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Intrigues as NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and NECONDE Struggle to Develop 0ML42 By Efemina Williams

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Intrigues as NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and NECONDE Struggle to Develop 0ML42

By Efemina Williams

 

 

 

 

Our attention has been drawn to recent false and malicious publications regarding the investments of well-known philanthropist and entrepreneur, Dr. Ernest Obiejesi (OFR) in 0ML42. Dr. Obiejesi for more than 4 decades, either directly or through any of his associated investments played major roles in the growth and development of host communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the records, the 0ML42 is an Asset owned by NEPL and Neconde but operated by NEPL. The NEPL and NECONDE partnership has been riddled with all manner of intrigues and drama to the chagrin of the host communities who have patiently awaited improvements in their livelihood and those of their loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a pity that stakeholders including the host communities, the Nigerian government, and her people have been denied the expected benefits from this Asset. A value-driven approach to ensure uninterrupted production of hydrocarbons from the field has consistently been fought against by some elements who are just interested in procurement and award of contracts.

 

 

Intrigues as NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and NECONDE Struggle to Develop 0ML42

By Efemina Williams

 

 

 

This unfortunately was the case for nearly a decade until the government decided on an alternative funding mechanism that is envisaged to bring a disciplined and more accountable approach to operations. Sadly, this is not what inspires those who do not believe in integrity. Dr. Obiejesi has been nicknamed a “fighter.” I heard that the man has been fighting those bad elements. Personally, I do not like fighting, but if fighting will enable him to achieve his years-long desire of bringing a disciplined, transparent, and more accountable approach to operations in the 0ML42 Assets, then let him fight on. It is for good. But I don’t envy him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I said, I do not like to fight, but can you blame the man? For instance, it is unbelievable that the Asset will be allowed to shut down at a time when the Federal Government is demanding an increase in production and oil prices are nearing US$100 per barrel. Besides, Chimaobi Okoro who is the NEPL representative on the Asset appears to be more interested in jumping from one Asset to another, not too long ago, he moved into OML 42 and since then the production and stability that was being achieved with the community and vendors seems to have fallen apart as he seem to be interested in non-value driven contract award rather than well thought out quality execution strategies, asset stability and production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently a vendor supplied fuel (VLSFO) that was of very poor quality but was rejected by a vessel owner (another contractor) but some incorrigible members of the Asset team are pushing that this should be accepted and paid for even if it won’t be used. Upon inquiry, it was realized that these government officials who use these funds to support their families in Canada, purchasing houses in Dubai and Lekki, and have expensive lifestyles that are way above their salary income.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They work with some dissident community elements and are fighting desperately to ensure they grab these fictitious contracts disguising themselves as community contractors, instead of pushing for the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the development of the Asset that will benefit genuine investors, the Government, and the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a community, we can say that we have seen it all. We have observed these two “supposed” JV partners hurl aspersion at each other, and we have observed a lazy and lackadaisical approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Recently we have observed the return of old players who honed their skills in nefarious activities during the AMT period. These “returnee” old players have been doing all manner of things in order to scuttle a recent beneficial solution championed by Dr. Ernest with the alternative funding mechanism — Financing and Technical Service Arrangement.

I care little about Dr. Ernest as a person and his riches, but I doff my hat for his tireless persistence to bring transparency and increase production for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. But I must say that I still hold the entities NEPL and NEL responsible for the state of affairs in 0ML42.

It is known widely within the community that Dr. Ernest for several years undertook the burden of a CSR initiative termed the Peace Bonus. He had wisely put structure to the initiative which prevented the bad apples within NEPL and NEL from dipping their proverbial hands in the cookie jar. This wise initiative has been ensuring that the community has full transparency on the remittance. When he struggled under the low oil price regime, he still insisted that enhanced CSR- GMOU- practice being deployed by the IOC should be implemented on the Asset.

