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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has paid tribute to trailblazing maritime figure Elizabeth Aina Egharevba as she marks her 70th birthday.

In a message released to commemorate the milestone, the minister highlighted her decades of service at the Nigerian Ports Authority, describing her career as one defined by professionalism, leadership and lasting impact on the sector.

He noted that her rise within the NPA over nearly 30 years earned her widespread respect, culminating in her historic appointment as the first female Executive Director in 2007. The role, focused on Marine and Operations, marked a turning point not only for the institution but also for gender representation in the maritime industry.

Oyetola’s tribute underscores Egharevba’s enduring legacy as a pioneer whose contributions helped shape the evolution of Nigeria’s port system while opening doors for women in the sector.

The minister said, “Your career has not only been distinguished by personal excellence but has also paved the way for greater participation of women in leadership within the maritime industry”.

The Minister recalled her earlier roles as Port Manager of the RORO Port and later as Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, describing the positions as clear demonstrations of her administrative expertise and ability to handle high-level responsibilities.

He further stated that, Egharevba’s legacy extends beyond her personal accomplishments, serving as a source of inspiration for future generations of women in maritime and public service. He commended her for embodying the values of diligence, integrity, and courage throughout her career.

He added, “As you celebrate this significant milestone, it is my sincere hope that you take pride in the enduring legacy you have built and the indelible impact you have made on Nigeria’s maritime landscape.

“Egharevba’s contributions remain a defining chapter in the evolution of Nigeria’s maritime sector, with her pioneering role continuing to inspire progress toward inclusivity and excellence within the industry”.

Oyetola wished her continued good health, fulfillment, and many more years of happiness and service to humanity.

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HBy Gloria Ikibah

A fresh round of defections has shaken the House of Representatives, with lawmakers switching allegiances in what signals early manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Upon resumption of plenary following the Easter recess, the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read out multiple defection letters, pointing to a rapidly shifting political landscape. He brushed aside fears of an emerging one-party state, arguing that the movement across party lines reflects a functioning democracy.

“This is to show the country that no party is stiffled. People are leaving the majority party to the minority parties and the minority parties to the majority party. This is the beauty of democracy,” Kalu said.

Among the high-profile moves, Rep. Thaddeus Attah of Lagos State exited the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, citing internal instability within his former party.

“the protracted crisis in the leadership of the LP,” he noted, had hindered his ability to effectively represent his constituents.

The Peoples Democratic Party took the biggest hit, losing five members in the latest reshuffle. Some defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, while others aligned with the ADC. In Osun State, two lawmakers also left the PDP for the Accord Party.

The APC, however, was not spared, as a handful of its members crossed over to opposition parties, underlining the two-way nature of the political shifts.

With less than two years to the next general elections, defections appear to be gathering pace, driven by internal party disputes, strategic calculations and the quest for stronger political platforms.

Observers note that as parties begin to consolidate ahead of primaries, more lawmakers are likely to reassess their positions, making further realignments almost inevitable.

Plenary was later adjourned in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away earlier in April at the age of 66.

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Some concerned youths in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have staged a peaceful protest, calling on authorities to urgently address the worsening security situation and ensure the safe return of 176 women and children reportedly abducted during a recent attack on Woro community.

The demonstrators, who marched through parts of Kaiama town on Tuesday, carried placards bearing messages such as, “Hear our voices, stop the killing. Bad road. Bad network. Bring back our women and children.”

The protest comes barely 24 hours after a deadly attack on Kemanji community in Kaiama LGA, which left multiple casualties and scores missing.

The media had earlier gathered that suspected terrorists invaded Kemanji in the early hours of Monday, killing at least four soldiers and leaving a local vigilante member critically injured after overpowering security operatives.

According to community sources, the attackers struck at about 3am, executing a threat earlier issued in a letter reportedly sent to the community days before the assault.

Residents said the gunmen stormed the town under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and triggering panic as villagers fled for safety.

Security personnel, including soldiers of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, were said to have engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle that lasted nearly two hours.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attackers as heavily armed and highly coordinated.

“They came in large numbers and started shooting immediately. The soldiers tried their best to repel them, but the attackers had already gained ground,” the source said.

The media learned that four soldiers were killed during the confrontation, while a member of the local vigilante group sustained gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition.

Sources further disclosed that the attackers deployed explosive devices against a military position shortly after arriving, causing significant damage and weakening the defence.

“They used explosives on the soldiers’ camp. That was what gave them the upper hand,” another community source added.

In the aftermath of the attack, dozens of residents were reported missing, with fears that many were abducted by the fleeing gunmen.

“They took many people away. As we speak, families are searching for their loved ones. Nobody knows the exact number yet,” a local resident said.

The assailants were also said to have carted away military patrol vehicles and motorcycles before escaping.