PIA: Citizens advocate periodic review

Stakeholders at a two-day Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) National Summit have called on the Federal Government (FG), to create a policy direction that would allow for periodic review of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The stakeholders who were drawn from the Civil society groups, HCDTs, BoTs, the media amongst others also urged the National Assembly to improve their oversight function on settlors and HCDTs to ensure proper implementation of PIA in Hoscoms.

The conference was meant to brainstorm on the gaps created by oil and gas extraction activities in Host communities in the nine States of the Niger Delta region with the view to finding lasting solution to them, through the provisions of PIA.

The meeting was held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capial by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Connected Development (CODE), The BudgIT Foundation (BudgIT) KebetKache Women Development and Resource Centre Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group(NDEBUMOG), with supports from OXFAM in Nigeria.

Organised under the umbrella of ‘the Power of Voices/ Fair for All Coalition’, Speaker after Speaker at the conference observed that PIA implementation in Hoscoms is slow, they alleged that the settlor(extractive Firms operating in the various communities whose responsibility it is to release the 3% funds for the communuties development), are not transparent in their dealings with their respective HCDTs and the communities, they equally observed that most communuties are yet to see, feel the impact of the Petroleum laws in their communities as nothing has changed in their localities four years after PIA and its implementation processes began.

According to them, the communities inspite of the funds allotted to HOSCOMs for focused development and capacity building of the indigenes, the communuties are still languishing in abject poverty, poor road network, lack of social amenities, Healthcare facilities, among other development and economic generation projects, facilities.

The Summit equally observed that HOSCOM residents do not know anything about PIA, and how it works, unless their wide knowledge of Glibal Memorandums of understanding (G-MOU), hence they are yet to embrace PIA.

They also accused Settlors of attempts to hijack the composition, selection of membership of the HCDT, which according to the Summit them is sole responsibility of the communities to appoint members into HCDT. They also observed that the makeup of the community Development Trust is gender biased against the female forks.

They called Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulation Commission (NUPRC), who is the regulating body to the Settlors and HCDTs to rise up to their responsibilities to monitor and checkmate the activities of Settlors and HCDTs, and the slow pace of the programme with the view to fast track it.

In a communique reached at the end of the summit, the people recommended tht the FG should apart from providing policy direction for periodic review of the PIA, it should also ensure that fiscal and regulatory frameworks are created to promote equity, transparency, and community ownership.

‘Tht the Government should support sustainable-livelihood and environmental-restoration/sustainability programs in oil-bearing areas as complementary interventions to the HCDT.

‘Ensure that settlors comply with environmental social governance principles and standards in their operations in order to build community trust and create peaceful atmospheres in their host communities.’

To the National Assembly, the stakehokders recommended for the provide of adequate legislative oversight of all settlors and HCDTs to ensure full compliance of the HCDTs with the provisions of the PIA.

‘Undertake constituency visits to host communities and settlors to ensure that settlors and HCDTs undertake operations and implement programmes that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, people centered, gender and youth sensitive, and that addresses the needs of al social groups in each community.

‘Review and amend the PIA Act to address current gaps and lacunas that impinges on the rights of communities and grant overriding powers to settlors.’

They also suggested to NUPRC to strengthen regulatory capacity, enforce full compliance, and establish a monitoring dashboard tracking the performance of all HCDTs.

‘Mandate all settlors to provide annual disclosure of the three percent OPEX funds, and the specific amounts distributed to HCDTs. Ensure that HCDTs publish all audited financial reports and maintain a repository of all approved Trust Deeds and Development Plans.’

To the operaring Oil and Gas Companies (Settlors), the activists urged them to ensure thy respect community autonomy and ensure inclusive participatory planning, gender sensitivity and equitable women and youth representation in all HCDT processes; commit to transparent communication, access to information, timely funding, and corporate accountability mechanisms that build trust.Publish and disclose all funds distributed to HCDTs annually.’

They equally urged the State and Local Governments to ensure the integration of HCDT projects into local development plans and complement Trust efforts with infrastructure and social-service investments. Establish state-level coordination desks for HCDT engagement and dispute resolution.’

To the traditional and Community institutions, they charged with the promotion of inclusive leadership, mediate conflicts fairly, and champion transparency in resource allocation. Uphold cultural values that foster unity and community participation, while thy urged Civil society groups and the media to continue with advocacy, provision of technical supports, civic education to deepen understanding of the HCDT.Conduct independent assessments and publish community scorecards on transparency and inclusion and amplifying of voices from host communities, highlight success stories, and expose malpractices to drive accountability, respectively.

They also challenged the media to partner civil society for public-interest journalism on extractive governance.

KDU VC advocates local content inclusion in AI implementation, application

The Vice Chancellor of KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, Professor Adeniyi Olatunbosun, has called for the inclusion of local content in the implementation and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI)- the recent development in computer systems designed to think, learn, and make decisions almost like human beings.

He said this would enable AI ‘to take care of the peculiarities of our society, address the needs within our immediate environment, and tackle contemporary issues relating to various research outputs across the nation.’

Professor Olatunbosun stated this on Monday during a press conference organised by the institution as part of activities marking its fifth convocation ceremony.

Describing AI as a welcome development that is greatly assisting academics in their research pursuits, he expressed optimism that, over time, ‘people will embrace it holistically, and as an institution, it will positively impact our job schedules as well as our research output and publications.’

He also called on the Federal Government to ensure that private universities are not left out when it comes to accessing public funds – whether from TETFund or NELFund – both at the institutional and individual scholar levels.

‘Education is universal and national in scope. Both public and private institutions contribute to the development of the nation,’ he stressed.

According to him, any form of assistance given to federal and state universities should equally be extended to private universities.

‘We now have more private universities in Nigeria, and I believe such assistance would reach a larger number of our youths who are advancing their educational careers and improving their various skills,’ he added.

Speaking on the forthcoming convocation, the VC disclosed that the university would graduate another set of 203 students, including 12 First Class graduates, 79 Second Class Upper, 78 Second Class Lower, and 34 Third Class graduates.

Highlighting some of the institution’s achievements, he noted that ‘the upward trend in the number of graduates over the years underscores the university’s growth, potential, and achievements.’

He added that, beyond the completion of several student hostel blocks and ongoing construction of additional ones, the university has continued to expand with new laboratories, classrooms, and other essential facilities-reflecting its commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning and research.

‘In February, 13 programmes successfully attained accreditation across the Faculties of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, and Sciences,’ he revealed.

Professor Olatunbosun also announced that the university’s Nursing programme had received full accreditation.

‘We are particularly delighted that our LL.B Law programme has also been accredited. This year, we will proudly graduate our first set of Law students, all of whom are fully prepared for admission into the Law School,’ he stated.

He described the establishment of the long-anticipated postgraduate school as a major milestone in the university’s development.

In its bid to foster collaboration and linkages, he noted that the university is now a proud member of the International Association of Universities (IAU), the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), and Ronsberger Health Limited, among others.

While appreciating the Oyo State Government for providing an enabling environment and ensuring security, he commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Military, and the Amotekun Corps for their unwavering support in maintaining the safety of lives and property on campus.

Professor Olatunbosun congratulated the graduating students on their achievements, urging them to continue to bring pride and honour to their parents, alma mater, and the nation.

Stop insulting my mother over my marital decision – Regina Daniels

Actress Regina Daniels has pleaded with Nigerians to cease all online insults and attacks directed at her mother, Rita Daniels, over her marital crises.

In an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Regina spoke directly to followers and the public, expressing deep pain over the way her mother has been dragged into the controversy surrounding her personal life and the ongoing family crisis.

She made it clear that Rita bears no responsibility for the choices she made as a young adult and should not be subjected to abuse or blame.

Regina emphasised that her decision to get married in her teenage years was a fully conscious and independent one, taken at a time when her family, including her mother had initially expressed strong reservations.

She said: ‘Please, I am begging everyone, stop insulting my mother. Na me carry my two legs enter.

‘ She’s the best thing that ever happened to me, she is strong, she’s my God on earth. My mom held it down for seven good years, she tried. She warned me, my brothers warned me. I’m so ashamed to say I fell in love’.

Far from being pressured or manipulated, she revealed that she was the one who stood firm in her resolve, recounting how she went as far as visiting a police station to formally report family members who attempted to block the union.

Regina acknowledged that public scrutiny comes with fame but insisted that there must be boundaries, especially when it involves dragging innocent family members through the mud during a time of emotional distress.

With her brother still missing and the family under immense strain, she pleaded for empathy, understanding, and respect.

