Energy Group Partners NAPE to Promote Nigeria’s Energy Sustainability, Financing, Transition

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– APPO, FG, others to drive investment in country’s energy future

Sunday Okobi

PAN Ocean and the Newcross Companies, one of the sponsors at the recent Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorers (NAPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition, has disclosed its readiness to promote the country’s energy future, access, and financing.

In his remarks during a panel session at the NAPE’s 43rd annual International Conference and Exhibition in partnership with Energy Institute Nigeria held at the weekend in Lagos, the Group Executive Director of Pan Ocean and Newcross Companies, Dr. Bolaji Ogundare, while expressing his delight with the 2nd Executive Management Session, disclosed the partnership between NAPE and the Energy Institute reflects a vision they share to strengthen the relevance of the Nigeria’s energy sector and drive sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

According to him, “The theme for this year’s session: ‘Financing the Future of Nigeria’s Energy Sector: Navigating Energy Transition and Driving Sustainable Development’, goes to the heart of our collective challenge: how to attract and deploy capital that sustains today’s production while enabling the cleaner, more innovative energy systems of tomorrow.”
He added that: “With the global energy transition in progress, our nation’s pathway must be pragmatic and future-focused. We must continue to optimise hydrocarbon resources while investing deliberately in gas infrastructure, renewables, and carbon-management technologies and positioning Nigeria for competitiveness and resilience over the next decade.
“Financing this balance requires more than capital. It demands credibility, competence, collaboration, and commitment. Investors must see an industry that is well-governed, transparent, and united around a clear national direction. At Pan Ocean and the Newcross Companies, we embody this collaborative approach.

“Our Group operates as one ecosystem: Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (Nigeria) Limited (Pan Ocean), the pioneer; Newcross Petroleum Limited (Newcross), the partner and collaborator; Newcross Exploration and Production Limited (NewcrossEP), the operator building capability and technical excellence; and Newcross Energy Limited and NewX, which are the integrators and innovators leading our shift toward cleaner fuels.”

Ogundare noted that in 2025, their strategy had yielded tangible results, adding that through strong technical collaboration and alignment with NNPC Limited on PMLs 55, 56, and 57, NewcrossEP achieved a 33 percent increase in production from the Ekulama-12 and Awoba NW-3 wells.
“At the Ovade-Ogharefe Gas Plant and OML 147, we are committed to reducing emissions and optimising gas monetisation, exemplifying how sustainability and operational excellence can go hand in hand. The Ovade Gas Processing Facility has achieved a production capacity of 170MMSCF/D, while OML 147 has successfully monetized its flared gas through the inauguration of the vapour Recovery Unit compressor,” he said.

The group executive director added that: “These milestones underscore our dedication to operational efficiency and highlight our growing contribution to the advancement of Nigeria’s gas value chain.
“Through NewX Energy, in partnership with others, we are investing in solar mini-grids and energy-efficiency projects that advance Nigeria’s just and inclusive transition. These efforts reflect our belief that indigenous operators must not only participate in the transition but also lead it responsibly, transparently, and with long-term commitment to national goals.”
Ogundare remarked that as an industry, Pan Ocean has the opportunity to redefine how energy is financed in Africa by linking innovation with integrity, and investment with impact.
“That is how we build confidence among financiers, regulators, and host communities alike. NAPE provides the space for this conversation, to share lessons, align policies, and shape a more sustainable and competitive energy value chain,” he stated.

The keynote speaker and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, represented by his Technical Assistant, Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, who validated the conference as a veritable platform to fast-track the nation’s energy transition, noted the theme of the conference, was not only apt, but makes NAPE “a reliable partner in the Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainability drive.”

Akume emphasised that mobilising finance smartly is the way to go, as he revealed the federal government was collaborating with several organisations for accessible funding.
He added that Nigeria needs more investments in the oil and gas sector, regretting, however, that the country continues to face inadequate refining amid abundant resources.
According to him, “The President Bola Tinubu administration has prioritised increased energy production in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda. The federal government has taken decisive steps to sustainably position the sector.”

