General
Okun Development Association Distances Self From Group

**Backs Amotekun
The national executive of Okun Development Association (ODA) has distanced itself from a group known as Okun Development Association, South West Branch.
The national body of the association, in a communique issued after its quarterly meeting held on January 18, 2020 in Isanlu, Yagba East LG of Kogi State, said it has nothing whatsoever to do with the group, which claimed to be the South West arm of ODA.
ODA is the umbrella body representing the Yoruba people of Kogi State and in the communiqué signed by the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan; the National Secretary, Pastor Ayo Abereoran; and the National Legal Adviser, Barrister Abimbola, it was resolved that legal actions would be taken against the new group.
Below are the far-reaching decisions taken at the meeting last week:
1) Legal, civil and criminal actions will be taken against anybody or group of persons parading themselves as representing the Association at National or Branch levels in any manner outside the provisions of the constitution of the Association.
2) No organisation or individuals shall henceforth undertake any event or function, for commercial or non-commercial purposes, using the Okun name without the written approval of the National Executive Committee of ODA.
3) That the security situation in Okunland is still of serious concern. We commend the efforts of the State Government, other security agencies in the State, our Hunters and individuals who have collaborated with us in addressing the challenges we are often confronted with.
4) To further enhance the effectiveness of our efforts, we believe the time has come for us to set up our own Okun Security Trust Fund (OSTF). Towards this end, a committee is working on the details and other modalities and the outcome will be announced as soon as their report is approved.
5) We received with excitement the creation of the AMOTEKUN Security outfit at inter-governmental level to address the security challenges of the SW States. This provides us in ODA an opportunity to explore the possibility of raising our security collaboration with the SW Yorubas to another level. We shall not relent.
6) As part of possible measures to reduce unemployment, we appeal to Okun Sons and Daughters with means and the entrepreneurial profile to come home and establish businesses with potentials to absorb people into paid employment.
7) The presence of a Community Radio is a powerful means of social and cultural reengineering in any community. The ODA will explore every opportunity/possibility, through appropriate individuals, to ensure that Okun Radio becomes a reality.
8) To further give teeth to the ODA, the Okun Council of Elders is to be reconstituted within the shortest possible time. We, on behalf of all Okun people thank our fathers and mothers who have served meritoriously on the Council
9) We appeal to our politicians to stop meddling with the affairs of the National Association of Okun Students so as to permanently put an end to the divisive tendencies that continue to plague the body. What we need is unity at all levels.
10) That the Miss Okun Pageant is a proprietary asset of the Okun people.
Therefore, the process of selecting the successful candidate to wear the Miss Okun Crown will henceforth be under the umbrella of ODA. This is without prejudice to any groups or individuals that may wish to initiate, organize and own their own beauty pageants, provided the word Okun is not reflected in the appellation of such pageant.
11) Meanwhile, ODA has announced that election will be held into various offices of the Lagos branch of the association before the end of Februa 2020. The Executive offices to be filled shall be contested by individuals from Ijumu Local Government, Yagba West Local Government, Mopa Amuro Local Government, Yagba East Local Government, Oworo/Lokoja Local Government and Kabba/Bunu Local Government.
12) Ijumu Local Government will produce the Chairman of the Branch, while the Vice-Chairman will be produced by Oworo in Lokoja Local Government, the office of the Secretary has been zoned to Yagba West, while the Financial Secretary will be produced by Mopa Amuro. The post of Public Relation Officer (PRO) and Treasurer will come from Yagba East and Kabba/Bunu Local Government respectively.
Speaking further on the communique, the National President, Barrister Femi Mokikan, appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rebuild all the federal roads in Okunland that are in a deplorable condition. The association President said most Okun communities are now “landlocked”.
General
Komolafe Tasks Upstream Petroleum Operators on Decarbonisation

