News
Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun Completes Assembly of First Homegrown Modular Refinery, 50 Years After Establishment.
Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun Completes Assembly of First Homegrown Modular Refinery, 50 Years After Establishment.
By Anthony Beauty
Effurun, Delta State – The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), the foremost manpower development vehicle of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful construction of a modular refinery, 50 years after it building foundations were laid. This groundbreaking development is part of PTI’s commitment to advancing technology in the field of crude oil refining and addressing the challenges posed by artisanal refiners.
Located in Effurun, Delta State, PTI has not only ventured into building a modular refinery but has also taken up the mantle of training artisanal refiners in the essential skills required for responsible crude oil processing. Adebowale Adimula, the Chief Executive of PTI, unveiled this remarkable achievement during a press conference in Abuja, in anticipation of the 3rd Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science & Technology scheduled to take place in the Federal Capital Territory next week.
Mr. Adimula emphasized the institute’s primary focus on training but acknowledged the need to address the prevailing issues in the artisanal refining sector. He stated, “One of the areas that we have been looking at over the past few years is developing technologies in the modular refinery space. We are a training institution primarily, but when you look at the country today and the lack of technology among the artisanal refiners, one of the things we have done is to develop concepts.”
The PTI is not only building modular refineries but is actively involved in training individuals to ensure that their refining activities do not harm the environment. Adimula elaborated, “We also help in training the individuals so that whatever they do will not adversely affect the environment. We at the institute have built up our own. Now what is next is to scale it up, to find ways to make it commercial.”
He emphasized the importance of equipping those in the field with necessary skills, saying, “What we have today are people who know next to nothing about refining, they just go into the creeks, break pipes and begin to boil or cook oil. No, we are doing it differently by training and equipping them with the necessary skills that will make them able to contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
Adimula clarified that the PTI’s modular refinery does not compete in scale with major refineries like Dangote’s facility in Lekki, Lagos. Instead, it serves as a technology advancement initiative in the modular refinery sector. He stated, “The facility we are working on is not to create a refinery that will now be like the Dangote refineries of this world, no. Our primary focus, which we are not losing sight of, is that we are a training institution, and whatever we develop will help the advancement of technology in that space.”
The completion of this modular refinery and the institute’s dedication to training mark a significant step forward in the quest for responsible and advanced crude oil processing in Nigeria. The PTI’s efforts align with the nation’s objectives of ensuring a safer, more environmentally friendly, and economically viable approach to oil refining.
IduwiniVoice recall that this is not the first time the institute is making wave in tech. development. It remains on record that Graduating Students in collaboration with their lecturers have built pilot size automobile engine blocks, automobile, and aircrafts in the past.
Should Nigeria desire true technological growth, then the government, industry giants, and financial institutions must invest heavily in what the institution is doing in order to breach the technology gap in the country.
It is pertinent to call on regional development blocks like the BRACED Commission, NDDC, and of course the niger Delta Ministry to champion the development and deployment of this rich tech. potentials.
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria as leading opposition figures have formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew a crowd of influential politicians and political observers. Amongst those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with other notable figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
The event marked the formal endorsement of the ADC by a coalition of opposition leaders who are seeking to consolidate forces in a bid to mount serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Sources close to the coalition disclosed that discussions are already underway to restructure the leadership of the ADC to reflect the interests and participation of the newly joined political heavyweights. The move is aimed creating a united front capable of galvanising nationwide support and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
Speaking at the gathering, coalition members emphasized the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining public trust in governance.
“The time has come for patriotic Nigerians to rise above party lines and work together to restore hope and accountability in our nation,” one of the leaders said.
The formation of this alliance signals the beginning of what could be a heated political season, with the opposition setting the tone early for what promises to be a fiercely contested Presidential race in 2027.
Moredetails regarding the coalition’s leadership structure, policy agenda, and campaign roadmap are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
HON. NEGERESE, OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS PAY CONDOLENCES TO LATE PA. MITIN, REGENT OF OPOROMOR KINGDOM
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – July 2, 2025
Prominent political leaders of Ekeremor extraction and beyond paid a Condolence Visit to the family of Late Chief Mitin Tamaraumienye, the revered Regent of Oporomor Kingdom, who passed away recently.
Leading the delegation was Hon. Berry Negerese, the leader of the ‘Wind of Progress’ political movement, who described the late regent as a custodian of history, peace, tradition, unity, and a political pillar in Ekeremor and Ijaw nation at large. The visit took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where family members and sympathisers gathered to honour the life and legacy of the departed patriarc.
Among others was Hon. John Alla, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Barr. Japan Udoji, State Coordinator of the Wind of Progress Movement; Hon. Victor K. Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Capt. Joshua J. Oropere, Chairman of the EA Host Communities Development Trust, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) board.
The delegation offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Chief Tamaraumienye’s role as a father and in preserving the cultural heritage of and traditional authority of Oporomor kingdom. They also commended his contributions to the peace and development of Ndoro community and beyond.
Ina brief remark during the visit, Barr. Udoji expressed, “The passing of Chief Tamaraumienye is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ijaw Nation. He was a symbol of truth, courage, and wisdom.”
The condolence visit ended with prayers for strength and comfort for the family, and tributes echoing the profound impact the late regent had on the socio-cultural and socio-political landscape of not just Ekeremor Local Government Area but Bayelsa State and Ijaw Nation at large.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family as of press time.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By DivinePerezide, June 30, 2025
Tuomo, Burutu _ Peace has been fully restored to Tuomo community following recent tensions surrounding the Amananawei election, as residents warmly welcomed the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, during a visit to the community on Monday.
Dr. Takeme’s visit was characterized with widespread jubilation, as community members, particularly women carrying placards with various inscriptions: “Tuomo People Thank Burutu LGA Chairman” , “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, We Thank You” and others in appreciation of the swift intervention by the two authorities.
Addressing the residents, Dr. Takeme reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that, as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, he would not allow any individual or group to undermine peace and security. He condemned the actions of those who took the law into their hands by intimidating, assaulting and detaining innocent persons in their local cells.
“The era of using power to intimidate or oppress people is over. The law is supreme and binding on all,” Dr. Takeme stated, urging residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
The Council Chairman also called on the Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi, to ensure inclusive leadership and uphold the constitution guiding the community’s affairs. Similarly, he advised the newly elected Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, whose election was held on June 11, 2025 to foster peace and unity in his leadership.
Dr. Takeme commended the Nigerian Police Force for her professionalism in restoring peace to the area, particularly the Burutu Area Commander, ACP Redengha Timpa, who was always on ground personally during the intervention.
In appreciation, the community leaders and residents praised Dr. Takeme for his dedication through the exhaustive expending of time, energy, finances by paying countless visits to Tuomo, ensuring the prevalence of peace and justice. The Community Chairman, Mr. Warebi, assured the Council Boss that every member of the community would be carried along and vehemently stressed that this would be a time for reconciliation, not division.
Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi also expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s leadership and support for the people of Tuomo.
As part of his visit, Dr. Takeme announced the approval of the reconstruction of the Tuomo link road, a news that sparked off spontaneous celebration, singing, and dancing among the residents.
With calm fully restored and development projects on the horizon, the people had had a renewed hope for a peaceful and united future where justice would continue to prevail and be sustained.