Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Super Eagles’ preparations for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin has been hindered due to visa issue.

Seven newly invited players are reportedly stranded without entry visas to South Africa, where Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and some of his technical staff are already present for this crucial assignment.

The team’s training camp at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane was scheduled to commence today, following its opening yesterday, but the absence of these players means full squad training will likely be delayed until the day before the match due to this organizational hiccup.

‘There’s a major organisational hiccup as it concerns entry visas to South Africa – at least seven players cannot be in that country before Wednesday because of this,’ a top source reportedly told SCORENigeria. ‘It means there may not be full squad training until possibly a day to the match. This is catastrophic!’

According to the news outlet, the majority of players from last month’s qualifiers were granted three-month multiple entry visas, the newly invited players and several recalled ones are experiencing complications.

But our correspondent gathered last night that only three players might be significantly affected. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly addressing the situation to ensure the affected players can join the squad in time.

Among the notable names in the 23-man squad announced by Chelle are Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who returns after injury, as well as prominent players like Alex Iwobi and William Troost-Ekong. Additionally, Sevilla star Akor Adams is set to make his senior debut for the national team.

Currently, Nigeria occupies the third position in Group C, with 11 points, trailing behind leaders Benin Republic and South Africa. The Super Eagles are hopeful of securing an automatic qualification spot, particularly following FIFA’s recent penalties against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.

SUPER EAGLES’ SQUAD FOR LESOTHO, BENIN:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), C Tolu Arokodare (Wolves, England), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

Labour Party(LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has canvassed mandatory submission of academic certificates by candidates for elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) six months before every election.

Obi, in a post on his X yesterday, said the idea could be a part of the proposed amendment to the nation’s electoral law.

In a veiled reference to the forgery saga involving Science and Technology Minister Godffrey Nnaji, the former Anambra State governor wrote: ‘These certificates, alongside details of schools attended, what was studied and years of study, should be made public for verification within 90 days.

‘This process must also apply to appointed officials, ministers and even aides, because when dishonesty starts from the top, it spreads to every level of governance, just like it’s happening now.

‘We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter.’

He referred to Indonesia, where, according to him, officials who contested elections with forged certificates or did not attend schools but claimed to have, got kicked out and prosecuted.

The former LP candidate noted that even though Nigeria has similar laws, INEC does not scrutinise certificates before the elections.

He said: ‘(INEC) overlooks complaints of forgery, and when challenged after the elections, the court will dismiss the serious criminal issues as ‘pre-election matters’ without giving this criminal act appropriate punishment.

‘INEC, even after the elections, does not bother to revisit or investigate these serious offences before the next election.’

The former governor said another issue that worries him is how ‘criminals and dishonest people’ scale through all layers of scrutiny by security, parliament and government agencies.

‘Even more disturbing, amounting to double tragedy, is that most of these dishonest people swore an affidavit before a law court attesting to the authenticity of the documents they presented.

‘We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims,’ Obi said.

Thousands of students and youths from the Southwest region under the aegis of Coalition of Yoruba Students and Youth Movement (COYSYM) on Tuesday staged a massive protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to tackle what they described as unpatriotic attacks and orchestrated blackmail against Dangote Refinery.

The students who commended President Bola Tinubu for the courage in the removal of fuel subsidy fingered trade unions in the oil and gas sector including Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) as been behind the attack on the nation’s private Refinery.

The group also said it has uncovered, through credible information, that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN, in collaboration with certain international oil companies and traders, are deliberately instigating disruptions to frustrate Dangote Refinery.

It added that there are multiple attempts to obstruct its operations and undermine its credibility, noting that the acts of economic sabotage must not be tolerated.

COYSYM is a united front of all Yoruba Indigenous Youth and Student Organisations across Nigeria, including the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), Yoruba Council Worldwide, and the Coalition of Osun State Youth and Students Association (COSSYA), among others.

The protesters dressed in customised t-shirts and fez caps defied the early morning rain to assemble at the Iwo Road underbridge, carried banners, placards, and sang solidarity songs to enlighten members of the public on the threat against the benefit of the refinery in transforming the oil and gas sector.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, ‘Government supports Dangote Refinery Now. Support Dangote, Save Nigerians. Stop Sabotage. Support Dangote. Dangote Refinery is Nigeria’s Pride’, ‘PENGASSAN: Nigeria’s alpha and omega, stop holding Nigeria hostage. Free Dangote,’, Our oil, our right, support Dangote’.

