THE AFRICA GIANT IS RISING – COMMISSIONED WAGL

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

In Ulsan, South Korea on August 18, 2025
Nigeria took a very bold stride in its journey toward energy independence and continental leadership as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned WAGL Energy Limited’s 40,000 cubic metres Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel – MT Iyaloja (Lagos) – in Ulsan, South Korea.

The vessel, jointly owned by NNPC Ltd. and Sahara Group under their joint venture WAGL Energy, expands the company’s LPG shipping fleet capacity to 162,000 CBM, joining MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet. This milestone establishes WAGL as one of Africa’s most formidable indigenous LPG fleet operators.

For decades, Nigeria depended heavily on foreign-chartered LPG vessels, spending an estimated $70–80 million annually on freight charges and middleman premiums. With this commissioning, Nigeria stands to save at least $50 million each year, funds that can be redirected into domestic gas infrastructure, energy affordability, and social development.

A Break from the Past

Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the commissioning as a symbol of Nigeria’s determination to rewrite its energy story.

“Nigeria is no longer content with being a raw material exporter. We will lead Africa in clean and sustainable energy solutions. This commissioning breaks barriers that kept our nation dependent and ensures our resources work for our people,” President Tinubu declared.
The vessel, named in honour of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of the President, reflects both cultural symbolism and economic intent.

Industry Voices

Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., represented by Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, EVP Gas, Power & New Energy, highlighted the vessel’s strategic impact:

“The MT is a game-changer. It strengthens our ability to deliver LPG to Nigerians at affordable rates while saving our economy millions of dollars previously lost to foreign chartering.”

Mr. Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said the vessel proves Africa can bridge its own energy gaps:

“This commissioning is progress you can measure — in savings, in access, and in independence. It demonstrates that Africa has the capacity to take control of its energy future.”

Mr. Mohammed Sani Bello, Managing Director of WAGL Energy Ltd., revealed ambitious expansion plans:

“Within two years, we will add both a Small Gas Carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC). These assets will consolidate Nigeria’s position as Africa’s clean energy hub.”

10 MAJOR BENEFITS TO NIGERIA & AFRICA

1. Annual savings of $50m+ from reduced foreign-charter costs.
2. 162,000CBM LPG fleet capacity, one of Africa’s strongest.
3. Cleaner energy access, reducing kerosene and firewood reliance.
4. Affordable LPG prices for Nigerian households.
5. Nigeria as West Africa’s LPG hub for trade and distribution.
6. Forex preservation by ending excessive foreign freight payments.
7. Industrial competitiveness with cheaper gas for manufacturing.
8. Job creation across shipping, logistics, and retail networks.
9. Investor confidence in Tinubu’s energy reforms.
10. Continental progress through wider African access to cleaner fuels.

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The commissioning of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) is not merely a maritime event. It is a strategic declaration of intent — that Nigeria will not remain trapped in cycles of dependency and inefficiency.

With projected annual savings of over $50 million, Nigeria now holds the tools to drive down household gas costs, expand industrial capacity, and reposition itself as Africa’s clean energy giant.

The task ahead lies in ensuring these benefits reach the Nigerian people: lower prices in the markets, steady gas supply for industries, and clean cooking fuel for rural households.

If momentum is sustained, this vessel could be remembered as the turning point when Nigeria, long an oil giant, finally rose as Africa’s clean energy power.

Lagos is about to feel the heat as Nsogbu TV, a brand-new YouTube-based entertainment platform, officially launches with a bang! Founded by serial entrepreneur and music mogul David Ewofobe, popularly known as Golden Nsogbu, the channel is already making waves with promises to redefine the way fans consume music, comedy, and lifestyle content.

Described as a “Power House” for fresh talent and premium entertainment, Nsogbu TV is setting itself apart with an irresistible lineup of music videos, hilarious comedy skits, exclusive celebrity interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage fans won’t find anywhere else.

“We are not just creating a YouTube channel; we are building a global entertainment hub,” Golden Nsogbu declared. “From music lovers to comedy fans, there’s something for everyone. Nsogbu TV will soon be the name on everyone’s lips.”

And he isn’t doing it alone. Golden Nsogbu has teamed up with ace comedian IGoSave (Otaghware Otas Onodjayeke) as Creative Director, alongside a host of talented creators ready to take Nigerian entertainment to new heights.

The platform’s official teaser video, fittingly titled “POWER HOUSE🏠”, has already given fans a taste of what’s coming, sparking excitement across social media.

With its headquarters in Lagos, Nsogbu TV is positioning itself as a launchpad for young creatives while also delivering high-quality content that resonates with global audiences.

🎥 Check out Nsogbu TV’s launch video here: Watch Now
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @NsogbuTV

Membership Drive — August: Month of Membership 2025/2026

By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare
Charter President, Rotary Club of Ikeja Alausa

“Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built and tolerance is the element which holds it together.” — Paul Harris, Founder of Rotary

This August, Rotary clubs worldwide celebrate Membership Month — a time to reflect on why we joined, how we serve, and who we will invite next. Membership is the heartbeat of Rotary. Without new minds, fresh energy, and diverse perspectives, even the most vibrant club risks losing momentum. If you have yet to invite a friend, colleague, or family member to join, you may be withholding one of life’s greatest gifts: the opportunity to serve humanity through fellowship.

Rotary is not just a meeting. It is a movement, a mindset, and a lifestyle of purpose — a passport to significance and a front-row seat to impact humanity.
We are 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries and territories, united by a single motto: Service Above Self. Membership begins with one simple act — an invitation.

“The true measure of a Rotarian’s leadership is not in holding a title, but in multiplying our tribe” “When everyone bring one, and you’ve changed a life. Bring many, and you’ve changed the world.”

Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus: A Magnetic Invitation

The most compelling way to introduce someone to Rotary is through action. The 7 Areas of Focus are powerful entry points for potential members:

1. Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention – Promoting dialogue, resolving disputes, and fostering understanding.
2. Disease Prevention and Treatment – Fighting polio, tackling malaria, and expanding access to healthcare.
3. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene – Providing clean water and proper sanitation for healthier communities.
4. Maternal and Child Health – Reducing mortality and empowering mothers through quality care.
5. Basic Education and Literacy – Combating illiteracy and fostering lifelong learning.
6. Community Economic Development – Creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, and reducing poverty.
7. Supporting the Environment – Protecting ecosystems, promoting sustainability, and addressing climate change.

When people see Rotary in action — planting trees, building schools, equipping hospitals, or supporting mental health — they see a cause worth joining.

Meetings That Inspire

Rotary meetings should be engaging, uplifting, and relevant. Keep them concise and full of energy. Vary formats with outdoor fellowships, club visits, service days, and inspiring guest speakers. Hybrid meetings are vital in today’s busy world — reliable internet, quality audio-visual tools, and inclusivity ensure every member stays connected, even when attending from office or outside the country.

Caring for Our Own

A strong club does not only serve the community; it also cares for its members. Reach out to those who miss meetings. Make every member feel valued. Rotary is a family — and families look out for one another.

Why Members Leave — And Why They Stay

Members leave when they feel disengaged, meetings lack energy, onboarding is weak, culture is unwelcoming, or flexibility is absent.
Members stay when they find meaningful service, global fellowship, personal growth, flexible structures, and a shared purpose.

Inviting People Into Rotary

Lead by example. Share Rotary stories. Use social media. Invite community leaders. Showcase our projects in maternal health, peacebuilding, and the environment. Host open events. Involve families. Show them a project in action. And never underestimate the power of asking: “Would you like to join Rotary?”

The Benefits of Rotary

Rotary membership opens doors to global friendship, leadership growth, professional networks, international experiences, purposeful living, recognition, and the joy of leaving a legacy. As RI Past President Barry Rassin said: “Rotary is a gift. You don’t keep a gift this good to yourself.”

This Rotary year, let us shine our light brighter, welcome more members, and extend the most valuable gift — the invitation to a life of service and fellowship.

Be the reason someone says, “Joining Rotary changed my life.”

Come and join Rotary with me. See what we do, feel the fellowship, share in the service, and be part of a story bigger than yourself. Let every Rotarian bring at least one new member. My personal goal this year is to bring ten. It is possible, it is necessary, and it is how we keep the Rotary light shining.