Energy
Sustainability: Sahara Group Moves To Remove 450 Tonnes Of CO2 From Atmosphere, Plants 2,000 Trees Per Annum
As part of a consistent effort to drive sustainability, leading energy conglomerate and infrastructure Sahara Group in partnership with Treedom would be planting a minimum of 2,000 trees annually across Africa.
The company is optimistic that these initial set of trees will absorb more than 450 tonnes of CO2 over the next 10 years.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Group averred that “This collection of trees called ‘Asharami Groves’ will be planted in the conglomerate’s locations of operation across Africa, starting with Cameroon (900 trees) and Kenya (1,100 trees).”
It was gathered that the collaboration formed part of Sahara’s efforts to drive environmental sustainability.”
Treedom is a social organization that aims to support sustainable development through tree planting, which has plated over 3 million trees across Africa, South-East Asia, and South America since 2010, when it came into existence.
Biztellers reports that all Treedom’s strategy is to ensure that all trees are planted directly by local farmers, which helps bring environmental, social, and financial benefits to their communities.
Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, said, “Sahara Group is committed to taking ambitious actions to address climate change, and our collaboration with Treedom is a significant step towards achieving our sustainability goals.
“We believe that planting trees is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and we are proud to partner with an organization that shares our vision of a sustainable future.”
He maintained that Sahara Group remained committed to environmental sustainability and would continue to champion efforts geared towards preserving the environment and creating a better future for all.
Sahara Group recently announced its 2060 net zero plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. This is in commitment to driving sustainability through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting renewable energy sources, he added.
On the significance of this partnership, Managing Director Treedom, Mario Pacifico, expressed excitement over Treedom’s partnership with Sahara and the impact that it would achieve.
“Treedom is happy to be partnering with Sahara to plant a minimum of 10,000 trees over the next 5 years. We see the energy industry as an area that must actively contribute to positive climate impact, which Sahara will be doing through our agroforestry projects in Cameroon and Kenya.
Additionally, our farmer partners will be directly benefiting socially and economically at the same time through these projects,” Pacifio added.
Biztellers reports that Sahara Group’s partnership with Treedom would be building on previous tree planting initiatives, such as the planting of 1000 trees on a 2km range vegetation at Egbin Power Plc (a Sahara Group Power generation company) planting 1000 trees, helping to maintain the ecosystem balance.
With about 140 electric scooters and buggies, Egbin’s ‘Go-Green’ initiatives cut back 670,000kg of CO2 emission annually.
In addition, Ikeja Electric, a Sahara Group power distribution company pioneered the switch from paper-based to e-bills in a bid to promote sustainability.
At the First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), another member of the Sahara Group family, a journey manager app digitally tracks movements that require the use of company vehicles, thereby reducing unnecessary vehicle usage and promoting more efficient transportation and environmental sustainability.
Energy
Asharami Synergy Unveils Fuelling Solutions In Omagwa
In line with its commitment to driving access to quality petroleum products, Asharami Synergy Limited, a leading Sahara Group downstream company, has said the public can now access exceptional fuelling solutions at its newly commissioned retail station in Omagwa, Rivers State.
Situated strategically along the Airport Road in Omagwa, the station, which features a storage capacity of 45,000 litres each for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO, also known as diesel) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS, also known as petrol) is equipped with two pumps and four discharge nozzles for PMS and AGO.
The facility also has ample space for sundry services in a bid to ensure consumers get more “miles and smiles” as well as the energy to “go further” with Asharami’s world-class products.
“The Asharami Omagwa Retail Station is fully operational, offering a range of premium products and services. It’s a one-stop shop that also gives our esteemed customers eat-in and take-out restaurant services, shopping, as well as the Asha lubricants and Asha Service experience which will ensure premium care for all classes of automobiles and engines,” said Oladimeji Williams, Head, Government Relations and Business Development at Asharami Synergy.
