News
PANDEF Applauds Oil Sector Reforms, Eyesan’s Appointment, Calls for Greater Niger Delta Inclusion
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja – The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has welcomed recent reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory sector, describing them as reassuring steps capable of repositioning the industry for efficiency, growth, and global relevance.
This was contained in a press conference that was jointly signed by Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF, and Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Publicity Secretary.
PANDEF said the developments were received across the Niger Delta “with great appreciation and expectation,” noting that the reforms signal renewed seriousness in sector governance.
The group particularly praised the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), describing the move as “putting a square peg in a square hole.” PANDEF thanked Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the decision.
According to PANDEF, Mrs. Eyesan’s track record as a seasoned economist and her previous role as Executive Vice President (Upstream) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reflect diligence, excellence, and professionalism. The group noted that her career has consistently left “a mark of impact” while also serving as a source of pride to Nigerian women.
PANDEF further expressed confidence that the combined leadership of Mrs. Eyesan and Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, recently appointed as CEO of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, would place the oil and gas sector on what it described as “a quantum leap into the future.”
While commending the reforms, PANDEF urged the Federal Government to sustain them, stressing that consistent implementation is essential if the sector is to continue playing its “paramount role” in Nigeria’s economy and secure the country’s position within the global energy architecture.
The forum also called for broader inclusion of Niger Delta professionals in top industry positions, stating that the region hosts “the highest number of experienced professionals in the sector.” PANDEF expressed hope that more sons and daughters of the Niger Delta would be considered for leadership roles within NNPC and across the industry.
On environmental concerns, the group renewed its call for comprehensive remediation of oil-impacted communities. PANDEF stressed that government intervention “must go beyond the Ogoni clean-up,” advocating for annual budgetary provisions to address environmental degradation across the entire Niger Delta.
The forum also revisited its long-standing call for the promotion of modular refineries in the region, reminding the Federal Government of its 2018 commitment to establish a Modular Refinery Development Fund. According to PANDEF, reviving the initiative would help deepen host community participation under the Petroleum Industry Act, stimulate local economies, and enhance sector stability.
Concluding the briefing, PANDEF reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with federal and state governments to mobilise host communities and ensure a conducive environment for the oil and gas sector to thrive.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.