Government
Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Ties in High-Level Diplomatic Meeting
Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following a high-level meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the German Ambassador to Nigeria.
Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed received Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, in Abuja for talks focused on multilateral cooperation, economic collaboration, cultural heritage preservation, and institutional coordination.
During the meeting, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to sustained diplomatic engagement with Germany, stressing that the ministry remains open to constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
Ambassador Günther commended the strength of bilateral relations between both countries and referenced the successful Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission held in November 2025, describing it as a milestone that underscored the strategic depth of cooperation.
A key aspect of the discussion centred on reciprocal support in multilateral institutions, particularly concerning candidacies to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The German envoy recalled the 2024 exchange of notes on reciprocal backing and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support for Germany’s candidature.
She reaffirmed Germany’s advocacy for multilateralism, peace, and reform of the UN system, including increased African representation in both permanent and non-permanent seats on the Security Council.
According to her, Berlin’s position aligns closely with Nigeria’s long-standing call for more equitable global governance structures.
The talks also covered economic cooperation, especially in energy infrastructure. Ambassador Günther highlighted Germany’s continued interest in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its energy transmission and distribution systems.
She expressed optimism that pending administrative processes would soon be concluded to enable the implementation of key energy projects backed by German investment and technical expertise.
In response, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed assured the German envoy that relevant departments within the ministry would review outstanding documentation related to reciprocal multilateral arrangements and provide necessary clarifications.
He also acknowledged the importance of German partnership in advancing Nigeria’s economic modernisation agenda, particularly in energy sector reforms, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable investment frameworks.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening security cooperation, with Germany indicating readiness to expand capacity-building initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing regional stability and addressing shared security challenges.
The meeting concluded with both countries restating their dedication to multilateralism, economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and institutional collaboration, reflecting what officials described as the maturity and strategic depth of Nigeria–Germany relations.
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Akpe, who until his confirmation served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa, was nominated by Governor Douye Diri following the vacancy created by the death of former Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in December 2025.
A seasoned public administrator and politician, Akpe is a former two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. He rose through the civil service to the rank of Director before transitioning into senior political roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff.
He holds a PhD and is also known as a Christian minister, often addressed as Hon. (Dr) or Pastor Peter Akpe.
Vacancy Created by Ewhrudjakpo’s Death
Akpe’s confirmation comes months after the passing of Ewhrudjakpo, who died in December 2025.
In a statement issued by the state government, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, announced the deputy governor’s death with “deep regret and profound shock.”
According to the statement, Ewhrudjakpo had been active and performing official duties earlier in the day before he collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting within his office. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.
Following the incident, Governor Diri declared three days of mourning in the state, directing that flags be flown at half-mast. He described the development as “a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation.”
The governor also ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of the deputy governor’s death.
Diri extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Beatrice, his children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of Bayelsa State, praying for comfort and strength for them.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also signed a condolence register in honour of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa on December 11, 2025.
PDP Reacts
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described Ewhrudjakpo as “a principled and consistent politician… a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity and strength of character.”
Ewhrudjakpo served as deputy governor from 2020 until his death, having been elected alongside Diri in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.
Government
WIKE COMMISSIONS 54 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FOR EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, LAUDS GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO’S GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT DRIVE
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commissioned 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for the 18 Local Government Councils, describing the initiative as a major boost to grassroots economic development. Speaking during the commissioning in Benin City, Wike commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to rural development and economic empowerment, noting that the intervention would accelerate infrastructure and economic growth in local communities.
Wike said the governor had demonstrated strong support for the local government system and a clear vision for inclusive development. According to him, prioritising rural development would help strengthen the economy and improve the living standards of people at the grassroots. Wike also highlighted ongoing infrastructural development under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that recent electoral outcomes in the Federal Capital Territory reflected public confidence in the government’s performance.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo described the equipment handover as a strategic step towards strengthening local government administration and delivering development to rural communities across the state. He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s SHINE Agenda, emphasising that development must not be concentrated in urban centres but should reach every village, community and ward. According to the governor, the equipment would be deployed to open rural roads, improve drainage, enhance sanitation and accelerate infrastructure delivery at the grassroots. He stressed that the machines were meant for practical use and must be managed transparently for the benefit of the people.
The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said the governor’s actions demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary citizens. He noted that the initiative was already changing the development narrative in the state. Speaking on behalf of council chairmen, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Edo State and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. Ekpeson noted that the programme would enable local councils to deliver visible infrastructure and improve service delivery in their respective communities.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said the party remained committed to promoting good governance and sustainable development across the state. Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the administration for its inclusive governance approach, particularly the empowerment of women and efforts to improve security, healthcare and agriculture.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State Assembly; the 18 local government council chairmen; party leaders and other stakeholders. The event marked another milestone in the Edo State Government’s efforts to strengthen local government capacity and entrench practical governance at the grassroots.
The Bayelsa State Government has approved the appointment of 18 new Permanent Secretaries into the state civil service. In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Buruboyefe Perekiye John, the appointments were approved by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, as part of efforts to strengthen the administrative machinery of government and enhance effective service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies.
According to the statement, the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are: Awana Raymond; Egbuson Pere Amanda; Ogregade Ileimokumo; Ketebu Josephine Thompson; Burutolu Obalakumo Samuel; Bomotei Zachaeus Anne; Dagogo Edmundson; Enuma Charles; Salbot A. Owil; Dr. Stow Yerinbuluemi Jones; Efeke Pereyi; Doyowei Edward Pulotua; Toloko Sylvester E.; Ede-Alakere Goodluck Tarila; Torutein Ovienadu; Ogbara Fanmene Faith; Vincent Jonathan E.; and Engr. Cole Otonye James.
The Commission noted that further information regarding the swearing-in ceremony will be communicated in due course. The statement extended warm congratulations to the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the state civil service.