General
Why Nigerians Run to Unsafe Countries for Greener Pastures—Akande-Sadipe
By Dipo Olowookere
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Mrs Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, is not happy that some Nigerians have to run to unsafe countries like Mali, Oman, Lebanon and others in the search for green pastures.
The lawmaker, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo State at the National Assembly, blamed this on the current situation of things in the country.
Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa but the country is regarded as the poverty capital of the world despite having huge mineral and human resources.
Its citizens are spread across the world in search of a better life even in harsh places, while some of those at home are praying for a day things would be better for them.
On Tuesday, Mrs Akande-Sadipe reunited an indigene of Oyo State repatriated from Oman to Nigeria with her family after she was maltreated by her employers.
The victim, Ms Adunni Nafisat Oseni, a member of her constituency, was denied the opportunity to return home by her employers, until her office intervened and brought back home through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
On the return of Ms Oseni to Nigeria, after willingly submitting herself to be repatriated, Mrs Akande-Sadipe decried the inhumane treatment being melted on Nigerians in some Arab countries and the unfortunate situation they subject them to.
According to her, “The ugly situation in the country led Nigerians to these unsafe countries in search for greener pastures.
“However, they became victims and targets of attack in those countries Nigeria has no bilateral relationship with. This made them come back home most times with nothing.”
She said, “As it stands today, we have over 20,000 Nigerian girls living in tents in Mali, an African country, over 40,000 girls in Lebanon.”
The lawmaker also condemned the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry of Labour in the issue, saying “The Ministry needs to take charge of its responsibilities and functions in ensuring they check if Nigeria has bilateral relationships with some of the countries Nigerians are being trafficked to.”
She noted that some of the agents who traffic girls to Arab countries and neighbouring African countries have no license from the Ministry of Labour, asking for certain actions to nip this ugly act in the bud.
Mrs Tolulope Akande-Sadipe assured Nigerians that the returnee was properly screened by security agencies and health institutions to ascertain her status before being released into the society.
She also expressed the commitment of the ninth assembly to fighting against human trafficking offenders in the nation by enacting stricter laws.
“We have a responsive 9th assembly under Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila which is putting in place right laws that would guide against these incessant occurrences,” Mrs Akande-Sadipe said.
She commended the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its good work and synergy with relevant agencies and called for more funding for the agency, which is saddled with the responsibility to fight human trafficking in the country.
The congresswoman also appealed to the relevant agencies working together with the Nigeria Police Force to press charges against traffickers, saying this will deter others.
Speaking on the delay of 35 Nigerians at the Ghanaian border, she said the proper arm of the executive has picked up the responsibility.
Mrs Akande-Sadipe also called for further collaboration among all relevant government in rehabilitating the girls, who she noted left the country for socio-economic reasons.
Recalling her ordeal in Oman, Ms Oseni called on girls and young people not to rush out of the country in search of greener pastures without proper scrutiny of the agent involved.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Petralon Energy is on track to boost Nigerian crude production by a further 2,500 barrels per day, following drilling activities at the Dawes Island field.
According to a statement from the Africa Energy Chamber (AEC) on Monday, the company recently completed a new well at the field, aligning with plans to maximize output at the field. Operated by Petralon Energy subsidiary Petralon 54 Limited, the field is situated in Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 259.
The milestone comes as Petralon seeks to unlock greater value from Nigeria’s offshore oil resources.
The firm invested $25 million in the drilling program and development initiatives at the field between 2014 and 2022, officially securing a 100% stake in PPL 259 following the implementation of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act in 2021.
The production milestone underscores the instrumental role indigenous operators play in Nigeria, with future drilling activities set to further consolidate Petralon’s position in the country’s upstream sector.
The AEC also disclosed that Petralon is a Platinum Partner of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, taking place September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town.
Beyond PPL 259 and the Dawes Island field, Petralon is pursuing non-operated interests in Oil Mining License (OML) 127 and OML 130, seeking to unlock new resources and enhance revenue generation.
The company owns a stake in Prime Oil & Gas, which holds an 8 per cent interest in OML 127 and a 16 per cent stake in OML 130.
