The Kogi government says it is in talks with China on the provision of nuclear energy in the state.

This formed part of discussions at a meeting attended by Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, and Qui Jian Chun, China’s ambassador to Nigeria.

The Chinese ambassador attended the meeting at the Kogi government house on Monday, alongside a delegation from the China National Nuclear Corporation.

According to a statement by the Kogi government, Chun said his key interest as the ambassador is to facilitate China’s investment and technology for the benefit of Nigeria and certain states like Kogi, adding that nuclear energy would further attract investment to the state, improve its infrastructure, tax revenue, job creation, and attract vast social economic development.

According to him, with a fruitful relationship between Nigeria and China, Kogi can also benefit from China’s vested interest in technology as the country is a leading reference in areas of modern infrastructure.

He spoke on the benefits of nuclear energy, and also expressed optimism that China could, in the nearest future, have a policy in which Nigeria, particularly states like Kogi, could export more products into the Chinese market.

There were also discussions on establishing a department of nuclear energy at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, as well as talks on facilitating exchange programmes for students from both countries.

On his part, the Kogi governor thanked the Chinese ambassador for an interest in the state, adding that his administration is committed to fostering a relationship with the Chinese government.

He urged the country not to relent in sharing its wealth of experience with Nigeria.

A Nigerian independent oil and gas company, Seplat Energy has commenced the commercial injection of crude oil through the new Amukpe-Escravos Pipeline.

In a disclosure signed by Emeka Onwuka, Chief Financial Officer, on the commissioning of Amukpe-Escravos Pipeline, the company stated that the project will create a more reliable and secure export route for liquids from Seplat Energy’s major assets.

According to Seplat Energy, de-watering was since completed on Friday 29th July and the Site Acceptance Test is now underway with commercial volumes.

The company stated, “Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian energy company listed on the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce that it has begun commercial injection of crude oil through the new Amukpe-Escravos Pipeline.

“The 67km mostly underground pipeline is expected to provide a more reliable and secure export route for liquids from Seplat Energy’s major assets OML 4, 38 and 41, connecting them with the Chevron-operated Escravos Terminal. It has a capacity of 160,000 bbl/day, of which the Seplat Energy / NPDC joint venture is entitled to inject 35,000 bbl/day. Dewatering was completed on Friday 29 July and the Site Acceptance Test is now underway with commercial volumes.

“Until now, the company has relied on the Trans Forcados System, which has experienced numerous disruptions in recent years due to pipeline maintenance and vandalism, which have impacted the company’s revenues.

“Speaking on the development, Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, said, “The commercial launch of the Amukpe-Escravos Pipeline is a significant event for Seplat Energy and for Nigeria, offering a more secure and reliable export route that will assure higher revenues and profitability for Seplat Energy, enabling us to make a larger contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

“We commend the work that has made this possible and appreciate the efforts of our partners and all contractors involved to create this more reliable and secure export route for Nigeria’s oil.”

Seplat Energy Plc recently announced an interim dividend at a rate of US2.5cents per ordinary share to be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members as at the close of business on 12th August 2022.

The federal government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency and net exporter of energy resources by 2026.

The Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Services (NAPIMS), Mr Bala Wunti, made this known while speaking at the 2022 Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Wunti spoke during a panel session on ‘Sustainable Energy Transition Strategy: The Role of Legislative Frameworks and Investment Programmes.’

He said though the government had pledged to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2060, its priority remains reducing energy poverty in the country with its abundant hydrocarbon resources.

To this end, he said the government’s target was to attain zero dependence on imported energy, both primary and secondary, as well as becoming a net exporter of secondary energy resources by 2026.

Wunti said the plan was to provide access to energy to 100 per cent of the population through the gas to power initiative which would spur industrialisation and economic growth.

He, however, maintained that this could only be achieved through effective legislative frameworks and investment programmes needed to maximise the opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

Wunti said there was need to create a platform where market investment and financing come together with regard to delivery of energy in a more sustainable manner.

He noted that unfortunately, the industry had witnessed decline in investments in recent years which had plunged the world into the global energy crisis.

According to him, available statistics from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) shows that the world requires $11.8 trillion to meet its energy needs.

Lake Anosy is an artificial lake with a large monument in the middle of it, located in the southern part of the capital city of the Republic of Madagascar, Antananarivo.

Previously the lake was a small swamp, however, in 1830 it was created by the Scottish artisan missionary, James Cameron, during the era of the first Malagasy sovereign to be recognized as King of Madagascar, Radama I.

Visible from the surrounding hills of Antananarivo, there is also a small islet connected to the “mainland” with an isthmus, there is an interesting memorial.

The so-called Monument aux Morts, also known as the Monument to the Dead, is a French-built memorial in order to commemorate the fallen soldiers during the First World War.

Designed by the sculptor Barberis and architect Perrin in 1927, it is the most recognizable feature of the lake.

The monument is a large golden angel on a plinth that holds branches of bay laurel with the left hand, while with the right one holds the Laurel wreath.

Being one of the most striking monuments in the capital city, every year on 26 June, a firework show is being organized on the lake, in celebration of the independence day of Madagascar.

From time to time, the park area surrounding the lake is the home to many poor and homeless people, and even though the water is highly polluted, there can be still seen people who are fishing or even swimming in the waters.

Nevertheless, Lake Anosy is definitely one of the landmarks of Madagascar that deserves to be seen in person, and the authorities should make bigger efforts to preserve this alluring site, so that it will be marveled by every single visitor.