NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Customs Lilypond Command processes exports worth N86.4bn

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By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) processed 118,184. 96 metric tonnes of export goods with Free-On-Board (FOB) value of N86,426,279,070.59 ($204,656,119.04), from January to March.

Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, in charge of the command, made the disclosure at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to Babandede, the goods processed include agricultural produce such as cocoa beans, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, hibiscus flower, soya beans and ginger.

He listed minerals processed to include lithium ore, manganese ore and zircon sand.

He added that manufactured goods exported included instant noodles, cosmetics, cigarettes and beverages.

“The Lilypond Export Command of NCS was established in August 2022 but commenced operation in November 2022 though not with full capacity; it is operating to the best of its ability.

“We all know that a policy of this administration is to diversify from oil to non-oil sector. There is need for us to have export vitality.

“Therefore, in its wisdom, the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari decided to encourage non-oil export.

“NCS and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) were asked to come up with a modality on how to promote and facilitate the business of export, and the NCS decided to establish the Lilypond Export Command in order to address challenges of exporters,” he said.

He added that NCS and NPA approved establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) with the mandate to undertake stuffing, examination and document processing for non-oil export cargos accessing Lagos ports by road, rail and barges.

“This establishment is geared toward fast-tracking export businesses for quick turnover, ensuring proper documentation and repatriation of export proceeds back to the country to decongest the ports and all the roads leading to the ports,” he said.

He said that Lilypond Export Command, although new, had recorded some achievements including reducing delay in export processing.

He listed other achievements to include making exportation effective and efficient.

He noted that all the agencies in charge were domiciled in a place as a one-stop shop.

“It has reduced cost of export business and contract cancellation.

“Pilfering of cargo has been eliminated and released containers can access the ports within 48 hours for loading on to a waiting vessel.

“The command, in collaboration with shipping lines, has reduced the turnaround time of a vessel which decreases the cost of shipping.

“Lilypond Export Command has completely erased the issue of rejection and return of our agro produce which is usually caused by delay and lack of requisite phytosanitary certificates,” he added.

He praised NPA for conceiving of EPTs and for providing support for the command.

“I also want to commend the patriotic role of our sister-agencies which have always partnered with us in our quest to effectively perform our statutory functions in compliance with extant laws.

“Since the establishment of this command, I have been meeting with various stakeholders comprising terminal operators, exporters, licensed agents, freight forwarders and shipping lines.

“May I use this medium to reassure our stakeholders that Lilypond Export Command will continue to facilitate their legitimate trades,” he said.

He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali and other members of NCS management team as well as officers and men of the command for support. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Nigeria never defaulted in China debt repayments-DMO

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has debunked a media report that Nigeria defaulted in loans repayments to China.

A statement by the DMO in Abuja on Wednesday, advised the public to ignore the report as it is false.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a recent news report had quoted the DMO as saying that Nigeria failed to fully service its debt to China, which had accumulated to N110.31 billion in the last two years.

“The attention of the DMO has been drawn to a publication by some media houses claiming that Nigeria has defaulted in debt repayment to China for which it claimed penalty stand at N4.31billion.

“A closer look at the media publication shows that the body of the publication is completely detached from the headline.

“It gives the impression that the publishers of the report may have set out to mislead the public.

“The public is assured that Nigeria is fully committed to honouring its debt obligations and has not defaulted on any of its debt service obligations,” the DMO said.

It emphasised that the media report should be disregarded. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

I have nothing personal against Umahi — Okorie

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By Chukwuemeka Opara

Chief Linus Okorie, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Ebonyi South Senatorial District in the last general election on Wednesday said he had no personal grudges against Gov. David Umahi.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakiliki that he was only pursuing his political ambitions.

NAN reports that Umahi and Okorie were political allies until Okorie nursed the ambition to contest for the Senatorial seat on the platform of LP.

They are currently engaged in a legal battle for the senatorial seat which was won by Umahi.

Okorie had filed a petition at the election tribunal against Umahi’s declaration as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, Okorie’s action has not gone down well with Umahi who had expressed concern that one of his political allies was now challenging him.

