It was a moment of joy in the country’s education landscape as the coast is now clear for commencement of academic activities at the Unique Open University in Lagos, one of the universities recently approved by the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC).

This follows the receipt of operational license by the founder and chancellor of the university, Prof. Chris Imumolen a renowned philanthropist and youth advocate.

The vital document was handed over to him at the NUC secretariat in Abuja by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Yusufu Abdullahi Ribadu.

Prof. Ribadu commended the university for starting with the number of facilities it has put in place.

In the Prof. Imumolen’s delegation were his team and members of the university’s Governing Council Members.

While receiving the license, Prof. Imumolen expressed gratitude to the NUC for prompt action in inspecting the university project site and carrying other due diligence processes that led to approval of provisional license.

He assured that the project will redefine the face of education in Nigeria and in the West African sub-region as it is poised to equip students with hands-on skills to become employable and creators of employment.

Meanwhile, the inauguration, dedication and official opening of the university will take place on Tuesday, 4th November 2025 at its campus, Iyana Isashi Bus stop, Along Lagos Badagry Express Road, Ojo Lagos.

Themed: “Empowering Generations through Knowledge, Innovation, and Opportunity”, Prof. Imumolen will use the opportunity to unveil his team and communicate the vision of the university.

Over 2,000 women and girls across 215 host communities along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) are set to benefit from a comprehensive entrepreneurship and financial literacy program initiated by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

The initiative—The PINL Women Entrepreneurs & Empowerment Programme—aims to equip women with practical business skills, financial education, and enterprise support to help them build sustainable livelihoods within their communities.

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at PINL, announced the development during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting with representatives from host communities in Rivers, Imo, and Abia States.

“We have completed data capturing in Port Harcourt for host communities across Abia, Imo, and Rivers States, and in Yenagoa for Bayelsa communities. Verification is now underway, and beneficiaries will soon be contacted,” Mezeh stated.

“Through this initiative, 2,000 women will receive empowerment before the end of the year—marking a major step in PINL’s commitment to gender inclusion and local enterprise development.”

*Education, Youth Empowerment, and Environmental Commitment*
Dr. Mezeh also revealed that PINL’s youth scholarship programme for host communities is being finalized, with disbursement of funds expected in October. New entries from underrepresented communities, he said, have been added to ensure broader participation and equitable benefit.
On environmental and social initiatives, Mezeh confirmed that PINL is collaborating with relevant government agencies and environmental experts to conduct joint assessments—identifying key areas for remediation and social investment across the corridor.

“Our goal is not only to sustain safe operations but to ensure that our footprint in these communities leaves lasting social and environmental value,” he said.

*Security and Operational Integrity*
Speaking on security, Mezeh highlighted the company’s enhanced collaboration with local stakeholders, security agencies, and community surveillance teams—measures that have helped maintain zero infractions and uninterrupted operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline.

“We have strengthened logistics, communication, and field intelligence-sharing to ensure issues are logged, tracked, and resolved promptly,” he said.

“These efforts have resulted in sustained peace across host communities, improved oil and gas output, and the lowest crude losses in over sixteen years.”

Mezeh added that all verified pending payments raised by dedicated community leaders have been fully reconciled and processed, reinforcing PINL’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

He further disclosed that, in recent weeks, PINL teams—working closely with community intelligence networks—foiled multiple attempts at pipeline vandalism in Bonny, Eteo (Eleme), Ikata, and Ogbo.

*Expanding Community Coverage and National Impact*
Following stakeholder recommendations, Mezeh announced the inclusion of Biseni in Bayelsa State and other deserving communities in the company’s surveillance and development engagements. Additional recommendations for the inclusion of more communities hosting critical oil and gas assets have also been submitted to the relevant authorities.

“Beyond our mandate, PINL has voluntarily taken responsibility for providing security for oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP—pro bono—as part of our broader contribution to national energy security,” Mezeh added.

