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We’re constructing legacy roads that ‘ll stand the test of time -Delta Govt

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We’re constructing legacy roads that ‘ll stand the test of time -Delta Govt

DAN DENT ASABA

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Delta State Government has reiterated it’s commitment to the construction of legacy road projects that would stand the test of time amidst rising cost of materials.

It disclosed that it has changed its design and supervision concepts to ensure long lasting roads across the State.

The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Comrade Reuben Izeze disclosed this at the 12th edition of “Journalists Hangout” at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, on Sunday, in Asaba, the state capital.

He emphasized that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration detests cutting corners and vowed to ensure that Deltans get the best quality of work for their money.

Flanked by the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and former Vice President South-South, Comrade Edward Akpati Ogwude, the Commissioner said there are no “sacred cows” in the supervision of projects across the state.

According to him, “we have spent most of the last one year doing supervisory work and as a matter of policy I must visit every road to see things for myself before any certificate is issued.

“I don’t sign any payment certificate without going there to see things for myself and in the last one year we have changed the narrative in the area of supervision of projects.

“When I came I told all the contractors that the ‘era of oga say’ had ended and I told the engineers that no contractor is bigger than them.

“If you tell any contractor to do the proper thing and they refuse just let me know and we will handle it because I know the Governor will not support anyone to circumvent the Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) because he wants to please anybody.

“You cannot make your profit and still shortchange the people. The people should have roads that will last and stand the test of time.

“I have the philosophy of the Ogbemudia roads, which still stands till date despite that the man had died some years ago. That is the kind of legacy roads that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori wants to provide for Deltans.

“Legacy roads starts from the point of design and I will not allow anyone use Google map to design roads for me, you have to go to the site and show me your drains and where it is discharging to.

“Our supervision and design concept has changed. Before we bring any road to the State’s Tender Board, we must be sure that the road is designed to last minimum of 20 years.

“That is one thing we have been able to establish and the contractors know that it is no longer business as usual. You must do your work according to the BEME otherwise you must return right site.”

Comrade Izeze said Governor Oborevwori was seriously revamping infrastructure in Warri and environs and other parts of the state as he had promised in his inaugural speech.

“If you left Warri last week and by the time you return next week you see that there are changes because Julius Berger is working on the flyover bridges and road expansion projects in Warri and Effurun.

“We are also handling a number of inherited projects like the Kwale-Beneku bridge which is approaching completion. We have finished and inaugurated the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass.

“We also completed the Ohoror-Bomadi bridge and now the our sister department is handling the entire reconstruction of that stretch of road.

“Emevor-Orogun Road has also been completed and inaugurated through our sister department and we are looking at existing projects we inherited across the state to see how they can be completed for the use of the people.

“Orere Bridge in Delta Central was inherited and Governor Oborevwori is committed to funding it to completion and has also approved an upward review for the project.

“Trans-Warri – Ode-Itsekiri road is another inherited project that we have reviewed and they have told us it would be ready by May 29, 2025.

“The Governor has also put much pressure on the contractor handling the Egbo-Ideh Ayakoromo Bridge another massive project we inherited.

“Aside these inherited projects we also have some new ones that we are handling like the Okito and Sokoh Estate Road in Effurun.

“Governor Oborevwori is not ready to construct any road that will fail immediately. So the design of the road must be such that we will not have any reason to return there till the end of his administration.

“We have also done some works on PTI Road, Uti Road is also another road that we are working on and it may be ready in December, we have extracted a guarantee of 20 years based on the design of the road.

“Lower and Upper Erejuwa Roads in Warri have also been reconstructed and expanded to improve the aesthetics of the city.

“So far so good we have upped our game because the quality of work and supervision have approved and we are not going to rest on our oars to ensure that we give Deltans the best.”

On the state of Federal Roads in the state, the Commissioner said the state government would continue to intervene on federal roads as long as it bothers on the lives of Deltans especially when the roads are not encumbered on existing contracts by the Federal Government.

