News

‘Na Die We Dey’ – Gelegele Indigenes Lament Gas Flare, Environmental Pollution

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2024

…Demand Withdrawal Of Operational Licence Of Oil Company

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

The indigenes of Gelegele in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Friday decried the environmental pollution caused by operation of an oil company in their communities and called for the immediate withdrawal of operational licence of the company.

INFO DAILY reports that a gas flare stack of the oil company is sited in the heart of the community thereby causing untold heat and other health hazards to the indigenes in the community.

Speaking at a-day Capacity Building Workshop organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF, in the community, the indigenes who are mostly farmers and fishermen/fisherwomen, lamented that due to operation of the oil company both their lands and rivers have been polluted.

An indigene and Chairman, Host Communities Network of Nigeria, Prince Preye Pawuru, said operation of the oil company is causing a lot to the indigenes including untimely death, hunger, continuous crude oil spill to their rivers and lands.

He said: “The fact is that, the oil company operating here is actually causing our suffering and untimely death. In fact, it is almost ending the lifespan of this community. We cannot just survive again with the oil company operating in our community. The oil company should leave us and go finally. This is our demand. The flare is located at the heart of the community, and this is causing a lot to our health.”

He added: “If someone falls sick, we don’t have access road to take the person to the city. No social infrastructure. We are predominantly fishermen and farmers but no more fishes in the river because of the pollution. There is a continuous spill of crude oil into the river. The environment is destroyed. We don’t have any means of survival yet the company is smiling home with billions of dollars while leaving the community in penury. The company and government take away the benefits while the community bears the risk. So, we are saying we are tied. The company should go.”

He said engagements with relevant authorities to address the situation have not yielded results.

On her part, Mrs. Justina Kororo, woman leader, Gelegele community, who spoke in Pidgin English said: “This is our community. We have no where to go. This fire alone Na die, na die we dey. E dey affect our eyes. We never old reach anywhere we no fit read Bible again; we no fit read from our phones.”

Also, Mrs. Victoria Peter said: “I am a fisherwoman. Before now, when we go to the river, we used to catch enough fishes even for sale and use the money to buy other food items. But now even crayfish you can’t catch. We are dying of hunger. No light, no portable water. We no fit sleep inside our house because of the heat. Na outside we dey stay. I want make government help us.”

Another indegene from the community who also spoke in Pidgin said: “Other communities wey get this kind of oil company dey enjoy. Dem dey help the women for the town. dem dey help the men for the town. But here in Gelegele, nothing like that. Our road is bad.”

Also lending his voice, Mr. Goday Kororo who said he worked in the oil company for 25 years before retiring said: “This fire for this place dey make us dey quick old. E no dey off. E don dey here since 1979. In The night, you must come out and baff, if not you cannot sleep. Our windows go dey shake because of the oil company operation and noise. Many times, pollution dey happen for our river, no fish. We are suffering. We wey near water Na ice-fish dey buy for N3000, N4000. Because no road, we dey pay high from Benin to here. “

Earlier, HOMEF Programmes Manager and Coordinator, FishNet Alliance, Stephen Oduware, said they were in the community to join their voices for the call for a stop to gas flaring and other oil exploration activities in the community, and also to demand environmental justice and compensation for the people.

“Gelegele is one of the communities that is highly impacted by oil exploration. There is an oil company here that sites its gas flaring stack right in the heart of the community. There are a lot of issues with this. Number one, on the environment, on the people and even on their well-being and livelihoods. The people are living corpses due to the operation. The temperature here is far higher than normal.

“So, we are calling for a stop to this environmental injustice in Gelegele. Justice must take its course. We are calling for a restoration and remediation of the environment in Gelegele. And compensation must be paid to the people. So we are here to show that solidarity,” he said.

News

UBTH CMD Marks 120 Days In Office, Expresses Commitment To Providing Conducive Working Environment

Published

59 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Tuesday reiterated her commitment to providing a conducive working environment for all staff members.

