The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Emergency Rule: NBA leadership not fighting enough for our democracy — Centre claims

    Emergency Rule: NBA leadership not fighting enough for our democracy — Centre claims

    The Centre for Constitutional Watch (CCW) has criticised the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for what it called a “muted, convenient reaction” to the emergency rule in Rivers State.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Hassan Bello, and issued on Saturday, the group faulted the NBA’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, saying the move fell short of the bold stance expected from the legal body.

    “The relocation is not a strong enough statement against the illegal and shameful occupation of power in Rivers,” the CCW said.

    The group added that Nigerians had hoped the NBA would spearhead a national resistance to what it described as “the creeping military democracy that is slowly strangling our Constitution.”

    “You cannot applaud a doctor who simply walks away from a dying patient. By merely relocating their conference, the NBA is walking away from the heart of the crisis. Nigerians expected more. They expected resistance. They expected outrage,” Kura stated.

    Read Also: Women march in Rivers, demand reversal of emergency rule

    “Rivers State is under siege. The courts are silent. The constitution is being desecrated in broad daylight. Yet, the supposed custodians of the law are making travel plans instead of leading the charge for justice.”

    The CCW demanded more tangible action from the NBA, including the declaration of a one-month boycott of all courts in Nigeria to signal zero tolerance for the “unconstitutional sole administrator model”.

    “This is not the time for cautious statements. The NBA should be declaring a national legal crisis. Their silence in the face of tyranny amounts to complicity,” the statement added.

    “You do not fight dictatorship by changing venue. You fight dictatorship by taking the fight to the courtrooms, the streets, and the national conscience.

    “If lawyers retreat from a constitutional battle, who then will stand for Nigeria’s democracy?

    “The sole administrator is an aberration. The NBA must pursue this matter to the Supreme Court and lead public interest litigation that nullifies this political atrocity.”

    The CCW called on well-meaning civil society organisations, student groups, and professional bodies to demand more from the NBA, insisting that the rule of law cannot survive if those entrusted with its defence choose convenience over courage.

  • Akwa Ibom strengthens ties with UN for economic diversification

    Akwa Ibom strengthens ties with UN for economic diversification

    With the current challenges rocking oil production globally, the United Nations and Akwa Ibom State Government are collaborating on programmes to help diversify the State’s economy through tourism and deployment of technology in various sectors.

    This formed the focus of discussions at the meeting between Governor oUmo Eno and United Nations Assistant Secretary- General (UNDP),  Ahunna Eziakonwa on the flanks of the ongoing Exco retreat in Lagos. 

    The UN Envoy commended the state of developments in the State, noting, “Akwa Ibom State remains the favourite for many. 

    “You are leading well, especially in putting the resources of the State in investments that generate income. 

    “I came to Lagos on Ibom Air. They are doing well and their services are good.”

    She spoke of the global price fluctuations in the petroleum industry, maintaining that the situation warrants a new mindset on how to diversify the economy and look beyond oil. 

    She said her organisation is committed to assisting the state through accelerated development models, especially for those at the bottom. 

    This, she said, was in the area of technology, digitization and technology adoption to conquer the low standards of education, food security and more.

    “There is a technology that deploys drones for irrigation and other technologies to support farmers, the private sector cannot do it by itself hence the need for government to invest in technology infrastructure”, she said. 

    Eno congratulated her for being the first Nigerian to attain the position of the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General ( UNDP) and thanked her for the emerging partnership and collaboration between her organization and Akwa Ibom State. 

    The Governor said that the meeting was an indication that the earlier visit to the State by Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria, was yielding positive results. 

    He was excited that the UNDP is now focusing on sub-nationals in its quest for economic development. 

    He informed her that his economic blueprint, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda, aims to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), globally- driven and supported by the UN. 

    “For Akwa Ibom State, the SDGs can only be attained in a sustainable and durable manner through the diversification of the local economy.

    “We welcome the food security technology to enable us feed our people well,” Eno added. 

