News

NGO Urges Buhari To Move Nation’s Economy From Oil To Renewable Energy

Published

5 years ago

August 12, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has been called upon to migrate the nation’s economy from oil and gas dependence to a renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydros.

Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo executive Director, Environmental Rights Action, ERA, made the call in Benin on Wednesday, August 12, at the 3rd edition of Youth Environmental Camp Meeting with the theme: ‘from Extraction to Education’.

Dr. Ojo noted that it’s high time Nigerian government leave the oil sector and make a commitment towards ending fuel dependence by divesting investments from oil and gas to research and development of embracing renewable energy sector, just as he added that a post petroleum economy is long overdue.

” We encourage the Nigeria government to take more ambitious step towards moving from fossil fuel such as oil, gas, and coal to a renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and mini hydros. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari should embrace the agenda to leave the oil in the soil, make commitment and set an agenda towards end to fossil fuel dependence by divesting investments from oil and gas to research development of the energy sector. A post petroleum economy is long overdue for Nigeria,” he said.

Cross section of youths that participated in this year’s edition

Dr. Ojo who lauded the nation’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions released into the atmosphere unconditionally by 20% and conditionally by 45%, said despite the commitment there is no clear blueprint to achieve this.

Quoting UNEP report of 2011, the Executive Director lamented the severe impact of oil extraction on the environment and that this is emblematic of the Niger Delta region, just as he added that the result of the severe impact is livelihood destruction, violent resource conflict, human rights violations, ill-health and untimely death.

” The externalising of production costs and the unmitigated environmental and social consequences of extraction makes extraction of oil unviable as the entire Niger Delta pollution shows. Although Nigeria’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions reeased into the atmosphere unconditionally by 20% and conditionally by 45% is laudable, there is no clear blueprint on ground.

He continues, ” Still, there is high rate of unemployment and poverty with a widening gap between the rich and poor. Electricity production and supply and supply averag hover around 4,000 megawatts and demands simply outstrip supply. The rate of deforestation and fuelwood consumption is one of the highest in the world accounting for about 500,000 hectares annually.

“There is environmental degradation and social discllocation from oil and gas extraction with frequent oil spills, persistent gas flaring and severe desertification in northern Nigeria that has destroyed rural livelihoods. According to the UNEP report 2011on the assessment of the Shell polluted Ogoniland, the impact of oil extraction on the environment is severe and the area is an ecological disaster zone, and this is emblematic of the entire Niger Delta. The result is livelihood destruction, violent resource conflicts, human rights violations, ill-health and untimely death.”

Youths across the Niger Delta region attended this year edition of the programme.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.