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Otti pledges support for establishment of oil refinery
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has assured that his administration will provide The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) the needed support for the proposed establishment of an Oil refinery in the state.
Otti gave the assurance when he received in the audience a delegation of PETAN led by its Chairman Engr. Wole Ogunsanya who was in the state for the possibility of establishing an oil refinery in the state.
He assured that the Abia State government team would engage with them to see how they can partner as a joint venture to realize the project.
“I would like to inform you that we are willing to work with you. We will see how we can partner. We take our partnership very seriously, and I want to thank you for identifying us as one of the first states,” the governor said.
The governor further assured the delegation that Abia has a lot of assets that are yet to be identified beyond Ukwa West, disclosing that there are other areas yet to be explored.
Otti said beyond oil and gas, the state boasts of other resources and expressed happiness that PETAN is waxing stronger.
“We have some assets that have been identified beyond Ukwa West. Oil activities today in Abia are centered around Ukwa West and I have it on good authority that other areas of the state have reserves that could be harnessed.
“And by the time we have serious players, you begin to explore some of these places around Umunneochi and a few other places.
Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna expressed the hope that the opportunity will take the state to another level as there are about 100 hundred capped oil wells yet to be tapped, adding that if realized Abia will be among the top Oil players in the world.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of PETAN, Wole Ogunsanya said their visit was to see how best to support the state realize its full potential in the oil sector.
“We have engaged in discussions with the government on having a refinery in the state which would serve the state and neighboring states.
“This is the first state where we would be executing this programme/project.
“We have a programme that the association desires to use in supporting the state using the resources that the state has on ground.
“We own the equipment that would find the oil and bring it out of the ground. This would make the work easy for us.”
In a move to foster skills acquisition and promote economic empowerment, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat through the Department of Mass Education has flagged off a one-week free holiday vocational and entrepreneurship training program.
The program is a collaborative initiative of the FCT Department of Mass Education, The Potter’s Wheel Foundation, and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo emphasized the Importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in today’s world describing it as imperative to be self reliant , empowered and resourceful.
He highlighted the Wike- led FCT Administration’s commitment to championing the Renewed Hope Agenda adding that the initiative is a critical strategy for reducing unemployment and building resilience among Abuja residents through practical skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
He commended the Department on the synergy between the government and non-governmental organizations noting that it will further empower the people of the FCT with skills and knowledge that lead to viable income-generating opportunities.
He urged the participants to fully utilize the opportunity, network actively and apply themselves diligently to the various training sessions.
In her welcome address,Dr. Favour Edem -Nse,the Director, FCT Department of Mass Education said,the training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and contributes significantly to reducing the number of out- of- school children, unskilled youths and unemployed women in the Federal Capital Territory.
She added that, the Department goal is not just to train but to guide participants towards becoming self – sufficient and successful entrepreneurs .
She noted that the one week free training program is a manifestation of the Department ‘s broader vision of literacy and lifelong learning.
She revealed that the Department in collaboration with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non- Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services( NOGALSS) will train them hands on session in production of laundry soap,bleach , liquid soap, toilet and car wash , disinfectant,air freshener,snack among others as well as key entrepreneurship modules on Bookkeeping and financial management, marketing and branding with social media management.
She expressed her gratitude to the Mandate Secretary for Education and the Management for the massive support of the life changing opportunity program targeted at women,youths, children and other community residents to equip them with tools for economic self reliance .
The well attended program which drew partner organizations, staff of the Department of Mass Education and enthusiastic participants will run throughout the week with facilitators providing continued support beyond the training period.
A 28-year-old electrician, whose name has not been revealed, has been electrocuted in Oyo State at Eruwa in Ibarapa East of Oyo State.
The victim was electrocuted at the Odo Babaode area of the town.
The man was electrocuted on a high-tension cable belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The incident occurred when the victim was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without being shut down from the feeder.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, who confirmed the development, said a distress call was received by the agency Wednesday afternoon.
He said, “The distressed call was reported at 15:29hrs on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025.
“The fire personnel led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde quickly followed the caller and on arrival at the place, we met the victim already electrocuted, and all necessary precautionary measures were observed so as to safeguard the citizens within the vicinity.
“The man was recovered and handed over to a team of police from Eruwa police Station. The incident occurred when the victim (electrician) was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without shutting down the feeder.”
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