    He said Akwa Ibom is well positioned by virtue of its rich natural resources, peaceful nature, and a viable airline to take advantage of UNDP’s collaboration.

    He said the State is organising tourism, power and corporate submits later in the year to fine-tune ways of harnessing the potentials that abound.

    “We are prepared for a future without oil, that’s why we are investing in real estate business. 

    “We are building a high-rise tower and other estates as well as turning our moribund assets to commercial value.”

    He welcomed UNDP’s decision to support the State in tourism, economic transformation and other technical assistance which would ultimately lead to the socio-economic upliftment of the people.

  • INEC ward delineation: Protests escalate as Itsekiri shut down oil facility in Delta

    INEC ward delineation: Protests escalate as Itsekiri shut down oil facility in Delta

    Tensions flared in Delta State’s Warri region as widespread protests against the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposed ward re-delineation intensified, leading to the shutdown of a major oil facility by Itsekiri protesters in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area.

    The 28,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) oil installation—formerly operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company and now managed by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings—was peacefully shut down on Tuesday by members of the Ugborodo community.

    Men, women, and youths from the community stormed the facility with placards, accusing INEC of pushing an “ethnic cleansing” agenda through the re-delineation proposal.

    The demonstrators demanded that the electoral body halt the process, which they claim threatens the political representation and identity of the Itsekiri people.

    The protest adds to growing unrest across several communities in the region, as residents continue to express deep concerns over perceived marginalization and demographic manipulation.

    “This is an attempt to annihilate the Itsekiri people in their homeland,” a protester declared, accusing INEC and its collaborators of seeking to short-change the ethnic group.

    The demonstrators also raised concerns about the involvement of ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, alleging that the federal government’s pipeline surveillance contract awarded to him through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) might be used to suppress their communities.

    There are growing fears that the protest may spread to other oil and gas facilities in Itsekiri territory, a move that could have dire consequences for Nigeria’s already fragile daily crude output.

    The protest in Ugborodo adds to a broader discontent simmering across Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas, with various ethnic groups alleging that the INEC proposal unfairly undermines their demographic and political realities.

    Read Also: Otti, Obi, Usman meet INEC over Labour Party leadership crisis

    In Warri South, leaders of the Okere-Urhobo Kingdom have also raised strong objections to the proposed delineation, claiming it grossly underrepresents their population and political weight.

    “We have the population, we have the voters’ strength,” said Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly and Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment.

    “Okere-Urhobo Kingdom is the most populated area in Warri South. Our boundaries go beyond imagination. We deserve at least four wards”, Opuoru said.

    He emphasized that their protest was not against other ethnic groups—Itsekiri, Ijaw, or Agbarha-Warri—but rather a call for equity and proper recognition based on population data.

    Echoing the sentiment, Chief Jude Onovughe Igerebou, a former leader of the Warri South Legislative Arm, said, “We reject the ward delineation done by INEC in Warri South. Our communities were not properly captured, and there were too many abnormalities.”

    Also speaking, Chief Venture Daniels Evwherhamre, a member of the Delta State Public Procurement Board, criticized INEC for allocating only one ward to the Okere-Urhobo people despite their proposal for six.

    “It is not acceptable. We are asking the authorities to go back and look into our proposal. We deserve better,” he said.

    Ambassador Duke Ufuoma Barho added, “We have the boundaries, the numbers, and the documentation. INEC came and brought out what we didn’t propose. We are appealing to INEC to revisit our submission.”

    As both Itsekiri and Okere-Urhobo communities intensify their calls for a reversal of the ward delineation plan, the protests pose a growing challenge to INEC and federal authorities, who now face increasing pressure to intervene and ensure that the delineation process is seen as transparent, equitable, and devoid of ethnic bias.

