By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), High Chief Hon. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei, has called for a renewed development agenda aimed at transforming the natural resources and human potential of Ijawland into improved living conditions for its people.

Igbadiwei, who emphasised the need for a new direction in the development of the Ijaw nation, identified the creation of Toru-Ebe State, resource control and sustainable development as key priorities.

He stressed the importance of harnessing the region’s abundant natural resources and human capital to promote economic growth, improve infrastructure and enhance the welfare of Ijaw communities.

The INC president’s proposed agenda underscores the need for greater economic opportunities, improved social amenities and a development framework that addresses the longstanding challenges confronting the Ijaw people.

The call also highlights the importance of resource control in ensuring that the people of the Niger Delta benefit more directly from the wealth generated from their land.

Igbadiwei’s position reflects the INC’s continued commitment to advancing the political, economic and social interests of the Ijaw nation.

The proposed priorities are expected to feature prominently in the Congress’s efforts to pursue a development agenda that places the welfare, prosperity and future of the Ijaw people at the centre of its activities.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained why he declined to pursue a Senate seat after completing his eight-year tenure as governor of Rivers State.

Wike said he rejected the opportunity to join the National Assembly because he believed the position would restrict his freedom to express his views on national issues.

The former governor made the disclosure on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the inauguration of a pedestrian bridge constructed by Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja.

According to him, many former governors seek election into the National Assembly after leaving office, but he deliberately chose a different political path.

Wike explained that his decision was informed by his desire to speak freely without the restrictions he believed would come with becoming a senator.

He said he preferred to remain in positions where he could freely express his opinions, particularly on matters concerning the state of the nation.

The minister maintained that he had consistently spoken his mind regardless of the position he occupied.

Wike also urged political and religious leaders to prioritise quality leadership, accountability and service to humanity.

He stressed that leadership should not be measured by political positions or public declarations but by tangible achievements and the positive impact made on people’s lives.

The former Rivers governor further called on Nigerians to assess public office holders based on verifiable accomplishments rather than unverified information circulating on social media.

He commended the leadership of Dunamis International Gospel Centre for investing in infrastructure that promotes public safety and improves the welfare of residents.

The minister’s remarks came during the commissioning of a pedestrian bridge built by the church along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road in Abuja.

Wike served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as FCT minister.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Federal Government has commenced a monthly cash assistance programme providing ₦50,000 to eligible vulnerable households to cushion the effects of rising living costs across the country.

The initiative, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is designed to provide immediate financial relief to millions of Nigerians struggling with increasing food prices and the rising cost of essential goods.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the commencement of the programme in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, October 30, 2026.

According to the minister, the intervention is intended to help vulnerable households meet essential needs and reduce the financial pressure caused by the rising cost of living.

Doro explained that the programme would be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in living costs, adding that beneficiaries would be notified directly before any adjustments to the payments.

How Beneficiaries Will Receive Payments

The minister disclosed that the government was working with licensed digital financial service providers to ensure secure, timely and transparent disbursement of the funds.

He said eligible beneficiaries would receive text messages requesting their consent before payments are made directly into their bank accounts or mobile wallets.

Doro emphasised that beneficiaries were not required to submit applications, pay registration fees or register through agents to access the intervention.

He also warned Nigerians against fraudsters seeking to exploit the programme, urging them not to disclose their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to anyone.

The minister advised Nigerians who were uncertain about messages they received or were asked to pay money to access the intervention to contact the official NERSI helpline on 0700-022-2222.

He added that the programme would complement existing federal government social protection and economic support initiatives, while strengthening household resilience and promoting economic stability.

The minister said the intervention was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering financial assistance with transparency and accountability.

The commencement of the programme comes amid continued economic pressures on Nigerian households, particularly from rising food prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.