Court Fines Senator Natasha N5 Million For Contempt, Plus Apology In Newspapers

July 4, 2025

Federal High Court in Abuja has fined suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, N5 Million plus publication of apology in national newspapers for contempt over a satirical Facebook post published on April 27.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the ruling today, July 4, is originally presiding over a case filed by the suspended Senator challenging her suspension from the Senate.
Before addressing the main suit, the court considered a contempt application brought by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying that the Facebook post breached a prior court order that barred all parties from making public comments or social media posts related to the ongoing case.
In her defense, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team claimed that the post was unrelated to the suspension case and instead referenced a separate issue involving sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
But Justice Nyako disagreed and ruled that the post was clearly linked to the subject of the lawsuit.
She subsequently found the senator in contempt of court, ordering the suspended Senator to issue a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days, in addition to a fine of ₦5 million.

Kogi Boosts Agricultural Production, Hands Out ₦3.2 Billion Fertilizer To 30,000 Farmers

Greenbarge Reporters

July 4, 2025

Kogi State Government has flagged off the distribution of fertilizer worth ₦3.2 billion to 30,000 farmers to strengthen food security and enhance agricultural productivity in the state
The State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who officially launched the initiative in Lokoja, described the intervention as a critical step in empowering farmers and reducing the high cost of agricultural inputs.
The governor said that the exercise is part of a broader effort to reposition agriculture as a key driver of the state’s economy.
“This is not just about fertilizer; it’s about food security, economic growth, and the dignity of our farmers.”

The distributed inputs include high-grade Urea and NPK fertilizers, which are being delivered directly to verified farmers across all 21 local government areas of the state. The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that a digital registration process was used to eliminate racketeering and ensure that genuine smallholder farmers benefit directly.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Adesina, said that the scheme aligns with the national food security agenda and will help boost yields, reduce input costs, and stabilize local food prices.
“Every registered farmer receiving this support has been digitally verified to guarantee transparency and impact.”
Halima Abubakar, a rice farmer from Ibaji Local Government Ares, expressed happiness with the government’s gesture, saying: “this support is a major relief as the planting season begins.”
Agricultural experts have projected that the intervention could raise crop yields by up to 40% and boost Kogi’s contribution to regional food supply.

Kogi Agency Moves To Introduce Model Agro Industrial Factory, Others, Signs MOU With CAREC

Greenbarge Reporters

July 4, 2025

Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) has taken a giant step towards the establishment of what it called “Agro Industrial Factory” for casava processing into garri.
KEDA which went into partnership with Combined Agricultural and Renewable Energy Company Limited (CAREC) by signing a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday, July 3, in Lokoja, capital of Kogi State, also vowed to embark on rice processing amongst others.
A statement by KEDA Information Officer, Joseph Adama said that the partnership would lead to the establishment of incubation centres for Pharmaceuticals, model Agro Industrial factory for casava processing into garri, rice processing, cashew nut processing and other derivatives by Women Cooperatives etc.
The statement said that the MoU would create mutual understanding and intentions of the parties to establish a strategic collaboration to support the agency’s MSME development initiatives .
The scope of the MOU, according to the statement, includes joint establishment of incubation Centre for nursing start ups for selected Entrepreneurs to establish their businesses, joint incubation for startups in assembling of electronic digital devices, portable solar lamps and generators, inverters, battery energy storage packs.
The statement quoted the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KEDA, Alhaji Muhammed Kadiri Okeji as saying that the MoU would foster the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) within the Kogi State economy.

The Managing Director stressed the need to partner with private sector organisations to develop the state because government cannot do all things for the people.
He said that with the partnership, efforts will be geared towards ensuring that the project is pursued vigorously, even as he expressed optimism that the MoU when fully implimented, would put smile on the faces of teeming women and Youths across the state
Also speaking via zoom after the signing of the MOU, the vice chairman, Engr. Jatto A .Adams on behalf of the chairman of CAREC expressed appreciation to the kogi state government for the partnership and commended the KEDA Management for the signing of the MOU.
He noted that the signed document would boost the activities of KEDA in the realisation of the state government’s objectives to boost economic activities, foster industrialisation and create more entrepreneurs.
A director in CAREC, Mallam Yakubu Lawal, signed on behalf of his organisation while the MD/CEO signed for KEDA.
In a media chat, Mallam Lawal promised speedy implementation of the agreement, stressing that as stakeholders, they would join hands to see to the development of the state.
At the event from KEDA were the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Usman Zubair; Executive Director Operations, Akin Akinola and Head of Research and Development, Daniel Arome and the Directors from CAREC were Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ododo; IT and Corporate Services, Umar Sulaiman and Project planning and Development, Engr. Enesi Abdulrasheed.

