PH hospitality industry swells as Heliconia Park launches Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort

Heliconia Park has officially opened the doors of its newest and third destination, the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort. The launch is said to mark a significant milestone for the brand, bringing a new standard of hospitality, lifestyle, and leisure to Port Harcourt.

According to the owners, guided by a vision that blends refined elegance with tailored experiences, the resort is said to reaffirm Heliconia Park’s mission to deliver secure, stylish, and welcoming spaces for both business and leisure guests.

Set within the quiet Intels Camp, Aba Road Estate, the resort says it is designed to be more than a place to stay.

With a golf course, and stylish suites the hotel combines Italian sophistication with African warmth, fine dining restaurants that are said to celebrate global and local cuisines, swing pool, tennis court, squash amidst sumptuous green areas, the Port Harcourt resort is seen as a destination where comfort meets timeless elegance, and every detail has been created to welcome guests with warmth and a sense of belonging, according to the promoters.

Speaking at the launch, Pasquale Fiore, the CEO of Heliconia Park, said: ‘This is not just another hotel. This is a destination and a home for excellence. Port Harcourt has long been a hub of energy, commerce, and culture, and by investing here we reaffirm our commitment to this city, its people, and its future. Heliconia Park was founded on the belief that true luxury is welcoming, personal, and tailored, and this resort embodies that very spirit.’

He went on: ‘We started Heliconia Park in 2022 with the opening of its first hotel in Port Harcourt, followed by the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2024, officially inaugurated in February 2025. The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth journey in Nigeria, each chapter reflecting a vision of fine hospitality rooted in excellence, inspired by culture, and crafted with timeless standards of service.’

Also speaking at the event, Mike Epelle, Director at Heliconia Park, remarked: ‘The arrival of Heliconia Park Hotel and Golf Resort is a welcome addition to Port Harcourt. It reflects the city’s growing appeal as both a business and leisure hub, and we are proud to see such an investment that will not only elevate hospitality standards but also contribute to local tourism and economic growth.’

The launch of the Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort underscores Heliconia Park’s philosophy of ‘Approachable Luxury,’ where prestige meets comfort and every guest feels both valued and at home. It is also a powerful reaffirmation of the brand’s growth journey, from its beginnings in Port Harcourt, to Lagos, and now back to the Garden City with a bold new resort, positioning Heliconia Park as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic luxury hospitality brands.

Heliconia Park is indicated as a home-grown Nigerian luxury hospitality brand redefining the guest experience with secure, stylish destinations, guided by its philosophy of ‘Approachable Luxury.’ Founded in 2022 with the launch of Heliconia Park Hotel and Suites in Port Harcourt, the brand says it has has since expanded with the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2025 and now celebrates its third branch, the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort.

It is located within the prestigious INTELS Aba Road Estate, the resort is both a retreat and a lifestyle destination. With event facilities, fine dining, pools, tennis courts, and a golf course, it reflects Heliconia Park’s mission to create elevated spaces and warm service where every guest feels at home.

Nigeria @ 65: A country cut adrift in the ocean of uncertainty

Nigeria is a sinking ship whose occupants are swimming to safety on the pieces of lifebuoy thrown to them. Are Nigerians not leaving in droves for foreign countries? And are they not serving as food to the famished sharks and whales in foreign seas?

The fact is that Nigeria, a well-endowed country, has become an unlivable geographical space from which her citizens are fleeing. Daily, in Nigeria, hundreds of people are needlessly killed by bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and the killer herdsmen. The nightmarish security challenges in our country seem to be unending. And millions of Nigerians, who have been reduced to subhumans through our political leaders’ mismanagement of our economy, are living below the breadline now.

Nigeria’s sad and bad condition is attributable to the leadership crisis, which has affected the country over the years. Since our country’s attainment of political sovereignty in 1960, good political leadership has continued to elude her.

Until 1999, dictatorial military regimes, which alternated with corrupt political leaderships, stunted our economic development, stymied our technological advancement, worsened our infrastructural rot and deficit, and caused the deepening of our religious and ethnic fissures.

In 1960, six years after we had achieved political emancipation, the Nigeria-Biafra civil war raged with its calamitous and disastrous effects. The fratricidal civil war caused the depredation of our economy, the destruction of our national infrastructure, and the decimation of our population. Thereafter, we experienced a military interregnum, which culminated in the birth of the second republic in 1979.

