Author: Our Correspondent

You are creating a new record in service delivery -FCT Mandate Secretary

By Lucy Omakpo

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities as it delivered critical empowerment tools to 200 women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with beneficiaries praising the company for its continued support in improving livelihoods.

Gathered at the event were officials from the FCT Administration (FCTA), representatives of Julius Berger, and community leaders, all reinforcing the shared responsibility of creating economic opportunities for women.

Speaking at the event held inside Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, Area 10, Garki, Abuja penultimate week, the FCT Mandate Secretary for FCTA Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, expressed her appreciation to the company and its partners at the event, saying that a construction company has found the need to empower women on the empowerment program.

She continued: “I want us to really appreciate the corporate entity of Julius Berger in Nigeria. In the FCT it is celebrated the number one engineer and architect of roads and infrastructures of first-class reputation in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory. The International Conference Centre which is now being renovated was built in six months by Julius Berger. It was a challenge given to them and the challenge that they delivered on. And even with their present road projects, Julius Berger is creating a whole new record of delivering the projects not only in time but before time.”

The Director of the Women Development Department, Mrs. Aina Taiyo Sanni, described the initiative as a dream come true, emphasising the importance of sustaining the collaboration between Julius Berger and the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat. “We are so, so grateful for Julius Berger, and we hope to keep this partnership going because it’s something that we would not want to lose as a secretariat.”, she said.

Julius Berger’s Chief Risk Officer, Mrs. Shakira Mustapha, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community development, emphasising that empowering women has a ripple effect on families, communities, and national progress.

“We believe when you empower a woman, you have not only empowered the family, but you have also empowered the community as a whole. We are committed to the growth of not just the company but also to the growth of our community and the country.”, she said.

She explained that the company’s commitment to women’s economic inclusion made its partnership with the FCT Women Affairs Ministry a natural and necessary collaboration.

“We have been part of so many CSR activities over the years, and one of the things we are going to be launching in collaboration with the FCT Women Affairs is that we will be providing means to empower our women in the FCT so that they can generate more revenue for themselves, for their families, and towards the entire growth of Nigeria.”, Mustapha said, adding that the collaboration was in celebration of International Women’s Day and the development of 200 women.

For the women who received empowerment tools—manual and industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, and gas cookers—the day was one of joy and renewed hope.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Patricia Amos, expressed her excitement, saying, “I am really excited to have this gift. Honestly, I have nothing to say but a very big thank you to Julius Berger. Even as they have done this, we pray for more opportunities for them. We understand it’s not easy for someone to empower you when you are hopeless. So, we really appreciate you remembering us in this big way.”

Another recipient, overwhelmed with emotion, simply said, “Seriously, my sincere gratitude goes to Julius Berger for this wonderful gift. I am just short of words. But thank you very much, and God bless Julius Berger. May you continue to go higher and higher

From Rhoda Nnachi, Yenagoa

In commemoration of the International Women’s Day, the Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network, (WOMAN), over the weekend trained 70 women on liquid soap production and zobo drink at Yenagoa Town hall in Bayelsa.

The program, aimed at providing practical skills in liquid soap making and zobo drink production was designed to promote financial independence and entrepreneurship for women.

Speaking during the event, Executive Director WOMAN Lady Eunice Nnachi noted that providing women with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed can unlock their full potential to enable them contribute to the development of the community.

“These skills are not just a means to financial independence; they represent a part to confidence, self reliance and entrepreneurship.

“But today is not just about reflection; it’s about action. It’s about committing ourselves to create a world where women and girls can thrive. A world where they have access to education, healthcare, and economic” opportunities.

She urged the women to use the skills acquired to become change makers, leaders and innovators in their homes and the community.

On his part, Acting Paramount Ruler of Yenagoa Town, His Royal Highness, Chief Teddy Anyamalem expressed appreciation to WOMAN for visiting the community to impact knowledge on the women.

“These days, not everyone will go to the university, when there are skills like these, it can be used to take care of some family needs”

Chief Anyamalem prayed God to continue to guide and strengthen the members of WOMAN for their efforts.

In a goodwill message, Representative of the Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Fawei Young, called on the women to go for regular health checkups and ensure that their children get vaccinated.

Also speaking, Representative of the State Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Mr Wariebi Sambo urged women to be cautious of human traffickers and report any suspected case.