Peter Rufai, Nigeria’s Celebrated Goalkeeper Dies At 61

Greenbarge Reporters

July 3, 2025

Celebrated former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai is dead. He died today, July 3 after a prolonged illness, aged 61
A report monitored on radio today confirmed the death of Rufai who was popularly referred to as Dodo Mayana by football fans.
Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai was born on 24 August 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria.
He started his football club career in 1980 with Stationery Stores of Nigeria, moved to Femo Scorpions in 1985 and to AS Dragons de l’Ouémé of Benin Republic between 1986 and 87, becoming the first Nigerian keeper abroad. He also played for Lokeren in Belgium, from 1987 to 91, though he had limited appearances. From 1991 to 1993, he was with Beveren Belgium, from where he went to Go Ahead Eagles of Netherlands in 1993, participating in 12 matches.
Peter Rufai also moved to S.C. Farense in Portugal, in 1994 and was instrumental in UEFA Cup qualification and in 1997, he went to Hércules CF of Spain and then to Deportivo La Coruña in 1997 as backup keeper.
Peter Rufai appeared 65 times in the Green Eagles national squad and took full part in the Africa Cup of Nations, as winner in Tunisia in1994, FIFA World Cup in 1994 (USA) and 1998 (France); reached Round of 16 both times
He scored a penalty in 6–0 win versus Ethiopia on 24 July 1993 during AFCON qualification and in the finals on 28 June 1998 with Denmark
Peter Rufai was hghly respected for bravery, consistency, and professionalism; regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers
He was an advocate of hard work, discipline and focus as cornerstones of goalkeeping success.
On his retirement, he founded Peter Rufai International Football School, later Staruf FC, in Lagos in 2010. It was meant to foster youth and goalkeepers
Peter Rufai studied for coaching badges at Nigeria’s National Institute for Sports in Lagos (2023).
He was Married to Mikaila Rufai and together they have four children
Children: Eldest son, Senbaty, played for Sunshine Stars in Nigeria Premier League.
Peter Rufai’s journey from Lagos streets to global stadiums was a testament to his resilience and skill. A pioneer among Nigerian goalkeepers, his legacy encompasses national glory (AFCON ’94), global acclaim (World Cups), and a post-retirement mission of mentoring the next generation.

Dangote Cement Launches Empowerment Programme In Benue: Targets 50 Farmers

Greenbarge Reporters

July 3, 2025

Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State, targeting 50 farmers that would produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity.
This is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities of the State with cash grants.
Speaking at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, General Manager, Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’
He said that the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.
Kor said that the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.
“Today, we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024.”
Plant Director of the Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said that the company will also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.
Murugan, who was represented by Head of Production Department, Engineer Soom Kiishi said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”
He said that other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.
“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from Professional personnels.”

NICON Insurance Pensioners Kick Over Unjust Exclusion From Revised Pension Adjustment, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

July 3, 2025

The Association of Former Employees of NICON Insurance (AFENI) Pensioners has expressed grave concern over the systematic exclusion of its members from the revised implementation of the Consequential Pension Adjustment (CPA), the ₦32,000 wage award approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other statutory pension entitlements.

A statement by the leadership of the Association, Prince Emmanuel Omadivi and Mr. Ade S Adesokan said that the exclusion which was executed by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), is a gross act of injustice and a violation of the principles of equity and national inclusion.
The statement said that as a result of the circular that was issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on 8th July 2024 (SWC/S/04/S.557/T/171), PTAD re-implemented the 2019 CPA for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, using the Grade Level model rather than the previously adopted Pay Band structure.
It said that such realignment had led to pension increases of 20% and 28% for many retirees, even as pensioners from defunct agencies—notably NICON Insurance—were entirely left out of the reassessment, claiming that they do not fall within the listed salary structures of eligible agencies.
The statement said that these agencies of government have termed Nicon Insurance and the other so-called defunct Parastatals as those that were receiving super salary structures when in operation.
Nicon Pensioners argued that the same government that sold these Parastatals during the privatization exercise also thought it fit to payroll them for pension, pointing out that there’s nowhere in the Nigerian constitution where Pensioners are discriminated against that would “warrant this apartheid and illegal form of selective treatment.
“In announcing the wage award, the pensioners of Nicon Insurance noted that the President didn’t indicate exclusion of any agencies.
“They further submitted that when Nicon Insurance was performing creditably well, it had a registered in-house Pension Scheme whose kitty at the time of privatization was worth N2.3b but which money was taken away by the core investor.
Part of the statement goes thus:
They believe that if that money had been invested, it would have been serving the pension needs of staff of the so-called defunct Parastatals.
The pensioners see the current action of misguided government super civil servants as a jealous and cruel decision, asserting that they served their
country under full Federal Government’s Agency employment in a now-defunct but once-vital institution that was a major subscriber to Federal Government shares, alongside such entities as NAL, Daily Times, the then Nicon Hilton, now Transcorp Hilton and a host of others.
Many of the affected pensioners are elderly and medically vulnerable, yet continue to suffer income stagnation amid inflationary pressures. The abrupt exclusion without consultation or explicit explanation undermines confidence in government pension reform processes and raises serious legal and moral concerns, as there is no constitutional basis for distinguishing between pensioners of active and defunct agencies under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
The association calls on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and the National Human Rights Commission to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding PTAD’s implementation, reinstate entitlements for all affected pensioners of NICON Insurance and uphold the fundamental right to equitable treatment in retirement, regardless of agency status.
“This isn’t just a fight for financial justice,” stated [Barr. Chijioke Nwafor], a member of the pensioners’ association. “It is a fight to protect the dignity of those who toiled to build the institution that once served this nation in full capacity.
The affected pensioners are, however, hopeful that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has shown respect for pensioners and has championed various reforms and improved welfare for ordinary Nigerians, will urgently intervene to correct this exclusion and restore confidence in the nation’s pension system.

