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PWDs Demand Inclusion In Petroleum Industry Act Benefits
Timi Ebikeme, the Amananowei of Peretoru Kingdom, emphasised the importance of prioritising people with disabilities in community development.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have called on the federal government to develop a supplementary Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that ensures their inclusion in benefit structures outlined in the current law.
The demand was made during a three-day workshop on the PIA and Disability Laws in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD).
The event, titled “Ending Barriers Against Niger-Deltans with Disabilities (EBAND)”, was funded by the Ford Foundation.
The PWDs, drawn from various disability clusters in Bayelsa, presented a charter of demands to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), urging the agency to ensure their voices and needs were included in the PIA’s benefit frameworks.
They noted that while the current PIA recognised the interests of women, youths, and traditional rulers, it was silent on the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The group called on NUPRC to mandate Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) to integrate disability-related concerns in line with the National Disability Act, which stipulated a minimum five per cent employment quota for the disability community.
“One key provision of the PIA requires oil companies to contribute three per cent of their annual operating expenditure to fund HCDTs, which are responsible for driving development in host communities.”
Mayor Ekpomokumo, the chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Bayelsa, stated that the leadership of various disability clusters was united in demanding full inclusion in the implementation process of the PIA.
“JONAPWD, as the umbrella body of all PWD organisations in Bayelsa, is demanding inclusion in every structure of benefit within the PIA.
“It’s a shared call among all stakeholders,” Mr Ekpomokumo stated.
He added that the charter also involved other actors such as oil companies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and the business community.
David Anyaele, chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons and Founder of CCD, assured participants of his commitment to ensure that PWDs were not excluded in Bayelsa.
“Globally, more than 1.3 billion people, about 16 per cent of the population, live with some form of disability,” Mr Anyaele said.
Godwin Unumeri, acting director of CCD, explained that from the creation of the Niger Delta Development Board in 1961 to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), PWDs had been consistently left out of development planning.
“When the PIA was being developed, efforts were made to include persons with disabilities, but they didn’t succeed.
“So now, we’re leveraging the opportunity to propose a supplementary framework, supported by the Ford Foundation, to address this gap,” Mr Unumeri said.
Timi Ebikeme, the Amananowei of Peretoru Kingdom, emphasised the importance of prioritising people with disabilities in community development.
“If you look closely at our communities, those who require the most attention are persons living with disabilities.
“Their inclusion in the PIA is not just necessary; it is overdue,” he said.
Gazettengr.com
News
Tinubu Makes 2 Fresh Appointments, Senate Takes Action
President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Amina Gamawa, representing Bauchi, and Abdullahi Muktar, representing Kaduna, as Commissioners to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, adding that the president forwarded the names of the nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The president’s letter reads in part: “Confirmation of appointment of commissioners for Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of the two underlisted nominees as commissioners in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
“Amina Gamawa, as commissioner representing Bauchi State, and Abdullahi Muktar, commissioner representing Kaduna State.
While I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, distinguished Senate President, distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Akpabio further referred the letter to the Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs. He said that the committee should report back to the Senate within the next week.
The appointment was one of the numerous appointments that President Tinubu will be making since the commencement of his administration.
Tinubu’s appointment has been criticised, and many issues raised have been addressed.
Nigerians have started reacting to the announcement by the Senate president during Tuesday’s plenary.
Below are some of their reactions:
Adetunji Adewolu called for fairness in the sharing formula: “New names at the revenue table. Nigerians will be watching closely to see if the slices of the national cake get any fairer. #OmoOlofaIna.”
Dan_Baba criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu: “Every day, we keep seeing appointments without a positive impact on the masses. We will continue praying while we patiently wait for 2027.”
Pepperito congratulated the appointee, describing her as a loyal party member: “Once again, to our party lover, stalwart and servant, @gamawa_amina, congratulations. This is one appointment that thoroughly sweetened my belle.”
Idris Garba explained what should be the focus of the government: “The focus should be how revenue will be better managed for the benefit of citizens.”
Oma Ann criticised the administration of President Tinubu: “Positions filled every day, but no real economic relief. Wetin dey happen.”
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Issues Nationwide Message to Nigerians , “We Will Never Surrender”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will never yield to forces seeking to destabilise its peace, unity, and sovereignty.
The President spoke while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement shared via X, by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of religious and traditional figures in fostering peace and moral guidance across communities.
“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated, they leave trails of blood in their wake.
But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender. We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,” he said.
The President emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and securing the nation from insurgents and other threats to stability.
President Tinubu also reflected on the economic progress since assuming office, highlighting measures to stabilise public finances and support pensioners.
“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve. And all I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty. I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy,” he stated.
He added that his administration has ensured that no governor struggles to pay salaries and is focused on long-term development in sectors such as agriculture and education to leave a lasting legacy.
In his remarks, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, praised President Tinubu for bringing together leaders of Nigeria’s major religions, describing the occasion as a symbol of national unity.
He prayed for guidance, protection, peaceful coexistence, and the President’s success. Representing the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe underscored the importance of faith leaders in promoting harmony.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured President Tinubu of the church’s continued support for his government’s efforts to transform the economy and strengthen security.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders from all six geopolitical zones attended the event, reinforcing the administration’s message of national unity, peace, and resilience.
News
SO SAD: Top APC Chieftain Collapses, Dies In Abuja; Party Reacts
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed that it is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of “a highly respected” party chieftain, Chamberlain Dunkwu.
Dunkwu, president of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, tragically passed away after collapsing at his residence on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. His sudden death came just hours before he was scheduled to attend the “Swim to the Future” programme, a key talent discovery event he had helped organise at the National Stadium Swimming Pool (Package B) in Abuja.
According to Leadership, sources close to the family confirmed that efforts to revive Dunkwu were unsuccessful.
Apart from leading the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dunkwu also served as deputy chief of staff (legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Previously, he was a special adviser on members’ affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In its condolence message, signed by national spokesperson Felix Morka, the APC described Dunkwu as “an energetic, selfless, and loyal party man who contributed enormously to building and strengthening the party in his native Ika federal constituency, Delta State, and beyond.”
The APC’s statement reads on X: “Dr. Dunkwu lived a vibrant life of service and philanthropy that touched many within and beyond his homeland. His exit has created a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. Our Party prays God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. And may He comfort all members of the APC family in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State and around the country at this difficult time.”
It added: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home, and may it be true for you as proclaimed in the old hymnal: “To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.” Fare thee well, dear compatriot!”
ABUJA, FCT
MARCH 8, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
APC MOURNS DR. CHAMBERLAIN DUNKWU
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of a highly respected Party Chieftain, Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, at 54.
The late Dr. Dunkwu was an energetic, selfless… pic.twitter.com/dA8I3XiEAc
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) March 8, 2026
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