General
First Bank Supports APRA Rwanda 2019
There are strong indications that the 2019 edition of the annual conference organised by the African Public Relations Association (APRA) will get bigger and better.
This is because First Bank of Nigeria Limited (First Bank) is partnering with the organisation for the 31st edition of the programme tagged ‘APRA Rwanda 2019’.
APRA Rwanda 2019 is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda from May 13-17, 2019 at the Serena Hotel and as part of its commitment to to foster Africa’s growth and development, First Bank is throwing its weight behind the conference.
According to the organisers, the keynote address will be delivered the President of Rwanda, Mr Paul Kagame, while the immediate past President of Ghana, Mr John Dramani Mahama, will chair the opening ceremony amongst other dignitaries which include: the Deputy Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC), Ambassador Kwesi Quartey and Media mogul, CEO & Publisher of Ovation Magazine International, Chief Dele Momodu.
As part of First Bank’s drive for national development, especially professional capacity building, the bank which is commemorating its 125 years of impact woven into the fabric of society, has announced its partnership on the 2019 APRA Rwanda Conference.
This partnership is one of the bank’s initiatives to promote professional development as it recognises the role of APRA in setting standards of public relations practice in Africa and beyond.
According to Mrs Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank, the partnership with the African Public Relations Association would positively project the world’s perception of Africa.
In response to this partnership, President of APRA, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, commended First Bank for the partnership and congratulated the bank on the celebration of its 125th anniversary.
He added that going by the theme of the conference – ‘Africa and Storytelling: Changing the Narrative’, “there is no better platform for a heritage brand such as First Bank to tell its brand story than in the gathering of public relations practitioners across the region.
“No doubt, First Bank shares our goal in portraying a positive Africa through its consistent relationship that focuses on exemplary leadership which is very crucial to the growth and development of our continent,” he said.
Mr Badejo-Okusanya charged stakeholders to join APRA to continue her longstanding quest to change Africa’s narrative by further defining strategies for driving such change.
Parading an enviable array of speakers and facilitators, the APRA Secretary-General, Jane Gitau said the 31st edition will feature the 3rd SABRE Awards Africa and Innovation Summit which is holding outside South Africa for the first time.
Both events are in partnership with the renowned Holmes Report.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience the rich culture of Rwanda and its transformation as one of the fast developing countries in Africa.
APRA Rwanda 2019 is endorsed by the International Public Relation Association (IPRA), International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), African Union Commission (AUC), Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), Public Relations Association of Rwanda (PRAR) and National Associations across Africa.
APRA Rwanda 2019 promises to be uniquely different offering a perfect blend of business and pleasure as a spouse package is introduced for delegates who want their spouse to visit Rwanda as well, the organisers have assured.
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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