News Agency of Nigeria
Oil & Gas

Sustainability policies crucial for energy companies operating in Africa- Aduda

By Yusuf Yunus
Mr Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, says resilience and sustainability policies are crucial for the long-term success of energy companies operating in Africa.
Aduda said this at the Africa Energy Forum event on Wednesday in Houston, Texas, United States of America.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Africa Energy Forum has the theme; “Building Resilience in Africa’s Energy Sector in the Era of Energy Transition”.
He said that energy companies that operate on the African continent face a unique set of challenges in the wake of the ongoing transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
According to him, these challenges include meeting growing energy demand, reducing the carbon footprint of their operations, and adapting to the effects of climate change.
“To address these challenges, energy companies are developing resilience and sustainability policies that aim to ensure the long-term viability of their operations.
“While minimising their impact on the environment. These policies typically focus on several key areas,” he said.
Aduda said that energy companies are increasingly investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro power, which help to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint.
The Permanent Secretary said that many companies were also exploring new technologies such as energy storage and smart grids to optimise the use of renewable energy.
“Energy companies are implementing energy efficiency measures in their operations to reduce their energy consumption and lower their costs.
“This includes measures such as upgrading equipment, improving insulation, and implementing energy management systems.
“Energy companies are implementing environmental management systems to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment.
“This includes measures such as waste management, emissions reduction, and biodiversity conservation,” Aduda explained.
He said that energy companies were increasingly recognising the importance of social responsibility in their operations.
He said that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) in Nigeria is strong on protecting the environment and partnering with the host communities for sustainability.
He said that the PIA provides clear requirements for working closely with the communities and inclusion in the operations of oil companies.
According to him, energy companies are developing resilience plans to ensure the continuity of their operations in the face of natural disasters and other disruptions.
“This includes measures such as backup power systems, emergency response plans, supply chain diversification and efficiency.
“In addition to these specific policies, energy companies are also working to build partnerships with other stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and local communities,” he added
Aduda said that to address the unique challenges of the African energy market, the collaborative approach was essential to building a more sustainable and resilient energy system that could support economic growth and development in the region.
“African integration is key at this point and Africa must define its own path, draw up its own energy transition agenda and must not be forced along with the band wagon.
“Fossil fuels will still be relevant for decades to come and Africa can only commit to cleaner processes of extraction and production. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Oil & Gas

African countries must join forces to diversify energy mix through AfCFTA- Kyari

NNPC GMD/CEO, Malam Mele Kyari

 

By Yusuf Yunus

Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL), has called on African countries to take advantage of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Kyari said this would help to diversify their energy sources into a sustainable and low-carbon energy mix, and ensure sustainability of the energy sector in the continent.

Kyari was represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr Adokiye Tombomieye, while delivering a keynote address at a luncheon and panel session organised by Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), on Tuesday in Houston, Texas, United States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session had as its theme: “Energy Transition in Africa: The Journey, Challenges and the Way Forward”.

He reiterated the need for African Union to adopt the African common position on energy access and equitable transition, which is a comprehensive approach that charts Africa’s short, medium, and long-term energy development pathways to accelerate universal energy access.

He described the theme as apt saying the journey toward energy transition in Africa has been challenging.

According to him, AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063 and it is a high ambition trade agreement, with a comprehensive scope that includes critical areas of Africa’s economy, such as digital trade and investment protection, amongst other areas.

“It is the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

“The overall mandate of the AfCFTA is to create a single continental market with a population of about 1.3 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product of approximately $3.4 trillion.

“By eliminating barriers to trade in Africa, the objective of the AfCFTA is to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, particularly trade in value-added production and trade across all sectors of Africa’s economy,” he said.

Kyari expressed worry that despite being home to some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, Africa has struggled to leverage these resources to drive sustainable development fully.

He pointed out that the lack of access to reliable and affordable energy had significantly impeded economic growth and development, particularly in rural areas.

The NNPCL boss said while African oil and gas industry had  contributed to the continent’s economic growth for several decades, there was  the need to ensure its sustainability.

To move toward a more sustainable future, Kyari said that the African continent must acknowledge that the industry is transforming rapidly.

He said, “As we gather here today, it is essential to acknowledge that Africa is at the forefront of the global energy transition.

“The journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy future presents challenges and opportunities for the continent.

“The energy transition is driving changes in the global energy mix, and it presents significant challenges for Africa (financing, infrastructure, policy/regulatory frameworks, skills and capacity).”

NAN also reports that the event was attended by captains of the oil and gas industry as well as regulators in the sector. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Oil & Gas

FG to explore alternative funding model for oil, gas industry development – NUPRC

By Yusuf Yunus

The Nigerian Upstream Downstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the Federal Government has concluded plans to explore alternative funding models for development of the country’s oil and gas resources.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, said this on Monday during the opening ceremony of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) pavilion and exhibition stand at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), in Houston, Texas, United States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day conference has as theme: “Energy Transition and AfCFTA: Key Reforms for Sustainable Development of the African Oil and Gas lndustry”.

Komolafe said that the need to develop the country’s hydrocarbon resources required  huge funding, hence the decision of the commission to develop alternative funding model for the industry.

According to him, Nigeria will not be left behind in the energy conversation discussion as the country is a place where needs meet opportunities.

“Africa and by extension Nigeria is well positioned because it has all it takes to bridge the energy gap in the light of energy transition.

“Nigeria with abundant oil and gas reserves and other sources of energy mix, is well positioned to be a super power if all these hydrocarbon resources are well coordinated,” he said.

Komolafe said the signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) had created a landmark reform in the petroleum industry which included attractive fiscal and regulatory regime.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Mr Gabriel Aduda, said that the PETAN pavilion at the OTC had  showcased  Nigeria’s diversity in oil and gas industry.

Aduda said: “We are looking at African countries collaboration toward developing the oil and gas sector.

“This is especially important because we in Nigeria are totally aware of the need to carry the entire continent alone.

“And we are not looking at this entity as just Nigeria alone but the whole of African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO).

“So, we are looking at these beyond us. We are looking at the APPO,” he said.

He said about eight African countries were part of the ongoing exhibition, adding that other African countries would  join the conference.

According to him, this is extremely important because the place of local content cannot be over emphasised.

“That is why we are so happy with what PETAN is doing because PETAN is providing the capacity for local industry players to be able to strive,” he said.

In his remarks , Mr Nicholas Odinuwu, Chairman, PETAN, said the OTC continues to discuss on building a sustainable oil and gas industry across the African continent in light of the energy transition, using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) , as a veritable tool.

Odinuwu said: “With our collective efforts, we are charting a new pathway for our industry and the energy future of almost two billion people that Africa is home to.

“Nigeria has taken the lead by developing an energy transition plan, launched in 2020, which outlines the technologies and support needed to achieve universal energy access and net-zero emissions by 2050.

“The fact is that Africa requires sustainable energy sources to meet the growing needs of all sectors of its economy and the energy transition is a crucial enabler of sustainable development.”

NAN reports that 12 Nigerian companies are participating at the PETAN oil and gas exhibition, at the ongoing OTC.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Oil & Gas

OTC 2023: FG plans to recommend ‘African forum of Regulators’ for upstream operations

 

 

By Yusuf Yunus

The Nigerian Upstream Downstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it will recommend for an establishment of ‘African forum of regulators’, to benchmark and standardise regulatory framework in the upstream oil and gas sector across the states of African nation.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, said this in an interview session with journalists at the ongoing 2023 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, U.S., on Monday.

Komolafe reiterated that the Federal Government was committed to achieving carbon neutrality, ending energy poverty, and driving economic growth in the country.

He noted that the conversation around energy transition was gathering high momentum in the country and government was doing all it could  to fine-tune its policies and regulations to ensure it meets the global carbon neutrality.

He said  that the Nigerian government  was firmly working toward its commitment at United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK, to cut its carbon emission to net zero by 2060.

“Nigeria has outlined its energy transition plan and for us as a regulatory commission, we are in line with every plan to ensure smooth transition.

“Right now, the commission has created a department to handle its decarbonisation process.

“This is a way to ensure it gets carbon credit and follow all global best practices and benchmark,” he said.

On update on Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), Komolafe affirmed that the process was progressing well.

He said that very soon the commission would  announce the names of the successful bidders.

He noted that this was coming at a time of energy crisis and transition, and on the backdrop of government’s decade of gas policy.

He said that the development seeks to tame decades of gas flaring in the oil producing region and enable the federation to generate billions of dollars  in investment and signature bonuses.

He said in recognition of the funding challenges facing some of the awardees of the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round licences, the commission was also planning a production based lending engagement that would help them source needed capital to commence full field development toward hitting first oil.

He said that this was an initiative of the commission to ease challenges in the sector.

The NUPRC boss said that the engagement which had been planned to begin soon would be between the Commission, Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) Awardees, Exploration and Production (E&P) service providers and Banks.

”It is to provide platforms for strategic partnership and alliance between the awardees and the service providers for Well Re-entry and drilling services.

“The arrangement is to be offered on service fee recoverable by the service providers from production to be attached.

‘’What the commission is doing is a landmark plan to organise an E&P International Financing Road show for financiers, investment bankers, private equities, and multi-lateral institutional investors.

“The initiative is to showcase the high value quick win opportunities available to investors in the recent PPL awards, the ongoing National Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, as well as the ongoing mini-bid awards,” he added.

Komolafe said that the Commission developed a Corporate Governance Framework for upstream petroleum operations.

According to him, this is to create clarity and restore confidence in the industry , which is very important.

 

”Also, the framework is to enhance sustainability, environmental and corporate governance requirements and to facilitate capital attraction by investors for the optimal and efficient development of the PPLs and other assets.

He commended the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) leadership for leading a quality delegation to the 2023 OTC.

He urged them to sustain the tempo and continue the development of indigenous capabilities in the oil and gas sector.

He said that PETAN was indeed doing the nation proud by extending its capacities in other frontiers in Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference  has as its theme: “Energy Transition and AfCFTA: Key Reforms for Sustainable Development of the African Oil and Gas lndustry”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Science & Tech

Expert says new WhatsApp feature can expose users to hacking

By Funmilola Gboteku

Mr Jide Awe, the Chief Exexcutive Officer, Jidaw Systems Ltd.,  says  the new feature in  WhatsApp  can make users vulnerable to hacking or phishing attacks by cybercriminals.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the new WhatsApp feature enables users to operate their account on four different devices.

Awe told NAN in an interview in Lagos on Saturday that having multiple devices linked to a single account gives hackers more opportunities to access personal data or take over the account.

He, however, noted that WhatsApp had implemented several security measures to protect against such threats, including end-to-end encryption and remote device management.

Speaking on its advantages, he said the new feature would increase flexibility and convenience by providing users with more ways to access their WhatsApp accounts.

“The ability to use up to four different devices simultaneously makes it easier for users to stay connected with their contacts.

“This feature will enable users to manage their devices and log out of them remotely. This can give them greater control over their accounts, “he said.

On users opinions, Awe said individual preferences would come into play, noting that it might be convenient for some to use it on different devices while others could stick to using WhatsApp on one device.

He said that Mark Zuckerberg’s aim for adding the new feature could be an attempt to make WhatsApp more user-friendly and convenient with a view to  attracting more users to the platform.

Awe said it could also be an attempt to keep up with other competitors like Telegram and Signal, both of which already offered multi-device support.

