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Shell, Local Firm Sign First Seismic Contract
As part of efforts to consolidate implementation of policies to build in-country capacity to grow the oil and gas industry, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) and CB Geo-Solutions, an indigenous firm, last Friday, signed the first-ever contract for the acquisition and development of 3D seismic data services to boost oil and gas development and production in the Niger Delta.
Speaking shortly after signing the contract on behalf of SCiN, General Manager, Development, Bayo Ojulari, praised CB Geo-Solutions for blazing the trail in such a strategic field where only international oil companies (IOCs) had dominated in the past, and assured that if the trend is sustained, local companies may soon surpass the IOCs in providing quality seismic data services for the industry.
Ojulari said that as a top player in global oil and gas industry, Shell would continue to provide level-playing field for all companies, irrespective of domiciliation, to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, noting that companies like CB Geo-Solutions which excel in delivering quality services would continue to get support to prove their capabilities.
He cautioned the firm to pay priority to issues of HSSE, and play by acceptable industry rules, saying that diligence, accountability and transparency, commitment and honesty in all its activities would help sustain the momentum, and open the floodgates for more rewarding opportunities.
The general manager said that CB Geo-Solutions has proven that it can compete favourably with any IOCs which specialize in seismic data acquisition and development, and encouraged it to explore opportunities in other oil and gas fields in Africa, where IOCs control seismic data acquisition and management, for more breakthroughs.
In his remarks, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development (NCD), Igo Weli, said that Shell was leading the advocacy for local content development because of its conviction that the active participation of Nigerians in the industry would fast-track economic growth and engender sustainability by creating more jobs, empowering businesses and the people while at the same time securing the stability and security of the nation.
Weli expressed the hope that the emergence of CB Geo-Solutions as a certified pre-sack migration of 3D seismic data services provider for a major oil and gas player, Nigerian economy would soon galvanise potential resources available to drive sustainable development, and emphasized the need to increase local capacity and capability to support the industry grow.
Chairman, CB Geo-Solutions, Dr Bank Anthony Fubara, who also signed for the company, expressed satisfaction with Shell for making his dream of Nigerian companies participating as players in strategic areas of the industry a reality, saying that the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), have over the years relentlessly partnered Shell to achieve this goal.
Fubara, a one-time NSE and PETAN president, thanked Shell for the opportunity given CB Geo-Solutions to compete with leading industry players in seismic data acquisition and studies, and challenged other IOCs to emulate Shell by encouraging local companies to participate actively in the development of the industry.
Managing Director, CB Geo-Solutions, Chidiebere Offor, assured consolidation of gains already made by excelling in delivering quality jobs, saying the company would use the window provided by the one-year call-off contract to prove that indigenous companies can deliver internationally-acceptable quality seismic data services at reduced cost and time.
In their separate remarks, Shell Manager, Geo-Solutions, Sam Ezugworie, and Chief Geophysicist, Reginald Mbah, said CB Geo-Solutions exceeded expectations by professionally delivering, in record time, high quality 3D seismic data provided them as test study, noting that it was that feat that encouraged Shell to award the first-ever seismic data acquisition contract to an indigenous firm.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol