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Perish Ambition Of Drilling More Oil In N’Delta, IPF Tells FG

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The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has asked the Federal Government to perish the ambition to drill more oil wells in Niger Delta.

Recall that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in a special report on Thisday newspaper of 4th January, 2025, said following the resumption of oil refining by Dangote, Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries, the country needs 123.48 million barrels for the nine Nigerian refineries in the first quarter (H1) 2025, suggesting that the country needs to undergo drilling of more oil to meet both foreign and domestic demands.

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The IPF in a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, said following the abject poverty and unspeakable underdevelopment meted on Niger Delta People, the region would no longer allow the Nigerian Federal Government to drilling more oil in the area.

“We are saying it very unequivocally that Niger Delta will no longer wants the Federal Government to continue to drill more oil wells in the Niger Delta, except there should be a dialogue for the oil ownership in Niger Delta,” the group added.

READ ALSO: Bayelsa Govt Assures IPF Of Support Ahead Of Media Conference

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IPF explained that the Ijaw riverine communities with countless oil wells being explored and exploited over five decades have nothing to show for it.

The Ijaw media practitioners organism said rather, there is reality of rejection, infrastructure decay, pollution, total darkness and untimely death of both infants and adults as a result of oil exploration/exploitation activities by oil multinationals.

The IPF added that should the Federal Government nurse the ambition to drill more oil wells to increase the daily oil production output in Niger Delta and the Ijaw areas, there should be a roundtable negotiation to review the extant laws of oil and gas ownership in the Niger Delta before such ideas could be considered.

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It noted that if such roundtable negotiation is not done, the Federal Government should look for somewhere else to look for its oil to increase its daily output and not the Niger Delta territory.

READ ALSO: Ijaw Unity Takes Centre Stage As IYC Western Zone Partners IPF

The Ijaw media practitioners organisation argued that in the future when the entire oil and gas are exhausted without commensurate benefits, the Ijaw area will be left abandoned like a ghost city, citing Oloibiri town as a reference point.

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The IPF expressed disappointment that up till now natural resources like gold and bitumen in Zamfara and other northern states are regarded as private resources for the indigenes despite its high economic values.

It’s further argued that if gold, iron ore, lithium, coal, granite and other natural resources in Zamfara and other northern states belong to the indigenes, then oil and gas resources in Niger Delta belong to the aboriginal people of the Niger Delta.

IPF called on Niger Delta states governors, federal lawmakers, rights bodies, traditional rulers and other well meaning stakeholders in Niger Delta to educate the federal government to jettison the idea of drilling more oil wells in Niger Delta region for the overall interest of both parties.

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JUST IN: Ibom Air Passenger Breaks Silence After Release

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An Ibom Air passenger who was recently released from custody, Comfort Emmanson, has taken to social media to thank her supporters and describe her post-release condition.

In a statement posted on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Emmanson (#soft_commy), said she is still “in pains due to how I was treated” and requires medical attention before she can share her full account of the incident.

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She also maintained that she needed some rest and medical treatment before she could give out her side of the story.

READ ALSO: NCAA Petitions IGP Over KWAM 1’s Unruly Conduct In Abuja Airport

The statement comes after a widely publicised dispute between Emmanson and the airline, which reportedly led to her arrest and detention.

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While details of the original altercation remain a subject of debate, the passenger’s latest post focuses on the physical and emotional toll of her time in custody.

The full statement from her Instagram page reads, “Thank you so much for the prayers, love and support. I’ve been released from the prison, but I’m still in pains due to how I was treated.

“I just need some rest and medical treatment before I give out my own version of the event. Thank you so much, my lovely friends and supporters. I really appreciate y’all from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all. Thank you, my great God!!!”

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READ ALSO: Ibom Air Passenger Emmason: Why Kwam1 Was Not Charged In Court — NCAA

The airline has not yet issued a public response to Emmanson’s latest post, but earlier statements from Ibom Air confirmed a customer service incident had taken place and was being handled internally.

The airline’s management has previously maintained that the well-being of all passengers and staff is a top priority.

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Emmanson’s post has garnered thousands of likes and comments, with supporters offering words of encouragement and demanding an official investigation into her treatment while in custody. The public now awaits her full account of the events that led to the dispute and her subsequent arrest.

