NEWS
Navy Rehabilitates Solar-powered Water Project in Bayelsa

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Diebu Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa, on Wednesday was thrown into celebration, following the inauguration of rehabilitated solar-powered industrial borehole and 700,000 litres capacity overhead tank.The water project was carried out by the Nigerian Navy in their community by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla’s Quick Impact Project Scheme.
The inauguration ceremony was a joyful event in the community, as it attracted chiefs, men, women, youths and children, who were present to witness the unveiling of the water project conducted by Central Naval Command (CNC)Inaugurating the project, Rear Admiral Diepreye Matthew, Facilitator of the Project, an indigene of the community, said it is part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Navy for its host communities. Matthew, who disclosed that similar projects were done for other host communities across the country, explained that the achievement is based on the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.According to him: “Today, we commissioned the solar powered industrial borehole and 70,000 liters capacity overhead tank under the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E.I. Ogalla’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project.”This milestone marks a significant nexus between the Nigerian Navy and the good people of Diebu community in Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa State.”The Chief of the Naval Staff Quick Impact Project is a Nigerian Navy Civil-Military Cooperation initiative aimed at contributing to national development and security.”The Nigerian Navy values the cooperation and goodwill it receives from communities across the nation, particularly here in Bayelsa State.”Many of your sons have contributed greatly to the Navy and the nation. In recognition of this, the Navy has taken deliberate steps to give back through corporate social responsibility.”This water project aligns with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s vision of fostering security and development, emphasizing strong relationships with the civilian populace.”It is pertinent to state that the project which consists of a Power Station, 700,000 liters capacity overhead tank, 4 main points and six single tap heads are all within the community,” he said.In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, said traditionally, and globally, Civil Military Cooperation encompasses those activities and interactions between the military and civil society towards the accomplishment of missions and military strategic objectives.Represented by Rear Admiral Ahmed Gaya, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa.The CNS said that they launched the Special Quick Intervention Project in 2024 to facilitate the attainment of the re-invigorated Nigerian Navy’s Civil Military Cooperations’ mandate and to contribute to ongoing Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.He said: “These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honor its accomplished senior officers and an indication that beyond physically securing lives and properties, we are committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other means.”The Special Intervention Quick Impact Project undertaken by an illustrious son of Diebu, Rear Admiral Diepreye Franklin Matthew is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy civil-military cooperation annals,” he said.In his remarks, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa commended the Nigerian Navy for carrying out the water project for the sake of the people of Diebu.Represented by Brig. Gen. Eric Angaye (rtd) the Coordinator Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps, he said, that the project carried out the Navy has equally been carried out by the Nigerian Army, Kolokuma/Opokuna LGA and Nembe amongst others places.He urged the people to make good use of the facility and protect it from those that will come to vandalize it, for their own benefit in the future.On his part Hon. Target Sekibo, Chairman Southern Ijaw LGA, commended the Nigerian Navy for choosing Diebu community for the water project.According to him: ” this is my first time seeing such. I never knew that the Nigerian Navy can go this far to construct this massive project in this community.NEWS
NBA Slams Ibom Air over Passenger’s Undignified Treatment

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the treatment of Ms Comfort Emmanson aboard Ibom Air, describing it as reckless, unlawful and a grave violation of her right to dignity.This is contained in a statement signed by the NBA President, Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN) and the General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara.
Report says that on Aug. 10, an incident occurred aboard an Ibom Air flight involving Emmanson. NBA described the manner in which Emmanson was removed from the aircraft as dehumanising.NBA noted that video footage showed an Ibom Air hostess blocking Emmanson’s exit from the plane.The association noted that the conduct could constitute false imprisonment and provocation, potentially escalating the situation.NBA expressed outrage over allegations that Emmanson was publicly stripped of her clothing, humiliated, filmed and had the footage circulated online.The association viewed the photographing, dissemination and online circulation of indecent images of her as both degrading and a serious invasion of privacy, constituting a criminal act.“Even if the incident had to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited in a way that did not expose her nudity to the public,” NBA said.The association stressed that those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted.They warned that such acts erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect.NBA considered the lifetime ban on Emmanson from flying Ibom Air or any other, as heavy-handed, legally and morally indefensible, and in breach of the principle of fair hearing.The association argued that only the relevant statutory regulator had the authority to suspend or restrict a passenger’s flying privileges, not private entities or airlines.The NBA demanded that Ibom Air lift the lifetime ban on Emmanson and issue a public apology.NBA urged the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and sanction those responsible.The association pledged to provide Emmanson with pro bono legal support to protect her rights and seek redress for the violations she suffered. (NAN)NEWS
NLC Urges Crude Sales to Dangote in Naira

