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TEAAF Advocates Halt To Extractive Activities In Niger Delta Communities

Published

1 year ago

July 21, 2024

A Non-Governmental Organization, The Ecological Action Advocacy Foundation (TEAAF), has advocated a stop to all forms of extractive activities in oil and non oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region,

This call was made when the organization had a one day fact finding outreach to ascertain the impacts of extractives on the environment, health and livelihoods of the people of Gelegele community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The advocacy visit also saw the organisation giving free medical services to the people in the community.

The outreach was themed: Analysing the Environmental & Health Impacts of Extractive Activities in Niger Delta.

Natives of Gelegele community are by nature farmers and fishermen/women but due to oil extractive activities, they are unable to farm nor can they catch fish in the rivers. Their community produces oil yet they dwell in abject poverty.

Anyone who cares to visit Gelegele community does not need to be told the level of poverty among the people; it can be seen all over the faces of the people particularly the malnourished children who run about the streets without knowing what they are passing through.

Residents of Gelegele community literally pass through hell on a daily basis. The weather is permanently hot regardless of the season or time due to a flue-gas stack or smoke stack permanently stationed in the heart of the community. The stack emits gas to the air at round-the-clock, thereby causing heat and endangering lives of the people.

Despite all these challenges occasioned by extractive activities, Gelegele and her people have nothing to show as direct benefit. There is no government presence in Gelegele, and the oil company operating the community has done something next to nothing in the community. The road linking the Gelegele community and Benin is an eyesore; it has completely collapsed thereby making it impassible for motorists. This oil producing community has no portable water, the only borehole sinked by the oil company operating for the people is with a rusted iron tank. Drinking water with iron particles from the rusted iron reservoir causes harm to the people’s health, so said a resident. The people of Gelegele have no access to modern healthcare. The only healthcare centre in the community is not functioning optimally. It is in an abandoned state.

This ugly state of the community and her people perhaps prompted TEAAF to visit the people with a free medical outreach. The foundation visited Gelegele with a team of medical professionals who carried out different types of tests on the people and also dispense free drugs.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, TEAAF, Ann Ajirioghene Offi, said the idea of the medical outreach was to get detail and factual health implications of the gas flaring and other extractive activities going on in communities, adding that Gelegele was chosen as kick start point because of the many stories about the place and its peculiarities.

Offi said the programme was aimed at providing also “free medical support to meet their current lack of care predicament as well as guiding them on how to survive the stress and health challenges they face in their community.”

The Executive Director, who added that the programme also involved sensitisation on health, disclosed that no fewer than 100 residents benefited from the free medical outreach.

“We came here for a visit some time back and we saw the state of the community and the people’s health. So, we deemed it fit that it will be of good sensitising the people in danger of gas flaring and extractive activities in the heart of the community,” Offi added.

The Executive Director continued: “We are taking this medical outreach to other oil producing communities across the Niger Delta but we decided to kick start the programme in Gelegele because of the many stories about the community. And from the medical test we carried out, we discovered that eye challenges, body hitching, high blood pressure and other ailments are rampant among the people. All these are caused by the gas flaring in the heart of the community.”

Also speaking on his findings, Dr. Nicholas Avabore Akpevboghene, a medical practitioner who was among the team, said: “From my observation from the people I have seen today in this community, there are actually adverse effects of the gas flaring in the community. In the sense that most of them have issues relating to hitching, hypertension, and that is as a result of the flare and also, as a result of the pollution that has actually affected the water they use to bathe.”

One of the beneficiaries, Elder Emmanuel Obi, said it has been very difficult for them to get medical care because of the distance and finance, adding that the free medical care has brought relief to many.

Also speaking, another beneficiary, Mr. Goday Kororo, said: “We were given free tests and drugs. This type of free medical care has not happened in this community before, so this is the first time. Even anytime Dubri oil does this kind of free medical care, they give us expired drugs.”

