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Shell Commends Oloibiri Lecture Series As Platform  For Change

 

Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Board of Trustees, Felix Chijioke Obike and General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Joe Mordi during the 2025 SPE Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) in Abuja.

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo,) one of the sponsors of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) has commended it as a platform for driving change in Nigeria’s energy sector through the discussions that centre on business performance, cost discipline and process simplification.

 

“This event is special to the Shell brand, not only because of the nostalgia of Oloibiri but the quality of discourse it has enabled in our sector over the years,” SNEPCO Managing Director Ronald Adams said in a goodwill speech delivered by General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations Joe Mordi. He said: “We are grateful to the Society of Petroleum Engineers and our host the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for another successful outing.”

 

Organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum began in 1991, in commemoration of the country’s first commercial oil discovery by Shell at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956. Ronald said recent developments in the Upstream and Downstream sectors of the energy industry, including the $5-billion final investment decision by Shell in the Bonga North Deepwater project echoed the sentiments around the first oil discovery.

 

He noted: “These strides come with a commitment to excellence required of us – for stakeholders, colleagues, our country and indeed, future generations. The theme for this year ‘Driving energy sustainability through technology, policy and supply chain excellence’ reflects this commitment. The future is bright, and we have the opportunity to co-create it.”

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L-R: Pastor Chuks Anochie, Resident Pastor of Dominion City, Ajah; Pastor Shola Olapade, Resident Pastor of Dominion City Church, Lagos Headquarters; Pastor Blaise Udunze and Ambassador Henry Agbai, during the press briefing to announce the Church’s annual programme – Camp Meeting 2025, billed for 17th to 21st April with the theme “Revival and Multiplication”—at the Lagos headquarters.
Army Decries Poor South East Youth Enlistment Into Military Service

Army Decries Poor Igbo Youths' Enlistment in Military Service
LarryBravo Nwaiwu
The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm over the poor enlistment of South East youths into the military service, and called for a change of attitude to reverse the trend.
According to the Army, while Kaduna State had recorded over 3,000 applications in the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise, Enugu State was still struggling with just a hundred, noting that the story was not different with other South East states.
It called FC numbers in the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise to fill their quotas.
The Army made the call in Enugu during an enlightenment town hall meeting with Local Government Council Chairmen, traditional rulers, Presidents-General of town unions, and other community and thought leaders at the weekend.
Leader of the 2025 Army Recruitment Enlightenment Team, Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, said, “Our people are losing what rightly belongs to them. Each year, whenever a slot is being allocated to our people, we keep noticing that the number of applicants from our side is usually very poor.
“Take for example, Enugu State was given about 200 slots, but the people who made it were never up to 100 due to poor application.  This has also become a recurring decimal in other states in the South East.
“Today’s statistics on the number of applicants show that Kaduna has about 3,000 applicants, while Enugu is still battling with about a hundred; and by the time we will be through with screening, you will not have enough to recruit from the state.”
He refuted the allegation that people of South East origin were being killed in their numbers in the Army because they were the first to be sent to the battle fronts. He added that the region was also holding strategic positions in the Army presently.
“There are a lot of falsehoods out there stating that the Igbo are being killed because they are the first to be sent to the battlefield. These things are not true. After all, we that are here have risen high in the Army and we are telling you that they are lies. Today in the Nigerian Army, our brother is one of the top commanders in charge of equipment. His name is Chibueze Ogbuabor,” he said.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, regretted that the problem had persisted despite the collective efforts to reverse the trend and called for a review of modes of advertising the opportunities and the need to provide more details about the benefits of serving in the Army.
“While seated here, I was just trying to conduct a very quick research and it appears this same problem is happening worldwide and militaries across the world are deploying more cutting-edge strategies for recruitment because we are talking about the new generation that you communicate in a different way from the past,” he stated.
He reiterated Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to ensuring that the state filled its quota, describing the military as a noble and highly respected profession across the world.
On his part, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, pledged even stronger cooperation of the Local Government Council, but called on the military high command to equally address any concerns of the people to make the service more appealing to the youths.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator, Presidents-General of Enugu State Town Unions, Hon. Arinze Ogbodo; former Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu and the traditional ruler of Nomeh Unataeze, Lieutenant Colonel Israel Mbah (rtd.), called on the youths to enlist in the Army, but stressed the need for more enlightenment.
“I was a military man before. I survived every war. I did mine and today I am a traditional ruler. So, I believe that our young people should join the force,” Mbah stated.
Moniepoint to Strengthen UK and Nigeria Trade Ties Partnership

