Communication professional, Obari calls for renewed investment in Nigeria’s publishing industry

 

*At the presentation of Prof Ogboli’s White Guava and War

A leading communications professional has called for renewed investment in Nigeria’s publishing industry, warning that declining reading habits and weak distribution networks continue to threaten literary development across Nigeria and the African continent.

Reviewing White Guava and War, the autobiography of Nigerian academic, Professor Ashiedu Ogboli, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Joseph Ollor Obari urged governments, investors, educational institutions and cultural stakeholders to strengthen support for publishing as a cornerstone of intellectual and national development.

Published in 2026 by Ahmadu Bello University Press Ltd, White Guava and War chronicles Professor Ogboli’s life experiences while exploring broader themes of education, resilience, conflict, personal growth and nation-building. Another of author’s work, Readings in Art, Design and Culture was presented at the event.

Obari in his review, reflected on the decline of Nigeria’s once-vibrant publishing sector, noting that many prominent publishing houses struggled to survive the economic disruptions that followed Nigeria’s implementation of the World Bank’s Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) under the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida in the 1980s.

“For quite some time, all was not well in the world of publishing in Nigeria,” Obari said. “We lost not only publishing houses but also the structures that supported authorship and provided a dependable economic backbone for the intellectual property industry.”

He observed that the decline of traditional publishing institutions led many writers to embrace self-publishing, often without access to professional editorial support and structured distribution network.

“A writer is often not the best editor of his own work,” he noted. “Every author benefits from independent professional editors who can identify weaknesses, improve clarity and strengthen the overall quality of a manuscript.”

Obari identified book distribution and marketing as the most significant obstacles facing authors in Nigeria and many other developing markets.

“Without the networks and resources of established publishing houses, authors are frequently left to carry the burden of bringing their books to readers,” he said. “Even outstanding literary works can struggle to find their audience.”

While welcoming signs of renewed growth within Nigeria’s publishing ecosystem, Obari appealed for greater private-sector investment in the book industry.

“There should be a collective effort to restore publishing to the place it deserves in society,” he said. “Books remain among humanity’s most powerful tools for developing minds, preserving knowledge and building nations.”

The reviewer was concerned that such digital culture impacts as shortened attention spans, increasing dependence on abbreviations and informal language have eroded sustained engagement with books and long-form writing.

Describing White Guava and War as a compelling autobiographical work, Obari said the book successfully combines humour, vivid description and intellectual engagement while offering readers valuable insights into the author’s life journey and broader societal issues.

“White Guava and War is a reflective autobiographical work that masterfully weaves personal experiences around serious themes. It is at times humorous, at other times provocatively descriptive, and consistently intellectually engaging,” he remarked.

He recommended the book to teachers, students, researchers, book lovers and the general reading public, describing it as a valuable addition to Nigeria’s growing body of literary and autobiographical works.

White Guava and War is the autobiography of Professor Ashiedu Ogboli, a distinguished Nigerian academic and scholar. Published by Ahmadu Bello University Press Ltd in 2026, the book presents a compelling account of personal experiences set against wider social and historical developments, offering readers an engaging perspective on life, learning and nation-building in Nigeria.

Why Tinubu should consider Resignation like UK PM -Peter Obi

 

 

The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises especially having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.
Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible” Sunrisereporters.

 

Nigerian Navy uncovers hidden fuel stash, recovers 63,290 litres of illegal AGO, vehicle

 

 

The Nigerian Navy said it has recorded another operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the discovery of a concealed cache of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and the interception of a vehicle believed to be part of an illicit fuel distribution network in Rivers State.

 

A statement on Monday and signed by Navy Captain  Abiodun Folorunsho,

Director Naval Information said: “Acting on credible intelligence, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed to the Okolomade Community axis of Abua-Odual Local Government Area, where intelligence indicated the movement of suspected illegally refined products within the Orashi Forest corridor.

 

“During the operation, the team intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to be conveying illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of about 17 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO. Further exploitation of the area revealed additional concealed stockpiles hidden under thick vegetation at multiple locations within the forest,” the statement said.

