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No region can claim ownership of natural resources – Obasanjo tells Clark

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The oil in the Niger Delta belongs to Nigeria and no region can claim ownership of natural resources found in their area, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said.

He said this in response to the Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, who alleged that Obasanjo hates the Niger Delta region.

Obasanjo said Nigeria and the Niger Delta expected Clark to be a statesman and not a tribesman.

The 94- year- old Clark is the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ijaw National Congress.

He had served as federal commissioner of information in 1975 and was involved in politics even before Nigeria’s independence.

Obasanjo, 84, in a lengthy letter to Clark, cautioned the Ijaw leader against deploying “offensive and uncouth languages” to describe his personality.

Clark had on Wednesday, December 22, attaked Obasanjo over what he termed “A disappointing display of hatred against the people of the oil-producing states in Nigeria.”

He was reacting to the former president’s position in Abuja, at a peace and security parley convened by the Global Peace Foundation and Vision Africa.

In an open letter to Obasanjo titled, ‘My disappointment over your unprovoked outburst against the people of the Niger Delta region’, Clark accused the former president of double standards over resource control in the country.

He had said, “Natural resources found in regions were controlled by the people of the regions in the country as enunciated in Section 140 of the 1960 Constitution.”

But reacting to Clark, Obasanjo, in a six-page letter, said his position at the occasion was misconstrued, even as he declared that he had no grudge against the Niger Delta.

Obasanjo stated in the letter, titled ‘My response to the open letter by Chief (Dr) E. N Clark’, that it remained a constitutional matter that the oil in Niger Delta Region belongs to Nigeria as it “affects Zamfara State where gold is found.”

According to him, the tribe has to be suppressed for the state to emerge, and until the state emerges, Nigeria will not make the desired progress as tribesmen will always sacrifice the state for the tribe.

Obasanjo said, “Let me proceed with the most basic constitutional fact that you cannot have two sovereign entities within a state, which is what your position of Niger Delta ownership claim of the crude oil found in that location amounts to.

“All those who purchase crude oil from Nigeria enter into a contractual relationship with Nigeria, not with the Niger Delta. The territory of Nigeria is indivisible inclusive of the resources found therein.

“No territory in Nigeria including the minerals found therein belongs to the area of location and this remains so until the federation is dissolved.

“This is the position of the Nigerian Constitution and international law. If there is a threat of violence to any part of Nigeria today including the Niger Delta, it is the Nigerian military backed by any other machinery that can be procured or established at the federal level that will respond to any such threat.

“In principle and practice, the position I have taken on the location of mineral resources in any part of Nigeria is the legal and constitutional position.”

Recalling his stand on the contentious issue in his long letter to Clark, Obasanjo said, “I have always stood for equity and justice in our federation and, for me, the tribe has to be suppressed for the state to emerge.

“And until the state emerges, Nigeria will not make the desired progress as tribesmen will always sacrifice the state for the tribe. This has always been my position and it will remain my position until I breathe my last.”

He chided Clark for using “Bad, imprudent, unwise and immature” words to describe him.

“Some of the languages you (Clark) have deployed to describe me in your letter are offensive, uncouth and I totally and completely rejected them. I am not inconsistent, hypocritical, unstatesman and nor am I anybody’s lackey.”

It was learnt that Niger Delta has an estimated 38 billion barrels of oil reserves and people in the region have for long been agitating for resource control.

The Niger Delta is the delta of the River Niger sitting directly on the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean. It is typically considered to be located within nine coastal southern Nigerian states, which include: all six states from the South-South geopolitical zone, one state (Ondo) from the South-West geopolitical zone and two states (Abia and Imo) from South East geopolitical zone.

The clamour for resource control had led to a violent uprising in the Niger Delta, which led to the loss of lives, equipment and billions of dollars in oil revenue.

The amnesty programme initiated by late President Umaru Yar’adua and the 13 per cent derivation being given to the states had to a greater extent calmed frayed nerves but have not resolved the impasse as politicians normally bring the matter to the front burner especially ahead of general elections to bargain for recognition.