Speaking to journalists, the Group Financial Controller of PAN Ocean and Newcross Companies, Oluwafemi Akinyemi, at the NAPE’s 43rd conference stated that as a group of companies, the programme was a credible platform to introduce to the public as well as showcase “how we are investing in the Nigeria’s energy future and transition to ensure affordability, and also to ensure access.”

Akinyemi, in the interview, noted that: “We are deliberately contributing to energy security in Nigeria, and also to create a platform for us to further invest in the energy sector to meet national aspiration in alignment with global decarbonization efforts.

“We are also trying to look at how to contribute to the renewable energy space through partnerships and manpower capacity development.”

He continued: “To do this, we are integrating research and development into decision making and these partnerships so as to create a platform where we can increase collaboration and innovation with other players in the industry.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Energy Institute Nigeria, Osten Olorunsola, represented by the Head of Strategic Partnerships at the Energy Institute UK, Yewande Abiose, stated the conference aimed to promote clean energy through a just transition, emphasizing that “We promote energy efficiency and best practices.”

She announced that a flagship event will be held in London next February.

In another keynote address, Secretary-General of APPO, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, said that in order to tackle the financing challenge, his organisation and AFREXIM-Bank brainstormed on establishing the Africa Energy Bank with a proposed $100 million seed to take off soon.

Ibrahim advised the continent of Africa must not rely on the climate fund to drive its energy future.

He sought a paradigm shift, stating it is time for Africans to think outside the box.

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Akpabio: Tinubu Has Placed Search for Peace in Plateau at Centre of National Security

* President’s emissary already in state to restore peace, foster inter-communal harmony

* Presidential aide meets Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders

* Community-based peace structure to stabilise North-central region

* DSS nabs another suspected arms supplier in zone

Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade and Linus Aleke in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured the people of Plateau State that President Bola Tinubu is resolute on ending the years of bloodshed and violent crisis in the state.

Akpabio spoke at the weekend in Jos, where he represented Tinubu at a grand rally organised by All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Jos Polo Field.

He said Tinubu had placed the search for lasting peace on the Plateau at the centre of his national security strategy, adding that the state’s security situation is now a top priority at the highest level of government.

That was as the president sent an emissary, Dr Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State to help restore peace and enhance intercommunal harmony in the state.

Relatedly, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended another arms dealer linked to terrorist activities in Plateau and neighbouring states, Musa Abubakar.

The arrest came shortly after the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, a Kuje Prison escapee, who masterminded the Owo and Deeper Life Bible Church attacks.

Akpabio addressed thousands of APC supporters, who gathered to witness what party leaders described as one of the biggest political realignments in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement by his media aide, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio told the crowd that the president was deeply troubled by the years of killings, displacements, and social fractures that had shaped life in many Plateau communities.

He stated, “Too many lives have been lost. Too many homes destroyed. The Plateau deserves peace, and anyone who wants to govern this state must be committed to peace. President Tinubu’s determination to end the killings is unwavering.”

The senate president added that he felt personally distressed each time tragedy struck the state.

“I cry whenever anybody is killed on the Plateau. This state is yearning for peace, and President Tinubu will deliver peace to Plateau State,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Although the rally was convened primarily to receive defectors from five opposition parties into APC, Akpabio anchored his remarks on national stability, insisting that the security of life and property remained the administration’s overriding priority.

He said the people of Plateau deserved to live without fear, and assured them that the federal government’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence was total.

The event signalled a major political shift, as several influential figures formally crossed over to the ruling party.

Among them were Senator Istifanus Gyang, who represented Plateau North in the Ninth Senate; Latep Dabang, former director-general of PDP’s 2023 campaign; Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Dr. Patrick Dakum; and former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate, Alfred Dabwam.

Those that joined APC also included three serving members of the House of Representatives – Hon. Fom Dalyop (Riyom/Barkin Ladi), Hon. Ajang Alfred Ilya (Jos South/Jos East), and Hon. Daniel Asama Ago (Bassa/Jos North) – as well as dozens of former legislators, political actors, and grassroots influencers.

Akpabio described the influx of defectors as evidence that APC had become the dominant political force in Plateau under the leadership of the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

He declared, “The calibre and spread of those joining the party reflected its growing strength. My ears have heard and my eyes have seen that from today the entire Plateau is APC. Come 2027, Plateau shall deliver the APC.”

