Professor Anene Moneke, Director of the NNPC/SPDC/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management and Green Energy (CEMAGE) and holder of the NNPC/SPDC JV Professorial Chair in Environmental Management and Control at the University of Nigeria, made the observation during a visit to SPDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Accompanied by Professor Charles Igwe, the university’s immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Moneke, emphasised the pivotal role of the Centre in developing sustainable energy solutions and commended SPDC’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and environmental sustainability, highlighting the immediate and long-term benefits for the country.

The SPDC-operated joint venture established the Centre of Excellence of Environmental Management and Control, CEMAC, and later the Professorial Chair in Environmental Management and Control now upgraded to the NNPC/SPDC JV Centre of Excellence in Environmental Management and Green Energy, CEMAGE, to equip the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the nation’s energy crisis.

“The introduction of the Green Energy programme in the Centre, will further position it to play a pivotal role in proffering sustainable energy solutions,” Professor Moneke said, adding that SPDC’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and environmental sustainability would yield immediate and long-term benefits for the country.

The delegation expressed gratitude for SPDC’s decision to upgrade the Professorial Chair to the Centre of Excellence, recognising the positive impact on the university and the wider community.

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The Centre, established with a $1 million SPDC-funded building in 2014, will now offer postgraduate programmes in Environmental Management and Green Energy, thanks to increased funding from the joint venture.

Since its inception in 2021, CEMAGE has achieved significant milestones, including the production of 22 doctorates, 37 master’s degrees, and 13 postgraduate diplomas.

The Chairholder and research team have published five journal papers and conducted three critical habitat assessments for SPDC.

SPDC Director and Country Head of Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, who received the delegation emphasised the company’s commitment to developing Nigerian leadership.

“Nigeria urgently needs strong leadership, and we believe academia can play a vital role in this area,” he said.

SPDC’s support for education extends beyond CEMAGE, encompassing scholarships, infrastructure development, and industry experience opportunities for students and lecturers.

SPDC’s broader support for education, including scholarships and infrastructure development, is seen as a catalyst for positive change.

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Moneke who made his debut for Nigeria against South Sudan announced his presence on the international scene with 8pts and 5 rebounds under 13 minutes as the D’Tigers secured a hard fought 75-70 point victory.

The power forward who plays for Orléans Loiret Basketball club in France, said it was an emotional moment for him, his parents and loved ones as he stepped on the court to represent his fatherland.

“Making my debut for Nigeria was exciting and I am grateful for this opportunity. My parents, my family and friends are all very proud,” he said.

After being named in the 12 man team invited to Kigali for the second window of the qualifiers last year, many Nigerians expected him to make his debut.

Due to administrative reasons bordering on registration and eligibility; he had to sit the games out.

With a decent performance in his first three games, the 25year old told Nigerians that they were yet to see the best of him.

He assured that with more time in the team and more games, he would surely get comfortable in the team.

“I am excited to see where this can take me. As I play more games, I will get more comfortable and hopefully get more opportunities to show what I can do.”

Not getting carried away with the recent success, Moneke is optimistic of a long and eventful career for Nigeria ladened with trophies.

“I am happy with the statistics. I am happy with winning and I just hope that I am able to do this for a long time because what is better than playing for your country. I can’t think of anything else.”

Moneke averaged 6pts and 5.3 rebounds after 3 games as he contributed his quota to the team’s unbeaten run and eventual qualification for the Afrobasket championship that will be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda later this year.

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