EXCLUSIVE: Njiko Igbo hails 'Hitch-Free' Yuletide, calls for permanent end to violence in Igboland - ITREALMS

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In a significant move toward regional stability, the pan-Igbo non-political, socio-cultural organization Njiko Igbo has issued a formal appreciation to youth groups and security stakeholders for the unprecedented peace recorded across Igboland during the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year celebrations, reports ITREALMS.

In a statement obtained exclusively by ITREALMS Online, the group’s leadership noted that for the first time in several years, the region witnessed a remarkable level of calm that allowed families and those in the diaspora to travel and celebrate without the usual shadow of fear or insecurity.

NLNG outlines path to sustainable LNG @World LNG Summit: Calls for global action to end energy divide - ITREALMS

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The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has called for a new era of global cooperation across the LNG value chain to ensure sustainable energy security, improve affordability for emerging economies, and maintain natural gas as a central component of a balanced global energy mix, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking at the World LNG Summit & Awards in Istanbul, Turkey, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Philip Mshelbila, participated in a panel titled “Energy Expansion in a Challenging Global Trade Environment.”

BREAKING: U.S. Capitol rally to demand end to christian genocide in Nigeria - ITREALMS

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A major rally calling for urgent U.S. action to stop what organizers describe as the genocide of Christians in Nigeria will take place on December 1, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol Grounds in Washington, D.C, reports ITREALMS.

The event, organized by Save Nigeria Group USA, follows President Donald J. Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” along with his warning that the United States may consider military intervention if mass killings persist.

Is this end of USSD Banking in Nigeria? by Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

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For years, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) banking in Nigeria has been a lifeline for millions of Nigerians. It was simple, fast, and accessible even on the most basic mobile phones. From transferring money to paying bills, and checking balances to buying airtime, USSD provided seamless access to banking without the need for internet access.

But now, a terse, polite message from banks may have sounded the death knell of the service. In what feels like a final move in a long-standing tussle between telecom service providers and banks, the new directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mandates that going forward, USSD banking charges will be deducted directly from customers’ airtime, not their bank accounts.

Energy Expert urges Tinubu to end petrol import racket, prioritise local refining - ITREALMS

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The continued importation of petrol and diesel by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited and certain marketers, despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet domestic demand, is a disservice to the country, says an Energy expert, Dan Kunle, ITREALMS reports.

Recent reports indicate that NNPC, oil marketers spent N5.5tn on petrol, diesel importation in four months.

NNPCL announces 1.8mbpd production, eyes 2mbpd by year end - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and its partners have revved up crude oil and gas production to 1.8million barrels per day (mbpd) and 7.4standard cubic feet per day (scfd).

Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this to ITREALMS on Thursday and said the feat was achieved in compliance with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival to end Thursday - ITREALMS

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The maiden edition of the Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival, a month-long mega discount sale, is set to witness an all-action finale this week as shoppers rush for last minute deals.

The promotion, which commenced on Wednesday, June 1 is set to come to a fitting climax on Thursday, June 30, 2022 – the final day of the shopping festival – after an exciting, rollercoaster month marked by price slashes, heavy discounts, unmatched deals and a rain of special offers and incentives from various arms of the Konga business.

Madonna students end debate, Mass Comm, Law others make final round

ITREALMS:

The second stage of the Madonna University (Okija campus) 2017/2018 Inter-departmental students debate has ended, with Mass Communication, Law, Philosophy and Accountancy departments qualifying for the final round of the exercise, reports ITRealms.

The last of the second stage of the competition ended Thursday, with Mass Communication department and Law faculty qualifying for the final round of the exercise, leaving behind English and Literary Studies and International Relations.

The first phase of the second round was held two weeks ago, wherein Philosophy and Accountancy departments emerged, also leaving behind two other departments.

Speaking earlier on the essence of the exercise, Coordinator of the Madonna University Debate competition, Dr. Tony Nkemakolam described it as a purely academic exercise, even as he urged the participants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.

Adding his voice, Chaplain and Administrator of Madonna University, Okija campus, Rev. Father Francis Nwachukwu commended the decorum that characterized the exercise, while urging the students to see it as a challenge to develop their skills and intellect.

