The Federal Government has been asked to compel international oil companies (IOCs) to pay $100billion to oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta for the many years of damage done on the region’s ecosystem.

Niger Delta Farmers, Fishermen/Seafood Dealers Association (NDFFSDA) made the demand at the weekend in a statement by its national President, Imoh Okoko and secretary,  Sunny Eleas.

The NDFFSDA said that the operations of the oil companies have caused frequent oil spills, black soot, acid rain, gas flaring among others which adversely impact on the communities leading to loss of livelihoods and even deaths.

The statement added that fisherman, seafood dealers and farmers have also suffered terrible loses and deaths in the course of the fishing in the waters of the region.

The statement reads in parts: “It has become pertinent to bring to your attention the fact that the ongoing oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta region are repeatedly causing severe damage to our fishing nets, hooks, boots, and other essential fishing equipment.

“The continuous destruction of our equipment by the movement of their (IOC’s) heavy sea moving machines/equipment, eg oil vessels, surveillance boots, etc,  is causing immense economic loss to members of our Association, as we depend solely on these tools for our daily sustenance and income.

“The massive loss of lives and livelihood and avoidable accidents at sea are preventable and we strongly advocate that measures be put in place to ensure same so as to promote a sustainable environment for positive development in the sectors.

“These accidents variously occurred in the years 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, and the most recent incident occurred in 2024. These tragic incidents have not only taken away valuable lives but have left families in distress, with no compensation or recognition from either the Companies or the relevant supervisory authorities.

“In light of the above, we respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to work out the payment is $100 billion to oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region as compensation for years of oil exploration and exploitation.

“This has led to irreversible damages to the livelihood and ecosystem in the region; this compensation would douse raging tensions and hopelessness that people in the region going through and feeling.

“This fund is needed urgently and saliently to specifically address the rapid provision of health facilities, replenishment of floundering rare animals, plants and fish species; which have been devastated for the past 65 years.

“We also support the call that the above demanded compensation be paid into a special account, to be administered by oil-producing states in collaboration with local and international environmental groups with focus on provision of health facilities, women empowerment, education and reviving fishing and agriculture in the region”.

By Abimbola Ola

Perfume is more than just a fragrance; it is an invisible accessory that speaks volumes about who we are. It lingers in the air long after we have left the room, leaving traces of memory, emotion, and identity. A well-chosen perfume does not just make a person smell good — it tells a story, evokes emotions, and sometimes defines how we are remembered.

There is something deeply personal about the way perfume blends with the skin. It transforms differently on everyone, becoming a scent that is uniquely theirs. Some perfumes carry sweet, fruity notes that remind one of summer days, ripe fruits, and soft laughter. Others reveal floral tones, blooming like gardens in spring, or woody and musky scents that whisper of confidence, depth, and mystery. Each fragrance family carries its own character, and together, they form a language of scent understood without words.

Perfume, in many ways, represents personality. For men, it often symbolizes strength, power, and confidence — a silent yet potent declaration of presence. For women, perfume mirrors grace, beauty, and sensuality — a fragrance that can captivate and inspire. There are scents that command attention, those that calm the soul, and those that awaken nostalgia. Some perfumes travel farther than the person wearing them, leaving behind trails that open doors of admiration and even success.

There are moments in life when a fragrance becomes inseparable from memory. Some people never forget another simply because of the perfume they wore — that lingering scent etched into the corners of memory like an old song. Perfume, when chosen carefully, has the power to become part of one’s identity. It can make someone unforgettable, even when words fail or time fades.

Yet, as powerful as perfume can be, not every space welcomes it. Certain workplaces and institutions — especially daycares, hospitals, or organizations where people may have allergies or respiratory sensitivities — often discourage the use of strong fragrances. This is not a rejection of beauty, but a reminder of care and consideration for others. In such environments, subtlety becomes the key — a light, airy scent that soothes rather than overwhelms.

Still, in social settings and personal moments, perfume remains one of the most intimate and expressive accessories one can wear. It completes an outfit, boosts confidence, and sometimes even sets the tone for the day. It can make a person feel powerful, alluring, or simply clean and refreshed. Beyond fashion, it connects to emotion — that invisible link between self-expression and memory.

Perfume is not just about smelling good; it is about being remembered. It travels farther than sight, reaching into hearts and minds in ways words cannot. It has the power to change moods, influence perception, and tell stories of who we are and who we aspire to be.

In a world full of fleeting trends and changing styles, perfume remains timeless — a silent companion that walks with us through the seasons of life. Whether fruity, floral, woody, or spicy, the right scent becomes a signature — invisible, yet unforgettable.

By Abimbola Ola
Growing up in an African home came with discipline, structure, and deeply rooted cultural values. Yet, one thing that was often missing in the average African household was open affection. Watching a romantic movie or a love scene with your parents was almost a crime. The moment two characters leaned in for a kiss, you would quickly switch the channel or pretend to be uninterested. Everyone in the room understood the silent message — affection was private, even forbidden to be acknowledged.
But this brings us to a striking question: why is showing affection not paramount in most African families?
In many African cultures, love is not shown through words or gestures but through responsibility and sacrifice. A mother waking up at 4 a.m. to prepare food for her children, or a father taking extra jobs to pay school fees — these are considered acts of love. The African parent rarely says “I love you” or gives random hugs, but they show it through dedication and provision. Love is lived, not spoken.
Yet, beneath that strength lies a gap. Many children grow up emotionally distant from their parents. They know they are loved, but they never feel it. Some struggle to express affection as adults, finding it difficult to say “I love you” to their partners or even to their own children. They were taught that love should be quiet, controlled, and hidden behind responsibilities.
It is also common to see couples who have been married for decades, yet no one has ever seen them hug or hold hands. We see our mothers get pregnant and have children, but never witness any public affection between them and our fathers. Love happens behind closed doors — private, unspoken, and modest. To many, affection is seen as weakness or even disrespectful in front of children.
However, times are changing. The new generation is beginning to understand that affection does not erode respect — it enhances it. A hug does not make a parent less authoritative; it makes them more approachable. Saying “I love you” does not spoil a child; it reassures them. The world has moved forward, and emotional intelligence has become as important as cultural discipline.
It is time to break the silence around affection in African homes. Our culture is beautiful and rich, but we can enrich it further by embracing expressions of love. Let children grow up seeing their parents smile at each other, hearing words of affirmation, and feeling the warmth of a hug.
Because affection is not a foreign act — it is a human one. Love is not only meant to be known; it is meant to be shown. And perhaps when we begin to express it more openly, the next generation will no longer feel the need to switch channels when love appears on the screen.