Mrs Bodisere Udisi Avulo from the National Orientation Agency, NOA advised the women to use the knowledge and skills acquired to increase their source of income.

Representative of the National Human Rights Commission, Lady Chinwe Ubani noted that the commission promotes fundamental human rights hence, all cases of child abandonment and infringement of human rights should be reported.

The Empowerment Program had over seventy women in attendance from various clans such as Ereigbe, Peletie, Finkumo, Pilifa, Fankile, Fankpulo and Fankpo all in Yenagoa Town in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State.

PATRICK WEMAMBU

John Maxwell, celebrated American Author and Speaker could not have been wrong when he theorized that there is almost no limit to the potentialities of an organization which recruits good people. And raises them up as leaders, while continually developing them.
Little wonder many cognoscenti have pontificated that the trouble with Nigeria is leadership-based.

Juxtapose this with assertions of Chinua Achebe in his 68-page fiction “The trouble with Nigeria,” published 1984 by Heinemann – it becomes clear that the deductions of the aforementioned brilliant polemicists may not be far from the truth.

Which is why the state of the nation warnings of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) that ended its First Plenary Meeting for the year at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, last Friday must be treated as very urgent and important.

Rueing that Nigeria is at crossroads owing to worsening socio-economic hardships – the Bishops invited the government to address as a matter of priority the challenges of high cost of living, youth unemployment and insecurity in the land.

Said they; “Our nation still has some serious challenges bordering on harsh socio-economic situation, persistent insecurity across the nation, rising youth unemployment and restiveness. There is high cost of essential goods, including food. Cases of kidnapping and the mindless killing of innocent people still abound.”

X-raying the vexed issue of unity and national integration, the meeting tasked Nigerians to pursue actions that will engender the spirit of national integration. Whereas Nigeria’s diversity should represent strength, not weakness – politicians exploiting religiousity and ethnic jingoism for self-aggrandizement were enjoined to exhibit characteristic features of true statesmanship.

Said their Lordships; “Again, we request our political, religious and traditional leaders to promote the spirit of national integration in the citizenry in order to instill hope and development.

“We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country, withdraw such order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society.

“We, as Church, promote integral education, health care and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others.”

On the hydra-headed monster of insecurity, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was told; “For the provision of security of life and property in our nation, we urge that governments at all levels deploy high technology, like is already done in some states, to complement the efforts of security agencies for efficient intelligence gathering.

“There is also need for good remuneration for security personnel, better equipping of our security outfits and determination to prosecute crime without fear or favour. We still call on government at all levels to create an enabling environment for job opportunities in an ongoing manner.

“More investment is needed in agriculture to facilitate the involvement of the youth in it and boost provision of food in a sustainable manner. With improved security and safety for farmers, there will be greater production of food and reduction in the escalated cost of food all over Nigeria.”

Clamorously registering its opposition against capital punishment, the revered heads of ecclesiastical provinces in Nigeria reaffirmed the stand of the Catholic Church against the death penalty which was viewed as unacceptable.

Accordingly, therefore, the men of God made a passionate appeal to President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu – especially in the light of the Jubilee Year of Hope – to grant pardon to Mr. Sunday Jackson whose conviction was recently upheld by the Supreme Court.

It would be recalled that the ex-student turned farmer in his 30s was recently condemned to death by hanging by the apex court for defending himself against a Fulani hersdman who was killed in a fight with him when the former invaded and ravaged his farm with cattle.

Deliberating on job opportunities, the Metropolitan Sees highlighted the imperatives of creating enabling environments for job opportunities. The importance of investing more in agriculture to facilitate youth involvement while boosting food production was also canvassed.

Leveraging on the need for prison reforms, improved treatment of inmates, enhanced justice system and decongestion of correctional centers were advocated.

The Local Ordinaries explained; “To improve on the State of our custodial centres, we enjoin the Federal and State Governments to undertake the following: Uphold fundamental rights of inmates, treating them with dignity and adopting non – custodial measures in deserving cases.

“Expedite the dispensation of justice. Decongest the existing correctional centres by granting parole to well-behaved minor offenders. Rehabilitate the existing facilities, and
Construct new correctional centres to ease overcrowding.”

Charging the media as purveyors of hope to resist obsession with reporting bad news at the expense of balanced reportage – which highlights what is happening in the society with equal passion – the meeting admonished the Government and security agencies to see the Media as partners in nation building.

Expatiating on what it described as the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Bishops invited Nigerians and the whole of mankind to reflect on and embrace the virtue of hope which is born of love.

“The Jubilee Year of Hope invites the whole world to a new impetus for renewal. It also presents the Church with a profound opportunity for introspection and renewed commitment to its mission within both the Nigerian and global contexts.

“It serves as a rallying call for renewed catechesis, scriptural literacy, and authentic Christian witnessing, ensuring that the Church remains a beacon of light to the society. In spite of the numerous challenges of the modern times, there is still a firm basis for hope. We are invited to embrace the virtue of hope with the certainty that it does not disappoint,” Nigerians were informed.

On inter-faith collaboration, their Lordships prayed with their Muslim brethren during their Ramadan fasting period which is coinciding with the Lenten season.

It was not all that gloomy as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration received encomiums for what was described as positive developments in some areas.

These include the reinvigoration of the Petroleum Industry, the rehabilitation of some dilapidated roads and the construction of new ones across the nation, the introduction of the student loan scheme, the new minimum wage, and the reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio and the proposal for new tax regime.

Others are the Nigeria Correctional Service Act 2019. It was said to mark a shift from the perception of the prison as a centre for retribution to a correctional facility with focus on reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Just as they appreciated the efforts of some security operatives – who put their lives on the line to fight criminality and put an end to savagery – prayers were offered for healing of the wounded and repose of the souls of the dead.

In conclusion, the meeting invited Nigerians to embark on a journey of renewal, suppplicating for a better Nigeria. And a future of peace, prosperity and righteousness. While counselling the citizenry to demand accountability and insist on good governance, their Lordships recommended everyone working towards a nation where truth, fairness and human dignity reign.

Remarkably, the Bishops after their plenary session succeeded in obtaining an appointment to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock in Abuja same day. However, laudable as that appears, it remains to be seen if their prescriptions for turning the country around which was handed over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be implemented.

Secures Additional ₦199.3 Million from Zenith Bank, GTB Through Remita Investigation

By Joyce Babayeju

The House of Representatives through its Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recorded a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to recover outstanding revenues, securing $19,241,109.35 (approximately ₦28.7 billion) from two oil companies indebted to the Federation Account.

The Committee’s investigation, which is based on findings from the 2021 Audit Report, focuses on 45 oil companies collectively owing $1.7 billion in outstanding liabilities to the Federation.

According to the report:

• Chorus Energy Limited settled its outstanding liability with a payment of $847,623 (₦1.2 billion) on March 11, 2025.
• Seplat Production Development Limited fully discharged its obligation by remitting $18.39 million (₦27.6 billion) between March 10 and March 14, 2025.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been furnished with evidence of these payments for final verification.

Additionally, Shoreline Natural Resources Ltd. had made a $30 million payment towards its $100.28 million debt before the investigation commenced and has requested a structured repayment plan for the outstanding balance.

During the Committee’s proceedings, a representative of the NUPRC, Balarabe Haruna, reported that following recent reconciliations:

Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (formerly Mobil Producing) now holds a credit balance of $211,911.09 for crude oil royalty, $33.01 million for gas flare penalties, and $163,046.40 for concession rentals, with no outstanding liabilities.

The Committee commended Seplat Energy for its prompt compliance with its financial obligations. Furthermore, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to deploying all constitutionally sanctioned measures to recover outstanding debts from the remaining 38 oil companies under investigation. The report further highlighted that the following companies have fully settled their obligations and are no longer financially liable:

Amalgamated Oil Company Nigeria Ltd. Seplat Energy, Shell Exploration and Production Shell Petroleum Development Company

RECOVERY OF ₦199.3 MILLION FROM REMITA INVESTIGATION

In a separate development, the House Committee on Public Accounts has successfully recovered ₦199.3 million out of an outstanding ₦6.8 billion, comprising excessive charges levied between March and October 2015 and unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT) on transactions processed via the Remita platform from 2015 to 2022.

The House of Representatives had, in 2024, mandated the Committee to investigate revenue leakages and non-remittance of funds by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through Remita. This directive followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Jeremiah Umaru, which was subsequently referred to the Committee.

According to the report: The Federal Government had previously directed value chain providers, including banks, Remita, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to refund 1% transaction charges collected via Remita between March and October 2015.