Others read, ‘Don’t kill Dangote Refinery’, ‘Dangote Refinery is the pride of Nigeria’, ‘We kick against the anti-masses policies of PENGASSAN, DAPPMAN and NUPENG. Stop sabotaging fuel supply in Nigeria. Let the masses breathe’, ‘PENGASSAN, DAPPMAN and NUPENG: Stop causing problems in the oil sector in Nigeria’, among others.

The protest, which led to a heavy traffic jam at the Iwo Road end of the Ibadan-Ife Expressway, saw many commuters stranded for minutes.

Traffic officers, including officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, among others, had a hectic time controlling traffic as commuters trying to use the road inward into the capital city suffered mild delays.

Addressing the massive crowd, the National President, Comrade Benedict Adetunji, urged the Federal Government to prioritise the allocation of crude oil to all Nigerian-owned refineries at fair and competitive rates.

He said the group embarked on the protest rally out of a deep sense of patriotism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.

He also called for the stoppage of crude to foreign refineries at cheaper prices than to local refineries, as well as an end to the importation of petroleum products, and support for domestic refining.

Reading the position paper while addressing the crowd, Comrade Adetunji said, ‘We bring you warm and revolutionary greetings from the Coalition of Yoruba Students and Youth Movement (COYSYM) a united front of all Yoruba Indigenous Youth and Student Organisations across Nigeria, including the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), Yoruba Council Worldwide, and the Coalition of Osun State Youth and Students Association (COSSYA), among others.

‘We are compelled by the negative and anti-national activities of PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN to present this position paper today, 7th October 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the political headquarters of the Southwest, out of our deep sense of patriotism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.

‘First and foremost, we commend Your Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for your bold and visionary leadership, particularly your courage in the removal of fuel subsidy, which has brought remarkable improvement to fuel supply and market stability across the nation. Your steadfast drive for industrialisation and economic recovery remains commendable.

‘However, we express our deep concern over the recent unpatriotic attacks and orchestrated blackmail by PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN against the Dangote Refinery, a world-class facility that stands as the pride of Nigeria and the entire African continent. This refinery, situated within our Yoruba region, represents a symbol of industrial hope, self-reliance, and national rebirth. It deserves support and protection, not sabotage.

‘Your Excellency, the survival and success of Dangote Refinery is crucial to achieving your administration’s vision of making Nigeria a production-driven economy rather than one dependent on importation. No nation grows by importing what it can produce. The only path to true economic revival lies in increasing our export capacity and reducing unnecessary importation.

‘For decades, PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN have crippled Nigeria’s oil sector through incessant strikes, policy manipulations, and industrial sabotage. Their leadership has placed personal and corporate interests above national progress. These unions, often aligned with import cartels, have benefited from fuel importation at the expense of local refining. Their existence, in its current form, has done more harm than good to Nigeria’s economy.

‘As the sons and daughters of the Yoruba Nation, and as the hosts of the Dangote Refinery, we call on Your Excellency, our leader and father, to intervene decisively. Let us not allow these saboteurs to destroy what has taken decades and billions of naira to build. Dangote Refinery is not just a private investment; it is a national asset capable of providing employment, stabilizing fuel supply, and saving billions in foreign exchange.’

The group ‘urges the federal government to prioritise the allocation of crude oil to all Nigerian-owned refineries at fair and competitive rates.

‘Stop the sale of crude to foreign refineries at cheaper prices than to our local refineries.

‘End the importation of petroleum products and support domestic refining.

‘A historical lesson must guide us: in the past, Nigeria’s textile industry was the second-largest employer after the Federal Government, but reckless importation policies led to its total collapse. Even in advanced economies like the United States, President Donald Trump introduced high import tariffs to protect domestic industries and jobs. Nigeria must do the same to protect its strategic sectors.

‘We have also uncovered, through credible information, that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN, in collaboration with certain international oil companies and traders such as Trafigura, Vitol, Glencore, BP, and Shell, are deliberately instigating disruptions to frustrate Dangote Refinery. Reports indicate multiple attempts to obstruct its operations and undermine its credibility. These are acts of economic sabotage that must not be tolerated.

