The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has introduced a new leadership succession model aimed at ending rancour, factionalisation and prolonged disputes that have historically accompanied transitions within the association.

Under the new arrangement, the elected Deputy President of PENGASSAN will automatically succeed the President, effectively eliminating a fresh contest for the presidency at the point of transition.

PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja during a day of tributes organised by the association in honour of its late former president, Francis Johnson.

Johnson served as PENGASSAN President from June 2014 to May 31, 2019, before his death on May 31, 2019, at the National Hospital, Abuja, following a brief illness.

Osifo said the experience surrounding Johnson’s death and the leadership vacuum that followed reinforced the need for the association to build a more predictable and orderly succession system.

According to him, PENGASSAN amended its constitution in August 2025 after examining succession arrangements adopted by prominent professional and membership organisations in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

He explained that the association eventually settled for a model similar to that of ICAN, where the person positioned to become president is known ahead of the transition.

“In PENGASSAN, whoever is the deputy president elected is going to automatically become the president. So, there is no contestation again in the office of the president.”

Osifo said the arrangement was designed to remove the intense competition associated with presidential elections and reduce the tension, factionalisation and instability that can arise when several contenders compete for the same position.

He said the impact of the reform was already being felt ahead of PENGASSAN’s next leadership transition.

“Normally, two years before transition in PENGASSAN, you will see problems everywhere. But I will tell you, 100 per cent stability. The National Executive Council and the Central Working Committee, we are intact. The transition is going smoothly. There is no issue as of today whatsoever,” he said.

The PENGASSAN president described the new succession model as one of the major legacies of the current administration, saying it would help protect the association from internal distractions and enable its leadership to concentrate on its core responsibilities.

He said the constitutional amendment was unanimously approved in August 2025 after the union undertook a review of different succession models and sought to identify the system best suited to its structure.

The reform comes as PENGASSAN prepares for its delegates conference scheduled for August 22, 2026, when the next leadership transition is expected to take place.

With the successor already determined through the constitutional succession arrangement, the association hopes to make the transition less about political competition and more about continuity, stability and institutional development.

For a major professional association representing senior staff in Nigeria’s petroleum and natural gas industry, the move could mark a significant shift in how leadership transitions are managed.

Rather than allowing succession contests to dominate the organisation’s attention, PENGASSAN’s new model seeks to ensure that leadership change is predictable, orderly and focused on preserving the stability of the institution.

Osifo said the objective is ultimately to ensure that PENGASSAN remains focused on its responsibilities and does not become consumed by internal battles over who succeeds the incumbent president.

The August 22 delegates conference will therefore provide the first major test of the new succession framework and could establish a new precedent for leadership transition within the association.

The people of Umunneochi Local Government Area on Friday rolled out the drums in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, hosting him to a grand civic reception at Peace Secondary School, Amuda, Isuochi, in recognition of what they described as his remarkable developmental strides across the area and the state.

The colourful event, held on July 24, 2026, attracted political leaders, traditional stakeholders, community leaders, and residents, who unanimously reaffirmed their confidence in Governor Otti’s leadership and endorsed him for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, equitable development, and sustained transformation in every part of Abia State.

He declared that Abia had permanently departed from the era of poor governance and underdevelopment, assuring the people that the state would continue on the path of progress and prosperity.

According to the Governor, his administration remains focused on ensuring that no community is left behind in the ongoing transformation of the state. He announced that the long-awaited Mmam Bridge, which was captured in the 2026 budget following engagements with stakeholders from Umunneochi, would soon become a reality alongside other critical infrastructure projects.

Governor Otti stressed that investments in free and quality education, modern road infrastructure, healthcare, and other people-oriented programmes remain central to his administration’s vision of building a prosperous Abia.

“This is your government, and because it is your government, we will continue to invest in your future through education, infrastructure and other people-oriented projects,” the Governor said.

In another major announcement, Governor Otti disclosed that the state’s Electric Bus Green Shuttle Scheme would soon be extended to Umunneochi following the arrival of over 20 additional electric buses.

He revealed that new transport routes linking Umuahia–Umunneochi and Umuahia–Okigwe–Uturu–Abia State University (ABSU) would soon commence operations to improve mobility, reduce transportation costs, and make commuting easier for residents, students, and visitors.

