General
Ika Weekly Newspaper and a Catalyst for New Order
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
In the words of Ben Carson, a retired Director of Pediatrics Neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital and now a Washington Times Columnist and Fox News contributor, many people use the terms wisdom and knowledge interchangeably.
They are, however, quite different, and have in no way confers the other. Knowledge is familiarity with facts. The more knowledge one has, the more things one is capable of doing, but only with wisdom is one able to discern which of the many things they are capable of doing should be pursued and in what order.
Certainly, the above words/description fittingly captures the clarity of vision and singleness of purpose that set the stage for the advent of Ika Weekly Newspaper, a weekly tabloid published at Agbor in Delta State.
Established in 1989, the Ika Weekly Newspaper which currently operates both print and online, is, for the purpose of clarity, a community newspaper based in Agbor, owned by the Ewuru, Ika South Local Government Area, born publisher, Steven Ekiri-Mekiriuwa Ashien, a former newspaper vendor/bookseller.
Among other objectives, the newspaper was birthed to disseminate across the world news/ information that is Ika nation-specific, act as a vehicle for the propagation and promotion of Ika culture and tradition while recognizing/celebrating Ika sons and daughters that demonstrate uncommon talent in their various fields of endeavours. The newspaper’s interest/attention/focus was neither at war nor in conflict with any state, regional/provisional, or nationally owned newspapers.
While the above information is important as it provides relevant direction for understanding the origin of the newspaper, readers with critical minds may be tempted to put forward the following question; what is the kernel of this piece/ intervention?
Why is the author fixated with a community newspaper and not even a national one, at this critical time when Nigeria as a country is going through the pangs of insecurity and the masses weakened by economic crunch?
One possible answer to the above questions is that aside from the fact that the newspaper’s progress is a reflection of a leader’s search for new fields to increase the wealth, culture and socioeconomic wellbeing of his people, Ika Weekly Newspaper’s odyssey is laced with profound lessons to draw by the generality of mankind.
Media professionals/industry on their part has enough insight to gain from how Ashien’s grappled with the problems of self-reinvention in order to keep the news organization afloat.
Most superficially, similar to the knowledge of history which is useful to the scientist, the economist, or the student of literature or philosophy on the grounds that no science or art is static, the piece in a synoptic manner x-rays the account of problems faced by the publisher in his resolve to build the newspaper house and how he set about solving those problems after pondering on them and the limited options available. To ignore or misstate this account could lead one to wonder in a dilemma.
Let’s take a detailed look at the particulars of the above claim.
Very fundamental is Ashien’s early consciousness/understanding that economic principles of wealth development is very important for the oppressed communities and will go a very long way towards liberating them from the influence of the elite class, even more, is education, he set out to use the media as a vehicle to educate, enlighten and socially influence his people.
Now, this is the first lesson arising from the ‘self-inflicted responsibility’ of educating the people. The task came in double folds. As he (the publisher) bothers to educate the people, he seizes the opportunity to educate himself and exit being educationally disadvantaged.
Says a commentator, the amazing contradiction is that, with little formal education, the man now embodies what it means to be educated. He has read more than the self-acclaimed educated people. His fascination with philosophy has guided his reading habit well. You can be forgiven for doubting his claim of lack of proper education when you consider his proven editing skill and publishing track records. For a man who claims as I remember it, to have started his career as a newspaper vendor in Warri, he has totally reinvented himself and has made his mark in the world of letters.
Before you hastily conclude that things became rosy from this point, wait till you cast a glance at the next paragraph.
But as it is a trademark of many media organizations across the world, 16 weeks of initial publications the newspaper left the newsstand- a factor attributable to macro and uncontrollable reasons.
With the collapse of this effort which Mr Ashien had invested heavily, life again started to become very rough for him. Like many Nigerians at that time, the more he tried his hands on other ventures, the worst it became.
However, as a determined man who always thinks positively coupled with his love for education, he fell back on selling second-hand books, to the extent that he started travelling to Ghana to buy second-hand books which he was hawking from one higher institution in Nigeria to another.
The harder he tried, the more difficult things became.
At this time, Mr Steve Ashien became virtually housebound, lonely, and desolate because finding money to travel out of Agbor became extremely difficult.
But as someone that understands that courage faces fear and masters it while cowardice represses fear, and is thereby mastered by it, he neither allowed himself to be overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life nor lost the will to live.
