By Faheem Daha

The recent decades have seen an outburst of technological advancements like never before. Modern devices and gadgets seep into our daily lives and replace outdated products effortlessly. Change is normal and a sign of liveliness. The bustling roads that were once a showplace for big cars are now witnessing a new scene. People today are more intrigued by restoring the environment to a healthy state. While it’s impossible to reset the environment in pristine condition. It will be still a success to conserve the environment at its present condition. It requires a lot of continuous effort, mindful practice choices and patience. Preferences of individuals are shaping the trends of urban mobility. One such hot-selling trending product is electric scooters. Each passing day a new e-scooter is joining the fleet. The proliferation of electric scooters in the urban transportation grid is compelling authorities to focus on the development of dedicated infrastructure for these single-occupancy vehicles.
 

Key triggers behind the surge of electric scooters
 
The post-pandemic world is facing the aftershocks of COVID-19. Global inflation is one such impact. Unstable fuel prices and unreasonably high car prices are a limiting factor in owning a personalized vehicle. Although the US economy is largely based on credit obtaining a car on lease is easier than the rest of the world. Yet every car leaves massive air pollution. Eco-friendly people are aggressively heading to electric stores to hit the best deal. What can be more exciting than enjoying an independent ride that is economical, convenient, and environment-friendly? You just need to have a few hundred bucks in your pocket to hit the right deal. No worries if you are out of budget, companies like LIME and Bird are offering electric scooters on rental service. Another good news is some states in the USA offer relaxed policies and GOvernment incentives for switching to this eco-friendly vehicle.
 
Impact of Electric scooters on the environment
Zero tailpipe emission
Conventional scooters draw power from combustion engines. On Average, a normal-sized motorcycle will add 0.18245kg of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere for every mile it covers. On the contrary electric scooters are surging in demand because of their zero to negligible tailpipe emissions. Thus conserving the air quality.
 
Bye Bye to frustration
Traffic congestion is one of the primary reasons for underperforming individuals. Juggling for way among different vehicles is an uphill task. Electric scooters can now navigate you easily through dedicated bike lanes in no time. Individuals can save a lot of time and conserve their productivity for onsite work. Similarly, returning home frustration-free can restore the domestic environment. It sounds cliche but fresh and healthy individuals are likely to make healthier choices. Just like frustrated peeps resort to cigarettes and alcohol, mindful buddies prefer activities that are safe for them and the environment too.
Critiquing the e-scooters from procurement to production
There has been an ongoing debate regarding the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere while extracting the raw materials, establishing production units to final delivery of e-scooters in the market. There is no denying in accepting that raw material extraction for e-scooters is undoubtedly an energy-intensive process. Yet, the initial environmental cost is offset by the far-reaching benefits it brings to the environment. Additionally, companies are looking for ways to reuse and recycle electrical components that can be retrieved from discarded products. Practices to make the extraction and production process efficient are underway.
 
Lesser emissions from idling vehicles
Idling vehicles despite being stationery still impart a carbon footprint to the environment since the engine is running and fuel is burning. The slim structure of electric scooters is a big plus. Navigation through populous terrains is swift and trouble-free. The e-scooter rider is a blessing for the rider himself and other road fellows. Why? Because the compactness of this scooter plays a big role in reducing congestion we can have fewer idling vehicles. Because of electric scooters riders’ fuel of other cars is conserved along with air quality. Isn’t that great? But it does not mean that car drivers keep on polluting the air. They also owe their fair share towards the betterment of the environment.


Electric scooters boost active commutation
E-scooters enable riders to engage in healthy lifestyles without compromising their physical limitation. Elderly people with back and leg pain discourage the idea of the outdoors as walking and bicycling appear tedious to them. Electric scooters besides conserving the environment conserve precious moments too. Like healthy individuals, weak people can enjoy cool breezes, friend reunions and nature walks equally on their much-loved e-scooters.
 
First and Last-mile commute
Using public transportation is always referred to as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. However, a gap always exists between transit points and destinations. E-scooters fill this gap impeccably. No need to pay extra bucks now. As electric scooters have immense portability, they easily fill the gap from your place to the transit station. And then to the final destination.
 
No parking hassle
Escooter riders enjoy the liberty of hassle-free parking. Identifying a reasonable parking spot for cars is painstaking. Contrary to this you can effortlessly park the e-scooter at the specified area near the actual destination
 
Convenience on the go
Demand for escooters is surging in urban traffic dynamics. They are ideal, particularly for short trips. With the help of different smartphone applications, you can avail the convenience of riding on the go. Simply locate available e-scooters in your surroundings using the app, unlock and tada there you go! No more need to wait for transport to arrive. Electric scooter rides liberate you from the worries of fuel charges, waiting times, and traffic jams along with better air to breathe in.
 
There have been a lot of real-life stories advocating how electric scooters emerged as a real heroes. Be it a navigation through densely populated cities or becoming a travelling partner of environmental enthusiasts NANROBOT D6+2.0 never disappoints.
 
Electric scooters have challenges too
Like every product e-scooter industry has its challenges. Problems like vandalism. improper disposal and safety considerations have raised eyebrows. Public demand for a developed infrastructure is pressing the authorities whether to openly legalize vehicles or not. However, for every problem, there exists a solution. If e-scooter companies join hands with local stakeholders and municipal authorities, there exists a brighter chance that issues will be well taken care of.




Reference link:

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/
https://www.escootersstores.com/pages/carbon-footprint-calculators
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/what-is-a-carbon-footprint-how-to-measure-yours
https://earth.org/eco-friendly-travel-exploring-sustainable-tourism/
https://lifeloversmag.com/2024/01/18/how-to-stay-eco-whilst-on-the-road/
https://sustainabletravel.org/issues/carbon-footprint-tourism/

• Faheem Daha, CEO of a pioneering electric scooter company in the USA, leads with a focus on sustainable urban mobility. His vision for eco-friendly commuting shapes the future of transportation

The ECOWAS Court will organize a training programme for lawyers and law students from Sierra Leone on the margins of its 2024 international conference to deepen their knowledge of the Court for improved practice, the President of the Court, Justice Edward Amoako Asante has said.