‘Your Excellency, Alhaji Aliko Dangote must not be made to regret his patriotic investment in Nigeria. Rather, he deserves national protection and encouragement. His contributions toward industrialisation, employment generation, and economic diversification embody your Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘As Yoruba students and youth, known for our love, unity, and hospitality, we appeal passionately to Your Excellency and all Yoruba leaders, Royal Fathers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to rise in defence of Dangote Refinery and reject all agents of economic regression.

‘Nigeria will only rise when Nigerians believe in and support Nigeria. No foreign power will build this nation for us. The time has come to reward patriotism and punish sabotage. We remain committed to a better, stronger, and self-sufficient Nigeria.’

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned against the rising proliferation of northern groups with similar objectives, warning that such parallel formations threaten the unity and collective strength of the North.

Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, gave the warning during the Forum’s BOT meeting on Tuesday in Kaduna, which also had state chairmen, secretaries, and members of the Arewa100% Focus group in attendance.

Dalhatu said the forum was compelled to invite all state chapters to discuss two urgent matters, the need for a unified communication protocol among officials, and preparations for the ACF Silver Jubilee scheduled for November.

He lamented that contradictory statements by some national and state officials had caused confusion and threatened the Forum’s image, stressing that the BOT had both the obligation and authority to determine and enforce communication policies. ‘No doubt, the ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs,’ he stated.

Speaking on the upcoming Silver Jubilee, Dalhatu said the November 20-22 celebration in Kaduna would feature the launch of an endowment fund, books presentation, and fundraising for a befitting national headquarters that reflects the Forum’s history, culture, and aspirations.

He expressed appreciation to members of the organising committees and called on all ACF members to turn out en masse to celebrate the milestone, describing it as an opportunity to reposition the forum for greater relevance in northern and national affairs.

On politics, the ACF BOT chairman reminded members that the Forum remains a socio-cultural and non-partisan organisation. ‘Although members may belong to political parties of their choice, as an organisation, ACF is politically neutral and will not support one party over another,’ he said, urging officials to maintain neutrality ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dalhatu also cautioned against the ‘unhealthy proliferation’ of northern associations with objectives similar to the ACF, recalling that in 2000, northern leaders, including former presidents, governors, traditional rulers, and intelligentsia-merged several groups to form a united Arewa Consultative Forum.

‘In deference to the memory of these elder statesmen, northerners thinking of creating parallel or splinter groups should rethink their actions and come back within the ACF. There is enough room in the Forum to accommodate all northerners,’ he urged.

He further directed state chapters to intensify membership drives and establish local government branches to strengthen grassroots presence and unity.

While commending security forces for their sacrifices against insurgency and banditry, Dalhatu prayed for the repose of fallen soldiers and urged continuous strategy reviews to minimize casualties.

The ACF BOT chairman also condemned alleged sabotage attempts against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing them as ‘unpatriotic and unacceptable.’ He said those behind the disruptions were working against Nigeria’s economic progress and urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to protect the national asset.

Dalhatu concluded by thanking ACF members who attended the meeting both physically and virtually for their sacrifice and commitment to the organization’s ideals.

Actress and producer Bukky Amos-Bello has announced the passing of her father, Olaniyi Mofolorunsho Amos.

In a touching Instagram post, she shared a photo of her late father and fondly recalled the special memories they shared.

She expressed gratitude for her father’s love and presence throughout her life, describing him as her ‘forever ajitannawo’ and the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Amos-Bello wrote on Instagram, ‘Today, Monday, 6th Oct 2025 @8.25am (naija time) my clock stopped- my mirror was shattered- my first love, my forever love, my world, my supporter, my role model, babami, olokomi, alabaromi, olubadamoranmi, my one and only, abiyamo toooooto- goodnight my father. Sleep tight, Babami. O daaro babami Alamu.. I will always love u. Thank U for being the best.’

Bukky revealed that her father had promised to depart only after witnessing her become a grandmother, a promise he fulfilled before his passing.

