News
Another Agip Oil Spill Hits Kalaba Community
Another oil spillage has been reported in Kalaba, a riverine community in Okordia clan, of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This is the second time in this year the community will be witnessing serious oil pollution in their environment, the first one happened around January.
The leaking pipes which belong to Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) occurred at Anukudaba swam has further improvised the mainly farm and fishing community which had been suffering oil spillage at random in the fast five years.
Conducting news men and officials of Environment Rights/Friends of Earth, a non-governmental group, round the polluted sites, the Community’s Development Chairman, Mr. Roman Orukari, said the incident was noticed by some fishermen and reported to the community.
Consequently, the report was communicated to officials of NAOC, but for the first three days, the spillage occurred, none of the officials of the company has visited the site.
He claimed that because of the rising level of water as a result of the raining season, the spillage is fast extending to other areas, saying that already, the community has suffered great loss in their fishing prowess and the food crops have been affected adversly.
The Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Idoniboye Awalia, said since the laying of pipelines by Agip, the community has suffered over 30 spillages, calling on government and other relevant authorities to compel the Italian Oil giant to do something about it.
Chief Nwalia, however expressed gratitude to officials of ERA for bringing their sufferings to limelight, saying that without their frequent reports about the hazards confronting the community would have been worst as government doesn’t know the atrocity of the oil companies exploiting crude oil in the area.
Speaking to journalists later, the ERA representative in Bayelsa, Mr. Morris Alagoa said although the information of fresh spill in Kalaba community environment didn’t come to ERA as an entirely strange phenomenon, ERA was surprised that the current spill points were up to five.
Although the ERA’s team confirmed four points, after visiting three of the spill sites along the pipeline, a fourth one was heard further away with a high pitch sound, in the direction toward the Agip Taylor Creek Well 1 and further away from the community.
“While the third spill point was from the side of an exposed 6 inches pipe on the ground and spraying crude oil seriously into the air], the first two points were spewing crude oil from areas submerged in water; swampy sections of the pipeline owing to the rains,” it was learnt.
“Thick crude oil slick has spread in the surrounding swamps. Due to the swampy nature of the environment [water everywhere], it was not easy to see the entire area covered by the crude oil or make an estimate as per spread. But it was obvious that the volume of crude oil spewed is high, even as it continued as the ERA team was leaving.
Another observation was the fact that the impact on trees, shrubs and other plants around the spill sites is grave as they display wilting leaves and different stages of dying off.
Even the birds on tree tops are not spared as the escaping crude oil in gaseous form comes with a characteristic sound and rises far above the trees and spread all around the environment; presenting a kind of misty scenario that impedes visibility.
“This may influence forced migration of birds or death of young ones and abandonment of eggs in nest; besides affecting the respiratory tract of indigenes who inhale same. And, for sure,
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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