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Clean Energy Transition In Africa:Five Takeaways From The SPE Lagos Technical Symposium

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Haruna Muhammad

 

The clean energy transition has been a trendy topic from Lagos to Los Angeles, Davos to Darussalam, and Abu-Dhabi down to Aukland. Industry captains and leading state actors champion campaigns and roll out strategic plans to accelerate the clean energy transition. Today, this is not breaking news: leading multinational oil and gas companies have expanded their portfolios to accommodate non-fossil fuels and enable the clean energy transition. For instance, in Paris, on May 28, 2021, Total switched to TotalEnergies. While giving out why Total changed its name to TotalEnergies, the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanne, said, our ambition is to be a world-class player in the energy transition [1].

In Nigeria, in line with the Federal Government’s ‘decade of gas’ initiative, a global leading energy company, Shell, in November 2021, unveiled Shell Energy Nigeria with the sole aim to increase natural gas marketing and sales to meet up with ever-growing energy demands and, of course, accelerate the energy transition in the country and world at large [2]. An article by McKinsey, “The big choices for oil and gas in navigating the energy transition,” provided an insight into how companies are responding to the low-carbon emission transition [3].

Without much rhetoric, one can deduce how the big players in the energy industry are committed to reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the energy transition. This is in line with the UN Paris Agreement 2016, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To fulfill this, all global economy functions must be committed and will be required to reduce emissions in the next ten years (10) years coming.

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While the rest of the world’s continents are rolling out plans to meet up the UN Paris Agreement, the story of energy transition in Africa wears a different systemic symbol. This is because of the continent’s long-term quest to address energy poverty. Stakeholders and business heads are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. It is a confusing story for Africa because people don’t know where they are transiting to, all courtesy of ravaging poverty, insecurity, and energy crisis. For Africa, energy transition is a story on papers, while the reality of the situation is near unattainable.

The SPE Lagos Technical Symposium, on the other hand, provided an intellectual discourse to bring together energy professionals and stakeholders to discuss energy transition. In Africa, Nigeria is known for notorious gas flaring. Nigeria joins nine other countries that account for 75% of the global gas flaring, as stated by the World Bank during the Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report 2022 published on the bank’s website [4]. Thankfully, the stakeholders are taking impressive actions to address that to save the planet from the dangers of climate injustice.

The symposium, graced by seasoned oil and gas professionals, was held on the 18th and 19th May 2022 in hybrid formation. Based on over two (2) hours long panel discussions of Africa’s energy transition, here are the five takeaways from the panelists:

1. Hon. N.J. Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
Mr. Ayuk, a strong advocate for African entrepreneurship and the indigenous energy sector, spoke passionately about Africa’s possible ways to the energy transition. From the way he started the conversation, you would be amazed by his depth of knowledge and experience. He said: You cannot decarbonize something that is not even carbonized. Mr. Ayuk centered his argument on the need for strong financial institutions and funding within to drive changes in the African energy sector. In his closing remarks, he added that stakeholders should look inwards and invest in gas because it is the future. He also called for a change of policies and more gas to power projects that will create jobs and address climate injustice in the African region. Africa should be on the supply side of the global economy not otherwise, he noted.

2. Victor Bandele, Deputy Manager, Deep Water Assets, TotalEnergies, Nigeria
Mr. Victor, an industry leader, intelligently talked about challenges in the policy framework in Nigeria and how oil and gas wells are being mismanaged. Riding on that point, he added that, in the early days of oil and gas exploration, most gas wells were left untapped by only focusing on oil-major wells. This act of mismanagement is hunting the energy sector in some countries in Africa. He said we need to deliberate on what we want to do. Africa should champion big projects that will attract investors. The seasoned professional further highlighted the need to expand energy access in Africa via exploring gas wells and solidifying transformational agendas by the stakeholders in what he termed a balanced approach. To achieve this, gas infrastructure will network across the African region, which will be utilized for domestic purposes. He also noted that you could not build on the future energy unless you’ve initial energy. The only way to reduce carbon footprint in Africa is by significantly drilling more gas wells over oil wells. This way, he exclaimed that Africa’s quest for ending energy poverty is attainable.