‘Babami Amos, Olaniyi, Mofolorunsho, Alamu Oladapo- goodnight. Thank u for sharing your life with me. Thank u for being my ‘forever ajitannawo’, thank you for being the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. I’m typing this smiling- u said you’ll leave after replacing my love 4 u, u waited until I became a grandmother. The sparkles in your eyes when I gave u the news. Thank you for sharing your last moment with me- I’ll 4ever cherish those eyes that were wide open just for me last night. Babami- this hurts sooooooo deep, your passing hurts so deep, but thank you for fulfilling all your promises. I’ll always love u.. Sleep tight omo olofamojo,’ she added.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the recent fire incident at a section of the state secretariat in Port Harcourt will accelerate his administration’s plans to rehabilitate the complex.

Fubara, who visited the site on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that it affected an area that served as a crèche for the babies of civil servants.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the fire partly destroyed the section of the building but was quickly contained.

The governor was received at the Secretariat Complex by a large crowd of civil servants, the Head of Service, and several permanent secretaries, including the newly sworn-in Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart.

Fubara expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost, noting that the damage was confined to a small portion of the facility.

‘I came here this morning to see for myself what happened yesterday. It’s really unfortunate, but we give God all the glory that no life was lost and the damage was only in one section,’ he said.

The governor explained that the incident would serve as a wake-up call to fast-track the planned renovation and refurbishing of the Secretariat Complex, which had been under consideration by his administration.

He said, ‘We’ve been talking about the renovation of our foremost secretariat. With this particular incident, there should be no further delay. Whatever is required by this government to commence that process, we will immediately swing into action.’

Fubara commended the State Fire Service firefighters for their prompt response, noting that previous investments made by his administration in the three fire service stations proved invaluable in containing the situation.

‘Before the emergency rule, we took our time to invest in the fire service. I wonder what would have happened if we didn’t have a formidable and functional fire service,’ he said

He also appreciated civil servants for their dedication, resilience and continued support, reiterating his administration’s commitment to initiatives that will enhance their welfare and promote the well-being of all Rivers people.

‘We’ll continue to do those things that will uplift Rivers people and make them happy,’ the governie said.

Rising youth coach and author Oluwabusayo Emmanuel Adeola is set to launch his new inspirational book, ‘Leveraging Teenagehood’, on October 22, 2025, in Akure, Ondo State.

The book, published by Reflections Journal Limited, seeks to empower teenagers to live purposefully, think independently, and make a meaningful impact during the most defining years of their lives.

Described by reviewers as ‘a roadmap to self-discovery, purpose, and growth,’ Leveraging Teenagehood combines Christian values, personal reflection, and practical guidance for navigating adolescence in an age marked by distraction and pressure.

In the book, Adeola, who is also the founder of Teens Connect Africa, draws deeply from his own experiences as a teenager who struggled with uncertainty, failure, and limited guidance before finding purpose through faith, mentorship, and self-discipline.

‘I made so many mistakes as a teenager,’ he writes in the introduction. ‘But I became intentional about my life and growth, and that decision changed everything. I don’t want the next generation to repeat the same mistakes.’

The book, which spans eight practical chapters, explores themes such as identity, purpose, mindset, time management, friendships, parental relationships, and mentorship.

Each section includes reflection exercises, relatable anecdotes, and faith-based wisdom designed to help young readers understand themselves and channel their energy into meaningful goals.

The work has received glowing endorsements from several youth leaders and educators across the continent.

In her foreword, Mrs. Lucy Okafor, life coach and CEO of Lucy Inspires Network, commends Adeola for producing a guide that goes beyond theory.

‘This book is not just another guide for teenagers,’ she writes. ‘It is a heartfelt call to live with clarity and conviction in a world that often encourages the opposite. Oluwabusayo writes from experience, not theory.’

Similarly, Nomawele Njongo, South Africa-based founder of the Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative, lauds the book’s cross-continental relevance, calling it ‘an essential toolkit for every young person ready to stop waiting for the future and start building it today.’

Other endorsements from educators, editors, and teen advocates describe Leveraging Teenagehood as ‘simple yet profound,’ praising its relatable storytelling and actionable advice.

Beyond writing, Adeola has spent the past few years mentoring hundreds of young people through his non-profit, Teens Connect Africa.

His programmes, such as the ‘Career Guide Campaign’ and ‘Become More initiative,’ have trained secondary school students in personal development, leadership, and purpose discovery.