For instance, President Muhammadu Buhari had last week in Maiduguri, Borno State said that the discovery of oil in two North East states of Bauchi and Gombe will balance the politics of oil in the country and create stability.

He had said, “I was amazed and even overwhelmed that I was so ignorant when a certain professor told me that only 2.5 per cent of Nigeria’s arable land is being used. I didn’t know that even when I was a governor, a minister, and head of state.

“To be honest, I didn’t know. We were indoctrinated that we are oil-rich and don’t need to work on the farms. This made everybody rush to the cities to drink oil money.

“Now oil has almost become irrelevant, but we thank God that oil is now discovered in Bauchi and Gombe and that will help to balance the politics of oil in the country.”

 

 

 

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Oshiomhole Accuses Umahi of Bias in Road Projects, Demands Repairs Before New Construction

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October 11, 2026

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Oshiomhole Accuses Umahi of Bias in Road Projects, Demands Repairs Before New Construction
Senator Adams Oshiomhole

Oshiomhole Accuses Umahi of Bias in Road Projects, Demands Repairs Before New Construction

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of alleged bias in the allocation of funds for federal road projects, insisting that the government should prioritise the rehabilitation of deteriorating highways before embarking on new construction.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, made the allegations during a podcast interview shared on social media, revisiting his disagreement with Umahi over the management of federal road infrastructure and budgetary priorities.

The former Edo State governor said his criticism of the minister during a Senate budget-defence session was part of his responsibility to scrutinise government spending and ensure that public funds address the most pressing infrastructure needs.

According to Oshiomhole, several existing federal roads across the country have deteriorated to the point where motorists and commuters struggle to use them, yet the Ministry of Works continues to pursue new projects.

He argued that the government should concentrate available resources on rehabilitating roads that have become severely damaged instead of expanding the project portfolio while critical routes remain in poor condition.

“As a manager, you do not keep on building new houses when you cannot maintain the houses you already have. It is common sense,” Oshiomhole said.

The senator maintained that his intervention was not politically motivated, despite both men belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He also criticised what he described as Umahi’s tendency to invoke President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name when responding to questions about the ministry’s decisions.

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Oshiomhole argued that the responsibility for identifying road maintenance priorities, assessing infrastructure conditions and proposing appropriate budgetary allocations rests with the minister rather than the President having to intervene in individual projects.

“Ministers should not drop his name to cover up their own mess,” he said.

The lawmaker further questioned the proposal to submit additional road projects to the Federal Executive Council when existing highways still require urgent attention. He called for greater coordination between the Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which is responsible for maintaining federal roads.

Oshiomhole urged the minister to use reports from federal directors of works across the country’s geopolitical zones to identify the most urgent rehabilitation needs and guide spending decisions.

The senator’s latest comments follow his July 2026 criticism of the minister over the condition of major highways linking Edo and Delta states.

During a Senate plenary session, Oshiomhole complained about the condition of routes connecting Benin City with Warri, Asaba, Auchi and Okene, arguing that motorists continued to face serious difficulties despite the approval of new road projects elsewhere.

He alleged that critical sections of roads in the two states had been left out of federal budgetary allocations over several years and urged the Senate leadership to press the minister for a more balanced approach to infrastructure development.

Oshiomhole also said presidential intervention through tax credits had helped address parts of the affected road network.

The disagreement between the two APC figures had previously surfaced during a Senate budget-defence session in February 2026, when lawmakers questioned Umahi about the funding and implementation of major federal highway projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

During that exchange, Oshiomhole raised concerns about transparency in road funding and delays in releasing money for projects. Umahi, in turn, complained about the manner in which the senator questioned him, leading to a heated exchange before the session continued.

Umahi has also faced criticism over claims that federal road projects are concentrated in the South-East. In September, however, the minister rejected allegations of regional favouritism, insisting that projects were being implemented across the country in line with approvals granted by President Tinubu.

At an October 7 press conference, the Ministry of Works outlined progress on major federal highway projects and other road interventions, including work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway corridor.