3. Mr. Kamel Ben – Naceur, the President, Society of Petroleum Engineers International
Mr. Kamel, as an international authority, spoke about SPE’s goals to complement the sustainable development goals of the UN by pointing out that energy transition policies vary from developed economies to developing economies. Moreover, Kamel talked about the SPEi’s plan to collaborate with sister organizations to create a CO2 Assessment tool for CO2 storage. Despite experiencing low investment in six years due to sensitivity of the global market concerning the political events, he said, the oil and gas industry has now witnessed a significant increment in investment by 20%. Finally, Mr. Kamel admitted that Africa has a vital role to play when it comes to the energy transition.

4. Proscovia NABBANJA, Chief Executive Office, Ugandan National Oil Company
The CEO shared her country’s mission to explore opportunities and investments in the Ugandan energy sector. Through strategic project planning, the government has attracted suitable investments. Mrs. Proscovia further discussed the country’s goals in exploring opportunities in non-fossil fuels.

5. Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration, Gambia National Oil Company
Cany Jobe, who carries over 14 years of work in energy projects in West Africa, shared her views on balancing the energy mix. She spoke passionately about Africa should drive her energy transition framework. She rhetorically asked, what we are transitioning from (?). The discussion should be around solving energy poverty in Africa rather than energy transition. In her final remarks, she said that Africa’s energy sector faces financial constraints, and it is not feasible to achieve energy transition without optimizing energy production. If you haven’t gone through it (energy poverty), she said you have no right to talk about it.

In Africa, energy poverty reigns. This is the only continent of the world with a massive gap between modern energy access in the rural and urban areas. According to a report [5], “A clean energy revolution in sub-Saharan Africa is urgently needed to win the fight against energy poverty. Clean energy provides a golden thread to deliver on the promise of Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement”.

While the Sub-Saharan African region becomes a hub of energy poverty, efforts are underway by both states and federal governments at different levels to address the problem. In all, relevant stakeholders must work extra-hard towards addressing the energy crisis because there is ample opportunity in solar and power, which are cheaper than coal in some countries. This will generate more job opportunities and accelerate the energy transition.

Written by Haruna Inuwa, Energy Professional from Lagos state, Nigeria.

Reference
[1] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/total-nigeria-plc-changes-name-to-totalenergies-marketing-nigeria-plc-official/#:~:text=Energy%20transition%3A%20Total%20changes%20name,five%20in%20renewables%20by%202030.

[2] https://www.shell.com.ng/media/2021-media-releases/shell-unveils-shell-energy-business-in-nigeria.html

[3] https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/oil-and-gas/our-insights/the-big-choices-for-oil-and-gas-in-navigating-the-energy-transition#:~:text=The%20primary%20technologies%E2%80%94renewable%20power,all%20represent%20potential%20growth%20markets.

[4] https://punchng.com/nigeria-nine-others-account-for-75-global-gas-flaring-world-bank/

[5] https://www.oecd.org/environment/cc/climate-futures/Achieving-clean-energy-access-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf

Opinion

Adaora’s Appointment: Behind Zenith Bank Staff Jubilations

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Adaora

 

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

There is no doubt about the fact that the staff of Zenith Bank were over the moon, over the appointment of the first female Group Managing -Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank,Adaora Umeoji. My interaction with some of them gave credence to this. Yes there were jubilations across their branches nationwide. The viral video where staff were rejoicing by hailing her is another testament that she is loved hugely by majority of the staff.

I have said it repeatedly in many of my articles or opinionated pieces in the past that great men or great women were synonymous with humility. This was one of the reasons the staff of Zenith Bank were happy on the announcement of her appointment. Whatever your class in the race of life, humility is key.

It has been discovered that most of the people that have worked with Adaora had a wonderful experience, because of her tenacious tendency in ensuring that staff welfare was not relegated to the background. Of course, in every corporate organization in the world staff welfare is key to effectiveness and performance of staff and the progress of the organization at large.

If you are a Chief Executive Officer of an organization, don’t ever joke with the welfare of your staff, because they can make or mar the progress of the organization. Many people have failed in this regard, that’s why whenever they are eventually removed from office, the staff spur into jubilation. You can only reap what you sow.

