….From Humble Beginnings to Global Influence.

Adeyinka Adefioye Oki, a Nigerian oil and gas expert, has carved a niche for himself in the global energy sector.

Currently working with Bonatti in Italy, he has successfully coordinated major oil and gas projects worldwide, including in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and France.

“My job is to coordinate the work of the people,” he shared. “The last project I did was in Iraq. My business started from zero. We constructed the site, employed the people necessary to start the business, and built it from the ground up.”

Born in Nigeria in 1984, Adeyinka attended Saint Stephen’s School before moving to Italy at age 15. He completed his studies there and ventured into the oil and gas industry, gradually working his way up.

“It is challenging,” he admitted. “As a foreigner in a new country, you have to prove yourself. You have to always show that you are better.”

Mastering the Oil and Gas Industry

Adeyinka attended a technical school in Italy, a system that allows students to start working immediately after completing their diplomas.

He took several specialized courses, including AutoCAD drawing, 2D and 3D design, and oil and gas production management.

“In 2006, I started working in the oil and gas field. Over the years, I have covered several roles—starting as a designer, moving into sales, project management, and site supervision,” he explained.

One of his major milestones came in 2013 when the Israeli Ministry of Oil visited Italy to learn about CNG and LPG plants. Adeyinka was selected to brief them on safety measures and infrastructure.

“I explained to them what they need to know before going into CNG and LPG operations,” he recalled.

Bringing Innovation to Nigeria’s Oil Industry

Adeyinka believes that new oil production technologies could significantly benefit Nigeria’s economy, particularly in reviving marginal oil wells.

“In Iraq, we faced challenges with natural oil well flow. We introduced a multi-phase pumping system to boost production. This could also be useful for Nigeria, where many marginal wells are abandoned due to low natural flow,” he stated.

He emphasized that reviving these wells would increase oil production and boost Nigeria’s financial income, which heavily depends on the oil and gas sector.

“We can install these new technologies to bring abandoned wells back to life and start production,” he added.

The Future of CNG and LPG in Nigeria

Adeyinka highlighted the importance of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Nigeria’s energy transition.

“Worldwide, we are moving towards zero emissions. In Europe, we started with CNG and LPG before progressing to electric vehicles. Nigeria has already shifted from kerosene to LPG and CNG, and I believe we will eventually transition to electric vehicles,” he noted.

However, he pointed out that Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure poses significant challenges, making CNG and LPG essential alternatives.

“The first five LPG plants in Nigeria were installed under my supervision in Abuja, Ibadan, Benin, and other locations,” he revealed.

Enhancing Safety in Nigeria’s Gas Sector

Adeyinka stressed the need for improved safety measures in Nigeria’s gas industry, particularly in domestic LPG usage.

“I often hear about gas-related accidents in Nigeria,” he said. “We need to train people, starting from the youth, on LPG safety measures. Many gas station workers handle cylinders without proper safety precautions.”

He believes that awareness and education can prevent many accidents.

“By informing and teaching people, we can prevent disasters. I have spent years training people on LPG and CNG operations, their differences, and how to handle emergencies,” he stated.

Advice for Nigerian Youth

As an enterprising professional, Adeyinka encouraged young Nigerians to be hands-on in their careers.

“It’s not just about sitting in an office and using a laptop,” he advised. “If you want real experience, you need to get your hands dirty.”

Adeyinka Adefioye Oki’s journey from Nigeria to becoming a key figure in the oil and gas industry exemplifies resilience and expertise. His work continues to impact energy projects worldwide, and his insights could shape the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Discover the history and significance of Boxing Day, its origins, and how it is celebrated globally. A cultural tradition marked by generosity and rest.

Boxing Day, observed annually on December 26th, is a public holiday in many countries, particularly those with a history tied to the British Empire. While its name may suggest a connection to sports, the origins of Boxing Day are deeply rooted in acts of charity and community spirit.

