All Posts in "Day: October 25, 2024"

Sahara Group,Amigo Sign LNG Supply Deal

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Amigo LNG SA de CV (Amigo LNG) of Mexico, a subsidiary of LNG Alliance Pte Ltd, Friday entered into a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Sahara Group, a leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, to supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from its liquefaction facility in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.

 

 

 

This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening long-term LNG supply chains aimed at serving the rapidly growing energy markets in Asia and Latin America,a statement said.

 

 

 

“This agreement strengthens our collaboration with Sahara Group, a dynamic leader in Africa’s energy sector, and firmly positions Amigo LNG as a key player in the global LNG supply market,” said Muthu Chezhian, CEO of LNG Alliance Pte Ltd quoted in the statement.

 

 

 

He added: “Our partnership drives forward our shared vision of delivering sustainable, reliable, and scalable energy solutions to meet the world’s evolving needs. Together, we are committed to advancing energy transition goals, fostering innovation, and expanding access to clean energy resources globally, creating lasting impact and positive change for future generations.”

 

 

 

Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership,saying: “This HOA with Amigo LNG perfectly aligns with Sahara Group’s commitment to bringing energy to life responsibly by facilitating access to clean, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. By expanding our LNG portfolio, we are reinforcing our dedication to delivering more affordable energy globally.

 

 

“This partnership not only strengthens our foothold in the LNG industry but also positions us to support energy transition efforts.We are excited to collaborate closely with Amigo LNG and look forward to the transformative impact we will create together.”

 

 

The Amigo LNG project, a large-scale 7.8 MTPA liquefaction and export facility located on Mexico’s west coast, benefits from its proximity to key shipping lanes and access to Asia-Pacific markets.

 

 

 

Developed in close cooperation with the State of Sonora and the Port of Guaymas, this facility is a vital component of Mexico’s emerging LNG export industry.

Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Energy 0
Court Frees UNIBEN Lecturer Accused Of Raping Student

   Mohammed Shosanya
A Benin High Court,Friday discharged and acquitted a University of Benin lecturer, Dr. Omowumu Steven Ekundayo, who was accused of accused of raping a student of the institution,Anita Efosa in his office. 
In her verdict,Justice (Mrs.) Mary Itsueli, maintained that the prosecution team failed completely to prove their case against the accused beyond all reasonable doubts.
She held that if anyone would believe the claims of the alleged victim in their face value, there is no substantial required proofs or evidence whatsoever to establish sexual intercourse or rape.
Justice Itsueli upheld the no-case submission filed by the defense counsel and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, maintaining that the evidence of the PW 1 (the nominal complainant) was not corroborated with the submissions of the other five  prosecution witnesses.
The judge also said that the prosecution team further failed to tender the University Health Centre Medical Test Report as exhibit to the court during the trial because the result and findings therein obviously vitiated and negated their claims.
She held that the report from Vivian Centre which was conducted a day after the alleged incident and tendered as evidence failed to scientifically show the evidence or proofs of rape.
She further held that the Vivian Medical Doctor,who presented the report admitted before the court that there was no way sexual intercourse or rape could be established after 24 hours and so based his findings predominantly on the alleged victims oral history and claims.
 Itsueli maintained that the prosecution team could not establish the three main  ingredients of rape which she listed to be penetration,sexual intercourse and no consent,adding that the penetration must be linked with the defendant and tell-tale signs of rape have to be shown in the medical report and the scene of alleged crime.
These were not established in any way, she maintained.
She also relied on the indepth investigation by the Police Investigation Officers (IPO),who examined both the accused and alleged victims physically and visited the scene of alleged rape.
According to her,the Police report stated clearly that there were no bruises on their bodies,no torn clothes and the office of the defendant said to have been broken into to rescue the girl is yet intact.
Citing a plethora of legal authorities, Justice Itsueli averred that the prosecution case is bereft of evidence.
“In a criminal case, the claimant is required to prove his/her case beyond all reasonable doubts. I found no reason to call the defendant to enter the dock for his defense. The No-Case Submission of the defense counsel is hereby upheld.
“The case is hereby dismissed for lack of evidence and the accused is discharged and acquitted”, Justice Itsueli ruled.
The don, popularly known as “Dr. Bode Steve Ekundayo”, was accused of raping Anita Efosa in his office at ‘Faculty Complex’ in broad daylight light on October 5th, 2021.
The scandal went viral and consequently, the accused was issued a query and placed on interdiction pending the investigation of the case by the Police and final determination in court.
He was detained for several weeks and arraigned for the alleged offence but was later granted bail on stringent conditions.
Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Law/Human Rights 0
Yakubu,Abiodun,Abah Win TotalEnergies’ Startupper Of The Year Challenge

           Mohammed Shosanya
Temitope Yakubu,Jacob Abiodun and
Emmanuel Abah,have emerged local winners for the fourth Edition of the 2024 TotalEnergies’ Startupper of the Year Challenge.
They emerged victorious after the selection by a local and international jury of the 100 winners of the Startupper of the Year Challenge, in the 32 participating countries
The local winners of the special edition organized on the occasion of the company’s centenary were honored during an official prize-giving ceremony that took place on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Lagos, a statement said on Friday.
Temitope Yakubu won in the Innov’Up category for best entrepreneur with Interkool by Farmci.
FarmCI’s InterKool Storage Pod is a portable, solar-powered solution for preserving and transporting farm produce, extending shelf life and reducing disease risk for small-scale farmers and retailers.
Jacob Abiodun won in the Cycle’Up category for best circular economy project with Coconoto,which is transforming the coconut value chain for a greener, more sustainable future.
Emmanuel Abah won in the Power’Up category for best sustainable and affordable project with Waste2light  Ltd.
Waste2light Wind and Hydro Turbine is a pioneering initiative to produce electricity from wind and hydro sources, by converting plastic waste into 3D printed wind and hydro components. Waste2light is championing to power Nigeria with clean electricity.
These young entrepreneurs will receive N8M grant, each in order to help them develop their projects,the multinational oil company said in the statement.
“They will also be given personalized support to develop their projects, along with local visibility, to boost awareness of their plans”,the statement added.
In Nigeria, 5906 applications were submitted, of which 1540 successfully completed the application process.
The company revealed that from the 1540, the best 100 projects were selected;14 finalists pitched their projects to a local panel of experts, out of which the three top winners emerged.
Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Next Level 0
Katsina,REA’s New MOU To Boost Solar Power In Underserved Areas

            Mohammed Shosanya
The Katsina State,and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed  a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance decentralized solar power projects in underserved areas in the state.
The duo signed the pact during a recent Roundtable focused on sustainable energy solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Signing the pact,Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed  support for the REA’s initiatives during the event which aims to foster partnerships and improve energy access, aligning with the 2023 Electricity Act.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improve the lives and livelihood of indigenes of the state through the optimization of renewable energy solutions to power businesses, homes and communities.
According to him,beyond powering businesses through Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), the state is powering dreams and aspirations of Nigeria MSMEs, as MSMEs are the backbone of the economy.
He added:”By working with the REA,we aim to establish a sustainability framework that guarantees long-term functionality and effectiveness. Going forward, every project must include a clear sustainability structure, complete with local capacity, community ownership, and regular performance monitoring.
“With the support of the REA, we can achieve energy sufficiency, drive MSME development, and uplift the lives of our people. Our ongoing wind energy project in the state is a promising initiative, and we are eager to concession it. To expedite this process, we will rely on the REA’s active role in providing technical advice and support to ensure the concession is concluded efficiently”.
He assured the Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) of his administration’s commitment to ameliorating the sector’s pain points, while derisking the business landscape in Katsina for wider investments.
Speaking,the Managing Director/CEO of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu explained that his agency has sustained its efforts on sector coordination,while exploiting data-driven strategies for renewable energy scale-up across Nigeria.
 He said the energy ecosystem in state governments  should be reinvigorated to fast-track the delivery of energy access interventions, nurture an enabling environment for private sector investments and strengthen the linkage between the States and RESCOs within the context of the Electricity Act.
He emphasized the central role of clean energy in the sustainability of MSMEs, assuring  the Governor, of his agency’s readiness to catalyze investments in the energy sector while delivering the objectives of the Distributed Energy through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.
The Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Hajiya Aisha Aminu Abdullahi-Malumfashi,said:“KASEDA has refocused its strategy towards powering MSMEs sustainably to drive youth participation in entrepreneurship”.
She emphasized the central role of clean, sustainable energy in the acceleration of the state’s business climate.
She added that: “The Roundtable with the REA is coming at a critical time when KASEDA is exploring a range of result-oriented programmes and initiatives in line with the futuristic ideas of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, targeted at shaping the energy access landscape in Katsina State”.
Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Power 0
PENGASSAN Loses 4 Members In PH Helicopter Crash

