General
NIWA Targets Increased Contribution to Nigeria GDP
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has pledged to work tirelessly to harness ocean resources in raising the authority’s contribution to the Nigerian economy by increasing its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
This was disclosed by NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, in a chat with newsmen shortly after the organisation’s 3-Day Special Retreat held at Edge Drive Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi.
The managing director explained that the agency’s work would be targeted at boosting the nation’s economy while ensuring safe water transportation.
The authority’s general and area managers signed a bond with the managing director at the retreat towards better performance and service delivery as public servants.
“We have to do this because the honourable minister of marine and blue economy with the permanent secretary signed a performance bond with the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This bond is to measure performance, evaluate performance, and see that all the ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria key into the vision of the Federal Government.
“At the same time, they are expected to achieve the best in line with the thematics of Mr President.
“Therefore, my expectations from NIWA staff that have already signed the performance bond with me is for them to achieve the best for NIWA in all areas.
“This is because Marine and Blue Economy is a ministry that is going to carry out the commercial leg of governance, and I can assure you that the minister is positioned for that,” he said.
Mr Oyebamiji said that the authority would partner with investors, local and foreign, to drive the opportunities in the ministry, and boost the economy by generating huge revenue.
He said that this was the reason President Bola Tinubu created the ministry was to add value to the Nigerian economy, especially at a crucial time when the country needed revenue.
He noted that there were going to be a lot of benefits to the citizens, such as employment creation and boosting the nation’s GDP, saying, “The ministry is going to add value, especially in the areas of fisheries, aquaculture, and so many others that have been planned in its roadmap.
“I can assure you that in the next couple of months and years, you will see the indicators that the ministry is firmly rooted to drive the Nigerian economy.”
Mr Oyebamiji stressed that it expected the staff to achieve the best for the Ministry, while also achieving the best for Nigeria’s desired growth and development, stating that in his effort to reposition NIWA, the first thing that agitated his mind was safety.
According to him, in the last couple of months, the agency has seen a series of boat mishaps.
“I can tell you that there is going to be a committee going forward that is going to handle safety, registration of boats and partnering with the local boat builders to ensure standard boats.
“We have drivers of these boats that are trained, and we have a rescue committee that is agile, vibrant, and can be tested anytime for the safe movement of people and goods on the waterways, ” he said.
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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