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CSOs Gather in Edo to Discuss FOI Implementation

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Walter Duru FOI Implementation

No fewer than 100 Civil Society Organisations are to meet in Benin, Edo State capital, Tuesday, to discuss the implementation of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in the state.

Chairman, Board of Governors, Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria (FOIC-N), Dr Walter Duru, disclosed this in a press release made available to newsmen, Sunday afternoon.

Mr Duru, who described the FOI Act as a powerful tool for the fight against corruption in Nigeria, expressed concern over low usage of the law by citizens in holding government at all levels accountable.

He explained that the Edo FOI meeting is supported by the European Union, through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC Programme) managed by the British Council.

“The Nigerian Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was signed into law on May 28 2011. The law was passed to enable the public to access certain government information, in order to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The FOI Act aims to make public records and information more freely available. It enables citizens to hold the government accountable in the event of misappropriation or public services failure. It also protects serving public officers against any adverse consequences from the unauthorized disclosure of certain kinds of official information.

“A recent survey by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption- ROLAC programme, in collaboration with the Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria- FOICN and Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption-MIIVOC on the level of knowledge of the provisions and use of the FOI Act revealed that the gap in capacity is wide among citizens.

“It also shows that there is low compliance level with the provisions of the Act in Nigeria, especially, as it concerns some of the critical segments, such as Proactive Disclosure and Annual Compliance Reports,” he said.

“In an attempt to close the identified knowledge gap, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, in collaboration with the FOI Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ), the Freedom of Information Coalition in Nigeria and the Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption is holding a 2-day FOI Capacity Building Roundtable with representatives of non-state actors/CSOs, targeting the Media, Legal and mainstream Civil Society actors in Edo State, aimed at training participants on the provisions and use of the Act in the state,” he added.

Continuing, Mr Duru explained that state actors, particularly, Information Officers, Directors and Permanent Secretaries in Edo State will also be trained on the provisions and applications of the FOI Act, with a view to ensuring that stakeholders are on the same page.

“It is a comprehensive training package. Journalists, lawyers, community-based organisations, representatives of public institutions and other critical stakeholders shall be trained on FOI.

“The roundtable aims to build the capacity of citizens to have a working knowledge of the purpose and benefits of the FOI Act, as well as processes for dealing with requests as prescribed by the law.

“We are hopeful that at the end of the training, participants will have improved understanding on the application of the FOI Act.

“On the part of the state actors, in addition to the provisions and applications of the FOI Act, they will have better understanding of the duties of public institutions under the FOI Act,” he said.

He further called on Nigerians to take advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to participate in governance in the interest of the country.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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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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