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Niger Delta: Ex-militant Groups Defend NNPC GMD, Reject Proposed Plan Protest, Pass Vote Of Confidence on GMD

Published

5 years ago

November 29, 2021

By Our Correspondent

Niger Delta Ex-Militant leaders from the Nine States in the region have unanimously countered and faulted the threat made by a Niger Delta Youth group, Niger Delta Youths Council headed by Jato Abido to embark on a mass action Protest against the GMD NNPC, Engr Mele Kyari and the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) if they fail to include more states of the region in the N621billion road rehabilitation plan.

The Niger Delta Youth Council group had announced that it is mobilising its members to occupy the National Assembly complex and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) headquarters in Abuja within the next 48hrs or thereabout.

According to the group, it will carry out the action until the decision of the federal government to exclude the Niger Delta in its plan to reconstruct more roads in the region is rescinded.

But the Ex-Militant leaders with the Peace Advocate Groups under the aegis of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard (NDAYV), the Niger Delta Advocate for Peace and Good Governance (NDAPGG) and the Coalition of Concerned Ex-Agitators for President Muhammadu Buhari Support Group (CCEPMB), in a joint statement, arising from an emergency meeting held in Warri Delta State described the threat of mass action protest plan to occupy the NNPC TOWER as Misplaced, Outrageous, myopic, diminishing and a decision that could incite violence in the Federal Capital Territory and the Niger Delta states if not properly handled.

The Coalition of Ex Militants Leaders and the Peace Advocate Groups led by the National Convener, GEN, FIAWEI PATHFINDER, (NDAYV), GEN KOROYE ADOKEME, (NDAPGG) and GEN JERRY, AKA KING OF THE BOYS (CCEPMB), stated that they will not fold their hands and allow some group of persons, allegedly sponsored by a group of corrupt minded politicians from the opposition party PDP in the region to cause tension and violence that will destroy the improved oil and gas sector of the nation’s economy that is been build by the Group Managing Director NNPC, Engr Mele Kyari “Neither will they accept such threats from non-existing groups to ferment crisis in the region wish could impede the existing relative peace in the Niger Delta, It may lead to destruction of oil exploitation activities in the Niger Delta if they decided to follow these fictitious groups.”

“However, we condemned in totality the purported threat suspected to be sponsored by some corrupt minded politicians in the opposition party PDP from the region who are trying every means to ferment trouble and to incite crisis in the region to give a bad light to the President Muhammadu Buhari led APC federal government. We call on such vicious groups to desist and retrace their footsteps from the proposed plan to protest and block the NNPC TOWER gate in Abuja . We believe the protest is sponsored and targeted to blackmail and rubbish the good image of the GMD NNPC Engr. Mele Kyari and calling for the resignation of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva in other to malign the duo in bad light before the general public and the presidency”.

“Therefore to this end, the three groups from the Niger Delta region made up of Ex Militants and stakeholders from the Oil producing communities cut across the nine states of the Niger Delta call on the law enforcement agencies, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of Directorate of State Security Services DSS and Security agencies to put drastic measures not to allow such nefarious and illegal activities to take place in the capital territory of Abuja and we urge the security agencies to be at red alert and on our side as a law abiding groups who are core believers in support of President Muhammadu Buhari and also in support of the laudable job of the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari is doing to transform the nation oil sector, will not fold our hands or close our eyes and allow such miscreants to carry out the purportedly sponsored plan protest in Abuja”

Also, the coalition also commended the GMD NNPC Engr. Mele Kyari and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva on their performance in the oil and gas sector of the economy in the last two years.

“The controversy trailing the approval and the announcement of N621 billion naira from the NNPC to take over the rehabilitation and reconstruction of some major federal roads across the thirty six states of the country at Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja some weeks ago for wish some Niger Delta states were not captured in the list but one or two oil producing states were included in the above list and with reliable information before us, more Niger Delta oil producing states in the south south will be included in the next phase and the management of NNPC under the amiable dynamic transparent Leadership of the Group Managing Director Of Nigerian National Petroleum Co-orperation, Engr Mele K Kyari, arrangement is ongoing as we speak.