He however urged all to practice love for one another and imbibe discipline, even as he charged the students to take their studies very seriously to justify the huge investments on them by their parents. He further advised them to always be good ambassadors of the University wherever they find themselves.

In their separate speeches, Chairperson of the Madonna University Debate committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Uche Oboko and the University Orator, Mr. Charles Eze commended the students for what they described as their ‘can-do spirit’ and urged them not to relent.

They further charged the students to see the exercise as a friendly competition aimed at challenging their intellects, warning them not to see it as a do-or die affair.

The 2017/2018 phase of the competition commenced with seventeen (17) departments. At the end of Thursday’s round, only four of the departments qualified for the final stage of the exercise.

The topic of the second round of the debate was: “Taming the menace of corruption in Nigeria: my department, as the best panacea.”

The final round of the debate, with the topic: “Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential election: a candidate from my discipline, the hope of Nigeria’s advancement” shall hold on a date to be announced soon.

The law faculty was represented in the competition by: Tiku Ebam Okorinyen, Udolisa Chibuzor and Deborah Ngonadi; Philosophy department was represented by: Daniel Obi, Maurice Ugochukwu and Justin Obiesika; Accountancy department was represented by: Nancy Ejimole, Joy Anumba and Edmund Iwunze; while the department of Mass Communication was represented by three hot heads: Chinyere Linda Agbasiere, Adaeze Monday and Juliet Ogbozor.

Thursday’s event was attended by very important dignitaries, including Head of Exams and Records of Okija campus of the university, Rev. Father Tobias Ozioko, Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Walter Duru, Head of Department of Economics, Dr. Theophilus Ugwoke, Professor (Mrs.) Bernadette Chukwuneke, head of the Panel of Judges, Stephen Kenechukwu and Timothy Onyejelem. Other members of the Panel are: Dr. Calistus Ogu and Dr. K.C. Obi. Thousands of undergraduate and graduate students of Okija campus of the university cheered their colleagues up in excitement, as the competition raged.

The highlights of the event were: musical, choral and drama presentations by highly talented students of the university.

Investigations revealed that the final round of the debate may be declared open by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Chuks Ezedum.

It would be recalled that the 2016/2017 winners of the interdepartmental debate of the university were given automatic Scholarship by the University authorities, a development that may be responsible for the keen contest and seriousness shown by the debaters.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Open letter to AU: 157 CSO’s demand end to corruption in Africa

ITREALMS:

A total of 157 Civil Society Organisations (CSO) drawn from 37 African countries have written an open letter to African leaders demanding an end to corruption on the continent, reports ITRealms.

They also expected ambitious outcome from the African Heads of States summit to be held in Mauritania in July.

ITRealms also reports that 2018 is the AU year of winning the fight against corruption, and the CSOs see that as a critical opportunity for African governments to go beyond rhetoric and deliver concrete action to combat corruption.

“Africa’s leaders have long paid lip service to tackling corruption – it’s time for action, not talk,” the declared.

According to respondents to the most recent Afrobarometer survey, members of the CSOs noted that two-thirds believe their government is doing a poor job of improving the living standards of the poor and in fighting corruption.

“Roughly half report having lost trust in legislative bodies, courts, police, national electoral commissions, and opposition parties. Nearly a third believe that people do not report corruption because they are afraid of the consequences,” part of the survey read.

The letter addressed to H.E. Hon. Moussa Faki Mahama, Chairperson, African Union Commission, H.E. President Paul Kagame, Chairperson, African Union and President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari, Champion of the 2018 AU theme and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Hon. Begoto Miarom, Chairperson, AU Advisory Board on Corruption, they urged the African Union and Member States to seize this opportunity and deliver meaningful anti-corruption commitments at the July Summit.

The African Union’s focus on combating corruption comes at a critical juncture. African citizens consistently place corruption among their top concerns. Corruption among government officials and bureaucracies has increased over the last decade according to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. They also noted that Panama Papers and other recent investigative leaks have exposed numerous flaws in anti-corruption regimes across the continent. The 2015 report issued by the High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, led by former President Thabo Mbeki, estimated that more than US$50 billion illicitly flows out of the continent every year.

The AU’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, adopted in 2003, outlines a robust set of principles, including rooting out corruption, strengthening democratic principles, institutions, and the rule of law, and increasing transparency and accountability in the management of public affairs. Yet implementation of the Convention’s principles has been uneven and inadequate across the continent.

State effectiveness and legitimacy are critical for building African government systems that are responsive and accountable to the needs of their citizens. Yet these key ingredients of lasting development remain weak across the continent. Roughly half of the respondents to the most recent Afrobarometer survey report having little or no trust in legislative bodies, courts, police, national electoral commissions, and opposition parties. Roughly two-thirds believe their government is doing a poor job of improving the living standards of the poor and in fighting corruption. Nearly a third believe people fail to report corruption because they are afraid of the consequences.

Africa is at a critical tipping point. The continent’s population is expected to double by 2050, with half of those under the age of 25. An estimated 22.5 million Africans will enter the workforce each year. This poses an opportunity or risk to the continent, depending on whether African governments are able to harness the potential of their youth. The ability and willingness of governments to be responsive to their citizens and invest in measures that create lasting economic growth and development will determine Africa’s future.

To rebuild citizen trust in governments and to enable citizens and governments to work together to build a better future, citizens must be able to track budgets and follow the money from resources to results, and citizens, an independent media, and appropriate judicial and legislative checks and balances must be able to hold leaders accountable.

Meaningful steps toward making this vision a reality must be taken in 2018. It is imperative that concrete progress to combat corruption be made at the AU Heads of State Summit in July 2018. Vague or rhetorical promises to fight corruption will be insufficient to rebuild citizen trust in government and ensure that all Africans have equal opportunities to thrive.

“We, the below signatories, call on the African Union and Members States to deliver an ambitious declaration at the 2018 July summit that includes concrete commitments to prevent further corruption, give credible anti-corruption bodies and law-enforcement agencies the arsenal needed to effectively combat corruption, and that ensure that citizens have the information necessary to restore confidence in government institutions,” the CSOs said, insisting that this is an opportunity to make progress in the fight against corruption.

They further assured readiness to play an active and constructive role as AU plans this important event.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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South-East invasion: Oriental Online Network wants Nigerian Army to end militarisation

ITRealms:

A coalition of online publishers under the aegis of Oriental Online Network (OON) has called on the Nigerian Army to put an end to the current militarisation of the South East, reports ITRealms.

According to a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chairman, Mr Max Amuchie; Vice Chairman, Ms Rose Moses and Secretary, Mr. Roland Ogbonnaya, the group said the deployment of soldiers to the South East when there was no threat to lives and property was an open invitation to anarchy.

It said militarising a part of the country that has not carried arms against the country was like tempting the protesters to engage in armed struggle in self-defense.

The group said the Federal Government has not exhausted the constitutionally recognised option of using police to handle an issue like the security challenge in the South East

The organisation condemned the military invasion on Sunday of the residence of the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his home town, Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State and the continued house arrest he has been subjected to ever since.

"Even though the Nigerian Army keeps denying, this is the second such incident in two days. Given the background leading to the present scenario, it would be difficult to accept the denial of an invasion by the military authorities. In the first place, the conduct of the Army in this particular instance, is not only suspect but incendiary. This is because even if the first incident of last Sunday at Afara-Ukwu, Ibeku, Umuahia, could be explained as the wrongful reaction of an overzealous IPOB leader to the presence of an army patrol in his neighborhood, that explanation cannot hold water for the second incident on Tuesday.

 "Succinctly put, the Army could have chosen another route or neighborhood for its "show of force" if it was interested maintaining the peace", the statement noted.

The full statement reads:

"The Army's denial of an intention to arrest Kanu appears to be an after-thought after a failed operation. The military authorities that ordered the operation must have realised belatedly that they were not acting based on the dictates of the law.

"The truth of the matter is that only the court that granted Kanu bail can revoke it and legally order his re-arrest.