The ministry has also acknowledged challenges involving funding, contractors and project delivery. In June, Umahi warned contractors handling federal road projects against delays and said funding constraints had forced adjustments to the scope of some highway works.

Oshiomhole’s criticism has renewed debate over how the Federal Government should balance the construction of new highways with the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing roads.

While the senator is calling for greater attention to deteriorating routes, the minister’s position is that the government’s infrastructure programme covers strategic projects across multiple regions.

The key questions remain how road projects are prioritised, how available funds are distributed and how the government can ensure that existing highways receive timely repairs while major new infrastructure investments continue.

Oshiomhole has called on the Senate to strengthen its oversight of the Ministry of Works and ensure that road spending reflects the needs of communities and motorists across the country.

 

Oshiomhole Accuses Umahi of Bias in Road Projects, Demands Repairs Before New Construction

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OASIS Muslim Care Foundation Holds Webinar on Healthy Lifestyles, NCD Prevention

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1 day ago

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October 10, 2026

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OASIS Muslim Care Foundation Holds Webinar on Healthy Lifestyles, NCD Prevention

The OASIS Muslim Care Foundation is set to host its fourth public health webinar on Sunday, October 11, 2026, focusing on the promotion of healthy lifestyles as a strategy for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The webinar, titled “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),” is expected to educate participants on the importance of adopting healthier habits to reduce the risk of diseases that pose significant public health challenges.

The session will be delivered by Dr. Ibraheem AbdulRauf, a Consultant Family Physician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Dr. AbdulRauf holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), a Master of Public Health (MPH) and fellowship qualifications in family medicine (FMCFM).

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According to the event announcement, the webinar is part of the foundation’s public health engagement efforts aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging individuals to take practical steps towards improving their health and well-being.

Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases, are major health concerns worldwide. Many of these conditions are associated with risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption.

Health education and the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices are important measures for reducing the risk of such diseases and improving the quality of life.

The online event is scheduled to commence at 4:30 p.m. West Africa Time (WAT) and will be held via Zoom.

Interested participants can join the webinar using the following details:

Meeting ID: 876 1750 3784

Passcode: 060021

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87617503784?pwd=Xf2f6XuCfunLuNYjnbqjVfz92EFAt9.1

The foundation has invited members of the public to participate in the session and share the announcement with others to widen awareness of healthy living and the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

The webinar is open to everyone interested in learning more about practical approaches to maintaining good health and preventing lifestyle-related illnesses.

OASIS Muslim Care Foundation Holds Webinar on Healthy Lifestyles, NCD Prevention

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₦60 Fuel Discount: Ondo ADC Slams Tinubu, Says Atiku Deserves Credit for Subsidy Restoration

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2 days ago

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October 9, 2026

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₦60 Fuel Discount: Ondo ADC Slams Tinubu, Says Atiku Deserves Credit for Subsidy Restoration

The party describes the discount as inadequate relief for Nigerians battling rising petrol prices, transportation costs and the high cost of living ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over its reported ₦60-per-litre petrol discount, describing the measure as inadequate to address the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.

The party also commended former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for advocating the restoration of fuel subsidy, arguing that government policies should prioritise citizens’ welfare and provide meaningful relief from the rising cost of living.

The ADC’s position was contained in a press statement signed by its Ondo State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Remi Ofakunrin, in which the party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of offering Nigerians insufficient relief amid soaring fuel prices and declining purchasing power.

According to the statement, the reported ₦60 discount falls far short of what households, businesses, transport operators, students and workers need to cope with the prevailing economic challenges.

The party argued that Nigerians require sustainable measures to reduce the cost of living rather than temporary interventions that have limited reach and impact.

“At a time when Nigerians are struggling to survive the crushing cost of living, with petrol prices reportedly hovering around ₦1,400 per litre, the government’s decision to offer a mere ₦60 discount is not the relief citizens deserve,” the statement said.

The opposition party maintained that the discount was insignificant compared with the financial pressure experienced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on transportation and fuel-powered businesses.

It accused the Tinubu administration of expecting public approval for what it described as a token concession after implementing policies that have significantly affected household budgets and business operating costs.

