From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Candef Energies and Business Hub has commissioned a new business complex in Lokoja, Kogi State, with its managing director, Dr Femi Akande, saying the project is aimed at creating jobs and supporting local economic activity.

The facility, located in the Army Signal Area of Lokoja, comprises a filling station, the second outlet of Treasures Supermarket, a multipurpose executive hall, a cold-room facility for frozen goods and office spaces.

Akande said the investment was designed to extend beyond business expansion by creating employment and providing opportunities for young people. He said the executive hall would host seminars, receptions and other events, while the office spaces would be available to students and professionals seeking workspaces.

The Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, commended Akande for investing in businesses that create employment and contribute to the state’s economy.

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, who commissioned the facility, urged people in positions of influence to use their opportunities to support vulnerable members of society.

Chairman of the occasion, Emmanuel Kayode, described the investment as timely and capable of stimulating local commerce. The commissioning was attended by government officials, traditional and religious leaders and security chiefs.

Among those present were Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Kankarofi, and the state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, CC Aletan Olumide Ebenezer.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

More than 130 indigenous companies in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector have received over $400 million in support from the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), its Managing Director, Emmanuel Yusuf, has said.

Yusuf disclosed this on Wednesday in Uyo at the launch of the Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate portal by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

He said the digital portal would simplify the certification process and enable companies to access funding more quickly while improving regulatory oversight and investor confidence.

According to Yusuf, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act requires one per cent of contracts awarded in the upstream sector to be deducted and paid into the fund.

He described the compliance certificate as proof that companies had met their statutory obligations and a requirement for accessing the fund. Yusuf said Nigerian Content had risen to more than 60 per cent, with the NCDF supporting over 130 indigenous companies and helping address access to finance.

He said the new portal would reduce certificate processing from weeks to days, allow online applications, provide real-time status updates and enable regulators to verify compliance digitally.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by Dandi Osagie, said the sensitisation programme would provide stakeholders with information on the upgraded NCDF Payment Portal, Compliance Certificate System and Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.

He said the initiatives were aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business while helping eligible Nigerian companies access financing and comply with relevant regulations.

By Jabiru Hassan

The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has appointed AIG Auwal Musa Muhammad as its 25th Commandant. Muhammad formally assumed office at a ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Parade Ground, attended by senior academy officers, invited guests and representatives of host communities.

In his address, the new commandant pledged to contribute to the development of the institution and prioritise the welfare of staff and students, environmental safety and stronger relations with surrounding communities.

Muhammad said his administration would work to maintain the academy’s reputation and strengthen its capacity to produce competent and professional police officers. “I am here to contribute my quota towards the progress of Police Academy Wudil and ensure that the institution’s good image remains impressive,” he said.

He also assured the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him and improving the learning environment at the academy.

The commandant urged staff to remain dedicated and diligent, saying their collective efforts would contribute to improved academic and professional standards. He commended his predecessors for their contributions to the development of the institution.

During an interactive session with senior academy officials, Muhammad urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and unity while working to strengthen academic excellence. He thanked staff and others who contributed to the smooth transition and pledged to promote collaboration in achieving the academy’s objectives.