General
Ajimobi Re-Launches Joint Security Outfit to Fight Criminals
By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Friday inaugurated the new Board of Trustees for the Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF), even as he declared war on criminal elements in the state.
The board, headed by the Deputy Governor, Operations, of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Bayo Adelabu, was inaugurated at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, with a mandate to reinvigorate the security outfit.
Mr Ajimobi had also inaugurated the newly reconstituted state’s Joint Security Task Force, codenamed `Operation Burst,’ at Idi-Arere, which is considered one of the hot spots in the city of Ibadan.
Members of the OYSSTF include the Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan; a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Dr Adesola Adeduntan; Dr Falil Ayo-Abina; Engr. Femi Odumagbo; and Mr Vickram Goushani.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Mr Femi Oyedipe, will serve as Executive Secretary of the board.
Mr Ajimobi described the two occasions as a milestone in his administration’s efforts at stamping out all forms of brigandage and violent activities, which, he said, had earned the state the appellation of a garrison before the advent of his administration.
“Before our administration came on board in 2011, Oyo State used to be known as a garrison, because of the violence, arson, brigandage and destruction of property being carried out by criminals.
“This led to the establishment of a Security Trust Fund and ‘Operation Burst’ in 2013 which eventually brought peace back to the state.
“We were then able to stem the tide of armed robbery, gangsterism and other vices with this instrument of the law.
“We have now fortified the ‘Operation Burst’ with officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Special Response Squad of the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to renew the people’s confidence in the capacity and capability of the outfit,” the Governor said.
While inaugurating the 20 new patrol vans donated to the state by the OYSSTF at Idi-Arere, the Governor promised that other arms and ammunition required to fight crimes and criminal activities to a standstill would be made readily available to the security outfit.
He charged members of the board to apply the Trust Fund law recently amended by the state House of Assembly towards the sustenance of peace, saying the law had paved the way for private sector involvement.
The Governor, who emphasized that security was a serious business that involved the participation of all and sundry as well as sustained funding, called for a robust data base and public-private partnership.
Mr Ajimobi said that arrangements were being made for the installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras in strategic areas and a base station where people could call in for emergencies as well as acquisition of aerial patrol helicopter.
“We have come to knock on the doors of brigands to flush them out. We decided to choose this location (Idi-Arere) for this occasion because it is generally believed to be the hot spot of criminal activities in the city of Ibadan.
“With this development therefore, ‘One million Boys’ should be on the run! There is no more a safe haven for criminals and perpetuators of violence in our state,” he said.
In his remark, Mr Adelabu said that a sustainable funding for security was imperative, adding that nothing meaningful could be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity and chaos.
He commended the Ajimobi administration for restoring sanity to the state after a long period of violence and brigandage preceding his emergence.
Mr Adelabu pledged his members’ readiness to assist government in raising funds through voluntary donations by individuals, groups and corporate bodies.
“The attainment of peace and tranquillity is commendable. But, the greater challenge is its sustainability until it becomes our way of life and permanent identity in Oyo State.
“Security has no colour; it transcends party politics; it goes beyond religious affiliation; it does not recognize economic status; it is blind to ethnic affiliation and it ignores the age of victims.
“The uncommon strides of the present administration should, therefore, be commended for eradicating insecurity in Oyo State,” he said.
It will be recalled that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently listed Oyo State alongside Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory as the most investor-friendly destinations in the country due to the sustained peace in the states.
The twin occasions were graced by eminent personalities, security chiefs, traditional rulers, captains of industry, members of the State Executive Council and members of the public.
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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