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NCDMB Boss Charges New NCRDC Members on Strong Research Base

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NCRDC

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr Felix Omatsola, has tasked the new members of the Nigerian Content Research and Development Council (NCRDC) to build a strong research base for the country.

The newly inaugurated members are Mr Omatsola as Chairman, the Director of Research and Development of NCDMB, Mr Isaac Yalah, as the Alternate Chairman; and the General Manager of Research and Development of NCDMB, Mr Silas Ajimajaye, as the Secretary.

Other members include representatives from the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS), National Universities Commission (NUC), and National Board for Technology Incubation, (NBTI). Other institutions represented on the Council include the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).

The induction of new members was held during the Council’s 3rd Quarter meeting in Lagos State and followed the exit of some former members from the management of the NCDMB.

The Council’s terms of reference are to advise the NCDMB on criteria and methodology for prioritizing market cum demand-driven research projects, and advice on the appropriate strategies and governance arrangements to attract funding for research projects.

They will also advise the Board on the criteria for the award of research grants and review progress on the impact of such grants on Research projects, Product development and Innovation.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary affirmed NCDMB’s commitment to stimulate indigenous research and development ideas to drive the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors.

He stated that R&D is critical to the growth of Nigerian Content, hence it is one of the enablers of the Nigerian Content 10-year strategic roadmap.

He made reference to the success recorded by the NCDMB with Amal Technologies Gas Leak Detection Device and Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Facility at Idu, Abuja as proof of the agency’s contributions to the research and development space.

He charged the new Council to “do more to bring up more research and development into Nigeria”.

He promised that the new Council would review its policies and come up with a framework for accelerating the development of technology in the oil and gas industry.

In his remarks, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Abdulmalik Halilu, who is the outgoing alternate chairman of the Council noted that NCDMB R&D framework is anchored on seven policy thrusts, including a focus on market-driven research, the establishment of world-class Research and Development (R&D) Centers of Excellence, establishment of Research and Development Council and provision of sustainable funding to support R&D.

Other areas of focus include the development of a stakeholder collaboration matrix for Research and Development (R&D), provision of enablers for commercialisation of research breakthroughs and facilitation of acceptance and utilisation of products of research by end users.

He informed that NCDMB had developed a Nigerian Content R&D Roadmap, which aligns with eight pillars, including funding, infrastructure, capacity building, collaboration, capability, commercial framework, governance, legal framework and enforcement.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

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.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

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.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

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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