L-R Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Moniepoint Inc, Felix Ike; Head, Financial Services, Department for Business and Trade, DBT, Hugh de Lusignan; Co-Founder and Group CEO, Moniepoint Inc, Tosin Eniolorunda and British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter during the British envoy’s visit to Moniepoint Inc office in the UK.
In era where global commerce is increasingly interconnected, the significance of fostering strong trade relationships between nations cannot be overstated. With the UK-Nigeria trade relations are expected to see significant growth in several sectors this year, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter has paid a working visit to Moniepoint’s UK office. The visit underscores the value of strong partnerships in driving growth and innovation across continents, with Moniepoint’s emergence as a global fintech leader, showcasing how bilateral cooperation fuels economic progress.
During the meeting, discussions revolved around strengthening trade and investment ties between Nigeria and the UK. Mr. Baxter highlighted the importance of trade as a cornerstone of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations, emphasizing its role in fostering prosperity, innovation, and cooperation across sectors such as energy, financial services, and infrastructure. The envoy highlighted the British International Investment (BII)’s investment in  Moiniepoint Inc as a critical point in increasing economic opportunities for small businesses in Africa, as well as enhancing financial inclusion for consumers and providing direct financing to impactful companies.
Tosin Eniolorunda, Founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint, lauded the British government and DBT for creating an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses operating in the UK. He noted that Moniepoint’s presence in the UK contributes to actualizing this bilateral relationship by ensuring it is not a one-sided transfer of investments but a mutually beneficial partnership.
“Trade and investment are pillars of UK-Nigeria relations. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s turning those pillars into bridges for real economic transformation. Our mission has always been to engineer financial happiness while powering the dreams of millions businesses and individuals through digital financial technology. Every step we take—whether in Nigeria or the UK—is about making that vision a reality. Our growth is a testament to what’s possible when partnerships go beyond investment—it’s about shared prosperity and innovation,” Eniolorunda said.
Eniolorunda also acknowledged the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) between Nigeria and the UK as a critical framework for unlocking market access, regulatory cooperation, and job creation in emerging sectors. He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in areas such as innovative financial services and cybersecurity products.
Moniepoint operates as an all-in-one financial ecosystem, offering seamless payments, banking, credit, business management and cross border solutions to over 10 million businesses and individuals across Nigeria and Africa. It has established itself as the leading financial platform for Nigeria’s vast network of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), especially those in the informal segment of the economy. Moniepoint’s mission to drive financial inclusion and empower businesses has been widely acknowledged and signposted by its listing for two consecutive years as Africa’s fastest growing financial institution. As Nigeria’s largest merchant acquirer, the company powers most of the country’s Point of Sale (POS) transactions, processing over 1 billion transactions monthly, with total payments volume exceeding $22 billion.
During the visit, Moniepoint discussed plans for new solutions to help Nigerians in the UK easily send money home. These solutions will leverage Moniepoint’s reputation for trust, speed, and transparency to solve payment issues. Eniolorunda noted this is part of a larger effort to improve economic and trade relations between Nigeria and the UK..
Moniepoint executives at the event include Felix Ike, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Moniepoint Inc; Moniepoint Inc; Ross Strike, Senior Vice President, M&A & Investor Relations; and Ravi Jakhodia, CEO, Moniepoint UK. The British delegation which had in attendance Hugh de Lusignan, Head of Financial Services at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) recognized Moniepoint as a testament to Nigeria’s growing prominence in global fintech while reiterating the UK’s commitment to furthering economic collaboration with Nigeria, particularly as both nations explore new opportunities for innovation and growth
Seplat Energy’s Sustainability Commitments  Targeted Beyond Today – COO

 

Seplat Energy Plc, leading Nigerian independent energy Company has restated its commitments to energy sustainability as it impacts people, environment and corporate governance, stressing that its focus is long-term with dividends accruable beyond today.

The Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy, Mr. Samson Ezugworie, stated this at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council 2025 Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) held in Abuja recently.

Ezugworie, who spoke in the Forum’s panel session titled ‘Driving Energy Sustainability Through Technology, Policy, and Supply Chain Excellence’ maintained that business sustainability is about vision and building a future “you may not benefit from”.

He likened sustainability to the human race and many challenges that have confronted it; amongst which is energy poverty in Nigeria, which he stressed had limited the potential of the country and its people.

Speaking on Seplat Energy’s effort at addressing energy poverty in Nigeria, Ezugworie noted that over 850MMscfd of gas installations have been achieved in-country (excluding capacities from the recently acquired MPNU assets).

“Over the years, we have currently installed over 850MMscfd of gas geared towards supplying gas to domestic users in Nigeria. With the recent acquisition of the MPNU assets, we will now begin to explore and exploit other growth options. We are going to go into the mass gas reserves of that asset and still ensure that we use significant part of that to power Nigeria,” the Seplat Energy COO said.

He said the panel’s theme which hovers around energy sustainability, technology, policy and supply chains is centred around human beings and building the right capacities to drive growth and developmental progress. “Early this month at Seplat Energy, 50 young graduates just resumed for employment and they are undergoing diverse trainings at the moment. For us, this is capacity development; making sure that we have the funnel of talents that will replace us in due course. This is sustainability,” Ezugworie affirmed.

Highlighting what Seplat Energy had done in the deployment of technology in Nigeria’s gas space, the Seplat Energy COO said the Company’s various interventions were quite transformational. Seplat has implemented its end of routine flaring (EORF) roadmap, which includes investments across our production facilities to minimise Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions and improve overall energy efficiency.

For instance, the first module of Seplat’s Sapele Integrated Gas Plant (SIGP) has commenced operations and is now producing. Once the plant is operating at capacity, expected during 2025, it has the potential to materially reduce the Group Scope 1 emissions. Other ongoing key flare-out projects, including the Western Asset Flares Out (installation of vapour recovery unit compressors), Sapele LPG Storage & Offloading Facility, Oben LPG Project and Ohaji Flares Out Project. The Company is on track to end routine flaring of gas across its onshore assets in 2H 2025.

Ezugworie also highlighted Seplat Energy’s strong commitment in deliver Corporate Social Investment initiatives in health, education and access to energy sustainably in Nigeria. Last year, 352 teachers were impacted in the 2024 edition of Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP); 6,373 students impacted during the 2024 Pearls Quiz; 4 Science Technology Engineering Arts & Mathematics (STEAM) Labs equipped in 4 secondary schools; 9,780 impacted in the 2024 Eye Can See Programme; and Energy solutions delivered in 6 schools and 3 hospitals completed.