OML 127 features the Agbami field while OML 130 contains the Akpo, Egina and Preowei fields. Net production from the producing Akpo, Egina and Preowei fields averages 51,000 barrels per day. Both asses are situated in the deep offshore, showcasing gross 2P reserves of 270 million barrels and 638 million barrels, respectively.
Meanwhile, Petralon has also been strengthening its ownership stakes across the African upstream industry. The company holds an indirect equity interest in Prime Oil and Gas, which recently finalized its merger with Africa Oil Corp. Petralon has also emerged with a 4.24 per cent stake in the expanded entity. The transaction aligns with Petralon’s broader intentions to strengthen its presence in Africa.
The newly-expanded entity now operates a strong portfolio that includes deepwater assets in Nigeria alongside ventures in Namibia, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. With the merger, the expanded entity benefits from a strengthened balance sheet as well as new opportunities for regional growth.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The former governor of Oyo State, Mr Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is in line to become the new Olubadan of Ibadanland following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
It was reported earlier that the former occupier of the throne, Oba Olakulehin, 90, joined his ancestors in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, close to a year after becoming the traditional ruler of the ancient Nigerian city.
The late monarch, who was appointed by Governor Seyi Makinde in July 2024, replaced Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, also known as Alli Okunmade II, who died in March 2024 following a brief illness.
According to tradition, the Olubadan throne alternates between two ruling lines: Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).
With the late Olakulehin ascending from the Balogun line, the next monarch is expected from the Egbe Agba line, where Mr Ladoja is currently the most senior High Chief.
Mr Ladoja, a former senator and governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, has steadily climbed the traditional ladder over the years.
In September 2024, Mr Ladoja celebrated his 80th birthday, and in August 2024, he was crowned the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This put an end to the controversy over his acceptance of the chieftaincy title.
With his exit from the role to become Olubadan, Mr Eddy Oyewole, will become the new Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, the highest ranked chief in the line.
Meanwhile, Mr Akin Alabi, a lawmaker and entrepreneur, will move from Jagun Olubadan (the entry point in the civil line) to Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) will convene its flagship 52nd Annual General Meeting and Congress from July 17–19 at JAGZ Hotel, Ibadan. This year’s theme, “Charting Bold Paths Forward,” reflects the industry’s shared commitment to embracing innovation, resilience, and transformative leadership in a rapidly changing environment.
The three-day gathering will feature a compelling blend of cultural heritage, strategic dialogue, and professional celebration. The first day will see delegates pay a courtesy visit to Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, a tradition that echoes AAAN’s longstanding respect for host communities and cultural roots.
The official conference will begin on July 18 and will be declared open by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. He is expected to be joined by dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, setting the tone for high-level discourse and coordination.
A centrepiece of the day will be the keynote address from Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President & Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Interswitch Group, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Tayo Oyedeji, Group CEO of Insight Publicis Group Nigeria.
Confirmed panel speakers include Josiah Akinola of Nigerian Breweries PLC; Bolanle Osotule of Airtel Nigeria; George Onukwu of TBWA\Concept; Oluwatobi Williams of 7even Interactive; and Adedamola Richard‑Salvador of Digisplash Limited
AAAN President Mr. Lanre Adisa noted that this year’s theme is indicative of the AAAN’s readiness to be courageous in embracing innovation and vision.
“This is not the time to tiptoe around the future. Boldness is not a buzzword but the only language the future understands. In a landscape defined by constant change, boldness is not a gamble but a strategic imperative. Those who will lead tomorrow are those willing to question today,” said Adisa.
The final day of the event shifts focus to governance and celebration and will have two segments: Business Session and Gala/Award Night. The highlights of the former include leadership updates and the induction of new members. The latter will see deserving advertising professionals recognized and rewarded while dressed in aso oke regalia.
Founded in 1973, AAAN is Nigeria’s oldest and most influential collective of advertising agencies. Its annual AGM is a pivotal industry tradition, one that consolidates strategic progress, regulatory alignment, cross-sector collaboration, and storytelling that positions the Nigerian advertising industry on a bold, credible future trajectory.
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