Once again to ensure transparency, a well-known astute, and principled community member with a consultancy practice was assigned this promising task. Today, the PIA Chapter 3 (Host Community Development Trust Fund) which by law requires that the Settlor (NEPL as Operator) should implement within the deadline of August 2022 is yet to be done. I keep wondering, why NEPL is still the operator? While it may be evident that there are indeed bad apples in these organizations who are vision scuttles, it may be said that the mistake Dr. Ernest continues to make is that he has left his precious investment to be attended to by persons who have not invested a dime and essentially have nothing to lose.

Williams, a seasoned Public Analyst, writes from Asaba, Delta State

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Lion Oshiyemi Pledges redefinition, reposition as he emerges 20th President of OGUNCCIMA

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Lion Oshiyemi Pledges redefinition, reposition as he emerges 20th President of OGUNCCIMA

Lion Niyi Oshiyemi has been invested as the 20th President of the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) at the Chamber’s 40th Annual General Meeting.

The investiture ceremony of the new OGUNCCIMA leadership was held on Thursday at Tunwase Hall in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State with top Chamber movement members in attendance.

The President In his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the immediate past President, Engr. Mike Akingbade, and the Chamber for entrusting him with the esteemed position.

He pledged to leverage available opportunities to redefine and reposition the Chamber, creating platforms to influence legislation and improve the business environment.

“I am honored to lead this prestigious organization and I promise to harness all available opportunities to redefine and reposition the chamber of commerce movement in the state”.

“I will continue to create platforms to influence legislation and other measures affecting trade, improve the business environment, and build a Nigerian economy of thriving business opportunities through networking”.

“I wish to enjoin you all who represent businesses, if you have not joined the OGUNCCIMA, please come and lend your voice to others. The bigger the network, the louder the voice and the stronger the influence”.

“Our advocacy seeks to ensure that the business community can have its voice heard on issues that are important to it”.

“I’d like to introduce to you my Presidency’s flagship project “OGUNCCIMA Secretariat”: The project is massive and requires a lot, I therefore seek your support and look forward to partnering with all stakeholders – the state government and it’s agencies (Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies), development partners, the diplomatic communities, the media, and other stakeholders”, he said.

Oshiyemi also praised the founding fathers of the Chamber, saying, “I laud the vision of our founding fathers, who have laid a solid foundation for us to build upon. I am committed to taking OGUNCCIMA to greater heights and making it a beacon of hope for businesses in Ogun State.”

The Ogun State Hon. Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Adebola Sofela Emmanuel, in his keynote address said by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu Ola Aikulola, said over the years that the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), has not only remained a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence, but also partners in driving economic growth, fostering trade, and promoting investment opportunities in the state.

He said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to OGUNCCIMA on this historical movement. Forty years of dedicated service to the industrial, trade, and agricultural sectors of Ogun State is no small feat”.

“Over the years, the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has not only been a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence but also a pivotal partner in driving industrial growth, fostering trade, and promoting investment opportunities”.

“Today, as we elect new officers to continue this legacy of excellence, I urge all members to approach this process with a spirit of unity, fairness, and foresight. The future of our chambers and the economic well-being of our state depend on the collective wisdom and strategic vision of our leaders”.

“For us, as a government, we will continue to put in place Institutional mechanisms that will guide our various developmental programmes in all sector of the economy”, he added.

In his remarks, NACCIMA President, Dele Kelvin Oye, represented by the Director – General, Olusola Obadimu, urged the new leadership of OGUNCCIMA to reflect on the the Chambers achievements and chart the course for the future.

“Today, as we gather for the 40th Annual General Meeting and Investiture of New Executives, I want to charge the new leadership to be dedicated and build on the achievements of the past administrations”.

“On behalf of NACCIMA, I congratulate the new officers and may our shared efforts continue to bear fruit, and may new officers lead us for greater heights of success and prosperity”, he concluded.

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ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

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ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), has flagged off the construction of a N280 million Abdul Samad Rabiu Integrated Publishing House for Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. This project will enhance the capacity of the University from basic press status to a modern, integrated publishing house to encompass publishing, print production, and other related diversified services. The one-storey building facility will serve as a laboratory and studio for training students of communications, media studies, and allied disciplines as well as other disciplines.

 

 

 

ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

 

 

 

 

At the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, expressed satisfaction at the nomination by ASR Africa, under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme. He added that the choice of the project was a response to the vision to take the Mass Communications Department of the University to a whole new level. According to him, the university’s vision is to produce young men and women capable of critical thinking, and problem-solvers capable of proffering innovative solutions to problems of everyday life, be it social, political, and cultural.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, expressed his delight at the University’s choice of establishing an Integrated Publishing House. He added that when information is appropriately applied, human society is empowered to liberate itself from limitations and attain its full potential. Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu to supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and urged the institution to focus on the sustainability of this noble project. He also reiterated the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the university and the contractor for the timely delivery of the publishing house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About ASR Africa

ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

 

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CBOs Laud Minister of Agric Kyari Over Transparent Distribution Of Fertilisers, Foodstuff Across Nigeria

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CBOs Laud Minister of Agric Kyari Over Transparent Distribution Of Fertilisers, Foodstuff Across Nigeria

CBOs Laud Minister of Agric Kyari Over Transparent Distribution Of Fertilisers, Foodstuff Across Nigeria

 

 

A network of community-based organizations (CBOs) in Nigeria, the Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities’ Rights Agenda, the South East Revival Coalition, and Progressive Yoruba Youth for Change have applauded the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, for his efforts and transparency in the distribution of food, fertilisers and other farming inputs across the country.

 

CBOs Laud Minister of Agric Kyari Over Transparent Distribution Of Fertilisers, Foodstuff Across Nigeria

 

The CBOs gave the commendation at a joint press conference held in Abuja on Thursday. The conference was addressed by Mallam Yusuf Khalifa, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities’ Rights Agenda; Dr. Eberechi Okonkwo, Convener of the South East Revival Coalition; and Comrade Olajide Olumide Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of Progressive Yoruba Youth for Change.

 

 

 

“The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari has established a reputation for integrity and transparency in the ministry. The transparency in the distribution of food, fertilisers and other farming inputs across the country under Kyari’s stewardship is unprecedented,” the CBOs said.

 

 

 

“Senator Kyari has demonstrated a practical commitment to enhancing food security and nutrition in the country by prioritising equity and fairness in the distribution of food, fertilisers and other farming inputs.

“We salute his sense of nationalism. His fair distribution of farming inputs has laid a strong foundation for a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector. Kyari’s tireless efforts to revolutionise the agricultural sector as well as to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in food production is beyond patriotic.

“His exceptional leadership has made the the issue of marginalization in the distribution of food, fertilisers and other farming inputs, a thing of the past in the country. The effective utilization of resources by the Minister has proven not only instrumental to modernising the agricultural space but also to peace and harmony on farms across the nation.

“We applaud Senator Kyari for championing the emancipation of Nigerian farmers, particularly those in rural communities who previously lacked access to government-distributed food, fertilizers, and other farming supplies. Kyari’s unwavering support for women and youth in agriculture has resulted in increased distribution of food, fertilizers, and other farming inputs to more female and young farmers this year than ever before.

“This network of community-based organisations urges the beneficiaries, especially those in the rural communities, to use the supplies judiciously for the purpose they were distributed for. The government has prioritised the agricultural sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth, hence, its unwavering support of the sector. Farmers must corroborate the government’s efforts by taking advantage of its policies, programmes and interventions.

“We urge the Minister to sustain his visionary leadership, effective resource utilization, and strategic initiatives which have yielded significant progress in the agricultural sector.

“We remain committed to working alongside the Minister to strengthen the agricultural sector and achieve a prosperous, food-secure, and environmentally sustainable Nigeria.”

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