society
OIL, ETHNICITY AND BETRAYAL: WARRI’S STORY
OIL, ETHNICITY AND BETRAYAL: WARRI’S STORY.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“An authoritative chronicle of how greed, ethnic politics and failed leadership turned a booming economic hub into a battleground of poverty, bloodshed and broken promises.”
Warri (once billed as one of Nigeria’s great oil cities, home to refineries, petrochemical plants and a deep-water river port) has repeatedly been pushed to the brink. What should have been a modern hub of industry and prosperity instead became the theatre of chronic violence, displacement and economic sabotage. The Warri crisis is not an isolated outburst of tribal spite; it is the predictable, preventable implosion of governance in an oil-rich zone where the rules were rigged, revenues were coveted and local communities were left to fight for scraps.
The immediate flashpoint that detonated the late-1990s conflict was deceptively mundane: the relocation of a local government headquarters. In 1997 the federal government created new local government areas and moved the Warri South-West LGA headquarters from the Ijaw town of Ogbe-Ijoh to the Itsekiri community of Ogidigben. That decision (administrative on its face) was interpreted as a grab for oil rents and political access to state resources. The result was a low-intensity war that escalated quickly into pitched battles, revenge killings and the occupation of oil installations. The violence that followed underscored a simple truth: in the Niger Delta, control over territory is control over oil money.
This was not merely an ethnic feud. Human Rights Watch, after on-the-ground investigation, concluded the violence was “essentially a fight over the oil money” a concise but damning diagnosis. When institutions fail to distribute wealth transparently, social identities harden into combat brigades and youth militias. In Warri the principal actors included Itsekiri and Ijaw militias, with Urhobo groups drawn in at times; the conflict’s web of grievances ranged across land claims, political representation, community boundary disputes and the spoils of petroleum production.
The human toll was devastating. Reports from credible observers describe hundreds killed, thousands injured and mass displacement. Between the broader waves of violence across Delta State and the concentrated fighting in Warri, hundreds of thousands of people were driven from their homes. The Red Cross and humanitarian organizations documented scenes of shattered families, pillaged homes and a spiralling humanitarian crisis. For oil companies and the national economy the costs were also steep: pipelines were blown up, storage facilities seized and production slashed and losses that reverberated through export revenues and local livelihoods.
The economic dimension cannot be overstated. Warri was and remains, strategically vital: it hosts major refinery and storage infrastructure, petrochemical facilities and one of the region’s key ports. Disruptions there were not local problems, but they were national emergencies. During peak episodes of unrest companies such as Chevron and Shell reported dramatic drops in output as installations were attacked or abandoned, underlining how fragile Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy is when social cohesion unravels. The Warri disturbances therefore had direct macroeconomic consequences and exposed how local grievances can become national security risks.
Why did the crisis persist for so long? A combination of structural failure and opportunism. Colonial-era administrative boundaries and the later reorganization of native authorities created unequal access to power and resources; these historical distortions metastasized into contemporary grievance. Successive state and federal governments frequently reacted with ad hoc force rather than durable political solutions. Peace deals were negotiated, only to fray when accountability, resource sharing and local governance were not meaningfully addressed. International analysts warned time and again that quick fixes would not suffice and the violence demanded institutional reforms, investment in transparent revenue sharing and meaningful local empowerment.
There is an additional corrosive element: the rise of armed youth networks and criminal entrepreneurs who profited from pipeline vandalism, oil theft and the chaos itself. Where legitimate opportunity is absent, illegitimate economies thrive. The emergence of groups later associated with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and other militias was partly a product of state neglect but also of cynical manipulation by political actors and shadowy economic interests. The result was a multi-layered conflict in which ethnicity, economics and criminality fed each other in a cycle of violence and impoverishment.
The consequences for ordinary people were predictable and brutal. Beyond deaths and displacements, the social fabric of communities frayed: schools closed, health services collapsed and markets ceased to function. Children lost years of schooling; breadwinners lost access to fishing and farming grounds as insecurity spread. The dream of Warri (a bustling oil city that would lift Delta State’s “Big Heart” into prosperity) was substituted with a daily scramble for survival, where the loudest voices were often those armed and paid by others agendas.
