News
NNPC, and Its Joint Venture Partners Donate 2,300-Seater Library to N’Delta Varsity
By Tobouke Jemine
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the society, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Joint Venture partners in OML 18, have donated a 2,300-seater digital library to the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
The 2,300-seater digital library is housed in a two-storey complex and it is equipped with all the materials and resources necessary for effective service. The library boasts of classic online learning and research materials, e-books , e-journals, e-learning portals, projectors , camcorders,100 computer systems, and smart boards.
Other facilities in the library include reading halls, Wi-Fi Lounge, print and document hall, video and audio recordings rooms, photography and online education hall, e-distant learning hall, IT rack room, office of the Chief Librarian and departmental offices, newspaper archive, stack room for new arrivals, and conveniences.
NNPC made this possible in partnership with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, Esso Exploration, the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Total Energies EP Nigeria Ltd, and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Ltd.
.
TotalEnergies Investors Call For Split of CEO, Chair Roles
A group of TotalEnergies investors has called for the French oil and gas major to split the roles of chief executive officer and chairman, which they say could speed up its shift away from fossil fuels.
The resolution to be proposed for inclusion at TotalEnergies’ annual general meeting on May 24 was put forward by 19 international investors holding around 20 million shares, together with Swiss pension fund investor group Ethos Foundation and the French Sustainable Investment Forum (FIR).
Patrick Pouyanne has been CEO and chairman at the world’s fifth-largest listed oil company for nearly a decade and spearheaded a strategy of growing oil and gas output while also increasing renewable energy, Reuters reported.
“The separation of functions could improve dialogue with the board … on climate transition issues and ensure a better balance of power at a time when many investors are of the opinion that TotalEnergies’ transition strategy is not ambitious enough,” the resolution said.
TotalEnergies does not envision a major reduction in emissions from its products by 2030. The company’s board of directors will decide at an April 25 meeting whether the resolution will be accepted and added to the Annual He General Meeting (AGM) agenda for a shareholder vote, a company spokesperson said.
“In France, the choice of governance of the company through a combined or dissociated Chairman and CEO role is by law a competence of the Board of directors,” they said.
“A shareholder’s resolution is likely to be regarded as inadmissible in this context, regardless of its advisory nature,” they added.
Climate-focused investors have increased pressure on the world’s top oil and gas companies in recent years to cut carbon emissions and move away from fossil fuels production.
Ekpo: FG Will Deploy Its Massive Gas Resources to Benefit All Nigerians
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has stated that the ministry would ensure the country’s abundant gas resources is exploited, developed and used for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The minister, according to a statement from the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations in the petroleum ministry, Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, gave the assurance when he received the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno in his office in Abuja.
Ekpo expressed delight that the state was interested in the development of gas resources, noting that if the gas resources available in all states were utilised, power plants, industries and ailing industries would come alive while some industries that had relocated to other countries would return to Nigeria.
The minister promised to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State government to develop the gas resources in the state and all over the country.
“Gas development is the way to go all over the world and I promise to work with your government to develop the gas resources in Akwa Ibom state and all over the country,” the minister stated.
In his address during the visit, Eno noted that Akwa Ibom State has one of the largest deposits of gas resources in Nigeria, and the state was ready to partner with the ministry to drive the investment opportunities that abound for economic development.
“Akwa Ibom has one of the largest deposits of gas in Nigeria, we have come to partner with you because we want to drive investments into Akwa Ibom gas sector” the governor stated.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Ella, noted that he was impressed with the synergy that existed between the state government and the minister.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.