Guild Of Corporate Online Publishers Fixes October 9 For Its 9th Annual Conference

August 29, 2025

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has fixed its ninth annual annual conference for October 9, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference will be themed: “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.”
A statement today , August 29, by the publicity secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the conference planning committee chairman, Danlami Nmodu as saying that the event is being aimed at generating actionable strategies for bridging the gap between electoral promises and effective governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Nmodu, who doubles as the deputy president of GOCOP said that the conference will feature a distinguished keynote speaker and panel discussions.
GOCOP conferences in the past had hosted prominent speakers, including Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.”
In 2021, Boss Mustapha, then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, delivered a keynote address in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. He spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.”
In 2022, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered the keynote titled: “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”
The 2023 edition, which held in Abuja, had the theme: “Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability,” and was addressed by Professor Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market.
The statement said that the conference will offer unique sponsorship opportunities for brand visibility, media recognition and networking with high-level journalists, editors and policy influencers.
GOCOP, a professional body that is made up of 119 members, was founded to uphold the tenets of journalism in the digital age. Its members are seasoned editors and senior journalists who have transitioned from traditional media to online publishing.

Why We’re Celebrating Our Commitment To Education As Key To Prosperous Future – Yobe Commissioner

Greenbarge Reporters

August 29, 2025

Yobe state Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Abba Idris, has rolled out several billion naira that has been committed to the education sector by the government of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
According to him, Governor Buni pumped so much into the sector because of his belief in the power of education as a key to a prosperous future of his people and the state.
“Today, we are celebrating victory; a victory of the people’s resilience and a victory of an uncommon commitment of a Governor.”
Professor Abba Idris, spoke today, August 29, while presenting Nafisa Garba, Rukayya Mohammed Fema and Khadija Kashim, the winners of the 2025 TeenEagle Global competition in London, United Kingdom to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

The commissioner said: “l am happy to share with you that part of the measures adopted by the Buni administration to revamp the basic education sector include the reconstruction of about 300 schools destroyed by the insurgency, established 15 Mega and Model schools, and eight new Government Girls Senior Secondary Schools to boost girl-child education, procured books, laboratory equipment and other instructional materials.
“The government constructed 627 new classrooms and renovated 448 others, employed over 5,000 new teachers, trained 9,452, constructed 119 staff quarters, procured 85,550 sets of classroom furniture, 2,200 teacher’s furniture, fenced 61 schools to beef up security around primary schools, constructed 178 blocks of toilets and 35 solar-powered boreholes among others.
“l wish to inform this gathering that the state government expended over N4 billion on its school feeding programme for boarding students. This has greatly improved enrolment and checked cases of absenteeism in the schools
“l am also proud to inform you that the Yobe state government has consistently paid for WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and BECE examination fees for our candidates in all public schools across the state with over N3 Billion paid for this year. As of today, Yobe state government is not indebted to any examination body in respect to examination fees.
“In our education investment drive, the state government invested over N2.2billion in scholarships for 890 students at the Nigeria Tulip International College, with Nafisa, Rukayya and Hadiza whom we celebrate at this occasion as part of the beneficiaries.
“Similarly, to ensure uninterrupted power supply in our schools, the state government expended N2.3 billion to provide solar-powered electricity supply in 72 secondary schools.
“Recently, the state government expended N1.923 billion on rehabilitation of GSS Daura, GDSS Damaturu, GSS Jakusko, GSS Geidam, GSTC Nguru, and GGSS Gadaka, while, N1.1 billion was expended on the construction of perimeter fence at GSTC Damagum, GSS Daura, GHIC Nguru, GSS Dagona, and GSS Jakusko, with an additional N750 Million for rehabilitation of 150 Almajiri schools.”
An impressed minister acknowledged that Yobe State government has become a role model among states in the country in the development and promotion of fundational education.
The Minister said: “Yobe state government has prioritized foundational education to fast track the development of education in the state.”
He said that Yobe State’s participation in the competition and emerging as World champions is a pride to Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Tunji commended the state government, parents and teachers for giving the girls the support that enabled them to excel in the World competition.
The Minister assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firm belief in human capital development and “education has great future for youth in Nigeria.”
The Minister presented the winners with tokens of personal support in appreciation of the girls’ performance in the TeenEagle competition.

