Niger Delta
A’lbom Assembly Passes ‘Hire Of Indigenes’ Bill
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a bill which will ensure that companies doing business in the state hire at least 10 per cent of their senior workers and 70 per cent of junior workers from among the indigenes of the state.
Companies that will be affected are those that have at least 20 employees and more.
“Where the quota for youths/indigenes of the state is not filled on account of non-availability of qualified indigenes of the state, the company shall ensure that a reasonable effort is made within two years to supply such training locally or elsewhere to the indigenes of the state, in a joint venture with the commissioner so that after the training, the beneficiaries could be absorbed by the said company,” says the bill which was passed on Thursday.
It was sponsored by member representing Ikono State Constituency, Victor Udofia, and seven others.
The bill, when signed into law, will empower the state government to carry out personnel audit in private firms to ensure compliance. It prescribes fines for non-compliance.
It also states that compliance shall be a major criterion for contract award and issuance of license and permit by the state government.
Akwa Ibom is home to Mobil Producing Nigeria, a subsidiary of the American oil giant, ExxonMobil, as well as several oil-related companies doing businesses in the state.
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The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Police and other security agencies to beef up security in and around Letugbene and Ogbotubo Communities of Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state to prevent the destruction of lives and property.
Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the directive during recently at a meeting held with the leaders of both communities and top government functionaries in his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the directive has become imperative in view of renewed skirmishes between the two neighbouring communities following a boundary dispute over the ownership of a piece of land where the Renaissance Africa Energy Company (formerly SHELL) had sited a project.
While calling on the people of Ogbotubo and Letugbene communities to maintain their long-standing cordial relationship over the years, the Deputy Governor stressed the need for communities not to allow oil companies to divide them to cause intra and inter-communal crises.
He warned that government would hold the leadership of both communities, including the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairmen and Youth Presidents responsible, in the event of any further violent attacks in the area.
Setting up an eleven-man committee to look into the boundary dispute, the Deputy Governor further urged the representatives of Letugbene and Ogbotubo communities to make their claims, including previous court judgements and agreements, available to the committee without any delay.
The Committee, which has one month to conclude its assignment, is Chaired by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Perepuighe Biewari.
The Secretary to the State Boundary Committee is to serve as Secretary, while the Commissioner for Special Duties, Bayelsa West, Chief Michael Magbisa, the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac, and the state Surveyor General, Margaret Geku, are members.
Other members include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Akpoebi Agberebi (Rtd); Chairman of Alabeni Rural Development Authority, Mr. Eddy Brayei; Technical Adviser on Boundary Matters, Chief Vote Salem; his Special Duties counterpart, Mr. Tonworimi Embiowei; and one nominee each from the offices of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Police.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to curb rising drug abuse among youths in Edo State.
The collaboration was unveiled on Wednesday at the 2025 Adolescent Lifestyle Programme in Benin, organised by the NNPC, with the theme: “Empowered Choices, Safer Futures: Guiding Adolescents to Healthy Living.”
The event brought together adolescents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders to address the risks associated with substance abuse.
It also aims to equip youths with the knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Addressing participants, Commander of the NDLEA in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said adolescents remained highly vulnerable to drug use, peer pressure, and online influences that could derail their future.
“We are excited about this collaboration with NNPC, which underscores our shared commitment to nurturing a healthier, drug-free generation.
“Adolescents are exposed to risk factors both online and offline; as a result, programmes like these are vital in providing them with the support and resources they need to navigate the complexities of life,” Ofoyeju said.
The NDLEA boss highlighted the psychological and societal consequences of drug use, stressing the need for young people to embrace resilience, peer support, and empowered decision-making as safeguards against substance abuse.
In his address, the NNPC Manager of Operations, Dr Okanta Emefiele, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to youth development.
He stressed that investing in adolescents’ health and empowerment was vital to building a safer and stronger society.
The programme also featured workshops led by health, sexuality, and online safety experts.
Similarly, a session on migration and human trafficking was delivered by Mr Sam Offiah, Benin Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
Interactive group sessions gave participants the chance to share experiences and learn practical ways of resisting drug-related temptations.
The Rivers State Government says the ongoing efforts to revive the government-owned media houses in the State are geared towards making the government a formidable information outlet for the citizenry.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, gave the explanation while receiving the Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, South South (Zone F) on Wednesday in his office.
Sirawoo said the government-owned media organisations have the resources and manpower to inform, educate and enlighten the populace, hence the current efforts to revamp them.
“We believe that our information officers are able to generate information to inform the outside world what is happening in Rivers,” he said.
He also explained that reviving the media houses would also generate revenue for the ministry, noting that online publication is now a better way of attracting public patronage and generating revenue.
He described the NUJ Zone F Conference as a welcome development, as he pledged the State Government’s support to the confab being held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He reminded the NUJ to always play the watchdog role by ensuring that public are properly informed and enlightened.
According to him, professionalism remains one path way to build integrity and earn the respect of the public.
Earlier, the Vice President of Zone F, NUJ, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, had told the Permanent Secretary that the zonal meeting was aimed at appraising operations of the NUJ in the Niger Delta and chart a new course for the profession.
He commended the Permanent Secretary for the efforts being made to revive the government-owned media houses.
“We want to say, indeed, that the government has actually tried in its efforts. We thank the Sole Administrator for handling the situation the way he has done so far,” Dokubo said.
He also commended the cordial relationship journalists have enjoyed with the current administration in the State.
Kevin Nengia