API Denies Issuing BOSIET Certification to OPEANS Nigeria Limited

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has firmly denied granting any certification or approval to Opeans Nigeria Limited for conducting the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET).

Opeans Nigeria Limited, a training provider with centers in Port Harcourt and Warri, had previously claimed to have received API certification, which caused excitement among its Executive Director, Ben Nwoye, and the company’s stakeholders.

However, API has set the record straight, asserting that it has not accredited or approved any trainings conducted by Opeans Nigeria Limited.

As a leading standard-setting organization in the oil and gas industry, API aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the sector within the United States of America.

This denial by API came to light during a lawsuit (HOR/9/2023) filed at the Delta State High Court against Opeans Nigeria Limited, API, Veriforce Limited Liability Company, and the Attorney-General of Delta State.

API’s legal team, from Banwo & Ighodalo law firm, made it clear that Opeans Nigeria Limited has no affiliation with API and that the BOSIET certificates being issued by Opeans Nigeria Limited are not approved or accredited by the Institute.

Furthermore, API refuted the claims made by Opeans Nigeria Limited in various newspapers regarding their supposed API certification.

The lawsuit also shed light on the alleged issuance of fake and forged BOSIET certificates by Opeans Nigeria Limited, claiming accreditation and approval by API and Veriforce.

Industry experts, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted that Opeans Nigeria Limited’s practice of awarding fraudulent BOSIET certificates is not a new phenomenon.

They further revealed that oil companies are aware of the lack of accreditation from API or any relevant institution for Opeans Nigeria Limited.

However, they alleged that regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had been enabling and covering up such fraudulent activities, thereby endangering the lives of personnel in the industry.

The Delta State High Court has duly acknowledged and accepted all the relevant legal documents, with a ruling on the interlocutory application slated for October 10th, 2023.

NIS produces 204,332 Passports in three weeks, urges applicants to come for collection

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) said it has produced 204,332 passports within three weeks.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the NIS Acting Comptroller General, Mrs Caroline Wuraola-Adepoju said the challenge the service is having so far is that only 91,981 applicants have collected their passports.

She noted that a state of emergency was declared on passport issuance when she assumed office few months ago.

According to her, the coming of the minister of interior was an additional blessing as he activated all within his power to ensure the backlogs were cleared.

She therefore called on Nigerians who applied for the travel document to come for the pick at no extra cost.

According to her, “We worked at weekends to ensure we meet up with the target the Minister gave us. Applicants should please visit the centres where they applied for the document and pick them, They are ready.”

According to her, “My heart bleeds when someone calls me and says Madam CG, my passport is somewhere hanging, maybe when I intervene, they would quickly get their passport. I want us to get to the point when you don’t need to call anybody before you could procure a passport.

“When the system is fully automated, we would create a link through which you can monitor your application and production process. Any officer of the NIS caught in malpractices would be severely punished. I have the directive of the minister to make scape Goat of any official who refuses to conform. I can assure you we want to succeed. Many of our officers have been sleeping in the offices to ensure we meet up with the clearance of backlog. We are all ready to render service compact to all our compatriots.”

Some of the new measure the service took, according to Adepoju was that their partners increased the number of production machines while officers and men ran multiple shifts at passport production centres.

She urged Nigerians with any complaint against poor services being rendered to call the SERVICOM Department on 08067761996 and the Immigration Public Relations Officer on 08038125789.

By: Celestine Ukah 

Deplorable Warri-Benin Highway: Rep Ereyitomi urges FG to fix Road, Provide relief materials to Petroleum tanker explosion victims

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr Thomas Ereyitomi JP has called on the federal Government of Nigeria to immediately swing into action by fixing the dilapidated Benin Sapele Highway.

Chief Ereyitomi made the call Wednesday October 4, 2023 while moving a motion on Matter Of Urgent Public Importance based on Standing Order Eight Rule 4 of the House of Representatives.

The Federal Lawmaker in his motion want the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to immediately send relief materials to affected victims and settle medical bills of those hospitalized after the tanker explosion.

According to Chief Ereyitomi in the motion which was co-moved by the Member Representing Orhionwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Edo State, Hon. Dr. Billy F. Osawaru, narrated how Fuel Tanker explosion at Koko Junction in the dilapidated Warri–Benin highway, Delta State that claimed over twenty lives including children and women on Sunday 1st of October 2023, when a tanker laden with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control while trying to navigate a bad spot at Koko Junction in the Warri-Benin Road Delta State;

Noting that apart from the deaths recorded, other people sustained different degrees of injuries while over 16 vehicles and 3 motor cycles were destroyed by the inferno.

They added that the Honourable Minister of Works recently visited some federal roads in Delta State including the Benin-Warri Road where he witnessed the plight of Nigerians plying the road and promised immediate/temporary rehabilitation which is yet to commence before the unfortunate incidence;

Worried that this unfortunate incident has worsened the plight of road users who already had to cope with the massive gridlock occasioned by the dilapidated road; spending over 6 hours for a 45 minutes Warri to Benin trip;
Concerned that the Warri-Benin Road is plagued by a significant number of accident each year, often involving heavy duty vehicles that topple over as drivers manoeuvre the failed portions;
Also concerned that the affected persons will need the support of the government agencies responsible for emergency cases.

Hon. Ereyitomi is also urging the Federal Government to expedite action on the rehabilitation of the Warri-Benin highway and other federal roads around the Country with a view to forestalling future occurrence as well mandate the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Management, works and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

How BUA Cement reduces ex-factory cement prices to N3,500 per bag effective October 2, 2023 to further crash price-MGT

We refer to our previous pronouncements regarding our intent to reduce cement prices upon the completion of our new lines at the end of the year, in order to spur development in the building materials and infrastructure sectors.

As per the commitment made to reduce prices and following a periodic review of our operations for efficiency, the management of BUA Cement Plc wishes to announce and inform our esteemed customers, stakeholders, and the public that effective October 2, 2023, we have decided to bring the price reduction forward. As a result, BUA Cement would now be sold at an ex-factory* price of 3,500 Naira per bag so that Nigerians can begin to enjoy the benefits of the price reduction before the completion of our plants.

Upon completion of the ongoing construction of our new plants, which would increase our production volumes to 17million metric tonnes per annum, BUA Cement PLC intends to review these prices further in line with our earlier pronouncements by the first quarter of 2024.

NOTE: all pending, undelivered orders which had been paid for at the old prices will be reviewed downwards to N3500/bag in line with the new pricing from October 2, 2023. Our licensed dealers are also enjoined to ensure that end-users benefit from this reduction in ex-factory prices as we will monitor field sales to ensure compliance.

Signed:

Management

Senate Asks Tinubu To Present Supplementary Budget to fast track CNG Project

The Senate Committee on Gas has urged the executive Arm of government to present a 2023 supplementary budget to the National Assembly to kick start his Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project.

The panel, which commended President Tinubu for the CNG initiative, however cautioned against extra budgetary spending.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, in a statement, said it would be illegal to spend tax payers money on any project without the approval by the National Assembly.

He also emphasised the need for the President to come up with a supplementary budget to enable the government fund the gas value chain, including the provision for CNG infrastructure and CNG vehicles.

Jarigbe said the National Assembly was poised to support the lofty programmes of Tinubu’s administration, adding that a 2023 supplementary budget would be most appropriate, instead of resorting to extra-budgetary spending.

Following the removal of fuel subsidy, the Tinubu administration plans to roll out CNG-run vehicles to ease public transportation.

In his Independence speech, the President had said that, “We have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer CNG buses across the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.

“New CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process.”

He said his administration was also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.

DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum Parley with Board

By: Odeya Ogbetuo

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Indigenous Contractors Forum Executive and ex-officio Tuesday October 2, 2023 had an emergency meeting to deliberate on important matters concerning the Forum.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting in Warri, Delta State, the Chairman of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum Engr. Samson Ogie stressed on the need for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to input the interest of the contractors who are indigenes in both DESOPADEC and State budgets.

Engr. Ogie who responded to the previous publication about the two weeks ultimatum for protest, said the previous publication was made based on lack of communication between the Forum executive and the Board of DESOPADEC.

The Secretary of the Forum, Prince Charles Ebigbagha noted that it was paramount for the public to understand that DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors have three levels which are; ex-officio, executive and members, stressing that there is nothing like Board of Trustees.

The PRO of the Forum, Mr. Karo Okotete pointed out that the tenure of Governor Oborevwori has a lot of hopes which they expect to be more effective according to his More Agenda.

Comrade Francis Obule JP, Pioneer Chairman of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum and now an ex-officio asserted that anyone trying to impersonate the present executive of the Forum should be disregarded.

Police probe officers over N80m allegedly shared with IG, CP from Extortion

The Nigeria Police Force said the Monitoring Unit of the Inspector-General of Police had commenced an investigation following a petition by a Delta State-based rights advocate, Israel Joe, over alleged extortion of N80 million from a surveillance contractor, Atubi Davison, by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, and two other officers simply identified as Emmanuel and Uche.

The police said it is currently interrogating the policemen who according to the petitioner, claimed that they would give the sum of N30 million to IG Egbetokun, and N16 million to the Rivers State CP, Polycarp Abonyi, out of the booty.

The petitioner also alleged that the policemen also collected a gold necklace from Davidson worth N4 million.

The PUNCH reports that the police high command had earlier denied the allegations while noting that the NPF views the allegations with utmost seriousness and is fully committed to conducting a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

In an official correspondence on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi noted that to ensure fairness and impartiality, the complainant who made the allegations will be contacted to come forward and cooperate by providing more relevant information regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, Joe, in the petition dated September 21, which was duly stamped by the office of the IG, said the police on September 14, 2023, busted Davison’s residence at Peace Avenue Road, Egbelu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, searched the house and discovered local and foreign currencies totaling N100 million meant for payment for men securing pipeline facilities in Niger Delta.

The activist said the police took away the money, two cars, and gold necklace, and arrested four persons seen in Davison’s house, including a female. He said that despite an investigation showing that the money was for payment of securing an oil facility the money was not returned.

Joe said, “I met with the Assistant Commissioner, State CIID, and asked him what are you investigating the man for, the ACP told me that is an alleged kidnap case that he doesn’t know if somebody will come and report that his money is missing or is a ransom money, that all they need to do is to see how they can manage the situation that the money is about N100 million.

“A major part of the money is in dollars. I told the ACP they should charge him (Davison) to court if the man committed any offence. When they saw that calls were coming from different angles, they called us – called the father that they were going to release the two cars to him and any amount they release to him (Davison), he should manage it, that they are going to send N30 million to the IG, N16 million to the state Commissioner of Police.

“At the end of the day, they (the policemen) released the two cars, they released the Chevrolet and Toyota Camry car to him, released only N12 million to him and took away a whopping N80 million along with his gold chain valued about N4 million, the two plasma Television, shoes and clothes they carried from his house.”

Continuing, he said, “The IPO even told us to leave Port Harcourt that criminals may come for us, that we should leave Rivers State. I know one CP called him (AC) and he confirmed that they took away almost N100 million from the man’s house. They released only 12 million naira for the man.

“The 12 million was in dollars. The other people who were arrested with the man bailed themselves, some with one million naira, two million naira, just like that. I am calling for a proper investigation. The money should be refunded and all officers involved should be brought to book. If the surveillance workers are not paid, people will go and break the pipeline and the man has nothing to do and it will tell on the economy of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

Reacting to the development in an official correspondence on Monday night, Adejobi said, “Following allegations of unprofessionalism, kidnapping, name-dropping, extortion, and illicit enrichment against some officers of the Rivers State Police Command, and the swift intervention of the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, the officers fingered in a petition by one Israel Joe on behalf of one Mr Atubi Davison are being interrogated by the IGP Monitoring Unit as part of ongoing investigation to unravel the allegations and ascertain its veracity for further necessary action.

“As previously stated, the Nigeria Police Force views these allegations with the utmost seriousness and is fully committed to conducting a comprehensive and transparent investigation. To ensure fairness and impartiality, the complainant who made these allegations will be contacted to come forward and cooperate by providing more relevant information regarding the matter.

