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Pollution: Oil Companies Operating In N’Delta Must Abide By International Practices – Environmental Activist

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Multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria particularly in the Niger Delta region must abide by international standard practices and treaties in which Nigeria is a signatory.

Government regulatory agency likewise must live up to expectation by making sure that these oil companies abide by the rules guiding their operations in the country.

This was the position taken by Barrister Chima Williams, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) at a webinar interactive programme titled: “Human and Ecological Rights.”

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The programme was organised by Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in collaboration with the Coalition for Human Rights in Development and the Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Edo: Need For Waste Management Policy Takes Centre Stage As ERA/FoEN Convenes Stakeholders’ Workshop

Barrister Williams who frowned at the impunity at which companies operating in the Niger Delta abuse fundamental rights of the people through pollution of the environment, said as environmental and human rights advocacy organisation, ERA will not fold its arms while this goes on in the area.

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He lamented that due to the pollution of the environment, dwellers of the areas where these pollutions take place can no longer fish nor farm despite the fact that this is where they make a living.

While noting that ERA is committed in fighting every human and environmental injustice in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region, the Executive Director said: “They are talking about diversion, we will not allow that. They  are trying to move from onshore to offshore so that we will not able to monitor their activities”.

READ ALSO: Oil Palm Companies: RSPO Deceptive, Promotes Communities Rights Violations, Says ERA/FoEN

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“What we are saying is that, all laws, international treaties binding oil exploration must be adhered to. Nigeria is signatories to most of the treaties, so her case must not be different, Shell and other oil companies operating in Nigeria must operate the way and manner they operate in the United States, United Kingdom and other Western World.

“Some of them are even threatening to leave this country, we are not saying they should leave, but our argument is, they must obey human and environmental rights. And if they must leave the shore of our country, no problem, but they must clean up the mess they have made in the Niger Delta region. I am saying, if they must leave, they must return the area to the way they met us.”

He added: “Government agency regulating these companies must live to expectation. They are talking about joint-venure. Joint-venure that will not give them any right to take when these oil companies go wrong?”

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On her part, Elvira Jordan, Programme Officer, CODAF, said her comapny’s findings show that despite laying the golden egg for the country, majority of oil producing communities lack social amenities, adding that not a single government presence in the area.

READ ALSO: ERA/FoEN Impasse: Court Strikes Out Godwin Ojo’s Suit against Nnimmo Bassey, Awards N50,000 Against Him

She lamented that due to oil exploration in these communities cum pollution and its consequent hazard, many persons living in these communities are battling with one health challenge or the other.

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While stating that CODAF is committed in making sure these people get justice, she enjoined civil society organisations, the media and others to join in giving these people voice with a view to making sure they get justice.

Also speaking, Tonbra Kasikoro Kilopirete, Executive Director, Women Initiative for Values Empowerment and Sustainability International  (WIVES) said the people of the riverine needs enlightenment.

The ED who also doubles as National Women Leader, Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta  (MOSIEND) said: “One thing I have discovered in my dealings with these people is that, they lack enlightenment.

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“Many of them do not even know their rights and when you come to assist them they see you as someone coming to trample on their rights.”

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

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The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

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READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

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“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

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Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

READ ALSO:I’ve Been Blacklisted In Music Industry For 13 Years – Seun Kuti

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

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Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

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Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

READ ALSO:My Beef With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti

By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

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Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

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Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

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READ ALSO:South Africa To Investigate ‘Mystery’ Of Planeload Of Palestinians

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

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When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

READ ALSO:South African Ambassador Found Dead Outside Paris Hotel

We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

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DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

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