🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
University of Lagos unveils Geosciences Centre of Excellence to boost local oil and gas expertise
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The University of Lagos UNILAG has launched a Geosciences Centre of Excellence, designed to enhance research, innovation, and training in the oil, gas, and related fields. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the center will foster local manpower development and decrease Nigeria's reliance on foreign experts. Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, emphasized that the facility will provide students with practical learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings. Donated by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the center aims to deepen research, strengthen industry collaboration, and solidify UNILAG's standing as a leading institution. The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, highlighted the center's role as a hub for interdisciplinary research across geosciences and allied fields, including engineering, computing, and environmental sciences. She noted that with Nigeria at the forefront of petroleum and gas exploration in Africa, the center will be crucial in developing the expertise and human resources needed for the sector's operations across Africa. Ogunsola stressed the importance of Africa shifting from dependency narratives to knowledge creation and ensuring the facility's proper utilization and sustainability. The center, conceived in 2010, houses laboratories, simulation centers, lecture theatres,
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA is collaborating with the youth-based organization EKO 57 Support Group to mobilize young people across Lagos State for environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management. Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, stated that the agency is a significant employer, engaging over 100,000 youths directly and indirectly in its operations. This partnership aims to expand LAWMA's advocacy and sensitization efforts across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development areas of Lagos State. Gbadegesin emphasized the crucial role of young people in enhancing environmental awareness and promoting positive behavioral changes within communities. He noted LAWMA's ongoing efforts to work with community leaders and associations to strengthen grassroots engagement and ensure compliance with waste management guidelines. Leaders of EKO 57 Support Group, Adams Kehinde and Mrs. Remilekun Oshodi, praised LAWMA's initiative, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and active youth participation for a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has commended Nigeria teammate Victor Osimhen's strong winning mentality, attributing it to the striker's success in world football. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, Iwobi highlighted Osimhen's intensity in training and his refusal to hold back, even admitting that Osimhen sometimes "cheats just to win." Iwobi noted that Osimhen's rise is not surprising to those who know him, emphasizing his work rate and determination to create scoring opportunities. He added that Osimhen approaches every game with the same intensity, regardless of the opponent's stature, and is known for putting his body on the line. Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 51 appearances for Nigeria.
Ademola Lookman is a significant doubt for Atlético Madrid's Champions League semi-final match against Arsenal after sustaining an injury in the Copa del Rey final. The 28-year-old Nigerian forward is expected to miss upcoming games against Elche and Athletic Club. Atlético confirmed that both Lookman and Alexander Sørloth experienced physical discomfort at the end of the final and are now undergoing individual recovery programs. The club's medical services have advised caution to prevent further injury risks, and their return to training will depend on the evolution of their conditions. Reports from marca.com indicate that both players are sidelined and face a race against time to recover for the Arsenal fixture. Lookman, who was substituted in the final, is dealing with swelling in his adductor muscle and is anticipated to be out for at least a week. With Arsenal visiting the Metropolitano on April 29, the recovery timeline is tight, though Lookman has started working with medical staff. His potential absence would be a considerable setback for Atlético, given his impact since joining in the winter transfer window. His goal in the Copa del Rey final brought his total goal contributions to 11, the second highest in the squad during that period, and he became the first Nigerian to score in the competition's final since Finidi George in 1997.
Ralph Nwosu, founder and pioneer National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress ADC, discussed the party's current state, including litigation and factional disputes, and its strategy for the 2027 general election. He explained the origin of the David Mark-led ADC coalition, which began over two years ago with meetings involving figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Rauf Aregbesola. The coalition aimed to unite critical opposition figures, leading to constitutional amendments approved by the National Executive Council NEC to facilitate broader participation. Nwosu addressed issues with former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, stating Kachikwu was expelled from the party for causing problems and is no longer a member, despite his claims. He also mentioned Bala Nafiu, who was involved in all meetings but later initiated legal challenges. Nwosu dismissed the idea of a significant crisis within the ADC, attributing such perceptions to external influences and the ruling party's alleged efforts to destabilize the opposition. He emphasized that the ADC is not transactional and is focused on nation-building, aiming to secure 37.5 million votes in the 2027 election. Nwosu noted the party's growing membership, particularly in the North-West and North-East, and its expanded presence with 36 state offices, 774 local government offices, and 8,900 ward offices across Nigeria. He also highlighted the formation of the 'One ADC movement' and the 'Coalition for Electo