So what must be done to rebuild and reclaim Warri’s future? First, truth and accountability: the history of decisions that stoked the conflict (from dubious boundary changes to corrupt contracts) must be laid out honestly and remedied where possible. Second, transparent revenue-sharing mechanisms must be instituted and enforced so that oil wealth funds local development rather than patronage. Third, durable reconciliation processes are needed that go beyond ceasefires: land boundary disputes require independent adjudication, local governments must be empowered and traditional leaders and civil society should be central to peacebuilding. Lastly, economic regeneration must prioritize jobs, education and infrastructure so that youth have real alternatives to militia life. These are not fanciful prescriptions; they are pragmatic, evidence-based steps recommended by conflict analysts and development agencies.
There is an uncomfortable political truth: Warri’s collapse is a mirror reflecting national governance failures. When central and state authorities outsource order to security crackdowns without fixing underlying political grievances, each temporary “PEACE” simply stores up a deeper eruption. Nigeria cannot afford to treat its oil cities as policing problems alone; they are the seams where the nation’s social contract will either be reforged or finally tear. As one human rights observer summed up bluntly: when oil money becomes the axis of local power, democracy degrades into a rent-seeking scramble.
Warri can be rebuilt; but only if politics change. The Big Heart state of Delta must reclaim the narrative of its capital: investment, inclusion and the rule of law over guns, patronage and impunity. That means politicians need to accept uncomfortable compromises, companies must be accountable to communities rather than complicit in silence and civil society must be empowered to monitor and participate. The alternative is perpetual decline: an oil city that extracts wealth while exporting misery. That is a national scandal we can and must prevent.
Niger Delta Power Holding Company Boss, Engr. Jennifer Adighije Rises Above Distractions
Engineer Jennifer Adighije, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), is walking her way into the history books as one of the finest MDs of NDPHC since its creation in 2005. With a brain functioning at its peak, Engr. Adighije is quietly implementing the company’s mandate which includes building and/or maintaining power plants and other related infrastructure. In line with its 4-fold portfolio ranging from Generation Projects, Transmission Projects Distribution Projects, and Gas Assets, NDPHC has done well in terms of reforms aimed at repositioning the company for greater efficiency. One of Engr. Adighije’s notable achievements includes championing initiates aimed at improving operational efficiency through improved revenue generation. Engr. Adighije is determined to turn around the fortunes of NDPHC. Since her assumption of leadership of NDPHC, Engr. Adighije is pursuing diligently important reforms to optimize the performance of NDPHC assets to ramp up revenue while curtailing excessive and unjustified expenditure within the establishment. And that’s not all, she’s also working hard to enhance NDPHC’s liquidity by aggressively pursuing the recovery of the monumental debts owed to the company for energy already delivered.
Under her leadership, NDPHC, has embraced the use of technology for operational efficiency. She’s leading the NDPHC’s technological drive, leveraging technology to enhance productivity of the workforce to fast track the company’s efficiency and services to the Nigerian people. Described as a visionary woman who leads by example, Engr. Adighije has proved her mettle as a worthy public servant. Her leadership style is characterized by decisiveness and transparency. Engr. Adighije has been a blessing to NDPHC and this is evident in her impressive records after just few months in the saddle as NDPHC boss. Some of the significant achievements recorded under the leadership of Engr. Adighije includes assets recovery – recovery of 110 containers worth over 5 million USD containing critical turbine parts, HRSG parts and other materials that had been abandoned at Onne port for over 9 years. Recouping investments: advanced discussions with NERC on recouping NDPHC’s investments in enhancing TCN’s Transmission grid expansion plan. Not only that, there’s also the restoration of plant assets. In one year, 6 nos. gas turbines across the fleet that were dormant have been restored (GT4 – Calabar NIPP, GT1 – Omotosho II, GT1&2 – Benin NIPP, GT3&4 – Alaoji NIPP); Totalling about 750MW added to the power generation mechanical availability. Talk about debt recovery. The NDPHC under Engr. has been able to recover over 10 million USD from bilateral customers in legacy debts and so much more.