On security, the Governor commended the people for supporting the government’s efforts in combating crime, noting that peace and security remain indispensable to development.

He warned criminals to either abandon their activities or leave the state, stressing that his administration would continue to pursue every criminal element threatening the peace of Abia.

The civic reception also witnessed overwhelming commendations from prominent leaders across Abia North.

Among those who spoke were Labour Party Abia North Senatorial candidate, Chief David Ogba Onuoha; the Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah; Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Mathias Umeh; and elder statesman and former Minister of Education and Health, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike.

The leaders praised Governor Otti for restoring public confidence in government through transparent leadership and visible achievements in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, and security.

They unanimously declared that the Governor had demonstrated exceptional leadership deserving of another mandate in 2027.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ngozi Azode; Mayor of Umunneochi, Chief Sunny Afurobi; Mr. Uche Okoroafor; and the representative of the Northern community in Umuchieze, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi, applauded the Governor’s people-centred leadership style.

They highlighted several interventions already delivered in Umunneochi, including the restoration of security, approval for a brand-new General Hospital, the retrofitting of 19 Primary Healthcare Centres—12 of which are already operational—road construction projects, and significant improvements in educational infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of the Northern community, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi described Governor Otti as a leader whose actions consistently match his promises, noting that Umunneochi has become significantly more peaceful due to the administration’s decisive security measures.

One of the major highlights of the event was the formal reception of new members into the Labour Party.

The Governor, alongside the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, officially presented the party flag to the new entrants, who were led by the 2023 PDP Deputy Governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Jasper Uche, in what observers described as another boost for the ruling party’s growing political strength in the state.

The event drew a large gathering of political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, party faithful, and supporters from different parts of Abia State, underscoring the growing popularity of Governor Otti’s administration and the widespread support for its developmental agenda.

The Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) has intensified its enforcement of physical planning regulations by sealing a building under construction in Mbala Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area, over multiple violations of established building standards.

The enforcement action, carried out on Thursday, July 24, 2026, was led by the Director General of GODA, Elder Engr. Obinna Odum, after the developer allegedly failed to comply with repeated directives to regularize the project and obtain the necessary development approvals.

According to the Authority, the building was found to be in violation of key physical planning regulations, including the failure to secure the mandatory development permit, inadequate building setback, and other breaches of approved planning standards.

Speaking during the exercise, Elder Engr. Odum reiterated the Abia State Government’s unwavering commitment to enforcing physical planning laws across the state. He stated that the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, remains focused on promoting orderly urban development, safeguarding public safety, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

He stressed that compliance with planning regulations is not optional, emphasizing that no individual or organization is above the law. He warned that developers who commence construction without obtaining the required government approvals or who violate approved building standards would continue to face appropriate sanctions.

The Director General explained that building regulations are designed to protect lives and property, reduce environmental risks, and encourage the development of well-planned, safe, and aesthetically appealing communities.

He therefore urged all property developers, investors, and residents to obtain the necessary approvals from the relevant government agencies before embarking on any construction project, noting that adherence to planning regulations is essential for sustainable development and the overall growth of Abia State.

The latest enforcement exercise underscores the Abia State Government’s determination to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all physical developments conform to approved standards in the interest of public safety and sustainable urban development.

Abia State is set to take another significant step toward becoming Nigeria’s emerging industrial powerhouse as Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has thrown his weight behind a proposed $13.1 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station project to be located in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.

The proposed project, championed by a consortium of automobile and energy investors, is expected to revolutionize clean energy supply, power industries, create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and strengthen Abia’s position as the economic gateway of the South-East.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation of investors led by automobile entrepreneur Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank at Government House, Umuahia.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Otti described Owaza as the natural choice for such a strategic investment because of its abundant commercial gas deposits and ongoing oil and gas exploration activities.

The Governor explained that the proposed 14.13 Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (MMSCFD) CNG Mother Station perfectly aligns with his administration’s vision of industrialisation, clean energy adoption, and sustainable economic growth.

According to him, the availability of gas resources, coupled with the rapid development taking place at the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), makes Abia one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for industrial investment.

He assured the investors that the state government would facilitate discussions regarding their request for land within the AIIP and explore a mutually beneficial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to bring the project to reality.

In another major announcement, Governor Otti revealed that the state has already taken delivery of 20 additional electric buses, while another 30 buses are expected to arrive before September 2026.

