Isale Eko Descendants Union Celebrates Jide Kosoko At 70

Mohammed Shosanya

The Isale Eko Descendants Union, IDU, has extended warm wishes and congratulations to the iconic Nigerian actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, as he celebrates his remarkable 70th birthday.

The union, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), said the milestone is a testament to Kosoko’s incredible contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry and his unwavering commitment to the arts.

Kazeem, in the press statement, added that Kosoko has proven to be a distinguished figure, not only for his inimitable talent as an actor but also for his versatility and dedication to the world of film and theatre.

The group added that the actor’s performances have not only entertained audiences across generations but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring actors who look up to him with admiration.

Kazeem described Kosoko as a true ‘Omo Eko Pataki’ who preserved the dignity of the revered Eko royalty and has consistently projected the ancient city in a positive light through his numerous works and engagements.

“His artistic endeavours have become a source of pride for the Isale Eko community and the entire nation,” Kazeem was quoted in the statement.

“Beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, Kosoko’s commitment to cultural and community engagements further solidifies his status as a cultural ambassador. The Isale Eko Descendants Union acknowledges and celebrates this enduring legacy that reaches beyond the silver screen.

“The 70th birthday celebration of Prince Kosoko serves as a moment of reflection on the joy he has brought to countless hearts through his illustrious career. It is a celebration of a man who has not only made a mark in the entertainment industry but has also contributed significantly to the cultural tapestry of Nigeria.

“We, the Isale Eko Descendants Union, express our heartfelt gratitude for Prince Kosoko’s invaluable contributions to the creative arts. May this milestone birthday celebration be a beacon of joy, reflecting the impact of a career that has touched the lives of many. As Prince Kosoko enters this new phase of life, we wish him continued success, good health, and happiness in the years ahead.”

Kyari Seeks Academia-Industry Partnership For Energy Sufficiency

Mohammed Shosanya

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Mele Kyari has called for collaboration between the academia and the Oil & Gas Industry towards addressing the challenges of energy sufficiency and sustainability.

He made this call while speaking as a guest lecturer during the 2024 Faculty Lecture titled, “Energy Security, Sustainability and Profitability in Nigeria: Advances, Challenges and Opportunities,” organized by the Faculty of Science of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Wednesday.

Kyari highlighted the important role academic communities, such as the prestigious OAU, play in safeguarding national energy security through research and collaboration with the industry.

Pointing out the challenges hindering energy security in Nigeria to include rapid population growth, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft, Kyari identified energy conservation, diversification, and efficiency measures as major avenues for enhancing energy security.

Addressing the projected rapid population growth, Kyari harped on the importance of finding solutions to ensure sustainable energy security for the benefit of current and future generations.

He underscored the intensified competition for vital resources and urbanization drive, which would lead to a doubling of Nigeria’s energy demand by 2050.

On the challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, the GCEO observed that the issues have impacted NNPC Ltd.’s operations, stressing that the establishment of a command-and-control center has aided the detection and destruction of illegal refinery sites, removal of illegal connections, thereby addressing vandalism across operating corridors since 2021.

“The centre provides livestreaming of surveillance data to security forces, contributing to the detection and destruction of over 5,686 Illegal Refinery (IR) sites and the removal of 4,480 Illegal Connections (ICs) from 2021 to the present,” the GCEO added.

Acknowledging the severity of vandalism and oil theft, Kyari hinted at a strategic shift, focusing on increased products trucking and storage in underground tankages at NNPC filling stations nationwide.

He highlighted NNPC Ltd.’s expanded retail assets, making it the largest single downstream company in sub-Saharan Africa after acquiring OVH retail stations and associated downstream infrastructure in 2021.