Amotekun arrests 45-year-old spy linked to Ondo kidnap syndicate

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have arrested a 45-year-old man, Promise Etok, for allegedly working as a spy for a kidnap syndicate responsible for the killing of two men in the Ago Dada area of the state.

The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who paraded 38 suspects at the corps’ headquarters in Akure, said Etok’s arrest followed an intelligence-led operation after the gruesome murder of the two victims.

Adeleye explained that Etok confessed to being recruited by the kidnappers to monitor and alert them whenever Amotekun operatives were in the area, adding that he participated in the killing of the two men.

He further disclosed that another suspect found wearing military camouflage near the crime scene in Ademekun village had been handed over to military authorities for verification.

The commander said the corps’ swift intelligence and coordinated response helped uncover the syndicate’s network and prevented further attacks in the area.

Apart from the two major suspects, Adeleye said 36 others were arrested for various offences, including kidnapping, rape, and public disturbance.

The commander revealed that among those paraded was a syndicate that had been vandalising government heavy-duty equipment. Items recovered from them included caterpillar parts, engines, tyres, trucks, and gas-cutting tools used to dismantle state machinery.

‘As of today, we were able to arrest a syndicate that had consistently been vandalising state government machinery. You can see some of the caterpillar parts, engines, tyres, and so on.

‘Overnight, when our operatives caught up with them as a result of our diligent intelligence, they opened fire on our men, but we remained resolute. Rather than responding, we were able to apprehend them. We have them on parade today.

‘You can see on parade that we have trucks, tricycles, and all the equipment, including the gas flaring tools they used in cutting parts of the government equipment.

‘They have consistently been doing that. Even the buyers of the equipment have been arrested, and we have two still at large. I am sure that before long, the long arm of the law will catch up with them.’

He also disclosed the arrest of some immigrants in a part of the state and said, ‘We have Mustafa, Steve, Alphonsus, Tango Juntu, and Simon involved in bringing illegal immigrants into the country for sinister motives.

‘We equally have on parade 22 illegal immigrants who, upon interrogation, were not able to tell us how they came in from Benin Republic and Togo without any mission in the country.

‘We are going to hand them over to the immigration services for further scrutiny. Once it is established that their stay is not legitimate, they will be sent out of the country.’

Adeleye said, ‘In the last few weeks, all our officers have been given the mandate to ensure peace and the safety of lives and property in Ondo State. Ondo remains one of the safest states in the country, largely due to our synergy with other security agencies.

‘The message is that Ondo State remains safe but unsafe for criminals. It is not a place for criminals to thrive. Head or tail, Amotekun will catch you, so the best thing is not to be involved in criminal activities.’

He reiterated that Amotekun operatives have intensified patrols across the state to sustain peace and curb criminal activities.

‘Ondo State remains safe but unsafe for criminals. Head or tail, Amotekun will catch you. The best thing is to stay away from crime,’ he declared.

Lagos reaffirms commitment to ease Lekki-Epe traffic

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to easing traffic congestion and improving mobility along the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said this on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ engagement.

He said the meeting was convened to foster collaboration, deepen public understanding and ensure inclusive participation in the project’s implementation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government engaged key stakeholders ahead of rehabilitation works between Admiralty Junction and Jubilee Bridge, Ajah.

The project is scheduled to begin on 6 Nov 6.

Daramola said the proactive step would help build unity towards ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing the daily hardship faced by commuters and residents.

He acknowledged the difficulties endured on the corridor, noting that the government was committed to addressing them.

‘This meeting is about carrying everyone along. We are not just rehabilitating a road; we are enhancing lives and connecting communities,’ he said.

He explained that the 20-kilometre stretch had served the city for decades and required urgent repairs to restore efficiency and safety.

According to him, the works form part of a broader plan to integrate the Green Line Rail and other transport projects to reduce pressure on the corridor.

‘Lagos is a city in motion. This project ensures the Lekki-Epe corridor supports growth and development. It is a short-term inconvenience for long-term progress,’ he added.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said traffic management and enforcement would be strengthened during construction.

He assured that officers would be deployed round-the-clock to ease movement and limit disruptions, alongside ongoing public sensitisation.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, commended residents for participating in the deliberations.

He urged continued support for traffic management officials and encouraged collective efforts to manage the situation.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr Olutokunbo Oyenuga, said the rehabilitation would be completed early next year.

He said the upgrade would tackle chronic congestion and pavement deterioration, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time.

