace, and growing in faith. They testified to God’s presence through crisis, and about how God’s love has overwhelmed them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they declared that God used Apostle Suleman to reveal that He has been active in their lives.

Rev & Pastor (Mrs.) Daniels from Umuahia appreciates God for blessing them with miracle money, giving them a pay rise as well as reviving the work in their hands. Kehinde from Ibadan is grateful to God for fighting his silent battles. Joyce from Delta State thanks God for divine healing. Mercy Gabriel from France gives praises to God for healing her husband of stomach ache and rib pain. A participant was healed of ulcer after listening to the servant of God’s prayers. Many appreciate God for financial blessings. Prosper from Moscow, Russia, appreciates God for granting the wife a safe delivery. Sewa Naomi Seete, a member of the OFM in Gaborone, Botswana, is grateful to God for helping him recover his missing passport. Kelvin from Cameroon is thanking God for supernatural healing. A participant thanks God for deliverance from bed wetting.

“Sharing our testimony not only exposes God’s heart on the matter, but it also shows how He feels about us. Indeed, God’s love is further demonstrated by our testimony,” noted the ‘Restoration Apostle’, suggesting that when we truly believe that God is working all things for our good, we begin to experience the relentless love of God pursuing us over every mountain and valley.

Chioma from the US appreciates God for preservation of her job as well as vindicating her from all accusations at work. Shadrach Johnson from Cameroon thanks God for delivering him from addiction to drugs and smoking. Neba Boris Che from Douala, Cameroon, thanks God for providing a good accommodation for him as well as making provisions available for him. Gladys from Benin is thanking God for deliverance as well as restoration of her marriage. Osato from the US is grateful to God for granting her examination success. Edith from Germany appreciates God for granting her request of German citizenship. Comfort from Lagos thanks God for helping her graduate from fashion school. Miriam Chioma Ikechukwu from Togo is grateful to God for divine healing. Litonga Benjamin Ikome from Limbe, Cameroon is thanking God for blessing him with a job. Maidah Audu from Auchi praises God for the salvation of her soul.

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