Sterling Bank Takes Sides With Nigerians

… Eliminates Bank Transfer Fees
 In a bold move that resets the rules of engagement in the Nigerian banking sector, Sterling Bank has removed transfer fees on its digital banking platform, OneBank. This decisive move makes Sterling the first major Nigerian bank to forgo earning a cut from customer transactions on its own app.
The initiative marks a turning point in the industry and reflects the bank’s deep-rooted
commitment to building a future where banking is affordable, accessible, and in tune with the everyday needs of Nigerians.
“This is not a gimmick. This is the future. And it starts now,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief
Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, during a press briefing in Lagos. “For years, Nigerians have paid fees just to move their own money. We’re saying no more.”
Suleiman explained that the decision stems from years of digital transformation. The bank builtba custom callback system capable of handling over five million customers, already processing more than 180 million transactions. It also migrated entirely from a legacy European core to a homegrown platform built for scale, and deployed a private cloud environment with capacity
well beyond current and future demand.
“We’ve engineered a platform that can support 50 times our current customer base without breaking a sweat,” Suleiman added. “It’s time to pass the benefits of that transformation back to the people.”
The zero-transfer-fee policy applies exclusively to users of OneBank, Sterling’s flagship digital app. New customers who sign up before April 30 will also receive a complimentary AfriGo debit card and lifetime access to fee-free transfers.
This is more than a product update. It’s an economic statement,” Suleiman said. “We are
taking sides with the customer, with the small business owner, with every Nigerian tired of being nickel-and-dimed by the system.”
Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Consumer and Business Banking
Directorate, said the policy is both a reward for loyal customers and an invitation to new ones.
“We owe this to the customers who stuck with us through our transformation journey,”
Ukachukwu said. “We are also opening the door to anyone ready to bank differently. If you join us in April, you’re family, so you get the same lifetime benefits.”
He added that Sterling’s next steps would involve layering on even more value in the months ahead, targeting both individuals and businesses with tools that improve financial wellbeing and fuel economic growth.
“We still bear a portion of the transaction costs, including fees payable to other banks. But we’re doing this because we believe it’s right. And if others in the industry follow suit, we all win,” Ukachukwu concluded.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity and a steadfast focus on it’s HEART strategy. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, proving that purpose-driven leadership can unlock transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
Enugu State Electricity Commission Issues Fresh Power License

Enugu State Electricity Commission issues fresh 5MW Power license, says  more under wayLarryBravo Nwaiwu
In yet another milestone in its regulatory efforts to boost electricity supply in the state, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, has issued a 5MW power generation license to Tempo Power Solutions Ltd to set up a gas-fired plant.
This brings to a total of 15MW, the worth of power generation licenses issued by EERC since the successful completion of the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to the agency on October 22, 2024, a feat it was the first state to achieve.
Speaking during the issuance of the license at the EERC office in Enugu, Thursday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Chijioke Okonkwo, said the milestone reflected the growing confidence that private sector players and investors reposed in the Enugu State electricity sector and in the enabling environment created for electricity business to thrive.
“Tempo Power swiftly took advantage of this opportunity offered by the conducive investment climate in Enugu State, engaged an off-taker and successfully completed the application process for the generation license.
“Their project is a model of proactive engagement and strategic partnership, and the successful deployment of this 5MW power plant is a collective win for all of us. We are confident that as the market grows, Tempo Power will continue to scale up its capacity.
“We acknowledge that this transformation was initiated by the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Mbah through the articulation of the Enugu State Electricity Policy 2023 and the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law also in 2023.
“Since we successfully completed the transfer of regulatory oversight from the national regulator (NERC) to EERC on 22nd October 2024, we have issued interim licenses, including an interim distribution license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited and a 10MW generation license to Fedikore Limited.
We have successfully resolved over 60 customer complaint issues and we are equally reviewing four license applications covering generation, electricity distribution and electricity retail,” he stated.
While recognising the arduous work ahead, the EERC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders – electricity providers, policymakers, financiers, and communities – to deliver reliable, accessible, and sustainable power across the State.
He, therefore, advised other would-be investors to emulate Tempo Power by taking advantage of the abundant energy sources in the state and increasingly business-friendly environment being created by the Mbah Administration.
“Enugu State is open for energy business. We invite investors and developers to harness the wealth of natural energy resources in the State. The enabling environment fostered by the Government has made investment decisions easier and more attractive.
“Enugu State has witnessed transformative improvements that support the electricity sector development, including major upgrades in access roads and infrastructure, enhanced security of lives and property, targeted socio-economic initiatives, among others. These developments form the bedrock for electricity investment and most will serve as anchor loads to extend electricity to our underserved and unserved communities across the State.
“Today, we celebrate with Tempo Power Solutions. And soon, we will also celebrate with other licensees whose applications are undergoing review – across generation, distribution, and retailing of electricity,” Okonkwo concluded.
In his remark, the Exective Director of Tempo Power, Mr Collins Kalabare, commended Mbah for setting the pace in what states could do to solve Nigeria’s energy problem, and the EERC for running a professional and transparent system where investors do not need to know anybody to get things done fast.
“I must appreciate the EERC for the professional, business-minded and openness of their processes and operations. The process is seamless and you do not need to know anybody.
“EERC is indeed working according to the vision and speed of Gov Peter Mbah, who we have learnt is in a hurry to develop and make Enugu State*s economy grow and uplift the general status of residents and businesses.
“As a reputable and responsible company, we will be offering uninterrupted electricity supply, cost reflective tariff and electricity supply meant to add value to commercial and residential concerns as well as grow businesses and general economy of the state,” Kalabari said.
Anambra’s ‘Solution Lens’: Bridging the Gap Between Government and the Governed