His commitment to youth empowerment has earned him several recognitions, including the Young Man of Impact Award (Deimpact Network, 2022), Outstanding Leadership Award (Creative and Innovative Foundation, 2023), Epitome of Leadership Award (Noverray Initiative, 2024), and the Global Educators Award (Global Educator Foundation Nigeria, 2024).

Adeola previously co-authored The Principles of Greatness as a teenager, and his writing continues to reflect the same passion for shaping Africa’s youth narrative.

Each chapter in Leveraging Teenagehood addresses a core principle of adolescent growth. From ‘Who Are You?’, a reflection on self-identity, to ‘You Need a Mentor,’ Adeola emphasises that teenagehood is not a period to waste but to build foundations for the future.

He challenges young readers to use time wisely, choose friends intentionally, and embrace mentorship. Quoting from Proverbs, he writes, ‘Guide your heart, for from it flows the issues of life.’

Adeola also weaves in inspiring real-life stories of teenagers like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Kelvin Doe, showing how young people around the world have used their early years to create lasting impact.

Grounded in Christian principles, the book underscores that true purpose and identity can only be fully understood through faith. However, its practical tone ensures its relevance beyond religious circles, making it suitable for parents, educators, and youth mentors who work with adolescents in diverse contexts.

The language is simple, direct, and motivational-perfectly suited for its teenage audience. Adeola’s use of personal testimony makes the book more than a lecture; it reads like a conversation from an older sibling who has walked the same path and returned to guide others.

Ultimately, Leveraging Teenagehood is a clarion call to a generation at risk of losing direction in a fast-changing world. It urges young people to take charge of their future now, not later.

As Adeola writes in his conclusion: ‘Teenagehood is not a waiting room for life, it is a workshop for building the future.’

With this publication, Oluwabusayo Adeola joins a growing list of young African authors redefining youth leadership, proving that influence begins long before adulthood.

The former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, while speaking to TVC News last week, on the importance of the quick intervention by the federal government in the trade dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery ironically espoused the grave danger which the recent strike action by PENGASSAN constituted to the national economy.

In the words of the trade unionist: ‘You have seen government running in so quickly to address the issues because when PENGASSAN sneezes, we know what that means. Cutting gas supply, cutting oil supply, that is the live wire of Nigeria’s economy.’ Implicit in that statement is the fact that PEGASSAN has the power to cripple the Nigerian economy if it wishes. Indeed, the union bared its teeth, and the nation shuddered when it ordered that gas and oil supply to even non-combatants in the dispute be shut down.

Ordinarily, there are parties to every trade dispute, and in the instant case, it was between DANGOTE Refinery and the members of PENGASSAN. Section 1(2) of the Trade Disputes Act, provides: ‘In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires – ‘the dispute’ means the trade dispute in question; and ‘the party’ means a party to the dispute.’ Clearly, the recent dispute was between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery and yet when PENGASSAN wanted to cut gas supply, it did not restrict its action to the parties is dispute as provided by the law.

So, why did PENGASSAN escalate the dispute to affect the supply of gas and crude to other companies and entities not involved in the trade dispute? Of course, PENGASSAN knows that while the right to call a strike is implicit in the Nigerian laws, the legal regime is quite rigorous when followed. Section 4 of the Trade Dispute Act, provides that before a dispute is reported, parties must first attempt settlement, and where they cannot agree, the parties shall within seven days appoint a mediator.

Section 6 of the Act, provides that where the mediator is unable to settle, the parties shall report to the minister in writing, and the minister, according to section 7, shall appoint a conciliator to effect a settlement. Where the conciliator is unable to settle, section 9 provides, that the minister shall within 14 days refer the matter to the Industrial Arbitration Panel. Section 14 of the Trade Disputes Act, provides that where there is objection to an award by the Tribunal, the dispute shall be referred to the National Industrial Court.

Section 17 provides for direct reference to the National Industrial Court in certain special cases, and its subsection ‘a’ provides for direct reference where ‘the dispute is one to which workers employed in any essential service are a party.’ On what constitutes essential services, paragraph 2(a) of the first schedule to the Trade Disputes Act, provides: ‘Any service established, provided or maintained . for, or in connection with, the supply of electricity, power or water, or of fuel of any kind.’

