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Odeyemi Score Card: Decay in NIPOST, an eye soars—President Nigerian Auctioneers

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Odeyemi Score Card: Decay in NIPOST, an eye soars—President Nigerian Auctioneers

By: Our Reporter

The President of the National Association of Auctioneers, Mr. Musa Kurra, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to save the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, for lack of competence, self-absentism in the office, and staff intimidation, among others.

Mr. Musa Kurra, who calls for the sacking of Tola Odeyemi, said the state of abandonment of NIPOST services should not be condoned or entertained again, seeing that the Chief Executive of NIPOST has no credentials to run the organization properly.

He said her attitude towards managing the organization did not reflect the renewed hope initiative of Mr. President, stating that the earlier the President acted, the better for his government, as numerous pieces of evidence have pointed out that Tola Odeyemi is not ready for the job and has misplaced the reason Mr. President appointed her in the first place.

NIPOST hub video

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on October 11, 2023, sacked former NIPOST CEO Adeyemi Adepoju and appointed Tola Odeyemi as the new postmaster general. However, things got worse when the new CEO abandoned the NIPOST mandate of mail conveyance and delivery of local and international items at different agencies’s posts, which he described as unacceptable.

*Calls on President Tinubu to remove PMG

“We also have evidence that the new CEO only comes to the office when she wants, despite the fact that she is in-country. This shows that she is not ready for the job. Her attitude is making Nigerians, who are losing millions of naira, see the Tinubu administration as a government that is not living up to its mandate of renewed hope.

“We also have evidence that the current PMG hired six personal assistants privately to help her barricade individuals coming for official engagement, including the agency staff and directors in the agency, which is contrary to the civil service rule.

“As if that is not enough, staff have complaints that she always brings with her personnel of the Department of State Security who are with her to official meetings with management, which they view as a clear threat to participants in the meeting as these DSS personnel intimidate and harass staff who want to express their displeasure with her excesses.”

According to him, the PMGs abandonment of customer valuables is more visible at the NIPOST international hub at the Ikeja airports, their office at Shamolu, Wise, and major offices at the state capitals. “There is also an upsurge in court and claims cases against NIPOST by customers whose postal items were left to decay. Just recently, we sited a NIPOST truck on the premises of a court in Niger State. Upon inquiry, we got to know that the truck was impounded as a result of a court case against NIPOST in a suit by a customer whose items of value were not delivered on time and left to rot.”

  • Renewed hope agenda clocks one year: for NIPOST, it has been eight months of reversed under Ms. Odeyemi.

A staff member of the agency, who prefers not to be mentioned, confirmed claims by Alhaji Musa Kurra regarding the decay in the Nigerian postal service since the new PMG took over in October last year.

According to him, as things stand, it is obvious that the core mandate of NIPOST, which centers on the conveyance and delivery of local and international postal items, is being neglected or abandoned, and this is manifesting in widespread complaints from customers whose items have been abandoned to decay in the agency’s offices across the country, especially at the international office within NAHCO in Lagos.

“The NIPOST’s dwindling fortunes seem to have been compounded by the unconcerned leadership style of the current Postmaster General, who hardly stays in the office to work and runs exclusive administration.

“Mrs. Odeyemi runs NIPOST with her retinue of non-service personal assistants and security personnel, numbering about eight, to the exclusion of all segments of the agency’s staff, junior and senior, including directors and even staff union leadership. These staff hardly have access to the Postmaster General, even on the few days and hours she comes to the office.

“This display of arrogance and unwillingness to work results in the current predicament, which may lead to NIPOST losing nearly 12,000 staff. The agency is one that supports the growth of the Nigerian economy; however, the agency has been turned into a conduit pipe where billions of naira are being swindled, severely damaging the economy.” He said

Speaking further, he said that as the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clocks one year with notable achievements in some sectors of the economy, it has been a tale of woes and reversed hope for NIPOST, its customers, and even staff members under the clueless leadership of the current PMG.

  • Further Concern from a Longtime Customer of NiPOST

While lamenting the decay in NIPOST, Mr. Musa Kurra said the last eight years of NIPOST represent a period of unparalleled stagnation or even retrogression in the history of NIPOST.

He posited that between October 2023, when this PMG assumed office, and now, the hitherto rising profile and quality of services of the organization have witnessed a steady and dangerous decline. He decries the PMGs abandonment of the core mandate of NIPOST, which is the collection, distribution, and delivery of postal items, both locally and internationally.