• An audit of records from banks and Remita revealed that while ₦7,626,503,441.42 had been refunded, an outstanding sum of ₦1,984,355,431.08 remained unpaid.
• Applying the prevailing Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.25%, the accumulated interest on the unpaid sum amounts to ₦4,842,928,161.36, bringing the total refundable amount to ₦6,827,283,592.44.
• The Committee confirmed that on March 13, 2025, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) settled ₦40.6 million in overdue charges for the period between March and October 2015.

Further investigations uncovered non-remittance of VAT on transactions processed via Remita. The CBN acknowledged an outstanding VAT liability of ₦521,765,134.17 for transactions between November 2018 and April 2024, which remains unsettled.

Following the Committee’s intervention: Zenith Bank remitted ₦126,131,692.86. Guaranty Trust Bank paid ₦32,585,882.48. Despite these recoveries, several other value chain providers are yet to comply with VAT remittance requirements and other under-remittances identified in the investigation.

Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, reaffirmed the Committee’s resolve to pursue every avenue to recover public funds, stating:

“These recoveries demonstrate the effectiveness of the oversight function of the National Assembly in ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. We will continue to engage with relevant institutions and deploy all necessary legislative tools to recover outstanding debts and prevent revenue leakages. Our objective is to ensure that every kobo due to the Federation is accounted for and remitted accordingly.”

The House of Representatives through the Public Accounts Committee remains committed to upholding financial discipline, strengthening institutional accountability, and safeguarding public resources in the national interest.

… I’m alive, rape victim denies protesters’ claim she’s dead

By Gabriel Achadu

The people of Eha-Amufu, a border town in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have debunked alleged recent mass killings and arson in their communities.

This was even as a rape victim, Mrs. Amarachi Nnaji, refuted the claim that she was dead, saying that although the unfortunate incident happened, she was already picking up the bits of her life.

The indigenes and community leaders spoke to journalists, who were on a fact-finding mission to the area regarding recent viral videos of protest and counter-protest by groups of women over alleged recent mass killings and widespread arson in Eha-Amufu communities.

Speaking to a group of journalists, President-General of Mgbuji Eha-Amufu, Donatus Odoh, however confirmed past mass attacks on the communities of Eha-Amufu by suspected herders before the coming of the Peter Mbah Administration, especially in 2022 when the community was sacked, leaving so many people dead.

“So, on the issue of the protest being done last week or so, on the basis of the supposed killing of 100 or 200 persons in Eha-Amufu recently as i saw in one video being circulated, none of that happened. I do not know where people are getting their information from.

“Nothing happened here in Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu two weeks ago. But there was an incident that occurred in another autonomous community in February. There was one Igwurube Ndubuisi Donatus that was killed, but I cannot give details of what happened to him because I was not there. The way you heard it was the same way I got the information,” he said.

He also said that although the rape victim was from another community in Eha-Amufu, he was involved in arranging her medical treatment following government’s intervention, saying she was not dead as claimed during the protest.

“I saw the woman being driven on a bike returning from the market the other day. She was healthy,” Odoh emphasised.

Another community leader, Chief Richard Ogenyi said that but for isolated incidents, security had continued to improve since the 2022 attack through the interventions of the state and local governments under Governor Mbah and the Council Chairman, Barr. Obiora Obeagu.

He was emphatic that there were no such ongoing attacks and mass killings as portrayed by protesters on the social media recently.

“From my own view, they protested against the herders invasion of our place and their inability to farm like before because as you can see, this place you are seeing now is called Orie Ogbete or Orie Uzo Ugbo Mgbuji. It was a lively place before the herders drove us away in 2022.

“So, how I view what happened one or two weeks ago as an independent person is that what the women did was good because it will create awareness.

“But the truth is that there was an element of politics in the protest and I am not happy about it because they would have focused on the main issue.

“So, I am surprised to hear that many people numbering in the hundreds were killed in Eha-Amufu. After the incident of 2022, we have not witnessed such a number of killings being circulated.

“Since Obiora Obeagu’s second term and Governor Mbah administration, we have witnessed a lot of security improvement and insecurity has dropped drastically. As for the recent protest on ongoing mass killings, none happened in Mgbuji here where I come from apart from the damaging of crops by the herdsmen,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the rape victim from Abor Eha-Amufu, Mrs. Amarachi Nnaji, while recounting her unfortunate experience in the hands of herders in the interior farms after a spirited effort to fight off her assailants, however, said that the account that stick was inserted in her womanhood or that she was in the mortuary were false.

