The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo), owner and operator of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), said safety measures have been taken to ensure its pipeline repairs won’t cause any damage to environment in Nigeria and other host West African countries.

During the exercise, WAPCo anticipated only a minimal disruption to the activities of host communities within the vicinity of its facilities in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria and Aboadze, Ghana, as most of the activities will be offshore and confined within the premises of its facilities.

 

Giving further details while speaking in Lagos on Friday, General Manager (GM) Corporate Affairs, WAPCo, Dr Isaac Adjei Doku, said that as part of the maintenance process, WAPCo has engaged the Environmental Protection Agencies in the respective countries and has implemented a world class effluent management system at its facility in Takoradi, Ghana, where the company expects to receive some liquids and debris from the cleaning of the offshore pipeline.

 

Doku, further commended the governments of Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Togo for their ongoing support, while also appreciating the maritime and regulatory authorities across these four countries, as well as its customers, shippers, gas off-takers, host communities, shareholders, and all other relevant stakeholders for their continued collaboration and contribution to the success of this exercise.

 

Meanwhile, he said Governments of Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic have taken critical steps to protect key power plants by ensuring their operations following alteration in gas supply from Nigeria.

 

WAPCo, which supplies gas to those countries, has commenced a scheduled major pipeline maintenance activities.

 

These activities include the pigging and the in-line inspection of the 569 km offshore pipeline infrastructure, from Ajido, Lagos State, Nigeria to Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana and replacement of critical subsea valves at Tema and Cotonou to enhance operational safety.

 

This maintenance project taking place between February 5 and March 2, 2025will necessitate the temporary suspension of specific services, including the reverse flow transportation of natural gas from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema in the east, as well as gas transportation services from Nigeria to Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), and Tema (Ghana). However, some gas transportation services from Nigeria to Takoradi in Ghana will continue during this period to ensure the successful execution of the pipeline cleaning and inspection activities.

 

Doku said, for instance in Togo, two plants, Konto Globa and Kekeli, may be affected during the maintenance period.

 

In Benin, the government was making preparations for the use of liquid especially in Thema, where Ghana has two key hubs.

 

Thema is about 1,000 megawatts but needed at least 650 megawatts for the stability of power in the country and for the whole grid in Ghana to be stabilized.

 

He said except that 650MW generation is maintained during the period the grid in Ghana can collapse.

 

“So at least the power plants that can use liquid fuels in Thema, the idea was for the government to get enough liquid fuel so that those plants can actually generate.” he added.

 

Doku, also spoke about contractual agreement for gas, as he sought regular payment from countries to sustain the company’s operations.

 

He raised concerns about gas price fluctuations but maintained that stakeholders should make sure they pay up so that at least the company can maintain the pipeline and keep flowing the gas for them.

 

The comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a key regulatory requirement and aligns with industry best practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).

 

The cleaning and inspection, which encompasses the entire pipeline stretch from Itoki, Ogun State, Nigeria to Takoradi, Western Region Ghana is in two phases. The first phase, which was completed in December 2024, involved cleaning and inspecting the onshore section of the pipeline within Nigeria. The second phase which is scheduled to start on February 5, 2025, will focus on the offshore section of the WAGP.

 

WAPCo is mandated to conduct these inspections every five years (or on a risk-based schedule) as part of its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the WAGP and ensuring its safe and reliable operation across the West African region. WAPCo has actively engaged with key stakeholders to ensure the necessary alignment for the successful implementation of this project. WAPCo is grateful to the governments of Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo for their ongoing support.

 

“WAPCo is committed to maintaining the proactive stakeholder engagement processes established during the project’s preparation phase, during execution.

 

The company will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders on all matters to ensure the project’s safe execution and success,” said Auwal Ibrahim, WAPCo’s General Manager Operations & Maintenance.

The alarming prevalence of girl child trafficking in Plateau State has severely hindered the progress and development of young girls in the region. This trafficking involves various forms of exploitation, including child labour, the illegal use of girls as domestic help outside the state, and the trafficking of girls for prostitution, all of which have devastating effects on the victims.
For example, girls trafficked for prostitution often endure life-threatening diseases, while others fall prey to ritualists and criminals who abuse and mistreat them to the point of death

However, girls trafficked as house helps in various homes outside the state face not only excessive workloads, such as cooking, washing, and caring for their employers’ children, but also reported cases of rape by the husbands or children of those who employed them. Victims are often threatened with harm if they attempt to report the abuse.

In fact, young girls from Plateau State have frequently been lured by trafficking syndicates to other states and even foreign countries for purposes of prostitution and child labour.

