Oil & Energy
Total Hosts 15 PH Schools On Book Reading …As Union Mourns Auditor-General
L-R: National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (ipman), Chief Obasi Lawrence, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr taiye Haruna, Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (moman), Mr Obafemi Olawore and representative of the Group Managing Director of nnpc, Dr David Ige, at a stakeholders meeting to address the current petrol scarcity tagged: petrol queues must go, in Abuja, recently. Photo: NAN
The management of the
French Oil gaint, Total Exploration and Producing Nigeria (TEPNG) says it would maintain the company’s commitment to wards encouraging young Nigerians to retain the habit of reading as a way of life.
The Deputy Managing Director, TEPN, Port Harcourt District, Mr Nicolas Brunet made this declaration Thursday at the 2015 Book Reading event organised by Total for secondary schools within and around Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.
“The promotion of human capital development through scholarship schemes, Book Reading and Open Day events is now a known tradition in Total and we are committed to it”, said Brunet.
Stressing that the firm has championed youth development in action, the Deputy Managing Director said sustainable development of youths in both its host communities and operational areas has formed the pivot of Total’s Corporate Social Responsibility Capacity building programmes and commended the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the University of Port Harcourt for their huge partnership which contributed to the success of the event.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Barr Minabelem Michael-West said nothing best symbolizes the school more than books and stressed the need for every government to give special attention to education.
“Books are veritable tools of education. That is why Rivers State Government made huge effort in providing libraries especially in the new schools, he said emphassing that apart from being the hub of oil and gas, the state is also the hot bed of literary activities with Port Harcourt having been World Book capital.
Michael-West said as future leaders, the youths cannot lead well unless they are good readers and noted that the theme of the event, “Reading for Leading” was very appropriate.
The Permanent Secretary commended Total for its huge investment and interest in promoting education in the state and challenged other corporate bodies to emulate the firm by showing active support for the interest of the society.
In his own remark, the Rivers State born literary giant of Africa, Dr Elechi Amadi said, “I cannot congratulate Total enough for its efforts in making reading get its desired attention”.
Without reading, you cant acquire knowledge and without knowledge you lead, the youths and charged them to develop passion for reading.
The Tide reports that fifteen schools participated in the event which was graced by renowned literary writers including the current chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, Rivers State branch, Mr Obinna Nwodim, Dr Elechi Amadi, MrAnaele Ihuoma and Uzo Nwamara.
Chris Oluoh
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.