News

CSOs Condemn Planned Resumption Of Oil Extraction In Ogoniland, Demand A Halt

Published

5 months ago

January 21, 2025

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Concerned civil society organisations in the Niger Delta have condemned in its entirety the planned resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoniland, River State.

This follows an invitation by the office of the National Security Adviser to the President, Mr Nuhu Ribadu to some Ogoni leaders and stakeholders to a private meeting in Abuja where alleged resumption of oil production in Ogoniland were to be discussed.

The concerned civil society organisations who met in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently to deliberate on the invite of the Ogoni leaders and intent of the meeting, said: “It is however insensitive for this administration to open any form of discussion with a handpicked group of Ogoni leaders for such talks.”

The outcome of their meeting, which was contained in a statement made available to INFO DAILY by Kome Odhomor,
Communication Lead, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), the civil society organisations said in discussing anything that has that do with all production in Ogoniland, the overall will of the majority of Ogonis should be taken into consideration rather than inviting a few for deliberation.

The groups explained that they had expected that the administration would have called for a multi stakeholder meeting in Ogoni land to listen to the plight of the Ogonis and also agree with them on how best to tackle the poverty and hunger occasioned by their loss of livelihoods caused by years of pollution and resultant poisoning of their land and waters.

The statement signed by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), We The People, Ogoni Solidarity Forum – Nigeria, Social Action, and 16 other civil society organisations, the group, while recognising and condemning the nations dependence on fossil fuel, noted that the decision to resume oil production in the area “disregards the enduring environmental, social, and economic injustices faced by the Ogoni people and undermines efforts toward sustainable development, environmental justice, community empowerment and cleanup of the devastated environment,” adding that “Ogoniland has been a symbol of environmental degradation caused by decades of reckless oil exploitation and decrepit equipment.”

“The livelihoods and health of the Ogoni people have suffered immeasurably, with no substantial accountability from the oil industry or adequate redress from the government,” it added.

The group, while lamenting that “despite numerous calls for justice and transparency, the Nigerian government has been slow in the implementation of the UNEP report recommendations to clean up the land effectively,” declared that any “attempt to resume oil extraction in a region already ravaged by environmental neglect further exacerbates the suffering of the people and is a affront on their right to a safe environment.”

“It also disregards their right to free, prior, and informed consent of a fundamental principle under international law.”

Their demand

The civil society organisations, while calling for a halt to the planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland until meaningful consultation with the Ogoni people and full remediation of the damaged environment is carried out, further demanded that no oil well should be drilled in the Niger Delta.

They urged the government and the oil companies to commence immediate and total cleanup of the region, adding that one trillion United States Dollars should be earmarked for immediate clean up of the Niger Delta and compensation for loss of livelihoods.

They further demanded the “full Implementation of the UNEP Report and ensuring that the clean-up and restoration of Ogoniland are prioritized and carried out transparently and effectively.”

They demanded further, “More funding should be allocated to HYPREP to hasten up their actions on the clean up.
Ensure justice for the Ogoni People by address historical grievances, including compensation for environmental and economic losses and accountability for decades of ecological destruction.

“Holding oil companies, particularly Shell, accountable for past environmental damages and human rights violations.

“Demilitarization of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities.

“Enforcing strict regulations on oil companies operating in Nigeria.

“Halt all discussions on divestment until the polluted Niger Delta region is cleaned up.”

News

NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday

Published

4 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday over parts of Taraba,

Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.

“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said

NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it said.

According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

“On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi in the afternoon or evening hours.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

NAN

News

Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance

Published

5 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

As Nigeria is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation on Thursday, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and good governance.

This is contained in his felicitation message made available by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity to the people of the state and Nigerians at large in marking the 2025 democracy Day celebration.

According to him, the governor acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes past and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold the tenets of freedom, justice, and accountable leadership.

“The governor said, Democracy Day serves as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective journey toward democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“According to him, the day also honours the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom .

“He salutes the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, whose commitment continues to sustain the ideals of democracy.

“He also acknowledges the contributions of past and present leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played a pivotal role in deepening the democratic culture in our country,”said Gidado.

He said that Mohammed noted that Democracy Day also honoured the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom.

“While observing that the day was not just about elections, the governor said it’s about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people.

“He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and the protection of the rights of every resident of the state.

“Governor Mohammed further calls on the people of Bauchi State to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew their commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all,”Gidado said.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

Published

5 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”

“Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice.

“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.

“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.

Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.

He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.

This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.

According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”