News

Delta, Edo Oil Producing Communities Demand Climate Justice, Halt To Exploration

Published

2 years ago

September 30, 2023

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

People from oil producing communities in Edo and Delta states Friday, September 29, 2023 converged in Benin under the umbrella – People’s Assembly – to demand for environmental justice in their communities.

INFO DAILY reports that the meeting known as African Peoples Counter COP was organised by Ecological Actions Advocacy Foundation with support from African Climate Collective.

INFO DAILY also reports that four oil and gas producing communities from Edo and one from Delta State attended the climate justice meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, one of the guest speakers and environmental activist, Comrade Cadmus Atake Enade, said over the years climate change has been in centre stage of discussion particularly in government but unfortunately the people directly affected are not being carried along, hence the meeting.

While lamenting that “extractive activities have destroyed the environment and climate of oil bearing communities,” Enade said yet “over time, we have discovered that climate change issues have always been at the centre stage of discussion politically, but even as at that the people are not being carried along.”

He added: “They want their voices to be heard; they want inclusion in government decisions when it comes to the environment. They want reparation from the government, and then communities where extractive activities are ongoing should be halted.”

“So, this is an avenue to aired their voices; they are using the medium to tell the whole world that they are suffering and that they demand climate justice.”

Also speaking, another environmental activist and youth leader, Akiri Murphy, said due to the operations of the ‘Warri Refinery’ sited in Ekpan community, residents of the community and other neighbouring communities are “seriously suffering.”

According to him, the Petrol Chemical plant and other machines in the refinery are obsulate thereby emitting soot and making life unbearable for the residents.

He said: “The Refinery Petrol Chemical plant emitts Carbon Black (soot) into the community, and the worse, this plant is being put on at midnight, thereby polluting the whole area. This has affected the health of residents of the community.

“The water which is their only source of drinking and fishing is being affected by the soot.

“The waste from the Warri Refinery also goes into the Ubeji community water thereby affecting them. Most of the people are into fishing but because of the impact they can no longer fish. They need to travel far before they can catch fish.

“The Federal Government should fix the refinery. The machines in the refinery need refurbish. The Petrol Chemical Machine is completely dead, it needs replacement. Fixing the refinery will reduce the pollution and enable the people in the area to live a better life.”

Also, Mrs Elizabeth Eyo, from oil producing community in Edo State, while calling for climate justice particularly for oil and gas producing communities, said “we want a situation where people from oil producing communities benefit hugely from oil exploration.”

She said: “The government should know that people living in oil producing communities can no longer farm due to exploration. Most of the people in these oil producing communities are either famers or fishermen. The government should bear in mind that these people need to feed, earn a living. So, the government should do something about this so they too can live a meaningful life.

“The bad water occasioned by oil exploration is affecting the reproductive health of the women. “

News

Okpebholo, Idahosa Bag UNIBEN Distinguished Service, Leadership Awards

Published

2 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo and his deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa have been awarded the University of Benin Distinguished Service and Leadership Awards, respectively, for their exemplary leadership styles since assumption of office on November 12, 2024.

The awards, which were conferred on them by the university’s Vice Chairman, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, is part of the activities lined up for the institution’s Faculty of Social Sciences golden jubilee celebration.

The deputy governor who received the awards said expressed delight for the recognition by the university as an alumnus.

“It is an honour to be part of this historic occasion marking the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

“For five decades, this faculty has produced outstanding scholars and change-makers who have contributed immensely to national and global development,” he said.

The deputy governor commended the faculty’s legacy of excellence, describing it as “a beacon of research, critical thinking, and civic engagement.”

He praised the university for its role in shaping generations of leaders who continue to influence public policy and nation-building.

Reflecting on the governor Okpebholo-led administration’s priorities, Idahosa reiterated the governor’s commitment to revitalising education in the state.

“The administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to strengthening the education sector, with a particular focus on inclusivity and infrastructure.

“We are determined to guarantee access to quality education for all, including children with special needs,” he stated.

