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Economy

Nsulu Communities Accuse Governor Otti Of Land-Grabbing Under Cover Of Proposed Airport Project

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Alex Otti

Nsulu Communities Accuse Governor Otti Of Land-Grabbing Under Cover Of Proposed Airport Project

Nsulu communities accuse Governor Otti. The elders of Nsulu community in Isiala-Ngwa North local government area of Abia state, represented by the Village Heads of Host, have accused Governor Alex Otti’s administration of land-grabbing under the guise of the proposed Abia Airport project.

The community leaders debunked the insinuation that they are opposing the proposed airstrip project in their community by the Nigerian government, describing the insinuations as false.

In a press statement issued by their Chairman, Engr. Ikechukwu Uche, the community leaders noted that what they strongly reject is the actions of the Abia State Government, to forcibly acquire their land.

Other signatories to the release include Gabriel Echozolam (Village Head, Umuezenta Nbawsi), Chimaobi Okaka (Village Head, Umuosu Nsulu), and Isaac Frank (Village Head, Umulenwa Nbawsi Nsulu).
“What the people of Nsulu are opposing is the fraudulent and forceful double acquisition of their lands by the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti,” Uche stated.

He explained that the landowners had held multiple meetings and concluded that the project is a deceptive attempt by the state government to take control of Nsulu farmlands and homes.

Uche referred to a prior land acquisition by the Abia State government under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, during which land was already acquired and a Certificate of Occupancy issued for the airport project.
He pointed out that the site had already passed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and that all bureaucratic obstacles had been resolved.

The landowners had previously raised concerns with Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Otti, about why the original site was abandoned in favour of a new one, which also lies within Nsulu land.

The community members questioned why the new site, which is surrounded by residential buildings, was chosen over the original location, which was free of such encumbrances.
To date, they claim the Abia State Government has not adequately addressed these concerns.

Uche further criticized the Abia State Government’s proposal for an ‘Abia Airport,’ highlighting plans for a five-star hotel, an airport estate, a school, and an air force base.

This, he argued, suggests that the project may be more of a private enterprise than a public infrastructure initiative, and that the government has failed to provide clear justification for the new land acquisition.
The landowners also expressed frustration with the government’s decision to engage with representatives who do not have a stake in the land being acquired.

They pointed out that the government only initiated discussions with the community three weeks after the project was launched by the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo.

According to them, another meeting on January 11, 2025, resulted in a number of resolutions, including, “A reduction in the proposed land area from 1,800 hectares to 1,300 hectares”.

Concerns about displacement and loss of livelihoods were acknowledged.
They further noted, “The government pledged to work with the community to resolve concerns, including identifying actual landowners and possibly reducing the land to be acquired.

“The government also committed to timely compensation and involving landowners in the development process. A joint team will be formed to complete surveys and identify the land affected.”

Governor Otti

Governor Otti

However, the landowners accused the state government’s negotiation team of bad faith, saying that instead of acting on previously agreed-upon resolutions, the government reportedly initiated fresh discussions with stakeholders who have no direct connection to the land in question.

“We, the stakeholders and landowners of the Nsulu site forcibly acquired by the Otti-led government, fully support the Federal Government’s proposal to establish an airstrip in our community.

“However, we categorically reject any attempts to evict us from our ancestral lands and homes,” Uche stated, emphasizing that the government’s actions have damaged trust and could lead to future conflict in the community.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

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