General
Ijaw Youths in Bayelsa Apologizes for Protest against NCDMB
By Dipo Olowookere
Youths in Bayelsa State under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Congress (Central Zone) have apologised for staging a demonstration against the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, recently over claims that the board had moved its core operations to Abuja and Lagos.
Youths from the IYC Central Zone, numbering over 100 had invaded the NCDMB headquarters at Opolo on August 31, 2017.
They pulled down part of the perimeter fence and disrupted work, alleging also that the headquarters building project had been slowed down deliberately.
But Chairman of the IYC Central Zone, Mr Tare Porri, who led the demonstration then, returned to the board last week on a courtesy visit and apologized for the group’s ill-advised conduct.
He explained that their action was not targeted at the Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Wabote, as the issues predated his appointment in September 2016.
Mr Porri, who recalled that the IYC Central Zone had worked cordially with the Board over the years, averred that “if the Abuja and Lagos offices are for administrative purposes, they should be maintained. We are only opposed to branch offices, which will weaken the operations of the head office.”
The IYC lead also pleaded with the Board to accelerate work on the Polaku pipemill project and the Oil and Gas Park project, being developed in Bayelsa State, as the projects will employ thousands of youths during construction and operation phases.
He also sought the Board’s assistance to enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from the Niger Delta states access the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, so they could grow capacities and win industry contracts.
The IYC leader further requested collaboration on various capacity building initiatives, including a planned workshop on the processes of setting up and running modular refineries, as a strategy of dissuading youths from illegal refining.
In his response, the Executive Secretary accepted the apology from the IYC and charged the group to protect and provide an enabling environment for the Board, being that it is the only federal establishments with its headquarters in the state. “IYC must work to attract investments and prove that citizens of the state are peace loving.”
Mr Wabote reiterated that the Board established a liaison office in Abuja to support its interaction with key arms of government and relevant agencies while the Lagos office is to help effectively monitor oil and gas companies, many of which have their facilities in the city.
He explained that the Polaku pipemill project would be developed as a private investment and the Board’s role was limited to providing primary infrastructure to catalyze the project and guarantee industry patronage when completed. He revealed that the Board had received a fresh interest from an investor, after the first two companies that showed interest in the past failed to concretize their investment plans.
The Executive Secretary also stated that the Board was working progressively on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park and was partnering with the Bayelsa State Government to build a 25 megawatts independent power plant which will supply electricity to the park located at Emeyal, Ogbia Local Government Area, the government house, state owned hospital, NCDMB new headquarters and the Bayelsa airport. “We are developing it on the back of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s Zabazaba deepwater project and the design has been completed.”
He added, “We are working to complete our headquarters building by December 2018 and if we can have it powered by an IPP, companies will set up offices in our building and we will change the narrative.”
The Executive Secretary also promised to support the IYC with the planned workshop on modular refineries, noting that the Board works with any group that seeks to add value to the society.
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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