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Oando Partners FG for Gas-to-power Initiative for Industrialisation

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The upstream subsidiary of Oando Plc, Oando Energy Resources (OER), has pledged stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power to advance Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda, boost electricity generation and support the country’s industrialisation drive.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the company’s management team to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, where both sides discussed strategies to expand domestic gas utilisation, strengthen power infrastructure and accelerate reforms aimed at improving electricity supply across the country.

ALSO READ: Nigeria Welcomes Africa’s First Steel Pipe Bending, Coating Factory

The meeting brought together senior officials of the ministry and OER’s upstream leadership in what both sides described as a timely engagement amid ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s power supply challenges.

Speaking during the visit, Managing Director of OER, Dr. Ainojie “Alex” Irune, said the company’s growing gas portfolio places it at the centre of Nigeria’s energy transition and economic development.

He noted that Oando’s operations already support the country’s power generation infrastructure through the Okpai Independent Power Plant, which supplies electricity to about 50 million Nigerians and contributes roughly 15 per cent of the nation’s power generation.

Irune described the facility as a proven “black start” power plant with a strong record of reliable operations, adding that Oando is increasingly prioritising gas development as a catalyst for economic transformation.

“Domestic capacity is not only an imperative now, but it is also the only way we get out of an economic crisis,” he said.

According to him, sustained investment in domestic gas resources, power infrastructure and industrial capacity will be essential to building a productive economy.

The OER boss also highlighted the activities of Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), the company’s renewable energy subsidiary established five years ago, which is exploring ways to combine gas, solar, wind and hydropower to improve access to affordable and reliable electricity across Africa.

He disclosed that the company is piloting an innovative project that repurposes abandoned oil wells within the Oando Joint Venture into geothermal-style power generation facilities, describing it as an example of the homegrown solutions required to address Africa’s energy needs.

Responding, Minister Tegbe welcomed Oando’s continued engagement and described the discussions as an opportunity to align government policies with private sector investment and technical expertise.

He said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening gas-to-power projects as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s industrialisation strategy.

“We can talk about carbon credits, but in reality, it’s about the resources you have. You have to use them. That’s your advantage. Get it done in the cheapest, most efficient way possible. For me, it’s hydro, gas, and solar,” the minister said.

Tegbe also welcomed Oando’s offer to provide technical and advisory support to the ministry, particularly in the areas of skills development and knowledge transfer.

“I look forward to that collaboration, and I believe the power sector will get to a point where we start to see real progress. We need to look at how we use skills transfer and exchange to ensure our public sector side is also equipped to deliver on projects. I believe we will get there,” he added.

Both parties agreed to sustain engagement in the coming weeks as part of efforts to accelerate reforms and improve electricity delivery.

In his closing remarks, Irune stressed that achieving Nigeria’s energy transformation would require a shared commitment between government and the private sector.

“The ambition is not yours alone,” he told the minister, urging sustained collaboration to deliver the country’s long-term energy roadmap.

Oando said the meeting reinforces its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s power sector reforms and advancing gas as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.

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Shettima Arrives Maiduguri to Commission Hospital, Schools, 104 Housing Units

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.

The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

SEE ALSO: Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Driving Fresh Oil Sector Investment – Shettima

Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.

During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.

He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.

The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.

He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.

 

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Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Brutality Ahead of 2027 Elections

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.

Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.

According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

SEE MORE: Lagos Police Nab Educational Consultancy Staff Over Fake Visa Fraud

The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.

Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.

He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.

The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.

He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.

According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.

Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.

He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.

Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy

Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.

He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.

The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.

Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.

He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.

The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.

Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.

 

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Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains

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The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has explained why Ebola outbreaks continue to occur in Africa, citing the need for stronger health systems and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.

Kaseya spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 22, while discussing recurring Ebola outbreaks on the continent and the challenges facing public health authorities.

SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Over 3,000 Dead as Ebola Outbreak Ravages DR Congo

He explained that some outbreaks originate from animals and spread to humans through contact with the environment, stressing that effective surveillance and stronger healthcare systems were necessary to address the threat.

“We are in Africa in a specific environment. And as you are saying, this outbreak is coming also from animals to humans. It means we are in contact with our environment,” he said.

“But we can avoid that if we have a strong health system in place, if we have strong surveillance mechanisms in place. And this is what we are working to address.”

The Africa CDC chief also announced plans to convene African health ministers on October 28 to discuss the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which he described as the most geographically widespread outbreak of its kind.

According to Kaseya, three African regions—West, Central and East Africa—have been affected, making coordinated action among countries increasingly important.

“This is why I’m calling even a meeting on the 28th of October of all African ministers, because we see now this outbreak — this Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak — is the most geographically extended outbreak, with three regions in Africa already affected: West, Central and Eastern African regions,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in Africa’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, while emphasising the importance of strengthening existing systems to contain outbreaks.

Africa CDC Seeks Cooperation Over Nigeria’s Reported Ebola Case

Kaseya further called for cooperation among Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to clarify the travel history of a woman linked to Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.

He said he had been communicating with health authorities in the three countries to establish the woman’s movements before she returned to Abuja on October 3.

According to him, the woman was born in Uganda and had spent some time there before returning to Nigeria. However, further information was needed to establish whether she had travelled through the DRC or had contact with anyone arriving from the country.

“We are talking to all authorities—with Nigerian authorities, with Ugandan authorities, even to DRC authorities,” Kaseya said.

He urged the woman to provide the relevant information to health officials, noting that it would help authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the case and support the countries involved.

“What we want is collaboration from this person, the lady. She has to tell us, to disclose to the authorities. I need this information, as Nigeria needs this information, because we need also to support Uganda,” he said.

Kaseya added that establishing the woman’s travel history and possible contacts would help prevent misunderstandings between the African countries.

“I think these are the pieces of information we are looking for, and it will help all of us, and it will avoid crisis between African countries,” he added.

 

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