Yemisi Izuora The NLNG has disbursed a total of ₦250 million in grants to 51 entrepreneurs following the conclusion of its 2026 Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), which commenced with the induction of 103 participants from its host communities in Rivers State. The grants followed a competitive pitch-a-thon that brought the programme to a close, with participants presenting their business ideas and funding requirements before a panel of judges. Selections were based on the viability, scalability, and sustainability of each proposal. Speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall,…
Author: Orientalnews Staff
Uche Cecil Izuora Global largest Oil & Gas companies, as well as major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, have been projected to make an extra $234 billion in windfall profits by the end of the year if oil prices continue to average $100 per barrel. According to the exclusive report, based on Rystad Energy data, the world’s top 100 oil and gas companies recorded more than $30 million per hour in paper profits in the first month of the U.S-Israeli war in Iran that began in late February. Oil markets remained steady on Wednesday, with Brent…
Uche Cecil Izuora The U.S. and Iran are moving toward further negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire, even as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global oil flows and keep markets on edge. The two sides have reached an “in principle” agreement to pursue additional diplomacy following initial talks in Pakistan, according to the Associated Press, as mediators work to resolve key issues before the current truce expires. Discussions are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program and the ongoing standoff in Hormuz. Despite signs of progress, the situation in the critical shipping lane remains volatile.…
Uche Cecil Izuora The energy stakeholders, at the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) Week in Cape Town, South Africa, have warned that persistent crude supply constraints, pricing inefficiencies and financing gaps continue to undermine the continent’s energy security. They insisted that Africa must urgently scale up refining capacity or risk deepening its dependence on imported petroleum products despite abundant natural resources. Addressing some of the key issues on energy development, Chairman of OPAC Refineries and founder of OMSA, Momoh Oyarekhua, said Africa’s refining landscape was evolving, particularly in Nigeria, where private sector participation has grown steadily following decades…
Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria has announced the appointment of Anthonia Ifeanyi Okoro as its Chief Executive Officer to succeed Oguche Agudah who led the organisation for 6 years with dedication and impact. Anthonia’s appointment took effect from 30th March 2026 and she will bring to the role a wealth of cross-sector . experience spanning both the public and private sectors, with deep expertise in strategy execution, sectorial and organisational transformation, and large-scale programme delivery. According to the statement from PenOp, She has a proven track record of leading and embedding multi-organisational portfolios, driving growth, alignment, efficiency, and…
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the delivery of climate and weather information to farmers across Nigeria. The partnership will focus on integrating AI-based weather forecasting and enhancing digital advisory systems – translating timely, accurate climate information into practical guidance that helps farmers make better decisions and reduce their exposure to climate-related risks. Through this collaboration, NiMet and AIM for Scale, an initiative supported by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and the Gates Foundation will leverage AI-driven…
The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has called for innovative approaches to strengthen climate resilience in Nigeria during the opening ceremony of the 2026 International Conference of the Nigerian Meteorological Society (NMetS) and its 35th Annual General Meeting at the University of Lagos, Akoka. In his keynote address, Prof. Anosike commended NMetS for convening the conference, noting that the theme, “Advancing Meteorology: Harnessing AI, Satellites, and Big Data for Climate Resilience and Sustainability,” underscores the urgent need to translate scientific knowledge into actionable solutions that protect lives, livelihoods, and national development amid rising…
In a bold demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has extended its recently launched “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, empowering 100 women with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income. The outreach is part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day. The event, which held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, featured the distribution…
The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has announced the election of Mr. Donald Onuoha as its new President and the Chairman of its Executive Committee. Donald Onuoha is currently the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Pension Managers Limited. He was elected by members of the Association to lead its Executive Committee and provide strategic direction for the pension industry. The newly constituted Executive Committee also includes Blessing Ogwu, MD/CEO UBA Pensions Custodian Limited as Vice President & Vice Chairman, Benjamin Okorie-Agidi, MD/CEO TotalEnergies EP Nigeria CPFA Limited as Treasurer, Ehis Uzenabor MD/CEO Shell Nigeria CPFA Limited as…
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Secretary of the Party will today, April 15, 2026, participate in a Nationwide Live Media Chat to address Nigerians on critical issues of national importance. The live broadcast will air on Channels Television, Arise News Television and TVC reaching audiences across the country and beyond from 800pm. During the engagement, the party’s top leadership will speak on key national issues, governance priorities, party direction, and matters relating to the continued progress and stability of the nation. This media chat forms part of the APC leadership’s commitment to…