The move further reinforces the administration’s commitment to cleaner transportation, reduced carbon emissions, and affordable public transport for residents.

Leader of the investor delegation, Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank, said his team represents automobile manufacturers and development partners interested in introducing affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles into Nigeria.

He expressed confidence in Governor Otti’s industrial vision and called for strong collaboration with the Abia State Government to develop a modern transportation ecosystem through a Public-Private Partnership.

Providing further insight into the investment, Director of Earthoc Gas Limited, Mr. Odim Kalu, disclosed that the proposed CNG Mother Station will cost approximately $13.1 million.

According to him, the facility is designed to serve both the industrial and transportation sectors while positioning Abia as the primary gas distribution hub for the South-East region.

Kalu explained that Owaza was selected because of its vast natural gas reserves, adding that the project will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, lower industrial energy costs, improve air quality, and stimulate economic growth across the state.

“We are here to align with the vision of the Governor. Our intention is to build an investment that will ensure the people of Abia directly benefit from this project,” he said.

He further noted that Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and alternative energy makes the project timely and strategic, while appealing for government support in areas such as land acquisition, infrastructure, security, and the proposed PPP arrangement.

The proposed CNG project adds to the growing list of major investments being attracted into Abia under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

From the rapid development of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, expansion of clean transportation through electric buses, and renewed investor confidence, the state continues to position itself as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing destinations for manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure development.

If successfully implemented, the Owaza CNG Mother Station is expected to become a catalyst for industrial expansion, cleaner transportation, job creation, and long-term economic prosperity—not only for Abia State but for the entire South-East region.

Abia State has recorded another major milestone on Nigeria’s development landscape, emerging as the third fastest-improving state in the country in the 2026 Philips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI) Momentum Index.

The latest ranking highlights the remarkable pace of transformation under the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, reinforcing growing national recognition of the state’s governance reforms, infrastructure renewal and people-focused development agenda.

According to the 2026 Momentum Index, which assessed the rate of progress made by 33 Nigerian states during the review period, Abia recorded a positive momentum score of +0.67, placing it behind only:

1. Enugu State – +1.15
2. Jigawa State – +0.77
3. Abia State – +0.67

The state ranked ahead of Osun, Kano, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Anambra, and many other states, underscoring the speed of its ongoing transformation.

The Momentum Index evaluates how rapidly states are improving relative to the national average. Positive scores indicate above-average progress, while negative scores suggest slower rates of development.

Abia’s impressive performance reflects the impact of Governor Alex Otti’s broad reform agenda, which has focused on rebuilding critical sectors and restoring confidence in governance.

Since assuming office, the administration has pursued strategic investments across:

• Road and transport infrastructure
• Education reforms and Smart Schools
• Healthcare revitalisation
• Digital transformation
• Public sector reforms
• Security enhancement
• Agriculture and food security
• Investment promotion
• Industrial revival
• Youth empowerment
• Revenue administration and fiscal discipline

These reforms are increasingly attracting national attention and independent recognition from policy analysts and development institutions.

Observers say Abia’s rapid rise is the result of deliberate governance anchored on transparency, accountability, prudent resource management and efficient service delivery.

Major projects—including the reconstruction of strategic road networks, the rollout of technology-driven Smart Schools, healthcare improvements and business-friendly policies—have strengthened investor confidence while improving the quality of life for residents.

The state’s emphasis on innovation, digital governance and infrastructure renewal continues to position Abia as one of Nigeria’s emerging destinations for investment and sustainable development.

The Philips Consulting ranking serves as an independent assessment of the progress being made in Abia and provides further evidence that the state’s development agenda is delivering measurable outcomes.

Beyond improving public infrastructure, the reforms are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth, job creation and improved public service delivery.

As the administration continues to implement its vision for a New Abia, government officials say efforts will remain focused on consolidating existing gains while accelerating projects that promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

With this latest national recognition, Abia is increasingly being viewed as one of Nigeria’s strongest examples of transformational governance, where strategic leadership, fiscal discipline and purposeful reforms are translating into measurable progress.

The Nigerian military has recorded another major success in the fight against banditry and kidnapping, as troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 27 kidnapped victims and foiled an attempted mass abduction during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The operations, carried out over the past two days, underscore the military’s sustained offensive against criminal elements operating across the North-West.

