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North-West: PTDF screens 720 prospective overseas scholars in Kaduna
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has begun the screening of 720 shortlisted prospective scholars from the North-West for its ‘Overseas Scholarship Scheme’ in Kaduna.
The scholarship programmed is one year for MSc and three years for PhD.
The PTDF’s Team Lead for the North-West Centre, Kaduna, Saratu Idris, said this while speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the exercise on Wednesday at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna.
Idris said that 1,707 candidates applied for the scholarship, where 720 were shortlisted and 189 candidates would be interviewed for the day.
She listed the scholarship programmed to be on certain disciplines which include: Engineering,Computing, Geo-Sciences, Environmental and Management Sciences.
Idris also listed the host countries for the scholarship programmed to be Brazil, France, Malaysia, Germany and UK.
She explained that some of the processes for the scholarship interview included the involvement of panelists who were mostly scholars.
Idris equally said there were criteria for candidates’ selection, which include scrutinizing their first degree certificates, O level results, of which Mathematics and English are key.
She also said professional membership in organizations was a part of the criteria, adding, ”where MSc candidates must have a statement of purpose and research proposals for PhD candidates.
For transparency and giving equal opportunities for eligible Nigerians, the team lead said PTDF advertised the scholarship programmed online and in some Newspapers.
Earlier, Dr Munir Surajo, the Interim Head of the college, said the institution was established by PTDF as a tertiary Institution to basically complement its other capacity building initiatives.
He explained that one of the major activities of the college was to deliver post-graduate training programmes in trades that were related to the oil and gas industry at Msc and PhD levels.
Speaking on the scholarship programme, he said it was aimed at ensuring that Nigerians were trained on the management of the country’s oil and gas resources.
Surajo said, “When oil was discovered in the country, those who managed its facilities were mostly expatriates.
”We feel it is high time Nigerians take up those roles, which we believe is a gradual process.
“By mandate of PTDF which was set up to develop human and technological capacity for the oil and gas industry.
”One of our cardinal programmes is the overseas scholarship scheme through which Nigerians are trained from various Institutions across the globe”.
Speaking on the importance of oil, Surajo said over 80 per cent of the country’s revenue earning comes from it, saying, ”if many Nigerians are fully trained and participate in the oil and gas industry the country would flourish better.”
Also speaking to newsmen, one of the panelists for the scholarship interview, Dr Hauwa Ibrahim, a Lecturer at the Nasarawa University, commended PTDF for selecting the right candidates for the scholarship.
She said the interview panels have at least three panelists each, where the multi-interview process ensures fairness inline with the criteria which was already defined.
Ibrahim said she was impressed by the candidates’ demonstration of excellent research skills.
“Some of them are proactive, some of them are already standing out in their field of research across all the spheres,” she said.
One of the scholarship interviewees, Rukayya Adam, who applied for MSc in cyber-security, said she was passionate about contributing her quota to the upliftment of the oil and gas industry as a cyber analyst.
She said she wants to be part of those who give security guidance to the internet-related issues that put the country’s oil and gas industry in despair.(NAN)
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and heartfelt wishes, Jaba Local Government came alive as Honourable Mustapha and Sister Fatima celebrated their union today in a wedding that will be remembered forever.
The occasion was graced by esteemed personalities and dignitaries and prominent figures within and outside Kaduna State, who gathered not only to honour the couple but also to offer guidance, blessings, and sincere prayers for a successful marriage.
Speaking through the Jaba LGA Council Speaker, Hon. Dogo Zachariah, the Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government, Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku, expressed her deepest gratitude for being part of such a meaningful and memorable celebration.
Hon. Laria congratulated the newlyweds couple and encouraged them to embrace unity, love, and mutual respect in their marriage. She urged the couple to always see themselves as one and remain committed to understanding each other no matter the challenges they may encounter.
Hon. Laria warned the couple against allowing external influences or rumours to interfere in their relationship. “As a married couple, it’s crucial to cultivate trust and open communication,” Hon. Laria advised. “Never allow outsiders to sow discord or bring confusion into your home.”
She further appealed to the general public to avoid meddling in private marital affairs, reminding them that interfering negatively can damage the foundation of any union.