Our findings revealed an upsurge in complaints from NIPOST customers whose postal items have been abandoned for months and left to rot or decay in many of the NIPOST offices across the country. It was gathered that customers had stormed the offices of the PCC, including the headquarters in Abuja, to complain about the manner in which NIPOST failed to deliver important documents or valuables, a situation that also informed many court cases across the states.

Mr. Musa Kurra, who is concerned about the deteriorating situation at NIPOST, said, “We recalled that NIPOST quality of services and revenue had started to witness improvement prior to the change that brought Ms. Odeyemi on board.” For the past eight months, NIPOST has been on auto-drive while the quality of services and revenue have taken a nose dive.

“The little revenue of the organization is being spent on maintaining the flamboyant lifestyle of Ms. Odeyemi along with her convoy of cars. About five special assistants recruited from outside, about four DSS operatives, etc. We also learned that she has been using the name of the Honourable Minister of Communication to illegally siphon money from NIPOST.

“We have on good authority that late last year a gathering was organized at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Center, where her selected friends and cronies from the private sector were invited, but many key staff and directors of NIPOST, including the unions, were left out. Her explanation was that the event was organized by the Minister; however, she turned around to pressure some staff of NIPOST to inappropriately pull out millions of naira from NIPOST to cover the cost of the event.

“We gathered from some of the unions that currently, instead of coming up with ideas and programs that will uplift NIPOST, Ms. Odeyemi is busy chasing her contacts in the Villa and National Assembly to secure a change in the NIPOST Act amendment that has been in the National Assembly for about three years, in such a manner as to empower her to alter NIPOST structure, retrenched NIPOST staff, and bring in her cronies from outside as executive directors and principal officers.

“It is a known fact that structure is not and has never been the real problem of NIPOST. The problem is purposeful leadership, as was provided by the late Alhaji Argungu of blessed memory and lately by Hon. Adepoju. The last eight months have been a wasteful period in the life of NIPOST. Ms. Odeyemi has displayed a lack of capacity and a deficiency in knowledge, experience, and character to lead an organization of NIPOST size and complexity. She is a square peg in a round hole.

“To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her contacts in the Villa and National Assembly, we urged you to request that Ms. Odeyemi submit her score card for the past eight months. If she does, it would be noticed that all the ideas, programs, and activities NIPOST has been running are those developed by successful predecessors relying on the same system and structure she is seeking to recreate at greater cost and with less prospect of benefit to the nation.” Mr. Musa Kurra said as he appealed to Mr. President to see Ms. Odeyemi as a mistake that needed to be corrected without further delay.

Odeyemi Score Card: Decay in NIPOST, an eye soars—President Nigerian Auctioneers

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Concerns Rise Over Security and Governance In Benue State

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November 20, 2025

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Concerns Rise Over Security and Governance In Benue State

By: Michael Mike

The Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR) has expressed deep concern over the worsening security and administrative situation in Benue State under Governor Hyacinth Alia.

In a press statement read by Comrade Adebayo Lion Ogory in Abuja, CEDEHUR highlighted a series of violent incidents affecting communities across the state, particularly in Turan (Kwande LGA), Logo, Gwer West, and Agatu.

The group noted that attacks by armed herdsmen have resulted in deaths, displacement, and disruption of farming activities, a vital component of the state’s economy.

The organization also raised concerns over alleged administrative failures and financial mismanagement in several state agencies, including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Bureau for Quality Assurance and Examination Board, Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), and the Bureau of Solid Minerals.

CEDEHUR cited reports of irregular contract awards, diversion of funds, and overall institutional inefficiency.

Further, the group reported ongoing illegal mining activities in protected areas involving foreign operators, claiming that the state government had failed to intervene. Last weekend, two young men were reportedly killed in Turan following mining activities in the area.

CEDEHUR also expressed concern over directives allegedly issued by Governor Alia restricting public gatherings without official approval, warning that such measures could undermine civil liberties.

They called for clarity from APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda regarding the party’s role in these directives.

The organization urged federal authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police, to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement, human rights violations, and security breaches in the state.

CEDEHUR further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a meeting with Benue stakeholders to address the escalating crisis and called for the immediate halt of illegal mining operations and political thuggery across the state.