  • Rivers crisis: Pro-democracy group demands reversal of LGA appointments

    Rivers crisis: Pro-democracy group demands reversal of LGA appointments

    Citizens for Democratic Watch (CDW), a pro-democracy group, has condemned the appointment of administrators for the 23 local government areas in Rivers State by the sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, describing it as “a dangerous abuse of power and a direct attack on the constitution”.

    The action, which came just 24 hours after a federal high court restrained Ibas from making such appointments, has triggered widespread concern over what CDW calls “the rapid erosion of democratic institutions under the guise of emergency governance”.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Dr Hassan Dantani, Executive Director of CDW, called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

    “Appointing 23 sole administrators in clear defiance of a federal court order is not only unlawful — it is tyrannical,” Dantani said. 

    “No state of emergency gives anyone the license to override the judiciary, erase local governance, and act above the law. This must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

    Dantani noted that the local government system is a constitutionally recognised tier of government, and any attempt to run it without democratic structures sets a very dangerous precedent.

    “This action by Ibok-Ete Ibas is a grave violation of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the system of democratically elected local government councils,” he said. 

    “Our democracy cannot function if unelected individuals are imposed to run local governments under military-style appointments.”

    CDW warned that if allowed to stand, the appointments could embolden future political actors to trample on the rule of law and weaken the judiciary.

    “The blatant disregard for a valid court order should alarm every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation,” Dantani said. 

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Uncertainty as Wike, Fubara reconciliation stalls

    “When leaders ignore court rulings and impose their will, what remains of the rule of law? If we allow this to stand in Rivers, it could happen anywhere else.”

    The group called on the National Assembly to urgently summon the Rivers sole administrator to explain his actions and ensure that all constitutional boundaries are respected.

    “We urge the Senate and House of Representatives to treat this matter as a priority,” he added. 

    “Democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of expediency or political convenience.”

    Dantani concluded by demanding the immediate reversal of the LGA appointments and a return to constitutional order.

    “The people of Rivers State deserve legitimate, elected representation — not handpicked appointees. We must not normalise authoritarian shortcuts in a democratic society,” the group warned.

  • Ward delineation: Invaders burn house, injure others in Warri community

    Ward delineation: Invaders burn house, injure others in Warri community

    Unidentified youths on Sunday night razed a building and injured few persons during an attack at Iyara community in the heart of Warri South Local Government area of Delta State.

    It was learnt the invaders, armed with sophisticated weapons like guns, cutlasses and axes, stormed the area around 10:47pm, shooting sporadically into the air to scare away residents. 

    They were said to have inflicted severe injuries on few persons in the area.

    Residents of the area, especially women and children were reported to have ran helter skelter for their lives as the assailants branded their weapons freely to scare them away.

    Residents reports the scene of the attack were bullet riddled walls and commercial tricycles.

    While the reason for the attack was not clear, many speculated it may not be unconnected to the recent wards delineation exercise recently announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) particularly in the Warri South area.

    According to a reliable source, the assailants two days earlier carried out attack in some areas within the Local Government to register their perceived grievances with the wards delineation announced by INEC aftermath the Supreme Court judgement on the case.

    When contacted, the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comrade Isaac Agbateyinro said those who carried out the attacks were yet unknown. 

    He however said when he got wind of the matter, he immediately mobilised adequate security forces to the area.

    “As I speak with you adequate security agencies have been deployed to the area and they are maintaining law and order and I can tell you that peace had since returned to the area,” he stated. 

    A former youth leader and stakeholder in the Iyara Community, Chief Onoriode Okoh, expressed shock over the attack wondering what would lead to the setting a building ablaze and riddling tricycles with bullets.

    He urged the people should not attach tribal sentiments to the attack just as he called for peaceful coexistence of all the ethnic groups in the area.

    Okoh also cautioned the youths in the area not take laws into hands by destroying any property nor  injure anybody while investigation  is ongoing  to fish out perpetrators of the dastardly act.

     According to him: “We don’t want any body to attach tribal sentiments  to the attack. The Urhobos,  Itsekiris and Ijaws  are intermarried and have been living together peacefully over the years.So, we don’t want ethnic coloration to this attack”.

