2025 | Page 22 of 262 | Trendbrio.com

NNPC Ltd appoints Andy Odeh as new spokesperson…Adewunmi as Chief Relations Officer

Femi Salako3 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

By Prince Iroka The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Limited, yesterday, announced the appointment of Mr. Andy Odeh, as its new Chief Corporate Communications Officer(CCCO).Also appointed is Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi, as the Chief Relations Officer. Odeh brings over three decades of extensive experience in communications and business administration across the oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors. Prior to joining NNPC, he had a distinguished 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG). There, he held various leadership roles in Community Relations and Development; Business Logistics and Services; Information Management and Technology; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Government Relations and Regulatory Compliance, and most recently, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development.He is recognised for his work on major public relations and advertising campaigns for top brands.At NLNG, he successfully managed the company’s rebranding and implemented one of Nigeria’s best-run micro-credit schemes for host communities. Mr. Odeh was also instrumental in instituting the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting. He is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the Nigeria Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), among others. Adewunmi is a legal professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Her expertise is in stakeholder management and advocacy, particularly from her extensive tenure at the Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN). She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex external landscapes, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the company’s “License to operate”. At Shell, she held key roles, including Regulatory Affairs Manager, where she managed all mandatory regulatory engagements and permits. As the Government Relations Manager, she built and maintained constructive relationships with the Presidency, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Mrs. Adewunmi is known for her strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to build robust stakeholder networks. She is a subject matter expert on non-technical risks and has a background in law from the Nigerian Law School and Olabisi Onabanjo University.The appointment of Mr. Odeh and Mrs. Adewunmi reflects NNPC Limited’s commitment to enhancing communication and engagement with stakeholders.

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A Tribute to Service: IGP Egbetokun’s Condolence Visit to the Family of Late Former IGP Solomon Arase

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago010 mins

A Tribute to Service: IGP Egbetokun’s Condolence Visit to the Family of Late Former IGP Solomon Arase Posted on August 31, 2025 In the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, Nigeria lost one of its most distinguished public servants: Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission. His passing at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja, after a brief illness, has cast a shadow of grief over the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the government, and the people of Edo State. At 69 years old, Arase’s life was a testament to dedication, reform, and unwavering commitment to national security. In a moving display of solidarity and respect, the current IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, personally visited the Arase family in Abuja to offer condolences, underscoring the deep bonds within the police fraternity.The Sad News and the Immediate ResponseThe news of Arase’s death was officially communicated to IGP Egbetokun by the late IGP’s eldest son, Mr. Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr., on the same Sunday morning. Without hesitation, Egbetokun, accompanied by senior police officers, made his way to the family’s residence in Abuja. There, he extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire NPF, acknowledging the profound loss to the Force and the nation.In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, IGP Egbetokun described the passing as a “deep pain” to the police family. He praised Arase’s “highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership,” noting that his contributions to police reforms and national security “continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.” Egbetokun prayed for comfort, strength, and peace for the family, friends, and former colleagues, emphasizing that Arase’s memory “will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.”This personal visit highlights the camaraderie and respect among Nigeria’s top police leadership. It also reflects Egbetokun’s commitment to honoring predecessors, especially one whose reforms laid foundational stones for modern policing in the country.A Legacy of Excellence: The Life and Career of Solomon AraseBorn on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Solomon Ehigiator Arase was a man of remarkable intellect and drive. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later pursued legal studies, earning a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Arase was also a Fellow of the National Defence College (fdc) and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers, underscoring his profound influence on law and public service.Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks with distinction. His career highlights include serving as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three successive IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). Appointed as the 18th IGP in April 2015, he served until his retirement on June 21, 2016, upon reaching the statutory age.During his tenure as IGP, Arase was a visionary reformer. He introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), which ensured swift responses to public complaints and protected citizens’ rights. He also established the Intelligence Response Team and Safer Highway Patrols, enhancing intelligence operations and road safety across Nigeria. His emphasis on community policing, professionalism, and human rights transformed the Force, making it more responsive and accountable.Post-retirement, Arase continued his service to the nation. In January 2023, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he held until June 2024. Even in retirement, he remained a mentor and advisor, with figures like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde noting how Arase’s expertise benefited state governments.Beyond his official duties, Arase’s philanthropy shone through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF). The foundation awarded scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with a special focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent youth, promoting academic excellence and supporting the next generation.Tributes Pour In: A Nation MournsArase’s death has elicited an outpouring of grief from across Nigeria. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described him as a “patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son” whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were “immeasurable.” He highlighted Arase’s integrity, hard work, and reforms during his IGP tenure, praying for the repose of his soul and fortitude for his family.Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called Arase “one of the most resourceful retired IGPs,” sharing a personal relationship that dated back to Arase’s active service days. Makinde noted how Arase’s advice had been invaluable to his administration and prayed for the family during this trying time.The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, echoed these sentiments, labeling Arase as one of the Owan Nation’s “greatest, finest, and brightest achievers.” He described the loss as a “black Sunday” for the community, urging prayers for the family.These tributes reflect not just Arase’s professional achievements but his personal impact as a leader, mentor, and patriot.A Lasting Impact on Nigerian PolicingSolomon Arase’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures. As IGP Egbetokun’s visit demonstrates, the Nigeria Police Force remains united in honoring those who shaped it. Arase’s reforms— from intelligence enhancements to citizen-focused units—continue to guide the institution toward greater efficiency and trust.In a time of national challenges, Arase’s life reminds us of the power of dedicated service. His foundation’s work ensures that his vision for education and opportunity lives on. As arrangements for his obsequies are finalized by the family, Nigeria pauses to celebrate a man who served with pride and honor.Our thoughts are with the Arase family. May his soul rest in peace.Sources: Official statements from the Nigeria Police Force, family announcement, and reports from Sahara Reporters, The Sun, Leadership NG, Punch NG, The Nation,…