He praised Tinubu for endorsing Yilwatda as National Chairman, describing him as “a man of valour, integrity and dignity” whose emergence had reconfigured Plateau’s political landscape in favour of the ruling party”.

The senate president stated, “You can see that he has delivered Plateau State to APC before the elections,” adding that the party’s renewed strength is bolstered by the combined leadership of the president and the national chairman.

“When you are escorted by a lion like President Tinubu, you have nothing to fear,” Akpabio added.

Addressing the rally, Yilwatda said the mass defection marked the “final consolidation” of APC’s hold on Plateau State, adding also that the political reality in the state has shifted decisively.

Yilwatda stated, “With this structure, with this firepower, Plateau will deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. All three Senate seats will be APC. All federal and state positions will be APC. The people have spoken: APC or nothing.”

He assured the newcomers of equal rights and privileges, urging them to see APC as a platform open to all who wish to contribute to what a new political era in the state.

The rally drew several high-profile dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; and Kogi State Deputy Governor, Salifu Joel, among other party leaders and stakeholders.

Tinubu’s Emissary in Plateau to Restore Peace, Foster Inter-communal Harmony

Tinubu sent an emissary, Dr Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State to help restore peace and enhance intercommunal harmony in the state.

According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Essiet, a senior special assistant on community engagement in the North-central Zone, has already spent two days in the state meeting with Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders, with the efforts culminating in a town hall meeting in Jos, the state capital.

Delegates from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders gathered to discuss ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and promote coexistence among diverse communities.

Essiet paid a courtesy visit to Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC), in Barkin Ladi, where discussions centred on faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development.

Along with Dachomo, Essiet addressed some widows and conveyed Tinubu’s message of ethnic reconciliation in the state.

Dachomo had been the loudest voice of the Christian communities in the state.

Essiet also met with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to inclusive engagement.

She organised a workshop in Jos on establishing a community peace structure for the 17 local government areas in the state.

Essiet also held a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah group, and representatives from the Youth Council of Bassa Local Government Area.

The discussion focused on sustaining peace and how the 17-member peace committee had strengthened dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence between the two communities.

Essiet reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to peace and inclusive governance, stating that the community-based peace structure serves as a key instrument for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North-central region. ‎

A quick win in the peace efforts was the resolution of the conflict between David Toma, the owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district of Jos South, and some herdsmen.

Toma had seized two cows following the destruction of his farm.

On November 15, MACBAN Chairman in Bassa Local Government Area, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid a compensation of N500,000 to Toma, who subsequently released the cows.

All parties signed an undertaking to embrace peace in the state.

DSS Nabs Another Suspected Arms Supplier in North-central Region

DSS operatives apprehended Musa Abubakar, another arms dealer linked to terrorist activities in Plateau and neighbouring states.

The arrest came shortly after the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, a Kuje Prison escapee who masterminded the Owo and Deeper Life Bible Church attacks.

A source said the successful disruption of the high-target arms supply network followed a precise, intelligence-led operation conducted on November 12.

The source said, “The suspect confessed to having manufactured and distributed high-calibre weapons and ammunition to armed groups involved in violent attacks in Plateau State and other northern regions.

“His arrest reportedly followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspect, which led to a targeted raid on his arms-manufacturing workshop located in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.

“Prior to the raid, DSS operatives had conducted extensive surveillance on Abubakar’s residence and workshop to gather critical intelligence.

“Abubakar was apprehended red-handed with various Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components, chemicals, and equipment, all of which have been confiscated by DSS operatives.”

The DSS had arrested a total of nine high-profile suspects involved in the Plateau and Benue attacks, including Timna Manjol, who had already pleaded guilty to two of four counts, including illegal possession of firearms, in a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/451/2025.

Manjol is of First Baptist Church, Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.