Oyenuga described the corridor as critical to residential, commercial and industrial activities in Lagos’ eastern axis.

He added that the works align with government plans to deliver durable roads and improve living standards.

‘This intervention complements the Green Line Rail and the Coastal Road projects. We appeal for patience and cooperation during construction,’ he said.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Segun Giwa, said the administration was determined to solve traffic challenges on the axis.

He urged residents to obey traffic laws and avoid practices such as driving against traffic.

Giwa said government agencies were working jointly to ensure smooth execution, with constant updates to the public.

Stakeholders, including Mrs Mojirola Afolayan-Soote, Mr Lanre Badmus and Mr Gbenga Bello, called for improved alternative routes and signage.

They urged the government to ensure durability and consider opening the coastal road and other inner routes to ease traffic pressure.

The stakeholders commended the administration for engaging residents before the commencement of works, describing the move as responsible governance.

Okpebholo vows to defend Benin heritage

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restated his administration’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of Benin culture and tradition, vowing that no action under his watch will undermine the cultural authority of the Oba of Benin.

The Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday while addressing hundreds of peaceful protesters who stormed the Government House in Benin City to demand a stop to the planned inauguration of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

The demonstrators, comprising palace chiefs, civil society groups, youth bodies, and concerned citizens, urged the government to protect the Benin heritage and stop any move that could diminish the authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.

Governor Okpebholo assured the protesters that their concerns were valid, stressing that his administration shared their resolve to safeguard the state’s cultural identity. ‘Our culture is our identity,’ he said.

‘We know where these artefacts were taken from. Now that they have been returned, they must be restored to their rightful place under the custodianship of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.’

He commended the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct, describing it as a reflection of the dignity and discipline for which the Benin Kingdom is known worldwide.

The Governor disclosed that the Minister of Culture and Tourism had contacted him and would visit Edo for further discussions on the issue.

Okpebholo, in his closing remarks, urged the demonstrators to remain peaceful, assuring them that his administration would protect Benin’s cultural sovereignty with fairness, firmness, and honour.

‘Our heritage is sacred. And as long as I remain Governor, it will be preserved with wisdom and resolute leadership,’ he declared.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Osazee Amas-Edobor, alleged that the MOWAA project, originally conceived as the Royal Museum for the Benin Palace, was altered under a controversial ‘Legacy Trust’ arrangement introduced by the former administration

He claimed that funds meant for the Royal Museum were allegedly diverted and that the Central Hospital was demolished to make way for the new project, sparking discontent among traditional and cultural stakeholders.

Our protest is peaceful, it is to ensure that what belongs to the Oba and the people of Benin is not misappropriated’, he said.

The protesters expressed strong opposition to the proposed MOWAA inauguration slated for November 11, 2025, describing it as premature and disrespectful.

They argued that the project remains under deliberation at the Edo State House of Assembly and cannot proceed without legislative and royal approval.

The protesters also commended Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides in his first year in office, praising his leadership and people-oriented reforms that have restored confidence in governance.

Army to Nigerians: Application for short service combat course still ongoing

The Nigerian Army has announced that applications are still ongoing for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC), inviting eligible Nigerians, both civilians and serving military personnel to apply for commission into the Nigerian Army.

According to the announcement posted on X on Thursday, applicants must be Nigerian citizens, male or female, between the ages of 23 and 27 by 9th January 2026.

It stated that interested candidates must be physically, mentally, and medically fit in line with the Nigerian Army’s standards, and will serve only in the Combat Arms and Combat Support Arms after successful training and commissioning.

The Army further noted that tertiary credentials obtained from 2017 till date will be considered.

‘For free applications and more information, visit the Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal at www.recruitment.army.mil.ng. Sign up and upload your passport photograph, educational certificates and birth certificate or declaration of age, BVN, NIN and Certificate of State of Origin, amongst others,’ it stated.

Applicants are also advised to follow the online prompt, complete the free application, and print out an online-generated photo slip or card.

The Army said all applications must be completed and submitted between Thursday, 9th October and Wednesday, 12th November 2025.

‘For further information, please call 0817-926-9294 or 0810-995-9294 between 0800 to 1800 hours daily,’ the announcement added.

I’ve lost count of luxury cars I possess – Cristiano Ronaldo

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he has lost count of the luxury cars in his collection, estimating the number at around 40 or 41.

In an interview with Piers Morgan, the billionaire athlete explained that he no longer shops frequently and now treats car purchases as investments rather than for personal use.