Even when one concedes that the Nigeria’s legal regime may be too difficult for a trade union to follow, which is why in every settlement, a trade union extracts that no member should be punished for participation in a strike, it does not imply that a union should call a strike at the drop of hat, just because if the union sneezes, the nation will catch cold. A trade union which possess such enormous power to cripple a national economy should use it sparingly.

Indeed, while this column is peremptorily sympathetic to trade unions which ordinarily are weaker when in contest with the state, it is extremely dangerous that a trade union could be imbued with such power as exhibited as PENGASSAN. Before a union calls a strike that has the capacity to cripple the nation, it must diligently follow due process. It cannot call out Dangote Refinery for allegedly sacking its members without due process and then rely on an illegal process to bring the alleged offender and even non-offenders to account.

The way forward is for government to insist that trade unions should fully democratise and be accountable to its members. Of course, it won’t come without a fight from the officials, who have been benefiting from the current system. The trade unions must understand that where they are dealing with private companies, they wont have the luxury of eating their cake, and still have it in the fridge. The imbroglio with Dangote should be a lesson that the era of trade unions in the oil industry holding everyone to ransom may be over.

PENGASSAN, must realise that Dangote Refinery is different from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), which the government officials and the workers treat as cash-cow for themselves, rather than a business entity for the general shareholders. Members of PENGASSAN in NNPC, and its several affiliates could afford to wrestle their companies to ground knowing that those who ordinarily should ask questions about the financial health of the government owned companies, are in bed with them, jointly raping the companies.

How on earth would the corrupt ministry officials raise any eyebrow about NNPC and its affiliates, when they are in cahoots in with the unions in taking what does not belong to them? Nigerians know that the NNPC and its affiliates run opaque systems and so when the trade unions use their power to extort their own share of the proverbial national cake, they can get away with it. But the Dangote Refinery is a different ball game and the prime mover, Aliko Dangote is a boardroom shark, whose driving force is the financial bottom line.

As they would have realized, they just goaded their now former members to a cul-de-sac. The pyrrhic victory which they achieved in getting Dangote to agree to send the reabsorbed workers to its sister companies, namely the Sugar and Cement companies, automatically makes the reabsorbed workers, non-members of PENGASSAN. We wait to see how the unions in the oil industries would protect their technically estranged members who no longer belong to their unions, when the dragon turns them to ‘suya’ for lunch.

There is no reason why all oil workers should be members of either PENGASSAN or NUPENG, as that should apply to other trade unions. Section 3(1) provides: ‘An application for the registration of a trade union shall be made to the registrar in the prescribed form and shall be signed by (a) in the case of a trade union of workers, by at least fifty members of the union.’ Also, person with the resources to set up refinery should get similar encouragement as Aliko Dangote got, to open shop. Once monopoly is killed, within the unions and the industries, Nigerians will breath freely.

Nigeria is in talks with the Export-Import Bank of China for a $2 billion loan to fund a new super grid intended to address the nation’s persistent power shortages. The plan, confirmed yesterday in Abuja by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, is designed to boost the country’s electricity supply and reduce power outages.

‘It’s part of plans to decentralize power generation in Nigeria’ and get the heavy commercial users that left the power grid because of its unreliability to return, he said.

The loan is designated for the construction of a super grid. The new power line is intended to decentralize electricity generation and increase supply to industrial zones in both eastern and western Nigeria.

The financing for the project has already been approved by Nigeria’s cabinet.

The loan is part of a broader strategy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to transform the power sector. Other recent efforts include: securing $1.1 billion from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for electricity access; obtaining $70 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for mini-grid projects; sealing a $328.8 million deal with a Chinese firm, CMEC, to improve electricity transmission infrastructure.

In October 2023, the Federal Government had signed a $2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three Chinese firms to invest in the power generation and digital economy sectors.

There have also been other, unrelated agreements for maritime investment and other infrastructure projects that have been mistaken for the recent power loan.

In late 2024, China and Nigeria renewed a separate $2 billion currency-swap arrangement to boost trade and investment between the two nations.

To wrap up the awareness month of September, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has held a Governor’s Commendation and Awards for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) gladiators, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA

Stakeholders in the advocacy against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) gathered in Lagos last week for the Governor’s Award and Commendation Night held to honour institutions, groups and agencies commited to the fight against Sexual and Gender- Based Violence (SGBV) and to make the society a saner place to live in.