Idahosa concluded with an appeal to students to steer clear of vices, particularly cultism, stressing that the government would deal decisively with anyone found engaging in such acts.

“You are our most precious assets and the hope of a prosperous Nigeria. Shun all forms of vices and violence. Focus on your studies and become agents of positive change,” he pleaded.

Speaking on a lecture titled: ‘We Will all Be Consumed Unless,’ Prof. Brownwell Amadasun, sparked lively reactions among attendees as the academic delved into Nigeria’s foundational challenges and their lingering impact on national development.

Amadasun critiqued the ideological roots of the Nigerian state, asserting that the nation’s founding fathers laid a framework deeply entrenched in ethnic and religious divisions.

“Our national leaders were ethnic leaders. They laid the foundation we are struggling with today. Ethnicity and religious allegiance continue to hinder national growth. We must move away from it or we will all be consumed,” he said.

He called for a fundamental shift in leadership philosophy and collective mindset to foster unity and sustainable progress.

The Faculty’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the week with lectures, exhibitions, and alumni engagements celebrating five decades of scholarship, service, and societal impact.

News

Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations

Published

11 hours ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

Concerned about the growing cases of cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing linked to digital finance platforms, the House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale (POS) operations in Nigeria.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who inaugurated the committee on Monday in Abuja, said the move became necessary amid increasing concerns over fraud and consumer exploitation in the country’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem.

He noted that while Nigeria’s resilient economy has the potential to support cryptocurrency growth, the risks associated with its unregulated operations, including its use for illicit financial flows, cannot be overlooked.

Abbas explained that the absence of clear regulatory guidelines, coupled with the volatility and complexity of digital assets, compelled the House to intervene and establish a regulatory and consumer protection framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets.

He said Nigeria’s economy has consistently demonstrated resilience, often recovering from recessions and recording growth in non-oil sectors, making it a potentially strong environment for cryptocurrency trade. However, he cautioned that the vulnerabilities inherent in digital currency operations must not be underestimated.

“It is because of this absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, that the House of Representatives found it imperative to establish regulations and consumer protection measures that will regulate the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers, including cryptocurrencies and crypto assets,” Abbas said.

He added that the committee’s mandate includes conducting public hearings to gather input from stakeholders that would guide the House in developing legislation for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing cryptocurrency and other digital finance platforms.

The Speaker urged members of the committee to discharge their duties with patriotism and integrity, ensuring that the best interests of the nation guide their work.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Olufemi Bamisile (APC–Ekiti), described the assignment as one of national importance aimed at striking a balance between financial innovation and national security.

“We have been entrusted with a task of national significance — to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale operations in Nigeria,” Bamisile said.

He added that the committee would work closely with key regulatory and security agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force.

News

World Habitat Day: Okpebholo Commends Building Control Agency For Developmental Milestones

Published

12 hours ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commended the management and staff of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) for their significant contributions to urban growth and infrastructural development across the state.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday when he played host to the delegation of the agency in his office as part of programme to mark this year’s World Habitat Day celebration.

The deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa who received the team on his behalf, commended the agency led by the Managing Director, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, for its “selfless contributions” to the development of our dear state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa noted that the agency had played a pivotal role in driving urban renewal and enforcing modern building standards in the State, describing their efforts as vital to the government’s vision of sustainable city planning.

“We want to thank you for being part of the growth and development of our dear state. Your work has not gone unnoticed.

“What is most important to us is that we have the political will to ensure that this agency continues to fulfill its mandate effectively,” he stated.

He expressed optimism on the future of urban development in Edo State and pledged continued government support for the agency’s initiatives.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, I want to thank you for this wonderful day.

“We congratulate you as a state, and we thank God for giving us a capable leader in Mr. Igabali, whose dedication and teamwork continue to yield results,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the agency expressed appreciation to the Governor and his deputy for their support and for taking the time to receive the agency’s delegation during the World Habitat Day observance.

The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Edo State was marked with renewed calls for sustainable housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced urban management — key pillars of the Okpebholo administration’s development agenda.