Cambodia has confirmed it will send athletes to compete in 21 sports at the 33rd Southeast (SEA) Games in Thailand next month.
Uncertainty surrounds Cambodia’s participation in the biennial tournament because of ongoing border conflicts with Thailand.
However the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) has now confirmed the participation of a 333-member delegation, including athletes, coaches and officials.
Cambodia will field athletes in athletics, aquatics, equestrian, gymnastics, judo, kun bokator, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, football, wrestling, pencak silat, kickboxing, petanque, sepak takraw, jet ski, karate, ju-jitsu, wushu, table tennis and esports, according to a report in the Phnom Penh Post.
Two sports federations — the Cambodian Billiards Federation and the Khmer Boxing Federation — have announced they will not participate in the Games, the paper added.
The Cambodian Billiards Federation said security concerns prompted its decision.
Vath Chamroeun, the NOCC secretary-general, said the decision to send teams in 21 sports to the SEA Games was made in line with regulations and with government approval.
He added that Thailand, as host nation, together with its Olympic Committee, has ensured the safety of the Cambodian delegation.
The 2025 SEA Games will take place in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla from Dec 9-20. The football competition will start early, with the opening match taking place on Dec 3.
Firing an 8-under par 64, World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand doubled her lead to six strokes after Saturday’s third round at the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Fla.
At 22-under 194, Thitikul is well ahead of her closest competitors, Nelly Korda and Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn, who both shot a 7-under 65 but are 16-under 200 entering Sunday’s final round at Tiburon Golf Club.
“It’s great,” said Thitikul, who sank nine birdies, including four in a row on Nos. 11-14. “I mean, like everything that I have put in like since yesterday and today was great. Had nothing, just like I said yesterday what I wish for, I just hitting fairway, green, make putts.
“So tomorrow, 18 holes. Hopefully we going to get it done by quickly tomorrow and then enjoying our offseason that’s going to come. And then obviously make a lot of good memories out there tomorrow.”
On the line is an $11 million prize purse with a $4 million check for the winner, one of the most lucrative paydays in women’s golf.
Thitikul won that prize last season and is vying to become the second woman to win this tournament back to back (Jin-young Ko of South Korea did so in 2020 and 2021).
Anannarukarn, whose strong third round included an eagle on the par-5, No. 6 hole, is happy for her friend and countrywoman’s success.
“We’re really good friends, and it’s awesome to see she’s doing well,” said Anannarukarn, who also sank six birdies. “(Thitikul has) been playing very consistent. Again, she’s a good friend of mine and I think we just really — it’s just cool to have a good friend and best friends on Tour because we travel a lot, like far from home, and it’s nice to have someone close.”
As for World No. 2 Korda, who is still seeking her first win of the LPGA season, she said she won’t change her game plan despite being six strokes back of the leader.
“I feel like when you start to push a little harder sometimes the mistakes do start to creep in a little bit,” Korda said after a bogey-free round that included seven birdies. “You just have to be focused on your process and yourself.
“If it happens, it happens. … Because if you start to get a little too ahead of yourself and push a little too hard those mistakes do start to creep in and it’s not going to be beneficial.”
Sei Young Kim is alone in fourth at 15 under after a third-round 68, followed by fellow South Korean Somi Lee (68). Jennifer Kupcho (66) and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen (67) are tied for sixth at 13-under 203.
Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, who fired the low round of the day with a course-record 10-under 62, is alone in eighth at 12-under 204.
“Golf is a crazy sport,” Lopez said after sinking 10 birdies and tying her personal best round. “I think that I just got to give all the credit to my team. They have done unbelievable work with me. They have stuck with me in the lows and the highs. Today is a high and tomorrow we don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Fake news about a second phase of the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme was the most circulated false claim last week, says the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES).
DES spokeswoman Suchada Thaensap said false information that draws the most public attention typically involves government policies or state services. The rumour about a second phase of the co-payment scheme has spread widely.
She said the Fiscal Policy Office has confirmed no such plan has been approved and the scheme remains in its first phase. The false claim alleges that Phase 2 will provide 4,000 baht and open for registration in December.
The second most-circulated rumour was that Thailand had suspended flights with Cambodia. The Department of Airports dismissed the claim. Ms Suchada said the Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC) detected 999,314 messages from Nov 14-20, of which 1,113 required verification.
