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 Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.