The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has urged Nigerians to adopt patriotism and integrity as core values necessary for the nation’s growth and development.

This appeal came during the staging of Once Upon Four Robbers, a play by renowned Nigerian playwright Prof. Femi Osofisan, performed recently at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. The event, supported by NNPCL, was part of the company’s effort to inspire moral and civic responsibility among citizens.

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, described the play as a powerful medium for addressing societal issues and promoting values critical to national progress.

“Once Upon Four Robbers underscores the importance of individual responsibility in building a better society,” Soneye said. “The themes of the play align with the Federal Government’s ‘Change Begins With Us’ initiative, encouraging Nigerians to adopt integrity and patriotism in their daily lives.”

He further emphasized that these values are essential for driving positive change. “Patriotism and integrity are the bedrock of a prosperous society,” Soneye remarked. “When we, as citizens, uphold these principles in our actions, we contribute to national development. NNPCL remains committed to supporting initiatives like this that promote these ideals.”
Prof. Femi Osofisan expressed surprise at the continued relevance of his play, written decades ago, in addressing moral and societal challenges.
“The fact that this play remains topical after so many years highlights how persistent some of our societal issues are,” Osofisan said. “It’s a call for reflection and collective action.”
The play’s director, Dire Badejo, shared similar sentiments, explaining his motivation for choosing Once Upon Four Robbers as a tool to confront Nigeria’s pressing societal problems.
“In January, I sought a production that would delve into the root causes of our challenges,” Badejo said. “This play does exactly that, exploring themes of morality, justice, and societal responsibility. Thanks to NNPCL’s sponsorship, we were able to bring this story to life and make an impact.”
The Abuja production featured an impressive cast, including Tunji Sotimirin, Frances Onwoche, Ropo Ewenla, Bukky Ogunnote, and Yemi Shodimu, whose performances captivated the audience. The play’s success in Abuja is paving the way for its next staging at the Muson Centre in Lagos.
Badejo hopes the play’s powerful narrative will inspire audiences to reflect on their actions and embrace values that foster societal growth.
“Through this production, we aim to challenge individuals to rethink their roles in creating a better Nigeria,” Badejo concluded.
At its core, the message of Once Upon Four Robbers is clear: for Nigeria to thrive, citizens must prioritize integrity, responsibility, and love for their country. NNPCL’s advocacy through this play underscores the importance of collective action in tackling the nation’s challenges.

As Nigerians prepare to experience the play’s Lagos performance, it serves as a timely reminder that true change begins with each individual embracing these essential values.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

PROF. Eugenia George-Genyi of Department of Political Science, Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, has called for the deconstruction and reconstruction of the Nigerian State to build a resilient democratic system and improve governance in Nigeria.

The Professor of Political Science made the declaration while presenting a paper at the 5th Annual National Conference of Nigerian Political Science Association held at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Tuesday.

The Conference with the Theme: Democracy and Good Governance: Efforts, Results and The Way Forward” was organised by the North Central Zone of the Association.

Prof. George-Genyi restated the need to deconstruct and reconstruct the Nigerian State to focus on the building of a society based on the principles of equality, accountability and transparent process.

University Don who argued that there there is no true practice of democracy in Nigeria said that for democracy to thrive, there must be a state system that promotes economic prosperity capable of galvanizing development and deal with the concerns of the people.

She described democracy as the best system of governance world over and attributed forces against its true practice in Nigeria to electoral malpractice, insecurity and compromise of the nation’s judiciary amongst others.

“We have no alternative to democracy which must be guided jealously. None adherence to true democracy has seriously affected our system in entrenching good governance in Nigeria. However, we should guide against allowing military rule

Among preferred among other solutions, an effective party system based on ideological premise, electoral integrity, public accountability, institutional reform, and citizen engagement.

“The effective implementation of the Electoral Act (2022) is critical. INEC should continue to refine the use of technology, such as biometric systems and electronic transmission of results, to reduce election fraud.

“Electoral offenders, including politicians and security agents involved in vote-buying or manipulation, must face appropriate sanctions to deter future malpractices.

“Establishing an Electoral Offenses Commission will facilitate accountability, while civil society organizations, in collaboration with INEC, should promote civic education to encourage voter participation and reduce voter apathy.

“Institutions like the EFCC and ICPC need more autonomy and adequate funding to operate independently without political interference”, she said.

Prof. Nanven Audu Gambo, Vice Chancellor of Karl Kumm University, Vom, Plateau state, in his Key-note address, described the theme of the conference as apt saying it would help in stimulating and raising the interest of Nigerians in entrenching true democracy and good governance in the nation’s Polity.

Prof. Gambo who was represented by Dr Adebola Bakari then called on Nigerians and government at all levels to join hands in the struggle so as to attract democracy dividends capable of enhancing people’s living standard.

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Abubakar Olarenwaju Sulaiman, Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja, decried prevailing electoral fraud bedeviling Nigeria.

Prof. Suleiman represented by former Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Nuhu Yakubu, advised government to shun autocratic tendencies and embrace Liberal and socialist democracy.

“Presently, what we have is no democracy in Nigeria. I want to categorically say that we have no good governance as a result of this development”

Earlier in his welcome address, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, host of the conference and Vice Chancellor FUL, said that the theme of the conference was deliberately crafted to positively impact on Nigeria’s leadership roles in the quest to boost good governance.

Prof. Akinwumi, a Professor of History and third Vice Chancellor of FUL commended the association for consideration for FUL to host the conference saying that the conference was crucial to academic exercise, research and intellectual discuss.

“Our Leaders should be held accountable to justify reasons why they were elected into office”, he urged. (Ends).

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by National Chairman Amb. Godknows Igali, has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the eight victims who perished in the Eastwind Aviation helicopter crash into Bonny River, Rivers State. The incident occurred on Thursday while the helicopter was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to the FPSO Nuimantan Oil Rig.

In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, PANDEF expressed sorrow not only for the families affected but also for the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Rivers State government.
The forum described the loss of the oil workers who were integral to the industry as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”

PANDEF emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the crash to determine its causes and urged relevant agencies to implement measures to prevent future incidents. The organization offered prayers for the deceased and sought comfort for their grieving families during this difficult time.
The statement reads in part,
“PANDEF is saddened by the news of the helicopter with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, that was carrying eight persons, six passengers and two crew members crashed as it was from Port Harcourt Military base, DNPM to FPSO NUIMANTAN OIL RIG (offshore Calabar).

“PANDEF notes that it was a dark day for the Rivers State, the Federal Government, especially the Aviation sector, where energetic persons who were oil workers and contract staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL died in the process.

“PANDEF mourned the oil workers, describing their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension”.