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State chapter, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise selling crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira. Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sesi, made the appeal during a Tuesday tour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Ltd.
by Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) members and NLC officials. Sesi said compelling the refinery to import crude or buy locally in dollars undermined the promise of reduced fuel prices for Nigerians. “This country has crude oil in abundance. Why is Dangote still importing crude or paying in hard currency for locally produced crude?” she asked. “If the government truly wants to lower fuel prices and support local refining, it must sell crude oil to Dangote in Naira,” she added. According to her, sourcing crude locally in local currency would significantly reduce operational costs and lead to a sustainable drop in fuel prices. The union leader praised Dangote Ltd. for creating a transformative national asset that helps bridge Nigeria’s fuel supply gap, creates jobs, and boosts industrial capacity. She said the scale and strategic importance of Dangote Group’s investments were already delivering measurable benefits to Nigerians. “Today, we have seen the refinery, the fertiliser plant, and other investments in this axis. The size and impact are enormous and impressive,” she said. She described the projects as clear efforts to improve essential product availability, create jobs, and advance Nigeria’s industrialisation. Following the removal of petrol subsidies, Nigerians faced a sharp rise in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) costs. She said Dangote’s refinery entry helped stabilise prices. Sesi noted that Dangote’s operations had significantly lowered PMS and other refined product prices, demonstrating private sector leadership in the industry. “With a 650,000-barrel daily capacity, this refinery can serve Nigeria and West Africa. We also saw large vessels exporting fertilisers to other countries,” she said. She praised Aliko Dangote for building a fully operational, world-class refinery that meets domestic and regional refined petroleum needs. Sesi also commended the production of Euro-5-compliant fuel with reduced sulphur content, aligning with global environmental standards and enhancing Nigeria’s market reputation. “This is the pride we want — a Nigerian company producing at global standards, changing the narrative, and boosting our global standing,” she said. She also lauded Dangote Fertiliser Company, which already exports to international markets, urging government support to improve food security and reduce imported agricultural inputs. Dangote Industries Vice President, Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, said the refinery was addressing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products. He said it was setting a foundation for a sustainable, competitive refining industry that would benefit the national economy. Edwin revealed plans to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to distribute refined petroleum products nationwide. He said the CNG trucks would ensure domestic refining benefits and lower fuel prices are fully passed to Nigerian consumers. According to him, the CNG fleet would reduce logistics costs — a major contributor to pump prices. “The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks will help pass down domestic refining benefits and lower product prices to consumers,” he said. He clarified the aim was to improve distribution efficiency, not displace existing operators. Edwin added that CNG trucks are environmentally friendlier and cheaper to run, helping to make refined products more affordable nationwide. (NAN)Foreign News
Gaza: UNESCO Condemns ‘Unacceptable’ Killing of Journalists

The United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has strongly condemned the killing of six journalists in Palestine by an Israeli drone on Sunday.UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.“I condemn the killing of journalists Anas Al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Al-Khaldi and call for a thorough and transparent investigation, she said.
Five of the six worked for the influential Qatari-based media organisation, Al Jazeera. Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh were on-air correspondents, while Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa worked as camera operators.Mohammed Al-Khaldi was a freelance photojournalist.They were reportedly killed by an Israeli attack on a tent used by media personnel at the entrance of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) alleged that the 28-year-old al-Sharif was a serving Hamas operative.Al Jazeera strongly denies this, describing the attack as an “assassination” and “yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom.”The UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert on freedom of expression had on July 31 denounced an Israeli military spokesperson’s “repeated threats” and “unfounded accusations” against Al-Sharif.The council had described the allegation as “a blatant attempt to endanger his life and silence his reporting” in Gaza.Two Special Rapporteurs on Tuesday described the killings as “an attempt to silence reporting on the ongoing genocide and starvation campaign” in Gaza.“It is outrageous that the Israeli army dares to first launch a campaign to smear Anas Al-Sharif as Hamas in order to discredit his reporting and then kill him and his colleagues for speaking the truth to the world,” they said.The experts demanded an immediate investigation into the killings and full access to international media, which Israel currently bars from entering Gaza.Special rapporteurs and other independent experts are appointed by and report regularly to the Human Rights Council.They work in their individual capacity, are not UN staff and receive no payment for their work.UNESCO chief Azoulay stressed that targeting journalists reporting on conflicts is unacceptable and violates international law.She also reiterated her call to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2222, which was unanimously adopted in 2015 to protect journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel in conflict situations.UNESCO reports that since Oct. 2023, at least 62 journalists and media workers have been killed in the line of duty in Palestine.This excludes deaths in circumstances unrelated to their work, while OHCHR reports that at least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the same time frame. (NAN)