General
Bayelsa Kicks Off New Yenagoa Project August 7
By Adedapo Adesanya
Bayelsa State government has described the proposed launch of the New Yenagoa City project next week, August 7, as a pragmatic step to ensuring controlled development of the state capital.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, made this known during his address on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 109th State Executive Council meeting held in Yenagoa alongside his environment, trade and investment counterparts as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security.
“One of the things we must bring to the fore regarding the launch of the New Yenagoa City is the fact that we are going to have controlled development. As much as possible, the City as being envisaged will be one that will compare favourably with any of its kind anywhere in the world, given the amenities that have been provided there already,” he said.
Mr Iworiso-Markson also noted that there would be issuance of Certificates of Occupancy by the State Governor to those who have already been allocated plots of land in the new city.
“C of Os’ will also be issued for most of the plots on the day of the launch. We have over a thousand plots there. So, it is another way of generating revenue for our state. But more importantly, we have created a GRA that we all will be proud of.”
He further said that the government was doing everything within its reach to enable Bayelsans and friends of the state who acquired plots in the envisioned area develop their landed property with ease.
According to the state’s spokesman, the event would attract people from all walks of life, with adequate security guaranteed.
He said the council totally condemned the killing of the two soldiers by criminals at Azagbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area and the consequent sacking of the community by the military in a reprisal attack.
The Special Adviser on Security, Chief Boma Spero-Jack also condemned the Azagbene killing but noted that the military should have adopted a professional means of seeking justice in line with global best practices rather than sack the community.
Mr Iworiso-Markson called on all leaders and the media to partner with government in sensitizing the youths on the need to shun criminal activities and their attendant consequences in the interest of peace and development.
“We all have our roles to play as religious leaders, community leaders, political or opinion leaders and even youth leaders by talking to our people. Because it is our people, the innocent ones, that suffer colossal loss whenever such senseless actions are taken by few criminal elements. The Odi incident is still very fresh in our memory.”
He said the state government had already dispatched a committee to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the level of destruction in Azagbene as well as provide some relief to the people of the community.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ebipade Apaingolo who also graced the occasion noted that Council extensively discussed the flood alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which had flagged Bayelsa as one of coastal states that will likely be flooded this year.
Mr Apaingolo urged the people not to panic over the alert as government is putting proactive measures in place to mitigate the impact of the flood as predicted by NIMET.
The Environment Commissioner, who called on those living in flood prone areas to make preparation for early evacuation, assured that government would soon embark on opening up drains and canals in the state capital and its environs to enhance the free flow of water.
Also briefing the press, the Special Adviser on Trade and Investment, Mrs Funkazi Koroye-Crooks stressed that all Bayelsans are eligible to apply for land in the new Yenagoa City as there is no partisan consideration in the allocation of the plots.
According to her, the large expanse of land is situated between the Epie Creek and the famous River Nun could also be assessed through the new Onopa Bridge close to Government House which is billed for commissioning in September this year.
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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