“And to put the record straight before the general public to draw the attention of the so called self-acclaimed one man show Organization called Niger Delta Youth Council led by One Jato Abido, the GMD Of NNPC in the person of Engr. Mele K Kyari has worked hard tirelessly to reposition the Nation oil and gas sector with sleepless nights to galvanize and transformed the oil industry transparently without any corrupt practice with his five point agenda of TAPE ( Transparency, Accountability, Profitability and Excellence) service delivery, when he came onboard as a core technocrat with humble background, very Resourceful, Innovative, Transparent, Incorruptible and Unblemished with exemplary leadership qualities, the GMD NNPC had attracted more robust multi billion dollar gigantic Infrastructural Developmental projects in the creek of Niger Delta region since he was graciously appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the 19th GMD NNPC.

“And for avoidance of doubt, the Group Managing Director NNPC did everything humanly possible to deploy all available Resources within his reach to engage the 9th National Assembly with the presidency to make sure the Petroleum Industry Bill PIB, Now PIA, was passed by this 9th National Assembly on the 1st of July this year 2021, this is one major Important Achievement to the feathers of this present GMD Of NNPC, just within two years in office, and this is one of the most important bill that has been delayed for over 20years in the hands of previous GMDs who served under the maladministration of 16 miserable years of PDP.

“And it is also on record that the GMD NNPC have used his good office to liaise with the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva to make sure the Brass Fertilizer And Petro – Chemical Company project for methanol plant was approved, a project that was initiated by the GMD of NNPC that will employ over 3,000 youths in the deep creeks of Bayelsa state, And also with the frantic efforts of the GMD NNPC, Engr Mele Kyari who threw his full weight behind the approval of the establishment of Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited, BPPT, was approved with the sum of over N10, billion naira project that will be sighted in Bayelsa state at Okpoama Community, which is the Honourable Minister Of Petroleum state home town under Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, which of course will employ over 5,000 youths in the creeks of Niger Delta region”

“We are also aware of the major critical role the GMD NNPC Engr Mele K Kyari played so far that led to the approval and the groundbreaking of the train 7 NLNG Bonny project that amounted over 10, billion dollars that will create direct job employment of Bonny and Niger Delta youths of over 12, 000 from Bayelsa and Rivers State precisely , this too was equally initiated and made possible by the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari himself, and by the special grace of God, the approval and construction of OLOIBRI MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER, in Ogbia Local Govt Area of Bayelsa state was also initiated and given approval due to the full weight put together by the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari in collaboration with the Nigerian content Development And Monitoring Board headed by the Executive Secretary Engr Simbi Wabote.”

“This is one very significant project that is so dear to the people of Bayelsa state and Niger Deltans at large due to the fact that OLOIBRI was the first place crude oil was first discovered in large commercial quantity in 1958 and since then, the Community was abandoned and rejected by previous Administrations and previous GMD’s of NNPC for over 64 years without given any attention but as we speak, this laudable project was made possible by the magnanimity of the GMD NNPC who has passion for the Development of the Niger Delta region.

“Therefore, to this end, the Leadership of Niger Delta APC YOUTH VANGUARD,led by GEN FIAWEI PATHFINDER, who is the convener, With The Niger Delta Advocate For Peace And Good Governance Group, led by GEN KOROYE ADOKEME, And the Coalition of Ex Militants Support Group For President Muhammadu Buhari ably led by GEN JERRY, AKA KING OF THE BOYS and others unanimously pass a vote of confidence on the superlative Leadership qualities exhibited by the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari in the last two years.

He has transformed and repositioned the NNPC OPERATIONS to a profit-making Organization with 287. 7 Billion Naira profit margin recorded so far in the year 2020 audit report for the first time in the history of the establishment of the NNPC for over 40 years in existence, this has placed the nation oil sector to an enviable height in accordance with global best practices.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

14 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

14 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”