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UNIBEN School of Dentistry Holds Free Oral Health Outreach, Unveils Remodeled Dental Clinic On Campus

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The Dean, School of Dentistry, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof.(Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Wednesday flagged-off the institution’s School of Dentistry free Oral Health Outreach and treatment programme, tagged” Operation Know Your Oral Health Status and Take Control of your General Health “.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who is the Chief Medical Director (CMD) designate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) said the exercise was to herald the 10th Distinguished Lecture Series and the Annual Scientific Conference of the University of Benin School of Dentistry in collaboration with the Department of Community Dental Health , the department of Periodontics and the UNIBEN Health Centre Dental.

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Prof Ize-Iyamu also performed the
Commissioning of the Renovated and fully equipped dental clinic in UNIBEN donated by the family of Dr. Victor Ovbiagele of blessed memory.

She noted that the University of Benin School of Dentistry is committed to educating the people on the many benefits of oral health hygiene.

READ ALSO: UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor

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Prof. Ize-Iyamu hailed the visionary leadership of the University of Benin Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie for investing and improving the physical facilities, equipment, and remodeling of the institution’s health centre .

Prof. Ize-Iyamu pledged her commitment to enhance quality of care by ensuring that healthcare services are delivered to a high standard, with skilled personnel and adherence to best practices.

We are giving back to the society by way of this free Oral Health Outreach and treatment programme. Our Vice-Chancellor’s mandate is to ensure staff and students’ welfare .This event is in commemoration of 10th public lecture series and our School of Dentistry Annual Scientific Conference .”She said.

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While commissioning the UNIBEN dental clinic, Prof. Ize-Iyamu charged alumni to pick a project as part of their contribution to their Alma mater.

READ ALSO: UNIBEN Veterinary Medicine Faculty Shut Down Over Non-accreditation

She expressed appreciation to the Ovbiagele family for the renovation of the dental clinic, saying the family of Dr Victor Ovbiagele have etched their name in gold as a result of the donation of the dental clinic.

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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Benin Prof. Christopher Osubor, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof . Edoba Omoregie said the university community is proud to identify with the school of dentistry for organizing the free dental care and treatment outreach for staff and students.

The DVC described the renovated and fully equipped dental clinic in UNIBEN as a world-class healthcare facility.

In his remark, Dean Faculty of Law (UNIBEN) Prof. Bright Bazuaye expressed his appreciation to the dean of the school of Dentistry (UNIBEN), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN) for extending the free dental care gesture to staff and students of the faculty of law.

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READ ALSO:Protest, Unrest Looms As BEDC Disconnects UNIBEN From National Grid

On his part, Chairman Local Organizing Committee (LOC), School of Dentistry free Oral Health Outreach and treatment, Dr. Philip Ogordi said over 150 staff and students of the UNIBEN faculty of Law benefited in the exercise aimed at ensuring staff and students’ wellbeing in terms of oral health hygiene.

Ogordi said the free dental health care treatment is in line with the mandate of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN) vision to promote the overall well-being of staff and students on campus.

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Ohioma Ovbiagele, son of the Late Edo Commissioner of Health, who spoke on behalf of the Ovbiagele family, said that the renovated and fully equipped dental clinic is in commemoration of the 20 years remembrance of their patriarch, Late Dr. Victor Oamien Ovbiagele .

Personalities at the event include Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Justice Roland Amaize (rtd), Dr. Dan Aigbavboa, Ven. David Egbenusi, Prof. Wilson Sadoh, Prof. Osawe Omoregie, Prof. Joan Enabulele and Mrs Rosemary Ovbiagele, matriarch of the family of the former Edo Commissioner of Health, Dr. Victor Ovbiagele of blessed memory and donor of the renovated dental clinic at UNIBEN among others.

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FG Gives KWAM 1 Aviation Appointment, After Airport Incident

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The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

‎This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

‎Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.

‎The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will lead the engagement process.

READ ALSO:Man Jailed For Cybercrime, Forfeits Cars, Land, $42,000 To FG

‎”The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

‎”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.

‎The minister added that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

‎Keyamo also revealed that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste.

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READ ALSO:NCAA Stops Fuji Star K1 De Ultimate From Flying For Six Months

‎The development comes days after the musician apologised to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.

‎The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.

‎On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.

READ ALSO: Air Peace Jet Hits Antelope At Asaba Airport, NCAA Reacts

He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority described the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while filing a criminal complaint with the police.

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