General
Lagos Pays N1.52bn to 798 Retirees
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos State Government on Monday disbursed a total of N1.52 billion to another set of 798 retirees of the Lagos State Public Service.
The retirement bond certificates were presented at the 110th Batch Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony at Alausa, Ikeja attended by the beneficiaries.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr Babalola Obilana, said the gesture underscores Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to ensuring retirees receive their entitlements without delay, saying the state operates a pay-as-you-go pension system, enabling prompt settlement once documentation is completed.
“Today’s ceremony is a testament to the commitment of the Lagos State Government towards the well-being and financial security of its workforce. It signifies the fulfilment of obligations under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), ensuring that our dear retirees receive the retirement benefits they have worked hard for throughout their careers.
“The Lagos State Government has made significant strides in pension administration over the years despite various challenges. Today, we can proudly say that the CPS in Lagos State is one of the most efficient and well-managed pension systems in the country. The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) has consistently worked with various stakeholders: the Pension Fund Administrators, Annuity Service Providers, Lagos State Ministries, Departments, Agencies and other relevant bodies to ensure the smooth processing of pension entitlements for all retirees.
“I want to thank Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his constant support in ensuring the prompt payment of pension obligations. Today, Mr Governor will be presenting another set of 798 retirees with their retirement bond certificates worth a total of N1,520,223,053.19, being their past service benefits prior to the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007.”
Mr Obilana said LASPEC has remained steadfast in ensuring that pensions are paid on time, noting that the 110th Batch will join a long list of retirees who have received their benefits promptly as part of our commitment to uphold the promise of financial security to public servants.
He also advised retirees at the event to plan wisely on how to spend their retirement funds.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees after receiving their bond certificates, Mrs Funto Olaitan Aina and Mr Olayinka Ramoni Alaka, expressed gratitude to the government, describing the bond as timely and life-changing.
They also commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for keeping faith with retirees and urged the Lagos State Government to sustain and improve the system for future pensioners.
“I am extremely happy. We are receiving our bond. What we have been looking out for is now a reality. We thank the Lagos State Government for making it a reality. When I collect the money, I am going to sit back and think well about what I want to do with it before going out to do whatever. The payment was prompt because I retired last year, and I am getting my bond certificate a year after. So, I want to implore them to continue to do the best,” said Mrs Aina, who retired from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Also speaking, Mr Olayinka Ramoni Alaka, who retired last year from Lagos State Public Service, said: “I feel happy receiving my pension today. I am a Town Planner and I am still doing my work. I will add the money to my business and continue with my business. The Lagos State Government has been doing very well. From what I have seen from other states, they have not been paying their pensioners, but Lagos State pays as and when due, and it has been a seamless process.”
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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