Another beneficiary, Sode Sharon, a nursing mother said: “They ran tests on my baby and I, and thereafter gave us the needed drugs. I want to sincerely appreciate the organisers.”

News

UNICEF Advocates Six Months Maternity Leave From Working Mothers In Bauchi

Published

4 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi state government to initiate a six months paid maternity leave to working mothers in the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, stated this in a news conference in Bauchi on Tuesday to market the 2025 breastfeeding week.

According to her, the six months maternity leave would help the mothers to initiate the six months exclusive breastfeeding for their children and help in improving their health status in general.

“We really need the state government, the health system to play their roles to support the mothers.

“If the state government has a policy for six months paid maternity leave, that would play a huge role in the better nutritional status of children and initiation of exclusive six months breastfeeding for the mothers.

“Staying with the child automatically ensures better care and hygiene of the child, making them free from diarrhea which is one of the major causes of malnutrition,” she said.

Rafique added that unless women were fully supported, it would be difficult for them to do the right things like initiate breastfeeding on time, continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and initiate complementary breastfeeding till 24 months.

She, however, called on the state government to also come up with breastfeeding corners for working mothers to feed their children after resumption from the six months maternity leave.

Rafique said that if mothers didn’t have a good private place to feed their children, it would be difficult for them to continue feeding by working, performing and contributing towards the state’s progress and the country at large.

“These are the foundation for having a healthy, intelligent, productive next generation.

“There is a formula we need to promote which is one, six and 24.

“One means that the first hour of the baby must be initiated with breastfeeding, six means that a child must be exclusively breastfed for a good six months and then the initiation of complementary feeding along with the continuation of breastfeeding till 24 months,” she explained.

Earlier speaking, Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist in Bauchi, revealed that over 15 states have extended paid maternity leave to working mothers across the country like Kebbi, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau among others.

“We want the media to help us amplify the benefits of breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding both to the mother, the child and even the society at large,” she said.

On his part, Mr Abubakar Sale, the Bauchi state Nutrition Officer, appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state in terms of improving the healthy living of pregnant women and children, not only on nutrition but other aspects of health.

“The government is trying its best to see to the improvement in especially exclusive breastfeeding and other nutrition indicators in the state.

“We are doing our part together with other partners and media practitioners are very important to amplify or inform the members of the society the importance of exclusive breastfeeding so that in our next survey, we will be able to improve,” he said.

News

Tinubu Gives D’Tigress $100,000 Each, Flats, National Honour

Published

5 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew.

Tinubu also rewarded all team members and staff with a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate.

In addition, the President conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.

The triumphant D’Tigress alongside their officials, were warmly welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, at the New Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa at 5:05 pm.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima received the team in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Also in attendance at the reception were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.

The D’Tigress arrived after clinching their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, outplaying Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This win marks their seventh overall championship, reinforcing their supremacy in African women’s basketball.

The ceremony at the Presidential Villa mirrors a similar reception President Tinubu hosted a week earlier for the national female football team, the Super Falcons, who recently secured their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.

Tinubu’s remarks, delivered by Shettima at the reception noted, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.

“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.

“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”

The President hailed Rena Wakama’s strength and inspiring young girls in the country.

“Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.

“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.

“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”

Tinubu said the administration is prioritizing sports as a crucial driver of national development and economic growth, viewing it as more than entertainment but also infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a tool for youth employment and transformation.

He also recognised the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for its efforts in athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-driven development, with visible positive results.

“Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you. The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.

“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.

“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.

“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.

“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

News

Step-by-step Guide For Checking 2025 WASSCE Results

Published

5 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results on Monday, the West African Examinations Council has provided a step-by-step guide to help candidates access their results online.

To check your results, candidates are required to visit the official result portal at http://waecdirect.org and follow the instructions carefully.

Here is the step-by-step guide for checking 2025 WASSCE results.

Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 7-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 4123456789).
For examination year < 1999, enter your 8-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 5-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 19865001)
Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2002
Select the Type of Examination
Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up