    He added: “Should there be any issue, as some  have alleged in some quarters  that it is connected to Wards delineation in Warri South Council such persons can channel their grievances to Independent National Electoral Commission (INWC) rather than cause disaffection among the people who have lived together peacefully for decades and intermarriage”.

    While thanking the security agencies for their timely intervention in quelling the skirmishes and bringing normalcy to the area, he expressed the optimism that the matter would be investigated and the culprits brought to book.

    Responding to the issue of wards delineation in Warri South, a legal practitioner, Ariyo faulted the way and manner the exercise was carried out by all the stakeholders involved in the process.

    According to him: “I have watched with keen interest and rapt attention, the events leading to the INEC proposal for Warri Federal Constituency of the 4th day of April, 2025 and would have not commented on same save for the fact that as admirers of Karl Marx we subscribe to the view that; “To leave an error unrefuted is to encourage intellectual immorality”. 

    Read Also: ‘Niger Delta witnessing progress under President Tinubu’

    “Consequently, notwithstanding the fact that the said proposal is inherently and manifestly invalid by reason of gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, INEC guidelines and deliberate contempt of court; the combination of which should ordinarily not require our comments, we now elect not to leave this poorly executed and corrupt exercise without a proper treatment.

     “That INEC was aware at the material time, that there was and remains not just a pending appeal on the subject matter of the said event it proposed and conducted on the 4th of April, 2025, but that there is in fact, a Motion on Notice duly filed before the Court to the knowledge of INEC, seeking a stay of actions regarding the said event in particular and associated activities in general”.

    “May we refer INEC to the court processes already served on it as at the 2nd day of April, 2025 in this regard.” 

  • ‘Niger Delta witnessing progress under President Tinubu’

    ‘Niger Delta witnessing progress under President Tinubu’

    The Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders (NDRC) has said the region is witnessing a new dawn of progress under President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership.

    The group said that the appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, a grassroots mobiliser and development-focused leader, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme was a masterstroke to consolidate peace, empower the people and secure the region for the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) future electoral success.

    Read Also: Industrialist hails Tinubu’s appointment of Sotinrin as BoA MD

    The group therefore said that the alleged coordinated attacks against Otuaro was a “sinister plot to weaken President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    In a statement signed by its High Command, Waibode Izon-Ebi, the group said: “The Niger Delta, a region historically manipulated by PDP, is now witnessing a new dawn of progress under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.

  • Excitements as NDDC chair lifts Agbor hospital with ambulance, generator, others

    Excitements as NDDC chair lifts Agbor hospital with ambulance, generator, others

    The Agbor General Hospital in Delta state got a new lease of life as the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), on Monday donated an ambulance, 100KVA generator and 1450 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to it.

    The items were facilitated by the Commission’s Board Chairman, Barrister Chiedu Ebie who described the gesture as being in consonant with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Presenting the items to the hospital’s management, Ebie, expressed optimism that the donated ambulance will play very important role in improving patient’s transportation and significantly reducing response times during medical emergencies.

    According to him, procurement of the ambulance reflected his advocacy for the health sector and his deep commitment to creating a lasting, positive impact in Niger Delta.

    Ebie, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Community and Political Matters, Honourable J.C Aleh, added that the 100KVA generator will ensure that power supply will be more regular within the hospital community.

    To underscore the importance he attached to healthcare in Agbor, Ebie recalled that upon learning about the Agbor Tanker fire incident of January 6, 2025, he promptly left his office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital and travelled down to Agbor to sympathise with victims in their various homes and in the hospitals.

    Ebie further recalls that it was in the course of giving medical care to the tanker fire victims that he discovered the parlous state of the Agbor General hospital and then used the opportunity to meet with the Medical Director and got first hand information about the pressing needs of the hospital.

    ‘’Because NDDC is an interventionist agency, we did not hesitate to intervene in things that are lacking in this hospital, particularly as it is in line with Mr President’s renewed hope initiatives,’’ he said.