In a bold move to further deepen transparency and accountability in governance, the Anambra State Government has launched Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan 2, with the unveiling of a tech-driven platform named ‘Solution Lens’. Designed as a citizen-interface tool, the Solution Lens is a response to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s open government promise; a pledge rooted in the need for a people-centric administration that is accessible, responsive, and participatory.
Unveiled in Awka on April 8, and co-hosted by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning alongside the Anambra State ICT Agency, the event marked a significant step in narrowing the communication gap between government and citizens.
According to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, the new platform signifies “a new era in Anambra where openness in governance is key.” She emphasized that one of the Governor’s core campaign commitments was to create transparent governance systems where “everybody would be carried along.”
At its core, the Solution Lens is a real-time digital interface designed to provide information about government projects, policies, and development sites. Citizens can now search by ministry or sector, and access verified data on infrastructural developments, budget allocations, and completed or ongoing initiatives.
Mr. Castro Ideke of the ICT Agency noted during a demonstration that the platform enables residents to directly engage government agencies by searching key terms or ministries, from health and education to lands and transportation, and retrieve necessary updates without bureaucratic bottlenecks. “This is how the people can shape governance to their taste,” he said.
In a state like Anambra, where Governor Soludo’s administration has in just three years initiated and completed dozens of roads, school rehabilitations, market infrastructure, digital reforms, and healthcare upgrades, the need for structured citizen feedback and information flow is more critical than ever. The Solution Lens offers a modernized portal to project these achievements transparently.
For instance, the successful construction of over 450 kilometres of roads and another 300 kilometres ongoing, are often unnoticed in remote parts of the state due to lack of awareness. The Solution Lens now offers a space where such projects are properly documented, with geo-tagged locations, timelines, and status updates.
Similarly, the rollout of Soludo’s Education Transformation Agenda, including the digital teacher recruitment process and massive school rehabilitation in public primary and secondary schools, can be tracked by users in real-time, ensuring community ownership of these reforms.
The Solution Lens essentially promotes a two-way communication system. It does not only inform citizens but also allows them to report anomalies, raise questions, or make suggestions. This kind of feedback loop is rare in conventional government settings where policies are top-down and often lack feedbacks.
Involving stakeholders like Town Union representatives, Civil Liberty Organizations, and community leaders at the OGP launch was a clear indication that grassroots ownership is a major target of the initiative. These groups can help relay digital feedback for less tech-savvy citizens.
While the platform presents immense promise, accessibility remains a challenge. The average Anambra resident, especially in rural communities, might not own a smartphone, nor have the digital literacy to navigate such platforms.
According to a 2023 NBS survey, over 58% of rural households in South East Nigeria lack access to smartphones or mobile internet, and a significant portion of the population remains semi-literate. This digital divide could stifle the effectiveness of the Solution Lens if alternative, non-digital access points are not created.
The State Government should therefore consider deploying community ICT kiosks, partnering with religious institutions, local government councils, and youth groups to democratize access to the platform. Additionally, periodic town hall sensitizations using local languages will be critical to ensuring no one is left behind.
As Anambra charts a new course toward e-governance, the Solution Lens can become a beacon of participatory governance, if well implemented. For a government that has shown significant delivery of people-oriented projects, the tool is both a showcase and accountability portal.
However, true success will depend not just on innovation, but on inclusive outreach, continuous feedback, and the political will to act on the voice of the people. The Soludo administration, already known for its bold reforms, has an opportunity to make Anambra a model for open governance in Nigeria not just in idea, but in impact.
MAN President Applauds BAT’s Role In Nigeria’s Manufacturing Growth,  Sustainability

MAN President Applauds BAT's Role In Nigeria's Manufacturing Growth,  Sustainability | The RevealerThe President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Otunba Francis Meshioye alongside  the Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, on a courtesy visit applauded British American Tobacco (BAT) for its significant contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in fostering a more resilient economy.