However, Okorie, while acknowledging the role Umahi has played in his politics, told NAN that he also played a role in Umahi’s emergence as a governor in 2015.

“Umahi as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2010 was instrumental to my emergence as a House of Representatives member.

“I, my family and generations will always keep this in in mind; it can never be written off.

“It should however be noted that from 2008, I and the Odefas built the structure on which he emerged as the party chairman, deputy governor and subsequently governor.

“During my first stint at the House of Representatives, I had the privilege of having ears where it mattered,” he said.

He told NAN that he raised the possibility of Umahi’s governorship in 2014 with the then Nigeria’s first family.

“I had the chance to run for the governorship then but sacrificed the ambition due to my love and loyalty to him.

“I fell out with him because he never wanted me to vie for the Senate as this cost me a return to the House of Representatives in 2019,” he alleged.

Okorie said that in spite of the prevailing circumstances, he still loved and wished Umahi well.

“I have benefitted tremendously from him but he has also benefited from me,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Uche Anunne

Local content in LNG Train 7 rises to 60 per cent – NCDMB

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has said that the construction of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Train7 has witnessed 60 per cent local content.

Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote, said this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair, scheduled to take place in Bayelsa from May 17 to 19.

Wabote said unlike the LNG Train 1 to 6 that had near zero participation of Nigerians because of poor performance in energy technology, the Train 7 had more Nigerians participating due to the development of local capacity and capability.

“I think the project is a total of about US$5 billion and 50 per cent of that is being handled in-country and by Nigerians,” he said.

Wabote said that the significant leap and growth happened because they provided many Nigerians with the opportunity to excel in oil and gas technology.

He said the local content participation being witnessed in the oil and gas technology was achieved mainly through the biannual Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), organised by the NCDMB.

“When we were looking at the strategy on how to develop Nigeria content, that is, the local capacity to provide services to the oil and gas industry, we went through a lot.

“There was so much that we needed to do in order to enhance the participation of Nigerians.

“So it was out of this request by stakeholders that we looked at it and said okay provide a platform where you will tell them of opportunities in the industry such that people can begin to prepare themselves.

“One of the greatest successes was that if you look at the Train LNG 1 to 6, the level of Nigerians participation was near zero because energy technology and the activities there were alien to us.

“Everything practically was done overseas but with the advent of NOGOF, today, 60 per cent of the activities in LNG 7 is being done by Nigerians.

“It is because we provided the prime information which enabled them to prepare themselves to participate in that project,” Wabote said.

According to him, the local content participation is a creation of the Act 2010 which mandates the NCDMB to support the development of local capacity and capability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He noted that the Act also mandated the board to foster institutional collaboration, maximise Nigerians’ participation in the oil and gas activities and link the sector to other sectors of the economy.

“We are also maximising the utilisation of Nigerian resources amongst other objectives.”

Wabote highlighted the importance of the oil and gas fair to the economy, noting that it was an opportunity to industrialise the country.

“Our goal is to use NOGOF as a platform to promote these objectives that drive growth and development across the Nigeria oil and gas value chain.

“We are excited to engage with stakeholders, foster the development of local content and strategise on the capacity building initiatives that will benefit the industry and the broader economy.

“This will be the fourth edition, the first and second edition were hosted in Akwa-Ibom and Bayelsa states respectively, while the third edition was hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our theme this year is “The oil and gas industry, catalyst and fuel for industrialisation of Nigeria” and interested stakeholders can visit WWW.NCDMBNOGOF.org for information on how to get involved in any capacity.

“We believe the theme is important as it highlights the critical role of the oil and gas industry in tune with industrialisation and overall development of the Nigerian economy.

“We have also raised the bar at this year’s event by expanding our focus to include the linkage industries and extending our reach beyond Nigeria to the entire African continent,” he added.

The NCDMB boss noted that another objective of NOGOF2023, would be to bring together key stakeholders of the oil and gas industry to discuss ways to deepen local content.

This, he said, would be done by leveraging identified opportunities and identifying sonic ways to move the industry forward. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

Seplat donates science, arts laboratories to schools in Edo, Delta

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By Nefishetu Yakubu

The management of Seplat Petroleum Development Company, a Nigerian independent oil and gas company, says the company has donated well-equipped laboratories to schools in Edo and Delta.

The Director of External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy, Dr Chioma Nwachuku, explained that the laboratories were for Science Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) to promote practical learning in both private and public schools.

Speaking at the event in Benin on Wednesday, Nwachuku said that the initiative was geared towards assisting the students to develop their science, engineering, mathematics, and art skills using technology.

Nwachuku noted that the STEAM laboratory, supported by Solar Energy, has internet access to provide the teachers with a technology-enhanced learning environment to support project-based learning for their students.

She explained that the laboratory was designed to help students learn how to work as a team, solve problems and apply their knowledge in advanced and in creative ways to prepare them for the future.

“Seplat is excited that the STEAM laboratories will further strengthen the application of STEAM learning that the company has continued to promote in schools through the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).

“The Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme, known as STEP, equips secondary school teachers with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to teach students the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics learning model.

“Teachers are critical factors towards achieving quality education. Hence, in 2020, Seplat commenced the STEP initiative to empower teachers with the essential STEAM knowledge and skill sets.

“This highly sought-after programme has delivered immense outcomes for 634 teachers and touched more than 25,000 students in Delta and Edo secondary schools,” she said.

Also speaking, the Director of New Energy, Seplat, Mr Effiong Okon, said: “We started the STEP initiative by training teachers, and now we have taken the next step by investing in the STEAM laboratory and providing unique gadgets.

“This laboratory will significantly change how students learn and how our children’s potential can be unleashed.

“Although we started with producing oil, Seplat is currently investing in New Energy, and this STEAM laboratory will be successfully powered by solar energy because we have a high sun density.

“So, we do not have to rely on the grid or power-generating sets to run the laboratory. We look forward to collaborating with the students and possibly championing new scientific breakthroughs.

“The laboratory has various science devices and tools such as electrical kits, chemical supplies, computers, art materials and a projector. among others”.

In her speech, the Commissioner for Education in Edo, Dr Joan Oviawe, thanked Seplat on behalf of the state government.

Oviawe reiterated that the donation supported the state government’s drive to enhance the role of technology in improving the quality of education in the state.

In his welcome address, the Principal of Ihogbe College, Mr Johnson Egharevba, expressed the excitement of the entire school adding that his students had also attended Seplat-organised competitions in the past.

Egharevba said that three of the school’s STEP-trained teachers had developed power banks based on knowledge gained from STEP. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Energy mix: Oil coy tasks FG on investments, biomass reduction

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By Emmanuella Anokam

Mrs Nkechi Obi, the Group Managing Director of Techno Oil Ltd., an indigenous oil and gas company, has emphasised the need to have significant investments and infrastructure to achieve global energy mix and sustainable energy.

Obi made the call at the business leaders and regulatory dialogue, a session at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2023) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session has its theme as “Africa at the Heart of the Global Energy Mix: What’s Ahead in Nigeria.”

NAN also reports that biomass (charcoal), petroleum reserves, natural gas, peat, hydroelectricity, solar and wind are major energy resources in Nigeria and the country remains a top producer of crude oil and natural gas in Africa.

Obi who received a lifetime oil and gas achievement award at the ongoing summit said at the session that gas would play a big role in the global energy mix and that Nigeria had enough of it to drive the industry.

She explained that there were about eight mitigants to achieving the global energy mix but that the provision of infrastructure, reduction in biomass and fossil fuel were key to achieving success, especially in the downstream sector.

According to the GMD, Nigeria needs an enabling environment to drive investments to position itself strategically in view of global trend to transit to cleaner energy.

She said the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) was a big relief in pursuit of a cleaner energy but regretted that the Act was not being implemented effectively.

She urged the Federal Government to fast track the process of its implementation, especially the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority which had plans to drive the PIA implementation process.

Obi noted that the country had abundant gas reserves but that the challenges of affordability, accessibility and availability were still militating against the progress of the industry.

The Techno Oil GMD said the challenges in the oil and gas sector had led to the company making some investments and improving its infrastructure aimed at benefitting the entire gas value chain.

She said in the quest for cleaner energy and to tackle challenges in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) adoption, it established a fully automated LPG ultra-modern gas cylinder manufacturing plant with state of the art laboratory and modern testing equipment.

“The terminal we have is about 10,000 metric tonnes capacity and the cylinder manufacturing plant enhances usage of quality cylinders.

“The goal is to help households and encourage domestic switch from heavy biomass use and deepen LPG use which is safer, cleaner, healthier and cheaper to use.

“Today techno cylinders are of standard and the best,” she said.

The summit which started on April 16 and would end on April 20, has its theme as “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

2023 Mike Ekoja Captain’s Cup: N2m up for grabs for pro golfers

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By Victor Okoye

Organisers of the 2023 Mike Ekoja Captain’s Cup have set aside a N2 million prize money for the professional golfers category of this year’s golf tournament in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, which is in its 24th edition, is in honour of Ekoja, the outgoing captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Julius Fadero, the Competition Secretary, IBB Golf and Country Club, on Tuesday said that the tournament would be different and more exciting with a lot of mouth-watering as well as consolation prizes.

“As you are aware, no two Captain’s Cup are the same and the goal is always to go a step further.

“So, this year, for the golf professionals, there is a N2 million prize money set aside for the winners of that category.

“While there is a N500,000 prize money for those in training.

“For the amateurs, we have different categories, but the overall which is the star prize as it were is a N5.5 million worth of solar system to be installed for the overall winner, which makes this year’s event unique.

“We have other consolation prizes such as free business class tickets, courtesy of our sponsors, Ibom Air and Qatar Airways.

“We also have some refrigerators, air conditioners and television sets donated by some of our sponsors, to mention a few,” he said.

He said that the format of play would be stroke play with the tournament expected to get under way on Wednesday and end with the prize presentation and dinner on Saturday.

“The Captain’s Cup kitty, tennis and the pros will slug it out in a one-day 18 hole winner-takes-it-all event on Wednesday, while the Ladies handicap 19 to 28 and 29 to 54, Vetran Ladies handicap 19 to 54 as well as the Super Vetran Ladies play on Thursday.

“Also, the Men handicap 19 to 28, 29 to 54, Vetran men handicap 19 to 28, 29 to 54, Super Vetran Men as well as Tennis will wrap of activities for Thursday.

“On Friday, it will be the Men handicap 13 to 18, Vetran men handicap 13 to 18, Super Vetran Men handicap 13 to 18 and tennis action.

“The curtain falls on the tournament on Saturday with the ceremonial tee-off at 9 a.m. followed by the ladies handicap 0 to 18, men handicap 0 to 5, 6 to 12, as well as the Sponsors and Captain’s Guest categories,” he said.

Boboye Oyeyemi, the Chairman, Organising Committee of the tournament, said that this year’s tournament promises to be unique and the biggest ever in honour of a great club captain who worked very hard

“Mike Ekoja set out on a journey to steer the ship of this great club on April 30, 2022, as the Captain for the usual one year term.

“As is our tradition, towards the end of every tenure, we celebrate the stewardship of the captain by organising a golf and tennis tournament for our caddies, staff and members of the club.

“It is also an opportunity to let people know about the game of golf. Golf is health, good living, age friendly and builds camaraderie and friendship.

“When you are a golfer, you build a lot of network and improve your mental faculty,” he said.

Boboye, who is the immediate past Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), noted that over 500 golfers were expected to participate in the tournament.

“We have a lot of sponsors from Defence Headquarters, Central Bank of Nigeria, Defence Intelligence Agency, Federal Ministry of Transport, Transmission Company of Nigeria and Federal Mortgage Bank.

“We also have individual sponsors as well companies such as Pepsi, PD Homes, West Africa Ceramics, NIMASA, to mention a few who have all contributed to this 24th Captain’s Cup which is unique and the biggest ever in the history of the tournament,” he said.

