Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a decision he will never regret.

Speaking on Saturday in Uyo during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally sent a message to the governor, assuring him that the APC would be home to him and his supporters.

“This party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken,” Shettima declared. “Mr. President asked me to assure you personally—no one will question your place here.”

Describing Tinubu as a “bridge-builder” and “deep-rooted democrat,” the Vice President praised the president’s enduring commitment to democratic values, recalling how he stood firm during challenging political periods in Nigeria’s history.

“Few figures in our national history have given as much and demanded so little in return,” Shettima said, referencing Tinubu’s past political sacrifices.

The Vice President noted that the APC is not a party driven by media hype but by vision, merit, and loyalty. “We are not just a political platform; we are a movement,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno said he joined the APC to align with the Tinubu-led administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and fast-track the realization of key infrastructural projects, including the long-delayed Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom.

“My progressive state movement is predicated on enlightened state interest—to support Mr. President’s bold and audacious reforms,” the governor said.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed the governor and his supporters, hailing the massive turnout as a demonstration of public trust in the APC.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the significance of the governor’s defection, describing it not as just a political move but as a full-fledged “movement.” He assured Akwa Ibom citizens of the federal government’s support for development projects in the state.

Other notable speakers included Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who commended Governor Eno’s decision, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who declared the South-South zone’s full alignment with the federal government.

The event climaxed with the presentation of the APC flag and broom to Governor Eno, symbolizing his official welcome into the party and reaffirming the APC’s stance as a vehicle of national progress.

Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder

250 female golfers storms Minna for Northern zone National championship

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The female golfers association of Nigeria is organizing a national championship featuring 250 ladies from across the Country on a four days championship at the Minna Military Cantonment.

Vice President of the ladies Golf Association, Dr. Onayi Ahmed while speaking to Sports writers in Minna during the teeing off the championship noted that the 250 female golfers are drawn from over 25 golf clubs from the North and other invited golfers across the country.

She explained that, the Lady golfers decided to shift the hosting of the championship from Abuja to Minna to encourage more women embracing the game of golf in other parts of the Country.

She also hinted that they had equally played at Kano before coming to Minna adding that their intention was to popularize the game of golf across the Country especially among the womenfolk.

The lady golfers association’s Vice President disclosed that the championship is a world amateur golf rating standard competition that is to be played in over 54 holes from Wednesday 18th June to today Saturday 21st of June 2025.

According to her, to spice up the event men will be allowed to participate as guest players stressing that the event is aimed at fostering unity, peace and promoting expertise among the womenfolk in the country.

She further noted that, the championship of the competition from day one Thursday is for ladies with handicap 0 to 28 and those in handicap category of 29 to 36 as well as veteran ladies.

The final round of the four days championship will produce the best 45 ladies who are to make the final cut even as the men handicap 0 to 28 will also play their final on Saturday.

As a rewards, the best three performing clubs are expected to smile home with rewards later today.

250 female golfers storms Minna for Northern zone National championship

IOM Applauds Nigeria’s Migration Reforms, Disaster Preparedness

** As VP Shettima calls for collaboration to tackle migration, ecological disruptions

By: Our Reporter

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has commended Nigeria’s significant strides in migration governance and disaster preparedness.

This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for enhanced partnership to address the humanitarian challenges facing crisis-affected regions across the country.

He said there was an urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the interconnected problems of climate change and migration across Nigeria, as they are directly linked to the economic well-being of the population.

Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the IOM led by its Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, at the Presidential Villa, the Vice President called for practical and inclusive solutions to the complex intersection of migration, poverty, conflict, and ecological disruption.

“I have worked with the IOM for a long time, from my days as Governor in Borno State, and I must commend your remarkable interventions in supporting our people. But much more pragmatic and all-inclusive solutions are needed.

“I urge you to support us in the North Central, so we can have a win-win, workable solution that fosters unity and brings progress to our people,” VP Shettima said.

He decried poverty, illiteracy, and environmental degradation fuelling displacement and insecurity across several regions, saying, “There is an incestuous relationship between ecology and economy in sub-Saharan Africa.

“You cannot divorce the challenges of migration from climate-induced effects. Even the crises in the North-East, North-West and North-Central have direct links between poverty and violence,” he added.

Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Shettima added: “We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools. We are essentially one people with a common destiny, united by our common challenges. We have no business fighting each other. We should fight poverty, illiteracy, and gender disempowerment.”

He also urged the IOM to scale up support for gender empowerment and land reclamation efforts, particularly in areas affected by deforestation and displacement.

In her remarks, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche, praised Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in migration governance and disaster preparedness, noting that the diversity of the country presents both challenges and opportunities for tailored interventions.

“Since I came to Nigeria, what I have seen is remarkable. Every state is different. It’s like one Africa wrapped into one country. We are particularly impressed with the launch of the State Action Plan on Floods and the Framework for Anticipatory Action for Nigeria,” Dimanche said.

She reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s durable solutions agenda, including through data provision, shelter support, climate resilience initiatives, and youth empowerment.

“As I take over office, we seek the government’s guidance on areas to focus. One of our key priorities is working to provide sustainable solutions and opportunities for people affected by crisis.

“I will like to request for a special initiative where we can co-work with your office and mobilise resources for more durable solutions to immigration, youth empowerment and climate resilience,” she stated.

IOM Applauds Nigeria’s Migration Reforms, Disaster Preparedness