ADC questions petrol prices despite Nigeria’s crude oil resources

The ADC also questioned why petrol prices remained so high in Nigeria, an oil-producing country, despite the availability of abundant crude oil resources.

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It asked why citizens should continue to struggle with the cost of fuel and other essential commodities while bearing the consequences of government economic policies.

The party further argued that the discount underscored the need for government intervention to cushion the effects of high fuel prices on the wider economy.

According to the ADC, the measure demonstrated that the consequences of petrol pricing remained a major concern requiring a broader policy response.

However, the party said a temporary discount at selected Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations could not provide lasting relief from the rising costs of food, transportation, production and other necessities.

It called on the Federal Government to adopt a more comprehensive and transparent approach to addressing fuel costs and their impact on Nigerians.

The ADC also urged the government to explain how the country’s oil resources could be better managed to improve citizens’ living conditions and promote national prosperity.

Atiku deserves credit for subsidy restoration advocacy — ADC

The Ondo ADC chapter used the statement to commend Atiku Abubakar for advocating the restoration of fuel subsidy as part of a broader strategy to ease economic hardship and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

The party said Atiku’s position deserved consideration, insisting that the debate should focus on how economic policies could protect citizens’ purchasing power and ensure that the benefits of the country’s natural resources reached ordinary people.

According to the ADC, the reported fuel discount reinforces the argument that government intervention may be necessary to cushion the effects of high petrol prices, although it maintained that the current measure was inadequate.

The party called for a more sustainable framework capable of delivering meaningful relief rather than temporary concessions.

It said Atiku and the ADC were committed to an economic direction that would enable workers to earn a living wage, businesses to operate sustainably and families to afford food, transportation, education and healthcare.

Beyond fuel subsidy, the party said its proposed policy direction included economic recovery, improved purchasing power, affordable education, local government autonomy, the fight against insecurity and corruption, and responsible management of national resources.

The statement presented these priorities as part of the party’s broader vision for addressing the country’s economic and governance challenges.

ADC urges Nigerians to vote for change in 2027

With the 2027 general election approaching, the Ondo ADC urged Nigerians to assess the performance of the current administration and consider alternative leadership.

The party cautioned citizens against being swayed by temporary concessions that, in its view, failed to address the underlying causes of economic hardship.

It called on voters to support Atiku Abubakar and other ADC candidates, arguing that a change in leadership and policy direction could provide an opportunity to improve living standards and restore public confidence in government.

The party said Nigeria needed leadership capable of addressing economic difficulties, insecurity and declining purchasing power while promoting national unity and development.

It also expressed confidence that the country could harness its human and natural resources to create prosperity and improve the welfare of present and future generations.

“A ₦60 discount cannot erase years of blanket display of mercilessness and economic hardship, but a change in leadership and policy direction can begin the process of national recovery,” the statement said.

The ADC consequently called on Nigerians to demand economic reforms that would produce measurable improvements in their daily lives and support the party in the 2027 elections.

Fuel pricing remains a major political issue

The statement highlights the continuing political debate over petrol pricing, the removal of fuel subsidy and the government’s responsibility to cushion the effects of economic reforms.

While the Tinubu administration has defended its economic policy direction as part of efforts to reform the economy, opposition parties have continued to raise concerns about the effects of higher fuel costs on transportation, food prices, businesses and household incomes.

The Ondo ADC’s latest position places fuel subsidy and the affordability of petrol at the centre of its campaign message ahead of the next general election.

However, the party’s claims about the adequacy of the discount and the benefits of subsidy restoration reflect its political position. The actual impact of any fuel discount depends on its implementation, duration, eligibility conditions and the extent to which the savings are passed on to consumers.

The statement was signed by Hon. Remi Ofakunrin, Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress in Ondo State.

The party concluded by insisting that Nigerians deserved meaningful economic relief and urging voters to support what it described as an alternative path to national recovery.

₦60 Fuel Discount: Ondo ADC Slams Tinubu, Says Atiku Deserves Credit for Subsidy Restoration

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