“They put their hands in the zip of my cloth and tore it open but I kept holding my cloth very tight until the two people dragged me into the middle of the cassava farm and subdued me there,” she recounted.

Interacting with journalists, the Council Chairman, Obeagu, while admitting the existence of security challenges strongly refuted the story of any recent killings in Eha-Amufu communities, except that of an undergraduate, noting that the Mbah Administration had since coming into office in 2023 continued to put in place both security and infrastructural measures that had ensured that what happened in 2022 did not repeat itself.

These include the deployment of over 150 soldiers, deployment of Special Forces with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and gun trucks, ongoing collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army to construct military barracks in that border community, and the nearly completed 21.7km Agape-Agu Mgbuji-Ogbete asphalt road to open up our farm settlements and enhance security and vehicular access to the farmlands and forests.

He blamed bad politics and deliberate lies and misinformation for the protest.

“So, when people tell you it was a spontaneous protest, it was not. It was orchestrated, very well planned. In one of the clips I watched, a man was in the background like a hypeman, trying to hype the situation. I heard him say that last week 200 people were killed, this week 100 people were killed. Yet he did not show the burnt houses, nobody was showing any images, while the things they talked about are things that are graphic. People tried to throw up things, but when you see it, you will see those are things that happened two to three years ago. I saw a woman talking about what they did to her husband and herself in the last four years.

“In summary, we have challenges and problems, and we are dealing with them. If it was what happened in Eha-Amufu recently, there’s nothing like mass killings, nothing like burning of houses by herders, it did not happen. Feel free, go into the town and ask questions. Tell them to take you to the place all those things happened. I can bet you nobody will show you one,” he said emphatically.

By Bobby Oshoke

As Nigeria continues regional consultations on the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, has emphasised the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts towards the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

She stated this in her Keynote Address, delivered on her behalf by Dr Bala Yunusa, mni, Senior Technical Adviser, at the North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe as part of Nigeria’s VNR preparation for the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July 2025. The SSAP-SDGs noted that world leaders established the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development through the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as a follow up and review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The VNRs serve as the cornerstone of this review process. Nigeria is currently undertaking its third VNR, engaging stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones to assess implementation progress, challenges and prospects.

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs stressed the need to reverse the trend and fast-track progress on all the SDGs. She noted that global progress on the SDGs is mixed, with Nigeria not exempted. Citing the 2024 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report, she stated that “Lack of progress towards the SDGs is universal, but developing countries and the world’s poorest people bear the brunt. That currently only 17 percent of SDG targets are on track, nearly half show minimal or moderate progress, while over a third have stalled or regressed.” At the national level, dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity have combined to slow-down Nigeria’s progress towards achieving the SDGs.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire emphasised that the SDGs cannot be achieved through isolated programmes but must be carefully integrated into national and sub-national policies and development plans. Robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER), such as the SDGs Progress reporting and the VNR, are essential. She underscored the need for collaboration across the public and private sectors, the UN Development System, the donor community, academia, and civil society to ensure that no one is left behind.

While referencing the “Pact for the Future,” adopted during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, she noted that through “Pact”, world leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to take “bold, ambitious, accelerated, just, and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs.” Quoting the UN Secretary-General António Guterres as calling for “Massive investment and more effective partnerships are needed to drive critical transitions across food, energy, digital connectivity, and more, unlocking progress across the Goals. The 2024 Summit of the Future provides a vital opportunity, paving the way for further breakthroughs at the Financing for Development Conference and World Social Summit in 2025.”

Princess Orelope-Adefulire commended institutional members of the Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for Nigeria’s 2025 VNR for their dedication in organising and guiding the entire VNR process. “I appreciate and commend members of the Core Working Group from relevant MDAs, the UN Development System, the Private Sector Advisory Group, the Civil Society Strategy Group, and academia. Your commitment is highly valued. The consulting team for this VNR is equally appreciated,” she concluded.

In a presentation on the Overview of SDGs Implementation in Nigeria & 2025 VNR Process, Dr Yunusa, referencing the UN DESA Report of 2024, highlighted the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and climate chaos on SDG progress. According to the Report, if current trends persist, about 590 million people may still live in extreme poverty by 2030. That without substantial acceleration in poverty reduction, fewer than 3 in 10 countries will halve national poverty, while nearly 1 in 10 people globally will face hunger, and 2.4 billion people will experience moderate to severe food insecurity.

