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.
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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.
News
GOV OBOREWORI BOOSTS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS WITH 65 LAND CRUISERS TO STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS PEACE
By: Divine Perezide
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has handed over 65 brand new Toyota Land Cruisers to traditional rulers across the state in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, peacebuilding, and rural security coordination.
Presenting the vehicles in Asaba, the state government said the gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the strategic role traditional institutions play in maintaining social stability, mediating communal disputes, and fostering collaboration between communities and government agencies.
The governor described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in sustaining harmony in rural areas, noting that enhanced mobility would enable quicker engagement with communities, faster response to emerging tensions, and closer cooperation with security operatives.
“This intervention is part of our people-centered leadership approach. It is a deliberate effort to build lasting peace and sustain the achievements of our MORE Agenda,” Governor Oborevwori stated, emphasizing that development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace.
Government officials explained that the vehicles would improve accessibility across difficult terrains, enable traditional leaders to attend to community matters more efficiently, and reinforce the interface between grassroots institutions and the state.
Stakeholders have commended the initiative as timely, especially as many rural communities rely heavily on traditional institutions for conflict resolution, cultural administration, and early warning mechanisms in times of tension.
With the distribution of the Land Cruisers, the Oborevwori administration says it remains committed to deepening rural engagement, strengthening local leadership structures, and advancing its peace-building framework across Delta State.
IduwiniVoice
By: Derick Peretengboro
Port Harcourt, 12 January 2026 — A Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to political actors in Rivers State to end the ongoing crisis that has deeply affected governance and public confidence in the oil-rich state.
Headed by Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, the Committee was inaugurated on 12th January 2026 to “explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end,” a crisis, the Committee noted, that “has persisted for too long.”
In a statement at the inauguration, Chief Agabi said the Committee was privileged to serve and expressed gratitude to God and PANDEF leadership, particularly Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, former Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass. The statement described Sir Diete Spiff as “a man whose commitment to the South-South and the nation as a whole has never been in doubt,” adding that “it is the sacrifices of men like him that bequeathed the States of the South-South to the people of that area.”
Highlighting the gravity of the state’s political stand-off, the Committee warned that continuing conflict could erode confidence in the political actors’ commitment to the “interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation.”
Using a local proverb to caution against self-destructive disputes, the statement urged caution: “Let the parties involved not be as the Clam and the Oyster … The fisherman picked them up, took them home and made a nice fine meal of Clam and Oyster. May it not be with Rivers State as it was with the Clam and the Oyster.”
Chief Agabi expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved without external intervention, arguing that “the parties to this dispute are one people who began as one” and urging humility: “If they have now offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologize and to forgive. It is in forgiving that true greatness can be found.”
The Committee called for goodwill and prayer, countering the often-held view that religion has no place in politics. The statement read: “The misconception that God has no place in our politics has harmed and continues to harm the nation … Whether we are governors or ministers or legislators … it is to God that we owe our appointments and promotions.”
On the key figures involved in the crisis, Chief Agabi spoke personally of both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Governor Fubara, saying: “The Minister … is my friend. He is my benefactor.… The mighty hand of God is upon him. That great Hand demands that he should lead this reconciliation … I trust [Governor Fubara] to respect that bond.”
The Committee also extended respect to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praying for “a change of heart on their part” and urging them that “in forgiving the Governor whatever wrongs he has committed … they will demonstrate … restraint, … public spirit and … maturity.”
Concluding its charge, the Committee emphasized that it was not a judicial body, but an appeal for unity: “This Committee is not appointed to sit in judgment … Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one another… We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation… Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.”
By: Divine Perezide
Warri, Delta State — Residents of the Warri Federal Constituency and surrounding environment are set to witness the public presentation of a new book titled “Warri Federal Constituency Delineation: Itsekiri & the Challenge of Sustaining the Burden of Lies”, authored by M. Keme.
The event, being organized by Niger Delta Scholars on behalf of stakeholders in the constituency, is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Warri, with proceedings commencing at 11:00am.
According to the organizers, the book interrogates historical and contemporary issues surrounding the delineation of Warri Federal Constituency, with particular focus on the Itsekiri ethnic group and the socio-political narratives that have shaped representation over the years.
The public presentation will be chaired by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), who is expected to lend scholarly insight into the relevance of the publication to ongoing debates in Niger Delta politics.
The book will be formally reviewed by noted academic Professor Benedict Binebai, providing an evaluative perspective on the text and its contributions to regional political discourse.
The organizers have issued an open invitation to scholars, political leaders, community stakeholders, and the general public to attend the presentation ceremony. Enquiries and confirmations can be directed to the official RSVP line: 08023865232.
The forthcoming launch is anticipated to spark renewed intellectual and civic engagement on constituency delineation, ethnic relations, and democratic representation in the Niger Delta.