He added that the impact or success of the new feature would depend on whether users embraced  it  or if it would have any unforseen consequences.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Economy/Business

IoD at 40: Ministers advocate corporate governance culture in public, private sectors

I

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Some ministers have emphasised the need for good corporate governance culture across the public and private sectors to build strong institutions for economic growth and development.

They spoke at the flag-off ceremony to commemorate the Institute of Directors (IoD) 40th anniversary on Friday night in Lagos.

Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stated his recognition of the role of the institute as a pillar promoting sound principles of corporate governance in the private sector.

Adebayo stressed the need for collaboration with the private sector to develop strong corporate governance codes and values in Nigeria to advance the economy.

“Your commitment to excellence sets the right example for others to follow particularly as you help directors fulfil their responsibility in the corporate space.

“You have been a valid partner of the ministry; working together to promote Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and while we have reduced many barriers to a sustainable business environment, much is still left undone and the IoD would play critical role in achieving further change,” he said.

Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State, described good governance as the most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.

Abubakar, represented by Prof. Debo Adeyemi, former Minister of Health, stressed that good governance in public sector would lead to economic, social and political stability, attract investors and build confidence and trust.

He urged the institute to pay attention to public sector, saying some of the solutions to the county’s challenges was in good governance.

“It is my hope that before the next election cycle, IoD would have created a national advocacy that ensures the media, political players and all stakeholders appreciate the need to uphold good corporate to guarantee citizens free, fair and credible elections.

“From past elections, one can conclude on the indivisible of the Nigerian state, shared prosperity based on private sector led growth and free electoral process based on the rule of law.

“Good governance are factors to achieve the objectives of the Nigerian state and it must be promoted in the public sector in the same way as the private sector across the three tiers of government to greatly facilitate the transformation of our country into a good nation,” he said.

Mrs Onikepo Akande, a former Minister of Industry, lauded the institute for its profound impact on the private sector in upholding and promoting sound corporate governance in Nigeria.

Akande reiterated her commitment to continue to be guided by the principles of good governance enunciated by the institute and urged the leadership of the IoD to continue to drive the vision of its founders.

Dr Ije Jidenma, President, IoD, said the institute at 40 years had metamorphosed into that organisation that advances professional competence, integrity and enterprise.

Jidenma said the IoD would continue to act as a catalyst through its membership across all sectors to drive Nigeria to the desired level of economic growth and development.

“IoD would continue to partner with strategic institutions to achieve its goals and would continue to reinforce integrity, sobriety, meritocracy and accountability across board in the society,” she said.

Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, a former Minister of Finance, said as a nation, we were only as good as the quality of our institutions and stressed that citizens must employ efforts to sustain and not destroy what was inherited.

Kalu said that in view of the projected population growth, the country by 2050 must triple its production and be more united, more disciplined and more ordered to achieve its goals.

Addressing subsidy removal, Kalu advised government that such decision must be done in phases after ensuring that the necessary macroeconomic parameters that would impact standards of living are tackled.

“Removal of subsidy must be done in a way that doesn’t disrupt general pricing and human activities; otherwise, the dynamic system cannot handle the price hiccups if it is just done suddenly.

“There are macroeconomics variables that must be corrected for the subsidy removal to scale through and government has to touch all essential levels of the economy and not just shut subsidy support to consumers.

“Discussion should move beyond palliatives to issues of resources allocation, improvement in domestic production and distribution so issues that impede to productivity have to be tackled before subsidy is removed,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Health

UCH, Roche Healthcare partner on research, capacity building

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

Roche, a Swiss multinational healthcare company, says it is in partnership with the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to equip its research team with necessary skills to compete with others internationally.

Mrs Huwaida Bulhan, Senior Clinical Research Operations Lead, Africa Area, Roche, made this known at the kick-off of the Roche site alliance project on Friday in Ibadan.

Bulhan said that the site alliance project was set up to shape the healthcare ecosystem by providing capacity to bridge the gap in diversity and inclusion of Africans in clinical research.

She said UCH, Ibadan is among the four Centres of Excellence in Africa selected and currently undergoing Roche capacity building in site development programme.

Bulhan expressed the readiness of Roche to demonstrate what Africa was capable of doing through its partnership with UCH and other health organisations.

She added that UCH would soon be a major source of opportunities for other institutions in Africa.

According to her, we are ready to demonstrate what Africans are capable of doing.

“Our organisation has a long term plan for this project. This is not only limited to Roche, it is to give UCH, Nigeria and Africa a platform to open door of opportunities for others.

“The capacity building is not only for research, but it will translate to quality healthcare in UCH.

“The project will give practitioners within the institution the opportunity to get access to innovative diagnostics and therapeutic products before they are commercially available in the country.

“Roche, through UCH, is going to motivate other centres in Nigeria, and we believe that once it is well done in UCH, other centres will follow suit,” she said.

Also, on the project, the Medical Director, Roche, Bolarinwa Oyedeji, said that the project currently running in Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa, would be a win for all parties.

“This project has been put together to create a kind of foundation and a network of site across countries in Africa.

“The reason we are doing this is to ensure that we have a win for our patients, for the institution, health practitioners and even for ROCHE.

“We are trying to build capacity and capability within the institution, enabling our institution to be ready for global clinical trials,” Oyedeji said.

In his remarks, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, said the hospital has embraced the new development, assuring Roche of maximum support that would make the project to be a success.

Otegbayo, represented by Dr Abiodun Adeoye, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), said: “It gladdens our heart that we will be the first and the only one for now in Nigeria to become Centre of Excellence for this project in Africa.

“We all know that the way people respond to medication differs based on their genetic make-up and gender, their implications.

“I can assure you that, as an institution, we have the capacity as in structure and human capacity available for training.

“We have people here who are clinical trial specialists and many more who are involved in clinical trial.

“The project is a welcome development and we will gladly embrace it.

“I can assure you, we would support you wholeheartedly with everything that will ensure success of this project,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Science & Tech

Tech4Dev to train 3,000 girls, women across 22 African countries

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

Tech4Dev, a non-profit organisation, has announced plans to empower 3,000 girls and women on its technology upskilling programme, Women in Techsters Fellowship, across 22 African countries.

Oladiwura Oladepo, Co-founder and Executive Director at Tech4Dev, made this known at a news conference organised to launch the call for applications for Women Techsters Fellowship Class of 2024, on Thursday in Lagos.

Oladepo listed the African countries as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Angola, Mozambique, Madagascar, Rwanda, Liberia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Gambia.

She said that the initiative which was a free one-year experiential learning technology upskilling programme was meant for women and girls between ages 16 and 40.

The initiative aims to empower girls and women across Nigeria and Africa with varying degree of digital, deep tech and soft skills required within the technology ecosystem

Oladepo added that Women Techsters Initiative was targeted at bridging the wide gender divide between men and women in the technology ecosystem as well as ensuring equal access to opportunities for all.

She said the programme comprises of six months of instructor-led intensive training, a six-month internship and enrollment into a mentorship programme to equip women with skills to build tech careers and tech-enabled businesses.

“Over the last five years, the Women Techsters Initiative has increased in reach and impact.

“We have come a long way from impacting just 2,400 women in Nigeria through our pilot programme, the Nigerian Women Techsters to most recently impacting 89,153 women in 2023.

“Our NGO has been able to do this through various Women Techsters sub-programmes which notably comprises of the Women Techsters Fellowship, bootcamps, masterclass and Tech-Girls Drive among others, “she said.

Oladepo said that in 2022, the Women Techsters Fellowship received a total of 14,782 applications, accepted 1,398 applicants and graduated 847 exceptional ladies who are now being supported to land technology jobs with their respective skill specialisations.

Speaking on the NGO, she said it was founded in 2016, to address the problem of low access to economic livelihood opportunities and economic inequalities that continue to plague the African continent.

Oladepo said they recognised that to address the problem effectively in the growing digital age, the NGO needed to bridge the digital gap and improve digital access and literacy across the continent.

She said in the course of solving the problem, they uncovered another challenge, which was the prevalent gender gap in the technology ecosystem.

Oladepo said that the gender gap was largely fuelled by stereotypes and cultural biases, especially in underserved communities, which motivated Tech4Dev to launch the Women Techsters Initiative.

“The Women Techsters journey is not just a commitment, it’s a bold mission to break down the barriers that hold women back from the thriving world of technology.

“We will continue this course until we achieve a 50-50 gender parity ratio between men and women in the African technology ecosystem.

“This audacious goal may seem impossible to some, but we will push boundaries, defy expectations, and lead the charge towards a future where women have equal representation and opportunities in tech, “Oladepo said.

She said that looking at Accenture’s Africa Developer Ecosystem Report 2021, majority of African developers were men totalling 81 per cent and 18 per cent female distribution.

Oladepo noted that the report was drawn from research carried out across 16 African countries with apparent gender gap in the technology ecosystem.

The co-founder added that the applications for the Women Techsters fellowship class of 2024 which commences in September, would go live at exactly 6.00 p.m. West African Time, today,  April 27. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Culture & Tourism

Oba Elegushi establishes Lagos history research centre at LASU

 

By Folasade Adeniran

Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom in Lagos State, says arrangements have been concluded to establish a research centre for the study of Lagos history at the Lagos State University (LASU).

Elegushi, who disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference in commemoration of his 13th Coronation Anniversary, said that the project would be ready in 2025.

The Oba was represented by Chief Olalekan Bakare, the Aro Oba Elegushi.

“Today, 13 years and counting, Oba Elegushi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the well-being of his people and has tirelessly worked to improve the lives of his subjects.

“His reign has been characterised by a deep sense of humility, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve his people.

“As we celebrate this significant milestone in the life and reign of Oba Elegushi, it is important to reflect on the tremendous impact that he has made in his 13 years on the throne.

“Under his leadership, the Ikate Kingdom has witnessed significant progress in various areas of development, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare and infrastructure.

“In furtherance to his commitment to contribute to Lagos Sate and Nigeria, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi has concluded plans to establish a centre for the study of Lagos History at the Lagos State University,” he said.

The Oba said that the establishment of the purpose-built centre was borne out of the need to have an institutional body that would serve as a research and reference centre for Lagos studies.

According to him, it has been observed that the migrants and the settlers have no adequate knowledge of historical evolution as well as the transformational history of the major groups in Lagos despite the plethora of literatures on Lagos.

“The centre is expected to bring people face to face with history, culture, geographical location and socio-economic activities of the people of Lagos across all the five divisions, since pre-European contact.

“This is to correct the misinformation and misrepresentation of the various groups and communities in the state especially on the erroneous view point that “Lagos is no man’s land” (Gbogbo wa la leko…we all own Lagos).

“This perception, is indeed a contradiction to the popular cliché among the indigenous elements of ‘Gedegbe l’Eko wa’ (Lagos Stands alone).

“Historically, the first assumption rests on a misconception rather than on facts of history,” Elegushi said.

According to him, the best way to correct this is through knowledge dissemination and display of historical artefacts.

He said that quest for such a reputable centre that he envisioned was commendable.

The Oba said that “Oba Yekini Elegushi – Centre for Lagos Studies” would serve as a research institute for the study of the socio-cultural, economic as well as the political development of the state since its incipient days

Elegushi said that it was also meant to be a hub for organising seminars, workshops and conferences for issues relating to Lagos for the purpose of policy formulation.

He added that the centre would serve as a venue for conducting research on the political economy of the state to examine developmental issues that fit a mega city like Lagos.

According to him, it will serve as an institution for documentation and publications of studies, surveys and reports on history, heritage monuments, event, festivals and other tourist events that can boost domestic and international tourism in Lagos.

“The process of construction of this building has commenced; the ground-breaking will be taking place in few days and work will start immediately.

“This is to ensure timely completion and commission of the building for the benefit of LASU Community and humanity,” he said.

Also, Dr Bashiru Animashaun, of the Department of History, LASU, said that the Centre would serve as a reference point to disseminate information on history of Lagos.

“There are so many erroneous views regarding the indigenous history of Lagos and there are so many ways to correct this without being unnecessarily fanatical about it.

“It is through academic, and that is why the Oba in his wisdom decided that we can do a whole to correct these irregularities for it to take responsibility for the study of Lagos, the culture and the people.

“I have had instances to discuss with some people, somebody from Olowogbowo will tell me Isale-Eko, they don’t know the difference between the Brazilian Quaters, Isale-Eko, Olowogbowo and the rest.

“These are different localities,” Animashaun said.

According to him, these, among others are what the Centre aims to achieve to shed more light through research , conferences and make available reference materials

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on April 27, 2010, Elegushi was presented the staff of office, making him the 21st Elegushi and the second traditional ruler of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom.

He succeeded his father, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi (Kusenla II) of blessed memory. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Health

Pfizer restates vaccines’ role in global health support, security

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A Biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer, says vaccines are critical in supporting global health security to prevent and control more than 30 infectious diseases and reduce hospitalisation of citizens.

Kodjo Soroh, Medical Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Pfizer, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos in commemoration of World Immunisation Week.

World Immunisation Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

This year’s celebration is with the theme; ‘The Big Catch-Up’, representing a global push to vaccinate millions of children and return to pre-pandemic vaccination levels.

Soroh said that this year’s campaign came at a critical turning point for immunisation.

He noted that it was time to get on track after over two years of immunisation backsliding caused by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.

“We must catch-up, restore and strengthen immunisation services to reach the millions of people missing out on the life-saving benefits of vaccines and stop outbreaks from accelerating.

“We should not forget that vaccines are one of the world’s most powerful and cost-effective public health tools available and have successfully helped to eradicate, eliminate, and manage many deadly infectious diseases.

“Smallpox has been eradicated and polio is nearly gone. Cervical cancer could become the first cancer to be eliminated,” he said.

According to him, vaccines also play a critical role in combating antimicrobial resistance, reduction of antibiotic use by preventing bacterial infections in the first place, such as with the pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines.

“They can also prevent viral infections such as flu, which can provoke secondary infections requiring antibiotics,” he said.

Soroh also noted Pfizer’s history in vaccine research and development, including a pivotal role in the eradication of polio and smallpox.

“Through the development of innovative delivery systems and technologies (the term often used is `novel vaccines’), we’ve created innovations for preventing deadly bacterial infections.

“Today, more than at any time in history, people are benefiting from safe and effective vaccines to prevent infections and diseases.

“These injections have protected people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. However, our work is not done.

“Many viruses and bacteria still present a serious health risk, and so we continue to focus on research and development in new areas, with the goal of adding more approved vaccines to tackle pathogens.

“By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and also avoid spreading preventable diseases to other people in your community,” he said.

According to him, some people cannot get certain vaccines because they are too young, too old, have a weakened immune system or other serious health condition.

“Those people are less likely to catch a preventable disease when you and others around them are vaccinated against it.

“Help protect yourself and the people you love by staying up to date on recommended vaccinations,” he said.

Soroh said that global vaccination coverage figures are improving, but still mask huge inequalities that shouldn’t be ignored.

He said that Pfizer was developing and distributing vaccines throughout the world to help protect many people against life-threatening illness,.

“We’ve already seen that by channeling resources to the most promising public health opportunities, we can have an impact across all areas of life,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Olawunmi Ashafa

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