The Women in Maritime and Energy Awards has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. In a statement by its Board of Trustees chairperson, Chizoba Anyika, the group described the appointment as historic, inspiring and well deserved.
Anyika said WIME is proud to see an alumna take up such a strategic national role and expressed confidence that Eyesan’s leadership will strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of upstream regulation. She added that the move sends a strong signal about forward looking leadership, diversity and inclusivity in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Eyesan, a former WIME awardee, is the first woman to lead Nigeria’s upstream petroleum regulatory agency. WIME noted that this marks a major milestone for gender representation and aligns with its mission to build an ecosystem where women can advance, lead, innovate and thrive across maritime and energy value chains.
The group called for more opportunities for women to occupy top positions in both sectors, arguing that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable industry development. It urged government and industry players to deepen support, mentorship and visibility for qualified female professionals.
Providing background, WIME highlighted Eyesan’s more than 30 year career at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and its subsidiaries. An Economics graduate of the University of Benin, she retired in November 2024 as NNPC’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, where she oversaw strategic management of Nigeria’s upstream operations.
Her previous roles include Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer and Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy. In those positions, she led NNPC’s sustainability framework, strengthened financial discipline, improved cost efficiency, guided mergers and acquisitions policy and coordinated long term strategy, budgeting and capital allocation, including engagement on national development plans.
One of her standout achievements was leading the commercial dispute resolution for the Escravos Gas to Liquids project, which settled long running cost disputes and secured significant additional revenue for both NNPC and the Nigerian state. WIME said this record shows her ability to deliver complex, high value outcomes.
Anyika said Eyesan’s appointment reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to stronger governance, inclusive leadership and a more diversified executive pipeline. She expressed confidence that Eyesan will promote transparency, efficiency and regulatory excellence at NUPRC, while WIME continues to support women in the wider maritime and energy space.
WIME Executive Director Tunbosun Afolayan described the appointment as a major step forward for gender inclusion and future ready leadership in the energy industry. She said it shows a clear commitment to a more diverse leadership structure and pledged that WIME will keep championing support, visibility and opportunities for women across the sector.
About the author
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says onscreen kissing is weird and unpleasant and that many viewers are wrong to think actors enjoy it. He says most performers only do such scenes because they are required to tell the story properly, not because they find them exciting. Saga explains that kissing on set is uncomfortable because there is no real intimacy and the exchange of saliva makes it awkward. He adds that the presence of cameras, crew and other actors watching also makes the experience far from romantic. Despite appearing in several romantic movies, Saga says he cannot remember a single onscreen kiss he truly enjoyed. For him, intimate scenes are some of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. He notes that before shooting any kissing scene, he tries to have a clear discussion with […]
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Actor Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says actors do not enjoy onscreen kissing and that the experience is often weird and unpleasant. He said many viewers wrongly assume performers like such scenes, but most are only doing them to tell the story well. Saga explained that kissing another actor on set is uncomfortable, mainly because of the exchange of saliva and the lack of real intimacy behind the act. He said it feels strange to have someone invade your mouth while cameras and crew members are watching. He revealed that despite appearing in several romantic films, he has never had a truly pleasant onscreen kiss. According to him, kissing scenes are one of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. Saga added that before any kissing scene, he usually talks with his co star to set […]
PSG edge Bayern in nine goal Champions League semi final classic
Paris Saint Germain took a narrow lead in their Champions League semi final after beating Bayern Munich 5 4 in a wild first leg at the Parc des Princes. The nine goal thriller was the highest scoring semi final in the history of the competition. Bayern struck first when Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 17th minute. PSG hit back through a brilliant Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike and a Joao Neves header to lead 2 1, before Michael Olise levelled again for the German side. In first half stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele restored PSG’s advantage from the penalty spot after a handball decision against Alphonso Davies that Bayern strongly protested. That made it 3 2 at the break in a breathless opening 45 minutes. PSG then appeared to take full control early in the second half. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele each […]
I can score against any team, says Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen says he believes he can score against any team in the world and that finding the net is a job he does very well. He spoke after his decisive performance for Galatasaray in the heated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. Osimhen recently returned from a fractured arm but still managed to score the opening goal in Galatasaray’s 3 0 win over their rivals. He finished calmly from a Mario Lemina pass, underlining his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. The 2023 CAF Player of the Year said his confidence comes from hard work and belief in his own ability. He stressed that as a striker he is expected to deliver in big games and that he embraces that responsibility. Osimhen added that while he is proud of his goals, the most important thing is […]
World Cup gets cash boost as FIFA plans tough red card rules
FIFA has approved a major increase in World Cup cash distributions while also backing tougher red card rules ahead of this year’s tournament. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver, held before the organisation’s annual congress. Under the new plan, total World Cup payments to participating teams will rise to nearly 900 million dollars, covering prize money, preparation funds and club compensation. The four year World Cup cycle is projected to generate around 13 billion dollars for FIFA, allowing it to boost support to national associations. Prize money for the 2026 World Cup had already been set at about 655 million dollars, around 50 percent higher than at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The champions are due to earn 50 million dollars, with 33 million dollars for the runners up and 9 million dollars […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Related
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Army arrests 10 terror suspects, rescues kidnap victims in North Central
The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 10 suspected terrorists and rescued kidnapped victims in recent operations across North Central states. The operations were carried out under various internal security deployments aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the region. According to a statement by the Army, the suspects were picked up in separate raids on criminal hideouts following credible intelligence. Troops also engaged armed gangs in firefights that forced the criminals to flee and abandon some of their captives. In one of the operations, soldiers rescued at least three kidnap victims who had been held in a forest location. The victims were taken into military care for medical checks before being reunited with their families. The Army said the renewed push is part of a broader offensive to dismantle terrorist and kidnapping networks in North […]
Gunmen attack Ekiti church, kill pastor, abduct worshippers
Gunmen have attacked a church in Eda Oniyo community of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing the presiding pastor and abducting several worshippers during an evening service. The attack took place on Tuesday while the congregation was holding an open air crusade on the outskirts of the town. Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed. They reportedly opened fire, shooting the pastor on the spot before seizing some members of the church and marching them into the nearby forest. Although the exact number of those kidnapped has not been confirmed, residents say many worshippers are still unaccounted for, throwing the community into panic. Others managed to escape in the confusion, running into surrounding bushes to hide from the attackers. A top state government official and member of the Ekiti security committee, who spoke […]
Sanwo Olu says Hamzat best to succeed him as governor
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has described his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the best person to take over from him as governor in 2027. He said Hamzat has the experience, capacity and deep understanding of governance needed to lead the state. Sanwo Olu spoke after a closed door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally informed him and key stakeholders of his intention to run for governor. The meeting was attended by members of the State Executive Council, party leaders and influential figures within the All Progressives Congress. Addressing journalists, Sanwo Olu said there was broad agreement among stakeholders that Hamzat is fit, ready and well prepared for the job. He praised his deputy as a loyal partner who has played a central role in shaping policies and projects over the past seven years. The governor noted […]
₦1m salary useless without stable Naira – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress says a monthly salary of 1 million naira is meaningless for workers without a stable currency and better economic conditions. NLC President Joe Ajaero said this in an interview in Abuja, stressing that workers are more concerned about the real value of their income than the figures on paper. Ajaero explained that rising inflation and the continuous fall of the naira have sharply reduced the purchasing power of workers. He noted that many employees struggle to afford basic needs such as food, transport, healthcare and housing, regardless of how high their nominal salary appears. According to him, what matters is not just wage increases but policies that can strengthen the naira and bring down the cost of living. He argued that without price stability and a stronger currency, even a 1 million naira monthly wage will […]