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THE AFRICA GIANT IS RISING – COMMISSIONED WAGL

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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.

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Benue, Kwara Killings: Primate Ayodele Warned But They Never Listened

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Primate Ayodele Never Said Seyi Makinde Would Become President’’ – Media Aide Clarifies*

When Nigerians started celebrating after the United States launched an attack against terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2025, Primate Ayodele stood out when he said the nation shouldn’t celebrate yet because there would be reprisal attacks.

Many quickly lashed out at him, calling him all sort of names like prophet of doom, fake prophet, bet9ja prophet, to mention but a few. However, the prophet stood his ground and continued to warn President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team that terrorists are planning to attack some Nigerian states.

His words after the US-led attack were:

“Nigerians shouldn’t celebrate yet, and President Tinubu shouldn’t celebrate either, because the powerlessness of his government is getting exposed, and America can come up with anything against him. This won’t stop kidnapping or insecurity in Nigeria.

“The government of Nigeria must work on it because the US cannot do it without the Nigerian government.

“Another bombing is coming up, and these bandits are ready for the consequences. They are also ready to counter-attack heavily; the government must get prepared for the outcome.”

Many didn’t know that Primate Ayodele isn’t a prophet that just speaks for attention sake, he speaks as directed by the most high God and that’s why he is always fearless in his approaches. Despite the fact that even the presidency celebrated it, he called their attention to some plans of terrorists across the country.

It’s been barely two months after the attack of the United States, and the country is back to more folds of insecurity across the country. Bandits have launched full-fledged attacks on the nation, killing several innocent souls without getting checked or arrested.

If only security operatives listens to Primate Ayodele’s warning, he vividly mentioned some of the states that bandits or terrorist would be visiting. He shared them in a prophet at least twice, including in video recordings but we wonder what these security operatives do with sensitive messages like this.

In one of the prophetic moment, he mentioned about eight states that will be attacked by terrorists if care isn’t taken.

“These states, Nasarawa, Abuja, Ondo, Kaduna, Sokoto, Benue, Katsina, Yobe, should be paid close attention to. They should deploy more soldiers to these states.”

Just yesterday in Benue, In Benue State, 17 people, including a Mobile Police officer, were killed when gunmen attacked the Abande market in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area. Gunmen opened fire on traders and residents, killing many on the spot. Police spokesperson in Benue State, Udeme Edet confirmed the attack.

In Katsina, In Katsina State, at least 20 residents were killed when bandits stormed Doma community in Tafoki Ward, Faskari Local Government Area.

Witnesses said the attackers moved unhindered, shooting villagers and setting houses and vehicles ablaze before fleeing. Faskari Local Government Chairman Surajo Aliyu confirmed the incident, describing it as a deadly reprisal and the worst in recent months.

In Kwara too, Primate Ayodele had said earlier before now, just after the Eruku incident, that he still sees attacks in the state.

In fulfilment of this, bandits killed at least 10 villagers in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. The attackers, reportedly operating from the Borgu National Park forest in neighboring Niger State, invaded the communities around 6.00 pm, firing sporadically and setting houses ablaze.

Sincerely, all of these could have been avoided by they failed to listen.

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Former Pension Reform Task Team Chairman, Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina, Hospitalised After Sudden Collapse in Abuja

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Former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina, on Tuesday evening slumped while attempting to access his office premises in Abuja and was immediately rushed to a private hospital for urgent medical care.

The incident occurred after complications arising from an untreated knee injury reportedly caused him to lose balance and fall on a staircase, resulting in a head impact that required immediate medical attention from personnel at the scene.

Confirming the development in an official statement, Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe, Esq., Media Assistant to Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina, speaking on behalf of his family, said the former pension reform chief was promptly stabilised and transferred to a private medical facility in the Federal Capital Territory, where he is currently under close supervision by a team of doctors.

According to the statement, preliminary medical evaluations indicate that Dr. Maina remains under observation, while specialists have advised that arrangements for a possible air ambulance evacuation may be considered should his condition require advanced or specialised treatment.

The situation has drawn concern from associates, professional colleagues, and well-wishers across the country, given Dr. Maina’s prominent role in Nigeria’s public sector and pension reform initiatives.

His family has appealed to the public for prayers, understanding, and respect for privacy during this critical period, assuring that further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.

 

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President Tinubu in Turkey: Guard of Honor and Strategic Agreements Signal New Era in Bilateral Relations

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By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was accorded a full guard of honor during his official state visit to Turkey, a ceremonial reception reserved for world leaders and a strong signal of the respect Nigeria commands on the global stage.

The ceremony, held at the Turkish Presidential Complex in Ankara, featured military pageantry, national anthems, and formal protocol before high-level bilateral talks commenced.

The Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu briefly stumbled due to a camera cable while proceeding to the presidential lodge but stood up immediately and continued his engagements without interruption, stressing that the incident had no impact on the visit or his health.

More importantly, the visit delivered substantive diplomatic and economic outcomes. During talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on January 27, 2026, Nigeria and Turkey signed nine cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding, covering military cooperation, higher education, diaspora policy, media and communication, halal accreditation, diplomatic training, and the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).

At a joint press conference, President Tinubu emphasized the need to deepen cooperation in security, trade, and economic development, while President Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and commitment to strengthening strategic ties.

With Turkey’s strengths in defense technology, intelligence, education, and industrial capacity, the agreements open new opportunities for technology transfer, security collaboration, trade expansion, and human capital development.

In essence, the Turkey visit stands as a diplomatic success, defined not by a fleeting moment, but by honor, respect, and concrete agreements that advance Nigeria’s security, economy, and international standing.

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