* President’s emissary already in state to restore peace, foster inter-communal harmony * Presidential aide meets Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders * Community-based peace structure to stabilise North-central region * DSS nabs another suspected arms supplier in zone Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade and Linus

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No More Impunity, Suppression of Will, Turaki, Assures Nigerians, PDP Members

*S’West PDP hails Makinde, congratulates newly elected officers

*Stakeholders seek immediate reconciliation, say party shouldn’t bleed to death

*Amadi: this convention has legalisation

*Why Plateau, Adamawa governors differed over expulsion of Wike, others

*Olawepo-Hashim: fate of Nigeria’s democracy linked to PDP’s survival

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The new elected National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Kabiru Turaki, has assured members of the party and Nigerians, generally, of a new era of internal democracy in the once dominant, but currently distressed opposition party.

Turaki said there would be no more impunity and suppression of will in the party.

He made the assertions yesterday while delivering his acceptance speech after being declared the new national chairman of PDP at the 2025 elective national convention of the party in Ibadan.

Turaki scored a total of 1,516 votes to defeat his closest rival, Garuba Lado, who scored 41 votes, at the convention.

The convention was not monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and it is the subject of litigation in courts of law.

However, the South-west chapter of PDP described the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, as the “Biblical Moses”, saying he rescued the party from aggressors determined to strangle it.

Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi, stated that the PDP convention remained valid and legally recognised, despite earlier conflicting court rulings.

Meanwhile, fresh details emerged on why Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, did not support the expulsion of Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, Ayo Fayose and other party leaders at the Ibadan convention. The governor alluded to lack of consultation.

Nonetheless, amid the deepening tensions in PDP, former presidential candidate and founding member of the party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, urged immediate reconciliation and a return to the party’s original principles, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at stake.

Turaki, in his address, assured party members that the confidence reposed in the new elected party executives would not be taken for granted.

He stated, “I want to assure you that the confidence reposed in the executives will not be taken for granted.

“There will be no more impunity and suppression of the will of Nigerian people and we shall open our ears wide to listen to you to determine what you want and what you want is what we shall give you.”

Turaki said PDP was currently at a crossroads, but pledged that the new executive was equal to the task.

He said the new executives would start visiting some of the aggrieved party members to appeal to those with genuine grievances to return to the party in order to “save Nigeria’s democracy from imminent collapse”.

South-west PDP Hails Makinde, Greets New Party Officers

The South-west chapter of PDP, in a press statement by the party’s zonal publicity secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, said the successful conduct of the convention had restored the confidence of Nigerians, who had long yearned for genuine democratic leadership.

Atofarati said the yearnings of Nigerians contrasted with what he described as the manipulation through divide-and-rule tactics by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement said, “Governor Seyi Makinde has once again demonstrated exemplary leadership and must be commended for saving the party from total collapse.

“He can best be described as the Biblical Moses of the PDP, whose collaborative efforts with other well-meaning leaders have given the party a new lease of life.

“The Tinubu administration, having been rejected by Nigerians, resorted to masterminding the prolonged crisis that has beset our party.

“However, with the election of these eminent leaders into the National Executive Committee, the PDP can now focus without unnecessary distractions and begin galvanising support ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The South-west PDP said, “The APC’s political decline will begin with the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2026.

“While we congratulate all newly elected members of the National Executive Committee, we have unwavering confidence in their capacity to provide credible leadership that will entrench discipline and commitment to the ideals of the party.”

The party also commended PDP governors for standing firmly with the party, and lauded the government and the people of Oyo State for the peaceful conduct of the convention.

Olawepo-Hashim: Fate of Nigeria’s Democracy Linked to PDP’s Survival

Olawepo-Hashim, in a statement on Sunday, said PDP’s survival was linked to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. He sought

reconciliation, saying the party should not be allowed to bleed to death.

He reminded Nigerians of the party’s historic origins 27 years ago, describing the founding of PDP as one of the most remarkable demonstrations of political maturity in the country’s history.

The former presidential hopeful stated that the party’s formation brought together over 13 political associations, each robust enough to stand independently, which were united through dialogue, broad consultation, and a deep spirit of inclusion.

According to him, the founding leaders deliberately created a platform capable of preventing military adventurism, safeguarding the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian state, and promoting genuine federalism.

He emphasised that this inclusive and consultative spirit was the reason PDP secured almost two-thirds of elected positions during the December 1998 local government election, an early success that helped stabilise Nigeria’s democratic order.

