General
Ecobank Gets Applause for Environment Protection
Ecobank Nigeria’s environmental sustainability initiatives targeted at removing non-biodegradable elements particularly plastic bottles from the streets of Lagos has continued to generate commendation, recognition and goodwill from government officials, corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals.
At the weekend, Ecobank was also presented with the 2019 CSR Marble Award of Excellence at an event organized by a renowned public relations outfit, AS+A Communications in Lagos.
Speaking at the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) forum, exhibitions and awards ceremony in Lagos State, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said the award for Ecobank was well deserved, stressing that the Bank has demonstrated high degree of consistency in tackling environmental issues and thereby enhancing healthy living across the country.
Specifically, the Commissioner said Ecobank’s current efforts at removing plastic bottles from the streets of Lagos is assisting the government to make the environment safer for people to live, urging other Corporate organizations to emulate the Pan African Bank.
According to him, “We are impressed with what Ecobank is doing in the state ecosystem. Its collaboration with relevant government agencies as part of its CSR initiatives to get rid of used plastic bottles from streets is making the state safer for people to live and do business. I implore other Corporate organizations to partner with us to make the ecosystem safer for habitation.”
Speaking in the same light, President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya commended Ecobank for raising the bar of CSR activities in the protection of the environment. He advised the Bank not to relent in its efforts until a livable environment is achieved.
Managing Director, AS+A Communications, the organisers of the event said Ecobank deserves the award based on its past and current efforts in the protection of the environment. According to her, “annually, we recognize and honour socially responsible personalities and institutions of high esteem in areas of national development and most especially their land mark achievements in the area of human capacity development as well as other social and environmental development initiatives. Ecobank fit this description. We salute the bank’s initiatives and we believe this award would further spur them to do better in helping humanity.”
Responding, the Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, said the award validates the positive impact of Ecobank’s CSR strategy, noting that the award further reinforces the bank’s determination to support in the protection of the ecosystem.
According to him, it is a deliberate policy of Ecobank Nigeria to embark on sustainable projects that impact people and the environment. He noted that in May this year, Ecobank informed Lagos residents to exchange plastic bottles for cash at designated locations across the state.
The collectors are incentivized with N30 for every kilogram of plastic bottle collected. The bank he is said had set a target to remove 4 million plastic bottles, and so far, over 2 million plastic bottles have been successfully exchange for cash.
Mr. Akinwuntan also disclosed that a week tagged ‘Ecobank sustainability week’ was set aside in May, during which symposia was organised for secondary schools’ students to create awareness on tackling plastic wastes and other environmental issues amongst other activities that focus on environmental sustainability.
The bank Managing Director dedicated the award to staff and customers of the bank, who he said have worked relentlessly towards maintaining high sustainable standards that has earned them the award. He assured that Ecobank will continue to embark on initiatives that impacts the people, environment and the economy.
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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