By Ukandi Odey, Jos

Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has visited the Plateau State University, Bokkos upon return to the State from his recent overseas trip.

Addressing Party faithful and teeming supporters at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, on his return from the Dialogue on Peace and Security in Nigeria hosted by the United States Institute of Peace, Governor Mutfwang shared the benefits of the dialogue for Plateau State.
He stated that the insights acquired would be implemented to resolve the state’s security issues in today’s world of interconnectivity.

Noting that the recent security breach in Bokkos Local Government Area, which resulted in the loss of lives and property is unfortunate and regrettable, Governor Mutfwang assessed the impact of the security challenges within the University community that extended into the neighboring communities.

He engaged with the University’s management, staff, students, traditional rulers, the host community, and other stakeholders with a view to devising strategies to address the institution’s security challenges. He reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with all parties to improve the University’s rating both nationally and internationally.

The governor announced plans to form partnerships with highly reputed international universities to advance the career development of tertiary education lecturers in the state, and commended the efforts of his predecessors and the Butura community for their roles in maintaining the University’s operations.

Governor Mutfwang called for unity among all residents of Bokkos Local Government Area, urging them to transcend tribal and religious divides in pursuit of a cohesive society.

He said “I extend my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the University’s success. The challenges we face are substantial, but together we can establish an exemplary institution recognized for excellence across Nigeria and beyond”.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Best, lauded the governor’s visit and outlined the institution’s challenging issues to include insecurity, unauthorized grazing, fence breaches, kidnappings, and insufficient hostel accommodation. He appealed for the Governor’s intervention.

Governor Mutfwang also visited the State’s Agricultural Services, Training Centre, and Marketing Ltd. (ASTC) in Bokkos, and expressed keen interest in revitalizing the center to enhance the state’s agricultural production.

He was conducted around the premises and facilities of the Center by the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Susan Bentu, who highlighted the Governor’s ambition to revive moribund projects begun by earlier administrations.

A pressure group known as AOJOKO K’Otukpo (Special Advisers to Otukpo Kingdom Paramount ruler) has asserted that Arch. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary (ES) of the Tertiary Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), is spearheading the revitalization of the country’s tertiary education.

Mr. Ojoko Ekwo, the Chairman of the group, revealed this during a press conference held in Makurdi on Sunday.

Ekwo, responding to media publications criticizing Echono for awarding contracts without the existence of a board, emphasized the need for support from all Nigerians for the ES to succeed.

He clarified that although TETFUND currently lacks a constituted board, there are provisions in place empowering the organization’s management to award contracts in such circumstances.

“Regardless of the absence of a board, TETFUND cannot remain idle but must continue operating in accordance with established laws,” Ekwo stated.

“The recent allegations against Arch. Echono, regarding contract awards in the absence of a board, raise significant questions: Should an organization halt its activities simply due to the absence of a board? In the absence of a board, are there no institutional regulations to follow? Were such regulations not adhered to?”

Ekwo criticized the media’s rush to incite public outcry against Echono without conducting thorough investigations. He noted that even after TETFUND responded to inquiries, the media persisted with their preconceived narrative, suggesting a potential bias.

“They failed to seek clarification from the Ministry of Education, which oversees TETFUND,” Ekwo added.

“Echono should be allowed to continue his commendable efforts in educational development, including the rejuvenation of dilapidated facilities and infrastructure in tertiary institutions, for which he is already receiving praise from well-meaning Nigerians.”

Ekwo suggested that the criticism directed at the ES was merely a backlash from those who had previously exploited TETFUND for personal gain.

He called upon the Ministry of Education and President Bola Tinubu to disregard such publications and continue supporting the ES in his endeavors to advance the educational sector.

Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), emphasized the pivotal role of oil and gas investment in driving Nigeria’s economic recovery. Speaking to journalists during the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, on Monday, Lokpobiri underscored the necessity of exploiting Nigeria’s abundant oil and gas reserves to stimulate economic growth.

“The vast oil and gas deposits of our nation hold immense potential for economic revitalization,” Lokpobiri stated. “However, their full potential can only be realized through proactive exploration and investment.”

Assuring investors of the longevity of oil’s relevance, Lokpobiri highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment conducive to attracting optimal investment. He credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing strategic initiatives that have positively impacted the sector’s trajectory, refuting claims of oil’s impending irrelevance.

Encouraging investors to capitalize on the ongoing oil bid round, Lokpobiri emphasized the enduring significance of fossil fuels in the global energy landscape. “History has shown that no energy source becomes obsolete overnight. Fossil fuels will continue to play a significant role,” he affirmed.

Lokpobiri affirmed the government’s dedication to streamlining regulatory frameworks, promoting competitiveness, and eliminating investment barriers to instill confidence among investors. “Nigeria stands ready to engage with the global community, showcasing our commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate,” he asserted.

In a significant policy announcement, Lokpobiri disclosed the abolition of signature bonus payments for new investors in the oil and gas sector. Signature bonuses, traditionally paid by license holders to the government upon obtaining petroleum exploration licenses, have often posed challenges for investors due to their substantial financial burden.

To facilitate smoother entry into exploration and production activities, Lokpobiri revealed that future signature bonus payments would be contingent upon immediate operational engagement by new entrants. “We are prioritizing active utilization of awarded fields to stimulate job creation and drive upstream oil sector growth,” he explained.

Notable attendees at the conference included Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, former Minister of State for Solid Minerals; and Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Group Managing Director of Rainoil Ltd.