Dr Ibe Kachikwu

Amb. Mary Warlick, the Acting Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs says Nigeria remains a critical priority for the U.S. and Africa bilateral relations.

Warlick said this during a meeting with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu in Washington.

A statement in Abuja on Wednesday by Mr Idang Alibi, Director of Press in the Ministry, Warlick commended Nigeria on the significant steps taken in the Oil and Gas Industry reforms.

”I commend Nigeria on the significant steps taken in the oil and gas industry, especially in the area of shared insights gained by the U.S. team from reviewing the National Oil policy, gas policy, fiscal policy and the draft of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill and Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill developed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.”

Responding, Kachikwu said the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari had set out plans that had to be made over the next four years.

He outlined steps the ministry had taken in achieving this through the continuous implementation of the 7BigWins – the Nigerian Petroleum roadmap; which focuses on stabilising the business environment, enshrining openness and transparency, developing and entrenching new policies and regulations.

He also hinted on the launch of a pet project – “Project 100” aimed at maximising and unleashing talents by identifying 100 Nigerians who had access to funding.

“And we are willing to make a change in the industry and collaborating with them to find solutions to the industry’s problems with a view to putting Nigeria on the path of glory.

Kachikwu further reiterated the positive impact of the ongoing engagement in the Niger Delta and Oil Producing States led by Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

He said it was yielding results as evidenced by the near zero militant incidence and normalcy in production activity being restored in the region.

He also harped on the need to work together with the U.S. to sustain progress on reforms and match it with increased international investments in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector.

Kachukwu said other areas of collaboration with the U.S. was to invest in capacity building and acquisition of technology. (NAN)

Reps donate 82 boxes with assorted materials to 82 Chibok girls

Members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday paid a visit to the released Chibok school girls at the DSS Clinic in Abuja and donated 82 boxes filled with assorted clothing and toiletries.

Chairman of the House Committee on Women in Parliament, Rep. Evelyn Ogoro (Delta-PDP), led the delegation on behalf of the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

Ogoro told the girls that the House held them in high esteem and would support them in every way to ensure that they realised their ambitions in life.

She said the speaker sent the materials to them so as to help reintegrate them into the larger society,  adding that the lawmakers  would continue to cater for their needs.

“The speaker asked us to come and see you and give these boxes and items to you. We know this can never be enough but it is a show of our love and concern for your welfare.

“We prayed and cried for you. And we can see among you here doctors, lawyers, engineers, senators, governors, architects, professors and what have you. Don’t be discouraged, you will go places.

“Let me tell you, God loves you; for you to be great, you have to go through difficulties. Every human being must pass through difficulties even though it is not God’s design.

“We thank God for bringing you back. You will grow into women and join us to move Nigeria forward”, she said.

Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Rep. Edward Pwajok (APC -Plateau), described the kidnapping of the girls as a violent intrusion into their privacy.

He also described the act as  disruption of their educational career while advising them to be steadfast.

“When you leave here, don’t allow anybody to deceive you because the Federal Government loves you.

“Our sister here (Hon. Asaba Vilita), is representing you in the House and we pray that you grow to be like her.

“The Prime Minister of UK is a woman, the Chancellor of Germany is also a woman, the President of Liberia is also a woman.

“So if you do not give up, you can achieve what they have achieved”, he said.

He also told the girls that the international community was also supporting the Nigerian government in its quest to rescue the remaining girls and rout Boko Haram.

The lawmakers, who spent sometimes with the girls praising and thanking God,  also expressed gratitude to  the Federal Government for  securing the abducted girls  from captivity. (NAN)