By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The abduction of the younger sister of the immediate past Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has been confirmed by the family.

The former Minister’s sibling, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, was kidnapped on Wednesday morning in Ibadan along with her twin sons.

She was picked up by the suspected gunmen in her red Hyundai Sonata on a street in the ancient city, causing apprehension in the area.

In a statement issued by the family today, the 43-year-old woman was forcefully taken when driving her children, identified as Peter and Paul, to school.

The family said the incident was immediately reported to relevant security and law enforcement agencies, which have since commenced investigations and rescue efforts.

It was stated that she recently retired after a career spanning the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian and had relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband in the United States.

The statement said security agencies had swung into action and were working to secure the safe release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

Members of the public have been urged to provide any useful information that could lead to the rescue of the kidnapped victims.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The chief executive of Dangote Refinery, Mr David Bird, has said the 650,000-barrel-per-day plant has a surplus of jet fuel to serve the global markets, amid continued disruptions caused by tensions in the Middle East.

“We’re very grateful ​to be seen as a reliable, high-quality and dependable ⁠supplier able to land our product competitively all over the ​world,” Mr Bird said at the S&P Global Energy Middle East ​Petroleum and Gas Conference in London, as per Reuters.

Jet fuel has been one of the fuels most acutely affected by the Iran war and closure of the Strait of ​Hormuz, where over 20 per cent of the world’s crude and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).

The development has led to market opportunities for refiners based outside the Gulf region, such ​as Dangote, to supply global markets.

Mr Bird said the refinery is ‌currently ⁠running flat out at nameplate capacity and is planning what the executive described as a “ruthless replication” project to double capacity.

“We will bring 700,000 barrels per day of fully complex refining capacity on stream by ​the end of ​2028,” Mr Bird ⁠said.

He added that long-lead items have been purchased and the company is in the process of ​awarding construction contracts.

The group could then lift refining ​capacity ⁠to 2.1 million barrels per day with another refinery planned in East Africa, helping it to become a significant player in crude and refined products ⁠flows, ​Mr Bird said.

He also said the Dangote Refinery, which commenced operations in 2024, has helped Nigeria’s domestic market, with the country having gone from fuel scarcity ​to absolute fuel abundance since the $20 billion refinery came online.

Last month, Mr Bird revealed that the refinery was the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April, with S&P Global Commodities at Sea data showing that the refinery recorded a surge in aviation fuel exports after the escalation of conflict in the Middle East altered established shipping and supply patterns across key markets.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Nigeria’s largest power generation company, Egbin Power Plc, has rewarded the stellar contributions of its exceptional employees in the past year.

The company recently held its prestigious Employee Recognition Awards (ERA) 2026, which brought together the management team and staff to honour outstanding performers in the business and top talents across different departments, reinforcing the company’s culture of excellence.

The highlight of this year’s ceremony was the recognition of the Top Performance Award winners. Amos Oshanugo of the Instrumentation & Control Department emerged as the Top Performer, driving home a brand-new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro SUV, while Chidima Celestine of the Operations Department and Endurance Otaru of the Business Operations Department were recognised as first and second runners-up, respectively, each receiving cash rewards.

“At Egbin Power, we believe excellence is not an accident. It’s built through hard work, teamwork, and the courage to go beyond expectations. That’s why we are passionate about celebrating excellence, commitment, teamwork, and the people whose efforts continue to power Egbin forward every single day,” the company’s chief executive, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, said.

“The initiative spotlights those who go above and beyond, those who quietly make extraordinary contributions, and those who consistently raise the standard across our organisation.

“These efforts are seen, valued, and rewarded. When we celebrate results, we create a ripple effect. It motivates teams to raise the bar, strengthens accountability, and deepens our shared commitment to powering Nigeria. Our people are our greatest asset, and their growth and success will always be a priority for us,” Mr Bounour added.

Oshanugo, who won the grand prize, said: “First, I give all glory to God for this incredible blessing and the grace to excel. I am deeply grateful to the Chairman of the Board, the management of Egbin Power, and our leadership for this profound recognition and reward. My heartfelt thanks go to the Instrumentation & Control Department and the entire Egbin Power staff. This milestone belongs to all of us because at Egbin, we work as a team, and teamwork is truly the key to our success.”

Celestine expressed: “This recognition motivates me to work even harder, uphold excellence, and contribute more to our collective success. I remain committed to the values of safety, reliability, and teamwork that drive our plant forward. Thank you for believing in me.”

Also commenting on the award, Otaru appreciated the Chairman, Board of Directors, and management of Egbin Power for fostering a culture that values excellence, dedication, and teamwork.

“Receiving this recognition inspires me to continue raising the bar, embracing new challenges, and contributing to the achievement of Egbin Power’s strategic objectives. This award is particularly meaningful because it reflects not only individual effort but also the support, collaboration, and encouragement of my colleagues and my Head of Department. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to my professional growth and success,” she noted.

Other employees across different departments were recognised as top talents for the year 2025. The annual awards ceremony symbolises Egbin Power’s commitment to rewarding exceptional contributions, dedication, and excellence that impact the growth and success of the organisation.

As Egbin Power continues to lead Nigeria’s power sector, the ERA remains a cornerstone of its people strategy, reinforcing the philosophy that a strong recognition culture fuels performance. By celebrating commitment and innovation, the company creates an environment where employees are inspired to exceed goals, embrace responsibility, and pursue continuous improvement.