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FG To Review Oil Firms’ Plans On Gas Flaring
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, said that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, will begin regular reviews of both international and indigenous oil companies’ plans to ensure alignment with the goal of ending routine gas flaring by 2030.
Salako said this in Abuja on Tuesday at the national stakeholders engagement meeting on methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with significant warning potential compared to carbon dioxide, poses a major threat to the health and well-being of current and future generations and climate protection goals.
Reducing methane emissions, especially in the oil and gas sector, will strengthen climate action and unlock benefits for public health, food security, and economic development.
Salako said practical steps are being taken to address methane emissions in the country.
He noted that “Collaborative efforts of government institutions have led to the development of methane guidelines. In addition, the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency will be commencing the periodic review of the plans of international and indigenous oil companies to ensure they stay on course to end routine gas flaring by latest 2030.
“Furthermore, Nigeria is poised to embark on methane reduction projects that will enable Nigeria’s commitment to methane reduction and meeting net zero emissions by 2060. It is, therefore, reassuring to see initiatives such as the project methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which is being initiated with today’s event.
“This national stakeholders engagement event is expected to serve as a platform to discuss the complexities of methane mitigation and reduction within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Presentations here today will provide insights and overview on existing policies and implementation strategies, including key stakeholders involved in these efforts. Through rigorous research and collaborative efforts, we can identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for effective national actions.”
The minister stated that President Bola Tinubu is committed to environmental sustainability and climate action in line with the multilateral environmental agreements that Nigeria is party to.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmud Kambari, said it is necessary to address methane emissions in the oil and gas industry as the stakes and opportunities are high.
Kambari said, “Let’s harness our collective expertise, innovation, and resources to drive sustainable development, foster economic growth, and enhance energy security in Nigeria and beyond.
“As we engage in today’s discussions, let us be guided with openness and inclusivity. challenge assumptions, and explore creative solutions that align with the principles of equity, justice, and environmental integrity.”
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Africa Policy Research Institute, Dr Olumide Abimbola, noted that there is a need to address the pressing impacts of methane emissions on climate and environment.
Abimbola, who was represented by Mr Chibuikem Agbaegbu, stated that methane, a potent greenhouse gas, poses a significant threat to both the health of our planet and the well-being of current and future generations.
“Recognizing this urgent need, APRI, in close collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, has embarked on a crucial project focused on methane mitigation and reduction within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“This project, funded by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada, underscores the strategic importance of taking proactive steps to reduce methane emissions. Not only does it align with Nigeria’s climate action commitments, but it also offers opportunities to unlock co-benefits for public health, food security, and economic development, in line with Nigeria’s national and sustainable development goals.
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts. It provides a platform for stakeholders from diverse sectors to come together, share insights, and chart a unified course towards sustainable methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria. Through constructive dialogue and collaboration, we aim to identify challenges, explore opportunities, and pave the way for effective and sustained action,” he said.
By Francesca Hangeior
In a blistering rebuttal to Oby Ezekwesili’s recent public defense of Senator Natasha Akpoti, Dr. Sandra C. Duru, a prominent advocate for due process and female integrity, has accused the former minister of weaponizing emotion and gender narratives to obstruct justice and undermine an ongoing legislative investigation.
Dr. Duru did not mince words, calling Ezekwesili’s statement “intellectually dishonest” and “a gross insult to the intelligence of Nigerians.” She criticized what she described as a strategic reframing of Akpoti’s questionable conduct as a “cry for justice,” asserting that such emotional appeals are being used to cloud legal scrutiny and deflect from the glaring absence of admissible evidence.
“Justice,” Duru argued, “must be rooted in veritas—truth. What you are defending is not justice. It’s the weaponization of gender narratives and public sympathy to obstruct lawful inquiries.”
Her response condemned Ezekwesili’s public memo as an attempt to sway public sentiment through emotional blackmail and social media theatrics, while interfering with an active legislative process. “This is a classic case of obstruction of justice in spirit, and if not, in letter,” Duru noted pointedly.
