From George Coben, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has been honoured with a prestigious award at the 2026 Nigerian Oil and Gas Forum and award ceremony in recognition of his administration’s performance towards the development of the country’s oil and gas industry.
The award presentation was held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where the leader of the forum, Nafisa Haruna Aliyu, said that the Governor was selected for the award because of his contribution to the development of the oil and gas sector by establishing the Bauchi State oil and gas academy, Alkaleri, as first state owned institution in Nigeria.
Nafisa acknowledged the positive role of the government towards actualizing the on going Kolmani oil exploration, which she said, will go a long way in ensuring oil and gas energy sufficiency and creating employment opportunities.
On his own part, Governor Bala Mohammed, who was represented at the occasion by the state commissioner of information and communication, Usman Shehu Usman, commended the organisers of the forum for their foresight, noting that the awards promote excellence, innovation, accountability across the oil and gas industry, and its regulatory institutions.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players, regulators, and host communities to build a resilient and inclusive energy sector.
While congratulating all the award recipients for their various contributions in the sector, the Governor stated that the sector remains vital to Nigeria’s economy offering platforms for dialogue, innovation, policy alignment and strategic partnerships.
“My administration is committed to complementing the efforts of relevant stakeholders to strengthen the sector,” he stressed.
Governor Mohammed said that the state is pursuing inclusive economic growth by harnessing natural resources, improving the investment climate, and supporting private sector participation, particularly within the energy value chain.
He emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry lies in value addition, local content development, capacity building, and a deliberate transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions for long-term national prosperity.
Sit-at-home: Anambra Governor orders demolition of 10,000 Shops in Onitsha Main Market
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has, on Monday, reportedly marked over 10,000 shops in Onitsha Main Market for demolition, giving traders 14 days to vacate.
The move came amidst enforcement of Monday business operations, breaking the long-standing “sit-at-home” orders linked to IPOB protests, which the group has since disavowed.
The market, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, was temporarily closed in late January after Soludo observed widespread shop closures on a Monday, which he described as “economic sabotage.”
Traders partially reopened on February 2, with some signing attendance registers, while Soludo visited and shopped personally.
Despite the reopening, demolition notices were issued, sparking shock and calls for longer timelines from traders, who warn of impacts on families and livelihoods affecting tens of thousands.
Supporters argued that the move is part of Soludo’s broader plan to modernize the market, remove illegal structures, and restore economic normalcy.
As the market continues operations under heightened security, traders seek dialogue for extensions or alternative arrangements.
The development highlights Soludo’s agenda for urban renewal and economic revitalization, though short-term hardships remain likely. END
CIIRONEWS
