News

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

Published

7 months ago

January 21, 2025

Editor

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

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

3 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

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.

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

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.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

3 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

“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.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

3 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.