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Governor, Others for 2019 ‘Iyara Day’ October 19

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Plans have been concluded by a group known as the Iyara Development Movement (IDM) for the celebration of another Iyara Day on Saturday, October 19, 2019.

According to a statement issued by the organization, the event is scheduled to hold at Iyara Town Hall Premises, Iyara, Kogi State by 10 am.

In the statement dated September 5, 2019 and jointly signed by the President of IDM, Professor Mike Ikupolati, and its Director General, Mr Funso Fayomi, it was revealed that the 2019 Iyara Day celebration is the 26th in the series and will feature cultural activities by various groups to make the event memorable.

The theme of the celebration, according to the statement, which was made available to journalists, is Operation Quench Thirst in Iyara Water Project and the event would be marked with fanfare such as cultural dances, displays, and celebrations.

The water project is estimated to cost N100 million.

It will be recalled that the fund raising for the ambitious project started during the 25th Anniversary of Iyara Day in September last year.

Expected at the event, which had been endorsed in the past by former president Ibrahim Babangida and Mrs Kemi Nelson, are the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello, who is the Special Guest, while the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, is the Special Guest of Honour.

Others that will add colour to the ceremony are the Board Chairman of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and a top management consultant, Mr Dotun Sulaiman, who will serve as the Chairman of the event and the Chairman of Nigerian Insurance Association, who is also the Vice President of the African Insurance Organization and Managing Director of NEM Insurance PLC, Mr Tope Smart, who is the Chief Launcher.

Ikupolati and Fayomi revealed in the statement that the water project was meant to provide potable water for the people of the community and put an end to years of suffering of the residents due to unavailability of potable water in the community.

“This year’s Iyara Day has been planned to be the best in recent times.

“We are happy that we are all alive to celebrate this special day and we look forward to seeing our people trooping to the town and joining us in this celebration and fund-raising ceremony.

“We use this opportunity to invite all Okun sons and daughters to this special event and we assure them that they will be glad to be part of this year’s event that promises to be full of actions, colour and tradition,” they said in the statement.

It will be recalled that in 1993, a group of young persons identified the advantages of community day celebration they witnessed in their respective areas of domicile and were motivated to replicate same in Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.

The celebration was the first of its kind in Okunland and it has become an avenue to unite the people of the community.

Ikupolati and Fayomi revealed in the statement that the laudable idea of Iyara Day is the flagship of such celebrations in Okunland and that it has become a reference point, which others have since emulated.

The duo emphasized in the statement that Iyara Day has become an avenue to unite the people of the community and that it is getting better by the day.

They recalled that the jubilee celebration of Iyara Day, which they said held in September 2018, is still being talked about by the people of the community and others, adding that this year’s celebration would be far better.

“Iyara Community will always be grateful to God for what He has done for us and we will continue to showcase those things that unite us as a people.

“We are committed to the development of Iyara Town and its people and we are proud of the dreams of the founding fathers of Iyara Community and Iyara Development Movement (IDM) will continue to do its best to move the community and it’s people forward.

“2019 Iyara Day will surely mark a turnaround for the community and it will also be an avenue to socialise and make better plans for the development of the community and its people.

“May you be honoured and celebrated as you be a part of this event and we are sure that your efforts will not be in vain as you support our humble efforts of uplifting our common heritage,” the statement read.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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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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