The second republic was truncated by the coup d’état executed by Muhammadu Buhari. It took place on December 31, 1983. Before the execution of the coup by the beret boys, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a political dark horse, had piloted the affairs of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. His government was toppled because it was alleged to be corrupt.

And between 1983 and 1998, save the brief period when Chief Ernest Shonekan held the reins of power, military officers took turns to rule Nigeria. While Muhammadu Buhari, who was known for his Spartan lifestyle, enacted draconian and retroactive decrees to rule Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida institutionalised corruption in the country. And he took Nigeria on a transition to civilian rule rigmarole that landed us in a political cul-de-sac. But in the midst of the political quagmire into which Nigeria was thrown owing to the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, the vampiric Sani Abacha shoved aside the interim government of Ernest Shonekan to take the saddle of power. Sani Abacha was a blend of thieving tendencies and sanguinary proclivities.

Not only did he steal Nigeria blind, but he also liquidated some democracy activists, who were agitating for the revalidation of the late MKO Abiola’s stolen political mandate.

Happily, Nigeria transitioned to democratic rule upon Sani Abacha’s demise in 1998. And since 1999 and until now, we have enjoyed twenty-six years of unbroken democratic governance with one political leader handing over political power to another political leader without the country descending into an anarchic situation. That in itself is a milestone achievement considering Nigeria’s deep-seated disunity, which is caused by the existence of ethnic animosity and religious intolerance among Nigerians. However, the fact is that the elections that produced our past successive national leaders in the Fourth Republic were marred and marked by election malpractices. For example, in 1999, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was helped to become the president of Nigeria to placate the indignant Yoruba people regarding the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who succeeded Chief Obasanjo as the president of Nigeria, confessed that the election that brought him to office was deeply flawed.

And the declaration of Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the president-elect in 2023 was hotly contested in the court then.

It is a known fact that when the electoral processes that bring a politician to power are flawed, the political will and choices of the people will be subverted. And that situation negates the political axiom, which says that political sovereignty belongs to the people. And a national leader who enters the saddle of power via electoral malpractice will not be accountable to the people.

So, not surprisingly, corrupt political leadership has become endemic and pervasive in our country. Now, our political leaders who hold sway at different governmental strata perceive their occupation of exalted political offices as opportunities for them to acquire money by dipping their fingers into our exchequer.

Consequently, our country’s economy oscillates between slipping into recession and exiting from it. So millions of young Nigerian graduates pound the streets daily in search of the non-existent white- and blue-collar jobs. And innumerable Nigerian workers, who are not paid living wages, live below the breadline. They scrounge for food, which they will eat, sacrificing their dignity in the process.

Again, Nigeria suffers from an infrastructural deficit and rot. Long stretches of some federal roads have fallen into a state of disrepair. And the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria is comatose. Consequently, rich Nigerians, who are ailing, embark on health tourism in foreign countries for the treatment of their various health conditions. And the dysfunctionality of our educational system, which is caused by decades of governmental neglect, is at the root of our universities’ production of unemployable graduates, who are found wanting in character and learning.

Worse still, Nigeria is ravaged by grave security challenges, which have returned her to the Hobbesian state of nature where life is short, brutish, and nasty. Is the north not still in the firm grip of Boko Haram insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and the killer-herdsmen menace? And in the southern part of Nigeria, kidnapping rich people for ransom has become a lucrative business venture for kidnappers.

Nigeria, as she is now, is a rudderless ship cut adrift on the tempestuous sea of political, technological, economic, and educational uncertainties. As it is on autopilot, it is being tossed about on the choppy water by the pitiless currents.

But the solution to our many hydra-headed problems lies in our electing patriotic leaders who possess probity and leadership qualities. It is only they who can fix our national problems and entrench unity among us. And it is only they who can give Nigeria a people’s constitution, which will transform Nigeria into a true federal state.

Nigeria@65: Aiyedatiwa commends Tinubu’s reforms, showcases achievements

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments under the Renewed Hope agenda.

This is just as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to service, actions and visible results as Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at a celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure, the governor joined millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the nation’s journey since 1960, describing independence as both a gift of self-rule and the dignity of identity.

According to him, despite challenges of civil strife, military rule and economic hardship, Nigeria has remained united and resilient, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold economic reforms across all sectors. Aiyedatiwa said, ‘As a country, we have come far. We have weathered through civil strife and military rule, and we stand tall as the largest democracy in Africa. We have made significant contributions to peacekeeping operations across the continent, proving that Nigeria is not only a giant in population but also in responsibility. Our economy, though faced with challenges, has produced world-renowned entrepreneurs, economists, scientists, artists and sportsmen who have carried the Nigerian flag to the ends of the earth. Above all, we have remained united, over 200 million people of different tongues, faiths and traditions, still bound together under one green and white flag.

