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NOSDRA Relaunches Environmental Sensitivity Index Map

NOSDRA Relaunches Environmental Sensitivity Index Map

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has relaunched an updated Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map.

NOSDRA relaunched the ESI Map at an event in Abuja on Tuesday during which it also unveiled the agency’s Compendium of Achievements.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, who commended NOSDRA’s giant strides under its present leadership, described the relaunch of ESI Map as a clear reflection of President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding the environment, promoting institutional accountability, and advancing sustainable development in line with Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Abbas-Lawal noted that the Compendium of Achievements and updated ESI Map provide a transparent record of NOSDRA’s performance and underscore the Federal Government’s drive toward evidence-based environmental governance and data-driven decision-making.

Highlighting key milestones, he revealed that NOSDRA conducted 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 recorded spills, and issued 660 Closeout Certificates for major clean-up projects including Bodo and HYPREP.

The Minister also commended the Agency’s recognition as the top-performing MDA in Nigeria’s 2024 Transparency and Integrity Index, repeating its remarkable feat from 2023.

He expressed concern about the growing menace of artisanal refining, which accounts for about 82 percent of oil spills nationwide, urging NOSDRA to intensify surveillance, community engagement, and enforcement to curb the practice.

Also speaking, NOSDRA Board Chairman, Mr. Edward Omo-Erewa, congratulated the Director-General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, and the entire staff of the agency “for their commitment, professionalism, impressive accomplishment, and the agency’s proactive approach to oil spill response and environmental monitoring.”

He further called for continued collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and host communities to promote transparency, accountability, and environmental sustainability in the oil and gas sector.

In his opening remarks, the Director-General of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, said the unveiling of the Compendium of Achievements and relaunch of the ESI Map “represent not only a documentation of achievements, but also a reaffirmation of NOSDRA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship.”

Engr. Woke highlighted that the Compendium captures the Agency’s major milestones across policy implementation, capacity development, enforcement, and technological innovation.

The DG emphasized that the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map is a major step forward in Nigeria’s environmental management system. The new version integrates geospatial and socio-economic data to identify sensitive areas, enabling timely and coordinated responses to oil spill incidents. He reaffirmed NOSDRA’s readiness to deepen inter-agency collaboration and uphold international best practices in protecting Nigeria’s environment.
Engr.

He assured that NOSDRA would “continues to leverage technology to enhance oil spill response efficiency through platforms such as the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Methane Emission Tracker, which provide real-time environmental data for regulatory action.”

Engr. Woke further noted that NOSDRA’s efforts had strengthened collaboration with key partners, including international organizations, oil companies, and local communities, leading to improved remediation practices and stronger environmental governance.

According to him, the Agency had equally invested heavily in staff training and institutional reforms, ensuring that its workforce remains well-equipped to address emerging environmental challenges.

Woke concluded by dedicating the Agency’s achievements to the collective efforts of its staff and stakeholders, reiterating his administration’s determination to sustain the momentum of transparency, innovation, and accountability that has earned NOSDRA national recognition.

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The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has relaunched an updated Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map. NOSDRA relaunched the ESI Map at an event in Abuja on Tuesday

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• October 22, 2025
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Again, Enugu Pulls down Property Used for Kidnapping

Again, Enugu Pulls down Property Used for Kidnapping

The Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, demolished yet another building used for kidnapping in the state, an action it said is in line with the laws of the state.

Security agencies had, during the week, rescued a kidnap victim at the demolished property, a bungalow at Umueze Awkunanaw in Nkanu West LGA of the state, used by the prime suspect, Igwenagu Ogbodo, and his gang for holding victims captive.

Ogbodo and some of his gang members, however, escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds when security agencies stormed the property.

Speaking to newsmen during the demolition, the Council Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo, commended Governor Mbah for consistently demonstrating political will in the war against insecurity.

“The prime suspect and his gang kidnapped the person and brought him here. He was rescued and his vehicle recovered. Some arms and ammunition were equally recovered.

“I thank His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his political will and demonstration of capacity in line with what he told Ndi Enugu that any house that harbours criminals or is used to aid criminality will be demolished. That is exactly what is happening here today and it is in line with the laws of Enugu State.

“This is not the first house to be demolished in Enugu by this administration, neither is it the second nor the third. But this is the first one to be demolished in Nkanu West, and I know this is going to be a deterrent to other criminal elements.

“I urge every community and Presidents-General to be very mindful of people around them. They should keep an eye on the people and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.

“Again, I want to use this opportunity to advise anyone who has a property in Enugu State to be mindful of his or her tenants and any activities ongoing in their property. This is because any house used to harbour criminality like kidnap victims stands demolished,” he stated.

He said the demolition would serve as a deterrent to the remaining criminals in the state, as there was no hiding place for them given the level of technology and manpower deployed by the governor to stamp out insecurity and criminality from Enugu State.

