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Group Raises Alarm of Looming Gas Explosion in Lagos [PHOTOS]

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Alapere Gas Plant

Barely a week after a gas explosion in Baruwa, Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos state that claimed no fewer than five lives, razed 25 buildings, 16 shops, and a private school building, another plant is currently being sited along the ever-busy Demurin/Alapere road, Ketu, part of Lagos.

A non-political, non-governmental organization in the state, the Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), has alerted the nation of a possible explosion in Alapere Ketu, area of Lagos state.

Speaking through a statement signed by Barrister Stanley Karo Emeluaha, the Group’s Executive Director (Legal) and made available to journalists in Lagos, SEJA described the gas plant located in a densely populated residential area as a disaster waiting to happen and wondered why any responsible and responsive government should allow such a development in the face of previous experiences in the state and the nation at large.

The details of the statement as issued by SEJA among other concerns noted that while the state is still mourning the huge human and material carnage in Baruwa, it is important to draw the attention of all men and women of goodwill, Kosefe local government area, Lagos state government and the federal government to the fact that another gas plant is currently being built along the ever-busy Demurin/Alapere road, Ketu, part of Lagos.

The construction of the gas station, aside enunciating the insensitivity and regulatory gaps, the group said it further paints a picture of a people that are not ready to draw a lesson from previous experiences, noting that there are key signals that point to a grim reality.

“Allowing a gas plant in a densely populated residential area such as the Demurin/Ketu axis is another time bomb waiting to explode,” the organisation said in the statement.

It was stated that very fundamental is the awareness that the plant shares a common fence with Globacom customer centre, reputed for not being customer free and a welding and fabrication company with high-pressure equipment.

This is in addition to the fact that just a stone throw from the plant is a 330KVA national grid line as well as a place of worship, Saint Michael Catholic Church, located around the new gas plant. It was gathered that the church is arguably the biggest in Ketu with over 6000 worshippers, who gain entrance to the church via the bus stop where this gas plant is located.

“As a people, we must also not fail to remember the March 2020 incident where about 23 people were killed and more than 50 houses destroyed at a massive explosion in the Abule Ado area of Lagos State,” SEJA said.

Among those who lost their lives in the avoidable incident were a family of four and Henrietta Alokha, an administrator at Bethlehem Girls High School, a Catholic-owned school where at least 60 students sustained injuries from the incident.

The group stressed that while it is imperative at this point to acknowledge that provision of security, the pursuit of the economic welfare of citizens and improving the life chances of the people are the constitutional responsibilities of the state which all leaders must achieve, every leader is expected to proactively perform this role at the most fundamental level.

“Against this backdrop, it becomes expedient that the Babajide Sanwoolu led administration in Lagos, and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPP) prove themselves both responsive and responsible by their swift intervention.

“Lagos can certainly not afford another needless human and material carnage arising from gas plant explosion,” SEJA said.

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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