‘Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria. We must continue to appreciate Mr President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments. Right now, indications are that, Nigeria is certainly making progress and on the path of glory under the Renewed Hope Initiatives of Mr President.’

Reviewing the strides of his government since assuming office on February 24, 2025, Aiyedatiwa reeled out achievements across key sectors, highlighting the ongoing dualisation of the Akungba-Ikare and Okitipupa-Igbokoda highways, the construction of walkways and jetties in riverine areas, and the approval of five kilometres of roads in each of the state’s 18 local government areas. ‘These would open up communities, ease transportation and bring development closer to the grassroots. Roads are not just pathways, they are lifelines that will boost commerce, agriculture, reduce travel stress and encourage economic activities and the daily life of our people.’ the governor said.

In the health sector, he noted the expansion of the State Contributory Health Scheme, commissioning of a pharma-grade warehouse for drug distribution, renovation of hospitals, revitalisation of primary healthcare centres and recruitment of more health workers.

‘Education has also witnessed steady improvements with rehabilitated classrooms, digital learning opportunities, scholarships and bursaries, and the continued operation of free shuttle buses and boats for students.’

The governor further disclosed that his administration has secured 26,000 hectares of land and earmarked ?7.5 billion for agricultural development, which he said will boost food security and create jobs. Aiyedatiwa listed other interventions, including the provision of 75 security vehicles fitted with modern gadgets, the construction of 32 executive council housing units, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, attention to gratuities, and prudent financial management that has reduced the state’s domestic debt profile.

‘Workers’ salaries and pensions are paid regularly and up to date. Recruitment into critical sectors is ongoing to keep our workforce vibrant and effective,’ he stressed.

UNGA80: Kano governor secures school feeding, health support, new investments

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced new opportunities in school feeding, healthcare, and foreign investments for the state following Kano’s participation at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) High-Level Week in New York.

The governor, who was represented at the event by the Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifah Muhammad Sanusi II, and the Director-General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (Kan-Invest), Muhammad Naziru Halliru, said the engagements created fresh avenues that will boost human development and economic growth across Kano.

One of the major outcomes was the discussion on school feeding programmes. Emir Sanusi met with Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Food4Education, Wawira Njiru, to explore collaboration aimed at expanding school feeding in Kano. The talks also involved the possibility of accessing African Development Bank funds already earmarked for African school feeding initiatives. Governor Yusuf explained that such a move was vital in tackling malnutrition among pupils, keeping children in school, and raising academic performance. He stressed that investing in children’s nutrition was an investment in Kano’s future, since well-fed children are more likely to stay focused in class and become productive citizens.

The delegation also highlighted Kano’s healthcare needs and reforms during engagements with global stakeholders. At the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Event, the team presented Kano’s challenges in maternal health, immunisation, and access to primary healthcare. Governor Yusuf emphasised that forging global partnerships in the health sector was crucial to addressing service delivery gaps, especially in rural communities. He explained that the administration was already working to expand health facilities, ensure steady drug supply, and recruit more healthcare professionals to meet the growing needs of the people.

On the economic front, Kano showcased its vast investment opportunities at the Global Compact: Unstoppable Africa and the Cavista Holdings/Corporate Council on Africa Summit. The state presented itself as a potential hub for global investors by stressing its market size, agricultural resources, and skilled workforce. Yusuf revealed that the state government would soon unveil a five-year multi-sectoral investment strategic plan that would serve as a roadmap for attracting foreign direct investment, expanding job opportunities, and increasing internally generated revenue. He declared that Kano, being Nigeria’s most populous state, was positioning itself as the leading investment hub not just in Northern Nigeria but in the entire country. The governor commended Emir Sanusi for representing Kano with distinction at UNGA80. He said the emir’s international recognition, experience in economic matters, and global contacts gave the state an advantage during its engagements. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a respected voice on financial inclusion, was well received at the various side events, where he reinforced Kano’s commitment to reforms and global cooperation. Yusuf described the emir as a strong ambassador for the state whose presence elevated the quality of the conversations held with international partners.

According to the governor, Kano’s participation in UNGA80 is in line with his administration’s broader vision of linking the state to global networks of development, investment, and innovation. He maintained that Kano could not rely solely on internal resources to meet its pressing challenges in education, healthcare, and the economy. Instead, it must embrace global partnerships that can provide funding, technical expertise, and new ideas. He noted that the results of these efforts were already showing in the interest expressed by international partners and organisations that engaged with the Kano delegation.

Observers believe Kano’s involvement at UNGA80 could prove to be a turning point if the discussions lead to concrete outcomes. The possible partnership with Food4Education, for example, could have a major impact on thousands of children in public schools by improving access to meals and encouraging attendance. Similarly, the state’s pitch at international investment summits may attract new industries that would create jobs, stimulate commerce, and reduce poverty.

Yusuf assured the people of Kano that his administration would not allow the outcomes of UNGA80 to end as mere conference appearances. He pledged that all commitments made in New York would be followed up and converted into tangible results for the benefit of the state. He added that his government was not interested in attending global meetings for photo opportunities but was determined to bring back solutions, partnerships, and investments that would directly improve lives.

Nigeria @ 65: Mbah urges Nigerians to be optimistic, united

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, noting that Enugu is on a pathway to economic growth and positive turnaround.

The governor sees the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration and the citizens’ huge sacrifices ultimately paying off if the nation stays the course.

These were contained in the governor’s message to Nigerians to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, where he noted that, though the anniversary may is low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated Nigerian citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today,’ he said. Continuing, the governor said, ‘the commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of the federal government that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.’

Mbah said that as Nigerians raise their flags today, they should renew their covenant to Nigeria; embrace the spirit of unity, and uphold the optimism that has carried them this far.

The governor recommitted his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, stressing that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of exponential economic growth and positive turnaround.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course, and no one will be left behind,’ he assured.

He noted that from moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, the children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via the state’s modern transport system and infrastructure, the state is, no doubt, on a pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth.

Kaduna Govt implements annual salary structure of over N6b for health workers

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna State, has approved the 100 per cent implementation of the revised 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS, worth over ?518 million monthly and ?6.2 billion annually, a move that ended more than a decade of stagnation in health workers’ pay and restored dignity to medical practice.

Health sector unions in Kaduna State, through a joint press conference, have commended Governor Uba Sani for what they described as historic reforms that have transformed the state’s healthcare system. These were the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (AMLSN), and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

The unions hailed directives for local councils to begin payment of 60 per cent CONHESS for primary healthcare staff, automatic employment of 2025 Kaduna State University medical graduates as House Officers, and the reintroduction of a three-year bond system for state-sponsored medical students and resident doctors. They also praised infrastructural strides, including a new 300-bed specialist hospital, renovation of 15 general hospitals, revitalisation of 200 primary healthcare centres, construction of oxygen plants and baby-care units across senatorial zones, procurement of advanced equipment and ambulances, and annual recruitment of 1,800 health workers.

‘Governor Sani has restored confidence, strengthened retention, and positioned Kaduna as a model for others to emulate,’ the unions declared.

How NEV Electric Ltd Is Using Local Manufacturing to Solve Nigeria’s Mass Transit Crisis and Power a Clean Future

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, attention is shifting toward the next phase of freedom – one defined not just by political sovereignty but by economic and industrial self-reliance. In the transport sector, NEV Electric Ltd is emerging as a key player shaping that vision, using local manufacturing and clean energy to solve Nigeria’s mass transit challenges.

For decades, Nigeria’s public transport system has relied heavily on imported vehicles and fossil fuels, exposing citizens to fuel price shocks and rising costs. NEV Electric is changing that narrative through an integrated model that combines local assembly, increasing local content manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure deployment.

The company currently builds its electric buses with 30% local content, incorporating Nigerian components, materials, and labor, with a clear roadmap to reach 70% local content as domestic supply chains expand. This strategy ensures more value remains within the economy, fueling industrial growth, job creation, and technology transfer.

‘True independence means being able to design, build, and power what we need with our own hands,’ says Mosope Olaosebikan, Founder of NEV Electric. ‘We’re not just assembling buses; we’re building Nigeria’s transport future – powered by clean energy, local innovation, and sustainable systems.’

So far, NEV Electric has assembled over 120 electric buses in-country, with plans to scale up to 300 units in its next production phase. The company is also deploying 160kW high-capacity fast chargers across Abuja and Lagos – the largest in Nigeria – to support fleet operations and reduce range anxiety for operators.

To make electric mobility affordable, NEV Electric has introduced a Pay-As-You-Drive financing model that enables transport operators and state agencies to adopt EVs without heavy upfront capital. The plan bundles access to the bus, charging, maintenance, and battery into one predictable payment, ensuring smooth fleet transition and easier adoption.

Beyond vehicles, NEV Electric is investing in training programs for Nigerian engineers and technicians in EV assembly, maintenance, and conversion – empowering a new generation of green-skilled workers.

Aligned with Nigeria’s industrialization goals, NEV Electric is positioning the country as a regional hub for electric mobility. The company’s vision extends beyond Nigeria, with plans underway to export its electric buses and technology solutions to other African markets, contributing to the continent’s clean mobility transition.

By integrating local manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and innovative financing, NEV Electric is delivering a homegrown solution to Nigeria’s urban transport needs – one that reduces emissions, lowers operating costs, and builds local capacity.

As the country looks toward a more sustainable future, NEV Electric represents the promise of a new kind of independence – powered by Nigerians, built in Nigeria, and soon exported to Africa.

‘Every bus we build is a statement of what’s possible,’ Olaosebikan says. ‘We’re proving that Nigeria can lead Africa’s clean mobility revolution – not by importing the future, but by building it.’

UCL: Rampant Newcastle thrash Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 to hand Howe first win

Newcastle United bounced back in emphatic style with a dominant 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise, marking Eddie Howe’s first-ever win in the Champions League.

Just days after a gut-wrenching defeat to Arsenal, Howe’s side looked every bit the European contenders in Brussels as they secured their first away win in the competition since 2003.

There was no sign of a hangover at Lotto Park. Newcastle opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Sandro Tonali’s sweetly struck volley deflected off Nick Woltemade, leaving Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen wrongfooted.

Union Saint-Gilloise-making their Champions League debut-responded positively, and Nick Pope was called into action to deny Adem Zorgane midway through the first half. But Newcastle doubled their lead just before the break. Anthony Elanga was brought down in the box by Fedde Leysen, and Anthony Gordon confidently converted from the spot, sending Scherpen the wrong way.

The Belgian champions pushed forward after the interval, with Anan Khalaili firing wide and Pope producing key saves to keep out Niang and Zorgane.

Newcastle’s control was cemented after a VAR check awarded them a second penalty when Leysen was penalised for handball. Gordon stepped up once more and buried his second of the night.

Substitute Harvey Barnes rounded off the rout with a composed finish from inside the area late on, sealing a vital three points in Group F. Following their opening loss to Barcelona, Newcastle’s European campaign is now truly up and running.

PENGASSAN suspends strike after FG’s intervention

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its industrial action, which commenced on Monday.

This follows the reconciliatory meetings which took place in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday, at the instance of Muhammad Dingyadi, the minister of labour and employment. Dangote Refinery, at the meeting had agreed to deploy disengaged workers, while PENGASSAN committed to call off the strike.

PENGASSAN had embarked on the strike action to protest the sack of 800 workers by Dangote Refinery. The Association had said the action is an affront to all workers in Nigeria and a deliberate violation of Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and ILO conventions. However, Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, who announced the suspension on Wednesday in Abuja, noted that the union suspended the strike strictly out of respect for the Federal Government and its institutions involved in the conciliation process.

He warned that the union would not hesitate to resume the strike if Dangote’s management fail to act in accordance to the agreement to recall the affected staff.

He said: ‘We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians. But out of respect for government institutions, for the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Chief Reconciliator of the Federation, and ministers who worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning to mediate, we decided to suspend the action.

‘However, let me be clear: if Dangote fails to keep its part, we will resume immediately, without any warning.

‘We know that Dangote does not play by the rules or respect agreements. We believe and suspect that some of the promises extracted during the negotiations will not be honoured. But because we respect due process and institutions of government, we will give them that benefit of doubt. Yet, any breach will be met with severe and immediate response.’ Osifo speaking further, explained that PENGASSAN’s resolve to withdraw services nationwide was to protect young oil and gas workers who voluntarily agreed to be part of the union.

He noted that the oil and gas workforce has carried the burden of Nigeria’s economy for decades, providing over 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. ‘We know who we are and what we stand for. We are patriots who love this country more than any single individual, and that is why, despite our reservations, we chose to suspend this strike in deference to government efforts.

‘We will be monitoring closely. Any slip, any breach, any part of this agreement that is not kept, we will not issue further notice. We will not give any warning. We will resume the suspended industrial action immediately. That is our resolution.

‘Let’s see where they will take them to, the grey area where we were not happy with was very clear, it was the fact that we wanted them to send all of them to the Refinery but the government moved other wise, to find a middle point.