The president said during a meeting with the executive of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) in Freetown on Tuesday, that the resource persons for the training will be drawn from senior lawyers from the Court who will be attending the conference.

He said the training should hopefully close the lacuna in the knowledge of the Court among legal practitioners from the country based on the realisation that most of the lawyers appearing before the Court for cases from Sierra Leone were from outside the country.

Justice Asante urged the leadership of the SLBA to help with the process for the successful conduct of the training, working in collaboration with other relevant bodies in the country including the leadership of the law school to streamline the participation and other elements of the training.

He announced that the President of the SLBA, Eddinia Michaela Swallow Esq will deliver a goodwill message at the 2024 conference of the Court which will be historic, being the first time the President of a country’s bar association will be allowed to deliver such a message since the inaugural conference in 2004.
Earlier, the President of the SLBA had thanked the Court for the ‘amazing opportunity,’ granted the country to host the conference describing it as the fulfilment of a dream for her and members of the legal profession in the country.

She suggested that the Court work with the bar associations of Member States to sensitize lawyers on the specificities of the Court in order to improve their practice, particularly for those who might find themselves appearing before the Court.
Justice Asante is leading a 12-member delegation of the Court to discuss arrangements for the successful hosting of the 2024 international conference of the Court scheduled to take place between the 13th and 16th of May 2024.

The conference is on the theme Enhancing the role, relevance and effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the strengthening of synergies between the Court and national stakeholders.

The President said it will provide a forum to generate constructive discussions around the strengths and weaknesses of the Court’s relationship with various national stakeholders and propose practical solutions for the enhancement of the role, relevance and effectiveness of the Court.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Plan International, Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), UKAID, Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) and Borno State Government have called for proper coordination among government, community and humanitarian organisations to improve school safety.

This was the crux of debate at a panel discussion organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in conjunction with Plan International, Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), UKAID, Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) to mark the tenth anniversary of the abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram insurgency.

The symposium which was held at the El kanemi Hall of University of Maiduguri on Wednesday, had a panel discussion on school safety for students/children.

UNICEF Education Officer, Dr Adamu Bulama, who represented the Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong Nguyen, was on the panel. He spoke about strengthening coordination among government, community and humanitarian organisations to improve school safety.

In his opening remark, the Executive Director of Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), Abubakar Mua’zu, said the aimed of the symposium /panel discussion is to chart a way forward for the safety and protection of children in schools

He added that the symposium was also targeted at reflecting on what happened to the innocent students learning and the past students plight, safety issues, solutions and suggestions on how students can be protected In school, and have access to quality education and learning environment, including making the school environment safe for learning

He urged all to be involved and make contributions in the overall interest of the students, staff, parents and guardians as well as government and other stakeholders

Those in the pane of discussants were picked from security agencies, UNICEF, Education Secretaries, CATAI, Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), NSCDC and Vigilante Group.

Among suggestions made include the need for security alerts or safety awareness in all schools by educating the students, staff and visitors to the schools on where to go and what to do in cases of emergencies; they
also noted that despite the existing improvement in security in most schools, more efforts should be made to ensure strict compliance to rules and regulations stipulated in all schools by the school authorities.

The panel of discussants, further, observed that there is need for more investments in security in schools, while noting that most schools are safer today than ten years ago through safety auditing which requires checks and balances of security or safety lapses.

It was further suggested that there is the need to strengthen the capacity of school human resources management and ensure sustainability of the capacity building.

They suggested for the full implementation of save school declaration by all school authorities as the document contained all the necessary measures as well as responsibilities of all in terms of safety measures around school or community environment.

Delta Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, has said that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori was a prudent manager of state resources.

The Commissioner stated this when the executives and members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him on Wednesday in Asaba.

He said that given the inflationary rate in the country, that the governor was careful with spending the state fund to ensure that the contractors and the people have full benefit from the available resources accruing to the state.

“Let me first appreciate you for the support I received for the eight years that I worked with you under Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration both as Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information.

“Many a time, I hear people say that I was successful in performing those two roles, but for me, I know that the larger part of the success came from the support I got from you, the journalists.

“I nerve had any cause to worry or begin to refute anything because you reported me correctly.

“Secondly, you never engage in any clandestine way to undermine what we did as an administration then.

He urged journalists to effectively support the Gov. Oborevwori administration with same vigor, commitment with which they supported the immediate past government of Gov. Okowa.

He enjoined journalists to also give the current Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza the same support.

According to him, Oborevwori’s administration is still putting things in order to enable it takeoff fully.

” I will still plead with you to have patient with us as an administration. You know there are lots of things that we are trying to put together to fully take off.

“Even yesterday, some appointments were being announced, which means this government is still being formed.

” There are lots of projects that we are handling, and policies that are being churned out.

“The governor is also being careful because there has been lots of changes in terms of our economy as a nation from when he took over and now,” Aniagwu said.

He said that Oborevwori does not want a situation where he goes ahead to push money out there and it fell on unfertile ground.

“So, he is being careful in terms of application of resources, others who do not understand may think that we are being slow, no.

“Those of us who are quite integral in the administration understand that we needed to be careful so that any fund that we spend, will give Deltans value for their money,” Aniagwu said.

The commissioner noted that there was need for Oborevwori to understudy what he met and the impact of the present fluctuation of our currency on ongoing projects and intended projects.

“This is because if you do not have the clear understanding, there is the tendency that some persons who are either businessmen or would want to take advantage of the situation.

“The governor being one who have value for money, does not want to fall into that trap,” he said.

Aniagwu assures that in spite of the challenges, there were lots of activities all round the state, adding that activities to mark the Oborevwori’s one year in office were in top gear and under his purview as Commissioner for Works.