"Hence, the declaration by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami that Kanu had violated the conditions upon which he was granted bail, does not have the force of law until the court says so. Even after such a pronouncement comes from the court, it would be the duty of the police to effect the order. Police duties should be left for the police to do in a democracy. Since, Kanu's case is before a court, the Federal Government should allow the case to run its full course. Whatever fresh evidence the Attorney-General has against Kanu must be presented in court for the judge to decide.

"The military's major constitutional responsibility is to safeguard the nation's territorial integrity. If the military has to be deployed to assist the police to provide internal security, the Federal   Government not only needs to apply to the National Assembly for approval, it must subject the soldiers to civil training in line with international standards.

"The Federal Government has consistently refused to abide by the law in the deployment of the military to the Southeast and South-south regions of the country. This is a flagrant violation of the rule of law. This is no longer acceptable because rule of law is at the heart of democratic governance. Democracy can only survive when the rule of law is allowed to prevail.

"For Nigeria's fragile democracy to survive, the present administration needs to find solutions to the crisis it inherited instead of breeding fresh cases.

"Close to two years since it assumed office, this government is yet to subdue the Boko Haram terrorists. Marauding Fulani herdsmen have unleashed mayhem in many parts of the country while the government looks the other way. Incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, hired killings and other violent crimes are on the increase.

"This state of affairs cannot be separated from the current economic crunch in the country, which has imposed unprecedented hardship on the overwhelming majority of the populace. In addition to this, the government needs to dialogue with groups that are agitating for restructuring, resource control and secession.  Unless this happens, the government is likely going to face more challenges.

"The Niger Delta region may soon erupt for the umpteenth time. All the people of the Southeast zone including members of IPOB want from this government is fairness. If the government could regard the people of the Southeast and South-South regions as equal stake-holders in the Nigerian project, there would be peace. What both regions need is inclusiveness and not Operation Python Dance II or Crocodile Smile."

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Waiting for ASUU to end strike: What students can do!

ITRealms:

It has been a few years since students in Nigerians had to deal with long-term strikes; and just at the moment we thought the era of students having to stay an extra 2 to 3 years in school due to unnecessary strikes championed by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was over, they strike again.

It certainly felt like Deja Vu when the National President Of The Union, Dr. Biodun Ogunyemi, announced this last Monday at a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU in Abuja that there would be an indefinite strike and that during the strike, there will be no teaching, no examination and no attendance of statutory meetings of any kind in any of the union’s branches across the country.

There is some value in ASUU going on strike. They hope that issues such as payment of fractions/ non-payment of salaries, as well as Earned Academic Allowances (EAA); refusal to release the operational license of NUPEMCO; and the non-implementation of the provisions of the 2014 Pension Reform Act with respect to retired professors and their salaries, will be sorted.

It is easy for affected students to get into a lazy mode, where they sit around doing nothing or just meshing the entire time into one long continual nap fest…wasting valuable time and making no positive strides in their life all through the period of the strike.

If you are one of the affected students and you are wondering how you could possibly make this “indefinite” time worth your while, you may want to consider a handy list of helpful suggestions.

Start a Business
There is no age too young for becoming an entrepreneur. Use this period at home to start a small business. You could either sell products or render a service. The good thing is that you do not necessarily need a large capital to get yourself started. You also have the social media as a very important promotional tool.

You could start a home cleaning service or food delivery service…there are so many options.

Managing a business gives you a lot of opportunities to gain a lot of experience with will be beneficial when you eventually conclude your studies.

Learn a new skill
You finally have the time to learn a new skill. It could be photography, jewelry making, learning to play an instrument like the saxophone or guitar, baking, writing and producing music or playing a sport like football, tennis or volleyball. 

Take the time to learn it and get really good at it. Not only does it give you an edge and provide opportunities for a side hustle, it will help build your self-confidence and give you value for time invested.

Enroll for a professional certification course
The university might be closed but there are other avenues for learning. You can enroll in short courses online or for professional classes that will grant you certain qualifications that may become relevant in future.

 Even if you do not have the money to pay for these courses, you can go for free ones on portals like Coursera or Edx.

You don’t necessarily have to get a certificate; the idea is to acquire new knowledge that will be relevant to your career goals or aspirations.