 

Navy Captain Folorunsho also went on to say that “Subsequent ground searches resulted in the recovery of an additional 56 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO strategically dispersed across the area.

In total, the Spokesman said, the operation led to the recovery of 73 sacks containing approximately 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, as well as the vehicle believed to have been used for transportation.

 

“The discovery highlights the increasing use of forest corridors and concealed storage points by criminal elements seeking to move illegally refined petroleum products from remote locations into distribution channels. The operation therefore disrupted another critical link in the illicit petroleum value chain.

 

“The products were handled in accordance with extant regulations, while the vehicle was secured for further necessary action.

 

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action and protect Nigeria’s critical economic resources from criminal exploitation,”, the Service assured. Globalupfront.

UK PM Starmer steps down after less than two years in office

 

 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party, bringing an abrupt end to a premiership marked by policy reversals and declining public support.

 

Starmer made the announcement on Monday in an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, where he said his decisions in office had always been guided by what he believed was best for the United Kingdom.

 

“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” Starmer said.

 

The outgoing prime minister became visibly emotional as he addressed the nation, signaling the end of a leadership period that lasted less than two years.

 

He disclosed that the Labour Party would begin the process of selecting a new leader in July, while he would remain in office until a successor emerges.

 

According to Starmer, the leadership transition is expected to be completed by September. Starnews.

NiMet warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain across Nigeria

 

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall will affect many parts of the country from Monday, June 22, through Wednesday, June 24, 2026, urging Nigerians to take precautionary measures against severe weather conditions.

 

In its three-day weather outlook released by the Central Forecast Office, NiMet forecast a combination of sunny skies, cloudy conditions, thunderstorms, and rainfall across the northern, central, and southern regions of the country.

 

According to the agency, northern states including Taraba, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Adamawa, and Borno are expected to experience morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall on Monday before more widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall develop later in the day across the region.

 

For the North-Central zone, cloudy skies with sunny intervals are expected in the morning, while residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Benue should prepare for thunderstorms and rainfall that will intensify as the day progresses.

 

Southern Nigeria is also forecast to witness widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall throughout Monday, with generally cloudy weather dominating the region.

 

On Tuesday, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, and Kebbi, while afternoon and evening thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected across Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Bauchi, Borno, Taraba, and Adamawa.

 

The agency also forecast scattered thunderstorms across the North-Central states, including the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Plateau. In the South, light morning rainfall is expected in Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, before heavier thunderstorms develop later in the day.

 

By Wednesday, morning thunderstorms and light rains are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, and Borno, while moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across most northern states later in the afternoon.

 

The North-Central region, particularly Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa, is also expected to receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, while southern states including Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa are likely to experience persistent rainfall throughout the day.

 

NiMet cautioned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms in several locations and advised residents to secure loose objects, avoid driving during heavy rainfall where possible, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and stay away from tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches.

 

The agency further urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning and encouraged Nigerians to monitor official weather updates and advisories as the forecast evolves. Starnews.

Ogboli, UNIMAID Professor of Industrial Design presents 2 books in Abuja tomorrow

 

A public presentation of two books authored by Professor Ashiedu Peter Ogboli of the Department of Industrial Design, University of Maiduguri, will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the National Universities Commission headquarters in Abuja.

The books, titled White Guava and War and Readings in Art, Design and Culture, are expected to draw interest from academics, students, artists, designers, cultural scholars, industries and members of the public.

The event is convened by Professor Kabiru Bala and will provide an opportunity for art lovers, students and the public to engage with the author.

Professor Ogboli, a respected scholar in industrial design, is known for his literary writings, academic work and contributions on design, culture and social issues. The presentation of the two books is expected to further highlight the relevance of art and design scholarship in understanding contemporary Nigerian cultural and social realities.

The event is billed to hold at the National Universities Commission headquarters, Abuja. Sunrisereporters.

 

Tinubu extends CGC Adeniyi’s tenure by six months 

President Tinubu has granted a final six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale  Adeniyi.
As Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi’s first tenure extension ought to have expired on August 1, 2026.
The six-month extension, which will expire in February 2027,  is to enable him to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service.
During the transition period, Adeniyi, working with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board, will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained 60 years of age or have served 35 years.
Adeniyi joined the Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 80s.
He rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller General in 2020, Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023, before his appointment by President Tinubu in June 2023 as the Comptroller General of Customs. Authority.

Lecturer dismissed over alleged extortion, illegal fees, gross misconduct

 

 

The Governing Council of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has approved the dismissal of a lecturer in the Department of Radiography and Radiation Science over allegations of extortion, unauthorized collection of fees, impersonation and other acts of gross misconduct.

The affected lecturer, Dr. Thomas Adejoh, was dismissed following the resolution reached at the university’s 9th Regular Governing Council Meeting held on May 14, 2026.

In an official notice signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Vitalis O. Offor, the university stated that the dismissal was based on findings that Dr. Adejoh engaged in several acts considered detrimental to the institution’s integrity and academic standards.

According to the statement, the former lecturer was accused of extorting Radiography students and their parents through an unauthorized WhatsApp platform and collecting illegal conference fees from 61 students. He was also alleged to have attempted to transport the students to Lagos for a conference without obtaining the necessary approval from the university authorities.

The university further accused him of illegally selling his personal textbooks to students, engaging in impersonation and actions that allegedly sabotaged the accreditation process of the institution’s Radiography programme.

“By this approval, Dr. Adejoh Thomas ceases to be a staff member of this University with effect from May 14, 2026,” the statement read.

The management warned members of the public, organizations and groups against conducting any official business with the dismissed lecturer, stressing that he no longer represents the university in any capacity.

The institution also disclosed that it has commenced appropriate legal steps to recover all university property reportedly in his possession, as well as funds allegedly extorted from students and their parents. b

University authorities said the public notice became necessary to properly inform members of the university community and the general public about the development and to prevent any unauthorized dealings involving the former staff member.

The dismissal underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining discipline, transparency and ethical standards within its academic and administrative operations. Authority.

Zuru State Constituency bye-election concludes peacefully

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The bye-election for Zuru State Constituency was conducted peacefully across all 200 polling units in the Zuru Local Government Area at the weekend.

The election was held to fill the vacancy left by the late Hon. Muhammadu Usman Ankwe, former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, who passed on recently after a protracted illness.

Voters turned out in large numbers, including the Emir of Zuru Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo lll, who were observed queuing orderly at polling units visited by the observation team.

To ensure a hitch-free process, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Kana Zuru, constituted a committee comprising commissioners, members of the State House of Assembly, Special Advisers, and key stakeholders in Zuru LGA. The committee worked in close coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies throughout the exercise.

The contest featured Alhaji Rabiu of the All Progressives Congress and Alhaji Aliyu Galadima of the Labour Party. The Collation of results was ongoing at the time of this report by INEC officials alongside representatives of security agencies and agents of the participating political parties.

The peaceful conduct and enthusiasm displayed by the electorate underscore the commitment of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris to peace, unity, and democratic governance.

Oyebanji re-elected as Ekiti Governor, sweeps all 16 LGAs

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the poll in the early hours of Sunday after the collation of results from all 16 local government areas of the state.

 

Announcing the result at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said Oyebanji satisfied the constitutional requirements and was duly returned elected.

According to the final figures released by INEC, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 40,533 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, secured 12,872 votes.

The commission disclosed that 988,251 voters were registered for the election, while 384,940 were accredited. A total of 382,109 votes were cast, with 375,777 recognised as valid votes.

The APC candidate dominated the election across the state, winning in all 16 local government areas, including Efon Local Government Area, the home council of the PDP candidate.

In Efon LGA, Oyebanji polled 8,742 votes against Oluyede’s 2,051 votes, while the ADC candidate secured 201 votes.

Other strong performances for the governor came from Ado Local Government Area, where he recorded 38,026 votes, and Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, where he polled 29,278 votes.

The outcome cements the APC’s hold on Ekiti State and gives Oyebanji a fresh mandate to continue his administration for another four-year term.

The election was largely decided by the governor’s overwhelming lead across the state, leaving his opponents trailing by wide margins in virtually every local government area. Franktalknow.