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NLNG Prize For Science: Don Bags $100,000 For Respiratory Technologies For New-Borns
The energy giant, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Company has awarded its prize for science to Prof Amadi The panel of judges said Amadi’s work had won the Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG) 100,000 dollars prize.
The Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof. Barth Nnaji, announced the judges’ verdict based on the 2023 theme “Innovation for Enhancement of Healthcare Therapy” at a press conference organised by NLNG in Lagos.
Nnaji said Amadi’s work had not only significantly advanced neonatal care in Nigeria, but further improved access and lowered the cost of neonatal care, by causing reduction in the market prices of the competing and existing devices.
“The entry showcased three technological innovations aimed at saving the lives of neonates by making the delivery of oxygen cheap and easy.
“The first innovation is the non-invasive Neonatal Ventilator, a key invention, the Bubble Polite for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation of very low-birth-weight neonates.
“This is a feasible alternative to the readily available improvised bubble CPAP (IBCPAP) in cost-constrained settings,” he said.
Nnaji said the second innovations was the Oxygen Delivery Blender System, which allowed safe delivery of oxygen without the danger of toxicity.
The professor said the third one was the Oxygen Splitter System, which allowed the use of a shared source of oxygen to many neonates at a time, in situations where piped oxygen was not available.
He added that the devices were powered by solar energy.
Nnaji explained that the devices had been tried by practitioners at various hospitals across Nigeria, adding that there were reports from those hospitals that the innovation, PoliteCPAP, was an improvement on the existing device.
He said the practitioners said it provided access to ventilators and oxygen delivery simultaneously to neonates at a reduced cost of N750,000 as against N6.5 million for the existing device with comparable and better efficiency.
Nnaji said Amadi was a visiting professor of Medical Engineering and Technology at Imperial College London with a special interest in the development of affordable medical systems.
He said prior to his work at Imperial College, Amadi was a professor of Medical Technology at Imo State University.
Nnaji added that his career spanned three decades, cutting across engineering in healthcare, orthopaedics and neonatology research.
In his speech, Mr Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, said the decision of the judges was a testament to the power of collaboration between the private sector, academia and the broader scientific community.
He noted that the outcome emphasised the need for collective responsibility to nurture and support innovative solutions capable of transforming the country.
Odeh added that it aligned with NLNG’s vision of “helping to build a better Nigeria” where ground-breaking ideas flourished, and every life was valued and protected.
“We are honoured and deeply moved by the judges’ decision to recognise the ground-breaking innovation in respiratory technology that has been awarded the Nigeria Prize for Science in 2023.
“This invention not only represents a remarkable leap forward in medical science but also serves as a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable among us, our neonates.
“It reminds us that true progress is measured not only in scientific achievement but in the lives it touches and saves,” Odeh said.
He said today they celebrate the impact that innovation could have in enhancing healthcare therapy and safeguarding the futures of countless new-borns.
Odeh said one of NLNG ‘s mission was to be part of a legacy that put saving lives at the forefront of scientific pursuit.
The Tide sourcereports that the decision on the winning entry was reached by a panel of judges, led by Joseph Ahaneku, a Professor of Chemical Pathology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
Other panel members include: Olaitan Alice Soyannwo, a professor of Anaesthesia at the University of Ibadan and Abdullahi Abba, a Professor of Medicine and Pulmonology at Ahmadu Bello University.
On the prize’s Advisory Board, in addition to Nnaji, are Chief Dr Nike Akande, a two-time minister and former President of the Lagos Chamber of Comm
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
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