Fake news about a second phase of the Khon La Khrueng Plus co-payment scheme was the most circulated false claim last week, says the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES).
DES spokeswoman Suchada Thaensap said false information that draws the most public attention typically involves government policies or state services. The rumour about a second phase of the co-payment scheme has spread widely.
She said the Fiscal Policy Office has confirmed no such plan has been approved and the scheme remains in its first phase. The false claim alleges that Phase 2 will provide 4,000 baht and open for registration in December.
The second most-circulated rumour was that Thailand had suspended flights with Cambodia. The Department of Airports dismissed the claim. Ms Suchada said the Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC) detected 999,314 messages from Nov 14-20, of which 1,113 required verification.
…Christian genocide claims split US Congress
…As Nigeria deepens diplomatic push
… ‘Growing criticism may derail Tinubu’s economic reforms’
Three weeks…
…Christian genocide claims split US Congress
…As Nigeria deepens diplomatic push
… ‘Growing criticism may derail Tinubu’s economic reforms’
Three weeks after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and threatened to go into the country “guns-a-blazing” over what he described as a Christian genocide, Nigeria is witnessing a chilling escalation of violence that cuts across states, religions, and communities.
Rather than deter terrorists, the rhetoric appears to have coincided with, and in the eyes of some experts, inflamed, a surge in attacks from terror groups, bandits, and armed militias who continue to operate with deadly efficiency across the country’s northern region.
A violent week in Nigeria
The past week alone underlined the deepening insecurity. In Borno State, a military convoy led by Brigade Commander M. Uba was ambushed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters along the Damboa–Biu axis. Uba was captured and later executed, an attack that shocked security circles given its boldness and the seniority of the victim.
Two days later in Kebbi State, terrorists stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga around 4am, abducting 25 schoolgirls and killing the school security chief. On Tuesday, gunmen attacked a church in Eruku, Kwara State, kidnapping dozens of worshippers. By Friday, a Catholic school in Niger State was also hit, with several students taken.
For a country already fatigued by a decade of insurgencies, these attacks underscore the widening reach of violent groups operating with little regard for borderlines or official threats, whether foreign or domestic.
Diplomatic heat rises as Nigeria faces its bloodiest week in months
Amid the violence, the Nigerian government deepened diplomatic engagement with US authorities, desperate to counter the mounting narrative in Washington that Nigeria is experiencing a Christian genocide.
On Wednesday, US Congressman Riley Moore, one of the most vocal proponents of the genocide claim, met with a Nigerian delegation led by Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, in Washington.
Moore described the meeting as a “frank, honest, and productive discussion” focusing on alleged persecution of Christians and enduring terrorist threats. Nigeria, he said, raised concerns about security assistance and protection of vulnerable communities.
Ribadu on Friday also met with Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of War. Hegseth in a post on X said the Trump’s administration is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians in the country.
The CPC designation, reinstated by Trump, has resurrected a fierce debate in the US Congress, one where hardline religious freedom advocates clash with diplomats, analysts, and lawmakers who warn that oversimplifying Nigeria’s conflict could worsen the violence.
Violence affects everyone – US Rep. Sara Jacobs
The divide sharpened on Thursday during a heated U.S. congressional hearing.
Rep. Sara Jacobs, a former adviser on US counter-Boko Haram strategy, pushed back against attempts to cast Nigeria’s crisis as solely a Christian persecution.
“There is very real conflict and violence that we need to address… The violence impacting both Christian and Muslim communities is real,” she said.
Referring to recent attacks, she added: “The victims in the Kebbi State kidnapping were all Muslim girls. So, violence affects everyone.”
Jacobs warned that “false narratives perpetuate harmful stereotypes” and condemned Trump’s threats of military intervention.
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“President Trump’s threat is reckless. Any unilateral military action in Nigeria would be illegal,” she said.
State Department disagrees: ‘Christians are being attacked because of their faith’
But within the same hearing, the State Department held a firmer line. Jacob McGee, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, insisted that faith-based attacks, particularly in the Middle Belt, were real and well documented.
“These attacks directly target Christian populations… attackers used religious language and specifically targeted Christians for killing, abduction, and rape.” He cited the 2022 murder of Deborah Samuel as evidence of systemic religious freedom violations.
Simplistic narratives’ overshadow Nigeria’s real drivers of violence – Jayapal
Rep. Pramila Jayapal issued one of the strongest rebuttals to the genocide narrative.
“The killings in Nigeria aren’t just the persecution of Christians. It is the persecution of multiple groups… that would be simplistic,” she argued.
Her argument reflects the view shared by conflict researchers: Nigeria’s violence is a tangled web of banditry, farmer–herder tensions, resource clashes, religious extremism, and weak state response, not one dominated by a single motive.
Tinubu’s government is not doing enough – Huizenga
Congressman Bill Huizenga accused the Nigerian government of failing in its duties. “Tinubu’s government is sitting back, not doing enough,” the US lawmaker said, fighting back tears.
Huizenga, who supports the CPC redesignation, insisted Christian communities remain vulnerable and urged stronger US action.
Back CPC designation with real action – Catholic Bishop tells Trump
While giving his testimony at the US Congress on Thursday, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Wilfred Anagbe, urged President Donald Trump to back the redesignation of Nigeria as CPC with concrete action.
“On behalf of millions of Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, we want to thank President Donald Trump for his bold leadership in designating Nigeria as a CPC. I commend you and this subcommittee for ongoing efforts on this matter.
“It is a vital step, but must be backed by serious action. One, use the Magnitsky Act for targeted sanctions against Nigerian government officials and others tolerating or condoning Islamic violence in the country,” Anagbe said.
Trump’s military action will endanger Christians – Oge Onubogu
Oge Onubogu, senior fellow and director, Africa Program, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), warned the US against military action in Nigeria, saying that it could endanger Christians it aims to protect.
“If the Trump administration proceeds with unilateral military action in Nigeria, it could endanger the Christians it aims to protect and worsen divisions along religious lines,” Onubogu said at the US Congress on Thursday.
“A narrow narrative that reduces Nigeria’s security situation to a single story and frames it solely as the persecution of Christians, oversimplifies the situation,” she added.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims of religious persecution, arguing that the conflict is driven by criminality, resource struggles, and opportunistic armed groups. But the US resolution, now gaining momentum in Washington, places new diplomatic pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to show measurable progress in curbing attacks and protecting vulnerable communities.
Analysts further caution that growing US criticism may jeopardise the Tinubu administration’s broad economic reforms, initiated in 2023 and now beginning to yield visible gains.
Officials collect samples in the Salween River. Photo supplied
MAE HONG SON: The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has detected arsenic contamination above safety limits at all 13 monitoring points along the Salween River in Mae Hong Son, following reports of unusually cloudy water.
PCD director-general Surin Worakijthamrong said officials collected water and sediment samples between Nov 12 and 13 along the Thai-Myanmar border, from Mae Sariang to Sop Moei district.
Laboratory tests showed arsenic levels exceeding the standard of 0.01 milligrammes per litre at every site. Lead contamination above the 0.05 mg/L limit was found at one location, while mercury levels were within safety limits.
Water samples taken from five tributary sites were also tested and all met water-quality standards, he said. Mr Surin said the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry will ask the Foreign Ministry to notify Myanmar and request an investigation into potential pollution sources upstream.
…Again, HYPREP promises to launch investigation
Another water tank built by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in another part of O…
…Again, HYPREP promises to launch investigation
Another water tank built by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in another part of Ogoni under the $1bn United Nations Environment Programme (UNDP) project has crashed.
This is about two weeks after such a project crashed in Gwara in Khana local council area two days after Minister of Environment commissioned it.
HYPREP, which had announced investigations in the first crash has angrily promised another investigation. A source in the organization said somebody must be held responsible, no doubt.
In a terse statement signed by Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, Head, Communications, HYPREP said it is deeply concerned about the rupture of the ground tank at the Ebubu (Eleme) water facility. “The unfortunate incident occurred at 10:36 am today (November 22, 2025). On the directive of Nenibarini Zabbey, professor and Project Coordinator of HYPREP, a team led by another professor, Damian-Paul, the Director of Technical Services (DTS), has visited the scene to assess the situation, and the water station has been cordoned off for public safety.
“We sincerely regret the inconveniences this has caused the Ebubu community. We also appeal to the good people of Ebubu and the public to remain calm as the Project is taking prompt steps to restore water to the community. At the same time, the cause of the incident is being investigated.”
Consequently, Wigoh said, the Project Coordinator has further directed the Chief Security Officer of HYPREP to immediately tighten security across all HYPREP’s project sites to forestall interference with the facilities. “Henceforth, non-project personnel and non-facility staff are not allowed into the 16 water facilities and any active HYPREP sites in Ogoni without authorization. Despite this setback, HYPREP reiterates its commitment to delivering sustainable cleanup in Ogoniland.”
HYPREP was yet to recover from the shock of facing a crash of its water project just after Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, had commissioned it.
HYPRED then launched an investigation. The organization seems rattked by the two crashes in two weeks especially as the first facility (Gwara) was serving 14 communities.
Gowon Ichibor, the vice chairman of the committee and HYPREP legal adviser, had said the committee had visited the site to assess the situation and communicated its preliminary findings to the HYPREP Project Coordinator.
Ichibor had said in the case of Gwara; “Whoever needs to be punished will be punished. We pray that at the end of it all, it won’t be human error. What we are more interested in is to see that we get water back to the Gwara people.”
Nigeria is currently in the throes of crises. Before conversation ends on one, another more sinister one has emerged.
In the past week, it’s been news …
Nigeria is currently in the throes of crises. Before conversation ends on one, another more sinister one has emerged.
In the past week, it’s been news of one killing and abduction or the other – safe to say, Nigeria has become a killing field in one week.
From the abduction of Nigerian soldiers, killing of Brigadier-General Uba, to the abduction of 15 school girls in Kebbi State; the killings and abduction of worshippers in Kwara; to the abduction of over 100 pupils in Niger State.
Brigadier-General Uba
The festering terrorists’ attacks in parts of the country and the mass killing of innocent Nigerians in recent times, has made many stakeholders and citizens to raise concerns.
The incidences have further affirmed the need for the federal government and the security agencies, to identify and deal decisively with the terrorists and their sponsors, as a matter of urgency.
“It is a matter of great concern that there has been a spike in the cases of terrorist attacks across the country in recent times, especially since the threat made by President Donald Trump,” Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, said on Friday, in a statement signed by Anthony Godonu, the director of social communication.
Martins called for more urgent measures to be taken in addressing the alarming rate of insecurity across the country.
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos added that happenings in the country suggest that some people are making deliberate efforts to throw the country into chaos.
“How does one describe the manner in which the school girls were kidnapped, the brutal murder of a staff member, the school’s Vice Principal and Chief Security Officer, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, who was shot when assailants broke into his residence on the school premises,” Martins stated.
The cleric said that it was sad that the abducted children, aged approximately 12 to 17, were seized under the cover of darkness by gunmen who scaled the school fence, exchanged gunfire with police before making away with the innocent girls into the forests.
“We are heartened that one student has escaped and returned home, but we remain deeply troubled about the safety and well-being of the 24 who remain in captivity,” Martins stated.
Also, Archbishop Martins vigorously condemned the kidnapping of a Catholic priest, Father Bobbo Paschal, from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kushe Gudgu, Kaduna State.
“During this raid, Gideon Markus, the brother of another local priest, was killed as he tried to intervene,” said Martins, noting that the attacks demonstrate the brazen audacity of those who seek to terrorize Nigeria.
According to him, the recent killing of Muhammad Uba, a General in the army, by the terrorists and the gruesome attack on worshippers at a Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have further shown that more needs to be done to secure the lives and properties of our citizens wherever they may be living.
“If the terrorists can kill a whole serving army general in such a brazen manner, I wonder how secure the average citizens of this country are? It truly shows that there are reasons for everyone to be concerned about their security.”
The Archbishop warned that time was ticking fast and government at all levels along with the security agencies need to enforce their constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and property of its citizens, as they needed to act fast to regain the confidence and trust of the citizens.
While acknowledging the assurances that the military have been given assurances on their readiness to secure all Nigerians, he wondered why they continue to appear powerless in the face of the continuing and incessant attacks.
He therefore, tasked the Tinubu-led administration, as a matter of constitutional duty, to bring home all those who are in the hands of these brazen terrorists.
He equally urged the political class to unite and support the security agencies in their efforts to defeat the terrorists, warning that no stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits and their sponsors and justice.
