General
NCDMB Boss Charges New NCRDC Members on Strong Research Base
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr Felix Omatsola, has tasked the new members of the Nigerian Content Research and Development Council (NCRDC) to build a strong research base for the country.
The newly inaugurated members are Mr Omatsola as Chairman, the Director of Research and Development of NCDMB, Mr Isaac Yalah, as the Alternate Chairman; and the General Manager of Research and Development of NCDMB, Mr Silas Ajimajaye, as the Secretary.
Other members include representatives from the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS), National Universities Commission (NUC), and National Board for Technology Incubation, (NBTI). Other institutions represented on the Council include the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
The induction of new members was held during the Council’s 3rd Quarter meeting in Lagos State and followed the exit of some former members from the management of the NCDMB.
The Council’s terms of reference are to advise the NCDMB on criteria and methodology for prioritizing market cum demand-driven research projects, and advice on the appropriate strategies and governance arrangements to attract funding for research projects.
They will also advise the Board on the criteria for the award of research grants and review progress on the impact of such grants on Research projects, Product development and Innovation.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary affirmed NCDMB’s commitment to stimulate indigenous research and development ideas to drive the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors.
He stated that R&D is critical to the growth of Nigerian Content, hence it is one of the enablers of the Nigerian Content 10-year strategic roadmap.
He made reference to the success recorded by the NCDMB with Amal Technologies Gas Leak Detection Device and Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Facility at Idu, Abuja as proof of the agency’s contributions to the research and development space.
He charged the new Council to “do more to bring up more research and development into Nigeria”.
He promised that the new Council would review its policies and come up with a framework for accelerating the development of technology in the oil and gas industry.
In his remarks, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Abdulmalik Halilu, who is the outgoing alternate chairman of the Council noted that NCDMB R&D framework is anchored on seven policy thrusts, including a focus on market-driven research, the establishment of world-class Research and Development (R&D) Centers of Excellence, establishment of Research and Development Council and provision of sustainable funding to support R&D.
Other areas of focus include the development of a stakeholder collaboration matrix for Research and Development (R&D), provision of enablers for commercialisation of research breakthroughs and facilitation of acceptance and utilisation of products of research by end users.
He informed that NCDMB had developed a Nigerian Content R&D Roadmap, which aligns with eight pillars, including funding, infrastructure, capacity building, collaboration, capability, commercial framework, governance, legal framework and enforcement.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