‘On paper it has been that they will take them back but in reality we have not seen it, so the issue is that we will not be deceived because they said they will take them back, then we will now wait, one, to five days, if we do not see any traction, we will not be deceived and that is why what we said was that we have suspended the industrial action.

‘We are in good faith as a demonstration to government that we respect institution, that we are extremely patriotic but this suspended action, we will go back to the trenches immediately we see any foul play, we will come back without any notice.’

Osifo affirmed that PENGASSAN’s struggle was not against progress but against injustice, and that the union would remain steadfast in defending the rights and welfare of its members, no matter whose interest was at stake.

The Ardova-Shell Partnership Behind Shell Lubricants in Nigeria

In Nigeria’s fast-paced world where vehicles are not just a convenience but the lifeblood of movement, trade, and connection, engines are the unsung heroes. From taxis weaving through Lagos traffic to long-haul trucks powering interstate commerce, the performance of an engine can mean the difference between efficiency and frustration. And at the heart of every great engine lies one essential element: quality lubrication.

This is where Ardova PLC, one of Nigeria’s foremost energy companies, and Shell Lubricants, a global pioneer in advanced motor oils, converge in a partnership that has redefined engine care in the country with the creation and distribution of Shell Helix motor oil. Ardova is the sole distributor of Shell Lubricants in Nigeria.

A Meeting of Expertise and Innovation

As part of our efforts to increase visibility and drive relevance for Shell Lubricants in Nigeria, we have organized two editions of the Power Conference to engage with industry players in the power sector, and position Shell Lubricants as a leader in that space.

We have also launched the ‘Keep It Running’ campaign, alongside other marketing efforts, to further strengthen this commitment.

The Science Inside Every Bottle

What sets Shell Helix apart isn’t just the brand name, it’s the technology within. Formulated with active cleansing agents, Shell Helix motor oils are designed to go beyond basic lubrication. They:

– Actively clean and prevent sludge build-up.

– Reduce friction for smoother performance.

– Protect against wear and corrosion, even under Nigeria’s demanding driving conditions.

Think of it as giving your engine a spa treatment ,cleansing, protecting, and rejuvenating it with every drive.

Why This Matters for Nigerian Drivers

Nigeria’s driving environment can be unforgiving. Heavy traffic, fluctuating weather, rough roads, and long-distance journeys all put engines to the test. Cheap or substandard oils often fail under these conditions, leading to breakdowns, higher fuel consumption, and costly repairs.

With Shell Helix, the Ardova-Shell Lubricants partnership provides a lubricant engineered to withstand these pressures, ensuring engines run smoother, last longer, and give drivers peace of mind.

More Than Oil: A Promise of Reliability

When motorists pick up a bottle of Shell Helix from an Ardova or Enyo filling station, they’re not just buying motor oil. They’re investing in a promise: the promise of a cleaner engine, improved performance, and the backing of two trusted names in the energy sector.

It’s a promise that every journey whether it’s the daily school run or a cross-country delivery will be powered by excellence.

Shell Lubricant Solutions

Shell offers a wide range of Lubricants across all industries, from automotive, fleet, general manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying, agriculture, marine to power. Following decades of collaboration with the businesses that help shape our global industrial sectors, located across every corner of the world, we’ve come to help unleash untapped sources of power: potential.

At Shell Lubricant Solutions, we help unleash this potential:

– The potential for equipment to perform better and last longer

– The potential for people to face new challenges and stay safe

– The potential for businesses to adapt to change and for industries to be both profitable and responsible.

We believe in the potential for positive change, by empowering businesses, reducing negative impact, and improving lives.

Because potential is only a promise until you add action, we’re committed to helping you transform your own business, so we can all make a real difference to the world.

Our mission is to put potential in motion and that drives everything we do.

The Road Ahead

The Ardova-Shell partnership reflects a shared vision to elevate the standard of machine/ equipment care in Nigeria. By marrying innovation with accessibility, they’ve turned Shell into more than just a lubricant, it’s a movement toward smarter, more sustainable operations.

For Nigerians, this means every turn of the key isn’t just the start of an engine, but the continuation of a journey powered by trust, science, and collaboration.

Shell Lubricants are formulated for passenger cars, heavy duty engines, gas engines, hydraulic systems, industrial gears, turbines, compressors, transformer oil and marine applications.

Available nationwide in Ardova and Enyo filling stations as well as through authorized reseller stores.