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.

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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.

A major tragedy struck the Oko community in Anambra State after a three-storey students’ hostel collapsed late Sunday night, leaving an unknown number of people feared dead and several others trapped beneath the wreckage.

The affected building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located near Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area behind the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area.

The cause of the collapse has not yet been established, while emergency rescue efforts continued on Monday as authorities searched for more victims.

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Personnel from the Anambra State Police Command, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside volunteers and other security agencies, have been working tirelessly to remove debris and rescue occupants believed to be trapped.

Several victims have been rescued alive and transported to a hospital in Oko for treatment. Bodies recovered from the scene have been taken to a mortuary, although officials say the exact number of deaths and injuries is yet to be confirmed.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said police officers responded immediately after receiving a distress call regarding the collapse.

He explained that a joint security team quickly secured the area to prevent further danger while coordinating rescue operations with relevant emergency agencies.

According to the police spokesperson, rescue operations remain ongoing, making it impossible at this stage to determine the total number of casualties or those affected.
He also confirmed that rescued victims are receiving medical care at a hospital in Oko.

The police have appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information, and keep away from the scene to allow rescue workers unrestricted access.

Authorities are expected to release more details as rescue operations continue and investigations into the cause of the building collapse commence.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as the new Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), reinforcing his administration’s legislative engagement strategy.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, follows the resignation of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down from the position to pursue an elective office in his home state.

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The announcement was made in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, Dr. Olanrewaju-Smart brings a wealth of experience in public policy, governance and legislative affairs to the role.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that the new adviser would strengthen collaboration between the Presidency, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and the House of Representatives.

Olanrewaju-Smart holds a PhD in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.

He is also an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.
The 40-year-old policy expert was also a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In addition, he earned a Professional Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations and served as a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI, USA, where he focused on artificial intelligence and civic technology.

His career in the National Assembly spans several strategic positions.

He served as Research and Media Assistant to the Minority and Majority Leaders of the House of Representatives during the 7th and 8th Assemblies before rising to become Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff, and later Chief of Staff to the Speaker during the 9th and 10th Assemblies.

In October 2023, Olanrewaju-Smart joined the Presidency as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until his latest appointment.

His public policy portfolio includes contributions to several landmark legislations, including the Interest-Free Student Loan Act, among other reforms.

The Presidency stated that the appointment takes immediate effect, adding that President Tinubu is confident Olanrewaju-Smart will deploy his experience, intellect and commitment to strengthen legislative coordination and relations between the Presidency, MDAs and the House of Representatives.