He added that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was expected to be a special guest of honour at the ceremonial tee-off on Saturday.

Francis Adigwe, the Captain, IBB Tennis Section, said this year’s event was unique as over 60 tennis players would be taking part in the tournament, including the females.

“The tennis section of the club is quite young but we have been making waves with no fewer than 100 active members currently.

“We have decided to organise a huge tennis tournament as part of this year’s Captain’s Cup. We are playing in three categories namely; the Open’s singles, Vetrans’ singles as well as doubles for open and vetrans.

“Also, for the first time in the history of the tournament, we will be having the Ladies Open.

“The tournament promises to be very competitive and is expected to wrap up with the finals on Friday,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Summit: Germany, Nigeria promote low-carbon hydrogen energy for growth

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria and the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office have geared up efforts on promoting low-carbon hydrogen for economic growth and industrialisation.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Annett Gunther, said this at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2023).in Abuja.

The two offices hosted a dialogue titled “Low-Carbon Hydrogen: A Key Piece for a Just Transition”.

The offices are financed by the Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

According to Gunther, the process is clearly moving from oil to gas, and from gas to hydrogen and other green and renewable energy sources.

Gunther said the Nigerian International “Petroleum Summit” was re-branded as “Energy Summit”, thus reflecting a crucial change in its outlook and in the increased attention it gave to non-traditional sources of energy.

In his remarks, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Markus Wagner, said that, “the nascent low-carbon hydrogen economy and its associated industries held the promise of economic growth and industrialisation.

He emphasised its added-value creation, decent job generation, infrastructure development, and an increased access to secure affordable low-carbon energy.

“Yet, these socioeconomic benefits can only be reaped if we focus on long-term development instead of immediate returns. If we focus on how to make the Energy Transition a Just Transition,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, in his keynote address, said Nigeria was keen on exploring the possibilities that the nascent hydrogen economy could create for its energy sector.

Aduda emphasised how low-carbon hydrogen fitted into the theme of 2023 edition of the NIES (Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future), which was motivated by the foreseen changes in the fossil fuel segment as the world pursued the energy transition agenda.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, expressed gratitude on the existing cooperation between Germany and Nigeria.

He expressed anticipation for further cooperation in the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, especially on the topic of low-carbon hydrogen.

Dr Chinnan Dikwal, Executive Vice President, African Energy Council also made a presentation on the opportunities and challenges to make low-carbon hydrogen a reality for Nigeria.

Dikwal said that Nigeria was well positioned to produce low-carbon hydrogen for domestic use and export into Europe and Asia.

He further gave recommendations to help develop a robust hydrogen value chain in Nigeria, such as creating a H2 accelerator programme for start-ups and projects, co-locating H2 production and consumption in hydrogen valleys.

He included launching a hydrogen-centric regulatory regime to instill confidence for both producers and consumers of hydrogen.

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion, which served as a platform for Nigerian voices from oil and gas, renewable energies, public sector, academia, and NGOs to speak about their visions of a Just Transition.

Ms Gina Lagunes, Head of the German Nigerian Hydrogen office, in a remark said Nigeria, as a traditional fossil fuel exporting country with existing oil and gas infrastructure and know-how, could use this trend as a momentum to transition towards sustainable energy.

Lagunes further reiterated the Hydrogen Office’s commitment towards providing advisory for the creation of an enabling framework for low-carbon hydrogen, developing capacity in public and private sector, civil society, as well as offering support to private sector and specific projects. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

TotalEnergies to stop routine gas flaring 2023 – Official

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria says it will stop routine gas flaring in 2023 to actualise energy security and sufficiency.

Mr Victor Bandele, the Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria, said this in Abuja, when he featured at the Chief Executive Officers Roundtable, at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2023).

Bandele said the decision was a deliberate measure by the company toward delivering safer, cleaner and accessible energy for energy transition.

He noted that about 95 per cent of its gas production was currently being utilised.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable which gave top energy companies an opportunity to share their thoughts on how best to solve issues around energy poverty was tagged: “Building Energy for Tomorrow.”

