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Plateau Massacre: N’Delta Women Give FG 48 Hours To Arrest Killers
….threaten to block East-West Road, close down markets, others
Niger Delta women under the auspices of the Coalition of Niger Delta Women Associations, NDWA, Thursday, gave the Federal Government 48 hours ultimatum to arrest killers of over 195 people in 23 villages across Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas Day eve.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener General, Pastor (Mrs) Oghenefejiro Obukokwo.
The coalition also threatened to block the East-West Road and other major highways in the region and close markets in the region if the the perpetors of the massacre were not fished out.
The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Niger Delta Women Associations want to unequivocally express our profound grief and indignation at the heinous Christmas day massacre that claimed the lives of over 100 innocent women and children in 23 villages across Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local Government areas of Plateau State on Christmas Day eve.
“This act of terror is an appalling assault on the sanctity of human life, and we stand in solidarity with the grieving families and the entire nation in mourning this tragic loss.
“While we acknowledge the government’s swift condemnation of this barbaric act, we are compelled to insist that mere rhetoric is no longer sufficient.
“It is disheartening to witness a continuous pattern of strong statements without corresponding action to apprehend the perpetrators.
“We unequivocally demand that the government take immediate and decisive steps to bring the culprits to justice.
“The time has come for the Department of State Security (DSS) and other relevant intelligence agencies to demonstrate their efficacy and commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
“We implore these agencies to rise above political affiliations and religious biases, prioritizing the lives of innocent Nigerians over any other considerations.
“The Coalition of Niger Delta Women Associations, representing the resilient and courageous women of the Niger Delta, want to use this medium to issue a stern ultimatum to the federal government and Security Agencies.
“We give the authorities a grace period of 48 hours to commence the arrest of the perpetrators behind this reprehensible act. Failure to do so will force us to mobilize our women in a peaceful yet powerful protest.
“In an unprecedented move, we will lead our women to come out and block all major highways and close down commercial activities in markets in the Niger Delta region.”
Meanwhile, the coalition called for adequate protection of women, children and the aged.
“This symbolic act is a manifestation of our collective anguish and a desperate plea for an end to the wanton bloodshed of our fellow women and children in the North. Enough is enough, and we can no longer passively witness the loss of innocent lives.
“The Coalition of Niger Delta Women Associations remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and the protection of human rights. We implore the federal government to take swift and tangible actions to prevent further tragedies and reassure citizens of their safety”, it added.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