The group warned that without swift intervention, insecurity and governance challenges in Benue could escalate, threatening lives, livelihoods, and public confidence in the state government.

Concerns Rise Over Security and Governance In Benue State

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Agribusiness Conglomerate Targets Over 6,000 Jobs With Multi-million Dollar Investments In Nigeria

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6 hours ago

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November 20, 2025

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Agribusiness Conglomerate Targets Over 6,000 Jobs With Multi-million Dollar Investments In Nigeria

As VP Shettima hails decision, assures security of investments

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has hailed the multi-million-dollar investment portfolio by African agribusiness conglomerate, Export Trading Group (ETG), in Nigeria, assuring that ongoing reforms by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will guarantee the company’s investments.

According to him, the company’s interests across agro-logistics, fertilizer systems, seed production and industrial processing, among others, is commendable and fully aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday when he received, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, a delegation from the ETG led by its Global Chief Operating Officer, Mr Niren Murugan.

“You have been in the country since 2010, but this time around, you have decided to play a more active role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. This is where the action is. We have the population and abundance of resources for your investments to thrive.

“All your investment decisions are wonderful. I am particularly thrilled by your interventions especially in seed development, oil processing, fertilizer blending, and agricultural extension services, among others. I commend the efforts of your team in Nigeria in the selection of locations for the proposed Centres of Excellence,” he stated.

The Vice President urged the company to explore the abundant opportunities across the country to expand its stakes in the country’s agricultural value chain, particularly in boosting food production.

Earlier, ETG’s Global COO, Murugan, said his visit was to inform the VP of the company’s investment portfolio in Nigeria, seek high-level alignment, secure government guidance and accelerate coordination with stakeholders in the public sectors across all levels.

He announced the take-off of the company’s expanded multi-million-dollar oil processing facility in Sagamu Ogun State by the second quarter of 2026, disclosing proposed investment pipelines in fertilizer blending, seed production and integrated agro-logistics, among others.

The COO also disclosed a collaboration to establish Centres of Agro-Excellence in seven states of Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Ekiti, Jigawa, Nasarawa and Borno to serve as regional hubs for the provision of inputs, mechanisation, storage, and primary processing, among others.

On his part, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the conglomerate to harness the vast agricultural potentials of the state.

He said the state government has, on its part, carried sweeping reforms aimed at not only boosting agricultural productivity, but in building a sub-national economy that serves the rest of the country and gives the state an edge in revenue generation and food production.

Governor Otu also spoke about the state government’s vision to attract investments in port facilities, particularly the Bakassi Deep Seaport and Calabar Port projects.

“We can match your vision end-to-end. We have the land, the mineral resources and the enabling environment to make it happen,” the Governor assured the company.

Also present at the event were the company’s Business Manager in Nigeria, Mr Ogu Goodluck; ETG’s Senior Business Development Manager, Mr Bharat Shinde, and the company’s CFO, Amin Ahmad.

Agribusiness Conglomerate Targets Over 6,000 Jobs With Multi-million Dollar Investments In Nigeria

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Nigerian Engineering Olympiad Launched to Strengthen Global Engineering Competitiveness

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6 hours ago

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November 20, 2025

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Nigerian Engineering Olympiad Launched to Strengthen Global Engineering Competitiveness

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has expressed commitment to bolstering engineering education in the country through linking academia with industry sector to bring about meaningful growth in Nigeria.

Nigeria while announcing a bold step toward strengthening its global engineering competitiveness with the launch of the maiden Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), an initiative the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), expressed willingness to transform university inventions into market-ready technologies capable of advancing national development.

Speaking during inauguration of the maiden Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), a national programme designed to identify, nurture, and commercialise engineering talent across tertiary institutions, the President of NSE, Margaret Oguntala, disclosed that the Olympiad aims at tackling pressing needs in infrastructure, manufacturing, energy transition, sustainability, and digital technology, as ultimate goal to produce a generation of job creating engineers, problem solvers, and globally competitive innovators.

The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad was organised by Enactus Nigeria in partnership with NSE, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Renaissance Africa Energy Company (RAEC), and the First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P).

Oguntala said, “As the foremost Engineering professional body, NSE believes that the addition of new ideas is critical for professional development and community impact.

“Every great invention in history began with an idea. All the transformations humanity has seen from the steam engine, to towering skyscrapers, electricity, internet, and artificial intelligence started as ideas acted upon.