The new CEO has particularly been described by her staff as a hardworking personality, because she had her youth service with the bank before she was retained based on sterling performance.

According to some staff of Zenith Bank, she can go to any length to assist them whenever they needed help. She has empathy and focus. In the words of one of the staff “I have never seen a woman as passionate and hardworking like madam”. Olamide Obe, who is also a staff of Zenith Bank could not hide his joy as he shares Adaora’s remarkable journey into Zenith Bank as read in IntelRegion online .He said,” Adaora was someone every corper, ET and EA in Zenith Bank looked up to as role model those days. It’s so pleasant hearing that she has been appointed as the new MD of Zenith Bank. I wish her a succcessful tenure.”

Her success inspired many on social media platforms as netizens shared congratulatory messages. It is interesting to note that those who rejoice with her outnumbered her adversaries who were trying to disparage her. This is life and this is who we are.

If you listen to people’s challenges and you went all out to provide succour; you are invariably helping yourself. God does not forsake the doers of good. Just a prayer from one person could catapult you to a higher pedestal without your knowledge but with that of the Almighty.

She is proactive according to a source, which is also in conformity with the standard in any corporate organization. It is also one of the indices of a good Chief Executive as this can be captured in the words of Arnold Glasow: “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.”

To Madam, the woman of the moment and the
newest CEO of a bank in town, it is imperative that she does not digress from the excellent attitude people have known her for, over the years. That could surely be a catalyst for her success. She should continue to be large-hearted and kind to her staff and humanity. Finally, she should not forget that moving her bank to a new height is of utmost priority.

She will resume officially on the 1st June,2024 as the new CEO

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

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Opinion

Sports journalists versus Kano Pillars FC matters arising

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji.

I have read with dismay the presd statement issued by our great association, SWAN Kano chapter bordering on Kano Pillars FC and its media recalcitrant technical crew led by coach Abdul Maikaba . I harbor pains over how one of the best football tactician, well travelled and expose , Abdul Maikaba allowed himself to be dragged to the centre of the brouhaha with sports journalists in Kano.
Maikaba has not acted differently anyway , he is only toeing the path of those before him, like Salisu Yusuf , Ladan Bosso, Okey Emordi, Babaganaru, maybe in exception of Kadiri Ikhana,who sometimes also would.not hesitate to display his other side too.often too.
These coaches and their paymasters, during their hey days with the Kano darling side. They had prefeered working with journalists based in Abuja or Lagos creating the feelings that SWAN Kano members were second class journalists.
Then and today no SWAN Kano member enjoys direct access to Kano Pillars coaches or players, you had.to rely on second hand interviews
The players were.mentored to see journalists as their potential destroyers, creating such hoaxes psyche in their camp to shield the world.from.the truth about their fraudulent dealings with players. Who had their salaries shared with some.coaches and.officlas.
They didn’t want the players to disclose the Alibaba surrounding the transfer and sign on deals associated with their movements in naira and in foreign currency without accountability .
Kano FA that would have helped the state government unravel the lack of transperrancy in the activities in the club, is suffering from one man show, under Sharu Rabiu Inuwa Ahlqn and.lack of functional secretariat, which solely should represent the interest of the state government is fast asleep under the supervision of one Shehu Buhari, who had failed to use his executive powers ,for reasons best known to him.

Veteran journalist.and system boy, Mailkawa protected them from the dangers of the pen, they now thought , it is their birth right , that is why a simple question put to coach Maikaba , that ” why did you change your line up from the previous match “led to his being flared up and he allegedly resorted to raining abuses, because him don see Kano SWAN finish.
I blame.Malikawa and Ado Salisu , they have been protecting the crop of sports administrators and technical crew and coaches , who had been escaping the eagle.eyes of.sports journalists, , for years, I pray God will grant comrade Zahradeen Saleh and his team the strength to now take SWAN to the promise land.
You can not hate a child and like the mother. If Kano sports writers want to make a strong statement , to be taken serious on their new.stance on public interest sports journalism , they should boycot all KPFC activities , they should do so, they should go all out, not half way, no diplomacy,SWAN members are trade unionist not diplomats, boycotting Maikaba alone is lopsided. For long KPFC has been taking SWAN members for a prpfessuonal jolly ride, Malikawa was heavily guilty of shielding them from the ills of the pen hammer, this has been ongoing for years, many will testify and are .all living witnesses , how Malikawa had used his vast media network to protect Kano Pillars , amd.they have decided to hate him for daring to now reverse to do his job by asking the rightful question, that serves him.right, because he made them see evil.as good, good as evil, not asking relevant question by journalists as their birth right.
Evidence abound, why sports journalists count on their relationship with Malikawa to look the other way , whenever KPFC crossed the red lines.

