News
Clean-Up Ogoni Pollution, Group Urges SPDC
A non-governmental organisation under the aegis of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has urged Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to restore and remediate oil-polluted areas in Ogoniland caused by exploration and production activities before divesting its onshore assets.
The group gave the advice in a press briefing organized by Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, We the People, and People’s Advancement Centre in Port Harcourt.
The Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Mr Chima Williams, accused Shell of launching a major divestment plan of its Nigerian assets in May, 2021, following the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben van Beurden’s announcement.
He said that sequel to this; the company no longer viewed activities in the Niger Delta region as core to its ongoing business strategy.
Williams explained that the real reasons behind Shell’s decision to divest were because of the decaying facilities of the company, which have led to constant spillages and the realization that it was no longer business as usual as victims use legal means to fight them.
He urged SPDC to clean-up their mess, provide relief to their victims before divesting, and warned that the would-be investors would buy assets and liabilities of Shell, if the pollution was not cleaned-up in Ogoniland.
“As it is, because the baggage to be left behind is huge that our local investors may not be able to carry even while serving the caveat emptor (buyer beware) as he who buys assets also buys the liabilities.
“We call on would-be investors in the Shell divestment plans to be prepared to tackle first, the environmental problems left behind by Shell before beginning any form of operation,” he warned.
Similarly, the Executive Director, People’s Advancement Centre, Mr Celestine Akpobari, said that the proposed resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) through Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would be insensitive without the proper clean-up and compensation of Ogoni people by Shell.
Akpobari called on Federal Government to fully comply with the recommendations of the UNEP report on Ogoniland before resumption of oil extraction to alleviate the suffering of Ogoni people.
In his speech, the Executive Director, We the People, Mr Ken Henshaw, urged Federal Government to invest in clean energy, protection of the environment, implementation and protection of human rights in the country.
Henshaw stated that the group was against placing responsibility for the protection of pipeline and other oil infrastructures on host communities in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He said that oil host communities have no arms or facilities to guard pipeline areas, urging government to thoroughly investigate sabotage incidents before compelling host communities to forfeit their entitlements due to damages that may result from oil theft.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol