Oil & Energy
Bayelsa Schools Win NNPC/Shell Science Prizes
Two schools in Bayelsa State have clinched the top prizes of the 2010 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Shell Petroleum Development Company Science Competition for Secondary Schools in the state.
New Total Academy, Yenagoa, won the gold prize for creativity and innovation at the exhibition of various innovative works during the finals of the competition in Yenagoa last Tuesday.
It beat Government Secondary School, Tungbo to the second position with a silver trophy while Government Secondary School, Amassoma, came third with a bronze trophy.
On the other hand, Federal Government College, Odi, scored 14 points to win the finals of the science quiz competition, ahead of Government Secondary School, Amassoma, which garnered 12 points to emerge second while Government Secondary School, Okoroba had six points to place third.
All winning schools for the quiz contest received MSI Computer Desktops, MSI Laptop Notebooks, encyclopedias, certificates and cash prizes ranging from N20,000 to N50,000 each and each while the students got MSI Laptop Notebooks, cash prizes ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 each, among other prizes.
Similarly, all the winning science innovation exhibitors also took home MSI Computer Desktops, MSI Laptop Notebooks, and certificates. In addition, all the participating students in both contests and their teachers received a cash reward of N5,000 each.
Speaking in a keynote address, Shell’s General Manager, Social Performance and Community Relations, Tony Attah, said the competition was Shell’s modest contribution to the development of science education in schools in the state, stressing that with the commencement of the programme last year, Bayelsa students have shown noticeable improvement in their performances in the West African Examinations Council (WEAC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) examinations.
Represented at the event by the Social Performance Manager, Emeka Obi, he noted that with about 136 schools from the eight local government areas of the state participating in the two competitions, Shell was proud that its little contribution towards making lives more meaningful for the youths was beginning to yield positive dividends, with more students excelling in the sciences.
He lauded the Shell/Intel/ISED/Cinfores/BYSG/STAN partnership to enhance science education in schools in Bayelsa State, and challenged the students to work hard to excel in the national contest billed for Abuja next year, and join others in the United States to become one of the world’s most amazing students.
The Shell manager recalled the various investments made in upgrading infrastructures as well as award of scholarships to students in the education sector in Bayelsa State, and tasked the students to compete to benefit from the new Cradle to Career scholarship scheme aimed at providing quality education for hard-to-reach children in reputable schools in the region.
In her speech, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Josephine Ezonbodor, commended SPDC and its partners for including innovative works in the science competition, saying that this would sharpen the scientific skills of the students and also help close the yawning gap between theory and practice at the secondary school level.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Victoria Tekena, stated that the ministry has already taken a cue from the Shell programme to organize science competitions for secondary schools as a way of fast tracking the repositioning of the state as one of the most educationally advanced states in the country.
Nelson Chukwudi
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.