Niger Delta
Coy Advocates Indigenous Innovation For Africa’s Energy Future
The Executive Director of Operations, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Engr. Martins Avuara, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving indigenous innovation and sustainable energy solutions across Africa’s hydrocarbon sector.
He made this known while speaking at the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) held on Wednesday at the PTDF Towers, Central Business District, Abuja.
Expressing gratitude to the organizers, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, for convening the global energy forum, Avuara described the conference as “a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and transformative dialogue in the global energy landscape.”
He noted that governments and energy stakeholders are navigating a rapidly changing world marked by technological, economic, and environmental shifts.
“Today, we find ourselves at the intersection of opportunity and impossibility”, he said, emphasizing that the global call for a balanced energy future is not only an industrial imperative but also “a moral one.”
Reaffirming Maton Engineering’s vision, Avuara said the company remains steadfast in advancing indigenous engineering capacity within Nigeria and across Africa.
“Our mission has always been clear, to deliver world-class engineering, procurement, and construction services that meet the highest global standards, while remaining responsive to local content and sustainability demands”, he stated.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s conference, which focuses on sustainable innovation in the energy sector, Avuara underscored the importance of aligning intent with innovation.
“The future of hydrocarbons will not be determined solely by market forces or geopolitical dynamics. It will be shaped by visionary leadership, strategic collaboration, and investment in people and technologies. At Maton Engineering, we are investing in all three”, he stated.
Avuara highlighted the company’s partnerships with local universities and technical institutions aimed at nurturing the next generation of engineers and project managers.
He also revealed ongoing collaborations with global technology providers to enhance smart solutions in pipeline integrity, process automation, and modular refinery design.
He stressed that Maton Engineering champions operational excellence and environmental stewardship across all its projects from concept to commissioning.
“Africa must not only be a consumer of energy solutions, we must be creators of them”, Avuara declared.
While calling for a united front among stakeholders, he urged the government, private sector, academia, and development partners to align their efforts toward building a resilient and inclusive energy future.
“Let us ensure that energy serves as a bridge and not a barrier to sustainable development”, he urged.
In recognition of its contributions to the advancement of hydrocarbon technology and its support for the conference, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited was honoured with an Award of Excellence as one of the distinguished sponsors of ICHST 2025.
Avuara commended the ICHST organizing committee for its commitment to knowledge sharing and industry growth, saying “Conferences like these are essential.
“They remind us that while the challenges we face are immense, so also is our collective capacity to overcome them. Today, let us engineer a future that is smarter, cleaner, and more equitable for Africa and the world.”
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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