All Posts in "Day: January 21, 2024"

Heirs Energies Celebrates Third Anniversary,Plans Big For Nigeria’s Energy Transition Programme

Mohammed Shosanya

Heirs Energies, Africa’s indigenous-owned integrated energy company,has marked its three-year anniversary.

Heirs Energy has implemented a track record of significant production increases, pioneered a new model of community engagementand built at world class Nigerian management team, all contributing to a new beginning in ensuring Nigeria’s sustainable energy future.

Heirs Energies launched in January 2021, following the completion of an 8-year, $1.2 billion transaction to acquire oil license OML17, from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, and ENI, and solidifying the joint venture partnership with the NNPC.

The Chairman of Heirs Energies, Tony O. Elumelu,expressed his pride, while reflecting on his vision for Heirs Energies, stating, “As someone from the Niger Delta, I had seen firsthand how Nigeria’s resource wealth can be mishandled. The energy sector was an industry that had frankly not served Nigeria’s interest. I knew Nigeria could do better and control her destiny. My vision was to build Africa’s largest indigenous-owned integrated energy company, focused on Africa’s unique energy needs. As I look back now, we have more than succeeded.”

Heirs Energies has become a role model institution within the energy sector. Milestones, and achievements within three-years of operations include:

Significant rise in oil production: At a time when Nigeria needs to optimise output, Heirs Energies’ oil production has surged from 27,000 to 40,000 barrels a day. Theft and losses which reached a peak of 97% late 2021, has now been reduced to less than 15%, with definitive actions taken by government to address the pipeline security and related concerns.

Steady gas production for domestic use: Heirs Energies commenced gas production and has rapidly become an important contributor to domestic gas supply in Nigeria. 100% of gas produced goes into domestic market to meet local demand, providing energy to thousands of households, supplementing power plants, and supporting various gas-reliant industries in the region.

Top quartile safety records: Heirs Energies boasts three incident free years, maintaining zero Loss Time Injury (LTI) operations in OML 17 with 1.5 million man-hours.

Community engagement that works: Heirs Energies continues to live up to a philosophy of a shared destiny with local communities, by seeking out local talent and creating entrepreneurs. Over 300 young people have been empowered through skill acquisition programmes, while the electrical infrastructure upgrades across host communities, have impacted a population of over 270,000 people.

A world-class Nigerian organisation: Heirs Energies takes particular pride in its fully Nigerian team, who are catalysing and delivering innovative technical solutions every day. A true demonstration of Nigerian excellence in institutionalising and executing key strategies.

Tony O. Elumelu, commended the team, sharing his deep gratitude for their commitment to his vision of creating value for all stakeholders within the energy sector.

He said, “I want to take this opportunity and mark this anniversary, by saluting and thanking the Heirs Energies team, led by MD/CEO, Osa Igiehon. Your hard work, dedication and expertise has enabled us to become a role model within the energy sector, as we strive towards our purpose of improving lives and communities across our continent.’

Heirs Energies recognises the importance of a sustainable future and plans to play a role in Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable energy source. The journey reflects a commitment to bring abundant and affordable power to schools, hospitals, and industries, shaping a sustainable future for Africa.

admin by — January 21, 2024 in Power 0
Rivers:Police Arrest Suspect Four years After Evading Arrest

Mohammed Shosanya

The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a wanted suspect who jumped bail and fled to Ajegunle in Lagos state, where he hid himself and evaded arrest for four years after jumping bail.

Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Sunday said the suspect was arrested on Thursday around 8.34pm, following a petition lodged by one Mr. Okeokwu, who stood as surety on the suspect’s behalf.

Iringe-Koko disclosed that the whereabouts of the suspect was however uncovered after a diligent and comprehensive investigation was carried out by operatives of the state police command.

The Police Spokesperson, identified the suspect as Joel Mba Okodi, commonly known as ‘Chief’, adding that he jumped bail in the middle of a fraud case against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The suspect deceitfully obtained the sum of ₦50 million from Chief Okosisi to secure his bail, but disappeared into thin air shortly afterwards.

Iringe-Koko said, “Okodi was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after he deceitfully obtained the sum of ₦50 million from Chief Okosisi and while the fraud case was under investigation, Okodi persuaded his friend, Mr. Ochulor Okeokwu, to act as a surety in the matter to secure the suspect’s release.

“Mr. Okeokwu, unaware of the deceit, submitted his property documents, valued at ₦50 million, as collateral to the EFCC Office in Port Harcourt, but the suspect failed to appear for investigations and evaded all phone calls.

“On the rare occasions when he was reached, he resorted to violent threats against Mr. Okeokwu, warning him to cease all contact.

“In response, Mr. Okeokwu lodged a petition with the Inspector General of Police, who subsequently approved and forwarded it to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Promptly taking action, CP Disu instructed the operatives of Operation Sting to ensure the swift apprehension of the suspect.

Iringe-Koko stated further, “The officers of the Rivers State Police Command conducted a comprehensive investigation and diligently gathered information, determining that the suspect was hiding in Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, throughout these years.

“With the necessary law enforcement documents in hand, the operatives mobilized and proceeded to arrest the suspect on January 18, 2024, at approximately 20:34 hrs in Ajegunle, Lagos.”

Iringe-Koko quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu as advising individuals to always exercise caution before standing as sureties and sternly warning that criminals would not have a hiding place in the state.

“This coordinated effort to effect an arrest demonstrates that there is truly no refuge for criminals. The case is currently being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, advises individuals to exercise caution when acting as sureties. He sternly warns that criminals will find no sanctuary within the state.”

admin by — January 21, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Kidnapping: Police Rescue Another Victim In FCT

Mohammed Shosanya

Police Operatives attached to Iddo Divisional Headquarters of Federal Capital Territory,Abuja on Sunday 21st January, 2024, rescued another kidnapped victim, one Suleiman Sabo ‘m’, from Kidnappers in Sauka, along Airport Road, Abuja.

In the rescue operation, one Muhammad Abel ‘m’ aged 32 from Kogi state was apprehended and one (1) LAR rifle with ten (10) rounds of life ammunition recovered from him,a statement said.

The victim,who sustained some injuries from the kidnappers, is currently receiving medical attention, and would be reunited with his family once certified fit by the medical team.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Haruna G. Garba,as reiterating the Command’s commitment to rid FCT of Criminality in all its manifestations and maintenance of peace for all and sundry.

He also urged residents to keep up swift rendition of distress call and promptly report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines ; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.

admin by — January 21, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Lekki Deep Seaport Berths Largest Container Vessel On Nigerian Waters

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Ports Authority on Sunday, said the Lekki Deep Seaport has received the largest container vessel to sail on Nigerian territorial waters.

NPA said in a statement that the vessel christened, ‘Maersk Edirne’, measured 367m in length.

The Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, in the statement explained that the vessel had a breadth of 48.2 and carried a gross registered tonnage of 142,131metric tonnes.

The management of the deep seaport had in June 2023, announced the arrival of Rimbaud, the first transshipment vessel to call at the container terminal of the deep seaport. The management added that the vessel came with cargo from two of the largest container shipping lines in the world, CMA CGM and Maersk.

Speaking on the recent carrier, Bello-Koko said, “The new vessel had a dead weight tonnage of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard. The vessel was navigated by the highly experienced and thoroughly equipped pilots of the NPA,”

He said the development validated the assurance given by the agency, during the signing of the presidential/ministerial performance bond in December 2023 that, “the authority under my watch is poised to provide the leadership and technical guidance required to maximise the potentials inherent in our marine and blue economy,”

He commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for the consistent support and endorsement of the authority’s initiatives, “and investments in employee upskilling and equipment renewal which made this milestone seamlessly achievable,”

He added, “Before this time, the largest commercial vessels to sail on Nigerian waters were ‘MV Stadelhorn’ and ‘MSC Maureen’ at Onne Port and Tincan Island Port Complexes respectively. Thus the berth of a ship measuring 367 meters at Lekki Deep Seaport represents a quantum leap forward.

