News
Energy Week: OPEC commends African bonds in the energy industry

The Secretary-General, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mr Mohammad Barkindo, has commended the strong bonds played by Africa in the energy industry.
Barkindo said this in a keynote address delivered at the opening of the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday.
He said that the strong bonds reflect critical roles which the continent would play in the energy industry in the future.
“We foresee a bright future for Africa’s oil industry with significant opportunities for growth. The continent is home to five of the top 30 oil-producing countries in the world and several top gas-producing nations.
“The world will continue to rely on Africa’s precious resources in the long-term in order to meet the rapidly rising global demand for oil and gas.
“Africa has a young and vibrant population. The Middle East and Africa region are currently experiencing a swift rate of population growth.
“By 2045, it is forecast to be the leading region by the overall population, adding 762 million people in the period 2020-2045,” Barkindo said.
He explained that in 2019, before the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa produced approximately 8.5 mb/d of oil, representing nine per cent of world output.
Barkindo added that the continent’s proven oil reserves amounted to around 126 billion barrels at the end of 2019.
He, however, noted that Nigeria held the majority with an estimated 36.9 billion barrels or 29 per cent of the continent’s total reserves.
Barkindo commended the African Energy Chamber for organising the event which brought together stakeholders in the energy industry across the continent to discuss pressing issues.
He expressed appreciation to Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy; Dr Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum and President of OPEC Conference 2021.
He further thanked Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources of Nigeria; Bruno Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of Congo and all who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the African Energy Week.
Barkindo, while stating that African countries have historically assumed strong, proactive leadership roles in OPEC, stated that Angola currently holds the Presidency of the OPEC Conference and will be succeeded by Congo next year.
“In September of this year, we celebrated a monumental milestone, the golden anniversary of Nigeria joining OPEC in 1971. Recent years have seen an expansion of the African presence in our organisation.
“Congo became a Member Country in 2018, Equatorial Guinea joined in 2017 and Gabon rejoined in 2016. This consolidates the incredibly positive, constructive and fruitful roles played by Libya since it joined our organisation in 1962.
“What is remarkable are the number of key events that took place in African cities. From the ninth meeting of the OPEC conference in Tripoli in 1965, critical meetings and conferences have been held,’’ he said. (NAN)
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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