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Incessant Clashes: IPCR Deploys Researchers To 36 States

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incessant clashes

Researchers have been dispatched to conduct a Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA) of the length and breadth of Nigeria, to enhance peace building, and prevention and containment of violent conflicts.

This initiative is a collaborative effort of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP).

The SCA will cover the 36 States of the federation, grouped into the 6 geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory.

Already, the Institute held pre-engagement meetings with the consultants, and briefed researchers of the Institute traveling to the States for the exercise. The decision to conduct the SCA was to understand the present dynamics that account for the widespread violent conflicts and inter-communal clashes across the country.

In May 2002, IPCR, supported by DFID, the World Bank, USAID and UNDP, conducted the first national SCA in Nigeria.  This was applauded by the United Nations, which recommended SCA as component of development plan for countries in the world.

Ever since the 2002 assessment, updates of the SCA had been done in 2007 and 2012/2013, through the support of the UNDP.  The outcomes of these assessments resulted in the conception and formulation of the draft National Peace Policy in Nigeria, and the first of its kind in Africa.

Nigeria’s attempts to deal with the root causes of violent conflicts have taken several dimensions, one of which is the conduct of the SCA as technique designed to systematically examine the nature, dimensions, scope, causes and actors of violent conflicts, and proffer appropriate recommendations and strategies for resolving them.

It also identifies violent conflict processes and options for conflict management or resolution. Overall, it provides basic, but analytical information, which is essential to planning a constructive response to violent conflict.

The justification for the updating of the conflict map of Nigeria is the need to develop policy options and implementation strategies for dealing with dysfunctional conflicts in Nigeria.  The update of the SCA will reveal available domestic capacities and frameworks for effective resolution of civil, socio-economic and political differences, capable of resulting into violent conflicts.

The exercise will strengthen Government’s efforts in understanding (or conduct further research into) the root causes of violent conflicts and adapt sustainable, interconnected/multifaceted, but home-grown solutions to the myriads of violent conflicts plaguing the country.

The study will also boost stakeholders’ efforts to establish national, State and community-based peace infrastructure, strengthen conflict prevention and management capacities for dialogue in conflict-prone areas, and reinforce institutions’ ability to build capacities in mediation and dialogue, as well as help key stakeholders to constructively engage in these violent conflicts, through advocacy and adoption of conflict sensitive approach to nation building, thereby preventing violent conflicts.

It will also recommend appropriate support to victims of violent conflicts, help reintegrate them back into the society and local economy, as well as support policy makers, Government agencies, humanitarian organizations, CSOs, NGOs and communities, in identifying causes, actors and dynamics of conflicts across the country, and to plan their development interventions in a conflict sensitive manner.

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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