Houthis Storm UN Offices in Sanaa After Israeli Strike Kills Rebel Prime Minister

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Sanaa, Yemen – Iran-backed Houthi forces stormed United Nations offices in the Yemeni capital on Sunday, just days after an Israeli airstrike killed the head of the rebel-controlled government, Ahmed al-Rahawi. The attacks targeted the local offices of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), both based in Sanaa. According to official statements from both agencies, Houthi-aligned security forces entered the premises and detained a number of staff members. “A WFP staff member and several UNICEF staff have been detained,” spokespersons confirmed to CNN. “We are urgently seeking additional information from local authorities. Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our staff.” It remains unclear if the raids were a direct response to Israel’s recent strike or part of broader Houthi hostility toward international organizations, which they have previously targeted. The storming of the UN offices follows the killing of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday, a move confirmed by the head of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council. Other senior Houthi officials were also reportedly killed in the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the strike and signaled more are to come. “This is only the beginning,” Netanyahu said during a government meeting on Sunday. “We will reach all of them. The Houthis will pay a very heavy price for their aggression against the State of Israel.” The Houthis have been a persistent threat to Israel in recent months, launching missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and attacking international vessels in the Red Sea, which the group says is retaliation for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Meanwhile, Yemen remains deeply divided. Since 2014, the Houthis have controlled Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, while the internationally recognized, UN-backed government maintains authority in the south. The Yemeni information minister, Moammar al-Eryani, condemned the Houthi actions in Sanaa, describing the raid on UN facilities as “a dangerous escalation” and calling on the international community to respond. The situation remains tense in Sanaa, with the UN and aid organizations closely monitoring developments amid growing concerns for staff safety.

Szoboszlai’s Stunner Sinks Arsenal as Liverpool March On; Man City Stumble Again

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Liverpool, England – Dominik Szoboszlai fired Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal with a spectacular late free kick, while Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes took another hit following a surprise 2-1 defeat at Brighton. Szoboszlai broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute at Anfield, curling a powerful free kick into the top corner from nearly 30 yards out — a moment of individual brilliance in an otherwise tightly contested affair between two early title contenders. “I thought I would take a risk,” the Hungarian international told Sky Sports post-match. “Trent [Alexander-Arnold] usually takes them, but I was confident. I had to try.” Typically deployed as a midfielder, Szoboszlai was filling in at full back due to injuries, but delivered a finish worthy of the league’s best set-piece takers. The win marks Liverpool’s third consecutive victory to open the season, reinforcing their status as defending champions and current title favorites. Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season — and their first goal conceded — extending their winless run at Anfield since 2012. Despite the loss, Szoboszlai offered praise for Mikel Arteta’s side: “Arsenal had an unbelievable season last year. They’ve come second three times in a row. It’s never easy competing with clubs like City, Chelsea, and us.” City’s Woes Deepen with Brighton Defeat At the Amex Stadium, Manchester City’s troubles continued as they fell 2-1 to Brighton, following last week’s 2-0 home loss to Tottenham. The result marks back-to-back defeats for Pep Guardiola’s side, raising questions over the squad’s form and depth early in the campaign. Brighton’s win was capped by a landmark goal from former Liverpool midfielder James Milner, who scored to set a new Premier League appearance record. City, who relinquished their four-year title reign to Liverpool last season, now face mounting pressure amid a shaky start that has exposed some of the same vulnerabilities seen in their 2024 campaign. The latest round of results sees Liverpool top the early standings, while Arsenal and City face early-season soul-searching in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive title race.