Recently, some faceless people have been working hard to bring into disrepute the reputation of Engr. Adighije by planting tissue of lies branded as allegations in some online platforms. From the disreputable source of the story , any right thinking person can tell that this is nothing but a deliberate effort at demonizing the NDPHC boss, Engr. Adighije. Unperturbed by the baseless report, Engr. Adighije has continued to deliver results backed by evidence. No doubt, she has done well for herself and the NDPHC brand. Engr. Adighije outside the NDPHC boardroom is also a philanthropist in her own right. She has done a lot in the area of service to humanity.
LuxeNurse Clinic Expands to Nigeria, Bags Prestigious GAB Award
International healthcare firm, LuxeNurse Clinic has announced the opening of its second branch in Lekki, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.
The clinic’s founder, Princess Adekemi Martin, has simultaneously been recognized with the GAB (Gathering of Africa’s Best) Award, a distinguished accolade celebrating exceptional individuals and businesses that uplift the UK, Africa, and the global black community.
The GAB Awards highlight outstanding achievement, leadership, and impact across healthcare, entrepreneurship, arts, community development, and innovation.
This recognition places Princess Adekemi Martin among the influential leaders shaping the future of healthcare, wellness, and entrepreneurship on a global scale.
According to Princess Adekemi Martin, “receiving this award is a blessing and an honour. When I started this journey, I simply wanted to create a space where luxury truly meets care—a place where people feel safe, valued, and confident. This dream began in my home, and within a year I opened my first clinic in the UK. In that same year, God made it possible to expand and open another clinic in Lagos, Nigeria. This award reminds me that consistency, courage, and God’s grace always win. I am grateful to the GAB Awards team, my clients, my supporters, and everyone who believes in the LuxeNurse vision.”
Founded in 2024, LuxeNurse Clinic operates under the philosophy “Luxury Meets Care”, combining advanced medical expertise with premium aesthetic and wellness services.
What began as a vision within Princess Adekemi’s home has rapidly evolved into an international dual-branch business, offering medical-grade IV therapy, vitamin drips, weight-loss injections, body contouring, fat-dissolving treatments, skin boosters, and a range of aesthetic procedures trusted by clients across the UK and Nigeria.
The UK branch of LuxeNurse Clinic is located at Dartford, London, while the Nigerian annex is situated at Lekki, Lagos.
society
Nollywood’s Villains and Victims: 12 Reforms To Make Nollywood Great Again By Dr. Ope Banwo, Attorney, Mayor of Fadeyi, Founder Nollywood Fanatics TV
Nollywood’s Villains and Victims: 12 Reforms To Make Nollywood Great Again
By Dr. Ope Banwo, Attorney, Mayor of Fadeyi, Founder Nollywood Fanatics TV
I love Nollywood. I’ve invested time, money, passion – and plenty of blood pressure – into this industry. I’ve also been badly burnt by it, more than once. So, what you’re about to read is not theory or gossip. It’s from someone who has put hundreds of millions of naira on the table and paid school fees in pain and experience.
Gist master at GistHouse, Dr. Ope Banwo
Nollywood is like a miracle baby nobody expected to survive – a child that started crawling and walking faster than anyone thought possible, then mysteriously stopped growing. Decades later, we are still taking baby steps.
I’ve spent months studying this industry deeply enough to write a book titled: “One Country, 2,500 Movies – Confronting the Problems with Nigeria’s Movie Industry, Who Is Responsible and How to Fix It Before It’s Too Late.” In that book, I expose the rot, name names, and propose solutions. This article is an extension of that ongoing conversation.
Today, I want to focus on the Villains and the Victims of Nollywood – and why the industry will either rise or collapse on their shoulders.
The Producer: Hero, Hostage, Villain
If Nollywood were a human body, the producer would be the spine – the unseen structure that holds everything upright. Right now, that spine is cracking.
