General
Presidency Pledges to Address Ogoni Clean-Up Challenges
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Presidency has pledged to tackle the challenges and bottlenecks hindering the Ogoni clean-up initiative, ensuring a more effective and sustainable approach to environmental remediation and community empowerment.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Mrs Gift Johnbull, made this commitment at the Ogoni Clean Up Stakeholders Roundtable Meeting in Nortem, Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, acknowledging that past efforts may have faced obstacles.
The meeting, held under the Na My Area, Na My Country programme, brought together diverse stakeholders to collaborate and drive real change in Ogoniland, as Mrs Johnbull reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the Ogoni clean-up initiative, emphasizing inclusion, empowerment, and environmental remediation.
She assured that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope approach prioritizes environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, inclusion and community well-being, signalling a shift from superficial solutions to lasting impact.
“The launch of the Ogoni Clean Up Initiative in 2016 marked a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing an ecological Issue. However, there is a need to weigh in on our progress thus far and assess the impact of the Ogoni Clean Up as it relates to the improvement of the lives and livelihood of the Ogoni people.
“As recommended by the President, It is crucial that we come together as diverse stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that the purpose of the Ogoni Cleanup is fully actualized.
“Our focus must be on empowerment, environmental remediation, and fostering a mindset of responsibility and ownership among all stakeholders.
“The President has sent me. We will address the challenges and bottlenecks that may have hindered or slowed down progress, if there is any that will be discussed here today. The President has established robust governance frameworks and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency, effective resource allocation, and meaningful community involvement in the clean-up process.
“This meeting is not about providing temporary relief or superficial solutions. It is about driving real and lasting change, fostering a mindset that prioritizes environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and community well-being.
“We must work together to unlock the human and natural resource potential of Ogoniland while ensuring the environmental and economic security of the South-South communities of Nigeria.”
Speaking for the people of Ogoni, the Spokesman of the Central Representative Advisory Committee, King T.Y Suanu Baridam, expressed concerns about the Ogoni cleanup process, emphasizing the need for betterment of the people and economic development.
“The cleanup process is important, but we also need to address the suffering and deprivation of our people. The Project Manager should have the power to approve things here, not constantly running to Abuja. We need youth empowerment, not enslavement by outsiders. The government should reduce military presence and increase youth involvement for efficient delivery.”
On his part, Mr Nenibarini Zabbey, provided an update on the Ogoni cleanup project, highlighting progress in key areas including remediation, mangrove restoration, provision of potable water, livelihood creation, and health support.
“We have accelerated the cleanup process, remediated 50 lots of simple sites, and planted 265,000 mangrove seedlings. We are committed to forensic health studies and strengthening health facilities. We have provided clean water to 60 communities, engaged over 7,000 youths and women, and renovated health facilities.
“The project’s scope includes land remediation, shoreline cleanup, and mangrove restoration, with 39 contractors handling complex sites and 34 lots dedicated to shoreline cleanup in Gokana. HYPREP has received cleanup certification for 48 sites and is piloting mangrove restoration across 560 hectares.”
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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