    Read Also: NDDC mulls biennial  format as curtains draw on maiden NDSF

    He thanked President Tinubu, saying if not for him, it would have been difficult to make the donations and called on the hospital management to put the items into effective use and maintenance.

    Receiving the donations on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Stanley Nnoli, Zonal Medical Director, said it was an epochal in the life of the hospital noting that what they thought was impossible had finally become possible.

    The Zonal Medical Director further stated that “what is happening today is a practical demonstration of love that Barrister Chiedu Ebie has for the hospital.”

    He expressed immense gratitude to Ebie for the kind gesture, promising that the hospital will put the equipment into effective use.

    On his part, the chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, who was represented by his Deputy, thanked the Chairman, Governing Board of NDDC and his team for the kind donation, praying for God’s blessings upon them.

    He also prayed for the hospital management, urging him to put the items into proper use.

    The NDDC delegation which was led by Hon. John Alley to represent the NDDC governing board Chairman include; Hon. Fred Ofume, Special Assistant to the Senate President and Former Chairman, Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Hilary Agholor, Nwuzo-Yeni Dein of Agbor Kingdom.

    Others were Hon. Hilary Ibude, Ika South APC Chairman, Hon. Paul Ebede, Senatorial Secretary, Delta Unity Group (DUG), Hon. Evelyn Efe, Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Hon. Isaac Ulebor, Barrister Eugene Uzum, immediate Past Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta state on Orientation and Honourable Davidson Okafor, Ika South Secretary, Delta Unity Group (DUG).

  • Ganduje, Okpebholo, Ebie, others to welcome DUG members to APC

    Ganduje, Okpebholo, Ebie, others to welcome DUG members to APC

    The national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo and Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), along other notable political figures in Delta state, are among the dignitaries expected to welcome members of the Delta Unity Group (DUG), to the ruling APC.

    According to the statement by Jerome-Mario Utomi, Ebie’s media aide, the event slated for this Saturday at the old Bendel Hotel, Boji Boji Owa, Agbor, Delta state, would have the National Chairman of the APC and Governor Okpebholo as special guests of honour.

    Described as a major political earthquake, the switch to the APC by the members of the DUG, watchers of Delta politics posit, will significantly alter the balance of party dominance in the state as the group is majorly peopled by hardcore Peoples Democratic Party, PDP grassroots politicians who have been the life wire of the party in Delta since the return of democracy 26 years ago.

    According to the statement, “The DUG, defection to APC is part of honest, strategic and concerted efforts by the Patriots in Delta to rescue the state from the harrowing and inept leadership of the PDP.”

    Read Also: Alausa, Ganduje, Marwa, others for LASU convocation

    “Ebie, who was suspended by the PDP for a trumpet anti-party activities, and afterward, in August 2023, joined the APC, party insiders and stakeholders stress, has engraved his name in the hearts of Deltans with life-changing projects.” 

    DUG, a PanDelta political association promoting unity and brotherliness within the political landscape of Delta State, has Ebie, a former Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), respectively, as co-convener.

    Since 2023 when it was birthed, DUG has, through persistent promotion of objective inclusivity and participatory democracy, people focused leadership anchored on equity, justice, fairness and other collaborative efforts made great inroad in Delta state political landscape, and presently has in its kits well over 5,000 registered members in Ika Federal Constituency alone.

  • Pastor prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe @ 70

    Pastor prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe @ 70

    Pastor Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, erudite Scholar, Energy Expert and Entrepreneur, servant of God , is not new to excellence. You can say that by the grace of God, excellence has defined his life since his youth till now, a checkered career in the academia, business,  government, and  the church of God that has spanned 40 years.