According to security analyst Bakatsine, troops responded swiftly to intelligence about an attempted mass abduction along the Gummi–Sokoto Highway, confronting the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle.

The timely intervention forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene, preventing what could have been a large-scale kidnapping of commuters and residents.

In separate rescue operations across Sokoto and Zamfara states, the troops successfully freed 27 victims who had earlier been abducted by criminal gangs. The rescued individuals have since been safely reunited with their families.

The military also recovered several livestock and motorcycles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing criminals during the operations.

Commending the troops, Bakatsine praised their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and restoring security in the region.

The latest operation adds to ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across Nigeria’s North-West, where communities have continued to face threats from armed bandits and kidnappers.

Security experts believe sustained military offensives, backed by actionable intelligence and community cooperation, remain crucial to defeating criminal groups and ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a ₦2 billion intervention to support the establishment of a modern Akwete Weaving and Research Centre in Abia State, describing the centuries-old indigenous fabric as a priceless cultural heritage that deserves national and global recognition.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during her official civic engagement with members of the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society in Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area, where she toured the cooperative, interacted with women weavers, and watched demonstrations of the traditional hand-weaving process.

Speaking at the event held at Township School, Akwete, the First Lady said the proposed centre would serve as both a production hub and a research institution to preserve the rich weaving tradition while embracing modern technology to expand its economic potential.

She urged Nigerians to embrace locally made fabrics, insisting that Akwete cloth deserves the same national acceptance enjoyed by Yoruba textiles such as Aso Oke and Adire.

“The Igbos should take Akwete to the nation. We all wear tie and dye from Yoruba land. We wear Aso Oke. Why not Akwete? It is a beautiful fabric,” she said.

Announcing the donation, Mrs. Tinubu added:

“I have told the Governor that I am donating ₦2 billion to this project. I believe the funds will be put to good use.”

The First Lady revealed that her interest in Akwete weaving began after watching a documentary on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She admitted she initially thought the fabric originated from Ghana before discovering it was produced in Abia State, a discovery that inspired her visit to the community.

She commended the craftsmanship of the women and encouraged them to preserve the authenticity of the fabric while exploring modern applications beyond traditional wrappers, including fashion, home décor, and other commercial products.

Otti: We Have Been Reviving Akwete Since 2023

Welcoming the First Lady, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, disclosed that the visit was initiated by Senator Tinubu herself after she developed a keen interest in the Akwete weaving tradition.

“The truth is that you invited yourself. This is your initiative, and you followed up with us to ensure that this visit happened. I want to thank you,” the Governor remarked.

Governor Otti explained that his administration has been working to revive the Akwete weaving industry since assuming office in 2023 by removing long-standing obstacles limiting its growth.

He warned that unless the industry embraces innovation and modern production methods, it could lose ground to machine-made imitations already being produced in countries such as India and China.

According to him, the Abia State Government has already developed a comprehensive roadmap for the industry and is proposing a partnership with the First Lady to establish a world-class production hub for the women of Akwete.

“We want to build a production hub for the Akwete women. We have been engaging with the community since 2023 because we believe there is enormous potential in Akwete weaving,” he said.

Governor Otti also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, stating that the policies have increased revenues available to all tiers of government for infrastructure and development despite temporary economic hardships.

Priscilla Otti Hails Historic Visit

Earlier, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the First Lady’s visit as a historic milestone for Abia State.

She applauded Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for its numerous interventions in women empowerment, support for small businesses, care for vulnerable groups, food security, and social development across Nigeria.

Mrs. Otti said Akwete fabric remains one of the oldest and most prestigious textile traditions of the Igbo people and noted that the First Lady’s decision to spotlight the craft would create lasting economic opportunities for women in the community.

She pledged the state’s continued collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative to preserve the heritage and improve the livelihoods of Akwete women.

Stakeholders Call for Global Recognition

Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, stressed that empowering women remains central to national development. He expressed confidence that the First Lady’s intervention would elevate Akwete fabric onto the global stage while creating new economic opportunities for the community.

He also commended both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti for what he described as purposeful leadership, noting that Abia is witnessing remarkable infrastructural development.

Similarly, the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, described the visit as a defining moment in the history of Akwete and Abia State.

