Category: Nigerian Tribune

Cross River, on Wednesday, joined millions of Nigerians to commemorate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a modest event held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Linus Obogo, described the day as ‘sacred, a hallowed chapter in Nigeria’s national journey that calls her citizens not only to remembrance but also to renewal.’

He explained that the cancellation of the traditional parade did not diminish the importance of the celebration but rather ‘elevated it to a higher plane of sober reflection.’

‘At 65, Nigeria stands as a testament to the resilience of her people, their capacity to weather storms and rise from trials stronger and more determined,’ Otu said.

‘This is a moment to celebrate our resilience, honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and renew our collective vow to the ideals that keep us together as one nation under God.’

The governor urged Nigerians to use the occasion for sober reflection, stressing that the true essence of independence lies not in pageantry but in ‘the unwavering spirit of a people who refuse to surrender to despair.’

While acknowledging possible disappointment at the scaled-down celebration, Otu reassured that the ‘spirit of the day remained undiminished, carrying the same grandeur and gravity even in its modest observance.’

Beyond the symbolism of the anniversary, the event also highlighted the state government’s ongoing reforms in education, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, aviation, and youth empowerment. Among them is an ?800 million grant scheme targeted at boosting small and medium-scale enterprises.

Other interventions include legacy infrastructure projects, revenue expansion policies, recovery of lost state assets, and new partnerships with the Federal Government and international organizations to stimulate economic growth.

Governor Otu pledged that these initiatives are designed to make Cross River ‘one of the best states to live in Africa in the coming years.’

‘As we mark this 65th Independence Anniversary,’ he declared, ‘let us remember that the greatness of Nigeria does not lie in parades or pageantry, but in the steadfast spirit of her people, the unity that binds us, and the unquenchable hope that drives us forward.’

Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, who welcomed guests, underscored the theme of the anniversary: ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.’ He reminded Nigerians of the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and urged citizens to recommit themselves to unity and nation-building.

The commemoration, though modest, ended with renewed optimism and calls for Nigerians to join hands in building a stronger, more prosperous country for present and future generations.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, promising to intervene over Igboho’s challenges.

This disclosure was made in a statement released by Igboho’s media office, which was forwarded to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement, ‘the meeting held on Monday lasted for about 40 minutes and issues ranging from insecurity in the South West and the emerging threats by bandits in some parts of Kwara State were discussed.’

A source who was privy to the meeting hinted that Oba Ladoja, who welcomed Igboho alongside his teeming supporters, also promised to intervene in the current challenges faced by Igboho regarding his declaration as a wanted person by the Federal Government and the embargo on his bank accounts.

It will be recalled that the former administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari had declared Igboho wanted and frozen his bank accounts over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

On 1 July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), backed by some personnel of the Nigerian Army, invaded the residence of Igboho, located around Soka, killing two of his aides and arresting 13 others.

However, while speaking during the meeting, Igboho, who congratulated Oba Rashidi Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, described him as ‘a leader deeply loved by people across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.’

He expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure effective security of the South West region, noting that without peace and a secure environment, no meaningful development can thrive.

‘Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former Governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

‘I have always seen Oba Ladoja as a father figure. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland,’ Igboho stated.

The Imole Progressive Network (IPN) has congratulated the people of Nigeria and Ondo State as the nation celebrates its 65th independence anniversary.

The group paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, for their visionary leadership and unrelenting struggle against British hegemony.

Their efforts, the group noted, culminated in Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, following the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates.

In a statement released by the group, its leader, Mr Mike Adeyanju, emphasised the significance of the national milestone as a moment for both celebration and reflection.

‘This is a celebration of national freedom, unity and progress, a reflection on the achievements of our forefathers and a pointer to a hopeful future,’ the group declared.

The statement highlighted the importance of continued unity and collective effort in nation-building.

‘This day renews our aspirations for a stronger and more prosperous nation. It refreshes our minds and encourages us to uphold patriotism, bridge divisions and work together for the betterment of our country, focusing on our collective potential and shared dream of greatness,’ it said.

Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the group added: ‘The members of Imole Progressive Network, under the leadership of Engr. Mike Adeyanju, wish our dear country fruitfulness and success in all her endeavours.

‘We will continue to contribute to nation-building through unity, solidarity, resilience, enduring strength, the spirit of perseverance and hope for the future.

‘We remain committed to promoting patriotism, celebrating our rich culture and heritage, supporting economic reforms and advocating good governance.

‘We see a greater Nigeria in our unity and willingness to serve selflessly.’

Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a truck loaded with a telecommunication mast valued at several million of naira, along with a Sharon vehicle carrying mining products.

Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Minna, the State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said operatives of the anti-vandal unit arrested two suspects along the Tafa-Suleja axis following credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Mustapha Aliyu and Abubakar Safyanu, have since been arraigned in court for prosecution.

In a related development, the command also apprehended a mining team of seven men allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities at Kataeregi, along Bida road.

A Sharon vehicle loaded with illegally mined products was also impounded.

One of the suspects, identified as Mahmoud Idris, a self-acclaimed mining marshal from Zuzungi in Katcha Local Government Area, admitted during interrogation that he had yet to obtain an operating license. He confessed that he had been hiring labourers and selling Zico mineral to dealers before his arrest.

Commandant Aniviye vowed to make Niger State uncomfortable for vandals, illegal miners, and other criminal elements.

He pledged to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a crime-free society.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the corps to safeguarding the state’s assets and critical infrastructure while commending the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for their continued support to the command.

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, have expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future as the country marks 65 years of independence.

At an event held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Soludo described Nigeria’s independence as ‘a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race,’ calling for reflection and unity.

He urged citizens to invest in the nation’s future, highlighting insecurity and economic strains as pressing issues while commending recent federal reforms.

The event served as both a celebration and a call for unity, emphasising the triumphs and trials that have shaped the nation’s journey since 1960.

In his address, Governor Soludo described Nigeria’s emergence as ‘a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of the black race,’ urging citizens to see the day as one of ‘sober reflection.’

He highlighted the indomitable spirit of Nigerians in overcoming challenges, stating, ‘With vision, hard work, and faith, no obstacle is insurmountable.’

The Governor pointed out the pressing issues facing the nation, particularly insecurity and economic strains. However, he stressed the importance of sustaining Nigeria’s investment in its people, asserting, ‘Our greatest resource is our people. Invest in people, invest in the future.’ He particularly praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing necessary reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy stabilisation, the exchange rate, among others, which he characterised as ‘necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and pampered over.’

Governor Soludo acknowledged recent positive developments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP has reached 4.28 per cent, its highest in three years. He emphasised that with good governance laid at the foundation, the nation is poised for ‘accelerated growth and transformation.’

The Governor encouraged the citizens of Anambra and Nigeria at large to stand firm in the face of adversity, stating, ‘Ndi Anambra and Nigerians should stand firm as a bright future awaits them.’

The Governor called for a collective effort, urging individuals to play their roles in nation-building through patriotism: paying taxes, supporting reforms, and holding leaders accountable.

Concluding, Governor Soludo urged citizens to ‘look back with hope, not with despair,’ reinforcing his belief that, despite present challenges, Nigeria is on the rise.

Also in her Independence Day message, the governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, called on citizens to remain law-abiding, be proud Nigerians and give up what they have to for the betterment of the country.

The Anambra first lady, who is also the founder of the ‘Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo’, appealed in a statement she issued on Wednesday, as part of the activities for the anniversary.

She stressed that Anambra is committed to building a state where citizens can live and work without fear and where opportunities for potential and growth thrive under a secure environment.

She noted that the journey to nationhood demands a collective vision and ambition, adding that Nigeria is a great and blessed country.

On his part, Nwifuru expressed joy in the execution of the people’s charter of Needs agenda and renewed resolve in the state.

Nwifuru stated this during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65 years and Ebonyi State’s 29 years of creation in his office, Centenary City, Abakaliki, on Wednesday.

