General
Lagos Allots N2.7b to Build 5 Elderly Care Centres

By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has disclosed that a total sum of N2.698 billion has been earmarked in the 2017 budget for the construction of Elderly Care Centres across the five administrative divisions of Lagos.
This, Mr Ambode explained, is in line with his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants/pensioners from the State Public Service,
The Governor noted that the Elderly Care Centres, which will be constructed at Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, Alimosho and Lagos Island, was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the senior citizens in appreciation of their contributions to the development of the State and the Nation while in active service.
Mr Ambode stated this at the year 2016 Lagos State Senior Citizens/Pensioners Day celebration, organised by the State Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions at the Vantage Point Event Centre, Acme Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, saying the gesture was to reassure them that their relevance in the society did not end on the day of their retirement from public service.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, the Governor noted that his administration has shown genuine commitment to the workers’ welfare including retirees right from the inception through regular payment of salaries of those in active service and prompt payment of retirees’ benefits especially those that have accrued over the years.
He informed the Retirees/Senior Citizens that his administration had earlier paid a total sum of N21.929 billion as accrued pension rights to 5,027 retirees, while another N1.5 billion intervention fund was also approved for the payment of the outstanding gratuities and accrued pensions to Local Government retirees and the balance of 142% pension arrears.
While describing the theme of the year 2016 celebration: ‘Take a Stand Against Ageism’ as instructive and appropriate, the Governor deplored the increasing discrimination and prejudicial attitudes towards older old age and aging process in the society.
Earlier, Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr Akintola Benson Oke said the celebration of Senior Citizens/ Pensioners was in recognition of their various contributions to the socio-economic development of the State while in service.
He emphasised that the celebration was also a further confirmation of the sincerity of the present administration to run an all-inclusive government where everyone is a major beneficiary of the allocation of State resources.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees/ Senior Citizens, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Mojeed Adebayo Ibrahim noted that the celebration of Pensioners day by the State government provided an avenue for all retirees and pensioners from the State public service to come together and share ideas on how to make life more bearable for themselves.
Comrade Ibrahim commended the present administration for prompt payment of pensions and gratuities to its retirees in spite of the current economic recession in the country, stressing that the governor has demonstrated quality leadership by paying all outstanding pensions and gratuities he inherited from previous administrations in the State.
While reassuring his members support and readiness to offer useful advice that could help government to achieve its goals, he pleaded with the State government to address some of the problems confronting the pensioners including payment of the remaining gratuities of all affected pensioners, especially Local Governments, Primary School Teachers and Parastatals, harmonization of all pensioners in the State owing to the current economic recession in the country, and provision of a befitting secretariat for the pensioners in the state.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
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