News
“We’re Active in Delta State,” Shell
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), operator of the SPDC Joint Venture, has restated its active presence in Delta State against the belief in some quarters that the multinational energy firm has pulled out of the state.
As a proof of its significant footprints in Delta State, the company said it has implemented wide ranging projects in different parts of the state, including the disbursement of N1.88 billion to Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) clusters in host communities and the establishment of a Professorial Chair at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE).
Igo Weli,SPDC’s general manager External Relations, said this at the presentation of the company’s 2018 Briefing Notes to journalists in Warri last Thursday where he said the company recently donated N600 million facilities to five schools under a Youth Sports and Athletics Development Project (YSADP,) to mark Nigeria’s centenary anniversary.
“These projects show our continuous presence and interest in the development of Delta State,” said Weli who was represented by the company’s Head of Community Interface, Evans Krukrubo. “While it is true that SPDC divested from a number of assets in Delta State in line with our business strategy, and in support of the participation of more Nigerian companies in the oil and gas industry, we are still active in the state, for example, operating Forcados Terminal, flow stations, gas plants and a network of pipelines. There is no better way to relay this message than undertaking projects and initiatives that are helping to rebuild lives and communities in the state.”
The GMoU funding covers the three clusters currently active in Delta State since the inception of the concept in 2006. The Cluster Development Boards (CDBs) like their counterparts in other parts of the Niger Delta, are implementing health and educational projects among others.
The centenary project in Delta State which was inaugurated this month includes the development of an athletic curriculum by Africare, an international NGO, using the American National Collegiate Athletic Association standards, the provision of facilities for long/triple jump, high jump, shot put, javelin, discus and hammer throw in five schools as well as the construction of a 400m six-lane rubberised track at Government College, Ughelli. These facilities have been installed at the highest standards. A key component of the project was the inclusion of 283 athletic and leadership training sessions, academic performance tracking and mentoring. A total of 150 students from across the five project schools benefitted from the leadership programme. Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa had said that the project marked a major turning point in the lives of students and communities.
The Professorial Chair in Light Weight Automobile Engine Development was activated at FUPRE in December last year and is the latest of six established by SPDC JV. The Chair at Effurun is expected to contribute to the growth of local content in Nigeria’s automobile industry. In a bid to boost employment especially among youths, more than 700 young men and women benefited from Shell’s LiveWIRE initiative between 2003 and 2017. Also, a total of 160 students from Delta State have received the SPDC flagship Cradle-to-Career scholarship awards since they were instituted in 2010. The programme offers fully-funded six-year awards for children from rural communities to attend some of Nigeria’s top secondary schools
Mr. Weli added: “SPDC JV is always prepared and willing to contribute its quota to the development of its host communities in close collaboration with other stakeholders. It is however, necessary for communities to help create a conducive atmosphere to attract and retain investments in the Niger Delta. Violence, vandalisation of pipelines and other anti-social behaviours will not only discourage investments but also impede the holistic development we badly need in the Niger Delta.”
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of Dangote Refinery, has insisted that the ‘cabal’ in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is still fighting against the success of his 650,000 barrels per day plant.
Aliko Dangote
Dangote disclosed this, according to Semafor, a global news platform, at an investor forum in Lagos at the weekend.
He said, “For a very, very long time, those that have made a lot of money from government-subsidised oil imports into Nigeria were the ones trying to sabotage the $20 billion worth of refinery situated in Lekki, Lagos.”
He further stressed that “those groups have funded resistance to the Bola Tinubu government’s removal of petrol subsidies and are opposed to the refinery operating easily in the country.”
However, Dangote was confident that the battle between him and the groups would be won, priding himself on being a long-time fighter.
“We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 percent sure I will win at the end of the day,” he was quoted.
Recall that Dangote Refinery kicked off the sale of petrol in September 2024, which had led to a significant drop in fuel imports into Nigeria.
In May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech.
Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has welcomed the decision of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCT) upholding the $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc. by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a statement signed by its President, Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf, and General Secretary, Mrs. Angela Emuwa, NPAN described the ruling as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enforce digital accountability and protect the rights of its citizens.
“The decision affirms the importance of compelling global digital platforms to adhere to Nigeria’s laws and respect the rights of users,” the association said.
NPAN noted that the fine, resulting from a 30-month investigation spanning 2021 to 2023, was imposed due to Meta’s alleged unauthorized data sharing and discriminatory practices affecting Nigerian users.
The association also emphasized that Nigeria’s regulatory action aligns with global trends, citing similar penalties imposed on Meta in Europe, as well as actions against other tech giants such as Amazon, TikTok, Google, and Apple.
As an advocate for media freedom and fair digital practices, NPAN reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring fair remuneration for publishers in the evolving digital landscape.
It further urged sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and industry players to strengthen Nigeria’s digital regulatory environment.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower youth and women across the state.
The centre, which was donated to Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State, and is aimed at providing digital skills training, particularly for women and young people. It is expected to offer participants a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry.
Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON OON, delivered special remarks at the event, emphasising the centre’s role in achieving one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas which is to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, innovation, and the creative arts.
She disclosed that the commissioning of the centre is a step forward in the collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.
“We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states,” she added.
While noting that other digital economy centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in 5 other states, she urged members of the community to take full ownership of the centre.
She said, “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources.”
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, who delivered a goodwill message during the event, praised NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state.
He highlighted the high standards of the facility and pledged the state government’s support to ensure its sustainability and maximum impact on the people of Oyo State.
“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State, and I can give you the assurance that we will take full advantage of it,” he promised.
In his remark, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani stated that the centre will serve as an avenue for youths to acquire globally relevant digital skills, build startups and create solutions that can compete on the global stage.
While giving his welcome remarks earlier, the DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative as a strategic intervention to boost Nigeria’s digital talent pool.
He explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed to provide a smart and personalised learning experience and lauded Senator Tinubu for her leadership and passion for empowering underrepresented groups.
“Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy,” he said.
Noting that the newly commissioned centre is part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation-driven development across the country, Inuwa disclosed that the agency has worked with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy and skills curriculum that will be infused as part of the formal education in schools.
While encouraging the school administrators and community leaders to ensure its accessibility and sustainability, the NITDA DG said, “The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.”
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