General
British Council Reiterates Stronger Collaboration, Celebrates 80 Years of Impact in Nigeria
By Adedapo Adesanya
The British Council has reiterated that it will continue to strengthen its collaboration and operations in Nigeria as it marked its 80th-year presence in the country.
The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, was founded in 1934 and was established in Nigeria in 1944. Over the course of 80 years, it has serviced Nigeria through its involvement in businesses, creativity, and education among others.
Over 100 guests, partners, beneficiaries, staff and partners from the public and private sectors gathered to honour eight decades of the British Council’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational and cultural landscape at a commemorative event held at its Ikoyi, office in Lagos on Thursday, November 7. The event emphasised the organisation’s dedication to fostering impactful change under the theme Amplifying the Voices of the Future.
In his welcome address, Mr Chilufya Besa, Acting Country Director of the British Council, reflected on the organisation’s long-standing role in supporting Nigerian communities and youth.
“The British Council in Nigeria has been at the forefront of fostering connections, empowering communities, and creating educational and cultural exchange pathways that have shaped countless lives.
“We are proud of the countless young people who have become employable, business owners, job creators, and agents of change within their communities through British Council-led programmes.”
“Since our establishment in Nigeria, the British Council has alongside Nigeria’s leaders, educators, artists, and communities to create opportunities that resonate across generations.
“Together, we have empowered millions of people with skills, education, and connections that transform lives. These milestones underscores the strength of the UK-Nigeria relationship which we are proud to support and nurture.”
He lauded the stakeholders and partners that have helped advance the course of the British government towards its goals.
He noted that Nigeria’s teeming young population was a goldmine that needed to be utilised, and added that the British Council saw it fit to collaborate efforts that are aimed at building capacity for the future.
Mr Besa also noted that evidence of its operations has shown in African entrepreneurs tapping into sustainable creative businesses and that it will continue to support them in their journeys across education, film, music, art, and businesses.
Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, representing The Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), added in his opening speech, “Amplifying the Voices of the Future is especially fitting for our 80th anniversary in Nigeria, as it indicates our commitment to empowering young people, who are Nigeria’s future leaders, creators, and innovators.”
“We remain committed to fostering deeper connections, creating opportunities for young people, and building a future that respects cultural heritage while embracing innovation and inclusivity,”
The event featured two fireside chats, each delving into the impact and future potential of youth empowerment in Nigeria. The first discussion which focused on Unlocking the Economic Potential of Young People Now and in the Future, was led by the Regional Lead for Creative Economy, SSA, and Head of Arts Nigeria at the British Council, Ms Brenda Fashugba. This insightful session examines strategies to boost youth economic engagement and equip young Nigerians for future success.
The second conversation focused on Enhancing Youth Voices in Delivering Effective and Sustainable Change, was moderated by Ms Edemekong Uyoh, Regional Head of Marketing, Cultural Engagement, SSA at the British Council, and emphasised the importance of youth perspectives in achieving sustainable development.
Adding to the evening’s inspiring atmosphere were performances by spoken word artists – Kehinde Adollo and King David Ayo-Loto, whose powerful pieces reflected the theme and the impact of the British Council’s 80 years in Nigeria. The event also showcased a live painting session by celebrated artist Haneefah Adam, whose artwork was presented to Acting Country Director Chilufya Besa as a commemorative gift.
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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