By Adedapo Adesanya
The chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, has called on operators to embed decarbonisation in field development, facility design, and production activities.
This was part of his message at the 48th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition on Monday, noting that the commission is driving the Upstream Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Blueprint, based on its seven pillars to attract investment and maintain competitiveness.
“We are optimising the Maximum Efficient Rate, managing produced water, and coordinating shutdowns to reduce disruptions,” he said, adding that, “We urge all operators to embed decarbonisation in field development, facility design, and production activities. Achieving a sustainable future requires trade-offs, collaboration, and innovation. NAICE discussions must become measurable outcomes.”
He said NUPRC was integrating advanced technologies in exploration and production, including decarbonisation and emission reduction strategies, noting, “Our role goes beyond regulatory compliance. We are committed to a stable and forward-looking upstream sector that balances energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic sustainability.”
According to him, technological transformation is reshaping exploration and production, and the Commission is encouraging both adaptation and approval of innovative solutions.
He added that NUPRC is using technology to enhance internal operations, improve service delivery, and reduce turnaround time.
He said: “These changes are not mere technical upgrades. They are part of a broader effort to entrench transparency, promote accountability, and reduce costs to drive industry growth.”
Mr Komolafe also said a resilient supply chain is vital for cutting lead times, lowering costs, and boosting national capacity, stating that the commission is fostering a regulatory environment supporting indigenous and international service providers.
“Our approach supports technology domestication, local manufacturing, and stronger supply chain resilience,” he said.
On workforce development, he emphasised that human capital is the industry’s greatest asset.
“We work with academic institutions and training organisations to promote excellence, close skill gaps, and prepare our workforce for a low-carbon future,” he said.
Highlighting progress since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was enacted in 2021, Mr Komolafe said 21 key regulations have been gazetted so far.
“These regulations give clarity to investors, streamline administration, and align operations with national and global priorities,” he said.
Among them are the Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, which promote accountability through real-time, technology-driven production measurement.
Also included are the Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions Regulations, aimed at reducing emissions and embedding sustainability.
Beyond regulations, he said NUPRC is implementing core initiatives to accelerate industry development.
These include a recent stakeholders’ forum to develop strategies for cluster development in shallow and deepwater basins.
“Through collaboration, we aim to unlock stranded or marginal fields via joint development strategies,” he said.
General
NCDMB Lauds EFCC for Outstanding Remittances Recovery

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in recovering outstanding financial remittances due to the board from oil and gas industry operators.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by a delegation from the NCDMB, led by Mrs Maureen Obukofe, who represented the Executive Secretary, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe.
Mrs Obukofe recounted how the board had initiated a partnership with the EFCC in 2019 after discovering that many oil and gas operators were failing to remit the mandatory one per cent of every contract to the board, as stipulated by law.
“Over time, we realized that most of these operators were not remitting this one percent and we realized that there’s no agency well-equipped and statutorily empowered other than EFCC to help us recover these outstanding remittances,” Mrs Obukofe said.
“That was how this partnership was formed back in 2019 by the then Executive Secretary, and today, we are happy to note that the commission has recovered some monies on behalf of the Board, and I know they will still recover more. So, we’ve come to say thank you.”
She described the collaboration as pivotal in ensuring compliance with Nigerian content obligations in the oil and gas sector.
In response, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Port Harcourt, Mr Hassan Saidu, expressed surprise and gratitude at the gesture of appreciation from the board.
“Barrister Maureen, we are very grateful for your visit. In fact, if every organization will do what you have done, it will motivate us more,” Mr Saidu said, adding that, “I am lacking in words to describe this type of visit because it is kind of a rare visit, sending a delegation to appreciate what we have done.”
The EFCC director assured the NCDMB of the agency”s continued support in helping the board recover what is rightfully due to it and enforcing compliance within the oil and gas sector.
General
TCN Confirms Fire Incident at Egbin Power Station

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed a fire incident at the Egbin Power Plc facility in the early hours of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, affecting power supply in parts of Lagos and Ogun States.
According to a statement issued by TCN on Thursday, the fire broke out at approximately 6:30 am and damaged one of the company’s key transmission assets: a 150MVA, 330/132/33kV Inter-Bus Transformer II located at the Egbin Transmission Substation.
It noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a faulty 33kV current or voltage transformer (CT/VT) owned by Egbin Power Plc.
The defective equipment was connected to the 33kV side of TCN’s transformer, resulting in significant damage to the main tank of the transformer, including oil leakage and a tear in the structure.
As a result, power supply has been temporarily reduced to several critical transmission lines and substations, including the Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33kV substations, as well as Sagamu Lines 1 and 2, and Maryland Line 2. An estimated 47 megawatts of load was initially affected and has since been redirected to the station’s second 150MVA transformer, which is now operating under increased strain.
Business Post reports that this development has led to power deficits and load-shedding in the affected areas.
The distribution companies, Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), have been officially notified and are managing electricity loads within their respective franchise areas.
TCN said urgent efforts are underway to source and install a replacement transformer to restore normal operations.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and assure all affected customers that we are working hard to restore normal power supply as quickly as possible,” the company stated.
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