Ex President Buhari Recovering From Illness In London, Aide Confirms

Greenbarge Reporters

July 3, 2025

Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Adviser to Muhammadu Buhari when he was President from 2015 to 2023 has confirmed that ex President is currently recovering from illness in London.
Responding to an enquiry about the health of Buhari, Garba Shehu said: “Following your enquiry, I wish to state as follows: It is true that the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, is unwell. He has been receiving treatment in the UK.
“You would recall he made it known that he was going for his annual medical check-up (in London). He became ill there, but I am happy to announce to you that he is doing well in his recovery while receiving treatment. We pray for his healthy recovery.”
Garba Shehu would not speak about the nature of Buhari’s ailment and the hospital where he is being treated.

Flood Sweeps Through Niger, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi States, Kills Many

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2025

Many people have lost their lives in flashes of flood that swept through some towns and villages of Niger, Gombe, Borno and Kebbi states.
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that four persons were drowned in flood waters in Gombe State, whereas Borno and Niger States witnessed the death of two residents.
The Public Relations Officer of Gombe State Police Command, Buhari Abdullahi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), in a statement, said that he received reports of four incidents of drowning that occurred at Hayin Kwarin-Misau; Bojude, Bajoga and Difa communities in Akko, Kwami, Funakaye and Yamaltu Deba local government areas of the state.
He said that the victims were children and teenagers who drowned in rivers, erosion sites and unprotected water channels.
Two women also died in Wovi Community of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, with several houses destroyed in Rumirgo, Askira Uba Local Government Area, displacing several families.
A statement by the media aide to the governor, Dauda Iliya, said that Governor Babagana Zulum extended his sympathy to the victims and their families.
The incident occurred less than a year after a deadly flood submerged communities across Borno State, killing scores of people and washing away homes, farmlands, among others.
Similarly, the corpses of two children, a boy and a nine-year-old girl were discovered in a drainage after a heavy rainfall that broke out in Minna, Niger State yesterday, July 1.
The children were returning from the market when the girl slipped and fell into the drainage.
It was learnt that as the flood was carrying her away, her brother, an 11-year-old, was shouting to residents in the neighbourhood to help him rescue his sister, who was being swept away by the flood.
The people could not help due to the level the water had reached and the force it carried.
They watched helplessly as the water carried the little girl away while the brother went back to their residence to inform their parents about the tragedy.
The father of the girl was later contacted to identify his daughter’s corpse at a tunnel on Mandela Street (more than five kilometers from where the flood carried her), and when he got there, he found the corpse of the little girl and that of another boy who was also killed by the flood.
Spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Hussaine Ibrahim, expressed shock over the tragedy and said the agency would visit the girl’s family to find out more details.
“The agency is not aware of the disaster, but my people will visit the home of the girl at Tunga tomorrow to meet with the parents.”
Meanwhile, following recent flooding in Rafin Atiku Ward, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida visited the area to assess the damage, which residents blamed on heavy rain and blocked drainage.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor were SEMA Chairman, Bello Yakubu Rilisco, Environment Commissioner, Alhaji Musa Mohammad Tungulawa, and Youth and Sports Commissioner, Comrade Nura Bala Fingilla. The flooding was caused by a clogged major drainage channel.
Affected resident, Malam Idris Abdulrahman told journalists: “The water entered our house at night. We lost bags of grains, mattresses, and even some parts of the wall collapsed. This has never happened like this before.”
Senator Tafida directed the Environment Ministry and SEMA to clear blocked drains and assist affected residents.