The Origins of Boxing Day

The term “Boxing Day” dates back to 17th-century Britain. Historically, it was a day when wealthy families boxed up gifts, food, and money for their servants and the less fortunate. This tradition stemmed from a desire to extend the spirit of giving beyond Christmas Day, ensuring the underprivileged also experienced the season’s joy.

Churches also played a significant role, as they distributed alms boxes containing donations collected during the year to the poor on this day. These acts of kindness established Boxing Day as a day of generosity and goodwill.

How Boxing Day Is Celebrated

Modern Boxing Day celebrations vary across countries but often include the following:

1. Shopping Sales: In many nations, Boxing Day has become synonymous with post-Christmas sales. Retailers offer significant discounts, attracting shoppers in droves.

2. Sports Events: In the UK, Boxing Day is a prominent date in the football calendar, with matches drawing massive audiences. Horse racing and other sports events are also common.

3. Charity Work: The original spirit of giving persists, as many people volunteer at shelters or donate to charitable causes.

4. Family Gatherings: For some, it’s a day to relax and spend quality time with loved ones, enjoying leftover Christmas meals or attending festive events.

Global Observations

Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand officially mark Boxing Day as a public holiday. In South Africa, it is known as the Day of Goodwill, emphasizing the importance of kindness and community support.

Why It Matters

Boxing Day continues to remind us of the importance of generosity and reflection after the hustle and bustle of Christmas. While its traditions have evolved, the day’s core message of compassion remains relevant.

In a major anti-drug operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 256 wraps of cocaine, weighing 6 kilograms, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano. The haul, described as the largest single cocaine seizure in the airport’s history, was confiscated from Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, an alleged import-export businessman, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The suspect was arriving from Côte d’Ivoire via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 when a body scan revealed the concealed narcotics.

Arrest of Ex-Convict and Businesswoman at Lagos Airport

In a similar crackdown, NDLEA operatives thwarted an attempt by an ex-convict, Olanrewaju Bada Akorede, to export a shipment of rohypnol to South Africa through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The drugs were concealed in cargo containing gari, shoes, and men’s singlets.

Akorode, who had previously been convicted for smuggling 4.90kg of tramadol and 2.10kg of rohypnol, was released earlier this year after paying a N900,000 fine. NDLEA officers apprehended him again during an attempt to repeat the offense.

Elsewhere at MMIA, a 45-year-old businesswoman, Cynthia Akaeen, was arrested on December 18, 2024, as she prepared to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Italy. She was caught with 9,190 tramadol tablets weighing 6kg. Akaeen confessed she was promised €1,000 for successful delivery.

Major Seizures in Anambra, Lagos, and Borno

Raids on December 17 and 18, 2024, led to the recovery of over 418,000 tramadol pills and 8,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup from a warehouse in Onitsha, Anambra State. At Lagos’ Tincan Island Port, a container from India yielded 180,000 bottles of codeine syrup, with the consignee, Makata Emmanuel, detained for questioning.

In Maiduguri, Borno State, operatives arrested three suspects in separate incidents, recovering 553,000 capsules of tramadol, a pistol, and 26 rounds of live ammunition. One suspect, Modu Kolera, was apprehended with 8.5kg of cannabis, thousands of psychoactive pills, and 50 liters of a toxic substance known as “suck and die.”

Seizures Across Other States

In Oyo State, NDLEA officials seized 33.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa from a suspect, Gafar Saminu. In Enugu, a raid on Aria New Market uncovered 94kg of the same substance. Meanwhile, in Lagos, a consignment of 32kg of ephedrine, a precursor chemical, was intercepted at a transport park en route to the South East.

Nationwide Awareness Campaigns

Alongside enforcement, the NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign. Activities included lectures at schools, worship centers, and workplaces nationwide. Key schools engaged included Wajah Girls Government Day Secondary School, Adamawa; Government Girls Tahfizul Quran Salihawa, Kano; and Riyadul Quran Islamiyya School, Kebbi State.

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, commended the efforts of the agency’s officers. He stated:

“I urge all officers across the country not to rest on their oars as they intensify efforts in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction.”