Dino Melaye Dragged To Court Over Alleged Evasion Of Over N500 Million Personal Income Tax

Greenbarge Reporters

August 29, 2025

Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has been summoned to court over alleged failure to pay his mandatory Personal Income Tax amounting to cumulatively over N500 million in liability.
A notice from the Abuja magistrate court indicated that Melaye’s total tax liabilities for 2023 and 2024 were assessed at N234,896,000.00 and N274,712,000.00, respectively.
A criminal summons, dated August 21, 2025, was issued by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court, requiring Melaye to appear before the Magistrate Court at Wuse Zone II, Abuja, on September 5, 2025.
According to the FCT Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Melaye only paid N85,000.08 in 2019, N100,000.08 in 2020, N120,000 in 2021, and N1,000,000 in 2022, despite declaring much higher annual incomes.
It said that in 2022, he declared an annual income of over N6.5 million, adding that an administrative assessment for 2023 and 2024 was issued on May 23, 2025. It said that when Melaye failed to respond within 30 days, a notice of best judgment assessment was issued.
It was gathered that attempts to deliver the notice personally or to his representative were unsuccessful, prompting the IRS to paste it on the gate of his residence in Maitama, Abuja.
The notice read: “Despite reminders and ample time provided, your non-compliance with Section 41 of the Act constitutes a breach of your obligations. Consequently, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has, in accordance with Section 54(3) of the Personal Income tax act, proceeded to raise a Best of Judgment Assessment in respect of your tax liabilities for the years under review.
“Accordingly, your tax liability has been assessed in the sum of N234,896,000.00 and N274,712,000.00 for the period of 2023 and 2024 respectively. The computation and assessment are attached for your action. Please note that the Service has also identified income under declaration and under payment for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 years of assessment, during which payment of N1,000,000.00, N120,000.00 and N100,000.00 were made respectively. Notices of additional will be issued, upon conclusion of our review.
“You are hereby informed that you have the right to object to this assessment within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of this notice. Any objection must clearly state the grounds of your objection and be substantiated with relevant supporting documents.
“Failure to make payment or file objection within the stipulated period will result in the assessment being deemed final and conclusive, and recovery proceedings will be initiated without further notice.”
Melaye, a former member of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, also served as chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT and briefly chaired the Senate Committee on Aviation.
He was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 11, 2023, Kogi State governorship election.

Powerful Interests Threatening My Life, Lives Of Others, NNPCL Boss, Ojulari Cries Out

Greenbarge Reporters

August 28, 2025

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has cried out against those he described as “powerful Interests” threatening his life and the lives of top management team of the company.
Ojulari, who spoke today, August 28, when he received a delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, said that the grudges of the”powerful interests” are based on ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector.
He emphasized that the hostility is as a result of the changes introduced in the company, in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to revive the country’s dormant refineries.
Ojulari said that despite the threats to his life and the lives of the management team, he remained committed to implementing the reforms and ensuring stability in the oil sector.
“I am not hiding from anybody. I am not a politician. I will have to learn more about politics, but this is a development plan for me, and I am ready to learn.”
The NNPCL boss said that efforts are being made to restore the refineries to full operational capacity and that the management is considering adopting the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model to achieve the target.
Ojulari said that the reforms regarding the future of the NNPCL would be subjected to critical repositioning for efficiency.

Police, Civil Defence Officers Exchange Gunshots In Ebonyi, One Dies

Greenbarge Reporters

August 28, 2025

Officers of the Special Weapons and Tactics of the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps engaged in gunshots at Mboro Ajaenyim Quarry site in Amaeze community, Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi. The gun battle left a police officer dead.
The incident occurred yesterday, August 27.
The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Ebonyi Command, Emmanuella Ibeneme, an Assistant Superintendent of Corps, confirmed the incident today, August 28 in Abakaliki, saying that two civilians sustained gunshot injuries and were being hospitalized.
Ibeneme said that investigations were still ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident.
“We are the security agency in charge of protecting critical national assets including mining sites and our men were deployed to provide security to the company owned by the Chinese.
“The men of the SWAT, Nigeria Police were drafted to the area; the information we received is that altercation ensued between the agencies leading to exchange of gun shots resulting in the death of a police officer and injury of two civilians.
“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the actual cause of the sad incident to establish culpability.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the death of an officer, saying that investigation is ongoing to unravel the motive behind the obstruction of police sent to carry out lawful order leading to an officer’s death.
“Ebonyi Police arrested an NSCDC officer who obstructed lawful arrest at Ivo, attempted to seize a rifle and fatally shot a policeman.
“Investigation is ongoing; command warns against obstructing police duties.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of Amaeze Development Union, Ogbonna Nwaeni, said that the incident followed alleged forceful entry into the quarry site by Hephziba and Beulah Concepts Limited.
The chairman alleged that the company reportedly mobilised heavy equipment to the area without the consent of the host community.
Nwaeni said that the community was taken aback when the quarry operators allegedly gained access to the site with the support of Civil Defence personnel and some suspected dissident youths.
According to him, the development prompted him to alert the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, who dispatched SWAT operatives to the scene.
“Information available to me confirmed that both security agencies went confrontational in their approaches, leading to an exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of a police officer.
“The Hephziba and Beulah Concepts brought in equipment into the quarry site without meeting with the community leadership or landowners.
“They also came in with Civil Defence personnel who provided security cover, alongside some dissident youths that threatened to shoot any indigenes who attempted to obstruct the operations.”
He said that he reached out to the police command to prevent bloodshed in the community before the tragic incident occurred.

