All Posts in "Day: May 11, 2023"

Airtel Renews Spectrum License With N58.7bn

 

Airtel Africa,has announced that its Nigerian subsidiary,Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria),paid N58.7 billion to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to renew its 2×10 MHz 2100 MHz spectrum license.

In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) which was signed by Company Secretary Simon O’Hara,the company said,the license will be valid for 15 years following the expiry of the previous license on 31st April 2022.

The company said, investment to renew the license reflects its continued confidence in the opportunity inherent across the Nigerian market, supporting the local communities and economies through furthering digital inclusion and connectivity.

Airtel Africa had early this year announced that its Nigerian subsidiary purchased 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a gross consideration of $316.7 million, payable in local currency.

It noted that the additional spectrum would support the group’s investments in network expansion for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, including 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate our continued strong data growth in the country and exceptional customer experience.

It added that the acquisition of the 5G spectrum will underpin the group’s growth strategy by enabling the launch of higher-speed connectivity to enhance customer service and accelerate digitalization for consumers, enterprises, and the public sector.

According to the statement, the key benefits of 5G will include higher speeds, lower latency, significant network capacity as well as an improved user experience.

“Furthermore, the deployment of 5G will accelerate the availability and efficiency of fixed wireless access products across the country, contributing towards Airtel Nigeria’s progress in meeting the National Broadband Plan targets.The acquisition of 2600MHz spectrum will complement our already strong spectrum position in the market to enhance network capacity and future-proof our growth opportunity,” the group noted.

The CEO of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya,said that Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services.

He said: ‘’Investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable this growth is a strategic priority for the Group and will ensure we can provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country. 5G is critical to these ambitions, and we look forward to launching new services to drive further digitalization across the country, facilitate economic progress and transform lives across Nigeria.”

admin by — May 11, 2023 in Business 0
Ondo: Criminals Disguising As Lunatics To Attack Victims -Amotekun

Mohammed Shosanya

Majority of mad people in the state are criminals using lunatic gears to deceive the public in order to gather information about the locations where they wanted to operate,Corps Commander of Ondo State command of South West Security Network (SWSN) otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye,has said.

Adeleye,who spoke while parading 26 criminals suspects at the headquarters of the formation at Alagbaka, Akure, Adeleye, also revealed how the officials of Amotekun Corps searched some lunatics in different communities in the state and found expensive phones on some of them.

According to him,two among the mad persons in the street who were searched and discovered to be pretenders, were arrested in Idanre and Igbara-Oke in Idanre and Ifedore Local Government Areas of the state.

He said: “These suspects have been constituting security risk and nuisance to our state. They were arrested within last one week.We have two cases and it’s becoming rampant, almost every week, where on searching these mad people, we found expensive phones on them.

“We found out that majority of them only pretend to be mad in order to gather information in the particular area where they intend to operate. We have two of them, one from Idanre and one from Igbara oke.

“If you notice an usual movement about so to say mad or lunatic people, let the security agencies know on time before they carry out their activities. It is actually dangerous to accost a mad man, anything could happen, thereafter. The best thing is to give us a timely information and we will contact relevant security organizations to assist in ensuring that they are brought to book.”

Speaking on other activities of the formation, the Corps Commander said: “Last week, we assisted the Federal Road Safety Corps in enforcing the abuse on registration number on vehicles and motorbikes.

“So, we are open to all agencies for such assistance. So, the Ministry of Women Affairs in the state is also collaborating with us on all these, especially if we have timely information.We also have a pathetic case of a kidnapper, their gang kidnapped and killed a victim who came from Ogun State.

“In the interest of collaboration, we contacted our Ogun State colleagues and we were able to find out the family of the victim and the suspect is here, we are set to transfer the suspect, because the first part of that crime actually took place in Ogun State. So, we are set to handover the suspect who had been on the wanted list of Ogun State police to the Police Command of Ogun State any moment from now.

“We have another syndicate of armed robbers that operates on the highways that were caught in the act. Some of them actually opened fire on our men on patrol while they were caught in the act of armed robbery. So, all of them talking 26 had been profiled and in conjunction with the office of the public prosecution will take them through the normal prosecution process.”

He assured people of the state that all security agencies in the state would not relent in their efforts in protecting life and property.

admin by — May 11, 2023 in News 0
Sahara Energy Restates Commitment To Global Sustainable Development

Mohammed Shosanya

Sahara Energy International, Geneva, a member of the Sahara Group has reechoed its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and global sustainable development through participation in the Generali Genève Marathon in Geneva, Switzerland.

