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

Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Published

1 hour ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.

News

JUST IN: Kano Lawmaker, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, Dies Hours After Colleague’s Passing

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal in the Kano State House of Assembly, died on Wednesday, barely hours after the death of his colleague, Hon. Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo.

The Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed Daneji’s death to journalists in Kano.

Daneji’s demise came shortly after the passing of Hon. Ungogo, who was the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and represented Ungogo Local Government in the Assembly. Ungogo, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), reportedly died after a brief illness.

He was said to have been at the Kano State House of Assembly earlier in the day, attending a committee meeting before his death.

The sudden loss of the two lawmakers within a short interval has thrown the Kano State House of Assembly into mourning, with colleagues, party members and constituents expressing shock and grief over the tragic development.

News

Top 11 Friendliest Countries To Visit

Published

3 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Some countries leave a lasting impression not only because of their sights, but because of the people who call them home. These are places where visitors feel welcome the moment they arrive, where locals are quick to offer directions, share a meal, or simply start a conversation. From busy cities to quiet communities, these destinations stand out for their warmth and hospitality.

Contents
1. Panama
2. Mexico
3. Indonesia
4. Costa Rica
5. Philippines
6. Taiwan
7. Portugal
8. Ireland
9. Canada
10. Australia
11. Thailand

In this article, Nigerian Tribune highlights eleven friendly countries to visit:

1. Panama

Expats say Panama is one of the easiest places to settle into, with affordable living, friendly neighbours and a relaxed pace of life. Its mix of cultures reflects in the way locals open their doors to newcomers, whether you’re exploring rainforests or relaxing along the coast.

2. Mexico

Mexico’s hospitality is well-known. From big cities to small towns, visitors often talk about how locals guide them, recommend places to explore or strike up a chat. The welcoming spirit is part of daily life, making even first-time travellers feel at home.

3. Indonesia

Community life plays a strong role here. Through the tradition of gotong royong, people work together and look out for one another. Tourists note how Indonesians patiently help with language barriers and enjoy sharing their culture, especially in places like Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Ricans are known for their warm, positive outlook, summed up in the phrase pura vida. Visitors say the people are approachable, ready to assist and always proud to show off their forests, waterfalls and beaches. Even non-Spanish speakers find it easy to settle in here.

5. Philippines

The Philippines offers more than beautiful islands. Many Filipinos speak English, which makes interaction easy, but it is the hospitality that stands out. Locals often treat visitors like family, adding a personal touch to travels across the country.

6. Taiwan

Taiwanese people are polite, patient and eager to help. Travellers often mention how someone will stop to offer assistance if they look confused. The blend of traditional culture and modern life also creates an inviting environment for visitors.

7. Portugal

Portugal has gained a reputation for being warm and easygoing. Whether you are wandering through Lisbon or exploring seaside towns, you’ll find locals who are welcoming, helpful and proud to share their history, food and way of life.

8. Ireland

Ireland consistently ranks high for friendliness. The people are known for their humour, openness and storytelling. Many visitors recall how strangers struck up conversations or helped them find their way. Dublin, in particular, enjoys a strong reputation for being exceptionally welcoming.

9. Canada

Canada’s multicultural setting and calm pace of life reflect how locals interact with visitors. Politeness is a strong cultural trait, and travellers often talk about the kindness they encounter from major cities to smaller towns surrounded by nature.

10. Australia

Australians are known for their relaxed approach and willingness to help. The spirit of “mateship” encourages people to look out for one another, and visitors see this in everyday interactions. Whether at a beach, café or tourist spot, the friendly attitude is hard to miss.

11. Thailand

Called the “Land of Smiles”, Thailand’s reputation speaks for itself. The cheerful attitude of locals, influenced by cultural values that embrace kindness and joy, makes travelling here pleasant. Even in busy markets or tourist centres, visitors still encounter genuine warmth.

These destinations show that travel is about places but the people you meet along the way. Their friendliness adds colour to the journey and often becomes the most memorable part of the experience.