ConnectAndoni

16/08/2026

BONNY LGA CHAIRMAN EMPOWERS 400 WOMEN WITH ₦200 MILLION BUSINESS SUPPORT.

Each beneficiary receives ₦500,000 to strengthen and expand her business

The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, DSSRS, has empowered 400 women with a total of ₦200 million under the Bonny Local Government Women Empowerment Scheme.

The empowerment programme, held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, saw each beneficiary receive ₦500,000 to strengthen existing businesses, expand their enterprises, improve household income and increase their contribution to the local economy.

The initiative is described as the first of its kind by a Bonny Local Government administration and is aimed at promoting women’s economic independence, strengthening women-owned businesses and stimulating economic activities across the local government area.

Speaking during the event, Chairman Pepple said investing in women has a multiplier effect on families and communities, stressing that empowering women goes beyond individual beneficiaries.

«“If you support a woman, you support families and the development of our community.”»

He further noted that women who are financially empowered are better positioned to provide for their families, invest in their businesses and contribute to the stability and prosperity of their communities.

The Council Chairman said the scheme reflects his administration’s deliberate focus on improving livelihoods and creating practical economic opportunities for women in Bonny.

He also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the people of Bonny and acknowledged the leadership and guidance of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, GSSRS, whom he said continues to inspire a culture of service, empowerment and sustainable development.

Pepple assured the beneficiaries and residents of Bonny that his administration would continue to introduce impactful programmes and provide sustained support aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development.

The event attracted strong support from women across Bonny Kingdom and featured goodwill messages from the Woman Leader of Bonny Kingdom, Amaopuorubo Helen Jackwilson Pepple; the Vice Chairman of Bonny LGA, Hon. Ibinyefagha Alabere Renner; and other leaders of the Rainbow Coalition in Bonny.

The ₦200 million intervention is expected to provide a significant boost to the beneficiaries’ businesses while contributing to increased economic activity and improved household welfare across Bonny Local Government Area.

16/08/2026

INEC don declare Adeleke of Accord winner of 2026 Osun governorship election

16/08/2026

Adeleke Records Highest Votes, Poised for Victory

Incumbent Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has secured the highest number of votes in the ongoing Osun governorship election and is set to be declared the winner.

16/08/2026

APC Leaders Exit Osun as Adeleke Gains Upper Hand

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside several governors, senators and other senior party leaders, has reportedly left Osun State after campaigning for the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, amid indications that incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke was taking the lead in the election.

A source within the APC delegation said that Yilwatda and some other party chieftains departed the state late Saturday, following unofficial results suggesting that Oyebamiji was trailing Adeleke.

“Our team has left Osun tonight with the chairman and some other dignitaries. Others would leave in the morning tomorrow,” the source said.

The reported outcome has also sparked concerns among some APC members, with calls for the party to reconsider the roles of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who headed the APC National Campaign Council, and other members of the campaign team ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the source, the Osun result has raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of the campaign structure led by Uzodimma, particularly after the APC leadership had described the election as a crucial contest for the party.

Yilwatda had earlier declared that Osun was a “must-win” state for the APC.

15/08/2026

RIVERS ASSEMBLY INVESTIGATES ALLEGED ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE AT ANDONI MINING SITE.

The Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions has visited a mining site in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area, to investigate allegations of environmental degradation arising from the operations of Chinese-owned LDM Limited.

The inspection followed a petition submitted by the Andoni LGA Council and residents, who raised concerns over the alleged impact of the company’s mining activities on the community’s environment.

The exercise was carried out on the directive of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, and led by the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Enemi Alabo George.

Dr. George explained that the committee’s visit was aimed at obtaining first-hand information, verifying the allegations and determining whether the mining operation complies with existing environmental regulations.

During the inspection, traditional ruler His Highness Ubon Minini-Oyo alleged that the mining activities had caused serious environmental challenges, including flooding and the destruction of a conservation area believed to provide habitat for endangered wildlife.

Community representatives urged the committee to take urgent steps to stop further mining activities until the environmental concerns are properly addressed.

The committee chairman assured stakeholders that relevant agencies and other stakeholders would be engaged as part of the investigation. He added that soil samples would be collected and the affected areas assessed to establish the extent of the alleged environmental damage.

According to Dr. George, the committee’s findings would be submitted to the Rivers State House of Assembly for consideration and possible legislative action.

“We welcome investment, but we will not allow exploitation. You can explore without exploiting our people and environment,” he stated.

The inspection was attended by the Executive Chairman of Andoni LGA, Hon. Prince Lucky Promise Otuo; the member representing Andoni Constituency, Hon. Ofiks Kagbang Christopher; traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.

15/08/2026