The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says re-entry into Ogoniland marks a historic turning point for Nigeria, not just in terms of oil production, but reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu said that the re-entry reflected the government’s recognition of their sacrifices.

According to a statement on Friday by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., the President acknowledged that the Ogoni people have endured long years of pain.

“This milestone reflects the spirit of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which commits to building a stronger country, attracting responsible investment and ensuring community development for national progress.

“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, otherwise we would not be here today. We declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” Tinubu said.

Mr Bashir Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., reiterated the President’s sentiments, describing the development as a re-affirmation of NNPC’s commitment to the Ogoni re-entry plan and a bold step towards justice, healing and national prosperity.

He emphasised that the re-entry demonstrates that Nigeria can confront its past, honour the sacrifices of its communities and forge a new path with a vision of prosperity and justice for all.

“The re-entry into Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas. It is about justice, healing, and charting a new future for our nation,” Ojulari said.

“Ogoni re-entry can be seen as both a test and an opportunity for the country. It demonstrates that equity can exist in national development, and oil can co-exist with environmental stewardship and inclusive nation-building.

“This milestone is a practical example of how President’s Renewed Hope Agenda translates into reality by strengthening our country, creating conditions for responsible investment, while prioritising the prosperity of host communities,” he said.
Ojulari acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, in convening a committee that brought diverse stakeholders together, creating the platform for dialogue and consensus that made this breakthrough possible.
He also praised the work of Prof. Don Baridam and members of the Presidential Committee, who engaged tirelessly and transparently with relevant parties to produce a report that showed fairness and inclusivity.
“The lesson is that this journey cannot be driven solely by production volumes. It must be anchored on justice, equity, sustainability, and most importantly, collaboration with the very people whose land bears this wealth,” he said.
Ojulari was categorical that in resuming operations in Ogoni, NNPC Ltd. will continue to build trust by prioritising community engagements with key stakeholders, investing in infrastructure and empowering local enterprise.
He confirmed that NNPC has already began initiatives in road construction, infrastructure upgrades and economic empowerment programmes designed to rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability in an inclusive manner.

‘”NNPC Ltd. is determined to transform Ogoni land from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress,” he concluded.
In his remarks, Ribadu, said sustainable progress was possible and proven through collaboration with all parties concerned.
Ribadu said that the report was the outcome of an intensive, methodical and transparent engagement.

Baridam, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the President for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Ogoni people, adding that through diplomacy and relentless insistence on dialogue, host community trust was earned, and hope restored.

The Plateau State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has announced the rescue of 16 children who were being trafficked from Bassa Local Government Area of the state to Anambra State.

The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur, who disclosed this in a statement in Jos on Saturday, said the children – who are between the ages of four and nine – were rescued by security personnel as they were being taken to a motor park for the onward journey to their destination.

The commissioner, while handing over the children to their respective families and community representatives at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, said the suspects behind the dastardly act have been arrested and will be prosecuted after thorough investigation has been carried out

Dafur, who described the rescue of the trafficked children as a significant step in the fight against child trafficking in the state, emphasized that the Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration is fully committed to defending the rights of the vulnerable.

This rescue represents triumph over trauma, resilience, and hope restored in a world where the innocence of childhood should be protected,” Dafur said while calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

She also urged the public not to remain silent whenever they see a case of child trafficking and to promptly report to security agencies.

“If you see something, say something. Together, we can put an end to child trafficking in Plateau State,” she pleaded.

Wife of the Bassa LGA chairman, Mrs Miriam Riti, who received the children on behalf of her husband, said measures had been taken to ensure their well-being, including medical checks, school enrollment and monitoring, through community leaders

In his first major directive since his reinstatement by President Bola Tinubu on 17 September, River State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has dissolved the state pensions board with immediate effect.

The board was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), whose six-month tenure during the emergency rule in the state ended last week on 12 September.

In a statement on Friday, the Head of Service, Inyingi Brown said the office of the state’s Accountant-General would take over the board’s responsibilities until a new one is formed.

The announcement, issued in Port Harcourt, directed members of the dissolved board to hand over all assets and documents in their possession to the director of administration.

No reason was given for the dissolution.

The statement read: ‘The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Rivers State Pensions Board.

‘Consequently, the office of the Accountant-General of Rivers State, henceforth, will handle the functions of the board.

‘Members of the defunct board are by this notice advised to hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the director of administration of the board.

‘His Excellency, the executive governor, will in due course constitute a new board to manage the affairs of pensions’.