Rather, on one particular day in 2007, he did something theatrical.
He suddenly decided to go back to Ika Weekly Newspaper publishing. The surprising things about this decision were that at that time, Mr Steve Ashien did not have any money to invest in his dream newspaper publishing.
Though a faith-based man who always put God first in all he does and whose habit of giving/generosity, many characterized as legendary. That notwithstanding, people who knew about his intention gave him neither the needed support nor a chance to succeed. They were sceptical about how possible it would be for him to do magic this time around.
But as native wisdom proclaims, ‘the protestation of the innocent chick does not prevent or stall the sacrifice. If anything, the protestations enriched the sacrifice and hasten its value and efficacy.
Likewise, the flood of oppositions did not stop Mr Steve Ashien from plunging into Ika Weekly Newspaper publication.
Rather, such doubt and oppositions acted as a tonic. He prayed to God for direction and held on to honesty as his hardest currency while working night and day, sleeping on the floor of his office in order to ensure that the Newspaper hits the newsstand.
As luck will have it, help however came from a few people who were ready to report, highlight, and analyse the current affairs/events and topical issues happening in Ika land that was of interest to the people, especially in the political and community leadership.
He promoted citizens/community journalism.
Clearly, a bracing account particularly as the newspaper has since then, remained uninterrupted at the newsstand for over years with workers’ salaries promptly and dutifully paid. Not even the dreaded outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted millions of businesses across the world could halt its publication.
Also alluring is the awareness that the organization has grown into other areas of interest. For example, it established the St. Steven’s Library of congress- a resource centre for research and documentation of critical information, and study of Ika history, people, culture, and tradition. However, this library is no longer functional but the knowledge impacted on the general public is still cherished to date.
Despite these achievements, Ashien has refused to be seen. Instead, he opts to function like a cameraman who records events/successes without getting noticed.
But there exists a difference, and that is the fact that even in his ‘hiding’, he remains not just a shining star but a source of inspiration to the youths, a good ambassador of the Ika nation, and most importantly, a Catalyst for New Order. For its part, the newspaper has become a leading light reputed for filling the information gap in Ika Land.
Jerome-Mario Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via [email protected]/08032725374
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The successful closing of about $1.126 billion in financing for the execution of Phase 1, Section 2 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has been welcomed by President Bola Tinubu.
A statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the funding package was secured by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Mr Tinubu described this as a landmark because it marks a significant milestone in the delivery of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects.
He praised the Ministries of Finance and Works and the Debt Management Office (DMO) for working together on the transaction, adding that the federal government will continue to explore creative financing to fund critical projects across the country.
“This is a major achievement, and closing this transaction means the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will continue unimpeded. Our administration will continue to explore available funding opportunities to execute critical economic and priority infrastructural projects across the country,” the President was quoted as saying in the statement.
Phase 1, Section 2 covers approximately 55.7 kilometres, connecting Eleko in Lekki to Ode-Omi, key economic corridors and significantly enhancing national trade efficiency and logistics connectivity.
The successful financing follows the earlier closing of the $747 million financing for Phase 1, Section 1, and demonstrates the scalability and bankability of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The financing was fully underwritten by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Afreximbank, with partial risk mitigation support provided by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), marking ICIEC’s largest transaction since the country’s institutional and regulatory reforms. The structure reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reformed investment climate and its capacity to deliver infrastructure.
SkyKapital acted as Lead Financial Advisor, coordinating structuring, lender engagement, and execution. Environmental and Social advisory services were provided by Earth Active (UK), ensuring complete alignment with the IFC Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, and international ESG best practices. Hogan Lovells, as International Counsel, and Templars, as Nigerian Legal Counsel, led the legal advisory services.
Describing the transaction as a “defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey,” the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the fund will be deployed responsibly and judiciously to deliver on the project within timelines.
“The signing on December 19, 2025, of $1.126 billion financing for Phase one — section two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey, following the successful closing of the $747 million financing for Phase one section one on July 9, 2025.
“Collectively, these landmark transactions firmly establish the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the defining flagship projects of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, embodying the administration’s commitment to bold, transformational infrastructure.
“This financing is particularly notable as it represents, for the first time, a truly underwritten transaction of this magnitude for a Nigerian road infrastructure project. The facility was fully underwritten by First Abu Dhabi Bank ($626 million) and Afreximbank ($500 million), with partial coverage provided by ICIEC, making it the largest ICIEC-supported transaction since the institution’s creation,” Mr Edun said.