2026 W’Cup Qualifier: Rwanda’s Amavubi to Storm Nigeria on Tuesday

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Rwanda’s delegation to Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon. A one-man advance party will be in Lagos on Monday, but the full delegation will make landfall in Lagos on Tuesday aboard a Rwandair Airline flight at 1.15pm, and will proceed to Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State by 4pm of the same day. The Matchday 7 encounter has become very crucial to both teams as they are both wide away from group leaders South Africa, who have 13 points (prior to FIFA’s decision on their use of an ineligible player in the win over Lesotho in March this year). Rwanda are second in the pool with eight points, same as Benin Republic, with Nigeria in fourth on seven points. Lesotho have 6 points, with Zimbabwe propping up the table on four points. While the world still awaits FIFA’s decision, Nigeria and Rwanda will go for each other’s jugular in order to be appropriately-placed to benefit from Bafana Bafana’s error. The Crocodiles will leap to 9 points if South Africa are penalized for their infraction.

WAFU-B U17 Boys Tourney: Golden Eaglets Defeat Darazo, Draw with Gombe U17 Boys

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Five-time world champions, Golden Eaglets have continued their preparations ahead of the forthcoming WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament. The team played two friendly games on Friday and Saturday respectively, winning one and drawing the other. After a tough contest in the first half with Darazo Football Academy of Bauchi, Golden Eaglets showed their superiority in the second half with sublime goals to end the game 2-0 in their favour. It was a different atmosphere against the Gombe U17 team, as the game played under raining conditions ended in a stalemate. So far, the Golden Eaglets have played 11 friendly games. The team were victorious on nine occasions, drew one and lost one.

India committed to improving ties with China, Modi tells Xi before SCO meet

Modi Signals Reset in China Ties Amid US Tariff Spat, Meets Xi Ahead of SCO Summit

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Tianjin, China – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed a strong commitment to strengthening ties with China, during a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, signaling a potential strategic pivot following recent U.S. trade tensions. In remarks delivered during a sideline conversation on Saturday, Modi told Xi, “We are committed to progressing our relations based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities.” His statement comes just days after the United States, under President Donald Trump, imposed steep tariffs on a range of Indian exports — a move seen by analysts as straining Washington-New Delhi ties. This marks Modi’s first visit to China in seven years and comes as leaders from across Asia and the Middle East, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, gather in Tianjin for the two-day SCO summit — widely viewed as a show of Global South solidarity amid shifting global alliances. Chinese President Xi welcomed Modi’s overture and emphasized the importance of managing border tensions, which have long strained relations between the two Asian giants. “The two sides should not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship,” Xi said, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. He stressed that economic development should remain the central focus for both nations, adding, “As long as they remain committed to the overarching goal of being partners, not rivals… China-India relations will flourish.” Both leaders expressed hope that the Tianjin summit would mark a new chapter in bilateral cooperation and regional stability, even as broader geopolitical realignments take shape in response to shifting U.S. trade policy. Modi also shared a brief video of the meeting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the renewed diplomatic engagement. The SCO summit, which continues through Sunday, is expected to focus on regional security, trade, and multilateral cooperation, with growing attention on how India and China position themselves within a rebalancing global order.

At Least 15 Dead, 3 Missing in Boat Tragedy While Fleeing Bandit Attack in Zamfara

Fola Badmus3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 31, 2025 Gummi, Zamfara State – Tragedy struck over the weekend in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as at least 15 people lost their lives and three others remain missing after an overloaded boat capsized in the Nasarawar Kifi community. According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were among dozens of residents attempting to flee a bandit attack when their boat overturned while crossing a river near Birnin Tudu ward. The vessel, designed to carry a maximum of 16 passengers, was reportedly carrying far more due to the panic caused by the attack. Most of the deceased are said to be women and children from the communities of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, and Nasarawar Kifi. Confirming the incident, the village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, described the mood in the area as somber and heartbroken. He noted that among the dead were eight housewives, three toddlers, and four youths. Local divers are still combing the waters in search of the missing persons. Chigari made a passionate appeal to both federal and state governments for humanitarian support, including the provision of adequate and safe water transport to aid communities whose livelihoods depend on river crossings. A resident from one of the affected communities, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the recurring loss of lives due to lack of transport infrastructure, especially during emergencies like bandit raids. “The boat had already made two trips. It capsized on the third when two women, out of fear, forced themselves onboard, despite the boat being clearly overloaded,” the resident said. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the incident through the Head of its Sokoto Field Office, Aliyu Shehu. He stated that NEMA, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), is already mobilizing relief efforts and will visit the site to assess the situation and support affected families. “We learned about the tragic incident today. Our team, along with ZEMA, will be visiting the community tomorrow to verify details and deliver assistance,” Shehu said. This latest tragedy echoes a similar incident in August 2024, when 20 people died under comparable circumstances in the same local government area while fleeing a bandit attack. The deceased have since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.