Bandele said the decision of the company to end gas flaring this year started in the past 15 years noting that they had been progressive on the target.

He expressed the company’s commitments to ensure fully integrated, sustainable and available energy in the oil and gas industry to actualise energy transition.

According to him, the company places safety of people and respect for the environment at the forefront.

“Over the years, we have been consistent in development, making sure that all infrastructure we have are fully utilised.

“This year, we have just finished drilling an exploration well and we will continue to consolidate on the things we know how best to do,” he said.

Speaking on gas as the transition fuel, Bandele said the company had inaugurated onshore projects which were already at the engineering stage.

He said the action was a deliberate plan by the company to supply electricity to communities situated at the site of its oil block which had been in darkness for the past 25 years.

“We acquired second largest solar company in the world. It is also a deliberate action to work in that space to boost the industry,” he added.

He said they would continue to consolidate on new energy, while expanding gas development projects.

Bandele challenged the industry regulators to increase the scope of gas to be used on gas channel since the pipelines were being utilised.

He also said TotalEnergies was in talks with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. on how to install another 10 megawatt electricity to a community in the zone of its project.

He explained that the project would be 100 per cent solar-based with two years completion target.

Bandele said that the company had made a lot of progress in its domestic gas education to stakeholders and was continuously enriching its gas portfolio in terms of export.

“TotalEnergies is present in all sectors of energy in Nigeria, namely downstream, midstream and upstream,” he said.

Emphasising on its downstream achievements, he said the company’s 550 filling stations across the country operate on solar energy.

Bandele regretted that so much time had been wasted on deliberations and solutions for energy security, and called for on hands to be on deck to achieve the desired result.

“Nigeria is a cornerstone to the development of Africa. No country is as mature as Nigeria on gas development and we must take advantage of that,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Matriculation: Elevate Nigeria to greatness, NOUN VC tells new students

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By Emmanuel Afonne

The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has enjoined the new students of the institution to strive to elevate Nigeria to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.

Peters said this on Tuesday, at the 24th matriculation of the university, which took place virtually across its various study centres nationwide.

“As you pass through our university, I am hopeful that you will acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills, as well as the requisite strength of character and tenacity, to sail through the challenges of global competition,” he said.

Peters said knowledge and skills were the weapons needed to make positive mark to elevate the country to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.

The vice-chancellor also urged the new students to utilise the opportunities offered by the flexibility and openness of their study in NOUN to excel more than their peers elsewhere.

“For those that are engaged in a vocation and or employment, it is an opportunity to excel in your career.

“It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the efficacy of continuous education through open and distance learning, in adding value to your competence at work, to the delight of employers,” Peters said.

The new entrants, comprising of 12, 954 undergraduates, 4, 716 postgraduates and four Ph.D students in various faculties, would join an already existing population of over 150,000 students studying for various degrees in the university.

“The uniqueness of the university should evoke special interests in the students especially from people who are eager to know how qualitative academic training is in the university.

“I enjoin you, therefore, to be dedicated to your studies and be good ambassadors of this university,” he said.

Speaking on the marked attributes of NOUN, Peters said the university’s mode of teaching and service delivery cannot be restricted by the barriers of distance, location, or the bias of race and creed.

He said: “I am particularly glad to inform you that your university is privileged to operate in sync with the emerging world order of a global village in the information age.

“NOUN takes the ‘Gown to the Town’ dictum by providing equal access to quality education for all citizens, irrespective of their social circumstances, their creed, and wherever they are located.”

He advised the new entrants to form peer groups where common issues relating to their study can be shared and discussed.

Peters added that the university had provided an e-ticketing feedback system to resolve complaints encountered during the course of their studies.

He also said that other delivery applications, including the simplified assessment processes (tutorials, tests and examinations) would make study at NOUN a most rewarding educational experience for the students.

The Registrar of the university, Mr Oladipo Ajayi, administered the matriculation oath on the students via the Zoom platform.

Ajayi urged them to abide by all the rules and regulations of the university in order to avoid expulsion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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