Dr. Duru further accused Ezekwesili of betraying her legacy as a former public servant by endorsing what she described as a “discredited narrative bereft of verifiable proof.” She warned that public figures must not allow misplaced loyalty or political alignment to compromise the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
Closing with a firm appeal to the Nigerians and the investigative committee, Dr. Duru urged them to resist “orchestrated interference” that undermines truth and accountability. “Justice is not a gendered performance,” she emphasized. “It is a matter of fact, law, and conscience.”
By Francesca Hangeior
The Palace of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland has announced a series of activities that will culminate in the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, as the 41st monarch of the Kingdom.
This was announced in a statement by Chief Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Coronation Committee.
The former Deputy Governor of Osun State and billionaire business mogul was named as successor to the departed Owa, His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, on December 27, 2024.
According to Oshunkeye, the 10-day programme of activities that will start on May 16, 2025 and hit a crescendo with the coronation of the new Owa on May 23, 2025.
All events will hold at Ilesa, the capital and heartland of Ijesaland, where strong indications have already emerged that the epoch would be an iconic representation of royal pageantry rarely witnessed in this clime.
According to the statement, the epoch kicks off on Friday, May 16, 2025 with a special Jumat Service at Ilesa Central Mosque starting from 1pm, while cultural celebration holds on Saturday, May 17 between 10am and 4pm at the newly refurbished Obokungbusi Hall.
From 9pm of the same day, culture and tradition take the centre stage with a grand Isese night holding at the palace courtyard.
On Monday, May 19, 2025, there will be royal visit to Ijesa zones between 10am and 4pm, while on Tuesday, May 20, the grand finale of the coronation sporting activities will begin with the Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa Marathon starting at 7am.
From 10am, the same day, the final of the coronation football competition, medal presentation, and awards ceremony will hold at the Ilesa Grammar School Sports arena.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 would be the turn of the various orphanages in and around Ilesa to have their fair share of the celebrations with visits and charity by eminent persons, starting from 10am.
The day continues with a video documentary and workshop by ljesa Mineral Resources Development Forum, scheduled for the University of Ilesa.
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Sports take the centre stage again on Thursday, May 22, 2025 with the Ajimoko III Coronation Golf Kitty starting at 8am.
The train moves to the Royal Park International Hotel and Resort, Iloko-Ijesa, where a symposium and Ajimoko III Foundation’s scholarship and empowerment scheme comes up at 11am.
At 10am on Friday, May 23, 2025, the grand coronation train finally reaches its destination: the Owa’s Palace, as His Imperial Majesty will be formally crowned as the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland with all the pomp and pageantry that Ijesas could muster.
At 1pm, a never-seen-before coronation reception will come up at Ilesa Grammar School with dignitaries and VVIPs treated to the best of Ijesa hospitality and carnival-like entertainment that would be the talk of the town for a long time to come.
The week-long activities will be rounded off on Sunday, May 25, 2025 with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa by 10am.
By Francesca Hangeior
The Co-founder of Agape Christian Ministries, Bishop Funke Felix-Adejumo, has urged African women to embrace their sexuality without shame, challenging cultural norms that suppress open discussions about intimacy.
Speaking in a video shared via her Instagram page on Tuesday, she encouraged women to discard outdated beliefs and confidently express their needs in marriage.
Adejumo emphasised that mutual enjoyment and open communication are key to a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
“I like sex. If I don’t, how will I have children? And you are just pretending—you like sex.
“African culture has told you that a woman should not show that she enjoys sex; otherwise, they will call her a prostitute,” she said.
Adejumo stressed the importance of shedding such mindsets, warning that suppressing intimacy could cause marital problems.
“When your husband is touching you, you’re happy. So, the first thing is to change that mentality, otherwise, you’ll be causing problems in your marriage,” she added.
Encouraging wives to be more expressive during intimacy, she said, “Tell yourself, ‘sex is good. I want my husband.’ And when you’re having sex with him, don’t just lie there like a log—talk, moan, sex is good.”
She further cautioned that repressed desires could weaken relationships.
“You cannot believe that African mentality. Let’s change it. The devil is using it to destroy marriages because that’s the highest level of intimacy.
“Tickle your husband, touch him when he’s making love to you. When he finishes, tell him he did a good job,” she advised.
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