He urged Ebonyi residents to recommit themselves to the task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ebonyi anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.

Nwifuru also commended the past leaders of the State for their dogged efforts to move the state forward. He, however, noted that the government under his leadership have taken proactive steps to ensure the labours of the founding fathers were not in vain.

‘Ndi Ebonyi, as Nigeria marks 65 years of independence and Ebonyi State celebrates 29 years since her birth today, our hearts are full of gratitude, pride, a sense of responsibility for the execution of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda and renewed resolve.

‘On this double anniversary, October 1, 2025, we remember the sacrifices of our forebears, celebrate our unity, and recommit ourselves to the task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ebonyi anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda. We are already in the first phase of our third political year, given that we came into power in May 2023.

‘Let me pay glowing tribute to our founding fathers who sacrificed their comfort to champion the cause of the creation of Ebonyi State and to give us the ample opportunity of having our destiny in our hands. Democratically elected governor of our dear State, His Excellency Sen Sam Ominyi Egwu, took bold steps to lay a solid foundation for the development of Ebonyi State through quality education and affordable health Care. To Chief Martin Elechi, we appreciate your resilience and commitment to advancing our State. Your bridges of Unity and human capital development is part of the reasons we are celebrating today. To my boss, the immediate past Governor of our State and current minister for works Sen. David Umahi, history will remain kind to you for the monumental achievements the State recorded under your watch.

‘I am proud to announce to you that we have taken intentional steps to implement our campaign manifesto. We are fighting illiteracy and ignorance by demerging the education ministry. We created a new ministry charged solely with tertiary education administration and the education ministry for primary and secondary schools. From the very beginning of this administration, we made a solemn promise that education would be the compass by which we steer our State. We believed then, and we believe now, that investing in the minds of our children is the surest path to lasting development.’

Nwifuru also noted that his government have expanded opportunities for higher learning through a bold scholarship programme that has sent hundreds of Ebonyi sons and daughters to pursue advanced degrees both at home and abroad.

He, however, said the commissioning of his projects will commence from May 2026 till May 2027.

‘Last week, I embarked on a statewide project inspection tour to know the progress of work in the 22 classroom block for our 39 model secondary school and 12 classrooms block for our primary schools. The projects are under way and progressing impressively.

‘In the 2024/2025 cycle alone, the State sponsored hundreds of scholars for local and international postgraduate studies – a major step in building technical capacity and global exposure for our youth. I am glad to inform you that a significant portion of that programme saw our first beneficiaries travel to the United Kingdom and other partner countries to undertake Master’s and PhD programmes, an investment designed to bring back not only qualifications but world-class skills and networks to serve our state.

‘We also prioritised the revitalisation and funding of our tertiary institutions by increasing the statutory subvention and clearing accumulated obligations to our university. We stabilised academic operations and protected the academic calendar, ensuring our young men and women can learn without interruption.

‘This is why no industrial actions by any of the trade unions in the Tertiary institutions of Ebonyi State University and Ebonyi State College of Education. However, we know access to education is not only about universities. We prepared our youths for the jobs of today and tomorrow through targeted vocational and skills-training initiatives. Under this programme, beneficiaries of vocational training received direct start-up grants to translate skills into sustainable livelihoods – an approach that links training with immediate economic empowerment. As one tangible result, grants were disbursed to recent vocational graduates to help them start small businesses and workshops.

‘Recognising the need to align our educational system with the economy of the future, we have laid the groundwork for specialised academic institutions focused on cutting-edge sectors. This is why we established the University of ICT at Oferekpe Agbaja to promote ICT and digital literacy and also the University of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering, strategic choices that will position Ebonyi as a hub for technology and specialised engineering education in the South-East and beyond. May I inform you that courses have been allocated to our ICT University and processes of admission have also commenced.

‘These initiatives are designed to create graduates who are industry-ready and globally competitive. Beyond institutions and scholarships, we have worked to make education affordable and dignified.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has called on politicians and citizens alike to rise above ethnic and sectional sentiments and embrace pragmatic solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

In a message marking the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade emphasised that national growth and development depend on justice, moral integrity, responsibility, selflessness, probity, and devotion to duty by both leaders and citizens.

