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Halogen Security Cautions FG on Smart Mobility Drive Risks

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By Dipo Olowookere

A renowned security outfit in Nigeria, Halogen Security, has cautioned Federal Government on the potential pitfalls that lie ahead of its plans to drive Nigeria’s transportation sector into a smart mobility system.

Managing Director of Halogen Security, Mr Wale Olaoye, warned that before going smart, the security of our cyber space must be considered from the initial planning phase or the system would be left vulnerable to attacks.

This warning follows submission of Chairman, Senate Committee on Transport Chairman, Mr Gbenga Ashafa, earlier this week that the yet to be passed National Transport Commission Bill will lay the foundation for an integrated, multi-modal and smart transport sector in the country.

While commending the Senate’s desire to see Nigeria move towards intelligent integrated transport systems and intelligent traffic management among others, Mr Olaoye said, “With the innumerable advances in technology and the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the ‘smart city’ concept is catching on all over the world, with more than 26 cities expected to become smart by 2025. This is why it is brilliant that Nigeria is also thinking along this line.

“The advantages of going smart are endless as advanced technology can manage traffic flows for vehicular routes.

“GPS and traffic management software can also be used to create a response plan to get emergency services to the scene of an accident faster by turning the appropriate traffic lights green as the responder approaches.

“But despite the clear advantages, connecting any system, asset or device to the internet introduces inherent risks, including data breaches, disruption of infrastructure and threats to public safety.

“These risks are further amplified when the connections span entire cities and if there is no clear and comprehensive security strategy in place, Nigerians could be left vulnerable to these breaches and the government would be liable for the cost of recovering from such, even if accidental.”

Mr Olaoye said it was unfortunate that most times when ‘smart’ initiatives are being executed; cyber security is often overlooked in both its development and deployment phases.

“In the excitement of going smart, we tend to forget that integrating digitally connected systems into national infrastructure creates new pathways for enemies to exploit.

“Apart from the possibility of intentional breaches, the risk of human error is also real, as public workers are typically not experienced with the sometimes complex technology,” he added.

The Halogen boss noted that developing a risk-based strategic plan from the onset is an important part of establishing the overall cyber security strategy. He also said that training the public on best practices and situational awareness is fundamentally important in making smart mobility safe for Nigerians.

“For the benefits of smart mobility to be meaningful, the risks and threats must be addressed through having a well thought out cyber security strategy and with the collaboration of both the private and public sectors.

“With these in place, Nigeria can mitigate potential risks and challenges whilst the nation reaps the benefits of going smart. All we need do is to be smart as we put smart technology to use,” Mr Olaoye submitted.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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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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