NEWS
Obasanjo Sounds Alarm Over Massive Crude Oil Theft In Nigeria
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s economic challenges, fingering widespread oil theft as a major contributor.
Obasanjo highlighted that over 80 percent of Nigeria’s crude oil was being stolen, exceeding the allocated quota and severely impacting the nation’s financial stability.
This is as Prof. Ango Abdullahi, former Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s leadership, declaring it a failure and emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to address the leadership deficit.
This was disclosed during a gathering in Abuja, coinciding with the launch of ‘Court and Politics,’ a book by Dr. Umar Ardo, a former associate of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Obasanjo, represented by ex-governor Babangida Aliyu, expressed concern about Nigeria’s economy, questioning how it could thrive when over 80 percent of its crude oil was stolen.
The former president highlighted that despite the crude oil quota standing at approximately two million barrels per day, a staggering over 1.7 million barrels were being stolen.
Despite advocating for the presidential system, Obasanjo noted that adherence to rules is lacking among Nigerians.
Abdullahi, presiding over the occasion, called for a collective acknowledgment of failures and a return to the drawing board to tackle the country’s myriad challenges.
He said, “Enough of our failures. Something else must give way to our failures. We have failed this country. This must stop. Time has come for us to go back to the drawing boards to rescue this country.”
He drew attention to Nigeria’s struggle to generate a mere 4,000 megawatts of power for a population exceeding 200 million, stressing the need for urgent, comprehensive solutions.
Sharing an encounter with elder statesman Aminu Dantata, Abdullahi revealed Dantata’s frustration with northerners, blaming them for the failures in the North.
Abdullahi emphasized a collective acknowledgment of these failures, stating, “Enough is enough; we must agree that we failed enough.
“I visited Dantata and he was very angry with me, saying the people of the North have failed the North and Nigeria. Until the North accepts that they have failed the North and sit together to discuss the way forward, there won’t be progress.
“We gathered in 1978 when we wanted to return to civilian rule. We were to discuss why the system of 1961 failed but we were shocked when they said the parliamentary system of government was not going to be discussed and that we should go for the federal system of government.
“And they gave us two options: that of the French and America. And now we have practised the presidential system for 24 years and it has failed and I will score it F9.
“Time has come for us to go back to the drawing board so that we can save this country.”
Former PDP National Chairman Prince Secondus advocated for judicial reforms, aiming to ensure that elections are decided by the people rather than being subjected to judicial interventions.
However, former Attorney General Kanu Agabi defended the judiciary, emphasizing its crucial role in preventing the disintegration of Nigeria.
Further contributing to the discussion, former PDP National Chairman Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo claimed he was ousted from office for championing internal democracy within the party.
He argued that promoting internal democracy would reduce the courts’ involvement in political party affairs.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reportedly died, according to sources said to be close to his family.
The sources confirmed the development on Monday, October 19, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“Uduaghan is no more; he is dead,” one of the sources reportedly said.
SEE ALSO: Document reveals Akpoti-Uduaghan demanded N10b damages from husband before marriage, firm reacts
The reported death comes months after claims that the former governor had died circulated on social media before being dismissed by his media aide, Henry Unini.
In June, reports of Uduaghan’s alleged death spread across Facebook and WhatsApp, prompting Unini to publicly debunk the claims and assure the public that the former governor was alive.
“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” Unini said at the time.
“Frankly, I don’t know where the writer got his information from. The death of someone is not something you take and write about casually,” he added.
Unini acknowledged at the time that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but maintained that he was receiving medical attention.
“It is now common knowledge that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been sick, but he is receiving proper medical care,” the media aide said.
He also stated that the former governor was recuperating, assuring the public that there was no immediate cause for concern.
“There is no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Unini said.
The media aide thanked friends, well-wishers and residents of Delta State who contacted the family to verify the former governor’s condition. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“The rumour was uncalled for,” he said while addressing the earlier reports.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding Uduaghan’s reported death had yet to emerge.
The Delta State Government has commenced a ₦5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.
The initiative, announced on Monday, will see each beneficiary receive ₦50,000 to support small businesses, strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: Two Arrested as Delta Police Uncover Cache of Illegal Weapons
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba.
Ifeajika explained that the programme was designed to complement the state government’s investments in critical infrastructure with direct financial assistance to residents.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed local government councillors to facilitate the distribution of the funds, with each of the 500 wards expected to reach at least 200 beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for Deltans, in line with the people-centred objectives of the MORE Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among young Nigerians.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, October 19, 2026, the initiative is expected to benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above, with each eligible student expected to receive 10 IPO shares without requiring prior investment or share purchase.
The minister said the programme would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by connecting education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
According to Alausa, the initiative reflects the importance of partnerships between the education sector and private organisations in equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education remained committed to strengthening private-sector partnerships to improve educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while preparing learners for a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He urged businesses to support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed and economically productive generation.
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