The industry’s biggest problem is not scripts, cameras or acting talent. Nollywood is struggling because our producer class and senior crew have become a dangerous mix of:
• Exhausted heroes
• Accidental amateurs
• Unregulated tyrants
• Overwhelmed victims
All of them operating in an industry with almost no guardrails, no real enforcement, and very little professional structure.
Let’s stop pretending this is an abstract problem. The rot has faces, dates, and case files.
“When Film Sets Turned into Battlefields”
“1. The Strangling of a Make-Up Artist on Set”
On October 28, 2025, during the filming of Lagos to Opulence, production manager Anierobi “Nwa South” Courage allegedly attacked the Head of Make-Up, Mary Chizzy Eze, beat her, tore her clothes, and strangled her on set because she complained about unfair treatment (Premium Times, Oct. 29, 2025).
Crew members had to physically pull him off her.
A film set became a wrestling arena. Insiders were not shocked – because this kind of behavior is not rare. It’s just rarely documented and pursued.
Why does this happen?
• No clear structure
• No enforceable code of conduct
• No real training for producers, production managers or crew supervisors
• No consequences
This is what an unregulated industry looks like. Yet, we are supposed to have plenty regulations. Government has several for Nollyowood, and we ourselves have enough Guilds that we can probably sell some to Ghana
‘2. Actor vs. Actress-Producer: The Taye Arimoro Case
Shortly after, actor Taye Arimoro publicly alleged that he was assaulted, blocked from leaving a set, and injured during a confrontation involving actress-producer Peggy Ovire (Pulse Nigeria, Nov. 13, 2025). She countered that he was the aggressor.
Forget who is right for a moment. The real scandal is that a Nollywood set, which should be governed by a chain of command, safety rules, and professionalism, degenerated into a street fight.
Where were:
• The conflict-resolution protocols?
• The set safety officer?
• The guild-backed rules of engagement?
They don’t exist in any serious, enforceable way. Most Nollywood sets run on vibes, talent, brute force and hope – not systems.
*3. When Streaming Money Became Shopping Money*
In December 2024, comedian and filmmaker Basketmouth revealed that some producers collect money from Netflix and other platforms, use 10% to make the film, and allegedly divert 90% to personal luxuries – cars, houses, lifestyle (Vanguard, Dec. 18, 2024).
Ten percent for the movie. Ninety percent for enjoyment? This is not just a miscalculation – it is systemic mismanagement, made possible by zero accountability mechanisms.
*4. When Government Grants Vanished into Thin Air*
Filmmaker Mildred Okwo later revealed that some producers collected government grants to make movies and never produced anything (Ripples Nigeria, Dec. 19, 2024).
No script. No set. No rough cut. No deliverable. Just money gone.
Again: no accountability, no watchdog, no consequences. The government loses trust; credible producers lose opportunities; the industry loses credibility globally.
Producers and Senior Crew: Villains and Victims
*To be fair, producers, directors, DOPs, and production managers are not only villains. Many are also victims of a broken ecosystem.*
I know producers who:
• Used their children’s school fees to feed crew.
• Slept in cars because the accommodation budget disappeared.
• Negotiated with area boys and police, same day, to keep a shoot alive.
• Lost millions due to piracy, bad distribution, or crooked partners.
• Lost marriages and mental health under pressure.
So, yes – the producer in Nigeria is both hero and hostage, and that contradiction is the heart of Nollywood’s crisis:
The producer is the engine and also the broken gear; the protector and the perpetrator; the victim and the villain.
Until we reform this producer class and key crew roles – root, branch, and soul – Nollywood will remain a miracle-based, not structure-based, industry.
12 Critical Reforms Nollywood Desperately Needs Now
*Nollywood does not need more motivational speeches. It needs systems, sanctions, and standards. Here are 12 urgent reforms I could think of:*
*1. Professionalize Key Roles*
Being passionate about movies is not enough.
Producers, directors, DOPs, and production managers must be treated as professional, certified roles – not something any random person can assume.
