THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA FELICITATE DR. ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA ON HIS BIRTHDAY
The Management and Staff of Energy Commission of Nigeria felicitate Dr Mustapha Abdullahi Director-General/CEO of the Commission on the occasion of his birthday.
In a statement released on Friday, 17 January 2025, they lauded the leadership style of their DG, Dr. Mustapha whom they describe as not just a good manager of men and resources, but a man with an amiable personality and God -fearing disposition.
“Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has displayed an enviable leadership quality in the development of the sector through his significant contributions to the Commission including the energy sector that has witnessed sustainable growth in energy solutions that has also fostered appreciable levels.
“His unwavering dedication to duty, improvements to staff welfare have remained a rallying point that has continued to encourage staff, attract admiration and support to his policies for the overall good of the sector.
While wishing the indefatigable DG a happy birthday anniversary celebration, the Management and Staff of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN called on Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha to remain focused on his vision to take the Commission to the enviable heights for all and the nation at large.
The statement commended Dr Abdullahi Mustapha for the Renewed Hope that has uplifted the spirit of the workforce from its near-obscurity in its over four decades of existence
They further commended Mr. President for appointing a sound visionary and genuinely dedicated person as Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria in the person of Dr. Mustapha, who on assumption to office had assured that under his leadership, “the ECN will set the tone for economic development based on progressive innovation and policy initiatives as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.”
IGBO ENTREPRENEURS CAUTION PRIMATE AYODELE, SAY SEYI TINUBU IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR
The hope of Ndigbo in Lagos was rekindled on Thursday as business leaders of South-East extraction reiterated their choice of Seyi Tinubu as the next governor of Lagos State.
‘’The 2027 governorship election lies in the hands of the electorate. They have the ultimate say in election matters’’
The South-East body also advised the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, detractors and willful critics to steer clear of Lagos politics.
‘’Certainly by 2027, Primate Ayodele and others like him, will acknowledge the people’s verdict and the present position of Igbo Entrepreneurs within and outside the shores of Nigeria’’
A statement in Lagos by the President of the Ndigbo Entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Abroad, Chief Hon Linus Obi described the comments of Primate Ayodele as diversionary, misleading and part of a larger plot to market his candidate.
‘’It is very clear from his misguided statements that Primate Ayodele has suddenly forgotten his past failed prophesies on football in Europe and politics in Nigeria. Perhaps Primate Ayodele has been out of touch with political realities which may explain why he seems not to have noticed the current direction of Lagos politics and development’’
The Igbo businessmen and women applauded the good people of Lagos for refusing to be hoodwinked by the tissues of lies, propaganda and fake prophesies manufactured and disseminated by people seeking attention and recognition in the country.
‘’We wish to reiterate that Seyi Tinubu is the choice of the stakeholders in Lagos State’’
The Igbo entrepreneurs praised Seyi Tinubu for his humility, diligence and respect for constituted authority.
‘’The governorship role requires a successful entrepreneur with wisdom, honesty, empathy, courage, restraint, humility and discipline. Seyi Tinubu is decent, kind-hearted, approachable, generous and very bright’’
The pan-Igbo group is out to vigorously champion the cause of Igbo businessmen and women in a manner that is just, fair and constitutional.
Renewable Energy as a Sustainable Path to Closing the National Energy Gap and Ensuring Power Stability – Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha
Renewable energy (RE) solutions present a practical and sustainable way to address the challenges created by persistent national grid collapses and other energy crises. The national grid in its current state requires more reliable alternative within the power generation ecosystem.
The need to infuse RE solutions, such as solar energy, wind power and hydropower, remains crucial in addressing current power generation challenges. The federal government has already begun to implement the National Renewable Energy Roadmap (NRER) developed by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) with a clear aim of providing alternative power that reduce reliance on the centralized grid while maintaining at least an average power supply through decentralization.
Decentralized RE systems will play a key role in bridging the current power supply gap. For instance, photovoltaic solar and onshore wind systems can power rural and semi-urban areas often neglected by the national grid. These systems will not only provide consistent electricity but also empower rural economies, enabling micro-businesses to grow and improving access to essential services such as healthcare and education. With meaningful local and global collaborations, we can achieve the optimal installed capacity of electricity by leveraging on RE sources to ensure energy stability across the country.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria, under my stewardship, stands as a catalyst, championing policies that attract private sector investment, build local capacity, and prioritize renewable energy integration through extended collaborations with stakeholders, governments, and global communities. The National Energy Policy and it’s Master Plan recently unveiled by the Federal Government through ECN seek to increase the renewable electricity generation by aggressively pursuing RE energy integration into the Nation’s energy mix.
The RE systems have become more efficient and cheaper over the years, a paradigm shift to renewable energy will substantially close the energy gaps, reduce grid disruptions, and accelerate its journey toward energy independence and economic growth.