As part of Nigeria’s VNR consultative process, about 150 participants drawn from the six states of the North East, were updated on the institutional frameworks for the implementation of the SDGs; progress on the 17 SDGs; implementation challenges and lessons learnt. At the end of the Regional Consultation, participants reflected on these and offered context specific recommendations and implementation strategies to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs by the year 2030. Key stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); organised private sector; civil society; academia; persons with disabilities; and youths were in attendance.

In his welcome address, the Focal Person of the SDGs Project Support Unit in Gombe State, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki described the Regional Consultation as a critical dialogue that will shape Nigeria’s next Voluntary National Review, while ensuring that the country’s progress, challenges, and opportunities are accurately reflected and that no one is left behind in the overall development journey.

“This gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goal.”

He called on stakeholders to engage actively, share insights, and propose solutions that will make a real impact. “Let us embrace this opportunity to drive meaningful change, inspire innovative policies, and accelerate sustainable development efforts across the North-East Zone.” Engr. Turaki stated.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo 

 Representatives of communities affected by oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta have called on government and fossil fuel companies to take urgent action towards reduction of petroleum-related methane emissions in the region. 

The call was made at a workshop organized by Policy Alert in collaboration with the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI) and We The People in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director of Policy Alert, during his welcome remark, underscored the critical relevance of methane emissions discussions for fenceline communities. 

“Nigeria is a significant methane emitter, particularly within its oil and gas sector, with emissions stemming from gas flaring, venting, and fugitive emissions. 

“In 2022, the country ranked seventh in the list of top gas flaring countries and, as of 2020, methane emissions from the country’s oil and gas sector accounted for 41 percent of Nigeria’s total greenhouse gas emissions. 

“This constitutes a major climate threat and a significant risk to fenceline communities, who have to cope with the degraded ecosystem, health complications, and compromised livelihoods. 

“Empowering these communities with knowledge is a vital step toward demanding accountability and encouraging sustainable solutions.”

Also in a remark, Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, stated that, methane emissions severely impact human health, causing respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and ground-level ozone formation, with disproportionate effects on children, women, and the elderly in these communities. 

“The loss of viable farmland and destruction of fishing grounds due to methane emissions also cause significant economic hardship for community people. 

“This workshop, therefore, provided a space for them to express their concerns about the lack of accountability by government and companies on existing commitments to monitor and reduce methane emissions, as well as the limited enforcement of existing environmental regulations.”

Henshaw said.

Tengi George-Ikoli, Senior Program Officer at NRGI, stressed the urgent need to hold government and oil companies to consistent global standards. 

According to her, “Nigeria’s oil and gas sector must align with the same environmental benchmarks imposed on developed nations. We cannot accept double standards that perpetuate harm to local populations. 

*Robust enforcement of commitments, such as the 2030 gas flaring phase-out, is essential to ensure tangible outcomes for affected communities.”

Participants noted that increased community participation in environmental monitoring and decision-making processes is essential for Nigeria to make any real progress in its methane reduction targets. 

They also recommended ramping up of investments in alternative energy sources, such as solar, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and stricter regulations on gas flaring, including enforcement of flare penalties and utilisation of collected fines for environmental remediation of affected communities as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo 

A Bill for a Law to provide for the  establishment of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Council has been passed by the State Assembly.

This was sequel to a report presented to the House by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Mrs Kenim Onofiok, during plenary yesterday in Uyo.

Onofiok while presenting the committee report earlier said the bill when passed into law, would provide high-quality teacher education programmes.

She added that the bill would also  offer expanded  opportunities to Akwa Ibom children seeking admission into degree awarding institutions.

“Students are no longer interested in registering for the three-year NCE programme, but prefer to study a four-year degree programme, hence the decline admission into NCE programmes of the college.” She ad said.

It will be recalled that the House Committee On Education had last month conducted a public hearing for the stakeholders to generate inputs for the making of the bill while the House adopted the committee’s recommendations.

The motion for the bill to be read for the third time and passed was moved by the Leader of the House, Mr Sunday Johnny and seconded by the Deputy Chief whip, Mr Sampson Idiong.

The bill was read the time and passed into law accordingly with effect from March 13.

The Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok, to send the clean copy of the bill to Gov. Umo Eno for assent.