“The guy who did this is still on the run, but I know that Enugu State Government has the capacity and the equipment to capture him.

“Others who are into criminality should know that there is no hiding place in Enugu State of today because the arm of the government will catch up with them,” he concluded.

Some community members who witnessed the demolition testified to the suspect’s criminal ways and antecedents, noting that he was an ex-convict.

Ikechukwu Amos, who spoke to newsmen, said: “I can’t deny it, he is a criminal. I am their elder and I know how all of them behave. We have been advising him, but he refused. You have seen the resultant effect of his unholy character.

“This same boy returned from prison not too long ago. Since then, he has been maintaining bad company, using this place for all manner of illicit activities like smoking Indian hemp and other hard substances. I am not surprised that something of this nature will happen, and it has happened.”

Another indigene of Umueze Awkunanaw, Edeh Chidera Kingsley, also spoke about the prime suspect’s criminal records: “Any young man who doesn’t want to work to get money but chooses kidnapping should face the music.

“Fela, as he is also known, is a lazy man. If you call him for work, he would say that he would not go. He finds pleasure in drinking.”

The Councilor of the ward, Uchenna Jideofor, thanked the governor for putting into effect the harsh measures prescribed by the laws of Enugu State against kidnapping, describing the demolition as a welcome development for the people and leaders of Umueze Awkunanaw.

“The guy is notorious in criminal activities. In my first tenure, I made sure that some of them were remanded in prison, but after everything he was later released by some people from the community. And any time they come back, people will be witnessing insecurity in the community. The guy is involved in so many things.

“This morning, I had a confrontation with the neighbours, telling them that they are not doing us good by not giving us information on what is happening. But what is happening here now will serve as a lesson to others that have chosen the fast lane,” he said.

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The Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, demolished yet another building used for kidnapping in the state, an action it said is in line with the laws of the state. Security

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• October 22, 2025
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18-Year-Old Nigerian, Muhammad Aminu Sani, Emerges One of the Youngest Commercial Pilots in the Nation’s History

18-Year-Old Nigerian, Muhammad Aminu Sani, Emerges One of the Youngest Commercial Pilots in the Nation’s History

At just 18 years old, Muhammad Aminu Sani has etched his name into Nigeria’s aviation history as one of the youngest Nigerian ever to earn a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot License—an extraordinary feat achieved at Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) in Daytona Beach, Florida.

What makes his story even more remarkable is that Aminu completed the entire rigorous program in under 12 months, passing every stage of training without a single checkride failure—a very impressive accomplishment, even for seasoned trainees.

His success marks a powerful testament to discipline, resilience, and focus, and it positions him as a beacon of inspiration to young Nigerians with global dreams.

According to him, “Becoming a pilot has always been my childhood dream, and today I’m proud to say I’m living that dream and enjoying every step of the journey,” Aminu said with pride.

“It’s been an incredible experience filled with hard work, discipline, and passion. I hope my story inspires others to chase their dreams with determination and never give up on what they believe.”

Aminu, who only turned 18 last week, represents a new wave of young Nigerians breaking international barriers through education, determination, and excellence.

Born and raised in Abuja, Aminu completed his High School Diploma at Al-Hidaayah Academy in December 2023 before proceeding to The Regent College Abuja, where he graduated with Distinction in Economics Foundation in July 2024.

His academic excellence laid the groundwork for his flight training in the United States, where he proved equally exceptional in the skies.

At Phoenix East Aviation, one of the world’s most respected FAA Part 141 flight schools, Aminu trained in diverse conditions—ranging from night flights and cross-country missions to instrument-rated navigation through rain and low visibility.

He logged an impressive flight hours in hundreds, including over 50 hours on multi-engine aircraft like the PA-34-200 Seneca and over 30 hours of cross-country flight time.

With a 97% average score in all FAA written examinations and a record of zero failures, Aminu’s journey exemplifies the discipline and mental toughness required to excel in modern aviation.
He now holds FAA Private Pilot (AMEL) certifications.

Beyond the numbers, Aminu’s achievement resonates deeply with Nigeria’s youth population. In a time when many young people seek inspiration and global relevance, his story stands as proof that age is not a barrier to excellence and that dreams, when matched with determination, can take flight—literally.

Aminu aspires to join a leading international airline as a First Officer, where he hopes to continue learning, flying, and representing Nigeria proudly among the world’s elite aviators.

From a young boy in Abuja who looked up at the skies with wonder to now a licensed commercial pilot at 18, Muhammad Aminu Sani’s journey is more than an achievement—it is a symbol of hope, excellence, and the limitless potential of the Nigerian youth.

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At just 18 years old, Muhammad Aminu Sani has etched his name into Nigeria’s aviation history as one of the youngest Nigerian ever to earn a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration