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Decade Of Gas: FG Empowers Committee To Develop Roadmap
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, says three tiers committee have been inaugurated to help develop a roadmap for the implementation of gas powered economy in the county.
Sylva disclosed this at the ongoing 4th Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja, yesterday.
The theme of the conference is, “From Crisis to Opportunities, New Approach to Future of Hydrocarbon”.
The minister said that the committees include committee of sponsors, a steering committee and a working team.
“From the feedback I got, stakeholders and the Nigerian people are fully in support of the government’s Natural Gas Agenda and the quest to use the resources to turn country around.
“We cannot afford any delay and we need to hit the iron while it is red hot.
“I want to believe that the roadmap and action plan to deliver on the expectations of a gas powered economy by 2030 developed from the earlier meeting is part of the agenda of the session.
“In this regard, on June 2, I inaugurated the three tier structures to develop this roadmap comprising of a committee of sponsors, a steering committee and a working team.
“The committee of sponsors is to be chaired by the Minister of State for Petroleum; the Group Managing of NNPC; Chairman of Oil Producers’ Trade Section (PTS); Managing Director of the NLNG; Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR); and a representative of Minister of Finance as a member,” he said.
According to him, a consultant will provide programme and project management services across the three tiers.
He added that the final roadmap would be a combination of all efforts and previous work done by the ministry, NNPC, DPPR, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NIPS, among others, and would be coordinated by the consultant into one consolidated report.
“I want to see a holistic roadmap and action plan that provides the appropriate leverage for the way forward in delivering the decade of gas vision.
“The critical milestone that must be achieved should be clearly stated with short to medium and long term strategies. There should be defined and detailed activities, actions, timelines and shared responsibilities,” he added.
He assured that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was ready to play its part and follow its shared responsibility through.
He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had demonstrated enough zeal to leave no doubt that his vision of using the country’s vast natural gas resources to lift Nigeria into the league of top industrialised nations in the next decade is not a matter of rhetoric.
“I do not expect everything in this journey to be a smooth sail, however, with the kind of determination, I have seen so far demonstrated by his administration on natural gas related issues, there is no challenge along the way that will be too difficult to surmount,” he added.
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
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.
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