General
40 Nigerian Youths to Benefit from FG, World Bank Jewellery Programme
By Adedapo Adesanya
No fewer than 40 Nigerian youths will benefit from the collaboration between the federal government and the World Bank Assisted Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project which aims to train people on jewellery making.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, confirmed this development at the opening event of the Gemstone and Jewelry workshop on Monday in Abuja.
Mr Adegbite said the participants were drawn from across the country to undergo eight months of training, adding that they would be given the mandate to train other Nigerians across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
“As a follow-up, the government is taking the crucial step, as demonstrated by this workshop to train Nigerians in jewellery design and fabrication so that their output can compete favourably with products being imported.
“We have engaged the services of experts to train the trainers and draft policies for the successful implementation of the programme.
“We expect them to go back to their states and open clusters with the assistance of the state governments to also train more people on gemstone cutting, polishing among others,” he said.
He said that the training was organised to strengthen the local production of jewellery, create jobs, increase livelihood standards and the creativity of Nigerians.
According to him, the training will also serve as import substitution as Nigeria is a large consumer of jewellery products from the United Arab Emirates, India, China and Europe, adding that it would also encourage tourism and manufacturing of local crafts.
He noted that the gemstone and jewellery industry in Nigeria remains underdeveloped, as gems are mined by artisanal operators and sold as rough stones in Germany, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the United States.
“Government has developed a roadmap after conducting a baseline study of the Nigeria gemstone industry; this was followed by a gemstone awareness and identification programme for government and private stakeholders.
“A modern lapidary centre was established at the Nigerian Institute of Mines and Geosciences in Jos. Already, efforts being made by the government have attracted the private sector into the industry.
“Privately owned lapidaries have been established in many parts of the country, while the gemstone trade has increased by over 50 per cent,” the Minister stated.
He appealed to state governments to take up the task of extending and multiplying the development of the skilled workforce in their jurisdiction by supporting the trained master jewellery experts with the necessary tools to train others.
On his part, Mr Uchechukwu Ogah, Minister of State, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, said that Nigerian gemstones cover the entire spectrum of coloured, semi and precious varieties, some of them with the status of world-famous, such as Rubellite, a pinkish or reddish Tourmaline species.
He noted that Nigerian miners usually lack knowledge and skills in identifying and estimating their rough gemstones and for the need of fast cash, sold their products directly at the mine site to local and foreign traders.
“It is for this reason that the ministry’s roadmap for growth and development of mineral sector recommends the revival and development of the gemstone and jewellery industry with a focus on design that will reflect the country’s rich cultural identity.
“At the end of the workshop, it is expected that a strategic policy document that will enable the emergence of vibrant jewellery industry will be produced,” Mr Ogah said.
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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