Kola Motajo, Director, Sahara Group,who disclosed this at the 17th edition of the competition recently,said the privilege of running in the marathon that is dedicated to making a difference is treasured by the Sahara Family,a statement said.

He said:“This is an event we look forward to in Sahara each year. We have Saharians who participate in different categories of the Generali Genève Marathon, while others turn up to cheer and make the moment special for Sahara and the world. Every step our runners take reinforces Sahara Group’s dedication to bringing energy to life responsibly through our energy solutions and social impact”

According to him, the friendship amongst all runners, the donations channeled to children with health challenges and diversity of participants make the marathon a spectacle that “showcases the importance of collaboration in the quest for achieving sustainable development across the globe.”

The statement said,Sahara Energy’s team was led by Didier Veron, a seasoned marathoner who finished the 10km race in 00:48:17. Other members of the Sahara contingent included Nicolas Fort, Thomas Khoury, Marc Barros, Ludivine Moisan, Gowtham Kesavan, Gugliemo Colombo, Alexander Mireskandari, Nathalie Musson Genon, Azzurra Tarroni and Jean-David Mencier.

Veron was quoted as noting that marathons have over the decades stood out remarkably as platforms for promoting bonding, partnership, consideration for others, healthy competition, and laudable causes. I must commend the Sahara Group team for another fantastic performance at the Generali Genève Marathon.

“This is how we demonstrate our commitment to being ‘MAD’, that is, making a difference individually and collectively in the pursuit of innovation, excellence, and sustainability as Team Sahara,” he added. “Perfect weather, great teammates, and a challenging experience in a challenging year. Exciting to be MAD,” said Jean-David Mencier who finished the 20km race in 1:50:56.

The team had the support of Kola Motajo, Anna Valasidi, Camille Lavaud, Stephane Pagnod, Sebastian Galindez Castillo, Damilola Jibunoh, Alina-Luciana Spada, all ‘Sahararians’ who turned up to make Sahara Group’s participation exceptional.

Generali Genève Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque city marathons in Europe and one of the fastest in Switzerland. The course takes place in the countryside nestled between mountains and the shore of Lake Geneva before finishing in the heart of the city in front of the famous Jet d’Eau.

admin by — May 11, 2023 in Power 0
Osinbajo Commends Transcorp Group Over Investments In Nigeria’s Power Sector

Mohammed Shosanya

Nigeria’s Vice President,Prof.Yemi Osinbajo,has commended Transnational Corporation Plc for investing in the country’s power sector.

He gave the commendation when he commissioned Transafam Power – a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc’s 240MW Afam Three Fast Power plant in Afam, Rivers State.

“Afam Three Fast Power is an important part of the evolving story of Nigeria’s aspirations to bring electricity to millions in their homes, factories and businesses that provide their livelihoods. It brings into view the importance of private capital in building up capacity along the power value chain.” The Vice President said.

He said a major weakness of our privatisation process has been inadequacy of private investments and new cash injections.

He added:”But the tide is turning with indigenous power and private investors such as Transcorp Power and Heirs Holdings, making significant investments such as the 100% acquisition of the 966MW installed capacity in Afam Plc and Afam III fast power Limited jointly referred to as Afam Genco”

Speaking,the Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu applauded Transcorp Group for its positive contributions to improving electricity generation in Nigeria.

“What we are celebrating today is an exemplar of the best of Public-Private partnerships. This collaboration has ensured that we are commissioning Afam Three Fast Power today, with a capacity to inject an additional 240MW of electricity into the National grid.”

“At full capacity, it will no doubt provide about 40% of our generated energy today. This is commendable and will certainly improve electricity supply to the nation along with growth of our economy and Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”, Engr. Abubakar said.

The Chairman of Transcorp Group, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, during the ceremony said that “We all know the importance of power in Nigeria. We all experience the consequences of our power deficit – the implications for our people, our businesses, our schools, hospitals, and institutions – our national destiny. Transcorp Group is a key player in the power sector. We recognise power is the single most critical factor to lifting our people out of poverty and enabling job creation.

Therefore, I am so proud today, that we have been able to bring together so many key stakeholders. He concluded his speech with the commitment to continue to do well and do good. “We will not rest until we know every Nigerian has access to the power and the fruits of that power, which we know can transform our country.

We are fulfilling our promises to the Government and demonstrating Transcorp’s purpose of “Improving Lives and Transforming Africa”.

The Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises, Alex Okoh,said the projects will improve access to electricity in Nigeria.