All Nigerian Pilgrims To Saudi Are Back From Holy Land 3-Week After End Of Hajj

Greenbarge Reporters

July 2, 2025

The final flight carrying about 88 pilgrims have arrived Kaduna, Nigeria, this morning, July 2, from Jeddah, completing the airlift of the over 41,000 Nigerian Muslims that performed this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy land.
The return leg airlift operations, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, spanned 20 days in a total of 101 flights that was commenced on 13th of June, over a week after the end of the pilgrimage in the Holy land. Real Hajj rites ended June 10.
Hajiya Sanda Usara quoted the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, in his end-of-the-operation address as expressing profound gratitude to Allah for granting Nigerian a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.
He attributed the success to the spirit of unity and cooperation demonstrated by State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards officials, airline operators and other service providers, as well as obedience of the pilgrims to laid down guidelines.

NAHCON Chairman called on the returning pilgrims to continue to pray for Nigeria to overcome its challenges and for them to remember the nation’s leaders in their prayers.
He reminded them that Hajj serves as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that foster peace and harmony, encouraging them to therefore sustain the ties of friendships they established during their pilgrimage.
Professor Usman reassured that NAHCON will continue to improve in its mandate for Nigerian pilgrims in line with global best practices.
In attendance were the Commissioner for NAHCON Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mustapha Alli, Special Assistant to the President, Ameen Amshi and other staff.

In Edo, Women Are In Charge Of Agricultural Production, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

July 1, 2025

Edo State has a rich tradition of women’s involvement in agriculture, even more than men. In fact, I still recall when I was in school back home and used to go to farm around Sabongida Ora. Almost all the farmworks were undertaken by women in the communities. Women used to engage extra hands, like me, for a fee, in tilling the ground and even in harvesting.
While the women were busy on the farms, the men, their husbands, would be around the compounds or the houses playing eyo game or ludo or other past time games, gulping bottles of local wine.
So, undoubtedly, women in Edo state, time immemorial, have been playing critical roles in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural goods, especially in rural areas.
They indeed, have long been active participants in various aspects of agriculture, including real farming.
They are primarily involved in crop cultivation such as cassava, yam, maize, plantain, okra, pepper, tomatoes, oil palm, rice (in riverine areas), vegetables (e.g. fluted pumpkin, amaranth) and several others.
Women dominate food processing activities like cassava into garri/fufu, oil palm processing and local spice preparation. This is in addition to acting as traders of agricultural produce in local markets, a role passed down through generations.
Women in peri-urban and rural communities, also engage in backyard poultry and vegetable farming.
Women’s activities ensure household and community-level food availability. Income from farming and market sales supports children’s education and family health.

Meanwhile, Women’s cooperatives have risen over time to support microfinance schemes, local savings and communal projects. This is in addition to some Organizations which have noticed the activities of those hardworking women and and have formed support networks. They include Edo Women Farmers Cooperative Societies, which is a local groups that empowers women through shared resources and knowledge.
There are also None Governmental Organizations (NGO) like Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) that provide micro-credit to rural women in agriculture.
The State’s ministry of Agriculture has also been of support to the women through training, farm inputs and women-focused schemes.
There is also Women in Agriculture (WIA) programs under ADP (Agricultural Development Programme): it offers extension services tailored to female farmers.
However limited access to land in which cultural practices restrict women’s land ownership has turned out to be a big challenge.
Another challenge is the low access to credit and Inputs in the struggle to access fertilizer, improved seeds and loans.
Poor access to technology has equally restricted the women traditional tools, thereby reducing productivity.
Those women are facing difficulty accessing formal markets or fair prices, besides the effects of climate change that have arisen from flooding.
All such factors have combined to negatively affect crop yield, especially in riverine areas.
Rising to address the negative elements in the agricultural practices, the state has long introduced some empowerment programs, including FADAMA, IFAD-VCDP, with women-inclusive components.
NGOs and government extension services have also introduced agricultural training and skill acquisition. They also introduced
Youth and Women in Agribusiness Initiatives to attract younger women to farming, using modern technology.
There are as well individuals that have risen to encourage women to be more productive in the trade. Such individuals including
Princess (Dr.) Florence Edebiri, Known for advocating rural women’s inclusion in Edo agricultural development.
There are also local agribusiness leaders and female cooperative presidents that used to lead training and mobilization in Local Government Areas.

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