The event which held at the White Stone Events Centre, Billings way, Oregun, Ikeja attracted top government officials, justices of the State High Court, top civil servants, a ndrights crusaders amongst others.

The awardees

The Most Responsive Family Support Unit (FSU) Desk went to Owutu FSU; the Most Family Social Services went to Eti-Osa Local Government; the Most Family Health Facility went to Sangotedo Primary Health Centre.

Ikorodu General Hospital was adjudged the Most Responsive General Hospital; the Women Rights and Health Project won the award of the Most Responsive Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) while Education District 5 was adjudged the Most Proactive Education District.

All the awardees also went home with N1 million cheque each.

Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the award was initiated to ‘to honour, and most importantly, to recognise the courage, passion, and dedication of individuals and institutions that had continued to shine in the fight against one of the greatest social issues confronting our society.’

Pedro said the theme of the event, ‘ SGBV, it concerned us all’, was timely and compelling.

Fight against SGBV a collective responsibility

‘It underscores a vital truth, that the fight against sexual and gender-based violence cannot be borne by government alone. It is a collective duty and one that calls upon families, faith-based institutions, communities, private sector, and every individual to take part in the fight.’

According to him, ‘SGBV affects every part of our lives today, our homes, our schools, our work places, even in public spaces. It touches on our legal frameworks, health care system, educational structure, and most profoundly, it challenges, our shared human needs.’

The Lagos Attorney-General commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the bold, and visionary leadership he had continued to demonstrate, in ensuring that access to justice remained a reality.

Lagos has remained at the fore front of legal policy and reforms, which are aimed at protecting the vulnerable and the weak through the DSVA, the office of the Bureau of Public Defenders (BPD), the Directorates of Citizens’ Rights (DCR), and all other justice sector institutions.

‘We have continued to ensure that survivors were heard, survivors were believed, survivors were supported and where necessary, survivors were empowered.

Why the awards

‘It is time to shed light on our heroes. The police officers who go beyond duty, the social workers who are the first responders, the nurses and doctors who attend to survivors with compassion. The teachers who raise awareness, the NGOs that take the risks daily, and the community leaders who refuse to be silenced.

‘To you all, you are not just being recognised for your service, but you are being celebrated for giving hope, for standing in the dark and for making it clear that in Lagos State, silence is not an option for us for any sexual and gender-based violence..

‘Let us all resolve and make commitment to prevention just as passionately as we have pursued justice. Let us all engage more in education, advocacy, and community engagement. Let us teach our children concepts, respects, and accountability..

‘Let us build a system where survivors are supported and perpetrators are prosecuted’, he said.,

Agency to institute sanity in society

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar, Mrs. Joy Ugbomoiko, acknowledged the pivotal role of the agency in bringing sanity into the society and in instituting ethical values against unacceptable behavior in our society.

Mrs. Ugbomiko commended the first lady, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who she described as a strong advocate for the protection of the boy-child from violence and other forms of abuse. ‘I want to commend particularly the Executive Secretary and her formidable team in fighting the scourge of domestic violence and sexual abuse in courts and also creating awareness amongst the people of Lagos State on the dangers and future implications of not reducing the scourge to the barest minimum, I say kudos for a job well done.’ she said. She reminded stakeholders that the Chief Judge signed a practice direction for protection order against domestic violence 2019 and that the document was a step in the right direction adding, ‘the laws are vibrant and are most protective of victims.’ She commended the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, her team, and the awardees, urging them not to relent but to aspire to the next level.

Support for DSVA

Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, the Director Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Aolat Alade, urged all stakeholders and citizens to continue to support the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to build ‘the Lagos of our dreams.’

Mrs Hamzat noted that the DSVA has expressed unwavering support and is committed to justice, security, and provision of a safe environment for the society.

She commended the efforts of the DSVA in fighting the scourge of SGBV under her leadership of Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, saying that ‘a leader who knows the way, goes the way, shows the way’. She said it was based on this that she commended the agency for a job well done.

She noted that under her leadership, the agency championed the cause of the survivors, the eradication of SGBV and the promotion of safe environment for women and children, the young boys and girls and families.

DSVA instills sanity at homes

The Head of Service, Bode Agoro who was represented by Tunde Ogundeko commended the DSVA for bringing peace to may homes in Lagos,

Ogundeko remarked that the establishment of the agency has brought a lot of sanity into many homes.