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At the Commissioning, Willaims said the new station represents an important step in Asharami Synergy’s expansion plan aimed at reaching and serving more communities responsibly. “This station is strategically positioned close to the airport, serving as the gateway for powering socio-economic development in the community and those close to it, while enabling Asharami Synergy integrate all aspects of its downstream business towards ensuring efficiency and value for our customers,” he stated.
Williams commended the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Omagwa community leaders for their support and collaboration throughout the project’s duration, describing it as a “seamless and productive process that highlights Asharami’s corporate stewardship and social impact” in the community.
Similarly, Ifesinachi Ezike, Regional General Manager (South South), FAAN, emphasized the broader significance of the new station, stating, “This occasion marks a significant milestone not just for Asharami Synergy but for the airport and the entire community. It marks not just an opening of a new facility but the beginning of a renewed commitment to enhancing the travel experience of all our passengers and stakeholders”.
In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainability and community development, Asharami Synergy also commissioned a solar-powered borehole during the launch. The borehole is set to improve access to clean and reliable water for residents, marking a tangible contribution to the local community.
“At Sahara, we are always making a difference—not just through our business operations; we are unwavering in our commitment to driving sustainable development and building partnerships that enhance the well-being of our host communities,” Williams added.
Energy
Awards Galore For Shell, Staff At NAPE 2024 Conference
The Shell companies in Nigeria and staff won awards in recognition of their robust participation at the 42nd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), held in Lagos.
At the closing dinner of the event, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Ronald Adams pledged sustained efforts by the company to address “the Nigerian energy trilemma by powering progress towards energy security in a sustainable manner”.
On the awards, the Shell was declared Best Overall Exhibitor and Best Exhibiting Energy company (International) just as Geophysicist Somime Oguntola took home the Award of Excellence for Oral Paper (second place).
The icing on the cake was a Shell staff, Johnbosco Uche, being installed as the new President of the NAPE.
It was gathered that the Shell companies in Nigeria have supported NAPE since its founding in 1975, using the skills and expertise of the large pool of energy professionals in its employment to improve its activities especially educational and mentoring programmes.
In addition to being a major sponsor of the 2024 conference, Shell mounted a high-profile exhibition, featuring among other things, career counselling, engagements on Nigerian Content and Contractor development and panel sessions on Women in Industry and Sustainability Energy Challenge.
A highlight was the Shell medical stand which attended to more than more than 500 conference participants and members of the public over the four days of the annual event. The doctors and nurses offered a wide range of services including laboratory tests, deworming, medical consultation as well as ophthalmology checks and distribution of nearly 300 eyeglasses.
Adams referred to the operations of SNEPCo as an example of Shell’s contribution to energy security in Nigeria. “As a result of sustained production from Bonga, we have provided funds to finance development, created a new generation of Nigerian Deepwater professionals, empowered indigenous contractors and service providers, and implemented social investments that have touched lives in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.
Adams added, “SNEPCo and indeed Shell are in Nigeria for the long haul. Our commitment is reflected in both our current and growth plans, all of which are grounded in principles of safety, affordability, and competitive performance.”
Energy
Accugas Denies Culpability In Akwa Ibom’s Power Outage
Owing to the persistent power outage, which has crippled economic and social life in most parts of Akwa Ibom State and environs, Accugas Limited has washed its hands off the ugly situation.
This was contained in a statement under the signature of its Communications Manager, Okwudili Onyia, in which the company traced the anomaly to a “fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line”.
To ameliorate the situation, the company maintained that “It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.”
In addition, the company pledged thus, “Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”
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The statement reads, “Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy, wishes to strongly deny the misinformation concerning its alleged involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom State.
“The power cut in Akwa Ibom State is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which, unfortunately, is preventing power being transmitted from the National Grid into the State. It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.
“Ibom Power Company (“IPC”) is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the National Grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each State of the Federation through the electricity distribution companies (“Discos”). Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable c. 20% of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.
“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US$1.5 billion in gas development within the state. Furthermore, Savannah has recently invested c. US$45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket. Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state. All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the State, demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
“Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”