    Born at Ibadan on the 2nd of April,1955, Prof Anthony Adegbulugbe whose parents hails from Ondo town in Ondo state had his secondary education at Loyola College where he passed with Distinction. He then moved on to the University of Ife now OAU where he studied Electrical / Electronic Engineering and he graduated with B.sc (Hon) in Electrical Engineering (First Class) with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 on a scale of 5.0 June 1976. For his postgraduate education, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Mass: U.S.A.  and obtained a D.SC. in Nuclear Materials Engineering, minor program in Energy Planning and Management in June 1981. Other courses attended include Electric System Expansion Planning Course, Brookhaven National Laboratory, U.S.A -1982, Energy Planning and Management Course, Brookhaven National Laboratory, U.S.A – 1983, and International Human Resources Development Corporation, Boston Massachusetts–International Gas Business Management Certificate Program, 2006. Year

    HIS WORKING CAREER

    After his first job as Pupil Engineer, at NEPA now PHCN in 1976-1977, he moved over to the academic arena as Graduate Assistant, later Senior Research Lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University Center for Energy Research& Development from 1977 where he not only rose to become a Professor of Energy Economic and Planning but also became the Director / Chief Executive for a record of 13 years. He was a more sought-after Academic all over the world for his profound intellectual contributions in the area of Energy policy and planning and Climate change. He was on several national and international assignments. He was a member and Chairman Sub-Committee on Information Technology, Expert Group on Technology Transfer (EGTT), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  Bonn, Germany, 2001-2004.Member, Scientific Advisory Panel, RISO National Laboratory, UNEP Collaborating Centre for Energy and Environment, Denmark, 2000-present.Lead Author; Special Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Report on CO2 Capture and Storage, WMO and UNEP, 2002-present.Coordinating Lead Author on Energy Supply, Fourth Technical Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), WMO and UNEP, 2004-present.Lead Author on Energy Efficiency, Third Technical Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), WMO and UNEP, 2000.Member, Energy Committee, World Federation of Engineering Organisation (WFEO).1990-1992.Member of Various Review Teams, GHG Inventory from the Energy Sector of USA, UK, Latvia, Ireland, Bulgaria, UNFCCC 2000-2003. Consultant, Energy Sector Management Programme (ESMAP) Study for Nigeria; World Bank 1993.  He also served as Consultant, Energy and Environment Interaction in Nigeria; African Development Bank, 1996,Project Coordinator, Energy Master-Plan for Development – Nigeria; EEC/EDF funded project, 1989-1993,Principal Investigator, Sectoral Perspective Studies on Energy and Hydrocarbon Resources; National Planning Commission, 1992,Consultant, Development of Forecasting Methodology for Petroleum Products; NNPC, 1988, Consultant, Energy Audit Study for Kaduna and Warri Refineries; NNPC, 1989, Principal Investigator, Assessment of Energy Issues and Strategic Agenda in West and Central Africa; World Energy Council, 1992,Principal Investigator, Long-Term Energy Scenario for Nigeria, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, California USA., 1990,Consultant, Nigeria First Communication to the UNFCCC; Federal Ministry of Environment, 1998-2000,Project Director, Greenhouse Gases Emission Reduction in Nigeria: He also served as  a Member, Expert Group on Technology transfer (EGTT), United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Bonn, Germany, 2001 – 2004, Member, Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Review of the Draft National Energy Policy 2002, Member, Ogun State Technical Committee on Oil, Energy and Mineral Resources 2003 –  2007, Member, Nigeria Delegation/Negotiation Team to Conference of the Parties (COP) 7, 8 & 9, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1999-2002, Member, Technical Advisory Committee, Energy Commission of Nigeria 1992-2000, 2000-present, Member, Nigeria National Committee, World Energy Council from 1994.

    Prof. Adegbulugbe has also been involved in the development of universities at the highest governing level. He served as Member, Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 1997 – 1999, Member Governing Council of the University of Abuja 2012-2015, member Board of Trustees, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji and Member Federal Government Visitation Panel to Federal Polytechnic, 2013. He is currently the third CHANCELLOR of Joseph Ayo Babalola University( JABU) , Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.

    SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY

    At a time the nation was frantically searching for solutions to challenges in the power sector, President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 appointed him as the Presidential Adviser and also Chairman, Gas to Power Project, a World Bank project designed to prepare a workable interface between the power and oil and gas sectors. The Obasanjo administration realized the need for the development of gas to drive the Power sector as a way of solving the Energy problem and Adegbulugbe came to the rescue with series of policy initiatives that would have made Gas available for the power turbines which Nigeria invested billions of dollars in bringing to Nigeria.

    In addition to his position as Special Adviser to the President, Prof. Adegbulugbe was from 2005-2007 a Member, Economic Management Team,  Alternate Chairman, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Chairman, ECOWAS  Multi-sectoral Energy Access Committee.

    At a conference on Energy Access for ECOWAS in Gambia, he was elected as the Chairman, ECOWAS Regional Multi-sectorial Committee on Energy Access after a powerful presentation on how to empower the rural communities for economic development using small scale energy support through renewable energy. Perhaps it needs to the echoed at this stage his strident effort to bring back to life of the then moribund Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission which he saw as a veritable source of coordinating efforts to use nuclear reactors for power generation for the country. To him, as a Nuclear expert, Atomic Energy also offers a good source of power inspite of fears over its  possible  negative uses. He also led the Nigerian Delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency conference in 2006 where Nigeria was accepted back into the fold.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Adegbulugbe, Aluko, at 70

    A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR-MATCHING THEORY WITH PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

    A man always seeking for creative solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, Adegbulugbe was not satisfied as an academic professing theoretical solutions to the energy conundrum Nigeria found itself, so he sought for an opportunity where his ideas on climate change and zero gas flares in the oil and gas sector could be implemented. Providence brought him an opportunity through the decision of the Federal Government to implement a pilot project of the World Bank propelled small scale gas utilization project, where by Green Energy International Ltd, of which he was  prime mover was granted the Operatorship of the Otakikpo field in PML  11, based in Andoni in  River state, to practically implement a zero gas flare field whereby all products in the value chain particularly gas  will be utilized for gas to power and Liquified Petroleum Gas( LPG) otherwise known as cooking gas. The result of that vision is the recently commissioned First Modular LPG extraction Plant  and the 20 MW gas to power projects at Otakikpo field by the Minister of state for Petroleum Gas in March this year being managed by First Otakikpo Midstream Ltd ( FOML) The  Otakikpo field under 24 months was brought into production  and currently produces about 6000 barrels of oil per day, a feat which is a record in the industry.   That small asset is becoming a reference point in marginal field operations with its recently approved 1million capacity onshore terminal, 20,000 barrels per day flow station oil processing facility, and 20km export pipeline, among other projects.

    Other companies founded or cofounded by, Adegbulugbe includes, Allgrace Energy  Ltd, Tripple E system Associates Ltd, Heptagon Ventures Ltd, Amazing Grace Ltd., e.t.c.

    SERVICE IN THE LORD’S VINEYARD

    After his service to the nation, Prof. Adegbulugbe, for many years as a part time Pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church, has been engaged fully in the service of God as a Full-time Pastor in the Christ Apostolic Church in Abuja at the FCC DCC Headquarters before his present posting as the Pastor-in-Charge of C.A.C. All Saints’ Chapel, Abuja. Recently, Pastor Adegbulugbe was elevated to the position of Zonal  Superintendent  All Saints Zone of the church .  He again has been elevated this year  as the Chairman of All Saints District DCC to oversee about 5 Districts of the CAC in Medaiyese region. He sees service to God as his own thanksgiving for the amazing grace he has enjoyed from God Almighty. He has continued to use the pulpit as a platform to win souls for Christ through leadership by example and incisive sermons.