Get a job
While you are at home, you might as well make a little money. Get a job as an intern or assistant in an office or company. You can even get a job as a paid apprentice at a salon or creative studio. 

Even more, you may decide to go for something freelance like writing or blogging.

The beauty of the internet is that you can get connected to so many job opportunities without necessarily breaking a sweat. 

The money made may not be the kind that will set you up for life, but it may be enough for extra chills…and then again, working would be fun and educational. You learn the value of time and money and attain the essence of work ethic and work culture.

Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the society or just do some good with your time. You can volunteer at NGOs or religious organizations, where the aim is to help others and better the society.

You could also get involved in a number of empowerment programs tailored for young people where certain skillsets you possess may be needed.

There is a measure of accomplishment and sense of fufilment that comes with serving humanity. It also exposes you to great opportunities like training, travel e.t.c.

Travel
There is never a bad time to travel. As a student, you may not have a lot of resources available for long leisurely trips, but you can visit another state within the country or just other cities within your state. Travelling can be fun and educational at the same time for students.

It is also a great way for students to learn more about the world around you and open yourself to alternative cultures tradition and lifestyles. You could travel to other African cities or continents if you can afford it or you have a sponsor as well. 

The important thing though, is that you keep your ear on the ground while on your travels, so you are well informed when the strike is called off.

Attend seminars and personal development events
The period at home maybe offer a great opportunity to improve on your social skills. Attend conferences and seminars as well as events. It does not have to be professional or vocational seminars or events. It could be events that offer opportunities to explore your hobbies or just enjoy yourself.

Also, it offers opportunities for networking and exposes you to new connections. It could be book readings, slam poetry competitions, meetups, concerts e.t.c

The truth is that being on an “indefinite” strike sucks; however, being positive about how you spin it, could make the time really worth your while. Can you think of other ways students can engage themselves pending when ASUU calls off the strike?

Contributed by Vivienne Ndem |I Instagram @kem_dem |T Twitter @ndemv 

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Right activists call for renew efforts to end violence against children

ITRealms:

As the world marks the 2016 Children's Day celebration, human right activists are calling for renewed efforts to end violence against children, reports ITRealms.

They noted that with the theme of this year’s Children’s Day, “Protect the rights of the child in the face of violence and insecurity: End child marriage” helps to shed a much needed light on the unprecedented levels of violence against children in Nigeria in the recent past and present.

In the North East, they acknowledged witnessing and continued to witness grave violations of children’s rights - killings, abductions, sexual violence and use in suicide bombings by Boko Haram. More than 1.2 million children have been displaced - more than half of them below the age of 5.

"However, children living away from the crisis in the northeast are also at risk of violence," UNICEF in a press statement said.

The  Nigeria  Violence Against Children Survey (carried out by the National Population Commission, with the support of UNICEF and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), launched by Government of Nigeria in September 2015, highlighted the  prevalence of sexual, physical, and emotional violence suffered by  children in Nigeria. The survey estimates that half of all children in Nigeria experience physical violence, one in four girls and one in ten boys experience sexual violence and one in six girls and one in five boys experience emotional violence before they reach the age of 18 years.  Less than 4% get the help they need to recover.

In response, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Year of Action to End Violence Against Children on 15 September 2015, in conjunction with the National Priority Actions, which not only set out the key actions of national Ministries and Agencies, but also of NGOs, religious groups and the media. He called upon all States to launch their own campaigns and every Nigerian to play their part in ending violence against children.

Progress has been made. Lagos was the first State to heed the President’s call, launching their own campaign and priority actions in February 2016. Cross River will be the second in June 2016. Bayelsa State domesticated the Child Rights Act. Nine States, with funding from USAID and the European Union, have joined together to develop a model child protection system in order to translate this essential Act into reality. 12 States will hold #iMarch4Children marches today to raise societal awareness on the prevalence and impact of violence against children.

“This year’s Children’s Day offers the opportunity to highlight the significant pledges made  by the Federal Government, NGOs, religious groups and the media last September to join hands to end violence against children, and call for renewed efforts by all stakeholders to turn the commitments they made into action for children”, said Jean Gough, Representative UNICEF Nigeria. 

There is no better time than today to take action. Together, let’s end violence against children.

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