News
CSOs, bloggers conference: 1,000 participants back Kyari, NNPCL Management
Hundreds of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, including professionals, and youth groups from different social and cultural groups across the country have commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Mele Kyari, for his outstanding achievements in the oil and gas industry and passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on him.
The various groups spoke on Monday at a national conference in Abuja with the theme, “Improving Public Trust Between NNPCL and Civil Society Organizations” where they also passed a vote of confidence in Dr. Kyari and his team, commending their efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and performance.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (COCSO) President, Mohammed Yusuf in his address praised Dr. Kyari, for his outstanding achievements in increasing the nation’s crude oil reserves and reducing the burden of petrol importation.
“Since assuming the office, Dr. Kyari has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the principles of Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) – a blueprint that has transformed the NNPCL into a beacon of excellence, both at home and abroad,” Yusuf said.
Also speaking, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Professionals for Peace and Development (ONPPAD) highlighted Dr. Kyari’s transformative leadership, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.
President of the group, Uche Nwakama praised the NNPCL leadership under Kyari for the successful rehabilitation and revitalization of the country’s refineries, including those in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri, which has reduced reliance on costly petroleum product imports and created numerous job opportunities for youths in the region.
In his address, Dr Okpanachi Paul, coordinator of the North Central Youth Professionals said since taking the helm at the NNPCL, Dr. Kyari has spearheaded a number of initiatives that have directly benefited the North Central region of Nigeria.
“One of the most significant accomplishments is the successful commencement of the construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project,” he said.
He said, “This ambitious project, which has seen a savings of $300 million from the initial amount, has the capacity to make available around 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, with the potential to double the delivery capacity in the future. This infrastructure development will not only enhance energy security for the region but also create numerous job opportunities for the youth in the North Central states.”
Barr Akintola Olawale Bello, National Coordinator, Oduduwa Democratic Frontiers in his address said since assuming office, Dr. Kyari has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the transformation of the NNPCL, positioning it as a globally competitive and financially stable national oil company.
According to him, one of Kyari’s most remarkable accomplishments is the successful signing of the $3.15 billion Alternative Financing Package with Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and other partners for the development of NPDC’s OML 13.
He further highlighted that under Dr. Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL has made significant strides in the gas sector with the signing of the NLNG Train 7 project, which is expected to deliver over $20 billion in revenue to the government and create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, noting that this is a clear demonstration of his vision to transform Nigeria into a gas-driven economy.
Dr. Stanley Uguru, DirectorBloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) in his address said Dr. Kyari’s tenure has also been marked by strategic investments aimed at boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production capabilities and enhancing national development.
He said, “For instance, the increase in national crude oil reserves to achieve the 40,000 billion barrel target is a testament to his focused and visionary leadership. By pushing exploration work in various basins and drilling new wells, such as the Kolmano River II & III wells and seismic data collection in the Bida and Sokoto Basins, Dr. Kyari has significantly contributed to securing Nigeria’s energy future.”
According to him, the group will continue to collaborate with NNPCL to boost Transparency and accountability and access to information, saying these are cornerstones of trust in any organisation.
Foreign news
Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration
By Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.
Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.
“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.
“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”
He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.
“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”
Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.
“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”
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