He mentioned buying a car just three days prior solely for collection purposes, comparing it to acquiring a frame rather than something to drive.

‘I don’t go shopping. If I go anywhere, I can buy whatever I want, but I don’t need that anymore. Okay, let’s say three days ago I bought a car, but it’s for collection. It’s like you buy a frame. I’m not going to drive that car. It’s like an investment.

‘Honestly, if you have to bet, I say I don’t know. 41, 40. I don’t know. I don’t know. I swear, I swear for my kids,’ he said.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward emphasised his priorities have shifted from material possessions to family and inner peace.

Anambra guber: Desist from inducement, malpractices – INEC warns candidates

The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has warned all the political actors, especially the candidates for Saturday, November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State, to desist from any form of electoral inducement and malpractice.

The INEC National Chairman, who gave the warning during a meeting with stakeholders in Awka on Tuesday, said the commission would be deploying Sign Language Interpreters across 25 polling units in Anambra State to enable the 3,456 People with Disabilities (PWDs) exercise their franchise on the November 8 poll effectively.

He explained that the sign language interpreters were approved in collaboration with TAFAfrica, a non-profit organisation.

According to him, the configuration of 6,879 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices had also been completed and certified functional, including backup units for seamless operation in 5,718 polling units in Anambra State.

He further maintained that logistics arrangements for the poll were in their final stages, with about 3,000 vehicles, 6,520 motorcycles, and 83 boats ready to be used for the movement of personnel and materials across the 21 Local Government Areas, 326 Registration Areas, and 5,718 Polling Units.

Also speaking, the INEC Supervising National Commissioner in charge of Anambra State, Dr. Ken Ukeagu, assured political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and citizens that the commission is committed to inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration for the successful discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

Ukeagu, who noted that priority voting would be granted to the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, stressed the importance of voters coming out en masse commensurate with the 2,802,790 registered voters in the State.

He revealed that 63.9% of voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), prompting INEC to extend the collection deadline to November 2, 2025, because on election day, only voters with their PVCs would be accredited to vote.

For his part, the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Benjamin Okolp, reiterated that all the non-State Actors, including the Agunaechemba, remained proscribed on election day.

Some of the stakeholders urged the commission to ensure that it maintains transparency and an unbiased stand during and after the poll.

Junior Achievement Nigeria to hold national forum on teaching entrepreneurship

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is set to convene a national forum aimed at transforming how entrepreneurship is taught in schools, placing teachers at the forefront of the conversation.

The event, tagged SET4LYF: National Convening on Teaching Entrepreneurship with a Focus on Teachers, will hold on Thursday, November 6, 2025, and will gather educators, policymakers, and private sector partners to explore practical strategies for strengthening entrepreneurship education in classrooms across the country.

Ahead of the convening, JAN on Tuesday held a virtual media briefing to unveil the vision and objectives of the initiative.

Speaking during the session, Mr. Olaolu Akogun, Country Director of SET4LYF, explained that the School-to-Work Educational Transitions for Long-Term Youth Fulfilment (SET4LYF) programme is tailored to prepare Nigerian secondary school girls, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons with disabilities (PWDs) for future opportunities in entrepreneurship, higher education, and the workforce.

‘We want to be inclusive, bridging the gap with this programme. Inclusion is very important to us,’ Akogun said.

He noted that the initiative targets beneficiaries in 31 states with a deliberate inclusion quota – 5 percent girls with disabilities and 10 percent internally displaced girls to ensure equitable access to entrepreneurial learning.

According to him, empowering teachers remains central to the project.

‘Teachers are the catalysts for entrepreneurship education. We want to equip them with the right mindset and tools to inspire creativity, innovation, and leadership in the next generation,’ he said.

Akogun also called for strong government and institutional support to sustain the programme’s long-term impact.

‘For anything to thrive, it needs the right environment. We need the support of the government and other development partners,’ he said.

The upcoming convening will assemble educators, school leaders, government representatives, NGOs, and private sector partners to explore actionable ways to make entrepreneurship education more practical and inclusive in Nigerian schools.

It will also serve as a platform for sharing success stories, identifying gaps, and building collaborations that will enable teachers to become effective enablers of innovation and self-reliance among young Nigerians.

Interested participants and stakeholders can register through JAN’s website at www.janigeria.org or follow its social media platforms @janigeria for updates.