‘We found out that a lot of women are afraid to go back to their different homes because of the fear of what they are going to meet at home.

‘Now we see women, men, children, and in did, everyone that ois entitled to a home are free to go back to their different homes because they are assured they are covered and enjoyed the protection of the DSVA and the legal system.

He noted that since the establishment of agency and after the register of sexual offenders was created, a lot of people who have really cautioned themselves in their different homes.

He commended the Executiv4e Secretary of the agency saying, ‘she has really brought lots of energy into the activity of the agency.

Police pledges continued support

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner in-charge of Administration, ACP Mary Ayim, stated that the award and commendation night was a clear demonstration of the government commitment to recognizing outstanding contributions towards the fight against SGBV and promoting the culture of accountability, dignity and justice.

CP Moshood Jimoh pledged the readiness of the State Police Command to be a strong partner of the DSVA in its noble mission of protecting the vulnerables, upholding human rights and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

He commended the Executive Secretary of DSVA Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi for being ‘tireless, passion driven’ and for her dedication to the fight against SGBV noting that her efforts under the guidance of Governor Sanwo-Olu, has translated into initiatives that are changing lives and restoring hope to survivors.

He also commended the governor for his leadership in strengthening institutions and for consistently supporting security agencies in their mandate to protect lives and properties.

Your visionary approach has made Lagos a model for all states to emulate.

He congratulated the honourees for their dedication and service to the society adding ‘your commitment inspires us to do more and indeed our collective efforts is making Lagos a safer haven for everybody to live .

‘I am assuring you that the Lagos State Police Command will remain resolute, professional in ensuring the safety and security of the people particulalrly in in the fight against DSV.

Increased formal, informal reporting

The host of the event, Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi, during her interaction with the media disclosed that her agency has continued to record increases in the formal and informal reporting of cases. On average we attended to about 400 cases a month now.

‘We know that this is still under-reported because we know that these issues continue to thrive because of the culture of silence and stigma that is associated with the menace. ‘But we are encouraged by the fact that Lagosians are having increased faith in the system and are becoming more aware of offices and organisations they can go to to access justice. ‘So, we are very grateful to all the survivors that have trusted us with their stories and Lagosians who saw themselves as mandated reporters who saw something and escalated appropriately.’

Interventions to reduce SGBV prevalence

On interventions in place to reduce SGBV incidences incidences in Lagos, she said ‘we are mainstreaming prevention into the main sectors, into the education sector, into the health sector, into the security sector. Into the justice sector as well because we are looking at the situation whereby children are now being empowered about their lives and issues of child abuse so that they can protect themselves appropriately.’

Plans for the New Year

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed that in the new year, it is the plan of her agency to continue to decentralize its offices across lagos. ‘We currently have offices in Kosofe and Ikorodu. Our aim, with the support of Mr Governor is to expand to other local governments, making access to justice a reality.’

Causes of domestic violence

According to her, there are many causes of the vice. ‘There is issue of patriarchy, gender inequality, socio-cultural factors. There is issue of Gender inequality which is at the heart of gender based violence.

There are different factors that contribute to the issue of SGBV, not just in Lagos Nigeria but globally.

Over 140 convictions in 1year

She said in the past one year, they have made over 140 convictions, ranging from life imprisonment to 25 years depending on evidence that is adduced.

Major breakthroughs, lingering challenges

She listed as their major break through, the increasing faith in the system. She said for so long, these issues have been shrouded in secrecy. So, the fact that people are mustering the corage to report is very encouraging.

She mentioned another major breakthrough as prevention, ‘We are being very heavy and deliberate on prevention, ensuring that we go the nooks and crannies of the state, leaving no society behind in advocacy efforts and preaching our no tolerance message.’

Challenges

She said; ‘ these have been response from the society, unfortunately, there is still the rape culture, there is still the divide that blames, shame victims and survivors. So that is a major challenge that we are experiencing. ‘Of course, we continue to inform residence of Lagos that it is never the survivor’s fault but rather, it should be the perpetrator that should be named and shamed.’

Be a mandated reporter

She thanked everyone that had chosen to honour the agency with their presence. ‘SGBV concerns us all. We all have a duty to see ourselves as mandated reporters. When we see something, we should say something so that we can do something’, she stressed.