He said “Afam Three fast Power combined with the adjoining Afam Power Plc, will in the next few years add almost 1,000MW of electricity to the national grid. This will go a long way towards reducing the current power deficit while enhancing access to electricity for millions of private and corporate Nigerians, creating jobs, and ensuring the socio-economic development and well-being of the nation.”

The successful commissioning of the Afam Three Fast Power turbines is a testament to the Transcorp Group’s commitment to providing reliable and sustainable power to Nigerians. The commissioning took place shortly after the second anniversary of Transafam Power’s operational takeover of the Afam Power Asset.

Earlier in the week,Transcorp Power Limited, was presented with a post-privatisation discharge certificate by the Federal Government of Nigeria, following fulfilment of all privatization conditions.

The discharge certificate was presented at the meeting of the National Council of Privatisation (NCP) by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of NCP, Professor Yemi Osinbajo to Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, Group Chairman, Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp), owner of Transcorp Power.

Osinbajo said: “Post privatisation monitoring is an important aspect of Federal Government’s privatisation programme. Transcorp Power has been able to ensure compliance and surpassed expectations with all post privatisation deliverables. I commend Tony Elumelu and his Transcorp team for this feat. I urge Transcorp Group to continue in that path and even do better. Speaking further, the VP said.

The Group Chairman, Transcorp, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, thanked the Federal Government for their trust and confident in Transcorp,adding that:“in addition to fulfilling the post privatisation performance criteria, Transcorp has driven a strong indigenous agenda – our plants are managed and fully operated by Nigerians, creating jobs and reducing unemployment in the country. Safety is very important to us as well, since we began operations in 2013, we have recorded zero incident till date”. Continuing he said, At Transcorp Group, we do well and do good. We have grown together with our Host communities, enriching lives, and improving the community”

admin by — May 11, 2023 in Power 0
Vandalism: Protect Our Facilities, Ikeja Electric Begs Consumers

Musbau Babatunde

Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) has advised customers, community leaders and members of the society to protect electrical facilities in their areas against vandalism.

The Chief Security Officer, Ikeja Electric, Michael Igbodipe,disclosed this during a recent strategic meeting with the new commandant of Lagos Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) on ways to nip vandalism in the bud.

He lamented that vandalism, illegal connections, energy theft and other illegal activities are sabotaging the Company’s efforts to provide excellent service delivery within its coverage areas.

He urged consumers to avoid all forms of illegal connections that may lead to electrical hazards, fire outbreaks, damage to equipment, electrocution and service disruptions

He assured that the company will continue to sensitize all stakeholders in this regard and reiterated IE’s commitment to ensure excellent service delivery.

Responding during the strategic meeting, the new Commandant of NSCDC Lagos State, Usman Ishaq Alfadadarai,endorsed the message of re-strategizing with the agency.

He explained that one of the core mandate of the Federal Government to the NSCDC is to ensure safety of all critical assets and infrastructure across Lagos State.

He promised to immediately inaugurate a dedicated team that will work with IE and swing into action to achieve the objective.

The Commandant promised to commit all supports within the limit of the agency to ensure the success of this collaboration and charged the power company to ensure provision of adequate logistics for effective implementation of the new strategies.

admin by — May 11, 2023 in Power 0
Buhari, Jonathan To Grace IoD’s 40th Anniversary

Mohammed Shosanya

President Muhammadu Buhari,will be the special guest of honour at the 40 years anniversary celebration of Institute of Directors,IoD billed to hold in Lagos next weekend

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan,is the chairman of the occasion,while the guest of honour are, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu,and Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, a statement said.

The year-long celebration is expected to climax with an anniversary gala, scheduled to hold on Wednesday 17th May, 2023 at the Eko Hotels and Suites,Lagos

The President of the Institute,Dele Alimi,who is the chief host,said the anniversary gala is intended to serve as a springboard to promote the imperatives of good corporate governance and best practices, while amplifying the contributions of the Institute in the last four decades.

The anniversary gala promises to attract the largest gathering of Nigerian policymakers and crème de la crème of leaders in both private and public sectors. The anniversary gala is also expected to feature the presentation of awards to deserving organisations and individuals who have supported the cause of the Institute in the last four decades.

Alimi added that, the theme of the anniversary is “Celebrating 40 Years of visionary leadership and corporate governance

admin by — May 11, 2023 in News 0
Sahara Group Launches #MADwithFOOTBAL To Promote Inclusion,Diversity

Mohammed Shosanya

Sahara Group has unveiled #MADwithFOOTBAL to promote inclusion and diversity.

Speaking at the launch of the energy conglomerate’s ‘#MADwithFOOTBALL’ initiative, Bethel Obioma,the group’s spokesman,said the campaign aims to foster a culture of oneness, equity, and camaraderie.

