By Cecilia Ologunagba

The African Group of Ambassadors have celebrated the outgoing ambassador of Nigeria to Cuba, Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen.

A statement from Embassy of Nigeria, Havana, Cuba, on Monday, said the reception was organised in honour of Okoyen on Friday to bid him farewell.

The Embassy of Nigeria in Havana is concurrently accredited to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Republic of Honduras and Republic of Nicaragua.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okoyen had concluded his tour of duty on Oct. 31 in compliance with Federal Government’s directive.

The Dean of the African Diplomatic Group and Ambassador of Djibouti to Cuba, Mr Nasser Mohammed Ousbo, thanked Okoyen for his foresight and expressed the readiness of the Group to implement tahe recommendations he presented for 2024.

The Dean further lamented that Ambassador Okoyen’s departure from Cuba would create a big vacuum not only for the African Group but the entire diplomatic community.

Ousbo hoped that Ambassador Okoyen’s services would be well utilised by his country in his next assignment.

Okoyen, who thanked the group for organising the lunch in his honour, presented a written concept note addressed to the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps.

The concept note is to stimulate a diplomatic panel discussion among the African group of Ambassadors in Cuba on the pathway to African economic development in the face of the current global uncertainty.

Okoyen, in the proposal, called for a panel discussion on “African Economic Development: Diplomatic perspective.”

Okoyen’s proposal is to promote knowledge-based dialogue for exchange of ideas among the Ambassadors and encourage the African Group to stimulate discussion on policy issues on Africa in the context of diplomacy for the African economic development.

The proposal contained detail objectives, expected outcomes, panel agenda and proposed nomination for ambassadors to serve as key panel discussants representing the five regions of the African continent.

The proposal is an invitation to use the instrumentality of diplomacy to produce an outcome document that should positively contribute to supporting African leaders in making decisions towards the African economic development.

Okoyen raised pertinent questions as to why economic development in Africa is being delayed despite the economic growth potential of the continent.

He noted that many also believed that some of the development models proposed by the western world/International organisations, for Africa has led to economic distress, frustrations and stagnation, resulting to internal conflicts and wars in several countries.

Since the usual temptation to blame African leaders for the problems of African underdevelopment has not been helpful, Okoyen asked African diplomatic group to play a major role in solving the African Economic problem.

Africa, he believes, is intellectually endowed with people, and the required natural resources to lead the pathway to economic development.

Okoyen who had presented similar proposals to the group in the past served as the African Diplomatic Corps Treasurer. (NAN) (www.nannew.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Ibrahim Kado

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commended contractors handling its various projects in Adamawa.

The expressed its excitement while inspectig the ongoing construction of newly constructed Accident and Emergency Complex at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Yola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the other projects included Mega school and Technical Trade Training Centre in Song and Girei Local Government Areas, respectively.

Speaking shortly after the inspection on Monday, the Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Mohammed Goni, said the project for school have reached 80 per cent completion.

He commended the contractors for a job well done and urged them to continue with the good work.

According to him, the inspection is to see the level of the project along with the new board members of the commission.

“Last year we are here when the work was at the foundation level and today we have a new board, we are going round as a team.

“We are going to have 18 of this structures across the North East and three in Adamawa state, we are here to see how far the project had gone,“ he said.

Retired Gen. Paul Tarfa, the NEDC’s Board Chairman, also appreciated the effort of the contractors.

He described the work as good and urged the contractor to continue with the good job.

According to him, cash will not be a problem for the project, but quality and time.

Mr Sambo Tangabe, the side Engineer, said the project have 48 classrooms, administrative block, two blocks of staff quarters of about four units, assuring that it will be completed in the next two months while that of Accident and Emergency will be delivered within four months.

Mr Elam Kwangshing, the Manager of the training centre, said that the centre had graduated 90 trainees and currently about 200 are undergoing training.

According to him, the major challenges
is accommodation for staff and students who were not from the area. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Editec by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Stakeholders in the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) sector have called on governments in Africa to patronise indigenous firms with the capacity to deliver and grow their economies.

According to them, this will help to curb the loss of more than 50 billion dollars per year through capital flight in the African continent.

The panelists made the call during a session at the ongoing Inter-African Trade Fair, (IATF) 2023 Trade Conference in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN).

NAN reports that the panel session was tagged “The Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions for African EPCs – Perspectives of the EPCs.’’

According to them, contracting EPC-related jobs to local firms will reduce capital flight and retain funds while helping to develop human capacity.

They also called on multilateral fund agencies, especially African-based ones such as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to provide funding for indigenous firms for the execution of EPC-related jobs.

This, they said, would reduce the situation where Chinese and other nationals who sponsor the execution of such contracts repatriate funds and resources meant for the development of the African continent.

Speaking on the challenges faced by EPC’s companies in Africa, Hassan Allam, Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Allam Holding, identified infrastructure deficit and lack of funding as a crisis rocking the sector.

“The first challenge is the infrastructure deficit. Most of the African countries are faced with infrastructure challenges which include logistics and that of supply chain which is impacted on project executions.

“The second, which is limited access to finance and skill gaps in the African space and its contractors,” Allam said.

Speaking on what should be done to address the challenges, Chairman/GCEO, Oilserv Group, Engr Emeka Okwuosa, called on Afreximbank to intensify efforts in ensuring more access to fund more African EPC companies.

Okwuosa said it would enhance growth and competition in the African economy against other world powerful economies.

“When we talk about finance and funding, for us, in the oil and gas sector, we have a success story of the ongoing construction of the AKK pipeline at 2.4 billion dollars.

“The issue of funding is not about access, but the cost of the funds.

“Most African countries are not in a position to access funding in a way to be able to compete in terms of cost when compared to the Chinese companies.

“This is because, if you are bidding for an EPC contract and the cost, apart from your ability to execute in terms of your technical capacity, the cost enables you to win and executive the project profitably.”

He said that competing with European, and Chinese companies was quite difficult.

“This is because ultimately, the margin of an African company does not come close to competing with the financial muscles of the Chinese, which often than not, does not build indigenous capacity.

“But rather, giving way to capital flight which are repatriated to develop their countries rather than injecting such in Africa.

“I believe, the Afreximbank should step up and create more access to funding for African EPC companies, and at a good rate because that is the only avenue capacity can be built.

“Also, we are looking at Afreximbank to solve problems and there are ways to go about it.”

Okwuosa said Afreximbank could leverage its position of strength and work with other financial institutions across African countries like the Nigerian Export-Import Bank of those countries.

He said another challenge was the ease of moving labour across Africa as well as building up local content.

Okwuosa said that when these challenges were addressed adequately, capacity would be built.

“The ease of moving labour in Africa is very poor.

“For instance, Nigeria has to a greater extent, grown capacity but the ease of navigating this capacity across Africa is not too welcoming and seems impossible.

“This should not be so as we can grow the capacity of Africa for African development,” Okwuosa said.

Ahmed Elsewedy, Chief Executive Officer, Elsewedy Electric, frowned at the current inconsistency in the political system in Africa, as many projects were either delayed or frustrated by the system.

According to him, the political uncertainty in Africa has made it challenging for EPC projects.

“For instance, in a switch from one government to another after an election, oftentimes, projects are dragged backward thereby undergoing renegotiation.

“This process can sometimes take more than two years to be approved. That alone is a major setback to the EPC projects across Africa and this does not look good.

“But because we are ready to work, most times we continue with the project despite being unattractive and profitable.’’

Speaking on capital flight, he said that capacity would not be achieved when projects were contracted to the Chinese or European companies.

“Africa has the capacity, and the idea of taking the money back to China or Europe to develop is a system and challenge that will never grow capacity,” he said.

Dr Leemon Ikpea, Chairman, Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited, who spoke on the sidelines, said that funding had been a serious issue in the execution of projects undertaken in the industry in recent times.

“Like other big enterprises working in a Nigerian economy that is dollarised, the price of materials rises unpredictably within days or weeks.

“It is difficult to go back to a client to discuss new terms regarding change in Forex. ”

Ikpea, however, expressed optimism about the Nigerian government’s efforts to woo investors into the country, saying the challenge may soon become a thing of the past.

“We are optimistic that the Federal Government’s economy team would open more opportunities for the industry and its economy respectively,’’ Ikpea said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Franca Ofili

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari, on the 28th anniversary of his enthronement as emir.

The minister’s congratulatory message is in a statement issued by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Maryam Yusuf in Abuja.

The minister said there is no doubt that Gambari’s reign witnessed unity, peace and development among the people of the emirate.

She wished the emir continued guidance and protection.

“Long live your royal majesty! long live the Ilorin emirate! long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

====================
Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has restored production of 275, 000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) following the settlement of lingering rift between oil operators and unions.

The NNPC Ltd. on Sunday brokered a peace deal between TotalEnergies management, NNPC/Total JV operator, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

In a communiqué issued at the end of a marathon negotiation session chaired by Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd., all parties committed to resolving all the issues within an agreed framework.

According to the communiqué, following the peace deal brokered by the NNPC Ltd., the oil operators and unions agreed to suspend ongoing industrial action leading to immediate restoration of 275,000bopd production.

The communique was signed by TotalEnergies Managing Director/CEO, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo and NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha.

It was witnessed by NNPC Ltd., EVP Upstream, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and Mr Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS).

Also in attendance was Mr Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Total Energies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Razak Owolabi

A UK-based executive leadership development firm, TEXEM UK says the appointment of Enorense Amadasu as Executive Commissioner, (Development and Production) Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is appropriate.

Dr Alim Abubakre, TEXEM UK’s Founder stated this in a statement issued by TEXEM’s Director, Special Projects, Caroline Lucas.

Abubakre said that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Amadasu, an Engineer had been bestowed with a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

“TEXEM UK, a vanguard in executive development, joyously extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Enorense Amadasu on his recent appointment as the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production of the NUPRC.

“Mr Amadasu’s ascent to this distinguished position is a testament to his extraordinary achievements, technical prowess, and exceptional leadership acumen.

“Commencing his career as a Petroleum Engineer II at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in January 1994, he has consistently contributed significantly to the sector’s growth and evolution,” Abubakre said.

He said that Amadasu’s journey within the DPR has been illustrious.

Abubakre said the journey was marked by key roles such as Assistant Director of the Resources Management Branch under the Upstream Monitoring and Regulation Division at DPR Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.

“Recognized for his competence and dedication, he ascended to the position of Deputy Director and assumed leadership as the Head of the Upstream Monitoring and Regulatory Division at DPR headquarters in November 2018.

“One of his laudable achievements was reached at the 2019 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, where Engr. Amadasu garnered acclaim for his presentation on “Upstream Opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.

“This accolade presaged the impactful contributions he continues to make to the sector,” the TEXEM’s founder said.

He said the new appointment was not just a recognition of Amadasu’s past achievements, technical and leadership skills, and pedigree, but a call to action for even greater milestones in the future.

“We are unwavering in our belief that Mr Enorense Amadasu will illuminate the path to a brighter future for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum sector, inspiring others to aspire to greatness and leave indelible legacies.

“TEXEM UK proudly celebrates Mr Amadasu, an alumnus of our August 2022 programme, “Building Resilient Organizations for Sustainable Success in an Age of Disruption.

“His commitment to professional development has undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping his journey to this esteemed position,” Abubakre said.

He said as Amadasu embarked on the responsibilities of his new role, TEXEM is confident that he will remain a beacon of excellence in the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector.