Failure of the state
While the terrorists appear to be having a field day perpetrating violence on innocent citizens, many concerned stakeholders have highlighted the failure of the state to deliver on one of its most critical constitutional functions of protecting lives and property of Nigerians as the key factor fueling the incessant attack and killings.
“I’m sorry to say this. I’ve said over the past 20 years that the situation will get worse,” Charles Ighele, presiding bishop and General Superintendent, Holy Spirit Mission, said.
According to him, Nigeria is like a bad factory producing bad products. Hence, the situation will get worse. “You don’t need to be a prophet to know this. It will get worse and the rich will not be able to sleep.”
Ighele also called for a complete overhauling of the country’s education system to address the growing gaps between the haves and have-not.
“So, education is a big agent of not only mental development, but civilization. So, once again, the schools need total overhauling. It’s a pity that our leaders cannot see this,” Ighele said.
He said that the current state of public schools is so deplorable that politically exposed individuals cannot send their children to state-owned schools.
According to him, Nigerians cannot go to their villages anymore because of the growing state of insecurity and banditry.
“If you employ two million soldiers and policemen, they cannot solve this problem; because the whole place is bad, and criminals are being churned out by the system,” Ighele said, indicating that the insecurity in the country will keep increasing – unless government take proactive measures.
On the issue of genocide in some parts of the country, Ighele said there is a clear case of targeted killings in the country.
He however added that the killings did not start today, but has been happening in the last 15 years. “There is a clear-cut genocide that started before Jonathan.”
The bishop also disclosed that the killings in Nigeria are being carried out for four different groups or phases.
Nexus between faith and national security
Cletus Orgu, former Provost, Life Theological Seminary, said there is a strong link between religious activities like prayers and national security.
“One, Christians, we need to pray. Two, Christian leaders need to speak out.”
The theologian said Nigeria needed prophetic people who would come out and stand in the gap for the country through their prayers.
He said religious leaders who command respect and large followings needed to speak out about the happenings in the country.
“Let them condemn what is happening and probably suggest ways out. Then every one of us need to be involved in one way or the other,” Orgu said.
James Akinadewo, Lagos bishop, Motailatu Church of God (C&S), said it was saddening that Nigerians are being killed in droves and the government appear not to be concerned.
“And the thing that is painful is that our government, they are not sincere. You cannot be denying all this that is happening.”
Akinadewo said that Nigerians are groaning and suffering. According to him, the book of lamentation was not written for Nigerians. “So, all this is happening; you see people being killed. Villages desolate; and we have a government?
The clergyman maintained that holiness and righteousness has taken flight in Nigeria; but charged Nigerians to collaborate to end the ongoing killings across the country.
“So, that’s why the church is standing and praying that this will work. We have prayed enough and now we need action from government,” Akinadewo said.
In response to the Christian genocide in Nigeria, Akinadewo said that humanity is under attack, because those being killed are humans – whether they are Christians or not.
Angry US President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his criticism of Nigeria, calling the country “a disgrace” in a renewed accusations that the govern…
Angry US President Donald Trump on Friday escalated his criticism of Nigeria, calling the country “a disgrace” in a renewed accusations that the government is failing to protect Christians from extremist violence.
“Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” Trump said on a conservative radio programme, while repeating his threat to take military action against Islamist militants in Nigeria if the government does not “do more” to stop attacks on Christian communities.
“They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it. And we pay, you know, we give a lot of subsidies to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping,” Trump said.
Trump’s comments came a day after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Pentagon.
The meeting was aimed at reinforcing the Trump administration’s claim that Christians in Nigeria are facing “horrific violence.”
“Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists,” Hegseth said in a post on X on Friday, using the acronym ‘DOW’ — the administration’s preferred term for the Department of Defence (‘Department of War’).
A Defence Department statement said Hegseth and Ribadu discussed “tangible progress” on curbing violence against Christians and combating jihadist groups operating in West Africa.
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However, the Federal Government rejected the persecution claims by the US government.
President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim whose wife is a Christian pastor, has repeatedly pushed back against allegations of state-enabled religious persecution.
He insisted that his government is committed to protecting all Nigerians regardless of faith.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said.