She spoke at a management and staff assembly, which marked her first 120 days in office.

Speaking during the assembly, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed her commitment to providing exceptional leadership and called on all UBTH employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

The CMD highlighted key achievements and milestones attained since assuming office on August 18th.

She thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to caring for and serving humanity, emphasizing that UBTH’s functionality relies on their continued efforts.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu also outlined significant interventions made within the hospital under her leadership, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 160-Slice CT Scan Machine, among other advancements aimed at enhancing the hospital’s capabilities and service delivery.

She noted that her administration has prioritized inclusion, accountability, and a renewed sense of direction.

“As we move into 2026, every HOD, unit, and department must develop their own actionable plans and timelines for achieving objectives in tandem with the UBTH-CARES agenda.

“These plans should be practical, measurable, and aligned with the broader hospital vision, ensuring consistent progress across all units.

“We seek the full support, commitment, and collaboration of all staff to sustain and build upon the achievements already recorded.

“My dear colleagues, UBTH stands at a defining moment. The vision is clear, and the challenges are real, but the possibilities are greater.

“Let us move forward together with unity, professionalism, and renewed trust – to build an institution worthy of its history and prepared for its future.” Ize-Iyamu said.

The CMD’s address underscored her vision of UBTH as a citadel of excellence, impelled by a workforce characterized by both professional competence and resolute application.

This continuing commitment to service improvement showcases her deep resolve towards the refinement of healthcare delivery mechanisms, thereby securing the hospital’s ongoing prosperity as captured in her Strategic Agenda ‘UBTH-CARES’

News

FIRS Confirms NIN As Tax ID

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians.

The announcement was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared by the FIRS on X.

The Service further stated that registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will function as their official tax identifier under the revised system.

The clarification comes amid public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including bank account ownership.

According to the FIRS, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), set to take effect in January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions.

The Service emphasized that this requirement is not new, noting that it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has now been reinforced under the NTAA.

“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the Service said.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”

The FIRS explained that the new system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all individuals with taxable income contribute their share.

The Service also urged the public to ignore any misinformation about the reform, assuring Nigerians that the updated tax framework is intended to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.

News

KWAM 1 Withdraws From Awujale Race, Ends Court Challenge

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Fuji music legendOtunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, Fuji music legendOtunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate,

Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, has formally withdrawn from the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland, bringing an end to his legal challenge against the ongoing selection process for the revered traditional stool.

KWAM 1 filed a notice of discontinuation at the Ogun State High Court on Monday, December 22, 2025, signaling his decision to step away from the contest.

The notice was submitted by his legal team, led by Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, effectively closing a case that had drawn public attention and sparked debate within Ijebu traditional circles.

The withdrawal followed a ruling by Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi of High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, who dismissed KWAM 1’s application for an interim injunction.

The application sought to restrain the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and other parties from continuing with the selection of a new Awujale pending the determination of the suit.

In his ruling, Justice Omoniyi held that the application for an interim injunction lacked merit.

However, the court ruled that the substantive suit could proceed and fixed January 14, 2026, for further hearing.

Despite this opening, KWAM 1 chose to discontinue the case altogether, effectively ending his bid for the throne through the courts.

KWAM 1, who holds the traditional title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland and hails from the Fidipote Ruling House, had approached the court after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House declared him ineligible to contest for the Awujale stool.

The ruling house maintained that the Fuji icon was not a bona fide member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and therefore could not vie for the throne under its platform.

The declaration of ineligibility had generated controversy, given KWAM 1’s prominence as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians and a well-known figure in Ijebu cultural life.

By filing the notice of discontinuation, KWAM 1 appears to have accepted the court’s position on the interim application and decided not to pursue the matter further.

The Awujale of Ijebuland is one of the most influential traditional rulers in Yorubaland, and the process of selecting a new monarch often attracts keen interest from both within and outside Ogun State.