Construction is being executed by Hitech Construction Company Limited, whose rapid on-site progress and early opening of key road sections have earned commendation from lenders for engineering excellence, operational discipline, and execution speed.
In line with the federal government’s commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline, a comprehensive Value-for-Money (VfM) assessment was conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works in coordination with SkyKapital, and the assessment was independently reviewed and confirmed by GIBB.
The successful close of Phase 1, Section 2, represents a clear step-change in market confidence. It demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to move decisively from vision to execution and from reform to delivery.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and its partners for the rapid pace and completion of the mainline welding and associated works of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline ahead of schedule.
The Minister made the remark during a recent inspection of Kilometre Zero of the landmark pipeline project, accompanied by the chief executive officer of the Nigerian state oil company, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Executive Vice President (Gas, Power, and New Energy) Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, and the managing director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Mr Nasir Abdulsalam.
“Completing the AKK Mainline ahead of schedule demonstrates the resilience, professionalism, and commitment of the project team,” Mr Ekpo said, describing the milestone as a clear reflection of the Federal Government’s renewed focus on energy infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister noted that the AKK Gas Pipeline is a strategic national infrastructure poised to drive economic growth across Northern States by supplying natural gas for power generation, supporting gas-based industries, and advancing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives.
“This project will enhance industrialisation, create jobs, and strengthen energy security, ushering in a new era of economic opportunities for Nigerians,” he added.
Mr Ekpo concluded by urging all stakeholders to maintain momentum, noting that the AKK Pipeline’s operationalisation will catalyze industrialisation, employment, and inclusive economic growth, aligning with the Federal Government’s broader strategic vision.
Speaking at the site, Mr Ojulari linked the project to tangible national development, highlighting Nigeria’s industrial heritage while projecting a resurgence driven by gas as a transition fuel.
“The AKK Pipeline reflects our commitment to timely project delivery and its strategic importance to national industrialisation and economic security,” he stated.
The inspection tour, according to him, further reinforced the Federal Government and NNPCL’s pledge to ensure the AKK Pipeline’s timely completion, which remains critical to expanding energy access, boosting industrial growth, and supporting shared prosperity across the country.
The Minister and the NNPC management team commended the project workforce for their dedication, emphasizing the role of discipline, collaboration, and technical excellence in achieving the early completion of this landmark project.
The AKK Gas Pipeline, spanning over 614 kilometers, is designed to deliver natural gas to power plants, industries, and CNG facilities, providing a major boost to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and positioning the country as a regional energy hub.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the latest United States airstrikes on Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) targets in northwest Nigeria were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government.
According to reports, the US struck at ISWAP targets in Jabo, Sokoto State, on Christmas night.
The ministry described the operation as a product of established counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the Ministry said the strikes were “undertaken following formal engagement and with the full knowledge and coordination of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“The Government of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the airstrikes conducted by the United States against Islamic State elements in parts of northwest Nigeria were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities and in line with existing bilateral security cooperation frameworks,” the statement said.
The Ministry stressed that Nigeria “remains firmly in control of all counterterrorism operations within its sovereign territory,” adding that international partners only provide support “where such assistance aligns with Nigeria’s national security objectives.”
According to the statement, the strikes form part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to “degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks, and protect civilian populations from violent extremist threats.”
The Foreign Ministry further emphasised that the federal government “will continue to work with trusted international partners to confront terrorism, banditry, and transnational criminal networks that threaten national and regional stability.”
Reacting to concerns around sovereignty, the Ministry said:
“At no time was Nigeria’s sovereignty compromised. All actions were conducted with due respect for Nigeria’s laws, institutions, and command structures.”
The statement also cautioned against mischaracterising Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that extremist violence “has affected communities across religious and ethnic lines and should not be framed in sectarian terms.”
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to a multi-layered response combining military operations, intelligence sharing, community engagement, and socio-economic interventions, adding that counterterrorism efforts remain focused on protecting lives and restoring stability.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes were carried out in Sokoto State and that multiple militants were killed.
US President Donald Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” saying they were directed at Islamic State militants responsible for violent attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has clearly denied that only Christians are affected by the killings, saying the terror spread across all faiths.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that “more to come” as part of sustained efforts against extremist groups.
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