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Nigerian Navy launches offshore patrol vessel to Boost maritime security

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Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria Senator (Dr) Oluremi Tinubu CON, has launched the second 76meter High Endurance (HE) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) built for the Nigerian Navy (NN) in DEARSAN Shipyard Turkey, today Friday 19 April 2024, in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR Renewed Hope Agenda.

First Lady and Navy Chief

Recall that the first OPV built by DEARSAN Shipyard was launched on 26 October 2023. The launch was graced by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Charge D’Affair Nigerian Embassy Turkey, Ambassador Zayyad Habu Abdulsalam and other dignitaries.

The launch of the 76meter HE – OPV marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding her territorial waters and combating maritime threats. Speaking at the event, V Adm EI Ogalla noted that the construction of the 2 x OPVs commenced in 2022.

According to him, “DEARSAN Shipyard is constructing 2 OPVs for the NN and the first OPV was launched here on 26 October 2023. I am particularly pleased that the milestones on the vessel construction have been met and I hereby appreciate the management of DEARSAN Shipyard for their efforts so far”.

The general specifications of the newly launched OPV are as follows:

a. Length – 76.90m
b. Width – 11.90m
c. Draught – 3.60m
d. Speed – 28knots
e. Propulsion System – Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD)
f. Range – 2500nm
g. Endurance – 16 days
h. Crew Capacity – 47. 


The construction of the vessel will boost NN fleet renewal efforts for fulfilment of her constitutional mandate and ensure maximum presence at sea to curb illicit acts such as oil theft, piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishery as well as smuggling of Small Arms and Light Weapons among other crimes in the vast 84,000sqnm of Nigeria’s maritime environment.

It will also facilitate harnessing the enormous potentials within Nigeria’s maritime domain in support of FG’s Blue Economy initiatives.

The CNS expressed sincere gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support towards ensuring the completion of the construction of the OPVs and his commitment to NN fleet renewal aspirations.

He also extended his appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour the First Lady of Nigeria Senator (Dr) Oluremi Tinubu CON for accepting the invitation to perform the age long naval tradition of launching a ship into water for the first time, a role often reserved for female leaders.

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Akwa Ibom APC Adopts Governor Umo Eno for Second Term Bid

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.

Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.

“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.

Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.

The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.

Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.

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Lagos Captures 6.4 Million Residents in Major Digital Identity Drive

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The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.

The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.

The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.

With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.

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EFCC Invasion Forces Uni. Uyo Teaching Hospital to Suspend Operations (Video)

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Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were dramatically disrupted on Wednesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly invaded the facility, detained some management staff, and assaulted others, prompting the hospital to suspend services.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. Emem Bassey, told journalists that the unannounced raid created a hostile environment, forcing the hospital management to halt clinical services to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. The Accident and Emergency Unit, however, remains operational.

Dr. Bassey expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the hospital had maintained cordial relations with the EFCC and was fully cooperating on the matter under investigation. He revealed that the requested report had already been prepared and was awaiting his signature when the operatives arrived.

“The use of force and detention of staff was unnecessary,” Dr. Bassey said. “Dialogue would have resolved this issue peacefully.”

Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, who was reportedly among those assaulted, described the EFCC’s action as an “unprovoked invasion.” He claimed he had shown the team leader the completed report before the situation escalated into violence.

The hospital management has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the EFCC to use proper channels when engaging with public institutions.

In an earlier statement, the EFCC said its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the hospital while conducting an operation linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The case reportedly involves a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.

The development has raised concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery in the region, with patients and staff caught in the middle of the confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the hospital.

As of Thursday, normal services at the hospital remained suspended pending further resolution.

Watch Video below:

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