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Communities In Oil-rich Niger Delta Poorest In Nigeria – Report

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A new report by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has shown that towns in the Niger Delta live in deplorable conditions.

The findings do not corroborate the enormous wealth derived from locations in the region where the Nigerian government generates majority of its revenue.

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The 82-page report SERAP launched on Wednesday in Lagos is titled: ‘We Are All Vulnerable Here: How Lack of Transparency and Accountability is Fuelling Human Rights Violations in the Niger Delta’.

READ ALSO: Trust TV: SERAP Drags Buhari To Court Over N5m Fine

The report, presented by Dr. Olubunmi Afinowi of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), stressed that “communities in the Niger Delta remain the poorest in the country”.

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The academic decried that the South-South “remains deeply in the grips of squalor, poverty, and environmental degradation”.

The report shows corruption contributing to poverty and consequential suffering of many people in the Niger Delta.

SERAP said the right of the people to a clean, safe and healthy environment is routinely violated and abused by the government and oil companies.

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“Social, economic, and environmental degeneration has largely affected the lifestyles and wellbeing of the people. Also apparent is the continued disregard and abuse of the human rights of the people”, the group noted.

In his reaction, Femi Falana, SAN, declared that management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by interim administrators was illegal.

Falana advised the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to advise President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently reconstitute the NDDC board of directors.

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The lawyer said since the appointment of interim administrators is unknown to the NDDC Act, the contracts awarded by them are null and void.

The rights activist called on the government to release the report of the forensic audit of the NDDC to enable communities to demand accountability from contractors who collected funds but abandoned projects.

The event was attended by Speaker of Cross River House of Assembly, John Etim; ICPC Chairman, represented by Dr Grace Chinda; NEITI Executive Secretary, represented by Kareem Lamidi; Dina Sabi, Second Secretary, Embassy of Netherlands.

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Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), represented by Egbe Ekpe; AGF Malami represented by Barrister Raji Rasaki; NHRC Executive Secretary, represented by Saliu Musa; Niger Delta leaders, among others.

READ ALSO: SERAP Writes INEC, Seeks Details Of Safeguards On Privacy, Security Of Election Data

SERAP urged President Buhari to instruct the Ministries of Niger Delta, Humanitarian Affairs, and other agencies overseeing the NDDC to publish the 2021 forensic report on NDDC.

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The organization urged the National Assembly to ensure that the relevant committees collaborate to initiate enquiries and fact-finding on how public funds have been spent by government parastatals.
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PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

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Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

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READ ALSO:Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

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He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

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Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

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Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

READ ALSO:2027: You Will Lose 80% Of Northern Muslim Votes If…, APC Forum Warns Tinubu

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The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

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According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

READ ALSO:Monarch’s Suspension Sparks Crisis In Delta

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

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Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

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“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

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NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

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Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

READ ALSO:NAFDAC Warns On Recalled U.S. Supplements

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It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

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READ ALSO:NAFDAC Uncovers Warehouse Loaded With Explosive Chemicals In Kano

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

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The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

READ ALSO:NAFDAC Warns Against VDM’s Inciting Video

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Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.

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