“The Lekki Deep Seaport has by this feat in addition to its pioneering of full automation and facilitation of transshipment proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations.”

admin by — January 21, 2024 in Business 0
23 Firms Report Over $1bn In Annual Revenue In Nigeria

Mohammed Shosanya

Of 345 companies with a turn over revenue of $1 billion in Africa (N1 trillion using official exchange rates), only 23 are in Nigeria,the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC),has said .

PEBEC disclosed this in its recently released 2024 Outlook document which also details the Secretariat’s work plan for 2024 along with expected outcomes.

Explaining the outlook, the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing, Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the federal government will roll out interventions this year to make businesses more viable.

“Out of the 345 USD1 billion companies in revenue in Africa, only 23 are in Nigeria. She noted that the decision to change models stems from the observation that larger businesses exhibit an ‘osmosis’ effect, leading to the clustering of stakeholders. She added: “It was determined that we will need to have this new approach to move faster and to grow the economy faster in these turbulent times.”

She said the federal government is set to launch an intervention program tagged the PEBEC Business Champions Program targeted at large and medium-scale businesses which will serve as one of the five strategic pillars PEBEC will be working with this year.

Speaking about the new intervention, she noted: “The Business Champions intervention targets medium to large-sized industries and there are two parts to that programme. The first part is to work with medium-sized enterprises and have a pilot cohort of about 25 businesses. This intervention will be a bespoke service to help these medium businesses navigate the business climate from the government’s perspective. The selection of businesses will be determined by factors such as revenue, tax contributions, job creation, sectors, and export proceeds,” Dr. Oduwole said.

Oduwole also noted that with the legislative intervention, there will be a further review of the Omnibus bill, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of over 40 law firms nationwide who volunteered their expertise pro bono to review approximately 21 business laws, culminating in the formation of the 2022 Omnibus bill.

admin by — January 21, 2024 in News 0
Ibadan Explosion: Death Toll Hits 5 As 90% Of Victims Leave Hospitals

Mohammed Shosanya

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that 90 percent of victims of last Tuesday explosion have been discharged from various hospitals.

He noted that the Medical Team of the Emergency Operations Centre and the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, were at two of the hospitals attending to victims, on Saturday.

He stated this in an update on the incident, which was released on Sunday, noting that the death toll so far still stood at five.

He added that a clinical psychologist has begun counselling for victims of the incident at the Emergency Operations Centre located at the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Bodija, Ibadan.

Commending security agencies in the state for maintaining law and order around Bodija, the location of the blast, the governor stated that “security agencies are still investigating the incident and an update on their investigation will be publicized.

He lauded the residents of the area for complying with the directives from the security agents, saying, “our administration remains committed to supporting all victims of this unfortunate incident and ensuring that everyone responsible is brought to book.”

He said: “I commend our security agencies in Oyo State who have been maintaining law and order in around Bodija this week as well as residents who have been complying with directives from these officers.

“Yesterday, the medical team at the Emergency Operations Centre in company of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, visited two of the hospitals where victims from the incident were taken and over 90 per cent of the victims have been discharged.

“The death toll from the incident currently stands at five persons.
“The clinical psychologist has commenced counselling for victims of the incident at the Emergency Operations Centre in Ibadan.”

Governor Makinde added that search and rescue operations have ended at the Dejo Oyelese Close site of the explosion and that recovery efforts have begun.

He appreciated the Nigerian Society of Engineers, who according to him, have begun carrying out structural integrity tests on about 230 properties around the site of the blast. This was as he expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for releasing the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to support Oyo State.

“The operations at Ground Zero have moved from search and rescue to recovery.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Nigerian Society of Engineers who have been carrying out structural integrity tests on about 230 properties around the site of the explosion; 13 houses within 50 metres radius of the blast site, 40 houses at 100 metres radius; 122 houses at 200 metres radius and 53 houses within a 250 metres radius.

“We are also grateful to my brother, Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu for releasing the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to support us, and for the assistance offered by the team led by Engineer Olatunde Akinsanya, the Director of Operations.

“Please contact the Emergency Operations Centre on 07049948057 or 08147672009 for any issues related to the Bodija Incident.”

admin by — January 21, 2024 in News 0