The monarch stressed the need to harness Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength, warning that failure to do so risks pushing the country toward disintegration. ‘As a people, we must judge our fellow Nigerians not by their ethnic origins but by the content of their character,’ he said.

Highlighting longstanding structural challenges, the Alaafin pointed to issues such as fear of dominance by certain states, over-concentration of power, absence of integrative national parties, lack of public accountability, and inequitable revenue allocation. He noted that these challenges have evolved over time and now pose serious threats to peace and security.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical journey, Oba Owoade recalled that the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates in 1914 brought together diverse peoples into one political space. Despite the challenge of diversity, the colonial administration and early leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the Sardauna of Sokoto, worked to foster unity through policies that promoted cultural, political, and economic ties.

The Alaafin bemoaned the erosion of national values over time, contrasting the self-sufficiency of past governments with the present-day reliance on external borrowing amid widespread socio-economic challenges.

He urged Nigerians to revive values such as honesty, integrity, religious tolerance, and good neighborliness.

He however warned against the greed and exploitation of selfish political elites and encouraged parents to instill in their children the belief in the inherent goodness of Nigerians.

”Where were those legacies today? Why are things falling apart today? Why is it that public funds spent for successful running of regional governments by our founding fathers were sourced internally without any external borrowings?

‘Why is it that despite whooping amount of money being borrowed externally by the present-day governments, lives of citizens are still miserable? Where did we get it wrong? Are our problems, including insecurity and socio economic duoldrums defied solutions?

‘If we are honest with ourselves, we would mostly agree that all is not well with our nation and that the values we once held dearly had gone into oblivion. Where are values like honesty, integrity, good neighbourliness, religious tolerance and so on that once defined our society?

‘Ethnic, sectional, and religious diversities ought to serve as sources of national unity, cohesion, and integration. Unfortunately, political elites have often manipulated these identities for personal gain,’ he added.

In the spirit of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has warned that the Nigerian petroleum industry may suffer imminent collapse if steps are not taken to stop the disruptions in the sector by key stakeholders.

The association issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in addressing the rising disputes within the petroleum sector, warning that prolonged conflicts could destabilise Nigeria’s energy security, undermine private refinery operations, and disrupt the well-being of millions of citizens.

According to CORAN, the ongoing disagreements between some of the sector’s most influential players-including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and the Dangote Refinery-pose an immediate risk to the stability of the petroleum industry.

The association believes that without prompt and decisive government action, the disputes will continue to threaten private refinery operations and widen the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

In its submission, CORAN stressed that no union or group of individuals should be allowed to unilaterally block the supply of crude oil or gas to any refinery in violation of existing agreements. Such actions, it noted, undermine not only contractual obligations but also the broader national interest.

For this reason, CORAN called on the Federal Government to restore sanity and fairness by ensuring that contractual rights are respected and disputes are resolved through transparent dialogue and fair processes.

The association also recommended that the government should convene all stakeholders in the oil and gas refining value chain to deliberate on a binding framework that protects supply contracts, encourages investment, and secures the national economy from recurring disruptions.

CORAN emphasised that the survival of private refineries is indispensable to achieving energy self-sufficiency, safeguarding foreign exchange reserves, and protecting household welfare.

CORAN highlighted the significant contributions of private refineries to Nigeria’s economy. Its members, made up of locally owned refining businesses, have invested heavily-often with limited access to funding-in projects that aim to provide the country with a sustainable energy future. These refineries help reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, saving the government scarce foreign exchange and creating opportunities for local employment and industrial development.

Despite these efforts, CORAN acknowledged that private refiners continue to face enormous challenges. Access to crude oil feedstock remains one of the most pressing obstacles, often complicated by regulatory delays and supply chain disruptions.