“Subject to the approval of His Excellency, by next week, we will begin inauguration of some projects across the 25 local government areas.

“Some are at the verge of being completed, some have been completed while some are being initiated but on the whole, every local government in Delta will have a fair share of this administration.

“I can confidently say that Oborevwori is determined to make lots of difference across the length and breadth of the state,” he said.

Aniagwu, who lectured journalists on what it takes to build a road in Delta, said is costs more to build a kilometer of road in the region than certain places in the country.

He tasks journalists to put facts straight before going to press by asking the right questions, while assuring journalists of government support.

Earlier, the Chairman, Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, said that the visit was to felicitate with the commissioner on his appointment as Commissioner for Works; Rural and Riverine Roads.

He also urged the Commissioner to sustain the cordial relationship with journalists while asking government continued partnership to deepen the development in the state in line with the MORE Agenda of the Gov. Oborevwori led administration.

“As a former Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information under Gov. Okowa, you related well with journalists and you performed creditably.

“We are sure that as a Commissioner for Works: Rural and Riverine Roads, in this administration, we are sure that you will deliver creditable,” Olannye said.

BY SUNNY A. DAVID

In recognition of his outstanding performances and services to humanity, St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State has conferred on the Transition Council Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area Honourable Emeka Orji with the chieftaincy title of Dike Di Ebube.

The event which coincided with the closing Mothering Sunday ceremony, began after Holy Eucharistic officiated by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Everistus Nwagbara.

During the Holy Mass homely, the Parish priest Fr. Nwagbara said that the Parish would equally appreciate Transition Council Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government (LG), Chief Orji for his developmental strides.

According to the Cleric, “Hon. Orji is not like other Government functionaries who do not pick calls. He responds to emergencies when he is called. I recall when the Chairman came to his Parish with Keke for emergency.

“According to him, the Chieftaincy title conferred on Hon. Orji was in recognition of his out standing performances and services to humanity, and
to reciprocate his wonderful achievements in Onitsha South Local Government precisely Fegge area.

“Several successive Caretaker Chairmen have served in Onitsha South LG but it is only Hon. Orji that has attracted huge transformation. He has done more than what he promised when he called stakeholders meeting and no place in Onitsha has more roads than Fegge.

“He understands that an average man needs access roads, water and clean environment. Infact, I will campaign for him in his elective position. Even if I have not eaten his money, I have matched it with my legs,” Fr Nwagbara stated.

The excited LGA Chairman, Hon. Orji said he was delighted for the honour and stated that the major impediment in Fegge is gutters, attributing it to location of Fegge.

He recalled how he assured Fegge Community during stakeholders meeting that he would make a positive change in Fegge and by God’s grace he has not disappointed them.

According to him, he started aggressive desilting of gutters before he embarked on road construction.

”There is no way you will construct roads without getting gutters right. It is my intervention that made Governor Charles Soludo to award all the roads in Onitsha South.

“So, Governor Soludo loves Onitsha South and I urge you people to compensate him by re-electing him for the second tenure”, he added.

In their separate speeches, the Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU), Comrade Duru Chiadikobi and Chairman of Landlords and Stakeholders Onitsha South LGA, Chief Okwudiri Obinwanne, reaffirmed that Chief Orji has transformed Onitsha South Local Government Area, tremendously.

By Fred Edoreh

On judgment day at the London court, the Crown Prosecution Service Lawyer, Sasha Wass, told Judge Anthony Pitts that former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, had pleaded guilty to the 10-count charge of money laundering and accepted the entirety of the prosecution’s case against him. They concluded their case on that note, and the sentence was subsequently made.

There were allegations that he took $250 million (about N350 billion by the forex rate today), converted over N500 million of the State’s business shares with Oceanic Bank, tried to bribe the then EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, with $15 million and so on.

According to the Officer in Charge of Investigation, Paul Whatmore, the sums involved should have been used for the development of Delta State – power, sanitation, healthcare and more.

“We will now be actively seeking the confiscation of all of his stolen assets so they can be repatriated for the benefit of the people of Delta State,” Whatmore concluded.

Interestingly, Deltans are a peculiar people. They love themselves unconditionally. As such, no matter the revelations and his admissions, they never disowned nor disparaged Ibori, neither in secret nor in the public. They still deferred to him as a brother and leader.

The bond is like the dilemma of the cow described by Ola Rotimi in his “The Gods Are Not To Blame:”

“A cow gave birth to a fire, it could not lick it because it burned her, but it could not leave it because it was her own child.”

They did not like what he did. They knew the stolen funds belonged to them and the action undermined, retarded and hurt the development of the State. But Deltans always love Deltans, so they forgave or overlooked. The only pain was the losses incurred by the State and its people through his conduct.

When the British remitted £4.2 million as part of the sum, the Federal Government said Delta State will receive nothing from it. The then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, rubbed it in by declaring that the repatriation would be used to fund such FG projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 2nd Niger Bridge and Abuja-Kano rail. They even refused to consider the federal roads across Delta State.

The underpinning position of Abuja was that since the State tried to protect and did not give evidence against Ibori all through the prosecution, it cannot therefore benefit from the judgment in any way and manner.

The FG also confiscated the $15 million lodged in the Central Bank which Ibori allegedly offered to Ribadu as bribe.

Perhaps, in acknowledgement of the deference which Ibori enjoys with successive state administrations, the EFCC argued that if the money was returned to Delta State, it would be given back to him.

Delta State counter-argued that the money would not be returned to Ibori because he is being fully paid his pensions and entitlements as a former Governor. The FG was not convinced and that money is either still hanging in the balance or finally forfeited by the State.

When Ibori returned from London, the State mobilised the people to welcome him. It was strategic to cure whatever psychological problems that may have derived from his incarceration, to remove shame and encourage his reintegration in the social and political system.

The only point of departure, however, was in the election of the candidate of the PDP for the 2023 Delta State Governorship election. It was a given that the position was on rotation to Delta Central. The then incumbent Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other leaders and members of the party pushed for Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori. Ibori and some other leaders pushed for a different candidate, just as some others also pushed for other candidates.

As is the case in a democracy, the selection was subjected to the process of primaries. Politics would always have to be played and a choice must emerge. Oborevwori won and also proceeded to win the Governorship election.

For other elective positions, Ibori canvassed for Chief Ighoyota Amori for the Delta Central Senatorial ticket. He won the ticket but lost in the main election. His daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, won the ticket for Ethiope Federal Constituency and also won in the main election into the House of Representatives. All under the platform of the PDP.

The true spirit of democracy and party politics requires that all winners and losers in the primaries would close ranks and work for the party.

Surprisingly and sadly, certain persons seemed to have acted differently in the general elections. Notwithstanding, Oborevwori won and has since hit the ground running and delivering several heart warming projects and programmes for the benefit of Deltans across the districts and communities.

True statesmanship also demands that all past, prominent leaders and well meaning citizens of the State would, in the interest of the people, support the incumbent Governor to achieve optimal performance.

It is in this wise that Chief Ibori’s recent open mockery of the State in a public forum, apparently with regards to the recent security breach in which 17 soldiers were killed, comes as curious and leaves a sour taste in the mouth of Deltans.

Speaking at the occasion, Ibori was quoted to have mocked: “Don’t cry to me Delta,” and punctuated the mockery with, “O Delta, O Delta, O Delta.”

Talking about crying, perhaps our leader seems to have forgotten that Deltans not only cried for him during his travails, the State also cried because of the financial losses it incurred through his conducts. Yet, the people and the leadership stood by him in all said and done.

Talking about the recent security glitch, it is not something for any leader to make coarse jokes about or seek political capital from. It is especially so as they are well aware of the inherent contradictions in the security structure of our nation: a situation in which State Governors are regarded as Chief Security Officers while the command of the security apparatuses rests elsewhere.

In the case of the Okuama and Okoloba dispute, Sheriff Oborevwori is acknowledged to have had hands on grip on the situation. Knowing how delicate the conflicts can be, how sensitive the parties can be about any government position or action, he had deployed tactical diplomacy and mediation to get both communities to sign a peace accord on February 7. The peace process was gradually deepening before the military went in with their different approach, probably acting on new information.

However, even the statement by the Chief of Defence Staff on the occurrence continues to suggest that the soldiers may have been attacked by disgruntled criminal oil bunkers, a challenge which falls squarely in the forte of the Federal Government and the security agencies.

Perhaps, Ibori may also want to appreciate that Oborevwori has also brokered an enduring peace accord between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh, in a dispute that had been on for over 80 years.

As the Daily Independent, Ibori’s newspaper, described in its publication of November 2018: “In 1995 and 2009, the Panels of Inquiry constituted by the Delta State Government to resolve the boundary dispute failed to nip the crisis in the bud.”

That clearly suggests that the crisis subsisted through Ibori’s own administration of 1999 to 2007, indicating that he could not resolve it as Governor.

What Oborevwori did was to get the parties to accept the agreed delineation of the boundaries and get the State Government to acquire the buffer zone which had remained in contention. That way, there will be nothing more to fight about. I suppose that that will also send a clear signal to any other feuding communities that communal clashes would no longer be business as usual. That is quintessential decisiveness in governance.

The former Governor may also wish to recall that in his first tenure, he was also faced with the Warri Crisis which lingered well into his second tenure and beyond.

The global assessment of the crisis during his tenure indicated a colossal loss and failure of governance: “Over 200,000 people were displaced (in the Warri area) between 1999 and 2006; over 700,000 people were displaced by violence in Delta State overall,” says Wikipedia.

The report adds: “The 2003 conflicts interrupted oil production. Chevron, Texaco lost about 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day, and Shell Petroleum lost about 60,000 barrels per day. The Escravos pipeline was blown up by militant youths.”

All these were during Ibori ‘s tenure, but we also understand that the crisis was not his making. It was immediately precipitated by the action of the Federal Government in the siting of the headquarters of the newly created Warri South West LGA, the same way the policies, choices, actions and inactions of the Federal Government towards the meaningful development of the Niger Delta and oil producing areas have continued to challenge the achievement of complete peace in the region, including the elimination of criminal herdsmen unleashed on the people.

But, we agree with Ibori that, “In governance and in public office, when you are in trouble, you seek help. Don’t be ashamed to do so. You ask from people that you believe in.” But he ought also to remember that “an elder does not sit at home and watch the she-goat suffer the pain of childbirth tied to a tether.”

The holy book puts it this way in Jeremiah 29:7: “And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Some other translations say, “for its prosperity is your prosperity,” while another version of the injunction of the book commends us to “pray for our leaders.”

Accordingly, Deltans, including leaders and general citizens, worked for and prayed for Ibori when he was Governor and leader. We expect him to do no less for his successors.

Also, in our culture, we do not wait to be called to contribute to solving any challenge we perceive to affect our communities. As elders and youths, we naturally rise up to the occasion, offering whatever capacities we have in knowledge, influence, physical strength or finances, whether we are members of the governing executives or not. This is a value we expect our leaders to transmit to younger generations by their utterances and actions.

Instructively, should Ibori have a differing opinion on any policy directives, programmes or approaches of the administration on any critical aspect of governance, he knows that, as a former Governor and respected leader, it would be very welcome for him to freely avail himself of direct contact with the leadership of the state to offer suggestions or solutions. It is even more so as, to whom much is given, much is expected. Taking an Absalomic posture would be akin to joining wantom kids to play in the sand.

It is also somewhat uncharitable of a leader to want to criticise the Cabinet of his state, as Ibori seems to have alluded to in his public speech.

Just like he was at liberty to choose his cabinet while as Governor, so has Oborevwori done, considering competence, capacity and resourcefulness.