By Isreal Adamu, Jos 

Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has  commenced  enforcement of regulations requiring vehicles  transporting building materials and other spillable goods  (sand, dirt, gravel, etc.) to  be properly covered 

Director General of the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), Samuel Nathaniel Dapiya said 

There has been public outcry regarding the way vehicles transporting spillable  materials operate. He added that  Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has officially commenced enforcement of regulations requiring all trucks and pickup vans transporting building materials and other spillable goods to be properly covered.

This move follows an earlier notice issued by the agency, reminding transporters of their responsibility to prevent littering and environmental hazards caused by uncovered loads. PEPSA’s enforcement teams are now actively monitoring compliance to ensure that vehicles carrying materials such as sand, gravel, cement, and refuse adhere to these guidelines.

The enforcement is part of the agency’s broader efforts to maintain cleanliness and public health across Plateau State. By ensuring that spillable materials are securely covered, PEPSA aims to reduce dust, debris, and waste on the streets, ultimately creating a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.

Truck operators and business owners are urged to comply with this directive to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer, more hygienic environment.,he added .

 However, many chose not to comply ,until PEPSA began enforcing this law, which had remained unenforced for years.

He added that ” Our enforcement efforts have proven this point. During inspections, we discovered that most drivers already have tarpaulin or covers but choose not to use them”

“. However, we appreciate those who have complied and are doing their part to keep our roads and environment clean.”

We encourage those who have yet to comply to take responsibility and get the necessary covers for their trucks. This is not just about following the law,it is about protecting our environment, public health, and ensuring safer roads for everyone.”

The PEPSA  boss also  said that additionally, owners of goods and customers also have a role to play. Whether transporting blocks, drinks, or other items, they must ensure that drivers properly cover their goods for both safety and environmental reasons ,Taking this extra step helps prevent damage to their goods while also contributing to a cleaner and safer Plateau State.

He added that as always, the law must be upheld, agencies have a duty to enforce it, and citizens have a responsibility to comply. Together, we can create a cleaner and safer environment for all.

By Israel Adamu

A group operating under the umbrella body of Plateau South APC Progressive Mind for better governance on  Friday  passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan Kudangbena  .

The Group added that Dewan has done excellently well in office and should be allowed to continue as Speaker .

They also  condemned  what they described as  attempts to cause confusion in the state House of assembly by some individuals.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Mikang  the convener of the group Nangor  Nangwang Paul 

expressed satisfaction with  Speaker Dewan  for demonstrating  leadership and carrying all members of the house along in Governance.

“We are Youths from the Southern Senatorial zone and members of the All Progressives Congress ( APC)  but we are in support of  Hon  Dewan to continue as   Speaker because of the good works he is doing in the Plateau House of assembly.

According to the group , “We want to commend the Speaker for displaying outstanding leadership since he took over the mantle of the Plateau State  house of assembly .”

Describing  Hon Dewan as a servant leader, the APC  group  noted that the Dewan led  Plateau House leadership has carried all the members along by running an open-door policy.

“We have followed the leadership of the 10th Plateau  Assembly and we must commend Rt Hon  Gabriel Dewan for making giant strides in a short while,” 

“Hon Dewan is working tirelessly, with dedication and integrity, to ensure that the needs and aspirations of his  constituents and People of the state are met .”

“He is also a bridge builder who is working tirelessly with government at the state and National to bring development to all members of the state house of assembly as he  also  loves people at the grassroots. “

” The legislature in Plateau  is working  for the common good of all  citizens .”

“ In the Plateau Assembly  at the moment ,there is a new sense of togetherness, friendship and close bond between lawmakers as everyone has been wired towards a common goal which is the masses.”

Describing the Speaker as a born leader, the group  added that he embodies charisma, loyalty, and humility.

The statement reads in parts “Hon Gabriel Dewan has demonstrated his preparedness for public service by his incontestable public-spirited disposition and commitment to the welfare of his people, thus solidifying his political credibility and enhancing his electability.”

While commending  the Speaker for “striving to attract projects and development to Pankshin  North state constituency,” the group urged the people  to support the Speaker .

We most particularly wish to call on youths and citizens of the state to support the current leadership of the house  at all times .

The group  urged Plateau State citizens to continue to support people who are coming with such kind of service to humanity. He noted that the Speaker is an agent of transformation .

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The group also appreciated the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang for allowing democracy to thrive and prayed that he continues to uphold the cordial working relationship with all the arms of government in the state.