During the event, Professor Yasuf Joe Gandu, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Bingham University, Nasarawa State, also shared his thoughts. Prof. Gandu encouraged the couple to remain patient, tolerant, and supportive of one another. “You’ll never find a perfect husband or a perfect wife,” he said. “But through patience, love, and mutual understanding, couples can build a strong, everlasting relationship.”
The ceremony was further enriched with royal blessings, delivered on behalf of the Kpop Ham, HRH. Danladi Gyet Maude, through the District Head of Fada, His Royal Highness M.D Shehu, also known as the Tafidan Jaba.
HRH. Shehu extended his heartfelt prayers and blessings to Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima, wishing them a life filled with peace, love, and unity. He urged them to always strive for harmony and be each other’s support system through all phases of life.
The Royal Father also prayed for safe journey for all attendees, blessing them with journey mercies as they returned to their homes.
Lastly the newlyweds couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima filled with emotion and gratitude, expressed their appreciation to everyone who had supported them during their journey to marriage. Surrounded by smiling faces and heartfelt wishes, Hon. Mustapha addressed the gathering with humility and thankfulness.
“We are truly blessed to have so many loved ones standing with us today,” he said. “Your prayers, love, and sacrifices mean the world to us. To those who travelled long distances, may your journey back be safe and peaceful.”
Sister Fatima, radiating grace and joy, echoed with heartfelt thanks to the families, friends, and well-wishers who made the day so special.
In a touching moment, the couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima directed particular appreciation toward Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for her extraordinary support and genuine kindness throughout their weeding preparations and on the wedding day itself. “Words cannot fully express our gratitude,” Hon. Mustapha said.
“May God reward you abundantly for your generosity, warmth, and encouragement. Your presence, support and prayers have added great meaning to our union, thank you so much Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.”Hon. Mustapha added.
Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, says Ijaw Nation is not at war with the federal government or President Bola Tinubu.
Dickson spoke on Saturday after his visit to Siminalaye Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, at his residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The lawmaker pleaded with Tinubu to prevail on Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, and Fubara to find a common ground for a quick resolution of their dispute.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw nation is not at war with the federal government or with the President,and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule,” the statement reads.
“I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the state and national level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.”
He noted that the Niger Deltans and Ijaw Nation have always seen the president as a partner and not a foe irrespective of party differences.
Dickson also appealed with Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence or aid the quick resolution of the crisis in the state.
He thanked the people of Rivers and security personnel for maintaining peace and order in the midst of such “rare political development”.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers state, and in particular the youths of Ijaw nation, in Rivers state and across the Niger Delta, from Arugbo in Ondo state, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom state, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence,” he added.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalization of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment.
“I also urge the sole administrator, who himself is a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.”
Dickson has been vocal about his stance on the emergency rule in Rivers. He staged a walkout from the upper legislative chamber prior to its approval by the senate.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has listed Nigeria and nine other countries as countries to be affected as it will cut 20% of its staff due to a shortfall of $58 million.
The U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher revealed this as he briefed staff after OCHA’s largest donor – the United States – cut funding.
“OCHA currently has a workforce of around 2,600 staff in over 60 countries. The funding shortfall means we are looking to regroup to an organization of around 2,100 staff in fewer locations,” Fletcher wrote in a note to staff on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.
OCHA works to mobilise aid, share information, support aid efforts, and advocate for those in need during a crisis. It relies heavily on voluntary contributions.
“The U.S. alone has been the largest humanitarian donor for decades, and the biggest contributor to OCHA’s programme budget,” Fletcher said, noting that its annual contribution of $63 million would have accounted for 20% of OCHA’s extrabudgetary resources in 2025.
Since returning to office in January for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has slashed billions of dollars in foreign assistance in a review that aimed to ensure programs align with his “America First” foreign policy.
Fletcher said OCHA would “focus more of our resources in the countries where we work,” but would work in fewer places.
“OCHA will scale back our presence and operations in Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Gaziantep (in Turkey) and Zimbabwe,” Fletcher said.
“As we all know, these exercises are driven by funding cuts announced by Member States and not by a reduction of needs,” he said. “Humanitarian needs are on the rise and have perhaps never been higher, driven by conflicts, climate crises, disease, and the lack of respect of international humanitarian law.”
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last month announced a new initiative to improve efficiency and cut costs as the world body turns 80 this year amid a cash crisis.