Consequent upon his well articulated parameters, Oborevwori’s cabinet is not only well spread across the districts of the State, it is highly inclusive and a rich blend of experience and youth, a very magistratial balance of innovativeness, discretion and depth of judgment, which is exactly what is needed at this age and time.

Ibori is sure aware of the various landmark projects and programmes being delivered by the Oborevwori administration under just one year. It is expected that he would be pleased with the ongoing infrastructural and urban renewal of Warri, Uvwie and environs, which sees his initial idea of a Warri Area Development Agency coming into tangible effect and which may lead to the return of the oil companies and businesses that divested and exited the city during his tenure.

He should also be happy with the high intensity of work on the Ughelli-Asaba Road Dualisation Project which has gone through successive administrations; the fact that the Beneku Bridge, connecting Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwani LGAs, is 95 percent ready for use; the intensity of work on the Trans-Warri/Ode Itsekiri project; the ongoing construction of Orere Bridge in his Urhoboland; the completion of the Bedeseigha Bridge in Ijawland; the ongoing construction of Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass in Oshimili area; the completion of the Isheagu-Ewulu Road in Aniocha; the reconstruction of the old Umutu-Abraka-Eku road to provide an alternative route from the Agbor-Eku-Amukpe road, for locals in that axis; the Emevor-Orogun Road as well as the Phase 2 of the Enwhe-Uwheru road linking the East-West Road from Isokoland; the dedication of fund for the improvement of agriculture, especially the ongoing revival of the farm settlement in Mbiri, with Deghele and Kpakiama in view; the special attention to the provision of facilities for our tertiary institutions; the support of the State to enable its Local Government Councils meet their obligations to pensioners which had been a source of pain through the years; the re-equipping of all 260 primary health centres across the State immediately he assumed office; the ongoing re-equipment of all General Hospitals in the State, for which the Exco recently approved N3 billion for the Second Phase; not to talk about the health insurance scheme for all Delta State undergraduates in any university in the country.

The catalogue of achievements by Oborevwori is expansive and we sure would see and hear many more in the anniversary of his one year in office.

It is interesting that it was Ibori who first brought Sheriff into the service of the state as Special Assistant during his administration. He must have seen his virtues, and he made a good judgment because the acorn he sowed has grown into a big oak, providing cool shade and development planks for Deltans.

Like any good father would pray for his son to do better than him, so also should past governors pray that their successors should perform better than them, and Sheriff is already walking the talk towards a more advanced Delta.

Rather than needlessly try to throw spanner into the works, we think what Ibori should do is to give Sheriff a huge hug and pat on the back for raising the bar in the development of the State. As Falz would say, that’s what stars do…

Edoreh is Senior Special Assistant to Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State.

…Affirms his govt approved recruitment of 1000 medical personnel

…To revive Zonal General Hospitals

… Says those disrespecting him will fall into the pit already dug by them for themselves

…As Odili affirms Gov. Fabura as Rivers political leader

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has lamented the deplorable state of primary health care facilities in Rivers State on his assumption of office which necessitated the urgent attention given to the sector as part of his priority area.

Governor Fubara stated this on Thursday in Ndoni at the commissioning of the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centre built and donated by the Sir Dr Peter Odili’s PAMO Educational Foundation

The governor emphasised the importance of effective health care delivery to his administration, and commended the efforts of Dr Odili in building the Comprehensive Health Centre with his personal resources even when he is out of government, describing the effort as a show of love for his people and giving back to Society.

Sir Fubara reiterated the target of his administration which is provision of quality education, healthcare services and empowerment including agriculture and human capital development

Governor Fubara noted that his administration approved the recruitment of 1000 medical doctors for the Primary Health, Hospital Management Board and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

He assured the commitment of his administration to ensure that zonal hospitals in the state are put to use and noted that part of his promise to Mr. President is to work to provide critical services to the people to support his government to succeed, which his administration is currently undertaking

The governor further sent stern warning to Local Government chairmen in Rivers State working against his administration to see their disloyalty as digging their own political pits, as his administration is poised to navigate safely to a successful end, while remaining committed in the dispensation of democratic dividends to the people of Rivers people.

Sir Fubara said the tendencies of Some local government Chairmen to deliberately undermine and work against his administration will soon herald their political doom.

He said his government will continue to work in the course that God has ordained for it to make Rivers State better and the people proud at the end.

“Everyone of you who thinks you’re disrespecting me, you’ve already dug your pit. For those of you who have chosen a contrary path of political salvation, safe journey. We’ll flow in a direction that we’ll get to our destination to make our people proud”

“They said we’re clueless. If providing quality education and Healthcare services is being clueless, then we agree, but we will not do roads to our farms. We’ll not do road to please some body. It’s not about the roads and the flyovers but the people.”

Governor Fubara restated that governance is about rendering services that impact the lives of the people just as he awarded contract for the dualisation of the Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ikiri-Omoku road for the benefit of the people, adding that it goes beyond building and commissioning but building for the people to use.

He urged the people of Ndoni to own up, protect and maintain the newly commissioned health center for optimal benefits, promising that the needed manpower will be provided to run the facility.

Speaking earlier, the initiator of the PAMO Educational Foundation and donor of the health facility, Sir Dr. Peter Odili eulogised the uncommon humility of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his commitment to protecting and defending Rivers people in line with the constitution.

He encouraged the governor to remain focused as he affirms Governor Fubara as the political leader of the state as the people are behind him to succeed.

Dr Odili averred that the 20-bed health centre being commissioned was informed by the need to support the State Government’s effort in reviving the Primary Health Centres in the state and the lack of such facilities across all Ndoni districts after the flood of 2020, and asked that the government take possession of the facility and run it to the benefit of the people.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, Prof. Kinikanwo Green thanked the donor for partnering with the state government to make health services available to the people, and pleaded that the governor facilitate the ongoing manpower recruitment in the health sector to enable the board to adequately run the facility.

Welcoming the governor on behalf of the Ndoni community, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli said the commissioning of the primary Health Centre Ndoni donated to Rivers State Government by the PAMO Educational Foundation makes a profound statement and commended Governor Fubara for identifying with the donor and the community.

He noted that the people appreciated the formidable promise the governor made to Rivers people to turn Rivers State to a medical tourism and his dedication to upgrading all Primary Health care facilities in Rivers State.

Describing the facility, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health and daughter of the donor, Dr. Chidimma Adaeze Oreh, said the facility is a 20-bed health centre with capacity for 60-bed spaces.

She explained that the facility was equipped with state of the arts facilities to address health challenges in the community and other catchment areas.
She further noted that it will render essential services in antenatal, labour delivery, immunization, HIV , non communicable diseases, family planning and free Medicare for vulnerable persons.

Highlights of the event were the commissioning of the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centre and the flag-off of the State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

…Says he won’t interfere in their worship

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has decried the poor state of primary schools in the state with over 75% without classroom teachers and 90% of them in a dilapidated state.

Governor Fubara made this known on Wednesday in Government House when he received the delegation of the Muslim Community in Rivers State on Eld-el-fitr visit led by the Vice President General of Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor.

The governor noted that his administration is committed to providing services to the people especially in the area of education, health delivery and agriculture.

He emphasised that his focus is informed by the need to build the foundation of development stressing that it is alarming to know that over 75% of primary schools in the state have no classroom teachers with 90% of the number dilapidated.

“It will surprise you to know that an agency called New Global came to Rivers State. They were willing to spend $5 million dollars not for infrastructure, but to train teachers, provide software and other things in order to improve learning. I told them to go round and assess the primary schools.”

“After the assessment, you won’t believe that 75% of our primary schools have no teachers and 90% of the schools are dilapidated. So, how would you now put in the $5 million dollars?”

The governor reiterated that his desire is not just to renovate the schools but build an enduring system that will impact generations

He said his administration has the interest of everyone at heart and assured that he will not stop people from worshipping their God, adding that his government will continue to give the Muslim Community the needed support as they live and do business in the state as legitimate citizens of the state.

Sir Fubara commended the Council of Islamic Affairs for swiftly tackling the menace of farmers/herders crisis that reared its head in the past within the state.

“Let me also thank this council for the great job they are doing for us in this State. I had a meeting with you some months ago on the issue of farmers-herders and immediately you worked on it.

“I can boldly say that, though, we still have some of the issues, it is not like some other states that you keep hearing the dispute. You were able to bring the situation to a level where we could sleep with our eyes close in the state.”

Governor Fubara further said his desire is also to ensure a functional primary healthcare system in the state with plans to reactivate the five zonal hospitals in order to give support to the primary healthcare facilities that are being revived.

He appreciated the Muslim Community for their solidarity and support, and promised to improve on the slot of their members for hajj in the coming year.

“I am happy this afternoon, realizing that this journey that we thought we were standing alone, we’ve the whole country behind us, because you represent all the segments of the country.

“We assure you that we will not disappoint you. We will continue to stand by what is just. We will not allow any man or woman to toil with the most important thing to a man, and that is his dignity. We will continue to fight with legitimate means that are required to defend the cause of our dear state, so we ask for your support and prayers.

Speaking earlier, the Vice President General of Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor commended the governor for his magnanimity in reintroducing hajj in Rivers State after several years

He said part of the Eld-el-fitr visit is to declare their solidarity with the governor assuring him of their support at all times

While appreciating the governor on his developmental strides, he appealed for the reactivation of some moribund industries owned by the state to provide employment.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declared Wednesday as the first of Shawwal and Eid day, commemorating the completion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.

The Saudi Arabia, on Monday, said the crescent of Shawwal has not been sighted, indicating that the fasting will continue on Tuesday. It also added that the Eid-El-Fitr would hold on Wednesday, April 10 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.

By Austen Akhagbeme

Amidst the fanfare which accompanied the well-attended 2024 National Convention of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, in Abuja on Saturday, the Party’s flag bearer in the upcoming Governorship election in Edo state, Dr Azemhe Azena, has expressed optimism that the Party is being positioned to take over the political leadership of the nation.

Speaking to newsmen at the occasion, the popular politician and Televangelist spoke glowingly about “the Party’s new move at rebranding itself” while calling on every Nigerian, “especially the youth, to join forces with the Party to build a new Nigeria of our dreams”

When asked about his readiness for the September Edo state Governorship election, Dr Azemhe Azena declared that he is very ready as all party members are daily being mobilized for the huge task ahead.

“Edo people are eagerly waiting for a change and this change can only come from us and not from others who have disappointed them serially in the past. We are ready to provide them an alternative” he said.

The convention which saw the unveiling of a new party logo and constitutional ratification of the appointment of top members of NWC of the Party, led to the emergence of Dr Ahmed Ajuji as the new acting chairman of the Party.

Ajuji in his inaugural speech, promised to run a Party “devoid of the misrule of the PDP and the ungovernance of the APC” while making education for all, the Party’s cardinal pursuits.

This year’s convention was well attended by delegates from across the 36 states and the FCT and also by prominent party members led by the party leader, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Governor of Kano state, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, distinguished senators and members of the House of Representatives and state Houses of Assemblies together with state chairmen across the nation.

It’s been two and a half years since the passing of the revered Prophet TB Joshua, and yet the BBC seems relentless in its pursuit of discrediting the legacy of this esteemed man of God. Despite their attempts to tarnish his reputation, the indelible mark of his benevolence and compassion for humanity persists, echoing through generations.

TB Joshua was not just a good man; he possessed one of the kindest hearts, overflowing with love and empathy for his fellow human beings. His legacy is intertwined with acts of cheerful giving and a genuine desire to assist those in need.

Simplicity and absolute humility defined TB Joshua’s character. A radiant beacon during his lifetime, he embodied the true essence of Christ’s image. This is the unwavering belief in the man TB Joshua, whose life reflected the principles of love, kindness, and selflessness.