Nevertheless, Trump and his allies continue to promote the narrative. Earlier this week, rapper Nicki Minaj appeared at the United Nations alongside US Ambassador Mike Waltz to echo the disputed claims.
Separately, Representative Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, met Ribadu in Washington on Wednesday last week as part of the ongoing high-level engagements between US officials and Nigeria’s security leadership.
It will be recalled that Nigeria has a long history of ethnoreligious conflict in which both Christians and Muslims have suffered mass casualties.
L-R: Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN DG, with MAN national president, Francis Meshioye, in Bayelsa for AGM
… Demands rise for a Benin-C…
L-R: Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN DG, with MAN national president, Francis Meshioye, in Bayelsa for AGM
… Demands rise for a Benin-Calabar rail line to move goods
..Case for Niger Delta industrial parks urgent
…Membership mobilization a basic task for MAN
Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, regarded as the core Ijaw capital, was agog all of November 13 and 14, 2025. This is because, for the first time ever, the annual general meeting and conference (AGM) of the formidable body of wealth creators, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for Rivers and Bayelsa states was holding in Oguo’s Home.
Cross section
It held very big significance, both for the indigenes who regard the state capital in Epie language to mean home founded by Oguo. The home, now city, welcomed top manufacturers around Nigeria who came in solidarity with the home chapter being Rivers/Bayelsa chapter.
Incidentally, the joint chapter has its headquarters in Trans-Amadi (the street formerly known as Danjuma Drive) in Port Harcourt, it has always been comfortable holding its activities, especially the AGM, in the Garden City. It was difficult attracting enough attention from Bayelsa leaders to attend or to move the AGM to Yenagoa, until Duoye Diri the doer did it this year.
No better place was picked to serve as venue than the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, a place that stands to always remind all Bayelsans and all Ijaw of the man who stood tall in all senses and fought to death like Isaac Adaka Boro, Melford Okilo or Harold Dappa-Biriye for the uplifting of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the larger Nigeria.
The location and venue alone gave out the 2025 AGM as a huge success even before the first shots were fired in discussions. This was heightened by the first-ever governor to physically address the AGM and declare it open when Goc Diri did this. The world seemed to have heard it, followed with the technical paper presented at plenary by Silver Opuala-Charles, a key Ijaw intellectual, a professor of Economics, banker, and finance management expert of international repute who was once a commissioner of finance in Bayelsa State and now founder of the Garden City Premier Business School.
The professor examined Niger Delta non-oil economy and discovered that manufacturing is in distress and that the region is trapped by its own potential. He titled his paper thus: ‘Broken Trade Infrastructure Killing Niger Delta Manufacturing’. He warned that the Niger Delta’s collapsing trade infrastructure is crippling industrial growth and costing Nigeria billions in lost economic potential.
MAN top leaders with Gov Duoye Diri (walking stick)
He pointed at the region’s non-functional ports, failed roads, absence of rail links, and outdated logistics systems saying these have become one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s competitiveness.
He rather stated: “This region should be Nigeria’s industrial heartbeat. Instead, we are witnessing ports that don’t work, roads that have failed, and logistics trapped in the past. No economy can grow under these conditions.”
He noted that: “Nigeria has not achieved stable 5,000MW of power in decades.”
Major highlight of the AGM was the panel brainstorming which examined many strategic issues especially mass movement of goods along a possible industrially viable coastal route from Benin to Calabar. They suggested the rail option to complement the existing but badly maintained East-West Road and the upcoming Coastal Road which looks uncertain beyond Lagos.
According to Mike Nosa Agana, an engineer and chairman of the organizing committee, who is also the vice chairman of the branch, the panel explored the possibility of the states of the region to work with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to share the cost and shoulder such a project in a short time that would immediately transform the economy of the region.
It is envisaged that such a project, if well executed, could attract power supply system along the route and industries would simply dot the route. An industrial avenue would have been created.
Vincent Okuku, MAN Rivers/Bayelsa branch chairman
The panel also advocated for establishment of industrial parks in the region especially within Rivers and Bayelsa states. Such parks would provide space, security, steady power supply, ease of doing business in terms of harmonized taxes and levies, and guaranteed off-takers. The NDDC has already developed such plan but proper liaison with the MAN in the area would help streamline the dream for better execution.
Blue economy was also a big focus at the panel. Many experts showed areas to start from and how the two states can start with fish processing and other programmes and projects in the sector.