Source: NAN.

Nigerian Immigration Raises International Passport Fees To N100,000, N200,000

Greenbarge Reporters

August 28, 2025

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a revision of passport application fees.
The cost of obtaining a 32-page passport with a 5-year validity has been raised from N50,000 to N100,000. Similarly, the 64-page passport with a 10-year validity will now cost N200,000, up from the previous N100,000.
A statement by the Service Public Relations officer, A.S Akinlabi, said that the new rates will officially take effect from September 1, 2025.
The statement read: “In a bid to uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Passport, the Nigeria Immigration Service hereby announces an upward review of Nigerian Stardard Passport fees, set to take effect on 1st September, 2025.
“The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with 5-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000.
“Meanwhile, Nigerian Passport Application fees made by Nigerians in diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for 32-page with 5-year validity and $230 for 64-page with 10-year validity.
“The Service reiterates its commitment to balancing quality service delivery with the need to ensure Passport services are accessible to all Nigerians.”

My Rekindled Respect For Nigerian Soldiers, By Maryam Bello Barkindo

Greenbarge Reporters

August 28, 2025

Yes, accidents do happen everywhere: Yesterday, aboard the train bound for Kaduna from Abuja, I witnessed something that will stay with me always. The Accident! Wasn’t just a jarring physical upheaval—it became a moment of raw, human truth.
In the immediate aftermath, it was the Nigerian Army who truly showed up. They were there instantly – I watched as they shuttled the injured in their vehicles, moving victims from the station (ashams station with barely road access).

These men were not simply obeying orders—they were offering compassion. Their presence a source of comfort. They stood with us for hours, right at the heart of danger, offering more than rescue: they offered solace. Because of them, I will forever regard the Nigerian Army with renewed respect and gratitude.
In the midst of all that chaos to my utter shock!!! A stark contrast emerged. I saw the NEMA (Nigerian Emergency Management Agency) team arrive—by helicopter, at a time when the worst had passed. I saw police personnel, in their entourage. But not one of them spared a glance at us as they walked passed us to the accident site. There were no comforting words, no reassurance, no shared humanity. I kept thinking in my mind when I saw the news, felt like a cruel betrayal—gilded pictures of rescue without rescue, of presence without support.
Where were they at the time we needed them? The site of the accidebt was between kubwa and Gere! Very close to abuja!!! Their absence in those crucial moments was more extraordinary than their presence at all.
We were stranded, wounded, terrified. None of them turned back to us to ask: “Are you alright?” or “How can we help?” We were forgotten, even as their images were broadcast for show.
I left the site after three anxious hours—my family searching for me, and saw a NEMA ambulance on the road only after the army had done the work of rescue.
I asked myself: Is this how our system is meant to work?
This shouldn’t read as bitterness—it’s raw, aching longing. Longing for a Nigeria where institutional presence equals real care. Crafting our public image isn’t enough if it’s not backed by substance. And so here is my truth: I saw who truly matters in those moments of crisis. I know now, with unwavering clarity, whose faces represent security and solidarity—and whose represent optics.
I am profoundly grateful for each soldier who stood their ground and did all they did at the background while others took the credit. You know yourselves! To this country! let’s honor action over image. Let compassion—not entrenchment—define our response to disaster. Because at that moment, the difference between life and despair was not in uniforms or headlines—it was in hearts that chose to help!

Maryam Bello Barkindo posted the above on her Facebook page.

