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SNEPCo, JV, NCDMB donate Geosciences Centre to UNILAG

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• 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.

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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.

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2027: Mbah Leads the Charge as Enugu APC Unveils Campaign Council

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Enugu Governor, Dr Peter Mbah
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…Sen. Nnamani, Nwobodo, Dr. Nnamani, Chime, Ugwuanyi, Prof. Nnaji, Arthur Eze, Frank Nweke, Madueke, others get advisory roles

…Udeh, Nwoye, Utazi, Egumgbe, Ben Collins Ndu, Onyia, others head 51 Directorates

…Council to be inaugurated on Tuesday

The Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, unveiled the party’s Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Campaign Council, comprising 51 Directorates, is chaired by the Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, while the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Deputy National Chairman, APC (South); Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; and the Chairman of the party in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, are Vice Chairmen.

The list signed by Chukwunweike and the Secretary of Enugu APC, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, also has Chief Charlie Mbah as the Director-General of the Campaign Organisation and Dr. Eric Oluedo as the Secretary-General.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Dr. Dan Shere, and Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye are Deputy Campaign DGs for Enugu East Senatorial District, Enugu North Senatorial District, and Enugu West Senatorial District, respectively.

Barr. Steve Oruruo is the Campaign Spokesperson and Director of the Public Communication Committee, with Dr. Austin Okolie as co-spokesperson and Dr. Malachy Agbo as Secretary.

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Mazi Uche Anichukwu and Dan Nwomeh, both drawn from the Governor’s media team, head the Directorate of New Media and Strategic Communication and the Directorate of Mainstream Media, respectively. Dr. Collins Ogbu is the Secretary of the former, while Dr. Reuben Onyishi is the Secretary of the latter.

Barr. Victor Udeh leads the Administration Directorate, while Dr. Ben Nwoye and Arc. Uche Nwatu are the Director and Co-Director of the Fundraising Committee, respectively.

Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd.), chairs the Security Directorate, while former Inspector General of Police, Ogbono Onovo (Rtd.), is the Secretary.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology is in charge of the Directorate of Government Appointees Coordination (Federal and State), with Prof. Chidiebere Onyia as Secretary, while former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, heads Inter-Party Affairs.

Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Ikeje Asogwa, and Senator Kelvin Chukwu are Coordinators of the Campaign Council in Enugu West, Enugu North, and Enugu East, respectively.

Meanwhile, in their co-signed statement, Chukwunweike and Nnadozie said the size of the Campaign Council was a reflection of “the conviction that every community, ward, local government area, professional group, support organisation, youth body, women’s group, elder, party faithful and person of goodwill must be seen, heard and meaningfully engaged.”

“Appointment into the campaign structure is therefore not merely an honour; it is a call to duty, accountability and measurable contribution,” they stated.

The Council will be inaugurated at the International Conference Centre, Enugu on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

All members of the Campaign Council are to be seated before 3pm.

CLICK LINK BELOW TO SEE FULL LIST:

APC ENUGU CAMPAIGN COUNCIL COMPOSITION-1

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Terrorists Abduct Sunday Igboho’s Iru Ekun Security Group Members in Kwara

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Tension has gripped parts of Kwara State following the reported abduction of members of the Iru Ekun Security Group, a security outfit spearheaded by Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The assailants reportedly abducted the security operatives and forced them to renounce their activities of protecting communities in the state.

According to reports, the abducted members pleaded for their release and were compelled to renounce their community protection activities.

The Iru Ekun Security Group was established to protect Yoruba communities in Kwara State against terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

The reported abduction has sparked fear among residents who rely on the group for protection against insecurity in their communities.

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As of the time of filing this report, Igboho had yet to issue a statement on the reported abduction of the security group members.

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Ifeanyi Ubah’s Elder Sister, Fidelia Chigbogu, Dies Suddenly at 61

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Late Mrs Fidelia Ezinwanne Chigbogu
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Fidelia Ezinwanne Chigbogu, the immediate elder sister of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has died at the age of 61.

Mrs Chigbogu, fondly called “Darling” by her husband, reportedly slumped and died on Sunday morning in Lagos while preparing to attend church.

Her husband, Chudi Chidinma Chigbogu, a native of Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, described her death as a devastating shock, saying she had shown no signs of illness before the incident.

“It was like a shock to me because, even as I am talking to you now, I never believed it,” he said.

Narrating the circumstances surrounding her death, Mr Chigbogu said the family had experienced an electrical incident the previous Thursday when their electricity meter exploded and burnt their changeover room.

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He said they had contacted officials of the electricity distribution company, who promised to visit on Monday to replace and relocate the meter.

“We were busy waiting for them. My wife said she would give testimony in church on Sunday, and we were preparing for that,” he said.

According to him, his wife woke up on Sunday morning without any apparent health complaints and was preparing to leave for church when the incident occurred.

“That Sunday morning, she woke up. There was nothing like a headache, nothing like fever, nothing. She finished bathing and was preparing to go to church. She usually leaves home between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. because of the roles she plays in the church,” he said.

Mr Chigbogu explained that he was washing his car because of dust when he became concerned that his wife had not come downstairs.

“I went to wash the car because of dust. Around 8 a.m., I called my son and said, ‘Why has mummy not come down? Go and check.’

“Only for the boy to go and start screaming that he called his mummy and she did not answer. He lifted her hand, and her hand dropped,” he recounted.

He said he immediately rushed upstairs and found his wife lying unresponsive on the bed.

“I called her names, no way. I alerted neighbours, and we carried her to six hospitals. Anywhere we went, they would take me aside and say I didn’t bring her on time, that she had passed on.

“I said no, it was not possible, until we got to Navy Hospital, where they refused to admit her,” he said.

Mr Chigbogu said prayers continued at their home for several hours as the family struggled to come to terms with the tragedy.

He recalled that around 4 p.m., someone told him she had seen his wife in a vision, moving swiftly without looking back, which she interpreted as a sign that the deceased had made it to heaven.

“That was when I changed my mind and allowed an ambulance to come. She left here after 6 p.m. and got to the village around 7 a.m. the next day,” he said.

Describing his late wife, Mr Chigbogu said she was a natural leader, peacemaker and philanthropist who played a significant role in her family, church and community.

“Aside from calling her Darling, I called her many names because she was a leader. No matter the case in the family, she would settle it.

“She is the founder of a women’s group, played a very big role in the church and was known for her charitable work. Before her passing, she was working on her orphanage.

“Even though she is no more, I will not let her down. I will make sure that project comes to pass,” he said.

On her family background, Mr Chigbogu said her parents had seven children—three boys and four girls—and that his late wife was the second daughter.

He added that she was also one of the trustees of the Ubah family.

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