As a result, there is an urgent need for decisive action to address this growing menace in the state. Several stakeholders who spoke with LEADERSHIP Weekend highlighted the dangers of this practice, not only to the girl child but also to the state and society as a whole.

The first to express his concerns about this troubling issue is the President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, who urged pastors to use the pulpit to raise awareness among their congregations about the increasing cases of child trafficking, particularly in Plateau State.
He noted that the sharp rise in child trafficking reports in the state is alarming, emphasising the need for church leaders to address families on the consequences of this immoral act and how it can be tackled.

Rev. Dr. Mohzo expressed concern over how some parents push their children to fend for themselves, which he pointed out exposes especially the girl child to the risk of prostitution. This, in turn, allows traffickers to exploit the situation, luring them to other states or even countries.

In his statement, he emphasised, “We are not lazy people to that extent in Plateau State, and as Christians, this should not be among us.”

In a related development, the Plateau State Government has accused certain lawyers, religious leaders, hospitals, and other institutions of being complicit in child trafficking within the state.
The state commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Panglang Dafur, made these remarks while inaugurating the state office of the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Jos. She highlighted that despite the government’s continuous efforts to combat child abuse in the state, some unpatriotic individuals, including influential figures, are obstructing these efforts.

We will prosecute anyone found guilty of child trafficking in any of the 17 local government areas of the state. This issue is not limited to individuals alone but involves institutions like schools, hospitals, and even legal practitioners. Unfortunately, some influential persons have been implicated in child trafficking, which is completely unacceptable,” stated Mrs. Panglang Dafur, the state commissioner for Women Affairs.

Speaking to our correspondent the state coordinator for the Child Protection Network,
Mrs. Sandra Chikan, highlighted the alarming rates of child molestation, abuse, and other related vices. She stressed the importance of collaborating with the state government to address these issues.
“This is the time to tighten our belts. We must unite and collaborate to tackle the pressing issues affecting our children. We can no longer afford to work in isolation; we must come together as a united front to confront this growing threat,” she said.

In Plateau State, a distressing reality persists, with many children falling victim to human trafficking. According to the state coordinator, some children in certain local government areas are falsely accused of witchcraft and subjected to severe mistreatment. In extreme instances, these children are even buried alive or killed.”Such acts are entirely unacceptable,” the state oordinator emphasised.

Recently, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) successfully rescued 14 children trafficked from Riyom LGA of Plateau State to Lagos. The children, aged between 13 and 17, were freed by NAPTIP’s zonal command in Ikeja, Lagos, following intelligence gathered from a reliable informant.

NAPTIP’s Plateau commandant, Adole Agada, handed over the children to the state government in Jos, ensuring their safe return.

He described the recent case as an outright case of child labour and exploitation, revealing that authorities acted upon a tip-off about three underage girls being trafficked from Plateau to Lagos. Following this lead, NAPTIP collaborated with relevant stakeholders to address the situation.
This latest operation comes on the heels of a previous rescue effort, where 10 Nigerian girls, aged 15 and 16, were freed from trafficking in neighboring Ghana, where they were being exploited for prostitution.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, reported the successful return of 39 children who had been trafficked across various regions of the country.

The acting executive chairperson of the Commission , Barr Olivia Dazyam , told LEADERSHIP Weekend in Jos that the commission was able to bring back some girls trafficked to Ghana, while adding that the masterminds are standing trial.

According to her, the agency has secured its first conviction, where the perpetrators has been sentenced to prison.

In order to further nipped the menace of child trafficking in the bud, the Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Both Ends Believing (BEB), and Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), to create digital identity of children in orphanages in the state.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is focused on supporting efforts to find permanent, safe, and loving families for children living in orphanages.

Both Ends Believing (BEB), a global non-profit organisation, utilises a unique technology known as Children First Software (CFS) to help children in institutions reunite with loving families. Through this software, BEB enables government authorities to transition vulnerable children to environments that offer them the opportunity to thrive and grow within a supportive family structure.

Mr. Bruce Graham, President of BEB, and Gabriel Oyedeji, President of the Association of Orphanages and Home operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), commended the Plateau State Government for its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children in the region.

The two leaders emphasised, “Our goal is to integrate children into safe and loving families. We work towards creating digital profiles for children in institutions around the world.”

The officials noted that the new system would enable authorities to effectively track orphanages, as well as identify unregistered, closed, or non-existent homes. They stressed that this development would significantly build trust in the process.

Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his New Year’s address, issued a stern warning to those involved in child trafficking. He condemned the actions of individuals who have turned child trafficking into a business for exploitation within the state.