“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, cautions the public about fraudulent individuals who always attempt to exploit the reputation of the Inspector General of Police and other senior officers for personal gain. He urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to represent Senior Police Officers in any dubious activities while reporting such to the NPF and the Force Public Relations Officer or the Complaint Response Unit desk in any state of the Federation.”

EU foreign ministers in Ukraine’s Kyiv for unprecedented meeting abroad outside bloc abroad.

Top diplomats of the bloc gather in Kyiv in the first-ever meeting outside the EU borders in show of solidarity to Ukraine.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna talks with the media prior to the EU-Ukraine Foreign Minister’s meeting in Kyi

The foreign ministers of all 27 European Union member states are meeting in war-torn Ukraine in their first-ever meeting outside the bloc’s borders, displaying support for Kyiv.

The unannounced meeting takes place as the Ukrainian government pushes to join the EU in the future, amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which is in its 20th month.

“I am convening today the EU Foreign Ministers in Kyiv, for the first-ever meeting of all 27 Member States outside the EU,” the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a post on social media platform X on Monday.

“Ukraine’s future lies within the EU,” he added.

Top officials from EU capitals have often visited Kyiv since the beginning of the war, but this is the first time an official EU summit is being held in the Ukrainian capital.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba hailed the ministers’ meeting “within future borders” of the EU in a post on social media platform X.

“Glad to welcome EU foreign ministers at the historic meeting in Ukraine,” he said, adding: “For the first time in history, outside current EU borders. But also within its future borders.”

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said the meeting was a signal to Moscow of the bloc’s determination to support Ukraine over the long term.

lute and lasting support for Ukraine, until it can win. It is also a message to Russia that it should not count on our weariness. We will be there for a long time to come,” she told reporters in Kyiv.

The EU member states, along with the United Kingdom and the United States, have provided massive military and financial support to Ukraine, enabling it to stand up to the Russian offensive.

‘One voice

Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, reporting from the Ukrainian city of Lubny, said the meeting symbolises a crucial moment in EU-Ukraine relations.

“The Russian war in Ukraine is an existential threat not just to Ukraine, but to the European project,” he said.

“The majority of EU countries speak in one voice when it comes to supporting Ukraine in this war,” Basravi said.

ter the US Congress blocked new aid for Ukraine in a government spending deal despite calls from the White House in the opposite direction.

As uncertainty sets in over how long Kyiv’s allies will keep sending billions of dollars for the war, Kuleba said that Washington’s support for Ukraine was not weakening.

“We do not feel that the US support has been shattered … because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine,” he told reporters as he greeted Borrell for the summit.

“The decision was taken as it was, but we are now working with both sides of the Congress to make sure that it does not repeat again under any circumstances,” Kuleba added.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday reassured Kyiv and allies of continued financial support for the war effort despite the US Congress’s decision.

He pressed congressional Republicans to back the aid, saying he was “sick and tired” of the political brinkmanship that had nearly closed the government down.

Nigeria @63: Rep Ereyitomi. harps on unity, peace development among Nigerian

The member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP has urged Nigerians to work together for the country’s unity, peace and development, saying national interest must always take precedence over every other interest and consideration.

Chief Ereyitomi who also stressed the importance of quality education to nation building, equally commended Nigerians for their resilience in the face of socio-economic challenge faced in the country.

Rep Ereyitomi in commemoration of the Nigeria s 63rd independence anniversary expressed strong conviction that the country would emerge from the present difficulties stronger and more prosperous.

He hailed the nation’s founding fathers for their doggedness, patriotic zeal, and lofty visions for Nigeria, urging all tiers of government to work together to reorient the country towards the path of recovery in all sectors of national life.

Chief Ereyitomi House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Aviation Technology, said for the country to reach its full potential as a prosperous nation and the true giant of Africa envisaged by the founding fathers, it must prioritise education as the cornerstone of nation-building, hence has supported students of Warri Federal Constituency hugely on that sector and others.

According to The Warri Federal Lawmaker, his focus has been on continued support to the education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure, human capital development, and poverty eradication across the 32 Federal Wards that make up Warri Federal Constituency.