He explained that the State Government couldn’t intervene as it had wanted to on the Asaba-Onitsha highway because the road had been under contract all along.

In his remarks, Delta State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Churchill Oyowe, thanked the Commissioner for coming to elucidate on the activities of the State Ministry of Works.

He stressed that the “Journalists Hangout” was designed as a platform for friendly discussions with stakeholders on their contributions to society.

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ASR AFRICA HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR A N250 MILLION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU MEDICAL SCIENCE LABOURATORY FOR CRESCENT UNIVERSITY

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

ASR Africa has commenced the construction of a N250 Million medical science laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta in Ogun State.

From Right: Mr. G. T. Ogunmefun (University Acting Bursar); Barr. A. M. Ajiobla, SAN (Proprietor); Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila (Vice- Chancellor); Dr. Ubon Udoh (MD/CEO, ASR Africa); Barr. Z. A. Ajibola (Registrar) and Prof. M. K.  Momodu (Dean, College of Law) at the ground breaking ceremony of the Medical Science Laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta.

August24news.com gathered that the laboratory will enhance the capacity of the institution in meeting the National Development Plans and Transformational Agenda (NDTA) of the Federal Government of Nigeria, whilst filling the gap created by laboratory scientists who have left the country recently.


Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, expressed gratitude for the institution’s nomination by ASR Africa under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGs).

He applauded ASR Africa for the award of the grant and noted that the project is the university’s topmost priority, considering its drive to expand its College of Health Sciences programs.


In his response, the MD CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, commended the management of the university for their academic achievements and systematic growth which is evident by the addition of three new colleges recently.

These colleges include the College of Environmental Sciences (COES), Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW) and the College of Health Sciences (COHES). Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of ASR Africa in ensuring a timely completion of the project.


The N250 Million grant will provide fixtures and fittings for the medical science laboratory which features a 300 sitting capacity auditorium, offices for Head of Departments and lecturers, lecture /seminar rooms.

It will also cater as laboratories facility for Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Biology, Hematology, Pharmacology/Therapeutics and Chemical Pathology.


The ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme is targeted at supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and so far over 30 tertiary institutions in Nigeria have benefitted from this grant which ranges from N250 million to N 2 billion.


ABOUT ASR AFRICA
The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa. 

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Seplat Energy Clinches ‘Deal of the Year’ at New Telegraph Award

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Seplat Energy Clinches ‘Deal of the Year’ at New Telegraph Award

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the ‘Deal of the Year’ Award at the recently held New Telegraph Newspaper Awards.

L-R: Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy; Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy; and Adebowale Eboda, Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Seplat Energy at the New Telegraph Newspapers Awards where Seplat Energy clinched the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ in Lagos … on Friday.

Seplat Energy completed the deal on the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited – renamed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) from ExxonMobil in December 2024. 

The Award ceremony was not just a ceremony but a heartfelt tribute to outstanding organisations and individuals that have made significant contributions across various sectors, including governance, business, education, and technology. The event honoured those who have excelled in their fields and inspired others through their work.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr Ayodele Aminu, said: “Tonight, we celebrate not just achievements but the transformative power of love, dedication to work, those who have transcended expectations, those who have defied barriers and inspired digital growth and made extraordinary waves and impact in their various fields.”

“The true essence of these awards lies not in accolades or trophies, but in the enduring impact of each orgnanisation and individual’s contributions,” Aminu  said, urging awardees to continue to push boundaries and inspire others for greater heights.

L-R: Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy; Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy; and Adebowale Eboda, Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Seplat Energy at the New Telegraph Newspapers Awards where Seplat Energy clinched the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ in Lagos … on Friday.

The MPNU deal was transformative for Seplat Energy, with the capacity of more than doubling production and positioning the Company to drive growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity.

The completion of the acquisition has created Nigeria’s leading independent energy company, with the enlarged company having equity in 11 blocks (onshore and shallow water Nigeria); 48 producing oil and gas fields; 5 gas processing facilities; and 3 export terminals.

The acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MPNU adds the following assets to the Seplat Group: 40% operated interest in OML 67, 68, 70 and 104; 40% operated interest in the Qua Iboe export terminal and the Yoho FSO; 51% operated interest in the Bonny River Terminal (‘BRT’) NGL recovery plant; 9.6% participating interest in the Aneman-Kpono field; and approximately 1,000 staff and 500 contractors have transitioned to the Seplat Group.

This strongly connects to Seplat Energy’s mission of delivering value to all its stakeholders, and building a sustainable business that can deliver affordable, accessible and reliable energy for Nigeria.

Responding, Seplat Energy thanked the New Telegraphy Newspapers for its recognition whilst lauding the Newspaper’s commitment to excellence and professionalism. “At Seplat Energy we are proud of the contributions we can make to improving affordable energy access for Nigerians through the safe, responsible development of Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves,” it added.

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Olusunle, Now Fellow Nigerian Mining & Geosciences Society (FNMGS)

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…As Society Celebrates 64 Years of Existence

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

A research Director of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Dr. Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle has been conferred with the prestigious Fellow of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), one of the oldest professional bodies in the history of Nigeria.

NASENI Research Director, Engr. Dr Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle, FNMGS, (right) receiving the Conferment Award plaque and Certificate from Prof. Akinade Sadrach Olatunji, the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society(NMGS)(left) during the Awards Night which took place at the Chida International Hotels Abuja on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

The Nigeria’s late sage, Pan Africanist and President during the First Nigerian Republic Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first patron of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.     

The Society yesterday in Abuja concluded its 60th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), and it was time for the body to honour and recognize its members who had contributed tremendously not only to the growth and development of the Mining and Geosciences profession in the country, but the accomplishments of the honourees having direct bearing on the general socio-economic development of the country.

The event which was held between 16th to 19th February 2025 at the Chida International Hotel Abuja, came to a climax with Awards Night and recognition. Dr. Olusunle and 42 other members were honoured with the prestigious fellow category, which is the highest election attainable in society.

This conferment has added new appellation to Engr.Dr. Olusunle’s name as FNMGS.  In 1977, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) succeeded the Nigerian Mining Geological and Metallurgical Society (NMGMS) which was founded on 15th January 1961 and officially inaugurated on 17th December, 1962.

The society is an international professional organization. Its Objectives include: Advancement and practice of Mining, Earth sciences and Metallurgy, Acquisition, preservation and dissemination of mining geoscientific and metallurgical knowledge, publication of an interdisciplinary learned journal of Mining and Geology (JMG), the CRUST, periodicals and specialized books including annual books of abstracts and programmes of the society’s conferences and activities and upholding the ethics and safeguarding the interests of the professionals covered by the society.

The society also has statutory representation in the council of the Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) established by the Federal republic of Nigeria Decree No. 40 of 1990. The categories of membership are Fellow, Corporate, Graduate, Students, Affiliate, Institutional and Honorary fellow, the highest of all is the Fellow category.

When asked to speak on the significance of the society’s recognition to him and NASENI where he serves as Director Research, a highly elated Olusunle had this to say: “I give God the glory and I am really humbled to be elected FELLOW of NMGS. It should be noted that the mandate of NASENI and the core concerns of NMGS are knittingly related. NASENI has one of its institutes operating within the purview of solid minerals exploitation (SOMMEDI).

NASENI also under wonderful leadership of the EVC/CEO, Khalil S. Halilu, is actively involved in the CNG project of the Federal Government. These and other notable activities/intervention of NASENI are collaborative windows between the agency and NMGS”.

Before he became research director, Dr. Olusunle was former Managing Director, Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI) Akure, one of NASENI Development Institutes. Also, he is a FELLOW of the Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), the Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria (MSN), the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), The Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), The Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS)and many others.

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