The stories concocted by the BBC stand as nothing more than baseless fabrications. They starkly contradict everything TB Joshua represented throughout his life. Those who truly knew TB Joshua are left perplexed, questioning the origin of these unfounded allegations.

Since his transition to glory in 2021, TB Joshua has found eternal rest with the Lord. It’s a caution to the BBC – let TB Joshua rest in peace. Cease the attempts to besmirch the legacy of a man whose life was dedicated to serving humanity and spreading the message of love.

In the face of these ill-conceived narratives, TB Joshua’s legacy remains unblemished, upheld by the countless lives he touched. The BBC’s futile attempts to cast shadows over his memory only serve to highlight the enduring impact of a man who lived for a cause greater than himself.

• Prophet Isaiah Ogedegbe

The United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria has named the Executive Director of Braveheart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo as its 2024 Woman of Courage.

According to a statement from the embassy on Wednesday, the March 27 award ceremony in Abuja recognized Ms. Usiobaifo’s two decades of unwavering contribution to reforming laws and dismantling socio-cultural norms perpetuating gender-based violence in Nigeria.

In his remarks at the award ceremony, Art Brown, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, said preventing and responding to all forms of gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the United States government’s commitment to promoting democracy and advancing human rights, as it works with Nigerian partners to dismantle the barriers and impediments to gender equality.

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in women: accelerate progress.’ I’m proud of the United States government’s longstanding investment in women. Together with the government of Nigeria and our local partners, we’ve made significant investments in the lives of Nigerian women and girls, particularly in health, enterprise, and ending all forms of gender-based violence.”

The statement read: “The U.S. Embassy conferred the award as part of activities celebrating the 2024 Women History Month, in keeping with the U.S. government’s commitment to recognize and celebrate individuals who are advancing gender equality and equity.

“This year’s International Women’s Day theme calls on all stakeholders to prioritize women and girls. Ending all forms of gender-based violence requires a whole-of-society approach to address the deep-seated socio-cultural norms underlying gender-based violence in Nigeria. Today, we’re delighted to celebrate and amplify the work of a woman who is a fierce advocate for women’s rights,” said Brown.

Awardee Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo, in her acceptance speech, thanked the U.S. Mission for spotlighting her work and pledged to do more for women and girls: “Young women, especially those who work in rural communities, can be unrecognized because of the locality of the work that we do. But here I am today as a testament that no matter where you are and where you do your work, your work speaks, and it speaks very loudly. I want to see this as a spur to do more for women for girls, for children in marginalized communities in Nigeria. I hope that an award like this will inspire government to become more accountable to their citizens and to promote justice for survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria.

Senate Committee Chairperson on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, commended the U.S. Embassy for the recognition, adding that it would motivate other young women to continue to do their best.

FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Mrs. Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi, congratulated Ms. Usiobaifo for her courage and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory to end gender-based violence.

The Woman of Courage award recognizes women who have taken unusual risks, surmounted significant obstacles, challenged harmful practices, and/or fought discrimination or disinformation in their efforts to defend and promote progress in their societies.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled the activities of oil bunkerers in Ukwa East Local Government Area in Abia State.

A statement on Wednesday by the spokesman of the paramilitary outfit, Babawale Afolabi read that: “In its determination to salvage the nation from economic saboteurs the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has dismantled an illegal oil bunkering site, a large local Pour-put Boat for conveying locally refined petroleum products, a loading point and Automotive Gas Oil amounting to 9000 litres at Inhandu Community of Ukwa East Local Government Area in Abia State.”

He said: “During an interview with the CG’s SIS arresting officer, we deduced that the Squad through credible Intelligence got wind of oil bunkering activities taking place at Inhandu/Ikwariator Riverside; Ukwa East LGA where an uninterrupted loading and conveyance of AGO concealed in cellophane bags were ongoing.

“The Team swung into action without wasting time and was able to uncover a bunkering site where local refining of petroleum products had been carried out for a long time; about 2 large wooden Pour-put boats were seen at the river bank, some cellophane bags were loaded in fibre boats but at the mere sighting of our operatives; the perpetrators took to their heels.

“While touring across the site, some bags of AGO were also packed in an uncompleted building while some were loaded inside 3 different Vehicles ready for supply.”

He disclosed that: “Some of the exhibits recovered at the crime scene are:
2 Fibre Boats with 40 Horse Power Yamaha Engines, 2 empty J5 Buses and 1 Sequoia Jeep about to be loaded, 2 large wooden boats still under construction and some quantities of AGO concealed in cellophane bags.”

He noted: “The Intelligence and Investigation department has commenced detailed work to unravel the perpetrators and beneficiaries while an application for forfeiture of products and mode of conveyance would be sought at the law court at the expiration of our investigation.”

He however appealed to the public to cooperate with the NSCDC in the fight against crude oil theft to rid the nation’s economy off the hands of saboteurs.

By Raphael Oni

In today’s interconnected world, it is crucial for us to come together and address the global challenges that affect all of us. From climate change to poverty, from disease outbreaks to political conflicts, these issues require collective efforts and collaboration from all nations. By working together, sharing resources and knowledge, and implementing sustainable solutions, we can make a positive impact on these challenges. It is important for us to prioritize cooperation, empathy, and innovation in order to create a better future for our planet and all its inhabitants.

Ten years ago President Xi Jinping propounded the idea of building a global community of shared future, answering a question raised by the world, by history, and by the times: “Where is humanity headed?” His proposal lights the path forward as the world fumbles for solutions, and represents China’s contribution to global efforts to protect our shared home and create a better future of prosperity for all.

Let us commit to addressing global challenges with determination and dedication, knowing that our actions today will shape the world for generations to come. We must also recognize that addressing global challenges requires a long-term perspective and sustained effort. It is not enough to simply respond to crises as they arise; we must also invest in preventative measures and build resilience to future challenges. This means supporting education, research, and development in fields such as renewable energy, public health, and conflict resolution. It also means promoting policies that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet over short-term economic gains. By taking a holistic approach to global challenges, we can create a more just and sustainable world for all.