Additionally, the business environment is hampered by what the association described as the disruptive actions of vested interests that benefit from the continuation of import dependence. Such actors, CORAN noted, are resistant to change and are using disputes within the industry as leverage to undermine the growth of the local refining sector.

The association maintained that Nigeria cannot afford to have its energy system held hostage by conflicts that drag on without resolution.

It argued that the resilience of the nation’s refining industry is critical to economic health, job creation, and the stability of every Nigerian household that relies on affordable energy.

By protecting private refinery operators and ensuring uninterrupted access to crude and gas supply, the government would be reinforcing one of the country’s most strategic pillars of economic security.

CORAN further stressed that the Federal Government must act decisively, impartially, and without delay. It insisted that investigating all claims and counterclaims impartially is the only way to foster mutual trust and long-term peace within the petroleum industry.

Moreover, the association argued that a government-led resolution process would not only prevent energy instability but also send a clear signal to investors that Nigeria is serious about building a sustainable and predictable petroleum sector with sufficiency, and the welfare of its citizens taken into account.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration has achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones in just over two years, driven by sound fiscal and monetary policies.

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ýSpeaking during a televised broadcast marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the president said his reforms were now delivering tangible results.

ýHe said: ‘Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results.

‘In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies.’

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ýTinubu said Gross Domestic Production (GDP) growth, inflation, agricultural production, and food security indicators were all showing positive trends.

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ý’The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund.

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ý’Inflation declined to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, the lowest level in three years.

‘The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs,’Tinubu added.

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ýHe further revealed that Nigeria had surpassed its 2025 non-oil revenue target of N20 trillion by August.

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ýThe president said: ‘We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over ?20 trillion.

‘In September 2025 alone, we raised ?3.65 trillion-411 per cent higher than in May 2023.’

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ýTinubu said there was a major drop in the debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97 per cent to under 50 per cent, easing pressure on public finances.

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ýHe said the controversial petroleum subsidy removal had freed trillions of Naira for real-sector investments and pro-poor social programmes.

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ýExternal reserves, he added, had surged to $42.03 billion in September 2025-Nigeria’s highest since 2019.

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ýOn tax reforms, the president said the focus was on broadening the tax base without overburdening existing payers.

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ýHe said: ‘Our tax-to-GDP ratio had risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent.

‘The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January.

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ý’The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.’

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ýTinubu highlighted Nigeria’s trade surplus for five consecutive quarters as proof that economic diversification wad taking root.

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ýOn oil, he said, daily production rose to 1.68 million barrels from about one million in May 2023, due to improved security and fresh investments.

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ýHe added that Nigeria is now refining PMS (fuel) domestically for the first time in 40 years and leads Africa in aviation fuel exports.

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ýTinubu said the Naira had stabilised following the elimination of multiple exchange rates, which previously fuelled corruption.

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ýThe president said N330 billion had been disbursed under the Social Investment Programme to eight million households receiving ?25,000 in one or two tranches.

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ýHe added that the solid minerals sector, particularly coal mining, is now contributing significantly to GDP.

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ýOn infrastructure, he said, transport networks were expanding rapidly across the country.

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ý’Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27 per cent ,respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail and Kaduna-Kano rail are nearing completion.

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ý’Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and

‘ Sokoto-Badagry Highway.

‘ The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project,’ he said.

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ýTinubu said international credit rating agencies had upgraded Nigeria’s outlook, citing improved economic fundamentals.

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ý’Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2023 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025,’the president said.

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ýHe revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria at its last MPC meeting slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, reflecting confidence in macroeconomic stability.

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ýOn security, Tinubu said the government remains focused on enhancing national safety and defeating insurgency to create an enabling environment for economic growth.

In a dramatic escalation of long-simmering tensions, the unified leadership of the ancient Ugborodo community has issued a stark, seven-day ultimatum to International Oil Companies (IOCs) and a key regulatory body, threatening to halt all oil operations within its territory.