Governor Mutfwang emphasised that his administration would take firm and decisive action against anyone involved in this criminal activity. He also urged parents to take full responsibility for raising their children and protecting them from such dangers.

At just 24, Steve Odinkaru has emerged as a leading force in tech innovation, transforming lives and industries across Africa. From his early years in Jos, Plateau State, where his remarkable talent for mathematics earned him local acclaim, to spearheading multiple groundbreaking ventures, Steve’s journey exemplifies the power of purpose-driven technology.

Biography

Steve, a graduate of University of Jos, and a co-founded of Medexer, a MedTech startup, and currently serve as its chief executive officer. He is passionate about health, tech, and sustainability. He loves to see young people break boundaries and do things beyond the ordinary.

Speaking about his beginnings, Steve recalled that, “I have always been fascinated by solving problems, whether it was math puzzles as a kid or tackling more significant challenges as I grew older. My love for numbers and logic set the foundation for everything I do today.”

As the CEO of Medexer, a health tech platform that connects blood donors to hospitals in urgent need, Steve has made saving lives a tangible reality.

“Medexer was born out of a simple yet profound idea, ensuring that no one has to wait for life-saving blood donations. Our platform is more than a business; it is a tool to save lives. In 2023, securing a $25,000 investment from Hindsight Ventures through the WAZO Challenge was a milestone, but the real reward is seeing our system work when it matters most.
“Being recognized by ADEIN Health Tech Innovation Challenge was a humbling experience. It shows that we are on the right path in using technology to tackle healthcare challenges,” he stated.

Impacts
As the co-founder and CTO of GeoTek Water Solutions, he has led the development of GeoWater Guard, a system leveraging IoT and AI to monitor water quality.

“Access to clean water is a fundamental human right. With GeoWater Guard, we are not just providing technology but hope to communities where water quality has been a persistent challenge. Securing $100,000 investments from both the Swarovski Foundation and the 776 Climate Fellowship has reinforced our mission to drive sustainable water management,” Steve noted.

In agriculture, Steve’s leadership as CTO of Green Eden Farms has revolutionized farming with ScareGrow, an innovative solution combining IoT, AI, and robotics. ScareGrow is more than technology, it is about empowering farmers to achieve better yields with fewer resources, he said.

“Receiving support from the African Development Bank, AYuTe Africa Challenge, and other organizations validates the need for sustainable, tech-driven farming solutions. Agriculture is the backbone of our continent, and we aim to make it more resilient for the future,” he added.
Steve also plays a pivotal role as Product Architect for Livestocx Inc., a digital marketplace connecting livestock buyers and sellers. Reflecting on the platform’s evolution, Steve shared that, “Livestocx was designed to simplify livestock transactions while promoting sustainable practices in animal care. With over 4,000 users across Nigeria and the U.S., we have proven that innovation can bridge gaps and create opportunities. Our recognition by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Africa Digital Innovation Competition is proof of the platform’s potential to transform the agritech sector.”

Motivation To Young People

Steve said that, “our journey from students to startup founders has always been fueled by a shared vision to use technology to solve real problems. For me, it is not just about building companies; it is about creating solutions that matter to people. Whether it is healthcare, water sustainability, or agriculture, I see technology as a powerful tool to improve lives.”

Steve’s relentless pursuit of innovation and his commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good have earned him widespread recognition. “Success to me is not about accolades or investments; it is about the impact we make. Every life saved, every community empowered, and every challenge solved is a step toward building a better future,” he concluded.

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has promised to give his best for LaLiga club Valencia.

The 27-year-old completed his loan move to Los Ches on Saturday morning.

Sadiq was unveiled at the Ciudad Deportiva in Paterna later in the day.

Valencia currently occupy 19th position on the LaLiga table and are battling to escape relegation.

“First of all, to come here. On the first day he (the coach) explained everything to me. He told me how much he believed in me and I saw what Valencia needed, which was the same as what I wanted,” he said at the unveiling ceremony.

“There was a coincidence between Valencia and me because I was very hungry and I saw that Valencia was too, and that made me come here.

“It is not a normal situation for Valencia, but as I said, the hunger they have as I saw at Mestalla, it was bad luck that they did not get points.”

Sadiq endured a difficult spell at Real Sociedad, where he managed four goals in 35 league appearances.
He is however determined to put that tough stint behind him.

“All players need continuity and I haven’t had the continuity I needed at Real. There are many players in my position,” he added.

“The coaches make their decisions and I respect them, but I have to keep moving. I hope to give my best and I also hope for the best for Real.”