From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Yenagoa Division of the Federal High Court yesterday adjourned a suit challenging the divestment by Shell UK PLC from onshore and shallow water assets hitherto operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to Oct 22.When the case came up for hearing, counsel to the plaintiff, Dakolo, Chuks Uhuru informed the court which had at the last sitting, granted order for substituted service for some respondents that all parties have been served the court summons.

He explained that proof of service of summons on Shell UK PLC, the parent company to SPDC have been filed to the court registry.He explained that the defendants were still within the time frame to file a response to the suit.The trial judge, Justice Ayo Emmanuel adjourned the case until Oct. 22.The plaintiff alleged that the divestment by Shell did not follow the stipulated guidelines in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.The suit filed by King Bubaraye Dakolo, traditional ruler of Ekpetiama in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa is also seeking redress and remediation of cumulative pollution of his domain for 40 years.Ekpetiama community is in the neighbourhood and part of host communities to the Gbarain-Ubie gas plant and Gbarain oilfields.Listed as defendants in the suit No. FHC/YNG/CS/81/2025, are Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Shell Petroleum N.V, Shell UK PLC.Others are Attorney General of the Federation, The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Renaissance Energy Africa Ltd.It will be recalled that Renaissance Energy Africa, a consortium of indigenous oil firms on March 2025 acquired the onshore and shallow waters oil and gas assets hitherto operated by SPDC, following the divestments by Shell UK PLC, the parent company to SPDC.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

In order to improve on healthcare access in Nigeria, stakeholders in the health sector on Tuesday urged the three tiers of Governments in the country to create more awareness on self-care.Self-care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease, and to cope with illness – with or without the support of a health or care worker.

Self-care interventions can include medicines, devices, diagnostics and digital tools.This was stated at a one-day virtual meeting on self-care awareness building workshop for media professionals, organized by the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, with support from Federal Ministry of Health and Global Self-Care Trailblazer Group (SCTG) in Abuja.Among those who spoke at the workshop included Dr. Nana Chidi Emmanuel, the Chairperson, Board of Trustees, White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, in her opening speech emphasized the keyrole the media plays in creating awareness on how important self-care is.She said now is the time to make Nigerians understand what self-care is all about.She added that with the challenges in the nation’s health care sector, it is imperative to create awareness on self-care.She said, “I am delighted to see such engagement from our media partners in this crucial area of Self-Care for Sexual, Reproductive & Maternal Health.”Today’s theme, “Media as a Catalyst for Advancing Self-Care for Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal Health in Nigeria,” highlights the key role you play in shaping public understanding and behaviour, especially around Self-Care intervention. Your reporting has the power to transform how Nigerians approach and understand Self-Care, particularly in the areas of sexual, reproductive, and maternal Health.”Self-care represents a fundamental shift in how we approach healthcare delivery – empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take greater control of their health. In a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, with ongoing challenges in healthcare access, self-care interventions offer practical, cost-effective solutions that can significantly improve health outcomes”.Madu Ezioma Patience, a Deputy Director Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in her presentation said self-care in sexual, reproductive and maternal health empowers individuals to take charge of their wellbeing .She said, “This includes accessing contraceptives seeking prenatal care, understanding reproductive rights and making informed decisions about maternal health.”In Nigeria where culture, economic and geography barriers often limit access to healthcare, self-care is a change. It bridges the gaps, fosters autonomy and promotes healthier communities”.In his presentation, George Kapiyo said with WHO projection of over 10 million health workers shortfall by 2030, it is imperative to create awareness on self-care.He said, “Self-care would address access gaps in health services especially among low resources settings, it will support health equity and autonomy especially for marginalized populations, it will reduce burdens on over stretched health systems and facilities.”Addressing shortages in the health workforce, enhances autonomy and health literacy among individuals. It is cost saving for the health system and government, and it reduces out of pocket cost and time burden for individual”.Director and Head RH Division, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH &SW), Dr. Samuel Oyeniyi in his presentation said self-care will be an adjunct to, rather than a replacement for direct interaction with the health system.He continued, “Self-care shall not be a cost-shifting mechanism from the Government or existing health care financing structure to clients.It shall be safe, effective, and able to reach individuals who may not be able to access health services”.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama has disclosed that by formalising Commodities and Warehouse receipts the capital market can unlock $500 billion in dormant agricultural and mineral assets.Agama, who stated this at a national workshop of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja Tuesday, said the move would transform them into tradable securities.

According to him, that would help the economy diversify from the oil and gas industry, and create wealth for the country. Agama explained that the Investments and Securities Act 2025 has empowered the SEC to take decisive actions to promote the sector.“The Act sharpens the SEC’s regulatory focus, ensuring it operates with the precision and authority required to steward a rapidly expanding market”, he stated.He added: “Today, I speak not just about the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as a legislative milestone, but as a strategic blueprint to propel Nigeria into the league of top global economies.“This Act is not merely an update—it is a revolution. It dismantles legacy constraints, embeds global best practices, and positions our market as the engine room for national prosperity. The question before us is no longer if Nigeria can achieve a $1 trillion economy, but how soon—and the capital market, under this new Act, will be the accelerant”.The SEC DG stressed that the Commission “now has explicit powers to shut down Ponzi schemes and prosecute offenders—ending the era of “get-rich-quick” scams that erode market confidence.“Investors are now covered for losses from revoked dealer licenses—a long-awaited safeguard that will boost participation. Trust is the currency of our capital markets. Without it, liquidity dries up”.