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Bayelsa Govt to Sue IOC’s Over Environmental Pollution

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Due to the age long neglect of the Niger Delta environment as a result of oil pollution by the Multinationals, the Bayelsa State Government has resolved to sue international oil companies operating in the state over unmitigated oil pollution for over six decades.

Governor Douye Diri dropped the hint on Monday while addressing an expanded 142nb State Executive Council Meeting to receive the final report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission in Government House, Yenagoa.

He stated: “After a review of an advance copy of your Report, I can affirm that it captures the essence of our trials while outlining a hopeful pathway toward resolution.

Your insights will serve as a beacon, guiding us toward actionable solutions and inspiring us to restore dignity and opportunity to our people.

“The Report appropriately titled, ‘An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria,’ is truly alarming.”

Diri further stated: “Additionally, we are encouraged by the revelation of the report that “in most advanced industrialised countries, two basic principles – ‘polluter pays’ and ‘no fault liabilities’ form the cornerstone of the legal regime for regulating extractive industries. Taken together, they mean that those that own and operate facilities are responsible for the damage caused by their pollution even if they are not at fault.”

He indicated that the government may pursue the legal redress outside the shores of Nigeria.

“Consequently, the perennial excuse by the IOCs that almost  90 percent of leaks are due to sabotage, a finding they believe frees them of liability for compensating the victim..’ would not find accommodation in foreign jurisdictions. That is why we are happy that this Commission has strengthened our capacity to litigate anywhere in the world.”

Diri quoted parts of the report in his address noting that Bayelsa bears 25 percent of Nigeria’s oil pollution and that one study estimated that in 2012 alone, oil spills in Nigeria, and predominantly in the Niger Delta resulted in over 16,000 additional neonatal deaths, saying “even one life lost to accommodate the greed of oil exploration is one death too many.”

On the level of oil contamination, he said it “has been so heavy that according to estimates, as much as one and a half barrels of oil has been spilled in Bayelsa for every man, woman and child living in the state today. The figures are even higher for some parts of Bayelsa, with, for instance, as many as six barrels of oil spilled for every person in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.”

According to him, “The stark reality is devastating: every Bayelsa resident is affected, our lives perpetually endangered. The brutal implication: we are either already dead or waiting to die.”

The report estimated between 1970 and 2014, Nigeria earned an estimated trillion dollars in oil revenue. Since 2006, oil produced in Bayelsa generated over US $150 billion for the Federal Government and billions for the international oil companies that operate its wells. On average, oil produced in Bayelsa is responsible for approximately US $10 billion in government revenues per year.

Diri formally dissolved the commission, but said some of the members would be appointed into a committee he would soon set up on the implementation of the report which he had assured would be done.

Speaking while presenting the final report to Governor Diri, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission, Archbishop John Sentamu, said oil has been a revenue spinner for the Federal Government, but a curse for the land of the state.

Sentamu noted that oil pollution has resulted in the loss of about 40 percent of mangroves and that the level of toxic wastes exceeds acceptable levels in several parts of the state.

Other members of the commission who spoke highlighted various aspects of the report urging Governor Diri and Bayelsa State Government to act swiftly to seek environmental justice.

The commission recommended a comprehensive Bayelsa recovery and cleanup plan, a recovery fund of US 12 billion over 12 years, establishment of a Bayelsa Recovery Agency, a new compensation scheme for those affected and fundamental reform of the regulatory regime.

It also called for the introduction of a new legal framework and new dispute resolution procedures, enshrine and enhanced role for state governments, strengthen scrutiny of IOC behaviour both internationally and in their home jurisdictions, overhaul IOC approaches to community engagement to ensure transparency, accountability and voice as well as establish a legally binding effective legacy and decommissioning regime.

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Gov Adeleke, Osun PDP Caucus Endorses Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

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From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the leadership caucus of the the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.They assured of working for the success of the re-election bid of the President, who is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the country.

They made this known on Monday at the Osun State PDP Leadership Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Osogbo.
Similarly, following extensive consultations, debates, surveys, opinion sampling from traditional rulers, community leaders, civil servants, retirees, religious leaders, market men and women, interactions with members of the PDP and the general public across major towns and villages in Osun State, on issues pertaining to recent political development in the state, the Leadership Caucus of Osun PDP hereby reviewed as follows: “That all politics is local, and as such, the feelings and aspirations of voters and party members are critical to decisions on party affiliations.
”That the majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the APC, which did not originate from the Governor in the first instance. Some APC leaders based on entrenched interests have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.”That the majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to wherever he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”That the state governor, the state government, and the PDP as a political party remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in Osun State.”Consequently, the leaders hereby resolve as follows:”That the PDP in Osun State recognizes the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State. “Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby, adopts, and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 Presidential election.”That PDP in Osun State re-affirm it’s adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 Governorship election on the platform of the PDP.”That Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP.”That the leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state and that, the state governor is enjoined to forge ahead with governance and implementation of the administration’s five point agenda.”

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Kogi Promises to Reposition Basic Education System

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi state government has promised to reposition its basic education system as part of its desire to enhance effective learning and providing solid foundation for Children’s education.The state’s Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones gave the assurance during the 2025 matriculation ceremony of new students at the Kogi State study Centre of the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in Lokoja.

The Commissioner also restated government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at providing quality education at all levels of learning.
Jones emphasised the importance of teacher training, noting that the future of children lies in the hands of teachers.
Represented by the ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Omolayo Berikisu Onozare, Jones appealed to the matriculating students to remain committed to their academics.He highlighted Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s significant budgetary allocation to the education sector, stressing that the training of teachers cannot be compromised under any guise.The Director General and Chief Executive of NTI, Professor Sadiya Daura, said the institute’s programmes were designed to equip students with necessary skills for national growth and development.Represented by the Kogi State Coordinator of NTI, Alh Tijani Yusuf, Daura warned students against indiscipline, emphasising the institute’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.She urged them to strive for impact in their lifetime after training.On his part, the Director News and Publications, Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Samuel Atuluku, expressed concern about the “get rich quick syndrome” among young people.Atuluku appealed to parents to ensure proper discipline of their children and wards to change the narrative and secure a greater future for them.The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath to new students enrolled in NCE, Bachelor Degree, and Postgraduate Degree programs in Education.The event marked a significant milestone for the students, who are expected to benefit from the institute’s programs designed to equip them with necessary skills for national growth and development.

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C’River, NIGCOMSAT Train 200 Youths on VSAT

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By Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State Government and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) through collaboration is training about 200 youths drawn across the 18 local government areas of the StateIn his remarks at the training workshop in ASUU building, University of Calabar, the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Science, technology and Innovation Dr.

Justin Beshel, emphasized that the training of these youths on VSAT technology will advance technological development and create employment for the 200 youthsHe stressed that Cross River is shifting from being the civil service State to a digitally incline State, taking advantage in the demands in the global Space of technology, stating that the 200 youths were drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state through online registrationAccording to Beshel, “These youths are meant to be trained on Very Small Aperture Terminal(VSAT) and also in space technology”.
He stressed further that there is a high demand of labour in this sector and the state is trying to catch- in to create the man power that is needed internationally, maintaining that partnering with NIGCOMSAT, “the youths are brought to be empowered through innovation in satellite technologyIn her opening address, the Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton- Idehen who spoke in the event through the programme Coordinator, Maureen Neekwe said the program in cross river is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young minds with cutting – edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communicationShe emphasized that the program is designed to foster innovation, enhance technical skills, while creating opportunities for youths in the ever- evolving space – tech industryNeekwe maintained that participants in the workshop will gain practical experience in setting up and configuring VSAT systems.

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