‘Account for missing N825bn, $2.5bn for refinery repairs, others, invite EFCC, ICPC’, SERAP tells NNPCL
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Limited to “account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing N825bn and $2.5bn meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and other oil revenues, as documented in the 2021 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”
SERAP said the annual report was published on Thursday 27 November 2024.
SERAP urged Mr Kyari “to identify those suspected to be responsible for the disappeared oil money and hand them over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
SERAP also urged him “to formally invite former president Olusegun Obasanjo to tour Nigeria’s refineries and to extend your invitation to the EFCC and ICPC to monitor the operations of the refineries, and any spending on them, including the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.”
In the letter dated 4 January 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We welcome your timely public invitation to former president Obasanjo ‘to tour the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.’”
SERAP said, “while your invitation is clearly not ‘disrespectful’, contrary to the claims by the former president because no one is above the law, we urge you to formally invite him, and to extend your invitation to the EFCC and ICPC for the sake of transparency and accountability.”
SERAP also said, “Your public invitation to Obasanjo is well-justified, and entirely consistent with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations on the obligations of the NNPCL and the roles of citizens in preventing and combating grand corruption.”
The letter, read in part: “The grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s international obligations.”
“The allegations have also undermined economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty and deprived them of opportunities.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the NNPCL to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
“According to the recently published 2021 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for over N825 billion and USD$2.5 billion of public funds meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation’ and repairs, and other oil revenues.”
“The Auditor-General fears that the money may be missing.”
“The NNPCL reportedly failed to account for over N82 billion [N82,951,595,510.47] meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation and repairs.’ The ‘money was deducted from the sale of Crude Oil and Gas between 2020 and 2021’.”
“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the Federation Account. He also wants the NNPCL ‘to ensure that the amounts due for the Federation Account are not subjected to any deductions before remittance of net.’”
“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N343 billion [N343,642,598,726.51] ‘being proceeds from domestic crude sales.’ The ‘money, meant for ‘pipelines maintenance and management costs, was unilaterally deducted from the gross domestic crude sales.’”
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants the NNPCL to hand over those suspected to be involved to the EFCC and ICPC.”
“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N83 billion [N83,659,813,739.99] ‘being miscellaneous income from the NNPC joint venture operations from 2016 to 2020.’ The ‘money was withdrawn from the CBN/NNPC sinking fund account [a suspense account].’”
“The Auditor-General is concerned that this practice ‘has led the Federation to resort to borrowings.’ He wants ‘the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.’”
“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N204 billion [N204,853,744,047.39] ‘being unjustified deductions from the oil royalties for 2021.’ The ‘money was due to Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).’”
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N3.7 billion [N3,748,581,281.27] ‘being money purportedly paid to a Company as a shortfall on sales of MT cargo of PMS.’ The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N28 billion [N28,654,179,867.00] ‘being outstanding bridging allowance from NNPC retail for 2021.’”
“The NNPCL failed to account for over N13.5 billion [N13,5559,658,148.91] ‘being outstanding bridging allowance claims from three major oil marketers in 2021.’”
“The Auditor-General is concerned that this ‘may have resulted in difficulty in funding the 2021 budget.’ He wants ‘the money recovered from both the NNPC retail and the major oil marketers and remitted to the Federation Account.’”
“The NNPCL also reportedly failed to account for over N15 billion [N14,134,947,949.80 and N1,087,533,332.62] ‘being outstanding revenues from debts owed by twenty-six marketers for 2021.’ The Auditor-General wants ‘the money recovered from the oil marketers and remitted to the Federation Account.’”
“The NNPCL reportedly failed to account for over $29.6 million [$29,648,970.36] ‘being outstanding royalties payable to the Department of Petroleum Resources CBN account.’ The Auditor-General is concerned this ‘may have resulted in difficulty in funding the 2021 budget.’ He wants the money recovered.’”
“The NNPCL failed to collect over $2 billion [$2,260,448,992.45] ‘being outstanding oil royalties from oil companies for 2021’, and failed to collect over N48 billion [N48,218,163,192.67] ‘also being outstanding oil royalties from oil companies.’”
“The Auditor-General fears that ‘the money may be missing.’ He is concerned that this ‘may have resulted in difficulty in funding the 2021 budget.’ He wants ‘the money recovered from the oil companies and remitted to the Federation Account.’”
SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“The Auditor-General has for many years documented reports of disappearance of public funds from the NNPC. Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing public funds meant for refinery rehabilitation.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
5/1/2025
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
FOUNDATION CELEBRATES LAMONDE OGHENEKEVWE EBIRERI
FOUNDATION CELEBRATES LAMONDE OGHENEKEVWE EBIRERI
The Ebireri Foundation on Thursday highlighted the unique perspective of first-rate writer, Monday Oghenekevwe Ebireri, to a variety of issues in the intellectual world.