Mobilisation of members was seen as a starting point so MAN can expand its membership base now that it has firmed gained root in Bayelsa State. It means that the next leadership of MAN would have to focus on massive membership mobilization and concrete projects it would have pushed through the NDDC and the two state governments. There is also need to push through some policies with timelines to make manufacturing attractive in the Niger Delta instead of the region remaining comfortable with being known as a consumer zone for all manner of products from other regions.
Experts asked MAN to tie two matters together for better result; industrial park system and gas power system.
In his paper titled: ‘Gas as a Catalyst: Quantum Leaping Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta’ by Ehizogie N Olotu, Sales and Commercial Manager, Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, urged the FG to ensure incentives to the manufacturing while state governments in collaboration with the private sector and through public private partnerships should be at the vanguard of creating gas powered industrial parks, innovation centers, free trade zones.
Asking that existing parks should be developed, he said these interventions should position the Niger Delta as a hub for regional manufacturing exports.
Governor seen as a hero:
The push by host governor, Diri, to bring manufacturing and food processing to Bayelsa State was seen as a major breakthrough. In his address, he flaunted steady power supply project of his administration to MAN.
Harping on the theme of the conference: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta,’ Gov Diri said it aligns with his administration’s mantra of ‘Assured Prosperity.’
He praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development.
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Gov Diri highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
In his welcome address, Vincent Okuku, an elder and chairman of the Rivers/Bayelsa Branch, gave voice to the joy of MAN to the Bayelsa State Government under Gov Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
Concerns of manufacturers in the zone:
Okuku, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
Otumba Francis Meshioye, the President of MAN, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Ministry Regional Development, and the Bayelsa State Ministry for Trade, Industry, and Investment.
Key resolutions for action:
In a communique signed by Okuku (MAN branch chairman), Agana, (organizing committee chairman), and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary of the MAN branch), the participants observed that the Niger Delta is richly endowed with natural resources suitable as raw materials for various manufacturing processes.
They also observed that the region is strategically positioned for industrial growth but continues to face inadequate infrastructure, unstable power supply, and security challenges.
“The Niger Delta serves as a vital hub for maritime trade, logistics, fisheries value chains, renewable marine energy, and ocean-sustainability-driven manufacturing.
“There are significant opportunities in manufacturing, marine-linked industries, gas utilisation, renewable energy, agro-processing, technology, and value addition. There is an urgent need for policy consistency, improved ease of doing business, and stronger industry–government collaboration.”
They said the blue economy offers emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology. “Human capital gaps remain significant, calling for enhanced technical and vocational training aligned with modern industrial needs.
“The blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation. MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively.
“The region requires dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power. The future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries.”
They further observed that technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce were essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region and urged governments in the region to intensify support for manufacturing activities. They called for various forms of collaboration across sectors to be actively encouraged.
In major recommendations, MAN AGM 2025 urged manufacturers to adopt automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, and appealed for public–private dialogue to be strengthened to harmonize policies and swiftly address operational bottlenecks.
Other recommendations include: “Bayelsa and Rivers States should fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth. Cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states and countries should be fostered to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.
“Quarterly interactive meetings between manufacturers and MDAs should be institutionalised to address operational challenges and influence policy direction. Investments in coastal industries, including seafood processing, shipbuilding and repair, and other maritime-related sectors, should be prioritised.
“Government should ensure consistent policy support to address implementation gaps and security concerns. Government should invest in human capital, promote local content policies, and implement targeted skill-building programmes to strengthen the local workforce.
“Leadership and development partners must champion strategic planning, infrastructure development, and capacity building as core drivers of industrial growth. The adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and the establishment of export-ready manufacturing clusters should be prioritised.”
The AGM concluded with an appeal for renewed commitment from government, industry, and development partners to build a more productive, innovative, and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem in the Niger Delta.
They said the meeting marked a new phase of cooperation aimed at unlocking the region’s industrial potential, accelerating economic diversification, and promoting shared prosperity for both the region and the nation.
What is left, according to observers, is practical steps to actualize the Yenagoa declaration, as it were, at least an agreement in the next few months with the NDDC and FG partners for the Benin-Calabar rail line as well as kick off of industrial parks in the region.