The threat was delivered on Wednesday during a tripartite press conference at Ode-Ugborodo, the community’s global headquarters in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The well-attended event was convened by the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC), the Ikpere Alemeje Women Traders Association, and the Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body (UCYDB), who together represent the community’s recognised administrative organs.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, Mr Emmanuel Onuwaje, Chairman of the UCMC, stated that the community’s patience had been exhausted after ‘five decades’ of neglect.

‘We cannot be by the river and soap is gradually blinding us,’ he declared, using a local proverb to illustrate their plight amidst vast oil wealth.

The Delta community leaders presented a litany of grievances, accusing IOCs, particularly Chevron Nigeria Limited and the newly renamed Renaissance Africa Energy Company, of systemic marginalisation.

A representative of the community leadership detailed the employment issues, stating, ‘There is an ongoing direct Chevron staff employment exercise. Several qualified Ugborodo indigenes and other Itsekiris applied and have gone through the aptitude tests.

‘While many applicants from other parts of the country have been employed in this process, not a single Ugborodo indigene or Itsekiri from other communities has been employed. This is most unacceptable.’

A central demand is the immediate implementation of a report by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which delineates host communities within a 500-meter coastal buffer zone.

The leadership, in a statement signed by Messrs Onuwaje, Eyengho Samuel Besidone (UCMC Secretary), Wilson Ejeh (UCYDB Chairman), David Mamah (UCYDB P.R.O.), Madam Helen O. Nuco and Madam Paulina Omagbe (Chairlady and Secretary of the Women Traders Association), expressed grave concern over the NUPRC’s delay.

‘We have waited for too long. Our patience cannot remain indefinite,’ the statement read. ‘The communities are becoming restless, and as leaders, it is becoming increasingly difficult to hold back the frustration of our people.’

The community also raised the alarm over an existential threat from the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the ‘persistent ocean surge gradually washing away our communities’ and the ‘urgent need for a world-class shore protection.’

Further adding to the tension, the leadership condemned a recent meeting in Warri where a rival ‘Governing Council of Ugborodo Community Trust’ was formed. The unified bodies labelled the act a ‘laughable and dead-on-arrival’ attempt by ‘self-exilees’ to destabilise the community.

Concluding their statement, the signatories issued a final warning. ‘Let it be on record that failure of these IOCs, NUPRC and other relevant government agencies to act within a reasonable time frame of seven days, will leave us with no other option but to put a complete stop to all International Oil Companies’ operations within our communities.’

The ultimatum sets the stage for a potential major confrontation in one of Nigeria’s most critical oil and gas-producing regions.

The Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) in Edo, on Wednesday, decried the dearth of their businesses, owing to the unwarranted arrest and harassment of their customers by law enforcement agents, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Addressing newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Benin, the state Chairman of BHSF, Bishop Omogiade Edokpolo, urged the EFCC to desist from indiscriminate arrest of their customers and lodgers, claiming over 93 young people were arrested in various hotels in the state recently.

He added that the whereabouts of the 93 lodgers arrested by security agents remain unknown to the families of their customers, who are allegedly in EFCC custody.

Edokpolo appealed to the Chairman of the EFCC to swiftly address the issues of unwarranted arrests by its operatives in Edo State, adding that any sort of arrest that the EFCC wishes to carry out should at least be backed by the provision of a legal warrant.

He also called on the EFCC Chairman to redeploy the Edo state EFCC Zonal Director to other states, as businesses and economic activities in the state are suffering, owing to their style of operations targeting hotels and businesses only in Edo.

According to Edokpolo, EFCC has, by its actions, so far shown a calculated attempt to suffocate businesses in Edo.

He said, ‘What we will no longer accept as business owners is the EFCC oppression and depression of businesses in Edo State.

‘Our biggest fear is not that we don’t want them to do their jobs, but they have successfully created a runaway mentality in people from owning and operating businesses in Edo State. ‘

Responding to the allegation via telephone, EFCC spokesman, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) in Edo State has no understanding of the operations of the agency on its mandate to tackle all economic and financial crimes in the country.

He said that the EFCC investigates cases of economic and financial crimes, including corruption, money laundering, and other related offenses.