• Sanwo-Olu charges Nigerians on homegrown solutions

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), with its joint venture (JV) partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Friday commissioned a world-class geoscience center at the University of Lagos.

The facility was approved by NCDMB and executed by SNEPCo andits JV partners as part of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (HCD) programme which had focused lately on institutional strengthening, equipping universities and revamping select technical and vocational schools across the country, in a bid to develop competent technical manpower and craftsmen needed in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe remarked that human capital development sits at the core of the Nigerian content mandate, and the new centre t reflects a clear commitment to building local capacity andstrengthening Nigeria’s position in the global energy industry.

He highlighted that geosciences is the pathway to the discovery of new oil and gas deposits and the centre will contribute to NCDMB’s drive to enable new oil and gas projects, in accordance with the policy directives of President Bola Tinubu.

Represented by the Director, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Engr.Abayomi Bamidele, he pointed out geosciences was included in the top ten skills in NCDMB’s Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training, where the agency will train 10,000 young Nigerians in critical industry skills that will position them for opportunities in new oil and gas projects. The UNILAG’s geoscience center will participate in that programme he assured, adding that NCDMB prioritizes patronage of locally made goods and capacities.

In his words, “There are three things we work on. First, any good produced in-country, as long as it can be applied in the oil and gas industry, the law requires that we patronise you. Secondly, if you own any asset that is very useful in the oil and gas industry and you have our requisite certificates, the law requires that you get patronage. Lastly and most important, the human side of things which involve building human capacities.”

On why UNILAG was chosen for the project, the NCDMB boss said projects are chosen depending on the skill sets identified in a particular institution. He noted that data shows that the institution has competencies in geosciences and other related fields.

He disclosed that the Board will continue to promote similar centers across institutions in the country, to assist in developing local capabilities. He encouraged the staff and students tooptimal use of the facility to improve their knowledge.

In his remarks, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu charged players in the various sectors of the Nigerianeconomy to develop homegrown solutions for sustainable development.

Represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, the Governor noted that the knowledge and skills developed locally would have wider relevance in environmental management, infrastructure development and other critical areas.

According to him, Lagos depends on the strength of its people, while its growth, resilience and continued success come down to how well its young people are prepared for the future.

“This centre adds to that preparation. It helps us build a workforce that is skilled, confident and ready to contribute meaningfully from day one. It also strengthens Lagos as a hub for knowledge, innovation and enterprise, where ideas are not just discussed but developed into solutions.

“When you look at it from a national perspective, the importance becomes even clearer. Nigeria cannot continue to rely heavily on external expertise in critical sectors. We must build our own capacity. We must train our own professionals. We must develop our own solutions. This is exactly what this centre is designed to support,” he stated.

The Managing Director of SNEPCo, Mr. Ronald Adams, in his speech, encouraged UNILAG to explore advanced research, embrace industry collaboration and cultivate a new generation of geoscientists who can excel across academia, corporate leadership, field operations and policymaking.

“To colleagues in the broader energy community, we extend an open invitation. This is not a Shell facility; it is a national asset,” he said. “We encourage you to partner with UNILAG, fund research, support student projects, create internships and mentor emerging talent. The dividends will be measured in innovation, capability and national progress.”

He appreciated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) for its unwavering leadership and partnership, as well as co-venture partners for their consistent support in delivering interventions that positively impact Nigerians.

“We extend our gratitude to the NCDMB, the Executive Secretary and his team who played a critical role in the successof this project, exemplifying the strength of purposeful collaboration,” he added.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, said the centre would offer the school the opportunity to develop capacity, unlock new avenues of enquiry, and empower its scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge.

“It will equip our students with the critical skills and forward-thinking mindset necessary to thrive through hands-on learning with advanced teaching technology, simulation laboratories and library facilities for research and knowledge-sharing, as well as serve as a hub for studying fields such as reservoir modelling, seismic interpretation and core analysis to prepare students for the industry.

“In addition, the university, in liaison with the donor, has articulated a clear sustainability framework for the centre, incorporating long-term institutional funding commitment, strategic industry partnerships, periodic technological upgrades and structured maintenance provisions to ensure the facility remains operationally efficient, academically relevant and globally competitive over the long term,” she said.

