Energy Poverty: African Energy Chamber makes key appointments into advisory board

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July 30, 2020

A screenshot of Africa Energy Chamber website banner.

African Energy Chamber has appointed Managing Director, EnergyInc Advisors and Senior Africa Advisor, IFU Danish Investment Fund, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; Founder/Chairman, APO Group, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Energy Group, Akinwole Omoboriowo II; Managing Director, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Walter Peviani; and Operations Director/President of the Executive Board, IFP Training, Rémi Mouchel; into the chamber’s Advisory Board on Energy Transition Committee to assist in developing new African business models and solutions to the global decarbonisation challenge.

Members of the Energy Transition Committee would act in their personal capacity, and form an integral part of the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021.

With their decades of experience and expertise in investments, finance, communications and capacity building across all segments of the energy industry, the appointees would be advising the chamber on a range of initiatives to further push for decarbonisation initiatives on the continent, while developing an African message and approach to energy transition.

“The African Energy Chamber strongly believes that the global energy transition debate has remained absent of African voices.

“One cannot discuss energy transition on our continent without taking into account energy poverty and the need to create an inclusive energy industry that creates jobs and procures goods and services locally.

“As a chamber, we believe climate change is an issue as important as energy poverty. Powering up African homes and industries will require a coordinated approach in the development of all energy sources Africa has to offer, including natural gas, wind, solar, hydro or geothermal,” said Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, Nj Ayuk.

African Energy Chamber is committed to building an energy industry that works for everyone, but remains concerned over the predominance of an international narrative that would be imposed on the continent at the detriment of Africans’ best interests.

As the continent recovers from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the chamber would be working on promoting solutions and opportunities that put a priority on securing affordable and reliable energy to Africans, while creating jobs and supporting local entrepreneurship.

Idowu Sowunmi

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FEC ratifies approval for over N8.6bn Siemens Power Project

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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The Federal Executive Council has ratified President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the release of over 8.6 billion Naira counterpart funding for the ongoing Siemens’ Power Project.

This is contained in the joint memorandum presented by the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, and Power, Alhaji Saleh Mamma.

Briefing newsmen afterwards, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmad, said the project would modernize and expand the Nigerian power sector.

She explained that the release of the counterpart fund was meant for the first phase of the project, tagged The Presidential Power Initiative.

Hajia Zainab Ahmad said the counterpart fund had already been captured in the revised 2020 Budget, and that the Federal Government’s intention was to unlend the loan to the electricity distribution network.

She said the government would be working with the distribution companies to restructure an appropriate loan agreement when they were able to close out on the initial phase of the process.

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Ogun revises 2020 budget from over N449b to N280b

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday signed Today into law the Revised 2020 Appropriation Bill, which reduced the state’s budget from 449.97 billion Naira to 280 billion Naira.

In a statement by the Governor, the revision of the Budget which was presented to Abiodun by the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, was due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I appreciate our Lawmakers for taking State matters as a priority of office. This, the Executive will work to compensate with a focus on critical sectors that impact positively on our people”, Governor Abiodun said.

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COVID-19: Ogun – Gov. Abiodun reopens worship centres Aug 14

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 30, 2020

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IMG_20200730_093902 — Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun during a media briefing at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. July, 29, 2020.

The Governor Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government has announced that worship centres would tentatively reopen across the state from August 14.

Giving an update on strategies his administration was employing to combat the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Abiodun explained that the decisions were reached after rigorous deliberations.

According to him, “After rigorous deliberations by the related committee, I can announce that worship centres will tentatively reopen on Friday, 14th August, on the condition that they adhere to agreed guidelines, failing which we shall not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on erring centres.

“These are on the use of face masks and hand sanitisers; distancing; and provision of medical, toilet and hygiene facilities including Veronica buckets.

“Others include: Muslims should perform ablution at home and go to mosque with personal praying mats; certified medical personnel to check worshippers’ temperature before admittance to venues; handshakes, hugs and air conditioners to be avoided in all centres; provision of isolation rooms, as well as digital cameras to record services, in each centre; and adequate medical support to be provided for sick persons.

“Other measures are: duration of services not to be more than an hour and a half, while intervals in the case of multiples should be of the same duration; constant sensitisation on COVID-19, its dangers, preventive measures, and especially the susceptibility of the elderly, to be included in sermons; and large worship centres (with more than 200 worshippers in a given service) to further pursue concurrence with Ogun State Government Committee, towards ensuring ventilation and effective entry and exit management procedure and the avoidance of item sharing during Holy Communion.”

The governor said it’s worrisome that Ogun State, like Nigeria, has been witnessing an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

He noted that despite his administration having screened over 10,000 persons and also tested about 5,611 people as at July 28, the state has 1,326 confirmed cases; out of which 1,068 have been discharged; while the state has an unfortunate record of 23 related fatalities; with 227 active cases.

COVID-19 Regulation: Buhari to Mark Eid prayers with family at home

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Abuja Bureau

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July 29, 2020

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President Buhari and Family — File Photo: President Muhammadu Buhari and Family

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday said he would observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home, just as he did during Eid El-Fitr a little over two months ago, in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.

The President disclosed this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

While wishing all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, the President reiterated the protocols as issued by PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged.

“Where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, as is social distancing. Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.

“In order to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders and urges all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.

“He once again wishes all citizens a safe and happy Eid,” the statement said.

Idowu Sowunmi

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FG says NECO exams will hold from Oct 5 to Nov 18

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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FB_IMG_1591941916108 — File Photo: Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari during a virtual meeting with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the council chamber, State House Abuja; Thursday June 11, 2020

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Wednesday said the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) organised by the National Examination Council (NECO) for the students would commence on October 5 and end on November 18.

Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuiba, disclosed the dates for the examination at the end of a virtual meeting with chief executives officers of examination bodies in the country.

The minister, in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Goong, said the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Unity Colleges would hold on October 17.

The ministry also said the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, (BECE) for JSS 3 pupils also conducted by NECO would start on August 24 and end on September 7.

The statement added that registration for NECO (SSCE), which is on-going, would end on September 10 and that there would be no further extension.

The statement said the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) examinations would start on September 21 and end by October 15.

The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) is scheduled to hold from September 23 to October 17, said the statement.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Gov. Abiodun solicits NASS support to take over Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta road

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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IMG-20200729-WA0034 — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The Ogun State Goverrnor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has solicited the support of the National Assembly for the takeover and reconstruction of the Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta and the Sagamu-Ikorodu roads, by Ogun and Lagos State Governments.

Prince Abiodun made the call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who paid him a courtesy visit.

The Governor, who informed the Speaker of the current deplorable condition of the roads, added that the takeover of the roads would enable the two State Governments put them in proper shape, thus taking the load off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and bring succour to users.

He described Agbara and its environs as the industrial hub of the State, but decried the poor condition of the Agbara-Atan-Lusada road, noting that some industries may be forced to exit the area, if the road was not fix on time.

“The Agbara-Atan-Lusada road is in a very deplorable condition. Not only that, the Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway and the Sagamu-Ikorodu roads are also very bad. I want to call for the support of the National Assembly in taking over or construction by the Federal Government. Our people are really suffering on these roads,” he said.

Governor Abiodun informed the Speaker of the House that his Administration was currently constructing the Ijebu Ode-Epe Road, which would serve as an alternative route to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, for those going to the Northern and Eastern parts of the Country, as well as open up the axis for economic activities.

The Governor said government was trying to tap from the State’s advantaged location, by providing security, infrastructure and making health accessible, saying the State was able to manage and curtail COVID-19 by providing well-equipped Isolation centres and a molecular laboratory.

He described the Speaker as one of the longest serving members of the House and a grassroots politician who has distinguished himself by being a worthy representative, not only of his Constituency, but the whole of the Southwest.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila, said he was in the State to see things for himself, listing road infrastructure as one of the areas where the House would collaborate with the State Government.

“I am here to see things for myself. I have heard of the development that is going on in this State, despite scarce resources. I want to commended the Governor for what he has done, especially in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I know the Governor very well. He moves at a very quick pace. With him as the Governor, Ogun State will receive a facelift. So I am here to extend a hand of fellowship as there will be the need for partnership and collaboration particularly on road projects,” the Speaker noted.

He opined that for the Government to make more development strides in the coming years, the Governor may need to rejig his plans, as the Coronavirus has negatively affected every facet of life, calling on the people to rally round him to deliver the dividends of democracy to them.

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Post COVID-19 Market Recovery: OPEC, Nigeria hold dialogue

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Nigeria last week held a bilateral meeting, which signalled a strong dialogue and cooperation between OPEC and Africa’s biggest producing country.

The dialogue was majorly to ensure key compliance with OPEC global production cuts deal of April, to which all of OPEC’s African member countries have agreed to.

Nigeria’s support to global market stability and energy cooperation was significant and gave confidence to operators and future investors, seeking to do business in West Africa.

“African producers and service companies are the hardest hit when there is volatility in the market.

“H.E. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo and Dr. Ayed S. Al-Qahtani leading these discussions sends a strong message that collaboration and sticking to the principles of a stable market is good for Nigeria, its producers and the economy at large.

“We continue to support the government of Nigeria, and the country’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources in their effort to improve the environment for investment and getting the industry to rebound post- COVID-19. We believe they are right in making this a priority and we welcome the bold initiatives by Nigeria’s leadership,” said the Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk.

Nigeria’s ongoing Marginal Fields Bidding Round was launched in earlier this year and has already been met with significant success, reportedly attracting hundreds of bidders.

The round is expected to result in a new wave of local content development in Nigeria, a country already widely regarded as the most successful example of local content and capacity building across the continent.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Ogun Assembly passes 2020 Appropriation Amendment Bill

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Ogun State House of Assembly has passed the 2020 Appropriation (Amendment) Law which seeks to reduce the annual budget from N450 billion to N280 billion resulting in 38 per cent reduction of the initial budget.

The passage of the bill titled: “H.B. No. 050/OG/2020 – A Bill for a Law to amend the Year 2020 Appropriation Law,” was consequent upon the presentation of the report of Ogun State House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by the Chairman, Olakunle Sobunkanla, at a plenary presided over by the Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, in Abeokuta.

Sobunkanla thereafter moved the motion for the adoption of the report, seconded by the Minority Leader, Ganiyu Oyedeji, and supported by other lawmakers through a voice vote.

The Assembly later considered the bill clause-by-clause before the Assembly Committee of Supplies, after which the motion for the third reading was moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by a member representing Odeda State Constituency, Oludaisi Elemide, after which the Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Services, Deji Adeyemo, did the third reading.

Responding, Oluomo directed that the clean copy of the bill be transmitted to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his assent.

Meanwhile, two bills including Ogun State Energy Board Law, 2020 and Ogun State Safety Commission Law, 2020 scaled the first reading, as they were read by the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service before the lawmakers.

By Idowu Sowunmi

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Amaechi appeals to Reps to stop probe of Chinese $500m

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Rotimi-Amaechi-on-June-12_1596036859274 — File Photo: Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has appealed to the National Assembly to halt its probe of the 500 million dollars loan from the Chinese government.

The Minister made the appeal during an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties and Protocols on Wednesday.

According to the Amaechi, the loan which is meant for the completion of the Federal Government’s rail projects may be truncated by the Chinese government if it suspects that there is a disagreement between the executive and the legislature.

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