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Chairman, OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week Advisory Board, Tunji Oyebanji, has said the country is committed to fully optimising its crude oil and gas resources while ensuring that all operations are carried out in a sustainable manner. He made this known ahead of the 19th edition of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos. The Energy Week conference and exhibition is focusing on sustainability, carbon capture, competition and cost-saving strategies as the industry adapts to Nigeria’s full deregulation regime. According to him, the deregulated market, which stakeholders advocated for many years, is now upon the industry and all interested parties are still trying to achieve balance and equilibrium in the new regime. Oyebanji noted that with deregulation now in full effect, conversations around sustainability, carbon management and energy transition has intensified, creating new opportunities for innovation within Nigeria’s downstream space. “Energy security remains a top priority for the sector as it navigates the evolving energy landscape. Transparency and data reliability will be key focus areas at the 2025 edition of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week because improving transparency remains critical to the growth of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Nigeria would benefit from a dedicated government agency mandated to determine the nation’s true fuel consumption, refinery output, and total depot capacity. This would allow for informed commercial and investment decisions and provide a basis for accurate fact-checking,” Oyebanji said. This year’s edition, with the theme: “Energy Sustainability – Growth Beyond Boundaries and Competition,” focuses on navigating the realities of a deregulated market and promoting balance within the evolving downstream landscape. READ ALSO: Enablers of Kanu self-destructive behaviour “The event will feature high-level engagements, including ministerial and regulator panels from five West African countries, alongside over 60 speakers across 10 sessions addressing investment, finance, technology, and corporate realignment. “Delegates will also explore innovations and partnerships at the OTL Trade Exhibition, with focus areas spanning refining, trading, logistics, LPG, lubricants, petrochemicals, and energy transition,” he stated. The Chief Executive Officer of OTL Downstream Development in Africa Ltd./Gte, Joyce Akabogu, noted that the event continues to lead the conversation in shaping the sector’s agenda, driving business growth, and promoting operational excellence. She assured that the forum will once again bring together Lagosians, Nigerians and international participants for insightful discussions, networking, and meaningful business engagements. Project Advance empowers female entrepreneurs (brief) By Chikodi Okereocha Project Advance, a flagship sustainability initiative designed to uplift female entrepreneurs and build stronger, more connected communities, has stepped up its empowerment programme for female entrepreneurs through the provision of personalized support and immersive workshops. Powered by Celebrations, a brand rooted in helping people express their hearts through gifts and meaningful gestures, the initiative has provided women-owned small businesses with access to vital resources, expert mentorship, and real-world market opportunities. At the heart of Project Advance is a simple but powerful belief: when women rise, communities thrive. And with this guiding principle, Celebrations CEO, Dele Balogun, said the initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Balogun, who spoke over the weekend, said since its launch, Project Advance has empowered over 50 female entrepreneurs and helped scale more than 70 small businesses. These efforts, the CEO said, have led to the creation of more than 100 new jobs, while participating businesses have seen an 85 per cent increase in sustainability. According to Balogun, these achievements reflect the initiative’s commitment to fostering long-term success and resilience among women-led ventures. “Project Advance is helping women not only grow their enterprises but also share their stories: stories of strength, vision, and heart. “This is just the beginning. “We remain committed to creating meaningful pathways for women to thrive, express their purpose, and build legacies that touch lives across generations,” the CEO stated. As Project Advance continues to grow, Celebrations is redefining sustainability, putting people, purpose, and empowerment at the center of lasting impact.