*2. Make Certification Mandatory for Access to Serious Funds*
No one should touch institutional, government, or investor funds without recognized training and certification in production, budgeting, and distribution.
If you can’t explain AVOD, ROI, licensing windows, or P&A, you have no business managing BOI money or platform funds.
*3. Create a Real 3-Month Intensive Certification Program*
A serious, exam-based Producer/Director/PM/DOP Bootcamp should be a minimum entry requirement for guild membership and major projects.
Not WhatsApp “masterclasses”. A real curriculum with business, law, ethics, and on-set practice.
You May Like: How Nollywood Actor, Odira Nwobu Died In South Africa
*4. Establish a Nollywood Bureau of Professional Conduct*
An independent body should investigate:
• Set assaults
• Investor fraud and vanished funds
• Abandoned productions
• Tampered budgets
• Unsafe sets and negligence
And publish enforceable sanctions.
*5. Maintain a Public “Nollywood Black Book”*
Not gossip – a verified record of:
• Producers who defraud investors
• Actors who abandon sets
• Crew who assault colleagues
• Directors who repeatedly breach contracts
A small industry needs more transparency, not less.
*6. Make P&A Budgets Mandatory*
A serious film must dedicate at least 20% of its budget to marketing (P&A).
Shooting a beautiful film with zero structured marketing is financial suicide. Investors must insist on seeing a P&A plan before releasing funds.
*7. Enforce Transparent, Auditable Accounts*
Producers and production managers must provide auditable expense and revenue reports to executive producers and investors.
Sentimental storytelling should give way to hard numbers. That’s how you build investor confidence and long-term financing.
*8. Make Production Insurance Compulsory*
Every production should carry insurance for cast, crew, and equipment.
Incidents like the Lagos to Opulence assault would be handled through professional, legal, and insurance-backed processes, not emotional damage control.
*9. Rank Producers and Key Crew by Tier*
The industry (or a private ratings body) should maintain a tiered ranking system based on competence, track record, and scale handled.
A director or producer with only low-budget experience should not suddenly be handed a ₦200 million project.
*10. Adopt Global Production Standards*
Nollywood must stop hiding behind the excuse: “Nigeria is different.”
The global market is one. If we want to compete for international recognition, we must use:
• Proper call sheets
• Safety officers
• Chain of command
• Conflict protocols
• Clear deliverables
Institutionalized rubbish will never win global respect.
*11. Zero Tolerance for Violence and Illegal Restraint on Set*
Any form of assault, battery or forced restraint on set must attract industry-wide sanctions and possible legal action.
Blocking an adult from leaving a set is not “discipline” – it can amount to kidnapping or even terrorism-related offences under Nigerian law. People must stop incriminating themselves on camera and start talking to lawyers.
*12. Make Digital & Streaming Monetization Core Curriculum*
Every serious producer and marketer must understand:
• AVOD, SVOD, TVOD, FAST
• International licensing and syndication
• Dubbing, subtitling and market segmentation
A producer who doesn’t understand the economics of distribution in 2025 has no business leading a serious production.
Conclusion: Time to Draw a Line in the Sand
The era of impunity in Nollywood must end.
This culture of “don’t spoil their name” is killing the industry.
Some names need to be spoiled – for the industry to heal.
We cannot keep shouting “global takeover” while the very spine of Nollywood – the producer class and key crew – remains fractured, unregulated and, in many cases, unaccountable.
If Nollywood truly wants to grow up, this is the hour.
Fix the producer, and Nollywood will rise.
Ignore the producer, and Nollywood will bury itself.
This is my first article in a series of articles i am planning. More will come – including my full commentary on the Taye Arimoro vs. Peggy Ovire saga and the shocking decision of three guilds tasked with leadership.
As for me, I have chosen my lane:
• A committed observer and outspoken commentator; and
• A champion for AI-based productions that can help disrupt and reset the system.
Everyone in Nollywood must now decide: Which side of history are you standing on?
Dr Ope Banwo
Mayor Of Fadeyi
Founder, Nollywood Fanatics TV
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