if SWAN want to make a clear statement , then no half metted punishment, full dish should containing the media orishirishi should be served on KPFC.
Maikaba.and his gang should not be singled out secondly a letter should be sent to NPFL through SWAN national secretariat, thirdly no secret truce should be reached on this matter . But in all , one or two SWAN members like Malikawa and some others, like Salisu Musa Jegus, Muzamil Dalha Yola and Musibau Bala Chedi Yanguarasa should not be approached secretly as usual and they would start calling for secret truce , you naked me in the market place and you follow me to my bedroom to appease me , imagine. SWAN Kano members shine.your eyes.
The truth hurts oooh. But I will male bold to say that the Ibrahim Little KPFC administration has no professional respect or created a cordial working atmosphere for SWAN members and his administration from day one did not extend the fraternal hand of football friendship to SWAN , Mailkawa was.tryjng to manage the situation, if you understand, but today the truth is out in the open, Maikaba only acted the scrip of his paymasters.
SWAN Kano should take up the gauntlet and breath the courage to confront the KPFC paymasters, let SWAN not kill the message, but could kill the messenger, and also remember to kill the sender that is the encoder.

A ommittee should be set up to inesvitgate the matter and publish the report of the findings of the committee, I am ready to chair the committee , if given the task, to look.at happenings in Kano Pillars fc, in the past, present and way forward, and recommend necessary measures to forestall reoccurrence to the state government and general
public.
SWAN Kano should.go the way of what is known in the legal.system as.Amicus Curae.
The committee should.be mandated to look at Kano Pillars fc finances, recruitment of coaches and players, transfer deals, ticket sales, away matches,.sponsorship deals and.marketing and the general situation in the club and make recommendations to the state government and general.public, telling them what they need to know.
We have Kano Pillars fc that does not know the difference between sponsorship, patronage and patnership .
Most annoying is the attitude of Kano state government under His Excellency Emg Abba Kabir Yusuf towards the affairs of the club, Kano state government is treating Kano Pillars as the least of all lots.of its challenges, that is why Kano Pillars fc will be invited to international.meetings to meet with football investors, they will not attend not even to reply such letters of invitation , because they can always ran to Kano government house and they will.goven millions of naira, KPFC is now a prey on government meagre resources, even when it has the potentials to generate its own revenue into government coffers.
if other states do not know how.to run their football clubs to derive IGR, the incumbent KNSG should light the path,.other clubs don’t have the football revenue potentials of Kano Pillars.
If other states run their club for recreational and public relations purposes, Kano Pillars posses the potentials of achieving everything possible in the football business industry, ask anyone that know football business they will affirm this.
Ibrahim Little and his predecessors prey on government monies and even when the insignificant monies generated are been mismanaged SWAN Kano played the Ostrich , it kept quite, even when KPFC brand became a caricature , even in the face of face me I face you football management of the club, even when Alibaba and the 40 thieves managed the affairs of the club, SWAN was asked to remain cool to avoid distracting the players.
Now the bubble has burst .
Warning, with the brewing crisis between KPFC and sports writers in Kano, the father and son relationship between SWAN and KNSG commissoner of information and former president Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE , a strong supporter of the association, Halilu Babadantiye MNI, may not save the situation.
The relationship between SWAN and Ibrahim Garba ,.the current CPS to Kano deputy governor may not save the situation.
Football news travels like wild fire in the wilderness, SWAN members have sharpen their swords , beware of the ides of March.

