News
Retired police superintendent turns beggar
When the reporter first saw him, it was around 7.am, penultimate Tuesday. He was seen flagging down every private vehicle, Keke NAPEP and Achaba, telling the occupants that he had not eaten since the night of the previous day.
“Please help me so that I can find something to eat,” he had repeatedly told those who cared to listen to him.
While some of the occupants hurriedly searched their bags and pockets to give him some money, by their way of assistance, others simply ignored him or remarked, “Don’t mind him, that is how he is always begging everyday.”
At other times, he could be seen by the road sides stretching forth his hand to receive “help” from public-spirited commuters moving along the road.
It was a tricky one, as the man would not talk. “I’m not ready for that. I’m not here for any talk,” he had rebuffed our correspondent’s initial attempts to engage him in an interview.
His persistence finally paid off when he was asked why he took to begging alms for a living, and the man who was to later disclose his name as Okpella, informed our correspondent that he was not into begging until the cost of living skyrocketed and he could no longer afford the basic things of life from his meagre income.
Apart from his pension, which he said does not come regularly, he noted that he augments his living by standing by the roadside every day to beg alms from motorists and commuters going to or from work.
His investigations reveal that after five years in retirement and with five grown-up children and a wife, the retired police officer said life has never been the same for him.
Speaking in pidgin, Okpella reminisced with nostalgia his past years on active duty. “Wen I dey work, the work sweet because if I go work at times, I dey see N3000, N4000 before work close but now, I no dey see again anything again,” he recalled.
Pressed further, he spoke about how he retired after 35 years of active service in the Nigeria Police Force but did not get his entitlement on time.
According to him, “My name is Sunday. Or should I give you the one in my police file? I am Sunday Ogwo Okpella from Benue State in Oju Local Government. I entered police on June 1, 1988. I entered as a traffic warden. It is the same thing with police.
“I was in the police force for 35 years. I retired June 1, 2018. From that 1st of June they didn’t pay me any money. We went for verification at the Women Development Centre in Abuja. They told me that my gratuity money is N6 million, and they said I should go home that they would give me within two weeks.
“Then that two weeks passed, and they didn’t send me any money. They kept me for one-year-and-four-months without any money. I did not receive any alert. When I would receive an alert, I got an alert of N1.696 million with two months extra pay.
“I then travelled to my village to refurbish my house. I repainted my house. I did my ceiling. Then, when I came back to Minna, I withdrew some of the money, and we began to live on it as a family. I bought two bags of rice, I bought two buckets of oil and we began to spend the money.
“From that time, they started paying me N30,000 as pension from that 2018 till today. But two months ago, it was increased to N31,000. My chief called me today and toĺd me that as from next week, they would be paying me N31,000. They increased it by only N1000.
“They told me to look for something to do to earn a living. I said at my age what would I look for again? I’ve walked up to different people and places, but they are refusing to give me something to do,” he lamented.
The reporter asked to know some of the places he had worked as a traffic warden and if he only worked in Niger State throughout out his 35 years of service to the police and he responded, “During my time, I worked in the Bosso Division Police Station, I worked in Paiko Police Station, I worked in Central Police Station and I worked at Suleja. It was in Suleja that I retired. And if they had given me the money, I would have packed my load and gone home to settle down.
“The place where I stay, I pay N50,000. The money will soon expire by April next year. I must confess, working as a traffic warden is sweet because whenever I go to work, at times, I return home with N3000 or N4000 but now, I don’t see any money again.
“I never got transferred to another state. Even when I was transferred, it was my wife who told me not to accept any transfer. She insisted that I should stay in Niger and train all my children. My first child has finished National Youth Service Corps. He is in Port Harcourt presently working. The one next to that one is with me and studying in one of the higher institutions. She will complete her studies by January, next year. So that’s why I didn’t leave Niger State throughout the 35 years,” he narrated.
The retired Police Officer who said he was born in 1969, explained that there was no difference between a traffic warden and a conventional police officer, pointing out that it is the same work they are doing. He also disclosed that he attended Primary School, and it was with the certificate he got enrolled into the police.
“Yes, when I was still in service, even my brother of same father but different mothers advised me to go close to my village and put up a structure, saying that if I put up the structure in Suleja where I worked then, that when I retire, I would not enjoy my life. After my retirement, I took a loan and purchased three machines and continued to use them to manage my life until I had an accident with one and injured my arm. I could not work again.
“I did not move to the conventional police because it is the same thing. Our own work is when there is a road accident it is we that tell the cause of the accident and who is responsible. When we arrest a car or a taxi and you go to the station, the money is the DPO’s own. You don’t get anything. Our own are from the motorcycles. We get between N500 and N1000 for every motorcycle we bring to the station.
“I finished Primary 6. They started promoting me from corporal, sergeant, inspector, and one star during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2015. My salary rose from N77,000 to N125,000 in 2018 during the Buhari government’s regime when I was promoted to two stars. They decorated us at Gawo, Lambata. After they decorated us, we did not see the allowance,” Okpella said.
Asked why he goes about begging and what he wants the government to do for him, with brightened up eyes, Okpella said, “I want people to help me. Here, they don’t help people. They don’t give you more than N500. Before, I was not begging, but it was after things started getting more difficult as a result of the rising cost of living. I can’t feed any more, even the customers that used to give me credit stopped. I would like the government to pay me my money so that I can find something to do to feed myself and my family,” he pleaded.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has removed the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, from office with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Mbam was directed to immediately hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government.
He was also ordered to transfer the responsibilities of the Ministry of Works to the Permanent Secretary pending further directives from the state government.
The statement read in part: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate removal from office of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam.
“He is to hand over all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the Secretary to the State Government and transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.”
The governor, according to the statement, assured residents that his administration remained committed to effective governance and improving public infrastructure across the state.
No reason was given for Mbam’s removal.
The development comes months after Nwifuru suspended Mbam and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi-Abara, in February 2026 over alleged dereliction of duty.
The earlier suspension was also announced by Uzor, who directed the affected commissioners to surrender government property and official vehicles to the SSG.
Mbam’s latest removal has reportedly generated concern within the State Executive Council, particularly amid calls for improved performance by government officials.
Former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation under the administration of former Governor David Umahi, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, had recently called on Nwifuru to overhaul his State Executive Council and ensure that officials who were underperforming lived up to expectations.
The government has not indicated whether Mbam’s removal is connected to the earlier suspension or any specific issue concerning the Ministry of Works.
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
-
News5 days agoCommissioner Dies Suddenly at Abuja Hospital
-
News5 days agoSept. 26 Polls: ‘ENSIEC is over 90% ready’ – Chairman
-
Crime5 days agoKidnappers Dump 16-Year-Old Enugu Boy Near Onitsha Checkpoint, Police Rescue Him
-
News5 days ago
Niger Delta Chambers Unveils Plan to Transform Region Into Investment Hub
-
Uncategorized5 days agoUK Confirms Koi Herpesvirus Outbreak, Restricts Fish Movement
-
News5 days ago
Niger Delta Chamber Breaks Silence on Alleged Summit Trademark Dispute
-
News4 days ago
Dangote Reveals He Bought First Private Jet at 22
-
Health3 days agoUNTH Begins Contact Tracing After Suspected Diphtheria Case