Hon. Chief Ereyitomi on behalf of himself and his family congratulate the good people of Warri Federal Constituency, Deltans and Nigerians as they celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary Sunday October 1, 2023

** Uses Medium To Appeal To President Tinubu To Reaward Crude Oil Surveillance Contract To Tompolo

The Niger Delta Indigenous Movement For Radical Change has congratulated HIGH CHIEF (AMB.) GODSPOWER T.D.A. GBENEKAMA (JP), the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee celebration and used the medium to appeal to the President Senator Bola Tinubu to listen to the people and renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo.

In a press release signed by Nelly Emma, John Sailor and Stanley Mukoro, President, Secretary and Public Relations Officer, respectively, the group described Chief Godspower Gbenekama who is the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom as a true son of the Niger Delta Region and rejoiced with him on his 60th birthday celebration.

According to the statement; ” We want to Felicitate With a true son of the Niger Delta Region, Chief Godspower Gbenekama (JP) on the occasion of his 60th birthday. He has done so much for the oil rich Niger Delta Region, he has spoken openly to authorities on the vexed neglect of the region and we will ever be proud to be associated with him. He is a good man and we pray to God to continue to guide and protect him”.

” You have always advocated for the needful to be done to the people of the Niger Delta Region. You have never changed your patriotic love for your people of the Niger Delta Region in particular and Nigerians in general, you have always been there for all of us and we have every reason to celebrate you now and always”, they stated.

The group used the medium to appeal to the President, Senator Bola Tinubu to listen to the voices of the people and renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services led by former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemepulo (aka Tompolo), adding that; “We wish to use this medium of the 60th birthday celebration of the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama to appeal to our President, Senator Bola Tinubu to listen to the people and renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services led by Tompolo. The renewal of the contract is good for the region, the Nigerian nation and particularly your government. We plead that you renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract for Tompolo and you would have gone justice to all and sundry.

“Once again, we congratulate the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama on the occasion his birthday and we believe that our President will renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract to a true son of Gbaramatu Kingdom and our peace loving son, Tompolo as a surprise birthday gift to all of us”, they wrote.Group Felicitates With Gbaramatu Chief, Gbenekama On 60th Birthday

*** Uses Medium To Appeal To President Tinubu To Reaward Crude Oil Surveillance Contract To Tompolo

The Niger Delta Indigenous Movement For Radical Change has congratulated HIGH CHIEF (AMB.) GODSPOWER T.D.A. GBENEKAMA (JP), the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee celebration and used the medium to appeal to the President Senator Bola Tinubu to listen to the people and renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo.

In a press release signed by Nelly Emma, John Sailor and Stanley Mukoro, President, Secretary and Public Relations Officer, respectively, the group described Chief Godspower Gbenekama who is the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom as a true son of the Niger Delta Region and rejoiced with him on his 60th birthday celebration.

According to the statement; ” We want to Felicitate With a true son of the Niger Delta Region, Chief Godspower Gbenekama (JP) on the occasion of his 60th birthday. He has done so much for the oil rich Niger Delta Region, he has spoken openly to authorities on the vexed neglect of the region and we will ever be proud to be associated with him. He is a good man and we pray to God to continue to guide and protect him”.

” You have always advocated for the needful to be done to the people of the Niger Delta Region. You have never changed your patriotic love for your people of the Niger Delta Region in particular and Nigerians in general, you have always been there for all of us and we have every reason to celebrate you now and always”, they stated.

The group used the medium to appeal to the President, Senator Bola Tinubu to listen to the voices of the people and renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services led by former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemepulo (aka Tompolo), adding that; “We wish to use this medium of the 60th birthday celebration of the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama to appeal to our President, Senator Bola Tinubu to listen to the people and renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services led by Tompolo. The renewal of the contract is good for the region, the Nigerian nation and particularly your government. We plead that you renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract for Tompolo and you would have gone justice to all and sundry.

“Once again, we congratulate the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama on the occasion his birthday and we believe that our President will renew the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract to a true son of Gbaramatu Kingdom and our peace loving son, Tompolo as a surprise birthday gift to all of us”, they wrote.