China has put forward a proposal for a shared future, emphasizing cooperation and collaboration among nations. This vision seeks to foster mutual understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence to address global challenges.Through this proposal, China aims to promote sustainable development, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange on a global scale. By working together, countries can build a more harmonious and prosperous world for future generations. This proposal reflects China’s commitment to multilateralism and the belief that shared prosperity benefits all nations. It is a call for unity, solidarity, and collective action to create a better future for humanity.

Globalization has improved the allocation of production factors worldwide, including capital, information, technology, labor and management. As if connecting scattered lakes and creeks into an uninterrupted expanse of water, it draws nations out of isolation and away from the obsolete model of self-reliance, merging their individual markets into a global one and combining their respective experiences into world history.

As information technology advances with every passing day, most prominently in the fields of Internet, big data, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, human exchanges have become deeper, broader, and more extensive than ever before, and countries are more interconnected and interdependent than at any point in the past. Globalization is not an option; it is the reality and the way of life. The global village is getting smaller – the longest distance between two places on earth has been reduced to a flight of no greater than 24 hours, and our planet is becoming flat – one tap on a mobile phone connects us to the other side of the world in a split second. This is an integrated world. Those who turn their back on it will have no place in it.

China’s proposal for a shared future has gained significant attention and support from various nations worldwide. The vision of cooperation and collaboration among countries has been seen as an effective means to address global challenges. This proposal emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence, which are crucial elements in building a harmonious and prosperous world. Moreover, China’s initiative aims to promote sustainable development, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange on a global scale. By working together towards these goals, countries can create a better future for generations to come.

China’s commitment to multilateralism is reflected in this proposal, which highlights the belief that shared prosperity benefits all nations. It is indeed a call for unity, solidarity, and collective action towards achieving a better future for humanity.

The success of China’s proposal for a shared future will depend on the willingness of nations to work together towards common goals. This vision requires a shift in mindset from competition to cooperation, and from isolationism to openness. It is important for countries to recognize that their individual interests are intertwined with the interests of the global community. By working towards shared objectives, nations can create win-win situations that benefit all parties involved.

China’s proposal also highlights the need for dialogue and communication among nations, as well as respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These principles are essential in building trust and promoting peaceful coexistence among countries. In addition, China’s emphasis on sustainable development is crucial in addressing pressing environmental issues such as climate change and pollution. Cooperation among nations is necessary to tackle these challenges and ensure a livable planet for future generations.

Overall, China’s proposal for a shared future provides a hopeful vision for the world, one that prioritizes collaboration over conflict and mutual benefit over individual gain. It is up to all nations to embrace this vision and work together towards a better future for humanity. To achieve the vision of a shared future proposed by China, it is essential for nations to work together towards common goals. This requires a change in mindset from competition to cooperation and from isolationism to openness. It is crucial for countries to recognize that their individual interests are interlinked with the interests of the global community. By working towards shared objectives, nations can create win-win situations that benefit all parties involved.

Furthermore, we must acknowledge that addressing global challenges is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different regions and communities face unique challenges that require tailored approaches. It is essential to involve local stakeholders and empower them to take ownership of solutions that work for their specific context. This means investing in capacity-building and providing resources for local innovation and entrepreneurship. By promoting diversity and inclusivity in our approach to global challenges, we can ensure that everyone has a voice and a stake in creating a better future for all. Let us continue to work towards a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world for generations to come.

There is no iron law that dictates that a rising power will inevitably seek hegemony. This assumption represents typical hegemonic thinking and is grounded in memories of catastrophic wars between hegemonic powers in the past. China has never accepted that once a country becomes strong enough, it will invariably seek hegemony. China understands the lesson of history – that hegemony preludes decline. We pursue development and revitalization through our own efforts, rather than invasion or expansion. And everything we do is for the purpose of providing a better life for our people, all the while creating more development opportunities for the entire world, not in order to supersede or subjugate others.

The strong preying on the weak is not a way for humans to coexist. If the law of the jungle is imposed on human society, and the idea that “might makes right” prevails, the principle of sovereign equality will be fundamentally undermined, and world peace and stability will be severely endangered. In the age of globalization, all countries are interdependent and interconnected. Therefore the law of the jungle and the winner-takes-all mindset will lead nowhere – inclusive development for the benefit of all is the right path forward. China has consistently championed equity and justice, and remains committed to friendly cooperation with other countries, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, in order to advance democracy in international relations.

The Embassy of Angola in Nigeria is opening a visa application centre in the oil-city Port Harcourt to boost especially the oil business of the country with Nigeria.

A statement by the embassy on Monday read that: “As part of the activities to celebrate the 4th of April, Day of Peace and National Reconciliation in Angola, a Visa Application Centre will be inaugurated this Tuesday, 04/02, in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt, in order to obviate the need to travel to Abuja and Lagos.

“The centre, a partnership between the Embassy of Angola in Nigeria and the company Akwa Helmes International Limited – AHIL, has facilities for applying for visas, increasing investment attractiveness, supporting the oil and gas industry, as well as promoting sun-sea and adventure tourism.

“Its services will extend to hotel reservations, ticket sales and air connectivity to destinations operated by Angola’s national airline, TAAG.”

The statement added: “H.E. Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, is the special guest of H.E. Ambassador José Bamóquina Zau to witness the inauguration of a centre for economic, cultural and tourist rapprochement between Angola and Nigeria.

The city of Port Harcourt, in Rivers State (with a population of about 10 million), is located in the heart of the vast Niger Delta, where the main petroleum and petrochemical industries, two large state-owned refineries, two seaports, universities and scientific and technological institutes are located.

According to the statement: “Most of the businessmen and technicians working in Angola’s oil and gas industry come from this region, but the local authorities want to intensify academic cooperation with training institutes and technical internships in the oil and gas industry.”