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Opinion

Senator MT Monguno’s Impactful Initiatives: A Comprehensive Overview of Empowerment and Developmental Projects

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Senator MT Monguno

 

By Kashim usman sharif

Senator MT Monguno has been a driving force behind numerous impactful initiatives aimed at empowering communities and fostering development in some various sectors. His dedication and commitment to creating positive change have exalted in series of projects that have touched the lives of many individuals. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into Senator MT Monguno’s key initiatives, highlighting the innovative approaches he has taken, the laudable results he achieved, and the lasting impact on the zone he’s serving. Join us as we explore the transformative work of Senator MT Monguno and celebrate the positive difference he continues to make through his empowerment and Developmental projects.

 

1. Senator MT Monguno’s background and vision.

Senator MT Monguno is a distinguished leader known for his impactful initiatives aimed at driving empowerment and Developmental projects in his constituency. With a rich background in public service and a steadfast commitment to community progress, Senator Monguno has emerged as a beacon of positive change in the political landscape. His vision revolves around uplifting the lives of individuals through sustainable programs that address key issues such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development. By leveraging his experience and expertise, Senator Monguno has championed various projects that have significantly improved the qualitative life for the residents in his constituency. Hon Kyari Manguno who is an Ex-chairman of manguno LGA is also rendered unflinching support towards the thriving of developmental projects in the constituency and are all attributed by distinguished qualities in all ramifications.Join us as we delve into the comprehensive overview of Senator MT Monguno’s transformative initiatives and the lasting impact they have made on the community.

 

2. Key empowerment initiatives spearheaded by Senator MT Monguno

Senator MT Monguno has spearheaded several key empowerment initiatives that have had a significant impact on the communities he serves. One of his most impactful initiatives is the establishment of skills acquisition centers aimed at providing valuable vocational training to empower youths and women in various trades. These centers have equipped individuals with the necessary skills to start their own businesses and become self-reliant. Additionally, Senator MT Monguno has been instrumental in promoting education by providing scholarships to deserving students, this enable them to pursue their academic aspirations sufficiently. Furthermore, he has initiated various community development projects such as the construction of schools, healthcare facilities, and roads to improve the overall quality of life for the people in his constituency. Senator MT Monguno’s commitment to empowerment and development has not only transformed the lives of many individuals but has also contributed significantly to the socio-economic growth of the region.

 

3. Developmental projects implemented in various sectors.

Senator MT Monguno has been a driving force behind numerous impactful development projects spanning various sectors. In the education sector, his initiatives have led to the construction of new schools, the provision of educational materials, and the implementation of teacher training programs to enhance the quality of education in the region. Additionally, in the healthcare sector, Senator MT Monguno has spearheaded the establishment of medical facilities, clinics, and health awareness programs to improve healthcare access and outcomes for the community. Furthermore, his efforts in the infrastructural sector have resulted in the construction of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure to connect remote areas and stimulate economic growth. Through his multifaceted approach to development, Senator MT Monguno has made a lasting impact on the lives of the people in his constituency, fostering empowerment and sustainable progress across various sectors. The Monguno’s chief of staff also have rendered unflinching support towards the thriving of developmental projects implemented in various sectors.

4. Impact and success stories from the communities served

Senator MT Monguno’s impactful initiatives have brought about significant changes and improvements in the communities he serves. Through various empowerment and developmental projects, Senator Monguno has positively impacted in the lives of his constituents. One such success story comes from a rural village where the senator’s initiative helped set up a women’s cooperative that specializes in handcrafts. The cooperative has not only provided a source of income for the women but has also empowered them to become financially independent and self-sufficient.

In another community, Senator Monguno’s efforts to improve access to education have resulted in the construction of a new school building. This school has opened up opportunities for children who previously had limited access to quality education. As a result, more children in the community are now able to pursue their academic dreams and build a better future for themselves.

These impact and success stories highlight the tangible differences that Senator MT Monguno’s initiatives have made in the lives of the good people of Northern Borno and Borno state at large. By focusing on empowerment and developmental projects, Senator Monguno continues to be a driving force for positive change in his constituency.

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