🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
NCDMB and Renaissance Africa Energy launch 12-month oil and gas training for 300 Nigerians
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB, in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has initiated a 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme for 300 young Nigerians. This program aims to equip graduates in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering with technical and professional skills for careers in the petroleum industry. The training includes three months of classroom instruction followed by nine months of on-the-job experience with partner oil and gas service companies. Of the 300 participants selected through a competitive process, 240 will train in Lagos and 60 in Port Harcourt. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, stated that the initiative aligns with the Board's mandate to build local capacity, increase Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, and create employment. He emphasized that specialized skills in automation, instrumentation, and engineering operations are crucial for the safe and efficient exploitation of Nigeria's petroleum resources. Olarenwaju Olawuyi, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, reaffirmed the company's commitment to developing indigenous capacity through human capital investment. Ranti Omole, Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, noted that participants were rigorously screened from thousands of applicants. The program's objective is to produce industry-ready professionals w
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Mercy Eke, winner of Big Brother Naija season four, revealed her regret about participating in the reality television show during an interview on Toke Makinwa’s show, Toke Moments. Eke, who also returned for an All Stars edition, stated that the constant public scrutiny and attention following her time on the program have made it difficult for her to find peace and often affect her sleep. She acknowledged enjoying the benefits derived from the show but wished she had not gone due to the intense public comparison to others not in the limelight. Eke explained that her return for the All Stars edition was driven by the pursuit of prize money, but the experience differed from her expectations, noting that many contestants seemed more financially driven than she anticipated. Looking ahead, she confirmed she would not participate in the show again. Post-Big Brother, Eke has focused on personal goal setting, drawing inspiration from successful Nigerian women, and challenging herself to improve. She also addressed misconceptions about her personal life, clarifying that her lifestyle is not funded by a married man and that she has been in a four-year relationship with a single partner. Eke, who recently completed a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, emphasized the importance of financial literacy in business, including tracking income, expenses, and balance sheets.
Must ReadBetPawa has released verified payout data for its Locker Room Bonus program, revealing a repeatable, technology-driven model for direct and instant payments to domestic league athletes in Africa. The program has disbursed over $1.67 million across eight markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Cameroon. It has reached 7,000 players across 387 teams through more than 47,000 individual payouts, covering over 3,000 matches. A key feature is equal pay for men's and women's teams, with players in Ghana's Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League receiving the same per-win bonus as those in the men’s Premier League. BetPawa founder Kresten Buch designed the program to provide immediate, outcome-based payments to winning players, addressing delays in traditional payment models. Mr. Eazi, Chairman of Choplife Gaming and ambassador for the program, emphasizes the respect and direct reward for achievement. BetPawa plans to expand the model to more markets, leagues, and sports, having recently included the Kenya Volleyball Federation. The Locker Room Bonus is a direct-to-player performance reward program, with payments made instantly via mobile money after a victory, verified through pawaPass.
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal is set to play in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, having scored in every major final of his professional career. The 29-year-old has found the net in all six of his senior career finals and has the chance to score another decisive goal when Spain faces Argentina in New York New Jersey. FIFA reports that Oyarzabal is bidding to become the first Spain player to score six goals at a single World Cup and no other Spain player has achieved two braces in one World Cup. His 30 international goals are still short of David Villa’s national record of 59, but he has broken the record for most goals by a Spain forward in a single season with 14. Oyarzabal has scored in two Copa del Rey finals with Real Sociedad, two UEFA Nations League finals, a UEFA EURO final, and an Olympic final. His latest World Cup goal came from a penalty in Spain’s semi-final victory over France. While Oyarzabal has scored in all six finals, his teams have a 4–2 record in those matches, with two losses despite his goals. His victories include the 2019/20 Copa del Rey, EURO 2024, 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, and 2025/26 Copa del Rey. His defeats were in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League.