*Sustaining Peace, Building Prosperity*
Dr. Mezeh reaffirmed PINL’s long-term vision of building trust-based partnerships with its host communities through sustainable programs in education, youth employment, healthcare, and environmental protection.
“We are not just a pipeline protection company,” he emphasized. “We are a development partner—committed to transforming lives, promoting peace, and building enduring prosperity through purposeful collaboration.”

He thanked host communities and security agencies for their continued cooperation and urged youths and women to remain committed to preserving peace and stability in the region.

*About PINL*
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) is a leading energy infrastructure and asset protection company dedicated to ensuring the security, integrity, and sustainability of vital national pipelines. Through continuous stakeholder engagement and community-led initiatives, PINL fosters long-term partnerships that promote peace, inclusivity, and shared growth across Nigeria’s oil and gas corridor.

HYACINTH Nwafor

The growing partnership between the media and security agencies took a positive step forward on Monday as the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of RazorNews Group, Odita Sunday, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood, at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

Speaking during the visit, Odita Sunday described the engagement as “more than a courtesy call,” noting that it was a gesture of respect and appreciation for the Commissioner’s exemplary leadership and commitment to innovative, people-centred policing in Lagos State.

“Since assuming office, CP Jimoh has redefined policing in Lagos through discipline, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement,” Odita said. “Under his leadership, we have witnessed a measurable reduction in violent crimes, improved police-community relations, and renewed public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.”

He commended the Commissioner for recognizing the media as a strategic ally in the fight against crime, citing his open-door policy and constructive relationship with journalists as a model for transparent policing.

“At RazorNews, we believe that security and the media are twin pillars of social stability, the police safeguard lives and property, while the media enlighten and hold society accountable. When these two sectors work together in trust, society becomes safer and more informed,” Odita added.

The RazorNews boss also lauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for his leadership and support to Commands nationwide, which he said has strengthened operational efficiency and fostered a culture of accountability within the Force.

“We salute the CP’s professionalism and the IGP’s vision. RazorNews remains committed to fair, factual, and peace-driven reportage that builds public trust and strengthens collaboration between the media and law enforcement,” he affirmed.

In his response, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood thanked Odita and his team for their visit and praised his professionalism and dedication to balanced journalism.

“You have been a voice of truth, direct, constructive, and objective. Even your criticisms are purposeful. The media is a mirror through which we assess ourselves, and that makes this partnership invaluable,” the CP stated.

He emphasized that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception of security efforts, noting that collaboration between journalists and law enforcement is central to building mutual trust and maintaining peace in Lagos.

Highlighting key achievements since he assumed office, CP Jimoh credited the IGP’s support for enabling innovations such as the establishment of the Coast Guard Force, a special initiative to enhance maritime security across Lagos and adjoining coastal communities.

“With the IGP’s backing, we expanded our patrol teams from five to ten, improving both coastal and inland security coordination. His leadership has been instrumental to every milestone we’ve achieved,” he said.

The CP further listed notable successes under his administration, including the dismantling of criminal networks, arrest of high-profile armed robbers and land grabbers, and the peaceful conduct of recent political activities in Lagos.

“Despite early fears, Lagos recorded one of its most peaceful election seasons in recent history. No lives lost, no property destroyed, that’s the result of coordinated strategy, police discipline, and responsible media reportage,” he noted.

He also revealed that the Command has expanded its tactical squads from 23 to 33 units, leading to a significant decline in kidnapping, container hijacking, and other organized crimes.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the media. Your balanced coverage inspires our officers to give their best. With continued partnership, Lagos will remain a beacon of safety and progress,” CP Jimoh concluded.

The event, witnessed by notable media and security figures including Sir Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor of Vanguard Newspaper; Hyacinth Nwafor, Publisher of Hybrid News; and ACP Idowu Jaiyeoba, underscored the growing synergy between journalists and law enforcement.

It reaffirmed that sustainable peace and development thrive where information, transparency, and collaboration are prioritized.
As Nigeria advances in its democratic and security evolution, the partnership between visionary leaders like CP Jimoh Moshood, journalists like Odita Sunday, and the pragmatic leadership of the IGP continues to prove that when truth and duty align, society moves forward.