“For us at Sahara, the word MAD represents making a difference. The global acceptance the round leather game enjoys can be a springboard for creative conversations on diversity and inclusion. This is what we hope #MADwithFOOTBALL will inspire”,Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group said.

He also said,every kick, dribble, goal celebration, and handshake exchanged by opponents and fans from different socio-cultural backgrounds are attributes of football that can be leveraged to promote diversity and inclusion across the globe.

Noting that football has the power to bring people together, Obioma added, “We understand that football is more than just a game; it’s a community. We believe that the ideals of that community where everyone feels accepted and valued, and chant endless songs together, regardless of race, gender, creed, or political leaning, can be harnessed towards making a difference.”

Obioma disclosed that as part of this initiative, some employees of Sahara Group have been given the opportunity to attend live matches at Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium, adding that the experience will help ramp up “fun in efficiency and the impact of diversity and inclusion” in the workplace.

“The campaign kicks of this weekend with 22 Saharians drawn from our locations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, scheduled to attend the Arsenal home game against Brighton live at the Emirates on the 14th of April, 2023 and Manchester United homes games scheduled for May 25 and 28 respectively at the Old Trafford. Seeing world-class players in action and feeling the energy of the fans will certainly be an unforgettable experience for the beneficiaries,” Obioma said.

“I am thrilled to be part of those that will be attending the Arsenal game as part of the #MADwithFOOTBALL initiative! It’s an amazing opportunity to see Arsenal in action and bond with colleagues at the Emirates stadium. I am over the moon already,” said Mariam Smith of Asharami Synergy, a foremost Sahara Group downstream company in Nigeria.

Camille Lavaud who joins the delegation from Sahara Energy International, Geneva, said that: “Football is a language that is spoken and loved by billions across the globe. There is so much difference we can make with football as the world seeks to stamp out the issues that tear us apart. This is another way Sahara Group is expressing bringing energy to life responsibly,” he said.

According to Roselyn Quansah of So Energy Ghana, a Sahara Group downstream company, “this is a dream come true for me, I can’t wait to feel the vibes at the Old Trafford as MANU team works towards a top-four finish.”

Obioma said the public can be part of #MADwithFootball initiative by sharing thoughts on how the game can drive togetherness on Sahara Group’s Instagram handle. This also comes with a chance to win Arsenal and Manchester United home jerseys.

“Whether it’s promoting diversity or using the platform to address social issues, we would love to receive your contribution. Go to the Sahara Group Instagram page (@iamsaharagroup) and share your ideas in the comment section of the pinned post “MAD with Football” using the hashtag #MADwithFootball and encourage others to support the initiative,” he stated.

admin by — May 11, 2023 in Sports 0
Shell Wins Oil Spill Case Against Niger Delta

Britain’s Supreme Court has ruled thst it was too late for people in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region to lodge pollution claims against energy giant Shell after a huge oil spill more than one decade ago.

The Supreme Court said in a statement that its five judges “unanimously” rejected an appeal over the 2011 spill, upholding prior rulings that claims were not made before a legal deadline.

Nigerian claimants say their shoreline faced a “devastating impact” from a leak at the Bonga oilfield which unleashed 40,000 barrels of crude into the Gulf of Guinea.

But Shell said the spill was swiftly contained.

The claimants had sought Wednesday to overturn rulings from two lower courts, arguing that the oil spill constituted a “continuing nuisance”, a legal definition to which the deadline would not apply.

The Supreme Court however disagreed and declared the leak was a “one-off event or an isolated escape”, in a judgement which does not affect a separate legal action against Shell over other spillages.

“The claimants’ argument that there is a continuing nuisance, because on the assumed facts oil is still present on their land and has not been removed or cleaned up, is rejected,” said Judge Andrew Burrows.

“There was no continuing nuisance in this case because, outside the claimant’s land, there was no repeated activity by the defendants or an ongoing state of affairs for which the defendants were responsible that was causing continuing undue interference with the use and enjoyment of the claimants’ land.”

The Supreme Court noted however that the 2011 spill was “one of the largest spills in Nigerian oil exploration history”.

The London-listed energy major welcomed the judgement on Wednesday, but said the spill was “regrettable”.

“It was clear from the start that these claims were unfounded and brought entirely out of time,” a Shell spokesperson said.

“Today’s decision… rejected the claimants’ case that Bonga oil could have become trapped and re-mobilised years later, migrating upstream and impacting the claimants’ communities.While the 2011 Bonga spill was highly regrettable, it was swiftly contained and cleaned up offshore.”

admin by — May 11, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0