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Shell Reiterates Commitment To Lower CO2 Emissions In Nigeria …As PETAN Outlines Gains Of SAIPEC 2022

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Nigeria’s leading energy company, Shell, has reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts to help the country meet its lower carbon emission target.
Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mrs. Eloho Aiboni, who made the commitment, yesterday in Lagos at the opening session of the 2022 edition of the Sub-Saharan African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC), said “Apart from this being the right thing to do, it is also good for our business in Nigeria.”
Aiboni said Shell companies in Nigeria have a clearly defined strategy to support the country’s net zero emission target, which she said, was also in alignment with the Shell group’s ambition.
She said, “Shell companies in Nigeria are contributing to meeting this aggressive target by driving operational excellence of our existing assets, generating maximum value to secure and fund our growth and energy transition activities, and driving alternative energy solutions through the Shell-seeded impact investing company, All-On.”
She said Shell was also expanding its domestic gas delivery network while building capability and relevant skills in the upstream towards energy transition.
Aiboni, who was represented by Shell’s General Manager Business Relations, Mr. Bashir Bello, described Shell’s gas infrastructure project in Aba, Abia State as one of the many contributions Shell is making to boost industrialisation through the use of gas while helping to cut down on carbon emission.
“Our provision of access to cleaner and stable source of energy, through our gas pipelines, provides electricity to the popular Ariaria International Market in Aba which has over 37,000 shops and an estimated one million traders,”Aiboni said.
She said Shell remained committed to supporting the Paris Agreement’s aim to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. “We also are working hard to help those who use our products to reduce their own emission.”
According to Aiboni, about 80 metric tonnes of Shell’s global CO2 emission in 2019 for instance, came from its direct and indirect operations compared to over 1,500 metric tonnes of CO2 from Shell’s customers’ use of the company’s products.
“The opportunities lie, therefore, in more environmentally friendly energy products and alternative energy sources including solar and hydrogen.”
In his address, Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr Nicolas Odinuwe, said delegates from across over 25 countries in Sub-Sahara Africa were in Lagos for the on-going 6th edition of the Sub-Sahara Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC).
Odinuwe said PETAN was the largest and leading advocacy group representing Nigerian oil and gas service companies with membership cutting across the entire value chain of the oil sector which have been delivering quality services to the industry for over 30 years.
He stated that the gains of SAIPEC underscore PETAN’s emphasis on the future of the oil/gas/energy industry through collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
He also pointed out that through topical discussions, debates and interactions, stakeholders and key players at the conference will have ample opportunities to share ideas and critical insights into the region’s hydrocarbon and energy transition-related businesses.
Odinuwe appealed to governments, representatives, policy makers, legislators, captains of industry and all industry stakeholders to incorporate the fall-outs of the SAIPEC conference into their plans, programmes and policies for a better operating environment that will have the desired positive effect on the respective economies of African nations.
He noted that though the world was yet to emerge from the throes of COVID-19, the pandemic has changed the global economy in unexpected ways.
The PETAN chairman disclosed that “stabilized and stabilizing markets have all encouraged innovation in several industries despite supply chain disruptions.
“Private-market investors are uniquely positioned to benefit from the innovation super cycle that is being driven by digitization of the global economy, a decade-long transformation accelerated by the pandemic.”
He explained that this development presents huge opportunities for regional collaboration and partnerships.
“Sub-Sahara Africa is said to be the last energy frontier and global hub. A key enabler is to create a collaborative ecosystem between the local industry stakeholders within the sub-region alongside the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The value chain in the oil, gas and energy industry is such that if properly harnessed, will transform the economy of the entire continent. The challenge has been an enabling environment to create a private sector-led industry. Government across Africa, especially the oil and gas producing sub-Saharan countries, should provide necessary incentives to attract private-sector investments across the entire value chain. This will trigger a massive economic revolution, human capital development and deepen local content across Africa”, Odinuwe stated.
The theme for this year’s SAIPEC: “Fostering Collaboration to create cross-border partnerships across the oil, gas and energy spectrum”, Odinuwe said was also “designed to provide us the rare opportunity – as with previous ones – to renew our friendships, make new ones and strengthen the professional network that binds us together as one family dedicated to the advancement of the oil/gas and energy industry and the sociopolitical and economic development of Sub-Saharan Africa”.
Dignitaries, some of who were speakers at the confab include Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote; the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mele Kolo Kyari; the former Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu.
Others are the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producer’s Organization (APPO), Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim; the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Mr Tony Attah; federal lawmakers oversighting the Nigeria oil industry and top members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Board of PETAN; icons and captains of Industry from across Africa, and many others.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

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Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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