All Posts in "Day: June 21, 2024"

How AKK Gas Pipeline Project ‘ll Impact Nigeria’s Economy,Industrialisation-FG

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has highlighted the huge multiplier impact of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project on the nation’s economic growth and industrialisation.

This was disclosed during the visit of three cabinet Ministers to the AKK Gas Pipeline Project Site where they inspected the River Kaduna crossing milestone of the project in Kaduna, on Friday, a statement said.

At the event,Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari assured Nigerians that the Project will be delivered by the end of first quarter 2025.

The three Ministers who visited the Project Site were: Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo.

Speaking at the project site, the Minister of Finance Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun described the AKK Gas pipeline as the pipeline of prosperity, which is very dear to the President, because it will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to trigger the nation’s economic growth and industrialisation.

“The AKK Gas Pipeline is crucial for this administration and its delivery is in line with Mr. President’s strategy of bringing prosperity to the people,” Edun added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi said the AKK Gas Pipeline Project is a testimony to the fact that the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” has commenced in earnest,the statement quoted.

“Nigerians should be proud of the AKK Gas Pipeline project. With the delivery of this project, the prosperity that Mr. President is always talking about is unravelling right here before our eyes,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said the gas pipeline is part of the Federal Government’s many efforts to harness the nation’s abundant gas resources towards improving power generation, revamping ailing industries and creating employment opportunities in the country.

Ekpo urged all stakeholders to support the NNPC Ltd towards delivering the project and several other gas projects as the country depends on it to bring prosperity to the people.

The three Ministers,who commended the NNPC Ltd and its project partner, Brentex/CPP Ltd (BCL) on the progress made so far, also expressed optimism that the NNPC will deliver as promised.

Earlier in his remarks, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari assured the Project will be delivered by first quarter of 2025 as major segments of the job have been completed.

“Without promising too much, we assure you that this Project will be delivered on schedule. Our mission is to work towards delivering it by December this year. But we are confident this project will be delivered by 1st Quarter of 2025,” Kyari informed the three visiting Ministers.

The GCEO,who said the NNPC Ltd recognises the strategic importance and enormous value of the project to Nigeria’s economy, stressed that the company was bankrolling the project on the back of its own balance sheet.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, said the completion of the AKK gas pipeline will herald the much-needed economic and industrial revival in the state.

“If you know about the Kakuri Industrial Area and how most of our factories there have become moribund, you will understand why we in Kaduna State are all excited about the AKK Gas Pipeline. Without doubt, the pipeline will revamp our industries and bring about a huge impact on our people. We can’t wait for it to be completed,” the Governor added.

admin by — June 21, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
All On Awards $395,000 Grant To Ceesolar Energy For Mini-Grid Power Project In Niger Delta

Mohammed Shosanya

All On,the Shell funded leading Nigerian impact investment company, has announced a $395,000 grant awarded to Ceesolar Energy Limited, a renewable energy firm specialising in solar system design and construction, energy system deployment.

The development marks the first beneficiary of the Niger Delta Grant program, a collaborative initiative designed to bridge the energy gap in the Niger Delta region.

The Niger Delta, despite its abundance of natural resources, faces significant energy access challenges. Recognising this disparity, All On established the Niger Delta Grant program to empower off-grid developers to bring clean, reliable power to underserved communities.

According to a statement,Ceesolar Energy Limited will utilise the grant to bring off-grid power to the Oweighoroha community in Bayelsa State. Their project will provide essential electricity for 430 connections, empowering residents with both social and productive-use applications.

“We are delighted to announce the grant to Ceesolar Energy,” said Caroline Eboumbou, All On’s Chief Executive Officer. “This signing signifies our unwavering commitment, alongside Shell, to fostering a brighter future for the Niger Delta This decision reflects Bayelsa’s critical importance to All on, which is determined to address the significant lack of access to commercial electrification opportunities that the communities have endured.

The presence of Country Chair of the Sustainable Energy for Change Initiative, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), Osagie Okunbor, at the signing ceremony underscored the program’s significance and the commitment of Shell’s All On in driving positive change across the Niger Delta.

“The Niger Delta holds immense potential” , said Country Chair of the Sustainable Energy for Change Initiative, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), Osagie Okunbor.

“By providing grants, we can empower developers and contribute to closing the energy gap, one community at a time. Our aim is to ensure that the project is sustainable; this is the reason we went through the rigorous selection process. Protecting the mini grid is crucial; we seek the cooperation of the leaders and residents of the community to prevent vandalism because the success of this project will pave the way for more initiatives not from All On alone but from other organisations.”

Following a rigorous selection process conducted by All On and the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), Ceesolar Energy emerged from a shortlist of 15 developers. Their proven track record operating in the Niger Delta and their existing project pipeline within Bayelsa State made them a compelling choice.

The Chief Executive Officer, Ceesolar Energy Limited, Chibueze Ekeh, said, “We are excited and honoured be awarded this grant. At Ceesolar Energy we are passionate about reducing carbon footprints through sustainable energy impacts. The Niger Delta is a region that needs sustainable energy impact; hence, this grant is timely to provide the impact to 2,000 people in the Oweighoroha community through the provision of mini grids.”

admin by — June 21, 2024 in Power 0
TotalEnergies’ Ubeta Field ’ll Boost Nigerian Economy-Ogbe

Mohammed Shosanya

The execution of the Ubeta Field Development Project by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will create thousands of jobs in the country and catalyse the economy, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB),has said.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated this on Thursday at the signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) by the project promoters and their contractors, in Abuja.

The Ubeta Field Development Project is being developed under Oil Mining Licence (OML) 058, with an expectation to produce 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd). Billed to commence production in 2027, the Ubeta Field facility, located about 80 kilometres northwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, would feed and secure gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train-7 Project at Finima, Bonny Island, currently undergoing capacity expansion from 22 to 30 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa).

Ogbe based his projection on the Nigerian Content Plan and other documents the NCDMB had signed off with the operator, TotalEnergies E&P, noting that the documents were designed to achieve substantial tonnages, manhours, and spend retained in-country.

The project will also enable capacity utilization and substantial human capacity development (HCD), Research and Development as well as opportunities for banking, insurance, legal, and other services, he assured.

He stated that “the approval of the final stages of the Nigerian Content Plan for this project” was one of the first acts he performed on his assumption of duty in December 2023.

Among salient elements of the Nigerian Content Plan for Ubeta Field Development facility is the domiciliation of “100% of its project management manhours in Nigeria,” same for “Front End Engineering Design and Detailed Design,” which will be domiciled 100% in Nigeria, with COREN-licensed engineering companies as preferred executors.

He added that,the project will give first consideration to in-country manufacturers that have valid Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate from the Board, regarding material procurement, while fabrication and construction are also to be significantly handled by well-established fabrication yards in the country.

Engr. Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq, reiterated that the NCDMB has effectively aligned its processes “to shorten the oil industry’s contracting cycle to six months or less to engender speedy development of new projects, contribute to increased oil production, and improve the national economy.”

According to him,the Board provided “timely approvals for all the requests and documents submitted by TotalEnergies E&P,” in line with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) introduced by the Board in the oil and gas industry. The Board has also “complied fully with the Presidential Directives aimed at ensuring cost competitiveness and meeting project schedules of oil and gas projects.”

He also assured that NCDMB will continue to serve as a business enabler for the oil and gas industry and beckoned on industry stakeholders to continue working together to achieve the objectives set for the industry by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

The Senior Vice President Africa, Total Energies E&P, Mr. Mike Sangster, in his remarks, expressed delight with the grounds covered on the Ubeta Project, noting that it fits perfectly with his company’s “strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects,” and that it would boost the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports.

Noting that TotalEnergies has been very active in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry for several decades, he disclosed that “Ubeta is the latest in a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West.”
TotalEnergies E&P is the operator of OML 58 onshore licence, with a 40 per cent stake in the US$550 million Ubeta Field Development Project, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has 49 per cent equity.

admin by — June 21, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Farewell To Chief H.O. Davies Matriarch-Augusta Olujoke Davies

The family of late Chief H.O. Davies has lost their loving Matriarch, Madam Augusta Olujoke Davies (nee Oluwole). The beloved nonagenarian returned to be with the Lord on 11th May 2024, aged 91.

Madam Augusta Olujoke Davies was the widow of Chief Hezekiah Oladipo Davies Q.C., a leading Nigerian founding father and nationalist, and mother of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Goka, the former Deputy Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), and other illustrious and accomplished children.

It has been a celebration of life since her demise, as she is fondly remembered by many as an epitome of kindness and devotion, “a strong advocate for the less privileged and humanity at large” and “the proverbial Mother hen who went the extra mile to see to the progress, well-being and protection of not only her biological children, but everyone in her orbit”.

To many others, her legacy is not just in the love she gave or the challenges she overcame, but in the community she nurtured around her. Her virtuous influence and diligent role as a worthy affectionate consort for the public service career and nationalist activities of her late husband was exemplary, as well as her hospitable and generous disposition to all and sundry.

Born to the distinguished Chief Ben Oluwole family of Yaba Area Community, she was married to the frontline first Republic politician and nationalist, Chief H.O. Davies and blessed with many children.

She has been widely eulogised for her selfless life of service, love, and deep faith echoed by her memorable belief and saying that “It is well!”

The celebration of life will be crowned with the Service of Songs and Wake-keep scheduled for Thursday, 27th June 2024 and the Funeral Service scheduled for Friday, 28th June 2024, at Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos.

She was much loved and will always be remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

admin by — June 21, 2024 in News 0
AfDB,InfraCredit Sign $15m Deal To Boost Nigeria’s Infrastructure Financing

Mohammed Shosanya

The African Development Bank and Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited (InfraCredit) have signed an agreement for a $15 million subordinated loan facility to strengthen InfraCredit’s capital base and attract institutional investors’ resources to help close Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap.

Lamin Barrow, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department, and Chinua Azubike, CEO of InfraCredit, signed the agreement in Lagos on 14 June 2024.

The facility will boost InfraCredit’s efforts to unlock additional long-term local currency financing through the capital markets for infrastructure projects, primarily by leveraging pools of capital from pension funds and other institutional investors in the West African country, a statement said.

InfraCredit is a specialized Nigerian credit guarantee company that mobilizes long-term capital from institutional investors to support infrastructure projects, including green and climate-aligned developments.

Barrow expressed the Bank’s satisfaction with this operation.

“Our support to institutions such as InfraCredit demonstrates the importance of promoting innovative and scalable solutions to leverage pools of capital from domestic institutional investors, and position local capital market as a viable alternative source of long-term funding to bridge the continent’s huge infrastructure deficit, he stated.”

Speaking,Azubike said, “We are delighted by the African Development Bank’s confidence in our business model, which has successfully facilitated private sector investment in impactful infrastructure projects and InfraCredit’s clean energy roadmap that has accelerated green finance for climate-aligned infrastructure, fostering SME growth, job creation, sustainable energy access, and overall economic development. Despite challenging market conditions, we have consistently demonstrated strong fundamentals, solid portfolio performance, a proven track record, and profitability. The further expansion of our capital base by this facility will bolster our ability to support access to long-term local currency domestic credit for our rapidly growing pipeline of infrastructure projects currently worth over NGN 625 billion (US$ 430 million), fostering job creation and economic growth.”

Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization of the African Development Bank Group, stated, “The African Development Bank is pleased to be providing additional capital to InfraCredit Nigeria. The success of InfraCredit has inspired the replication of its business model across the continent, a key part of our strategy for scaling up private sector financing in Africa. This is evidenced by our support for the establishment of a similar institution in Kenya covering the East Africa region.”

The partnership advances several strategic objectives under the Bank’s current country strategy for Nigeria, including stimulating local currency bond market financing across key infrastructure sectors and enhancing economic diversification and competitiveness.

admin by — June 21, 2024 in News 0
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Bauchi:Mob Kill Man Over alleged Blasphemy

A middle aged man,Yunusa was on Wednesday killed by an irate mob in Nasaru village of Ningi local government area of Bauchi State for allegedly making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad (SAW}.

A witness,who confirmed this to newsmen,said the incident occurred in the village at about 3pm, adding that Yunusa made blasphemous comment during a heated argument between him and his friends.

The situation was said to have attracted the attention of many people who were around and following the line of argument among them.

“The victim was a member of Faira Islamic sect,he was heard to have spoken words of insults on the Prophet. Some young men challenged Yunusa to withdraw his statement, but he insisted he would not. He even repeated it. That was when they started beating him”, he witness said.

According to reports, Police personnel tried as much as possible to save Yunusa but they were overpowered by the mob which used stones, sticks and other dangerous things to hit him until he died.

The mob tried to burn down the Police Station in the village when the Police tried to shield him there, the witness said.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Ahmed Wakili,was not available for reaction as at press time.

admin by — June 21, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Kano Govt Orders Police To Evict Bayero From Nasarawa Palace

Mohammed Shosanya

The Kano state government,has directed the Commissioner of police to remove one of the contender to the Kano emirate crisis,Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero from Nasarawa palace where he hold court.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi,told newsmen on Thursday that the government has finalized plans for the general reconstruction and renovation of the palace.

This includes the immediate demolition and reconstruction of the dilapidated wall fence.

The development follows just hours after the Federal High Court’s ruling on the substantive suit, which validated the Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 and also nullified all actions taken by Governor Abba Yusuf after the passage of the law.

The statement reads in part:

“Following this Court’s ruling, Kano State Government has directed the State Commissioner of Police to remove the deposed emir of the 8 metropolitan local governments from the government property where he is trespassing as vovernment has already concluded arrangements for the general reconstruction and renovation of the property including the demolishing and reconstruction ofthe dilapidated wall fence with immediate effect.

“I want to congratulate and call on the goodpeople of Kano State to remain peaceful andcelebrate the success of the people without any
hitch”

admin by — June 21, 2024 in News 0
NDDC, Afreximbank Partner On Niger Delta Development Strategies

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has started discussions with officials of the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, as part of its efforts to collaborate with development partners in the quest for economic growth in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the end of the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meeting in Nassau, capital of Bahamas, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, affirmed that the NDDC Board was actively seeking credible partners to aid the process of development.

Ogbuku,who represented the NDDC Board at the Afreximbank meeting, said that one of the major engagements of the Commission was a meeting with the Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank at the Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani.

He said that the Afreximbank top executive provided strategic and operational leadership in implementing the bank’s intra-African and industrialisation objectives, in support of Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, AFCFTA.

The NDDC boss in a statement signed by Pius Ughakpoteni, Director Corporate Affairs on Thursday,described the meeting as a crucial gathering for economic decision-makers in Africa and the Caribbean, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exploration of opportunities for mutual growth and development.

Ogbuku emphasized the need to take initiatives aimed at attracting development partners and collaborating with them to harness the economic potential of the state in order to create jobs and bring about economic growth.

He restated the commitment of NDDC to pushing for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region, assuring that the Commission would follow up on the discussions to ensure tangible outcomes for the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku stated: “It was a worthwhile engagement and we concluded discussions on a wide range of prospects that will yield benefits to the Niger Delta region in no distant time.”

The four-day event attracted over two thousand delegates, including national and sub-national governments from across Africa and the Caribbean, political leaders and institutions from both regions as well as corporate organisations.

admin by — June 21, 2024 in News 0
Cholera Outbreak:FG Commences Water Quality Analysis

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has dispatched a team from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto to collect water samples and investigate the presence of the causative organism (Vibrio cholerae) in the hotspot areas.

A statement on Thursday issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, said
the Ministry through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG), is urgently reaching out to States’ Technical Working Groups and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs), where applicable, to holistically address the cholera outbreak.

He explained that “Prior to the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had trained the
states’ working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response mechanisms, as well as on hygiene promotion and water safety planning approaches to prevent and respond to cholera outbreaks.

“Expectedly,these states have intensified similar sensitisation efforts in their respective communities to reduce the number of cholera cases.

“They are also promoting the campaign against open defecation, which is a means of transmitting this deadly disease.”

Shinkafi urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their families from the infection.

He advised Nigerians to boil or treat drinking water before consumption;wash their hands with soap under running and clean water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet, as part of preventive measures.

He further said: “Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating; seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, profuse dehydration, and diarrhoea (rice water stools).

“The Ministry will continue to provide updates as received from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and our response efforts as the situation evolves.Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent the further loss of lives.”

He further expressed the deep concern of his Ministry over the reported outbreak of cholera in some States of the Federation resulting in the death of 30 persons, which attests to the severity of the situation.

He said:”Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.It is a waterborne disease that spreads rapidly.The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of contaminated water or food.

“Symptoms of cholera include vomiting, profuse dehydration, and diarrhea (rice water stools), which can lead to death, if not properly treated.Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and their loved ones.”

admin by — June 21, 2024 in News 0
Nigerian Versatile Artist, Raji Bamidele Brings Exhibition Home

Mohammed Shosanya

Absa Group has announced that the exhibition “The Melodious Struggle of Souls and Consciousness” by multi-disciplinary and self-taught multifaceted Nigerian artist, Raji Bamidele, is finally coming to Nigeria.

The exhibition forms part of the Absa L’Atelier, in collaboration with the South African National Association with the Visual Arts (SANAVA).

Raji is the 2019 Absa L’Atelier Ambassador. He aims to take local art enthusiasts on an immersive journey into the profound depths of human existence – some of which may be familiar to many – with his latest solo exhibition.

He draws inspiration from the Yoruba people and their belief system. The Yoruba people, which are a West African ethnic group who inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, believe that the soul, consciousness, and spirit are intricately interconnected facets of the human experience.

His artwork encapsulates the concept that the soul embodies the mind, which reflects the heart, and the heart extends the soul and spirit. This interconnectedness forms the basis for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Dr. Paul Bayliss, Absa’s Senior Specialist: Art and Museum Curator, highlights the vital role played by the arts to society and support for the industry is pivotal, especially for young Africans.

“The arts sector in Africa is increasingly becoming an important economic sector, not only for the potential it holds for opportunities for young people, but for its ability to shape narrative for the future of the continent. The UNDP recognises the need to support the arts for their potential to lift many people out of poverty and to help transform how the global community sees Africa”, said Bayliss.

“Bamidele’s unique story is testament to this reality. He is talented, self-taught, and multifaceted, which proves that the continent is home for incredibly special and talented young people. And, once these stories are unearthed, more young people on the continent can resonate with the story, be inspired by the success, and work in similar fashion to contribute significantly to this continent.”

The exhibition will open in the Alliance Francais Gallery in Lagos to the public on Saturday, 23 June and run until 13 July 2024.

Absa remains committed to supporting the arts on the continent, which lives up to the brand promise of “Your Story Matters”, and ultimately recognises stories told through art, such as Bamidele.

admin by — June 21, 2024 in Arts/Entertainment 0