2027: APC Speaks From Both Sides Of Mouth: Endorses Tinubu, To Sell Nomination Forms

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2025

The All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be speaking from both sides of its mouth as it endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 Presidential election, even as it plans to print and sell presidential nomination forms for the same election.
The party’s national organizing secretary, Dr. Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, at a press parley at the APC national secretariat, said that members of the party are free to purchase the presidential form to contest in the primary election for the 2027 election.
“It will be the wish of the party, and we, the NWC of the party, have already endorsed President Tinubu as the next presidential candidate of the party. And by extension, other organs have equally done the same thing.
“Governors in the states have done the same too. It has also been replicated in all six geographical zones of the country. But it does not mean that the door is closed.
“It also means that when the time comes, we will make our timetable known so that for anybody who wants to aspire for the president of this country in the platform of the APC, will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the nomination forms.”

Tinubu, In Brazil, Regrets Nigeria’s Backwardness, Despite All Natural Endowments ‎

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2025

‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has regretted the Nigeria’s backwardness in the area of development, despite the abundant natural endowments.
Comparing the country with Brazil where he addressed Nigerians, President Tinubu said that he could not understand where Nigeria got it wrong.
According to him, Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar economic starting points, saying: “once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level.
“Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t?
‎“We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act.”
Tinubu stressed his determination to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, in alignment with the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.
‎”We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny.”
The President commended the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community, advising them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.
‎“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all.”
‎He acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians are facing in the ongoing economic reforms, but insisted that they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.
‎“Yes, the reforms are tough, like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it.”
President Tinubu said that his government is laying the groundwork for global partnerships that can unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology and cultural exchange.
The‎President expressed support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State governor.
‎“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now.”
‎He appealed to Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora, to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody can truly be proud to call home.
‎Earlier, the Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, commended the president for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
He pledged the diaspora’s active support for national development.
‎He emphasised the diaspora’s role as a development partner, highlighting the rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.
‎“What we’re saying, sir, is that here through the diaspora, we would like to be a channel to this national development. In that regard, we have started, we actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home.
‎ “To be able to do that, I’ve also recognized, Your Excellency, sir, that human resources in terms of education is what we strongly need to be able to prepare the younger ones for tomorrow so that they can return home and participate.
‎”What I have done, Your Excellency, is that in the past one year and a half since after my election, we had three PhD students at that time. “And right now, in one year and a half, we have 296 here in Brazil. And all on scholarships, sir.”

Harassment Of Nigerian Journalist: International Press Organisation Angry With Nigeria Police

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2025

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) is angry with the Nigeria Police for the arrest, detention and sustained harassment of the publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with ThisDay newspapers, Ms Azuka Ogujiuba
The international journalist body, in a statement in Abuja, said that Ms. Ogujiuba has been carrying out her professional duty of reporting on a court case involving a land dispute, but that instead of respecting her constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of the press, the police have resorted to intimidation, unlawful detention and repeated summons to Abuja, despite the fact that she resides and works in Lagos.
“On two separate occasions, Ms. Ogujiuba has been arrested and detained in connection with this matter. Such heavy-handed tactics amount to blatant harassment aimed at silencing a journalist for performing her lawful duties.
“These actions undermine press freedom, erodes public confidence in the rule of law, and constitutes a direct violation of Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
IPI Nigeria’s statement, signed by the Deputy President. Legal Adviser/Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, asked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately order his officers to desist from further harassment of Ms. Ogujiuba and to ensure that any allegations against her, if they exist, are pursued strictly through due process and the proper constitutional channels.
“If the police believes she has committed an offence, the appropriate step is to charge her before a competent court of law — not to subject her to endless intimidation.
“IPI Nigeria reminds the authorities that, journalists must be able to cover matters of legitimate public interest without fear of arrest, detention, or reprisals. Any attempt to muzzle the press strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy and weakens public trust in its institutions.
“We therefore caution that, if this pattern of harassment continues, IPI Nigeria will have no choice but to formally include the Inspector-General of Police in its “Book of Infamy” — a public record of individuals and institutions that violate or enable violations of press freedom in Nigeria.
“IPI Nigeria restates its call on all law enforcement agencies to act within the bounds of the law and to honour the constitutional and international commitments that safeguard freedom of the press.
“We stand in full solidarity with Azuka Ogujiuba and with all journalists in Nigeria who face intimidation and persecution in the line of duty. The Nigerian government must uphold its responsibility to protect press freedom and to ensure that the rights of journalists are respected without compromise.”

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