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Trapped in Darkness: Okpanam Youths Lay Siege to Delta Govt Over Power Outage, Insecurity

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Trapped in Darkness: Okpanam Youths Lay Siege to Delta Govt Over Power Outage, Insecurity”

“No Light, No Peace!” — Okpanam Youths Storm Delta Government House Over Blackout, Rising Crime

Tension boiled over in Asaba on Thursday as angry youths from Okpanam in Oshimili North LGA stormed the Delta State Government House, barricading the entrance in protest over an alleged deliberate blackout imposed by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and escalating insecurity in the area.

The protesters, chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards that read “Enough is Enough,” “We Say No to BEDC,” and “Stop the Exploitation,” marched through major roads in the state capital before converging on the seat of power.

Darkness Breeds Danger

In a letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the President-General of the Okpanam Youth Organization, Mr Lucky Okolo, described the situation as “economic sabotage and a threat to public safety.”

“For several years, Okpanam has been plunged into darkness with no reliable power supply,” the letter read.
“BEDC’s refusal to restore electricity while slamming us with exorbitant estimated bills shows total disregard for our lives and livelihoods.”

The youths decried how the lack of power has crippled small businesses, endangered lives, and fueled a wave of kidnappings and violent crimes under the cover of darkness.

“Our Community Has Become a Crime Zone”

The protesters blamed the power outage for the sharp increase in criminal activity, claiming that the absence of street lighting and security infrastructure has made the town a “hunting ground for criminals.”

“We are not safe in our homes, and we are not safe on the streets,” Okolo warned.
“The government must act before this situation explodes into a full-blown security crisis.”

They demanded urgent government intervention and accused BEDC of exploiting the people with estimated billing while doing nothing to resolve technical faults or improve infrastructure.

 Government Responds: Relief Coming?

Responding on behalf of the governor, Chief of Staff Mr Johnson Erijo acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the youths that the administration was in the final phase of passing a legislative framework to address power supply issues across the state.

“Your Governor hears you, and he shares in your pain,” Erijo said.
“Solutions are on the way, and your voices have been heard loud and clear.”

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NASRE: Building A Safety Net For Nigeria’s Journalists

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NASRE: Building A Safety Net For Nigeria’s Journalists

 

At a time when Nigeria’s media industry is strained by economic uncertainty, job instability, and shrinking newsroom resources, the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) is redefining professional solidarity. More than a network of editors, it is emerging as a critical support system for journalists navigating an increasingly precarious landscape.

 

Founded on the principles of welfare, solidarity, and professional growth, NASRE has positioned itself as a responsive and forward-looking body within the media ecosystem. While many professional associations remain focused on advocacy and training, NASRE distinguishes itself by combining these roles with direct and practical support for journalists and their families.

 

At the core of its mission is a clear proposition that no journalist should be abandoned in times of need. Through financial assistance, targeted outreach, and sustained engagement, the association has supported members facing hardship, as well as widows and families of deceased practitioners. These largely understated interventions have steadily earned NASRE credibility and respect across the industry.

 

The organisation’s approach reflects a keen awareness of the pressures confronting media professionals, including irregular pay, job insecurity, and limited institutional backing. In such an environment, NASRE’s welfare initiatives are not merely charitable, they are essential.

 

Beyond welfare, the association is investing in professional resilience. Through collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing platforms, it is equipping editors and practitioners to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital media space, where adaptability is no longer optional.

 

Headquartered in Lagos, NASRE continues to broaden its reach, attracting a growing membership united by the need for a more responsive and supportive professional community. Its expansion signals a shift in expectations within the industry, away from symbolic affiliations towards institutions that deliver measurable value.

 

For many observers, NASRE represents a necessary evolution, a professional body anchored not just in ideals, but in impact. By combining empathy with structure, it offers a model of what media associations can become in challenging times.

 

As the industry continues to evolve, organisations like NASRE may prove indispensable. In a profession devoted to telling society’s stories, it is ensuring that the storytellers themselves are not left behind.

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Oluremi Tinubu Hosts Wife of New IGP, Talks Welfare, Empowerment for Police Families

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Oluremi Tinubu Hosts Wife of New IGP, Talks Welfare, Empowerment for Police Families

Oluremi Tinubu Hosts Wife of New IGP, Talks Welfare, Empowerment for Police Families

 

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, today welcomed Mrs. Mutiat Disu, wife of the Inspector General of Police, at the State House in Abuja.

Oluremi Tinubu Hosts Wife of New IGP, Talks Welfare, Empowerment for Police Families

During the meeting, the First Lady encouraged Mrs. Disu to continue championing the welfare and wellbeing of police officers’ families, especially through impactful support for their wives.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs. Mutiat Disu shared her excitement about partnering with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting that she is ready to leverage its programs to empower police officers’ wives across the country.

Mrs. Disu, who also serves as the National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), described the meeting as insightful and inspiring. She emphasized her commitment to using RHI platforms to improve healthcare, welfare, and economic empowerment for POWA members nationwide.

“The purpose of this visit is to tap into her wealth of experience and explore how POWA can benefit from her programs,” she said.

She added that her engagement with the First Lady has already provided valuable direction, especially in areas of social intervention and healthcare support for police families.

“I’m ready to work closely with Mama to ensure our women benefit fully, especially since RHI focuses on uplifting women, and POWA is largely made up of women.”

Mrs. Disu assumed leadership of POWA following the appointment of Tunji Disu as Inspector General of Police on February 24, 2026, succeeding Kayode Egbetokun.

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Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust

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Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust

Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday led the management team, alongside officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, in a nationwide walkathon to commemorate the 2026 National Police Day.

The event, held across state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, formed part of activities marking Day Two of the annual celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”

The symbolic exercise, which drew participation from both police personnel and members of the public, was aimed at showcasing unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to community policing and public safety.

According to the Force leadership, the walkathon underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to strengthen public trust, deepen engagement with citizens, and enhance collaboration in tackling security challenges across the country.

Participants described the initiative as a practical step toward bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while also promoting physical fitness and mental well-being among officers and civilians alike.

With the theme reflecting a shared responsibility for safety, the Police reiterated that sustainable security can only be achieved through active partnership with the public.

The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action under the banner: “Together We Walk, Together We Secure,” emphasizing unity of purpose in building a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.

 

Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust

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