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Monarch Urges RSG To Electrify Rural Communities

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15 years ago

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The Rivers State Government has been charged to provide electricity supply to more rural communities in the state as a means of driving sustainable development and economic viability of the state.

Making the challenge during a skills acquisition graduation ceremony organized for 20 youth from the area by AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited in Port Harcourt last Wednesday, His Royal Highness, N.L.A. Iraron Ede-Obolo 11, said the government needs to open up the rural communities through vigorous electrification to avail entrepreneurs, small scale business owners, and investors to provide business opportunities, create employment windows and increase the revenue profile of the rural areas and the state.

The traditional ruler noted that with that strategic step, the government would decongest Port Harcourt and its environs, and create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the rural communities, thereby bring more revenue to the wealth basket of the state.

He advised the graduands to make effective use of the various starter packs, which include computers and accessories, welding machines and accessories, driers and hairdressing accessories, electrical tools, among others, acquired for them by AMNI, stressing that posterity will not forgive the beneficiaries if the facilities are sold.

The monarch said that not putting the facilities into useful business activities would deny them the opportunity to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state as well as deprive the communities the benefit from the huge investment by the company.

Speaking, a Director in the state Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Chukwu Enyindah lauded AMNI and Andoni communities for the cordial relationship that has existed between them, saying that the result of that peaceful atmosphere is the training and empowerment of Andoni youths in skills necessary to sustain them and their families in future.

Enyindah, who represented the commissioner for chieftaincy and community affairs, advised the communities and their youth to maintain the good working relationship in other to attract more development opportunities and investments into the area, noting that government was ready more than ever before, to partner with peaceful communities for the development of the state.

In his remarks, a representative of chairman, Andoni Local Government Area, Prince Abiante Ekereawaji, urged AMNI to up the skills acquisition quota from 20 to 30 in subsequent exercises to create room for more youth to participate, while at the same time pleading with the company to pay taxes to the Andoni Local Government Council since it operates in the area.

Earlier, general manager, external operations, said the skill acquisition initiative has so far trained 60 persons from the area since 2009, saying that this third batch of 20 persons have been fully trained to run their own businesses and employ others to reduce the unemployment situation in the state.

The assistant general manager, operations, who was represented by Mohammed Bello Jambako, added that the training programme was part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Andoni and AMNI, which according to him, has been followed to the letter, restating the commitment of the company to review the MoU in 2012 as provided for.

According to the company, 30 Andoni youth have so far benefitted from its secondary school scholarship scheme, which runs for seven years, stressing that apart from the scholarship initiative, indigenes of the four clans in Andoni were also direct beneficiaries of the various contracts awards, human capacity development programmes, and other economic empowerment initiatives as a means of keeping faith with the company’s corporate social responsibilities.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Philip Uranta noted that AMNI has not experienced any attacks or facility vandalisation in the area because it was meeting its obligations to the local people, and thanked the company for providing a source of livelihood for the youths of Andoni.

Festus Awajiokwan

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Oil & Energy

MIND Slams PENGASSAN, Urges Senate Probe Over Alleged Maltreatment Of Nigerians At TotalEnergies

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6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND) has  criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over what it describes as an evasive response to allegations concerning the treatment of Nigerian employees at TotalEnergies.
In a statement issued by its Western Coordinator, Ebi Warekromo, MIND expressed disappointment at PENGASSAN’s attempt to distance itself from a petition submitted to the President of the Nigerian Senate, maintaining that its petition is grounded in verified evidence and first hand accounts from affected workers.
Warekromo noted that the submission draws extensively from documented correspondence originating from PENGASSAN’s local branch communications that previously raised concerns about unfair labour practices and managerial misconduct within TotalEnergies.
Among the critical issues highlighted are allegations of workplace bullying and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by certain expatriate staff.
The petition also cites serious security concerns and alleged violations of the Nigerian oil and gas industry content development (NOGICD) act, particularly claims that expatriate positions have been unlawfully extended beyond their approved tenures.
Warekromo who dismissed PENGASSAN’s characterization of the documents as merely ‘internal correspondence’ as weak and disingenuous, insisted that workers’ rights violations and systemic oppression cease to be internal matters once they begin to harm Nigerian employees.
The group argued that confidentiality must not be used as a shield for injustice, stressing that internal dispute resolution mechanisms must deliver measurable outcomes.
Where such mechanisms fail, MIND insists that public and legislative oversight becomes necessary
beyond the immediate allegations, questioning PENGASSAN’s independence and effectiveness in representing its members.
The group urged the union to welcome a Senate hearing, describing it as an opportunity to clarify its position, restore credibility, and rebuild trust among workers.
“We are not attacking PENGASSAN. We are responding to the absence of effective representation that has allowed these oppressive practices to persist unchecked”,
MIND emphasised its belief that when unions appear reluctant to act decisively, civil society organizations have a responsibility to intervene in pursuit of justice and equitable labour relations.
Calling for a collaborative response, the group urged workers, unions, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to work together toward fostering a healthier and more accountable environment within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
It further reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and urged PENGASSAN to take concrete and transparent steps to fulfill its mandate as a labour union.
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Oil & Energy

Elumelu Tasks FG On Power Sector Debt Payment 

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6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the settlement of debts owed to electricity generation companies (GenCos).
Elumelu said that the timely payment was imperative to boosting power supply and accelerating economic growth.
Speaking to State House correspondents, shortly after the meeting with President Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Weekend, Elumelu insisted that the debt payment would aid in revitalising the power sector and stabilising the economy while strengthening the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).
He said “All of us who are in the power sector are owed significantly, but in spite of that, we continue to generate electricity. We want to see the payments made so that there will be more provision of electricity to the country. Access to electricity is critical for the development of our economy.”
Elumelu, whose conglomerate has major investments in Nigeria’s power industry, stressed that improving electricity supply remains one of the most important enablers of economic expansion, job creation and industrial productivity.
According to him, President Tinubu recognised the urgency of resolving the liquidity challenges in the power sector and is committed to addressing legacy debts to ensure generation companies can scale operations.
“The President realises it, embraces it and is committed to doing more, especially helping to fast-track the payment of the power sector debt so that power generators can do more for the country. That is very, very critical,” he added.
In his assessment of the outlook for 2026, he said growing macroeconomic stability, improved foreign exchange management and sustained reforms in the power sector could position Nigeria for stronger growth — provided implementation remains consistent and structural bottlenecks are addressed.
Elumelu posited that one priority stands out, which is: resolving power sector liquidity challenges to unlock increased electricity generation and energise the Nigerian economy.
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Oil & Energy

‘Over 86 Million Nigerians Without Electricity’ 

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6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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Nigeria has been said to have more than 86 million of its population still without access to electricity.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, stated this at the Award Ceremony of the Leadership Newspaper, in Abuja, last Thursday.
Mohammed noted that sixty per cent of the world’s best solar resources are on this continent adding that by 2040, Africa could generate ten times more electricity than it needs, and entirely from renewables.
Mohammad regretted that Africa now receives just two per cent of global clean energy investment saying, “And here in Nigeria, more than 86 million people still have no access to electricity at all.”
Expressing concerns over the large population of Nigerians living without access to electricity, the deputy scribe, said however, that Nigeria is responding to this challenge the right way insisting that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has developed a best-in-class action plan for climate, one that treats climate not as a constraint but as an engine for growth.
According to her, by placing energy access, climate-smart agriculture, clean cooking, and water management at the heart of its development agenda, Nigeria is showing what serious climate leadership looks like but Nigeria cannot close the climate action gap alone.
 “Developed countries must the triple adaptation financing, we need for serious contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, and mobilize 300 billion dollars per year by 2035 for developing countries to succeed. Early warning systems need to reach everyone, so that communities have the means to prepare for climate shocks before they hit.
“And as Africa drives the global renewables revolution, including through its critical minerals, Africans must be the first and primary beneficiaries of the wealth that they generate”, Mohammed stated.
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