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Nigerian, Spanish Navy to Enhance Gulf of Guinea Security

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Gulf of Guinea

By Sodeinde Temidayo David

The Nigerian Navy and the Spanish Navy are set to collaborate to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations as well as enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

This was disclosed by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Mr Jason Gbassa, on the arrival of the Spanish Navy Ship (SNS) MV VIGIA to the Command’s port.

In the explanation given by the flag officer on the visitation of the Spanish Navy, he said that collaboration between navies remains a key factor towards maintaining security over an environment particularly over a maritime environment.

“Spain, as well as other nations of the world, have found it necessary to collaborate because of the impact of criminalities on our waters to the trade between our nations.

“A secured maritime environment is a contributing factor to the economy’s prosperity of nations and we are grateful that you have joined hands with us,” he said.

According to Mr Gbassa, the visit goes beyond the military components that involve the two navies, interacting, meeting and conducting exercises alone together.

He said that there was also the trade element between Nigeria and Spain which the visit would help enhance the trade factor between the two nations.

Also, the FOC, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Admiral Kamarudeen Lawal welcomed SNS MV VIGIA and sought training opportunities for Nigerian Navy pilots to have comparative training in flight operations.

“If the Spanish Navy can oblige us with such an opportunity, it will be to a great advantage for the Nigerian Navy.

“Their visit is coming at a time when the Nigerian Navy is in dire need of training especially in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guniea,” Rear Adm. Lawal said.

He said that NAVTRAC’s task was to continue to train and retrain officers and ratings for an efficient Nigerian Navy.

“Recently, we graduated 19 Special Boat Services (SBS) operators from our SBS school and it is gratifying to note that nine of those officers and ratings are from Ghana Navy.

“So, on our part, we have been training sister African countries to contribute to our fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea,” the FOC said.

He further reiterated the need for the Nigerian Navy and Spanish Navy to collaborate in the area of training especially technical training for officers and ratings.

“I congratulate you on the efforts that you have been putting in the fight against piracy both in the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Guinea.

“I assure you that the Nigerian Navy on its part will not relent on efforts in the fight against piracy and illegal activities in our maritime environment,” Rear Adm. Lawal said.

Speaking, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Marcelino Cabanas Ansorena said that ensuring a secured maritime environment through collaboration was important because of the volume of trade between the two countries.

“80 per cent of the trade with Nigeria goes through the Gulf of Guinea therefore, it is important for us to participate and collaborate with you.

“Training will be one part of the collaboration exercise as well as sharing information which is important to update knowledge on security about the sea and the Spanish Navy vessels,” he said.

The ambassador said that Spain would like to share its experience gathered from fighting piracy over the years with the Nigerian Navy to improve security in the Gulf of Guinea.

“Spanish Navy vessels have quite an experience in the fight against piracy even now, we have command of the Western Navy vessels at Operation Atlanta in the Indian Sea.

“So, we will like to collaborate and share these experiences that we have to improve our bond and strengthen our bilateral relationship,” Mr Ansorena said.

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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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