“Ideas do shape the world. The power of ideas in transforming societies cannot be overemphasised; indeed, great nations have stood on the shoulders of men and women of ideas to advance growth and development.

“Nigeria is brimming with such creative minds in our universities. In our quest to turn technological development as a nation, NEO offers dynamic platform for students to unleash innovative capacity, as collective effort to create environment where ideation can truly thrive.”

Oguntala, also Chairman-in-Council of the NSE, stressed the need for stakeholders from across government agencies, academia, industry leaders and media to prioritise NEO.

According to her, the Olympiad creates a structured pipeline—regional contests, prototype bootcamps, iterative design, product validation, intellectual property support and a national finale in April 2026—designed to take ideas from concept to commercialization.

She described the Olympiad as “a national innovation incubator” that will provide mentorship, seed funding and technical guidance to the top teams.

Oguntala also highlighted NSE’s recent $17.4 million partnership with MIDAS IT of India to supply advanced engineering design software to 15 universities, a step she said would “strengthen academic excellence and prepare young engineers for global competitiveness.”

She reiterated that the Olympiad reflects Nigeria’s determination to elevate its technological capacity and compete on a global scale.

She said: “Today, we ignite a spark that will light the way for Nigeria’s engineering future. The innovations born from this Olympiad could become the solutions that drive our industries, improve our infrastructure and uplift our communities.”

In a remark, Executive-Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Omatsola Ogbe commended Olympiad for aligning with the Federal Government’s policy drive for indigenous innovation and industrial competitiveness.

Ogbe, represented by Director Capacity Building of NCDMB, Abayomi Bamidele explained ongoing capacity building programmes in petroleum engineering, robotics, digital technology, and advanced technical disciplines efforts would help to reinforce the Olympiad’s talent pipeline.

He disclosed that industry surveys showed not less than 79 per cent of engineering graduates lacked practical and hands-on competencies aligned with global standards a challenge NCDMB says must be addressed urgently.

According to him, engineering skills deficit contributed to shortage of competent local engineers, heavy reliance on expatriates, and increasing brain drain

“Nigeria has a population exceeding 237 million people, nearly half of West Africa, yet only about 5 per cent of our engineering graduates are industry ready at graduation.

“This Olympiad provides a structured pathway to identify and support young innovators who can design solutions for our national challenges,” he said.

For his part, Enactus Nigeria’s Country Director, Michael Ajayi, said that national-scale impact can only come from strong collaboration across government, private sector, and civil society.

Ajayi said: “This partnership proves that when we combine policy support, private-sector systems, and nonprofit expertise, we can deliver transformational impact not just for individuals, but for entire industries.

“Olympiad’s objectives include encouraging students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life problem-solving and enabling them to build engineering-driven businesses that generate jobs and wealth.”

He disclosed that the Olympiad was designed to run a seven-month cycle and will feature regional contests, intensive mentorship, prototype development, and a national grand finale scheduled to hold in April 2026.

First E&P’s General Manager for Integrated Gas Development, Yetunde Taiwo, said the company’s involvement stems from a commitment to innovation and talent development.

She said: “Our core values are around fostering talent, innovation and entrepreneurship. Some of the perennial challenges we see in the industry can actually be solved by these very bright young minds.”

She added that engaging students early with real industry problems could help reduce brain drain by creating clear pathways into the workforce.

Representing Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Nigerian content manager Olanrewaju Olawunyi said their support reflects a longstanding commitment to developing human capital.

“We are made in Nigeria, we’re built for Africa. We invest in people. People are our biggest resource.”

He noted that Renaissance funds STEM education from primary to tertiary levels and runs fully funded scholarships—including sending candidates from the Niger Delta overseas for postgraduate studies.

“This is not just a flash. All our programs are annual and fully funded, and we also pay students during internships.”

On behalf of the Minister of Youth Development, Technical Adviser Ebiho Agun said the Olympiad aligns fully with government priorities and the nation’s long-term workforce needs.

“It provides young minds with the opportunity to stretch their imagination, deepen technical abilities, and demonstrate excellence on a national and international stage,” he said.

He described the initiative as “a catalyst for mentorship, discovery and long-term career development,” urging participants to seize the opportunity: “You are the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future. remain steadfast in your pursuit of excellence.”

Nigerian Engineering Olympiad Launched to Strengthen Global Engineering Competitiveness

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