The visit to BAT factory in Ibadan underscores the companies critical role as a dedicated member of MAN and also highlighted the organisations ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the government and the manufacturing sector.
Meshioye, while on the visit, commended BAT for it’s high operational standards and commitment to excellence.
“From the moment we arrived at BAT’s facility, the company’s dedication to safety, quality, and innovation was palpable. As we embarked on the comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) induction process, it became clear that BAT places a high priority on workplace safety and employee welfare. The induction highlighted several initiatives, ranging from rigorous safety training sessions to regular health checks and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology to monitor and mitigate potential hazards. BAT’s strong commitment to these principles fosters a secure and healthy work environment, setting a benchmark for others in the industry says Meshioye.”
Echoing the prevailing sentiment, Ajayi-Kadir, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), expressed deep admiration for British American Tobacco (BAT) for its unwavering resilience and steadfast commitment to the Nigerian manufacturing sector. Despite the challenges posed by a complex and often shifting regulatory environment, BAT has demonstrated an exemplary ability to adapt and thrive. Ajayi-Kadir noted that such dedication not only fortifies the company’s position within the industry but also serves as a beacon of stability and innovation, inspiring other manufacturers to persevere. This resilience is particularly significant in today’s economic climate, where external pressures and regulatory uncertainties are at an all-time high. BAT’s ability to maintain its core values while navigating these challenges speaks volumes about its long-term vision and investment in the Nigerian economy, making it a quintessential model for sustainable manufacturing practices in the region.
“BAT stands out as a responsible and committed member of MAN, effectively addressing industry challenges. The government needs to support businesses that adhere to regulations, and BAT exemplifies this commitment. We deeply appreciate BAT’s substantial contributions to the manufacturing sector and encourage the company to continue it’s effort,” he added.
The visit coincided with BAT’s celebration of an impressive milestone: for years of zero lost-time incidents at the factory which highlights BAT’s robust safety culture and operational excellence, setting a benchmark within the industry.
The visiting delegation participated in a guided factory tour, donning protective gear to witness BAT’s advanced production processes firsthand.
Hasnain Ishtiaq, BAT’s Operations Director, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability and employee welfare.

“At BAT, we are dedicated to building A Better Tomorrow by prioritising employee safety, minimising our environmental impact, and embracing sustainable practices. Our mission is to continue innovating and leading the industry while upholding responsible manufacturing standards,” he stated.

Ishtiaq highlighted BAT’s legacy since its founding in 1902, noting its presence in Nigeria since 1912 and the commissioning of the Ibadan facility in 2003.

“With ₦500 billion in tax remittances (2018–2024), we have created over 350,000 jobs and strengthened Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

He emphasised that the Ibadan factory, with 16 production lines, generates up to $110 million in foreign exchange annually.

“This visit and MAN’s endorsement reaffirms BAT’s role as a strategic manufacturing partner committed to innovation, safety, and sustainability,” he concluded.

Anambra State Govt Mourns Former Commissioner, Chief Maja Umeh

ANAMBRA: Govt Grieves The Passing Of Former Commissioner Maja Umeh At 64 -  Naija Times
It is with profound sadness that the Government of Anambra State has received the passing of Chief Maja Umeh, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Anambra State.
Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, stated in a release that Chief Umeh’s contributions to Anambra State’s growth and development in his time were profound. His legacies serve as a reminder of the power of dedicated public service and community engagement.
As Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Umeh worked assiduously to promote Anambra State’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential while staying the course of Public Information Management. His efforts helped to project and sustain the state’s image and reputation as well as foster community development.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chief Maja Umeh’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time, he said.
May his soul rest in peace.