‘’Monday Oghenekevwe Ebireri was healthy and had the posture of a man whose future was assured. Sadly, that future was cut on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 19; 00 hours. The cold hands of death snatched him at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital shortly after a ghastly auto crash along Benin-Sagamu Expressway at the age of 42’’.
The foundation also praised Monday Ebireri for his kindness, wisdom, profound reading and simplicity of his thoughts and explanation.
‘’The late historian and journalist was immensely gifted in practical matters. He was also deep and blessed with high intelligence’’
The Ebireri Foundation in a statement in Sagamu celebrated his good deeds, good works and good thoughts.
The statement issued by the Chairman of Ebireri Foundation, Henry Ovie Ebireri, praised Monday Ebireri for his exciting sense of humour, sound character and integrity.
The statement also applauded the highly respected reporter in Nigeria for pushing the family in the right direction. .
The foundation said Monday Ebireri made beautiful contributions towards the advancement of knowledge and people in Nigeria and abroad.
Born in Sapele into a Christian family, Lamonde Ebireri attended St Peter’s Claver’s College, Aghalokpe, James Welch Grammar School, Emevor and College of Arts and Science, Sokoto. Thereafter, he attended University of Benin.
Fondly called Lamonde, the man from a distinguished family of bright minds, began his journalism career with The Guardian.
He was laid to rest on Friday, January 26, 2007 in his hometown of Igbimidaka-Elume in Sapele Local Government Area.
We have shared commitment to progress, development– Lubasch
. Fubara: Julius Berger has exceptional standards
Managing Director of top notch engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr, Peer Lubasch has reiterated that the company has always have shared commitment with the government and people of Rivbers state, stating emphatically that it has to do with reference to the progress and development of the state.
He spoke at the flag off of the reconstruction of the Buguma-Abalama-Tema-Degema-Abonema road last week even as the the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara declared his trust on Julius Berger to deliver quality job on schedule.
According to Lubasch, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and the privilege to contribute to improve to your administration’s ambitious developmental initiatives which continue to improve the lives of the good people of Rivers state, adding that this event marks another milestone in our shared commitment to progress and development.
Lubasch said further that over the years, Julius Berger has built a reputation for excellence and reliability in delivering high-quality projects on schedule across the country, and Rivers state inclusive. We assure yiou that this project will uphold the same exceptional standards Julius Berger has come to be known for.
The significant project was awarded to Julius Berger in August with a completion period of 15 months
The project, which is worth N30.4 billion will connect nine separate communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas in Kalabari Kingdom.
“This project is a 19.7km long road. It is awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited at the cost of N30.4billion. We have already paid 30 per cent of this project cost, even at the hit of our trouble when our allocation was withheld. We paid N9.1 billion for you to understand how we feel and how we value the Kalabari people. The contractor has assured us, that it will do a good job, and I believe that before the 15 months are over, life will be different here.
Continuing, Fubara said, we know Julius Berger very well. We know their ability and their good quality. And they have never disappointed us. So, we are not afraid to award them this project.
On the importance of the road Fubara said, the recurring issues of criminality along the bad section of the road will be a thing of the past, and maybe, other development will also come into your kingdom. even as he called for the cooperation of the communities with Julius Berger for a quality and timely delivery.
The former Attorney General of Nigeria who performed the flagging off ceremony, Odein Ajumogobia, Julius Berger is the right company for the job given the bad state of the road.
Abonema was a very active seaport. My father used to tell me as a boy how he used to see huge ships coming to the Abonema Ports. So, transportation and connectivity were at the heart of development. But generations of neglect have brought us to this point. And it is you, Your Excellency, that is restarting the process of development to bring us to where we should be. And we thank Julius Berger for its commitment and assurance to do a good job for us.
Team Julius Berger at the historic event alongside the Managing Director included, Regional Manager, Region South South, Friedrich Wieser, Project Manager, Drodowski Finn and Project Coordinator, Chief Sam Ngbor.
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT FOR RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES
Top politicians, business moguls, others laud Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday applauded the Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her large contributions to humanity
‘’The Ohi Ógu of Ebiraland, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, is a pillar and special gift to the family and Nigeria’’ the Alema of Warri said.
In a statement Monday in Abigborodo, the Warri High Chief commended the Ohi Ógu of Ebiraland for rendering invaluable service to the North Central geo-political zone.
‘’As a wife, mother and confidant, you have been a friend, adviser and lover’’
The successful and highly respected industrialist also praised the Senator Representing Kogi Central for her strong commitment to the pursuit of realistic, attainable goals.
