Energy
Undergraduates, Schools to win N66m in NCDMB/Enactus technology challenge
ABUJA-THE competition seeks to motivate and challenge Nigerian undergraduates to imbibe the culture of research and development and apply science, technology and innovation to create home-grown business solutions to everyday problems in the oil and gas industry and different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The best student team will win N10,000,000 and business incubation, while their academic guide will get a cash prize of N1,750,000 and laptop. Their university will get a winner’s trophy and research development centre.
The first runner up group will get N4,000,000 and business incubation, while their faculty guide will get N500,000. Similarly, the third placed team will win N1,500,000 while their faculty guide will get N200,000.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Content STIC contest in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, described it as one of the several initiatives the Board is implementing to develop indigenous capabilities. “We believe that tapping from the ingenuity of our young talents, we will enhance the delivery of the various strategic initiatives enunciated in our 10 Year Strategic Roadmap.”
He emphasized that “with about 170 public and private universities in Nigeria producing more than half a million graduates every year, we see huge opportunities to extract brilliant ideas from our agile and very creative youths to solve current and future challenges.”
He added that “The mission of ENACTUS is to ‘engage the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to use innovation and business principles to improve the world.’ Our interest is to catalyse this for the Nigerian youths.”
Noting that the world was already in the era of cloud computing, Internet of Things, Robotics and Big Data, where Technology and innovation have revolutionized the business environment and tech firms are beginning to worth more and earn much more than the conventional businesses, Wabote challenged Nigerians to position themselves for the technological changes.
In his words, “We need to prepare and position our young minds and talents for the 4th industrial revolution that is about to take place. The competition is open to Nigerian undergraduates from any of the accredited universities and polytechnics in the country.”
Wabote hinted that NCDMB has always targeted most of its initiatives towards the youth, in line with its mandate and in recognition of the pivotal role that youths play as the workforce of the nation He added that over the period of 10 years the Board had existed, about 10 million training man hours have been utilized to train youths under project-based training and direct-training programs.
Also speaking, the Country Director, Enactus Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ajayi described STIC as a timely initiative that will positively engage the Nigerian youths and enable them create wealth, job opportunities and innovative solutions for everyday problems in different sector of the nation’s economy.
“Those interested in taking advantage of the business development support available through this programme for the transformation of their innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures should visit: www.stic.org.ng and submit their applications”, he said
Ajayi indicated that the STIC is scheduled to run for a seven-month period, from submission of applications online, to regional competitions and then to the grand finale. He reiterated that winners of the STIC will gain access to funding, business incubation, mentorship, and training that will accelerate the journey from business ideation to the market.
The event featured a panel session on “Leveraging Technology and Innovation to drive social impact and sustainable economic growth.” The discussants included Engr Simbi Wabote; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Olukayode Pitan; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSTEF) Mrs. Teju Abisoye; and co-founder and former Group Executive Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole.
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.”