He said the presidential visit has drawn national attention to the ancient weaving tradition and renewed hope for its preservation and commercial expansion.

Nkwonta advocated the establishment of a modern weaving and research centre and warned that without deliberate efforts to train younger generations, the centuries-old craft could gradually disappear.

The lawmaker also commended Governor Otti’s developmental strides across the state and pledged to work with stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment of the proposed Akwete Weaving and Research Centre.

The high point of the event was the conferment of the traditional title “Ugonwanyi” on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, by the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of her support for the preservation and promotion of the Akwete weaving heritage.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a fresh round of appointments into key Federal Government agencies and commissions, naming 26 individuals to strategic leadership positions across 10 institutions in a move aimed at strengthening governance and public service delivery.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, were announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Fayose Takes Charge of Rural Electrification Agency Board

Among the high-profile appointments is former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, who has been named Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Joining him on the board are Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta as members and non-executive directors. The board also includes the agency’s Director-General, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, alongside its serving executive directors.

Major General Bindawa Heads Wages Commission

President Tinubu also appointed Major General Junaid Bindawa (Rtd.) as Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Former Lagos lawmaker Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas was named Secretary of the Commission, while several commissioners and members representing different states were also appointed. They include:

• Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian (Benue)
• Oladele Olatubosun (Oyo)
• Yakubu Umar Barde (Kaduna)
• Dr. Mai Adamu Yau (Borno)
• Ginika Florence Tor (Enugu)
• Engineer Lawrence Okoh (Edo)
• Bello Morenike Iyabode (Kogi)

Changes Across Key Government Agencies

In another notable development, Tosin Johnson Adeyanju, who previously served as Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), has been redeployed as Secretary of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

Other major appointments include:

• Dr. Abuh Mohammed – Director-General, National Population Commission (NPC).
• Dr. Akinola Odeyemi – Managing Director, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET).
• Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Godwin – Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission.
• Engineer Julius Oloro – Chief Executive Officer, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), succeeding the late Dr. A.R. Kamal.
• Shuni Muhammad Dahiru – Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education.
• Gisaor Vincent Iorja – Executive Director (Finance), Federal Housing Authority (FHA), replacing Mathias Byuan, who resigned to pursue the Benue governorship.

Fiscal Responsibility Commission Reconstituted

The President also inaugurated a new board for the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, appointing Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as Chairman.

Other members of the board are Mohammed Asmau, Mohammed Aliyu Makama, Dr. Suleiman Gidado, Louis O. Ndukwe, Amaechi Ugwele, and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola.

What the Appointments Mean

The latest appointments reflect the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition critical government institutions through leadership changes and strategic redeployments. With agencies responsible for electricity, wages, fiscal discipline, population management, agriculture, housing, and literacy receiving new leadership, attention will now shift to how the appointees deliver on the administration’s reform agenda.

According to the Presidency, all appointments take immediate effect.

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Ajah, describing his six-year tenure as one marked by exemplary leadership, integrity, and enduring service to God and humanity.

Governor Otti gave the commendation on Sunday during the Sendoff Thanksgiving Service held in honour of Most Rev. Prof. Ajah at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) Ehere Model Parish, Aba. The Governor was represented at the event by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE.

Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message, Deputy Governor Emetu said the Government and people of Abia State were delighted to join the Presbyterian family in celebrating a distinguished church leader whose stewardship from 2020 to 2026 strengthened the administrative framework of the Church and advanced its mission of evangelism.

According to him, Most Rev. Prof. Ajah’s tenure was distinguished by wisdom, humility, discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the work of God, qualities that fostered unity within the Church and left behind a lasting legacy of impactful leadership.

The Deputy Governor also conveyed Governor Otti’s appreciation to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria for its longstanding contributions to nation-building and for situating its national headquarters in Abia State. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with faith-based organisations, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved through collaboration among government, religious institutions, the private sector, traditional rulers, and the people.

He noted that the true measure of leadership lies not in the number of years spent in office but in the positive impact made on institutions and society.

In his exhortation, the Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, praised Most Rev. Prof. Ajah for his faithful, humble, and diligent service to the Church.

The Prelate reminded Christian leaders that ministry is fundamentally about serving God and humanity rather than pursuing personal ambitions. Quoting William Shakespeare’s famous words that “all the world’s a stage,” he urged believers to focus on building legacies of purposeful and selfless service, emphasizing that positions are temporary but impact endures.