Olawepo-Hashim stressed that the current path of fragmentation, court induced confusion, and exclusionary politics was a dangerous departure from the party’s foundational ideals.

“Inclusion, not exclusion, is the tradition of the PDP,” he warned, adding, “We must strive to bring all sides back to the table to save the PDP and save Nigeria’s democracy.”

He insisted that the party’s revival depended on genuine unity and purposeful reconciliation, urging leaders to commit to a single watchword: “We must not leave anyone behind.”

Olawepo-Hashim added a scriptural reminder, stating that the Bible teaches that “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). He stressed that this was not the season to expel members, it was the season to reconcile and bring new members, a season to save PDP in order to save Nigeria’s democracy.

‘PDP Convention Legitimate’

Dr Sam Amadi, during an interview with Arise News, said the most recent court order issued before the PDP national convention permitted the event to hold, rendering previous contradictory orders ineffective.

He said the controversy surrounding the party’s leadership crisis was fuelled by INEC’s failure to act as a regulatory authority, as well as courts issuing “contradictory and unnecessary” ex parte orders.

Amadi stated that the convention was backed by law, and stated that the latest decision from the court supported its conduct.

He stated, “If I recall, the latest decision that came in on Friday was in favour of the convention. So you can’t say it’s not legal.

“Unfortunately, we have courts authorising and counter-authorising actions, and that is the real problem.”

Amadi stated that the situation highlighted a growing problem in Nigeria where political actors rushed to secure favourable injunctions instead of allowing established procedures to play out.

He criticised INEC for allegedly abandoning its quasi-judicial responsibilities by constantly deferring to the courts.

Amadi explained that political parties were expected to file leadership documents with INEC, which should then verify and make determinations before judicial review could become necessary.

He maintained that facts available pointed to the legitimacy of the current PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), saying it has been functional for over three years and cannot be replaced arbitrarily.

On claims that the Supreme Court forbade judicial intervention in party matters, Amadi clarified that the ruling only barred courts from selecting party leaders, not from reviewing whether parties obeyed their internal rules.

Responding to recent expulsions of some high-profile members, including Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, Amadi stressed the need for due process, but questioned the loyalty of party figures allegedly working with rival political platforms.

Meanwhile, multiple sources confirmed that no consultation was held with PDP governors, and no meeting of the Governors’ Forum took place to deliberate on or approve the far-reaching decision on the expulsion of the party bigwigs.

Instead, the motion was said to have been smuggled into the proceedings without the knowledge or consent of key organs of the party.

A source said, “There were already ongoing consultations for an arbitration process on the whole crisis. You can also see that Fintiri, who chaired the convention organising committee, has also denied the expulsion—giving credence to the fact that it was more of a personal agenda of some stakeholders.”

Mutfwang, in distancing himself from the decision, stressed that the move “does not reflect my position”.

He insisted that such grave disciplinary actions could not stand without proper consultation, legal backing, and the involvement of constitutionally recognised organs of the party.

Sources said the Plateau governor was particularly disturbed by the timing and irregular procedure adopted by the Makinde-aligned group, warning that the action risked undermining the fragile peace efforts currently underway within the PDP.

“At a time when the party is grappling with significant internal challenges, what is required is unity, dialogue and collective responsibility—not actions that deepen division,” Mutfwang reportedly told close associates.

He further said the purported expulsion did not mirror his personal relationships with either the Makinde group or the Wike faction, stressing that he remains committed to rebuilding and repositioning PDP through lawful, inclusive, and strategic engagement.

Governor Fintri, on his part, made it clear that he had no hand in the move, describing it as unhealthy and capable of worsening the party’s already fragile internal cohesion.

He stated, “I wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Governor Wike, from the PDP.

“I believe this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be part of anything that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.”

*S’West PDP hails Makinde, congratulates newly elected officers *Stakeholders seek immediate reconciliation, say party shouldn’t bleed to death *Amadi: this convention has legalisation *Why Plateau, Adamawa governors differed over expulsion of Wike, others *Olawepo-Hashim: fate of Nigeria’s democracy linked to PDP’s survival