Author: Mujeedat

Veteran filmmaker, Opa Williams, has paid tribute to late legendary actor, Olu Jacobs, recalling the profound impact the screen icon had on his career and describing him as a “gentle giant” whose humility and humanity transcended his towering reputation. Williams, in a tribute titled “Rapture: A Tribute to a Gentle Giant,” recounted how Jacobs became part of Onome, his first Nollywood project, after the filmmaker and his creative team took the bold step of approaching the revered actor for a major role. According to Williams, the decision to cast Jacobs followed the success of his earlier films, Tears…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned the rehabilitated Ebubu Primary Healthcare Centre in Eleme, Rivers State, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, known as ‘Customs Cares’, aimed at supporting communities and contributing to their social development. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, spoke during the commissioning of the facility, said the intervention reflected the Service’s responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of communities beyond its statutory mandates of revenue collection, trade facilitation and border security. CGC Adeniyi recalled how NCS officially launched the CSR Programme in March 2025, said “School renovations, scholarships, medical outreaches, healthcare…

By Vera Osokpo An energy expert has expressed concern over the ability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to achieve its ambitious gas-reserve and production targets by 2030. NNPCL is targeting more than 600 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves and national production of 12 billion cubic feet per day by the end of the decade. However, industry observers say the targets will depend on resolving longstanding challenges involving policy stability, infrastructure, financing, gas pricing and payment discipline. Speaking during an interview with CNBC Africa, Temi Kolade, Associate Director in the Energy, Mining and Maritime Practice…

By Vera Osokpo Ikeja Electric Plc has advised customers to avoid engaging unauthorised electricians and to report unsafe activities around its power infrastructure following recent accidents involving illegal electrical work. The electricity distribution company issued the warning during its September Virtual Stakeholder Engagement, a monthly forum for educating customers, providing operational updates and addressing service-related concerns. The Head of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment at Ikeja Electric, Olaniyi Olayiwola, cautioned customers against allowing unqualified individuals to climb electricity poles, work on power lines, tamper with electrical installations or carry out illegal connections. He said some recent…

By Vera Osokpo The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has launched the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme and National Innovation Hackathon to attract young innovators, promote entrepreneurship and increase private-sector investment in Nigeria’s maritime industry. The initiative is designed to help young Nigerians and innovative businesses develop solutions to challenges across the country’s maritime and blue economy value chain. It will provide participants with a structured platform to develop ideas, test new technologies and build commercially viable ventures in areas connected to maritime services, marine resources and the wider blue economy. In his welcome…

By Vera Osokpo Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has called on gas producers to treat methane reduction as a commercial priority, arguing that preventing leaks can increase revenue, recover lost gas and improve the efficiency of production facilities. The company said methane released into the atmosphere represented gas that could otherwise be captured, sold and converted into additional income. It added that investments in leak detection, gas recovery and monitoring could generate financial returns while reducing emissions. NLNG Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adeleye Falade made the call at the Gastech 2026 Exhibition and Conference in…

By Vera Osokpo The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding electricity metering nationwide to promote accurate billing, improve transparency and ensure that consumers pay according to their actual power consumption. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the government would continue implementing national metering policies as part of efforts to improve service delivery and rebuild public confidence in the electricity sector. Tegbe spoke after commissioning a 3MW captive solar hybrid power project at the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University. He also dismissed speculation that the government was preparing to…

By Vera Osokpo The Federal Government has commissioned a 3MW captive solar hybrid power plant at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja, to provide reliable and cleaner electricity to the institution’s 58,726 students and wider campus community. The project was delivered by the Rural Electrification Agency under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme. It is expected to end the university’s dependence on diesel generators, reduce energy costs and provide a more stable power supply for teaching, research and administrative activities. The facility includes a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW of alternating-current output and a 2MWh battery-storage…

By Vera Osokpo Dangote Refinery recorded a net profit of $1.82 billion in the first half of 2026, supported by increased fuel exports to Europe following disruptions to Middle Eastern supply. The refinery generated more than $13 billion in revenue during the period, a significant turnaround from the $476 million loss reported for the full year in 2025. Conflict-related supply disruptions lifted refining margins and increased demand for fuel from alternative suppliers. The development has strengthened Dangote Refinery’s position in global fuel markets and increased its importance to Europe’s energy supply. The refinery was originally established…

By Vera Osokpo The Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Association of Nigerian Authors have supported the fifth edition of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s Book Reading Programme in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event brought together writers, journalists, public-relations professionals, academics and university students for discussions on literature, journalism, public affairs and national development. The featured guest was veteran journalist and strategic communication expert Paul C. Nwabuikwu, who presented his 2025 book, *The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal (1990–2025)*.…