Responding, an emotional Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Ajah expressed heartfelt gratitude to Almighty God for sustaining him throughout his tenure. He also appreciated Governor Alex Otti, the Church leadership, members of the General Assembly Executive Committee, ministers, elders, family members, friends, donors, and the entire Presbyterian community for their unwavering support and the honour bestowed on him.

A major highlight of the colourful thanksgiving service was the presentation of a 2019/2020 Toyota Highlander SUV to the outgoing Principal Clerk in recognition of his meritorious service and outstanding contributions to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

The event attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including the President of the Abia State Leadership Academy and immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, senior government officials, prominent clergymen, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and members of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

The ceremony celebrated not only the successful completion of a remarkable six-year tenure but also the enduring legacy of faith, integrity, and visionary leadership that Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Ajah leaves behind.

Rights Group Urges National Assembly to Withdraw Proposed Law, Citing Threats to Free Expression, Digital Economy.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately reject the proposed Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation could create a pathway for excessive government control over social media platforms and online expression.

In a letter dated July 18, 2026, addressed to Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, SERAP argued that the Bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), contains provisions that could undermine constitutional rights and Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

The organisation said the proposed amendment, while presented as a measure to strengthen data protection compliance, could have far-reaching consequences by empowering regulators to restrict the operations of technology companies and digital platforms.

According to SERAP, the controversial provision requiring social media platforms, data controllers and processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country could increase government influence over digital platforms and expose companies to undue pressure.

“The Bill is a backdoor attempt to regulate social media and expand governmental control over online expression through corporate localisation requirements rather than through transparent and constitutionally permissible regulation,” SERAP stated.

Concern Over NDPC Shutdown Powers

A major concern raised by the rights group is the proposed power granted to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to prohibit the operations of any company that fails to establish a physical presence in Nigeria within 30 days.

SERAP argued that such authority could allow an administrative agency to impose sanctions equivalent to shutting down digital communication platforms without adequate legal safeguards.

The group noted that the Bill does not provide for prior judicial approval, independent review mechanisms, or consideration of less restrictive alternatives before a platform can be prohibited from operating.

According to SERAP, “the practical consequences for millions of Nigerians would be indistinguishable from a platform ban.”

The organisation warned that millions of citizens rely on digital platforms for communication, business activities, education, political participation, civic engagement and access to information.

SERAP Cites Previous Twitter Suspension Controversy

SERAP also referenced the 2021 suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria, which was later criticised by the ECOWAS Court of Justice as violating citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.

The organisation argued that although the proposed amendment differs from the Twitter suspension in form, it could produce a similar outcome by giving regulators the ability to indirectly prevent digital platforms from operating in Nigeria.

“The National Assembly should not enact legislation capable of producing, through indirect regulatory means, the very restrictions on fundamental rights that regional human rights law prohibits,” SERAP said.

Balancing Regulation With Digital Rights
SERAP acknowledged that governments have a legitimate interest in ensuring that digital platforms operate responsibly and comply with national laws.

However, the group stressed that regulation must respect constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards.

It argued that digital policies should promote transparency, accountability and user protection rather than create mechanisms that could encourage censorship, surveillance or political interference.

The organisation cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as protections for freedom of expression and access to information.

Possible Impact on Nigeria’s Technology Sector

Beyond human rights concerns, SERAP warned that mandatory localisation requirements could negatively affect Nigeria’s technology ecosystem by increasing compliance costs for startups, artificial intelligence developers, research institutions and emerging digital businesses.

The group argued that the requirement could conflict with the objectives of the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 and the country’s digital economy policies, which seek to attract innovation and investment.

According to SERAP, forcing technology companies to establish physical offices as a condition for operating in Nigeria could reduce the country’s competitiveness as a destination for global technology investment.

SERAP Threatens Legal Challenge

The organisation warned that if the Bill is passed in its current form or with similar provisions, it would consider legal action to challenge its constitutionality.

SERAP urged lawmakers to withdraw the proposal and instead focus on regulatory approaches that protect citizens’ data while preserving digital freedoms.

The group called on the National Assembly to demonstrate commitment to constitutional democracy, rule of law and Nigeria’s digital future by rejecting provisions it described as excessive and potentially harmful.