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25 Years After Ken Saro-Wiwa’s Demise, Niger Delta Still Groan Under Environmental Despoilation, Uyi Ojo Laments

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The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has advocated for a United Nations legally binding treaty that will hold multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta region accountable for their human rights violations.

The ERA/FoEN stated that when put in place, such treaty should also ensure access to justice and remedy that is currently a major challenge in developing countries Nigeria inclusive, in their attempt to bring multinational companies to justice.

Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his Ogoni eight activists (sic) who were fighting for environmental justice.

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Dr Uyi lamented that 25 years after Ken Saro-Wiwa and his Ogoni eight activists died in the course of fight for environmental justice, the Niger Delta environment still groan under the severe weight of environmental despoilation, stressing that poverty remains widespread with little or no change on the welfare and livelihoods of the people.

“The systematic failure of oil companies and the Nigerian government to clean up has left hundreds of thousands of Ogoni people facing serious health risks, struggling to access safe drinking water and unable to earn a decent living.

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“The commemoration provides the opportunity to highlight the ecological disaster and human rights violations that the entire Niger Delta is still facing even after 25 years Ken Saro-Wiewa was executed, along with 8 other Ogoni leaders for standing up to Shell’s operations in Nigeria.

“In this regard, we
call for a United Nations legally binding treaty to hold multinational companies accountable for their human rights violations.

READ ALSO: ERA/FoEN Crisis: Nnimmo Bassey Advised Not To Convene “Illegal Board Meeting”

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“This treaty will also ensure access to justice and remedy that is currently a major challenge in developing countries in their attempt to bring multinational companies to justice,” the Executive Director noted.

While stating that Shell and other oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region must be accountable for their human rights violations and the clean up of the pollution in the area, Dr Ojo said the slow clean up of Ogoniland by Nigerian HYPREP was unacceptable.

He emphasised the need for Nigeria to key into the unprecedented momentum for leaving the fossil fuel age behind and embrace a post-petroleum economy devoid of environmental degradation and destruction of lives and property.

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“For the Nigerian state, the Hydrocarbon Remediation Project (HYPREP) slow pace of clean up is unacceptable and require improved capcity and restructuring to properly clean up Ogoniland.

READ ALSO: UAE Convicts 6 Nigerians For Wiring $782,000 To Boko Haram, FG Official Indicted

“Nigeria should key into the unprecedented momentum for leaving the fossil fuel age behind ushence the need to embrace decentralized energy democracy model that allows people driven off-grid and mini-grid solar systems for energy access for all,” he said.

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On the need for the entire Niger Delta to unite even as the region marks the 25th years of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s demise, Dr Uyi said: “it is time for sober reflections. It is time for forgiveness, healing and unity among the Ogonis especially all the martyrs of the environmental justice struggle. Surely, the collective will of the people shall never be broken.”

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University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’

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The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.

The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.

In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.

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An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.

As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.

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Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Under Fire Over Presidential Pardon For Drug Offenders

Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”

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In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.

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Fire Ravages Residential Building In Oyo

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Photo: File copy

Properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed in a fire incident that ravaged a residential building in Oyo, Oyo State.

The incident occurred at Aladota, Oke-Olola Area in Oyo around 9 am on Wednesday.

The chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident.

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In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, Akinwande said that officers of the agency were immediately mobilised to the scene once they were informed.

“The fire incident was as a result of a spark from electricity which ignited combustible materials and set the room ablaze. No casualty was recorded. The agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira,” he said.

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Lagos Assembly Moves To Establish State-owned Railway Corporation

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Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced legislative work on a bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the creation, management, and operation of a state-owned railway corporation.

The proposed law, titled “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos State Railway Corporation and for Connected Matters, 2025,” seeks to provide a structured foundation for an efficient rail transport system in the state.

Speaking during a one-day public hearing on the bill held on Wednesday in Lagos, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the initiative showcases the government’s commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure and improving residents’ quality of life.

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READ ALSO:Lagos Assembly Crisis: How Akande-led Panel Forced Meranda Out, Reinstated Obasa

Obasa, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, said the establishment of the corporation would enhance mobility, reduce road congestion, and shorten travel time across the state.

This proposed legislation represents yet another bold and visionary step in the Lagos State Government’s continued efforts to improve the welfare and quality of life of its people,” he stated.

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“Railway transportation remains a critical component of modern infrastructure. It ensures safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly movement of people and goods while driving trade, commerce, and economic growth,” he added.

READ ALSO:Lagos Assembly Crisis: How Akande-led Panel Forced Meranda Out, Reinstated Obasa

The Speaker also explained that Section 26 of the bill provides for the appointment of an Inspector of Railways, whose responsibilities would include conducting regular inspections of trains and tracks, offering professional guidance, and ensuring the safety and operational integrity of rail services.

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In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adedeji, noted that the proposed corporation would play a vital role in easing the movement of people and goods within the state.

Adedeji, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1, described the bill as timely and necessary, given Lagos’s rapidly growing population and the increasing demand for a modern, reliable transport system.

With the state standing at a pivotal point in its infrastructural and economic development, there is an urgent need to establish a robust legal and institutional framework to regulate and operate railway services efficiently,” he said.

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