‘’On this special occasion of your 45th birthday, I pray that the Almighty God will increase you in strength and wisdom’’
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State Chapter described Akpoti-Uduaghan as an icon of humility, selfless service and patriotism.
A statement signed by the State Chairman, Hon Enemona Anyebe, State Secretary, Sunday Olufemi and State Organizing Secretary, Hon Abduladir Ibrahim praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for turning around the state’s fortunes through people oriented, socio-economic development schemes.
‘’Your contributions to Senate debates are laced with nationalistic opinions. You have taken the initiative in facilitating projects to Kogi State, building educational capacity amongst the disadvantaged in Kogi Central Senatorial District through scholarship programmes and other support for youths and women. Certainly, you are a blessing to our party’’
Similarly, Kogi Central Stakeholders praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her good works and leadership
‘’Your emergence as the First Female Senator in Kogi State is a remarkable feat and confirmation of your admirable leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District’’
A statement signed by Patrick Adaba, Phillip Salau, Moses Okino, Abdulmalik Abduraheem, Senator Ahmed Ogembe, Hon Bode Ogunmola, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya Karaku, Alhaji Adomu Etudaiye, Engineer Samuel Uhotu and Abdulraheem Badamasuiy described Akpoti-Uduaghan as ‘’the pride of Ebiraland.
Nasarawa State PDP governorship candidate in 2019 and 2023, Rt Hon David Emmanuel Ombugadu praised Akpoti Uduaghan for championing development and empowerment in Kogi Central and beyond.
He also applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for her for uplifting her constituents and fighting for equity and progress.
‘’May this new year bring you abundant joy, wisdom and strength to continue your exceptional service to humanity’’
A major construction company in Nigeria, Webster Global Ventures, applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for her dedication and outstanding commitment in service.
A statement by the Managing Director of Webster Global Ventures Limited, Architect Adara Opeoluwa praised the senator’s commitment to justice, equity and the empowerment of the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
‘’As a devoted wife, mother and leader, your remarkable strength, compassion and generosity of spirit have touched the lives of many. Your tireless efforts to uplifting and transforming your community from education and healthcare to infrastructure development and economic empowerment are a testament to your visionary leadership’’
The Itsekiri Nation also described Akpoti-Uduaghan as a good mother and dutiful wife.
According to the leadership of Abigborodo Community in Warri North ‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an outstanding Nigerian in many respects who has touched many lives in a very positive manner’’
‘’Your beauty, submissive personality, exceptional leadership and people-oriented programmes continue to excite all’’
Uduaghan praises Akpabio
The Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday described the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, as ‘’a great source of joy and inspiration to all’’
Uduaghan in a congratulatory message on Akpabio’s 62nd birthday commended the Senate President for contributing immensely to the development of Nigeria, assisting the nation in achieving unparalleled results in terms of economic growth and rebuilding the trust reposed in Nigeria by countries and international organizations.
‘’On behalf of my humble self and family, I wish to heartily congratulate my dear brother and our visionary Senate President, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON CON on the occasion of his birthday’’
The statement emphasized disciplined leadership, vision, efficiency, transparency, doggedness and commitment to the tested tenets of good governance.
‘’Congratulations on this very important occasion and may God continue to grant you the wisdom to handle the affairs of the Senate’’.
DELTA FAMILY EXTOLS ORODJE OF OKPE’S VIRTUES
His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe was on Saturday praised for his visionary, exemplary, inspiring and transformational leadership.
‘’His Royal Majesty is quite amazing and still doing a wonderful job at 78’’
He was also commended for serving the Okpe people with respect and love, protecting the rights of every family and changing the face of Okpe Kingdom.
In a statement issued in Sapele on the occasion of his 78th birthday, the family of Ebireri showered encomiums on the monarch’s unassuming nature, his fatherly disposition and his knack for perfection.
The notable Niger Delta family applauded the Okpe monarch for his wonderful and impressive contributions to the Nigerian State.
‘’His Royal Majesty has contributed significantly to the growth and development of Africa. He has demonstrated eloquently that there is nothing as good as a monarch writing his name in gold in the hearts of his people by keeping faith with them’’
The statement signed by Renowned Journalist, Henry Ebireri, praised His Royal Majesty to high heavens.
‘’His Royal Majesty, Orhue, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom is an accomplished Nigerian and a firm believer in Okpe and development’’ the family of distinguished bright minds said..
The statement emphasized the good works His Royal Majesty is doing in the Niger Delta region, sheer intelligence, courage and determination.
“It’s a proud moment for our family and the good people of Ugbeku and Igbimidaka,” the statement said.
“We wish His Royal Majesty a very special 78th birthday, many more years of peace, joy, good health and achievements” the statement added.