“We applaud his meritorious recognition and eagerly anticipate the transformative impact he will undoubtedly make in his new capacity,” Abubakre said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

============

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has advised Gov Dauda Lawal of Zamfara to focus on his job of governing the northwestern state and leave him alone.

Matawalle gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja.

He was reacting to some allegations by Dauda concerning his tenure as governor of the state.

The allegations bordered on mismanagement of resources, heavy debts and non-payment of examination and school fees for students at home and abroad, among others.

“I think the man is not ready for governance. He’s always shifting blame instead of him to concentrate and make sure that he delivers dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara.

“He only engages in fighting, looking back at what happened long ago; how many governors have governed the state? four or five of us.

“Over the years, none of them has looked back and tried to rubbish their predecessor, but this one, instead of him concentrating on the issue of security, he is playing blame games.

“When students of Gusau University were kidnapped, Mr President mandated all of us, all the security agencies, to go to the place and console the people of the state and the parents.

“He wasn’t in the state. He was away. He was not in Nigeria. We called him, he did not respond. We had to go through a third party before we got his phone number and we called him.

“He pleaded with the minister here, that he was away but that once he comes, he would tell us so that we can come.

“This is a team that Mr President mandated to go to the state. Till today, no communication from this person.

“He is just pushing blames instead of him to concentrate. My advice to him is that he should remember that he was elected to tackle the issues in his state.

“As Dauda’s predecessor, I always pray for him to succeed, to ensure that the issue of insecurity, terrorism and banditry become history in the state.

“That is because no matter what it is, that is my state, my family and everybody is there, including my extended family.

“So, I’m always praying each and every day for God to free and protect us from this kind of situation.

“As stakeholders, we must come together, team up and fight these criminalities.

“I feel that they just want to distract me from my responsibility that was given to me as Minister of Defence. They don’t want me to concentrate on my responsibility. I won’t allow them.

“God knows I have done my best and I’m going to try to do more. And for Nigeria, we are working hard to make sure that all sorts of criminalities will go.

“I believe he should sit down, do a critical analysis, and he would know that the people advising him wrongly are his enemies.

“With every complaint, people would begin to see the governor as a perpetual complainant.

“He is not a woman, he is a man. Let him concentrate. Let him stand. Let him be firm on his responsibility. He should not be like a woman crying all the time.”

The minister said that he would not respond to the governor again as the Northern Elders Forum and the Police had advised him not to.

“Let him continue saying whatever he wants to say. I have said my own. We have so many things to say about him that I’m not going to say because our elders have talked about it. I respect them and I’ll make sure that I respect what they advised me to do.

“I think all we need to do is to come up together and solve the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly our geo-political zone.

“There are so many challenges known to us, so why are we fighting ourselves?

“I will concentrate to make sure that the people of the North-West are free from these criminals. This is what we’re supposed to do as leaders of that zone.

“We should come together and fight these criminals together instead of engaging in fighting ourselves,” he added (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Bashir Rabe Mani

The 12th National Council on Housing will be held from Nov. 13 to Nov. 17 in Kaduna.

This is contained in a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, by the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Badamasi Haiba.

Haiba said that the Ministers of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa and Mr Abdullahi Gwarzo invite all stakeholders in the housing sector to the annual event.

“This is an annual event organized by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the myriad of housing stakeholders.

“It provides an avenue for stakeholders in the built environment to critically evaluate and proffer solutions to the challenges facing the housing sector.

“This is the highest decision making organ of the sector where stakeholders gather for deliberation,” he said.

Haiba said that the theme of this year’s event is
“Harnessing Local and International Credit Schemes as a Panacea for Housing Infrastructure Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“This is to deliberately channel the attention of the industry to other innovative and alternate funding sources for housing development.

“The housing sector is one the few key sectors of interest to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This is because it fits into almost all the presidential priorities of job and wealth creation, access to capital, reactivation of economy, poverty alleviation, food security and security for all.”

According to Haiba, the week-long programme promises to be enlightening, interactive and educative. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi