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  Dr. Raphael Arokoyo, Chairman and CEO of AF Ralph Ventures and Marktot Oil and Gas, has extended his warmest congratulations to his close friend, Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, Dr. Arokoyo praised Umar's remarkable career, spanning over two decades, in the energy sector. "Mr. Umar's wealth of experience, strategic vision, and proven track record in transformational leadership make him an ideal fit for this critical role," he said. "His appointment is a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria's energy industry." "To me, Alhaji Rabiu is an intelligent person... I have no doubt on my mind that he's going to do greatly well as the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA. He's a man of integrity, his brilliance is top-notch, and I...

By Wilson Macaulay Dr. Raphael Arokoyo, Chairman and CEO of AF Ralph Ventures and Marktot Oil and Gas, has extended his warmest congratulations to his close friend, Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, Dr. Arokoyo praised Umar's remarkable career, spanning over two decades, in the energy sector. "Mr. Umar's wealth of experience, strategic vision, and proven track record in transformational leadership make him an ideal fit for this critical role," he said. "His appointment is a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria's energy industry." "To me, Alhaji Rabiu is an intelligent person... I have no doubt on my mind that he's going to do greatly well as the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA. He's a man of integrity, his brilliance is to...

  By Wilson Macaulay Comrade Nelson Obukowho Agbajor has been re-elected as Chairman of the Sapele Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), following a peaceful and well-coordinated election conducted on April 25, 2026, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State. The election, which took place at the NUJ Sapele Chapel Secretariat, was successfully supervised by the Delta State Council of the NUJ under the leadership of the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, alongside the Acting State Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior. The process was widely praised for its transparency, orderliness, and strict adherence to union guidelines. In what stakeholders described as a resounding endorsement of the incumbent leadership, all seven members of the chapel’s executive council were returned unopposed. Members noted that the unanimous outcome reflected the executives’ commitment to service, dedication to members’ welfare, and consistent engagement in chapel act...

  By Wilson Macaulay Comrade Nelson Obukowho Agbajor has secured a second term as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sapele Correspondents’ Chapel, following a peaceful and well-coordinated election held on April 25, 2026, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State. The election, conducted at the NUJ Sapele Chapel Secretariat, was supervised by officials of the Delta State Council of the NUJ, led by the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, alongside the Acting State Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, ensuring transparency and adherence to union guidelines. In what observers and members described as a resounding endorsement of the outgoing leadership, all seven members of the chapel’s executive council were returned unopposed. The unanimous outcome has been widely interpreted as a strong vote of confidence in the executives’ performance, particularly in areas of welfare, unity, and active engagement in chapel affairs. The newly elected executive team is l...

By Wilson Macaulay A storm is quietly gathering within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State as concerned stakeholders from Kabba/Bunu State Constituency have issued a strongly worded open letter to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, raising alarm over what they describe as a dangerous drift from democratic norms ahead of the party’s primary election. In the letter, jointly signed by concerned party members and grassroots leaders, the stakeholders accused the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of deliberately refusing to convene a crucial stakeholders’ meeting—an action they warn could destabilize the party’s internal cohesion and credibility in the constituency. The petitioners expressed “deep concern” over what they termed a calculated silence and lack of consultation, noting that the development has already triggered tension, suspicion, and uncertainty among aspirants, party loyalists, and grassroots mobilizers. According to them, stakeholder engagement remains a corn...

  By Wilson Macaulay The leadership of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) in Delta State, under the stewardship of Senior Comrade Chief Sunday Ndidi Enujeke as Chairman and High Comrade Joseph Lamienghan as Secretary, has come under growing pressure from stakeholders to adopt a more assertive stance in demanding the fair share of derivation funds due to oil-bearing communities across the state. While acknowledging the strides recorded by the current leadership in unifying host communities and strengthening internal coordination, stakeholders say the time has come for HOSTCOM to move beyond administrative engagement and assume a more forceful advocacy role. They noted that the body has demonstrated commendable leadership capacity, particularly in mobilizing grassroots support and sustaining cohesion among member communities. Speaking with journalists, prominent stakeholders including Chief Harrison Abuge from Delta Central and Chief Mrs. Gloria Opute fro...

  By Wilson Macaulay The Delta State chapter of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Council (PAPC) has raised a strong alarm over what it described as an illegal and unauthorized congress held on April 19, 2026, in Bomadi Town, warning that the development poses a serious threat to the stability of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Third Phase. In a press release signed by the Delta State Chairman of PAPC, Gen. Simple Kosie, the council, speaking on behalf of stakeholders, delegates, and beneficiaries, unequivocally condemned the gathering, describing it as a factional move aimed at undermining the existing leadership structure of the programme. He stressed that the purported emergence of Preye Ekpebide as “National Chairman” is null, void, and unacceptable. Kosie noted that such parallel leadership claims are in direct violation of the established governance framework guiding the Third Phase Amnesty Programme. He warned that individuals or groups engaging in such acts are no...

  By Wilson Macaulay The Delta State chapter of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Council (PAPC) has raised a strong alarm over what it described as an illegal and unauthorized congress held on April 19, 2026, in Bomadi Town, warning that the development poses a serious threat to the stability of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Third Phase. In a press release signed by the Delta State Chairman of PAPC, Gen. Simple Kosie, the council, speaking on behalf of stakeholders, delegates, and beneficiaries, unequivocally condemned the gathering, describing it as a factional move aimed at undermining the existing leadership structure of the programme. He stressed that the purported emergence of Preye Ekpebide as “National Chairman” is null, void, and unacceptable. Kosie noted that such parallel leadership claims are in direct violation of the established governance framework guiding the Third Phase Amnesty Programme. He warned that individuals or groups engaging in such acts are no...

.... By Matthew James Avabee  I have closely observed a troubling trend within our party in Kogi State, where a single individual or a small group attempts to unilaterally decide candidates for multiple positions ahead of APC primaries. Even more concerning is the growing acceptance of this practice among some party faithful. This approach is not only unhealthy for internal democracy but also dangerous for party unity and electoral success. There is nothing inherently wrong with leadership identifying or supporting preferred candidates. However, such decisions must be handled with inclusiveness, consultation, and respect for other aspirants who have invested time, resources, and built political structures over the years. No serious aspirant spends years mobilizing supporters, building connections, and committing resources only to wake up to rumors or media narratives that a “system candidate” has been imposed without engagement or explanation, This approach inevitably breeds resent...

  By Akin Fanodun - Kabba   In a historic and well-attended gathering that underscored unity, loyalty, and political foresight, stakeholders, party leaders across all political wards, and respected community figures in Kabba have unanimously reaffirmed Chief Ben Olowodola as their leader. The high-level meeting, which drew participation from key political actors and grassroots mobilizers, was not only a demonstration of confidence in his leadership but also a strategic convergence aimed at strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the forthcoming elections. The atmosphere at the meeting reflected a shared sense of purpose, as speakers took turns to highlight the importance of continuity in leadership at both the state and national levels. Central to the discussions was the collective resolve to ensure the successful re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom they described as leaders committed to sustainable developmen...

A strong advocacy for a new direction in engineering and industrial development was the highlight of the 13th Inaugural Lecture at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Delta State, where Engr. Prof. Omonigho B. Otanocha called for a deliberate alignment between nature and industry as the pathway to sustainable development. Delivering the lecture titled “Let There Be Light: Engineered Systems Response for Nature and Industrial Harmony,” the Professor of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Sustainable Production Systems emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift from conventional production-driven models to sustainability-focused engineering systems. Drawing inspiration from Genesis 1:3 — “Let there be light,” he described light as a powerful symbol of knowledge, innovation, and the foundation for responsible industrial transformation. Prof. Otanocha stressed that engineering must evolve beyond the pursuit of efficiency and profit to embrace environmental stewar...

A bold and forward-looking vision for sustainable industrialization took centre stage at the 13th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Delta State, as Engr. Prof. Omonigho B. Otanocha called for a transformative shift toward nature-aligned engineering as the foundation for an eco-industrial revolution in Nigeria and beyond. Delivering the lecture titled “Let There Be Light: Engineered Systems Response for Nature and Industrial Harmony,” the Professor of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Sustainable Production Systems anchored his discourse on the symbolic and practical relevance of light, drawing from Genesis 1:3 — “Let there be light.” He described light as a metaphor for knowledge, innovation, and the driving force behind the evolution of engineering systems capable of harmonizing industry with nature. Prof. Otanocha emphasized that the future of engineering lies in transcending conventional production-focused models to embrace sustainabili...

A compelling call for a shift in engineering philosophy defined the 13th Inaugural Lecture at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Delta State, as stakeholders were urged to embrace a new model of industrial development rooted in sustainability, innovation, and harmony with nature. Delivering the lecture titled “Let There Be Light: Engineered Systems Response for Nature and Industrial Harmony,” Engr. Prof. Omonigho B. Otanocha, Professor of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Sustainable Production Systems, emphasized the urgent need to move beyond conventional production-driven systems toward a more responsible, sustainability-focused engineering paradigm. Drawing from the biblical reference in Genesis 1:3 — “Let there be light,” he described light as a symbol of knowledge, innovation, and the driving force behind purposeful industrial evolution. Prof. Otanocha stressed that engineering must extend beyond efficiency and productivity to incorporate environmental st...

  A strong call for a paradigm shift in engineering philosophy took centre stage at the 13th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Delta State, as stakeholders were urged to rethink industrial progress through a nature–industry alignment that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and long-term environmental stewardship. Delivering the lecture titled “Let There Be Light: Engineered Systems Response for Nature and Industrial Harmony,” Engr. Prof. Omonigho B. Otanocha, Professor of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Sustainable Production Systems, emphasized the urgent need to move beyond traditional production-driven engineering models toward sustainability-centred systems anchored on ethics, wisdom, and ecological balance. Drawing inspiration from the biblical text in Genesis 1:3 — “Let there be light,” he described light as a metaphor for knowledge, innovation, and the foundation of purposeful creation in engineering practice. Prof. Otano...

By Wilson Macaulay The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has formally matriculated 2,101 students into its Full-Time and School of Industrial and Continuing Education (SICE) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session, reaffirming its strategic role in Nigeria’s technical manpower development and capacity building for the oil and gas industry. The matriculation ceremony, held at the Institute’s Conference Centre on Friday, April 17, 2026, was attended by academic staff, parents, guardians, and stakeholders from the education and energy sectors, all gathered to witness the official induction of the new students into one of Nigeria’s foremost petroleum training institutions. Delivering the matriculation address, the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, welcomed the fresh students and described their admission as a significant step into a structured pathway of technical training and professional development. He urged them to remain dis...

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has formally inducted 2,101 students into its Full-Time and School of Industrial and Continuing Education (SICE) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session, with a strong emphasis on discipline, academic excellence, and industry relevance. The well-attended matriculation ceremony, held at the Institute’s Conference Centre on Friday, April 17, 2026, brought together academic staff, parents, guardians, and stakeholders from across the education and energy sectors to witness the official admission of the new students into the Institute’s academic community. In his matriculation address, the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, welcomed the fresh students and described their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey into the technical and professional world of oil and gas. He urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to academic excellence throughout their stay in the In...

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has formally matriculated a total of 2,101 students into its Full-Time and School of Industrial and Continuing Education (SICE) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session, tasking them to remain focused as they begin their academic journey into the oil and gas industry. The colourful matriculation ceremony, held at the Institute’s Conference Centre on Friday, April 17, 2026, attracted academic staff, parents, guardians, and stakeholders from the education and energy sectors, all gathered to witness the official induction of the new intakes into the Institute’s academic community. Delivering the matriculation address, the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, welcomed the students and described their admission as the beginning of a transformative journey into the technical and professional world of oil and gas. He urged them to take their studies seriously, remain disciplined, and be focused on a...

  By Wilson Macaulay The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has urged newly admitted students to uphold hard work, integrity, and discipline as 2,101 freshers were formally inducted into the Institute’s Full-Time and School of Industrial and Continuing Education (SICE) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session. The well-attended matriculation ceremony, held at the Institute’s Conference Centre on Friday, April 17, 2026, brought together academic staff, parents, guardians, and stakeholders in the education sector to witness the official admission of the new students into one of Nigeria’s foremost technical institutions. In his matriculation address, the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, welcomed the students and described their admission as the beginning of a life-defining journey. He urged them to remain committed to excellence, stressing that success in PTI and the wider energy industry requires discipline, perseverance, an...