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Petroleum Producers Fault Speedy Energy Transition

The African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) has faulted the push for a speedy implementation of energy transition in Nigeria and other countries in Africa.
APPO, an inter-governmental oil and gas organisation with 18 member countries, said Africa was biggest victim of the speedy energy transition being spearheaded by the developed nations of the world.
Secretary-General, APPO, Omar Farouk, disclosed this at the 3rd Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology, organised by the Petroleum Training Institute, which was concluded in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said Africa was being coerced to stop the exploration of fossils, but noted that Nigeria and other nations on the continent owe their people a duty to utilise the abundant oil and gas resources in their various domains for the development of their economies.
Commenting on the theme of the conference, which was, “The Future of the Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities, Challenges and Development”, Farouq stated that “we (APPO) very often receive enquiries about the future of oil and gas.
“It is obvious that the biggest victims of a speedy energy transition shall be the developing countries, especially those from Africa.
“This is because, should the anticipated technological breakthroughs in renewable energy research and development fail to materialise by the time they are expected to be fully deployed, and at the same time the oil and gas industry has been abandoned, leading to a shortage in global energy supplies, the little energy that is available shall be cornered by the rich countries”.
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Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.