By Dahid

The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has appointed H.E. Dr. Ezeadili Appolonia Obiageri as Director of Advocacy, Policy & Governance, ABER Women’s Forum.

Dr. Ezeadili is a Certified National Accountant, Chartered Project Manager, Forensic Accountant and distinguished public servant. She is a Former National Financial Secretary, ECOWAS Women Section (ROAJELF), Former Foreign Affairs Minister, United Kingdom of Atlantic (UKA), and Former Finance Minister, United Kingdom of Atlantic (UKA).

With academic credentials including HND Accounting, Certified National Accountant (CNA), PGD Management, MBA, MSc Project Management, and PhD Administration and Management, plus vast political leadership experience as Deputy Governorship Candidate (Anambra 2025), Deputy National Women Leader YPP/LP, and Director General, Political, Contact & Mobilization, Accord Party, she brings unmatched governance expertise.

Her mandate includes driving inclusive policy and recognition for women in Africa’s Blue Economy, policy tracking at AU and national levels, advocacy for women in artisanal fisheries and maritime sectors, gender mainstreaming in all ABER strategies, and stakeholder engagement for tenure and resource rights for women in Africa’s 38 coastal and island states.

Announcing the appointment at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, said:
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of H.E. Dr. Ezeadili Appolonia Obiageri as Director of Advocacy, Policy & Governance, ABER Women’s Forum. Dr. Ezeadili is a seasoned political leader, founder, former Deputy Governorship Candidate and champion of gender equity who brings over two decades of expertise in finance, governance and advocacy.

In this role, she will lead ABER’s policy tracking at the AU and national levels, advocacy for women in fisheries and maritime sectors, gender mainstreaming in Blue Economy strategies, and high-level stakeholder engagement across 38 coastal states. We are confident she will drive policy influence and legal advocacy for women across Africa’s Blue Economy.”

Congratulations, Dr. Ezeadili!
Welcome to the Leadership Team!

By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter has called for more security presence at places of worship especially during Fridays Jumu’at prayers and Sundays services.

Chairman of the CAN in Niger state, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna made the disclosure in a homily on Sunday at the St. Michael Catholic Cathedral Church, Kontagora following the abduction of unspecified number of worshippers from mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana in Borgu local government area of Niger state during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Accordingly, he said “the whole of Borgu Emirate which include Agwara and Borgu LGAs need strong and permanent security presence so that those in the rural communities can live without fear of being abducted.

While appealing for a beefed up in security at places of worship, the Chairman who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, condemned in strong terms the abduction of hundreds of Muslim worshippers during Jumu’at prayers.

In his words: “for us, an attack on any place of worship, irrespective of religion, is an attack on the sanctity of places of worship and a threat to the wider community.
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“And as a Body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities”.

He added that “millions of Christians and all the churches across the state have intensified prayers for the safe returns of the abducted worshippers in Borgu local government area.

“As a Body, we have set aside today (Sunday) to call on all Nigerlites, Christians and churches across Niger State to use this Sunday service to cry to God and to pray specifically for the safe return of the abductees and for God to help our security agencies.

“We are praying and we believe God has heard and answered our prayers already.”

Furthermore, Bishop Yohanna commended the Federal and State Governments, as well as security agencies for their roles so far.

By David Owei,

Yenagoa – The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) South-South Zonal Directorate of Agriculture and Empowerment has congratulated Rev. Abili Samuel Abili on his appointment as the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bayelsa State Chapter.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Zonal Director, Apostle Dr. Kiyaramo G. Timiebi, the Directorate described Rev. Abili’s emergence as “a divine placement at a critical time for the Church and society in Bayelsa State.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is the umbrella body for all Christian denominations in Nigeria. Its core mandate is to unify the Body of Christ across denominational lines for effective witness and service. Speak on moral, social, and national issues with a voice of truth, justice, fairness, and equity.

It engages government, traditional institutions, and other faiths to promote peace, religious harmony, and good governance, defending the rights and welfare of Christians while promoting human dignity and the common good.

Apostle Dr. Timiebi noted that Rev. Abili comes into office at a time when the Church is expected to provide strong moral leadership.

“We have observed the exemplary leadership of your predecessor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, particularly in his efforts to unify the Body of Christ in Bayelsa State and his forthrightness in speaking truth to power. We trust that you will build upon this foundation,” the statement read.

The PFN Directorate prayed that God will grant Rev. Abili “a double portion of wisdom, grace, and courage to instruct, counsel, and address issues of corruption, injustice, and inequality.”

Reaffirming its commitment to nation-building, the PFN South-South Zonal Directorate of Agriculture and Empowerment pledged to work closely with the new CAN leadership to advance community welfare.

“We will collaborate with your office to support farmers, encourage training, and promote food security initiatives across Bayelsa State and the South-South region,” Apostle Timiebi stated.

“May God who has lifted you to this exalted office as the number one Christian leader in the state preserve you. May wisdom be your defense and honour. May truth embolden you for justice, and may God’s holiness shield you from shame and disgrace.”

About PFN South-South Zonal Directorate of Agriculture & Empowerment
The Directorate is the agricultural and empowerment arm of PFN in the South-South zone. It works to equip farmers, youth, and women with skills, resources, and faith-based support to enhance food security, job creation, and rural development.