    HONOURS AND AWARDS

    Throughout his academic career, Anthony piled up several awards and distinction such as the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Faculty of Technology: Award for best student for his Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 on a scale of 5.0 –an all-time record at the Obafemi Awolowo University – 1976; OAU 40th Anniversary Special Alumni Merit Award 2003; Nigerian Society of Engineers; Presidential Special Merit Award – 1992; American Nuclear Society Student Conference Award for best Nuclear Materials Paper – 1980; American Nuclear Society Material Science and technology Division, Runner Up Award for Best Student Paper – 1981; Obafemi Awolowo University Faculty of Science, Distinguished Scientist Award – 2004. Remarkably in 2007, our honoree was acknowledged globally as a Contributor to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) Assessment Reports which won for IPCC, the 2007 Noble Peace Prize along with US Vice President Al Gore.. He was in 2023 awarded the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, for the university’s ‘award of excellence in research practice.’

    The prestigious award is only given to an alumnus of the University with an outstanding record of knowledge-based accomplishment at global and national levels. As part of the responsibility for Winning this award Adegbulugbe mentored 200 best students across all departments of the university and also served as the face of academic and research excellence for the institution in 2023-2024, Oil & Gas Man of the year 2024 by Africa Peace Magazine.UK, He bagged the Honorary Doctor of  Letters DLitt Degree of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekitti ( ABUAD) 2022 and Honorary Doctor of Energy, of his Alma Mater Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, 2024, amongst several other honors.

    CONCLUSION:…..HUMILITY PERSONIFIED

    One remarkable attribute attested attested by all is that, despite his strings of achievement in several areas of endeavor, Adegbulugbe exudes uncommon humility and friendliness which endears him to all cross section of the populace. This is apart from his eagerness to help people. His generosity and philanthropy is exceptional through various scholarships, financial and spiritual support & sponsorships of programs for the less privileged .

    President Tinubu’s Drive to Improve Nigerian Healthcare

  • International Group begs Tinubu on Rivers crisis

    International Group begs Tinubu on Rivers crisis

    An international group, Nigerians in Diaspora Movement for Democracy, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

    The group expressed disgust over the suspension of the Governor, his Deputy, and House of Assembly for six months.

    In an open letter to President Tinubu co-signed Dr. Samson Idoko and Patriot John Andrew Onuh, its President and Secretary General, the group urged President Tinubu to revisit the decision to declare emergency rule in Rivers State and use legislative processes to stabilise the situation.

    They proposed measures such as compelling all parties concerned to implement strong deterrent elements and sanctions, including a ban on participating in political activities and/or holding public offices for at least ten years.

    The group emphasised if the current situation is not addressed, it could damage President Tinubu’s efforts and legacy, both past and future.

    The statement added: “We wish to passionately plead that democracy should be allowed to thrive and seen obviously to be thriving. We do not make this assertion lightly or base it on an assumption but on factual grounds.

    “There is clear derailment from what your Excellency stood and fought for from what is happening today. Your Excellency, with what has happened in Rivers State, it is potentially clear that democracy under your presidency is no longer thriving.

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    “A practice where an elected Governor, his Deputy and members of the State House of Assembly are suspended for six months does not represent what His Excellency stood for and fought so much for.

    “Your Excellency, the unequal disproportionate and excessive pressure placed on Rivers State at its jugular is affecting the entire democratic system in the whole country, democracy is in a state of asphyxia, losing air and if nothing is done in some few minutes, it will be suffocated to death.

    “If that happens, then the entire efforts of Mr. President both past and future would be dented in an ugly history, a crude democratic tragedy. Your Excellency cannot allow this to happen.

    “We, therefore, wish to call on Mr President to take a serious and urgent look at the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State to revise the decision and instead utilize legislative processes to stabilize the situation as well as ensure that there is no reversal of the ugly drift in Rivers State.

    “These legislative measures could be compelling for all parties concerned with strong deterrent elements and sanctions which will include a ban on participating in political activities and/or holding public offices for not less than ten years.

    “We are convinced that Your Excellency will heed this call and act expeditiously. Have the confidence of our unending patriotism Sir.”