The father of two victims abducted Wednesday from a Benue Links bus en route to Otukpo has cried out over ransom demands by their captors, who he said are insisting on N9 million for each of his kidnapped children.

The victims were among those seized when armed men intercepted the bus and forced passengers into nearby bush paths.

Recall that on Wednesday, passengers of an 18-seater Benue Links bus from Makurdi were abducted a few kilometres to Otukpo town, by assailants suspected to be armed herdsmen.

Days after the incident, the father of two victims said the family is in distress over the matter and had already commenced negotiations with the kidnappers.

The worried father, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the abductors had repeatedly shifted their ransom demands, worsening the family’s anguish.

He said, “I have two children that were kidnapped in the bus and they have not released any of them. The kidnappers have opened discussions with us.

“They initially demanded N10 million for each of my children. Later, they reduced it to N500,000 but shortly after, they called back and insisted it would be N9 million each. Up till now, we are still begging them.”

He said his family is financially incapable of meeting the demand, adding that they are now relying on prayers and government intervention.

“We are pleading with the government to comb the bushes and bring back the children because we do not have any hope of getting them back. Even if you sell me, I cannot be worth that N9 million being demanded for each of them,” he said.

The father disclosed that his children were students travelling from Nasarawa State when they were abducted.

“My children were coming from school in Nasarawa State. They boarded a vehicle from Nasarawa State and on getting to Makurdi they joined another bus to Otukpo, and that was when they ran into wrong hands,” he explained.

He further appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue operations, warning that the situation has left the family devastated.

“The government should intensify their search so that our children will come back alive to meet us. Since this incident happened, my wife has not eaten. We are appealing to the government to help us,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, claimed that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Part of the statement read, “The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident that occurred on April 15, 2026, in Otukpo.

“In a coordinated joint security operation involving the Police and other sister security agencies, operatives are conducting a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and adjoining areas. The operation has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.

“Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing.”

The family of a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination candidate abducted during Wednesday’s attack on a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi-Otukpo road has condemned the examination body for denying that none of the victims was its candidates.

Speaking to Vanguard, a relative of one of the victims who preferred anonymity, said JAMB’s statement was “disturbing and dismissive,” stressing that a large number of passengers on the bus were travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

“My nephew was on that bus, and he was heading to Otukpo for his JAMB examination. In fact, most of the passengers were candidates. Only a few were not going for the exam. That explains why they hurried to travel that evening, they had exams scheduled for early the next day.”

Reacting further he added, “It is shocking to hear JAMB say there were no candidates on that bus. That is simply not true. I know this firsthand.”

The family further linked the incident to what they described as JAMB’s “problematic posting system,” which often requires candidates to travel long distances to write examinations.

“These are the consequences of JAMB’s inadequacies. How do you expect young people to travel such long distances just to write an exam? Some candidates are even posted from Makurdi to places as far as Jalingo in Taraba State.

“While we are not blaming JAMB for the kidnapping, they must accept responsibility for creating the conditions that expose candidates to such risks.”

He continued, “They sent candidates from Makurdi to Otukpo, and this happened. If those candidates were allowed to write the exam closer to home, this situation might not have occurred. I know several people, including my neighbours, who travelled that same route because JAMB posted them there.”

The relative criticised the examination body for what he described as a lack of empathy, noting that its response failed to acknowledge the pain of affected families.

“At a time like this, what families expect is compassion, not denial,” he said.

“Instead of showing concern and supporting efforts to secure the victims’ release, they are focused on disputing whether those abducted were candidates. That is insensitive,” he added.

He provided further clarification, saying, “My nephew’s exam was scheduled for April 16, 2026, which is why they travelled on April 15. I know this because I personally paid for his registration. That bus carried more candidates than any other group of passengers.”

While acknowledging that JAMB did not organise the journey, he insisted the board still bears some responsibility.

“They may argue that they didn’t arrange the transport, but these were candidates travelling for an exam conducted by JAMB. That connection alone should make them more responsive and responsible,” he said.

He urged the examination body to retract its statement and show solidarity with the victims’ families.

“I strongly advise JAMB to withdraw that statement and express sympathy. Families are in distress, and dismissing their claims only adds to their pain. It is unfair and unacceptable,” he said.