News
CSOs Condemn Planned Resumption Of Oil Extraction In Ogoniland, Demand A Halt
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.
READ ALSO: Over Ten CSOs Kick, As Preparation To Resume Oil Exploration In Ogoniland Enters Top Gear
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.”
READ ALSO: Panic As Nine Children Disappear In Ogoni Communities
“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.”
READ ALSO: Ogoni People Resolve To End Conflicts Of Over Three Decades
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
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint
Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
News
Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.
This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.
READ ALSO:Eid-el-Kabir: Edo Deputy Gov Solicits prayers For Okpebholo
Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.
He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.
According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.
The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.
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