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN),says Thursday’s helicopter crash in Port Harcourt,claimed the lives of four of its members.

 

 

 

 

Its President,Comrade Festus Osifo, confirmed the loss in a statement on Friday, and mourned the deceased, who he said were valued members of the PENGASSAN family and dedicated professionals in the oil and gas industry.

 

 

 

He said the deceased’s contributions to the sector and to the association will be sorely missed.

 

 

 

He added:”PENGASSAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims during this difficult time. We share in their grief and offer our unwavering support as we navigate this tragic event.

 

 

 

 

“We are committed to providing assistance to the bereaved families in any way possible.

 

 

 

“The Association is currently working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the crash and is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in their investigation.  We urge all parties involved to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the accident and urgent measures put in place to prevent future tragedies.

 

 

 

“PENGASSAN calls for all her members everywhere through the branches to observe a moment of silence and reflection in honor of our fallen Comrades.  Their dedication and service to the oil and gas industry will never be forgotten”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in News 0
Rivers,Investors Sign MOUs To Develop 200MW Power Plant,Smart e-Mobility

     Mohammed Shosanya
 Rivers State Government has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Intec and Omene Group of Companies for the development of a $300 million Waste-to-Wealth project, 200mw power plant, smart e-mobility, 20 tons of carbon capture, storage, and other innovations.
The move is aimed at promoting, strengthening and implementing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in waste management for the maximum benefit of Rivers people.
The MoUs with Intec and Omene Group of Companies, among other things, are designed to convert waste to wealth, generate electricity, boost employment opportunities as well as increase the state’s revenue base.
 Governor Siminalayi Fubara,disclosed these after the official signing ceremony at the Ministry of Justice in Port Harcourt on Thursday
Represented by the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, the Governor noted  that Rivers State Government in May, 2024, held the Investment and Economic Summit.
The Governor,according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, added that an Executive Order heralding the birth of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency was signed to drive investments in the state.
He added: “Today, we have signed two memoranda of understanding  between the Rivers State Government and Omene Nigeria Limited, essentially to manage waste, convert waste to wealth and create massive employment for Rivers people.
“Waste management has been a sour point on the people and the environment worldwide, and Rivers State is not an exception.
“The Rivers State Government spends millions of Naira for waste collation and disposal, with no significant result but by these memos, there is a leap forward.”
He expressed joy at the collaboration, saying that the benefit of the waste-to-wealth project will grow the state’s economy, create jobs for the teeming youths, keep the state clean and peaceful, and generate 200 Megawatts electricity daily in addition to 20 tons of carbon capture, which will be traded as Carbon Credit.
He said there would be no hitches in the collaboration and execution of the project, adding that the State will be the first in Nigeria to successfully achieve a waste-to-wealth project with modern technology.
The Chief Executive Officer of Omene Group, Otumba Prince Franklin Omene, said that the company will be working with other foreign investors to convert waste to wealth.
Appreciating the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for making the investment possible in his administration, Omene said their effort is to complement what the Rivers State Waste Management Authority is doing, explaining that the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit gave birth to the collaboration.
He said converting waste to wealth is what his company is known for all over the world, stressing that Intec Group, as a reliable group of companies, will help realize the project for State and its environs.
Also speaking,representative of the partners, German-based Intec Group, Srinibach Dora Tepal, thanked the Rivers State Government for creating an enabling environment for investors to invest in, noting that although the project is at no cost to the Government of Rivers State, they have built a smart business model to ensure productive and speedy transformation of the State.
Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Power 0
Kano:Yoruba Community Unveils N500m Fundraising Appeal To Build New Palace 

     Mohammed Shosanya
The Sarki Yoruba community in Kano, Alhaji Murtala Alimi Otisese (Adetimirin 1),has launched a N500 million fundraising campaign for the construction of a community palace.
The palace project, aimed at enhancing the welfare of the Yoruba community in Kano, includes a residential quarter for staff, a school for the less privileged, a multi-purpose hall serving as a community ventre and revenue-generating space for the Palace administration.
Oba Murtala, in a statement signed by the Palace Secretary, Prince Zakariyau AbdulRasheed Rotimi,said :”we have established a five-member committee under the leadership of Chief Akande Omotayo Kazeem, with Chief Femi Smith Johnson as his assistant to oversee the fundraising efforts.
The statement explained that the project will not only enhance the Palace’s operations but will also significantly contribute to the welfare of our people.”
Oba Murtala emphasized the importance of modernizing the community’s facilities, saying, “To truly serve our community, we must adapt and modernize our facilities and offerings.”
The Chairperson, fundraising committee,Chief Kazeem, in his acceptance speech expressed the committee’s determination to mobilize support, stating, “We are determined to mobilize support from our community and beyond, engaging everyone in this noble cause.”
The committee said it will commence work immediately by organizing events and programs to raise funds from local and international donors.
Oba Murtala urged the Yoruba community to rally behind the initiative, saying, “Together, we can create a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations and foster unity and progress within our community.”
Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Arewa 0
NCDMB,Shell JV Partners Donate To FUTO

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), with its joint venture (JV) partners, Thursday unveiled world-class engineering design studios and an information and communication technology (ICT) hub at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

 

 

 

 

The facilities were conceived and donated in furtherance of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (HCD) programme which had focused lately on institutional strengthening, equipping universities and revamping select technical and vocational schools across the country, in a bid to develop competent technical manpower and craftsmen needed in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors,a statement.

 

 

 

The new facilities include two state-of-the-art Engineering Design Studios and a fully furnished 100-seater Main ICT Lecture Hall, equipped with computers and smartboards. The studios are designed to serve as a “visually stimulating collaborative workspace that fosters an environment where students can engage in group work, brainstorming sessions, and ideation meetings.”

 

 

 

 

Other facilities are a 200KVA diesel generator, diesel storage tank, generator house, borehole, overhead water tank, perimeter mesh wire fence, a car park, as well as shallow drains and landscaping.

 

 

 

 

Speaking at the ceremony,the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the studios and hubs were initiated in furtherance of the Federal Government’s aspirations for development of competent technical manpower to support activities in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.

 

 

 

 

The impartation of specialised skills through expansion and modernisation of academic infrastructure, he noted, has to be accelerated.

 

 

 

 

According to the NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Board’s Director in charge of capacity building, Dr. Ama Ikuru, “We shall keep enhancing institutional capacity to equip our students with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to compete globally in the wake of the 4th industrial revolution where Artificial Intelligence, data science, Internet of Things, robotics dominate.”

 

 

 

 

Recalling several interventions by the NCDMB in academic institutions to boost acquisition of contemporary skills, Engr. Ogbe said, “the Board has carried out the upgrade of many vocational schools and universities under its Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centres (TVETs) upgrade programme” and that it believes in “the significance of education particularly the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses”

 

 

 

 

In his address, the Managing Director and Country Chair of SPDC, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, described the Engineering Design Studio and ICT Hub as a “very important human capital development project” that has resulted from a fruitful collaboration between SPDC, JV partners, notably, NNPCL, SPDC, TotalEnergies, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), and NCDMB.

 

 

 

 

 

Represented by the General Manager, External Relations, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Igo Weli, Okunbor disclosed that FUTO was “selected to benefit from institutional strengthening in the catchment areas of SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project” and that the facility was in line with the associated Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development Plan” and “in accordance with the provisions of the NOGICD [Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development] Act, 2010 and NCDMB’s HCD Guidelines of 2020.”

 

 

 

 

He promised that “A 40KW solar system will be installed in the coming weeks to ensure sustainable energy supply” to the facility.

 

 

 

The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Services, Mr. Bala M. Wunti, observed that “Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and developed,” adding that “The Engineering Studio and ICT Hub is designed to be such a place where students, researchers, and faculty can collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what is possible.”.

 

 

 

 

Represented by the Senior Advisor Stakeholders Relations, Mrs. Halimat Wilson, the NNPC top official stated that the true impact of the facility would be measured by the success stories that emerge from it.

 

 

 

 

The State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, thanked Shell and its partners and the NCDMB for providing the State with what he described as vital digital infrastructure.

 

 

 

 

He said the facility would serve as a centre for innovation and creativity that would contribute to the development of the state.

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier in a welcome address, the FUTO Vice Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, said the facility “aligns with the critical mandate of the University, to jumpstart national development through indigenous technology-based teaching pedagogy that emphasises practical knowledge, innovations and problem solving.”

 

 

 

 

 

She expressed appreciation to the Managing Director and Country Chair of Shell, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, among others, “for making such a landmark donation” to the University.

 

Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Crashed Helicopter:Tinubu Mourns,Orders Military To Join Rescue Team

            Mohammed Shosanya
President Bola Tinubu has directed an intensification of search and rescue for passengers of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic near Bonny Finima on Thursday in Port-Harcourt.
The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation and registered as 5NBQG, was hired by NNPC Limited to ferry some contract staff to the NNPC facility FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN.
A statement signed by Bayo Onanuga,Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy),quoted the President as urging military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission and provide all necessary support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies.
The President condoles with the Board and staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the families of all those who were confirmed to have passed away in the accident.
Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in News 0
Nigeria Begins Oil Exploration In Kogi Soon-FG

               Mohammed Shosanya
The  Federal Government has pledged its commitment towards mobilizing investments to explore the huge oil deposits in Kogi State.
The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who revealed this  when he hosted Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo,on Thursday, reaffirmed the status of Kogi as an oil producing state.
 He stated that the Petroleum Industry Act mandates the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to explore frontier basins and pledged the federal government’s determination to deploy funds to unlock new discoveries and exploration of oil in Nigeria.
He also commended Governor Ododo for his giant strides in providing good governance to the people of the state.
Kogi State became the first oil producing state in Northern Nigeria following the affirmation of the discovery of oil in commercial quantities by the federal government in 2022.

 

Earlier,the Governor called on the Federal Government for support in exploring petroleum and other natural resources in the state.
He assured thst issues of security and infrastructure have been adequately addressed making the state is ready for investments.
He emphasized Kogi’s strategic location and abundant resources, which position it as a potential hub for energy development among being oil producing states in the country.
He highlighted the need for partnerships to attract investments in oil exploration, aiming to boost the state’s economy and create jobs, assuring that his team is working towards harnessing the state’s resources for sustainable development for the people of Kogi State
 He expressed willingness of the Kogi State government to cooperate with the federal government to ensure that oil exploration in the state comes on stream in line with the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue oil exploration in the frontier basins in Nigeria.
Online Editor by — October 25, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0