Sahara Group Foundation Launches its 16th Sahara Go Recycling Hub to Boost Environmental Sustainability & Economic Empowerment.

Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact arm of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 16th Sahara Go-Recycling Hub in Lekki, Lagos State, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment.

The new hub, strategically located in Lekki, expands the Foundation’s recycling footprint and builds on the success of 15 existing hubs across Lagos. Notably, it is the first Sahara Go-Recycling Hub to feature a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), a significant step toward integrating clean energy and technology into community recycling solutions.

The Sahara Go-Recycling initiative promotes a circular economy by reducing waste, enhancing resource recovery, and empowering residents with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.

Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, said: “The launch of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub goes beyond environmental responsibility, it represents a new path for innovation, economic opportunity, and community resilience. By integrating clean energy solutions like the solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine, we are demonstrating how innovation can strengthen environmental responsibility while improving quality of life. This hub is a testament to what is possible when we combine commitment with action, and it sets the stage for even greater impact across the communities we serve.”

The event was attended by Executive Director of Sahara Group, Director, Downstream Africa, Sahara Group, Sahara Group Foundation Board Trustees, Asharami Synergy Management team, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Asharami Synergy, Egbin Power Plc, as well as other dignitaries, traditional leaders and community members.

Photo Caption (L-R): Foluso Sobanjo, Director Downstream Africa, Sahara Group, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director Sahara Group, Eniola Folami, Head Commercial, Asharami Synergy, Dr Tony Youdeowei, Board Trustee, Sahara Group Foundation and MD Sahara Power Group.

Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director Sahara Group, remarked, “The success of the Lekki Sahara Go-Recycling Hub is a powerful reminder that sustainable change happens when communities, technology, and purpose come together. This hub is not just collecting recyclables; it is inspiring new habits, creating economic value, and proving that cleaner, greener cities are possible when we all play our part. We are proud of what this hub represents and even more excited about the impact it will continue to make across Lagos and beyond.”

Dr Anthony Youdeowei, Board Trustee, Sahara Group Foundation and MD Sahara Power Group, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Asharami Synergy, the Sahara Group 2025 Graduate Management Trainees, and Eco Barter, describing the hub as reflective of our belief that sustainability must be practical, accessible, and community-driven.

Representing the 2025 Sahara Group Graduate Management Trainees, Elushade Oluwatumininu stated that, ” As Graduate Management Trainees, being part of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub project through our PSCR project has been a meaningful way to live out Sahara’s sustainability values. Seeing the hub’s impact from promoting recycling habits to empowering the community reinforces how small actions can drive real change. We’re proud to be part of this initiative.”

Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 650 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦55 million to beneficiaries. The program has positively impacted more than 1200 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.

Rita Idehai, CEO Eco Barter, added: “Our partnership with the Sahara Group Foundation on the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub demonstrates the power of collaboration in accelerating sustainable change. Together, we are creating a system that rewards responsible disposal, supports local livelihoods, and brings technology-driven recycling closer to the community. We are proud to work with a partner that shares our vision for a cleaner, smarter, and more circular future for Lagos.”

Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Chidilim Menakaya added, “The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”

“At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship, building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she concluded.

Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of “Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.”

Sahara Group Calls for Bold Human Capital Strategies in Africa’s Energy Sector

 Sahara Group, a leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, has emphasized that deliberate and innovative human capital strategies are pivotal to positioning Africa’s energy sector for sustainable growth and competitiveness amid evolving global energy security challenges and emerging opportunities.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference & Exhibition, Emilomo Arorote, Group Head of Human Resources at Sahara Group, noted that energy professionals’ curiosity, competence, and courage to act remain the most powerful levers for transformation in a transitioning world.

Held under the theme “Revitalizing the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development,” this year’s NAPE Conference convened industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore pathways toward achieving long-term energy security across Africa.

Highlighting the indispensable role of human ingenuity in shaping the industry’s future, she said, “Innovation in our industry has never been about systems alone; it always begins with people.” She said Sahara remained committed to driving transformative human capital development as a cornerstone for Africa’s energy sustainability.

Photo Caption (L-R): Felix Oluyemi, Exploration Manager, Asharami Energy (A Sahara Group Upstream Company); Maureen Fashina, Treasury Accountant, Asharami Energy; Anna Aribatise, Reservoir Engineer, Asharami Energy; Emilomo Arorote, Group Head, Human Resources, Sahara Group; Adaora Emenike, HR Analyst, Sahara Group; and Francis Ejeke, Senior Geomodeller, Asharami Energy at the 2025 NAPE in Lagos, Nigeria

 

“At Sahara, we have seen how curiosity transforms into capability when young professionals start asking the right questions. A remarkable portion of our breakthroughs, including the landmark OKOS-04L well intervention in OML-148, were driven by young teams who dared to challenge convention and applied fresh thinking to complex problems.”

Arorote said the next frontier of the industry will depend not only on technology but also on the mindset of the people driving it.

“As we navigate the energy transition from gas-to-power integration to automation and data-driven operations, the future will belong to those who combine curiosity with patience and precision. The young professionals who will redefine Africa’s energy story are those who are willing to learn deeply, think differently, and act decisively,” she said.

Arorote said Africa’s energy sector needs to build sustainable systems that support mentorship and knowledge transfer to younger professionals to achieve robust and globally competitive energy operations and impact. “Mentorship is a two-way bridge that allows both emerging and seasoned professionals to learn, adapt, and grow together, blending the wisdom of experience with the ingenuity of youth.”

Sahara Group’s participation at NAPE 2025 reinforces its long-standing commitment to investing in human capital, advancing digitalization, and leveraging gas as a transition fuel for Africa’s sustainable growth.

Asharami Synergy Bolsters Fuel Solutions in Lekki with New Retail Station

Asharami Synergy, a Sahara Group downstream company, has strengthened its retail footprint with the commissioning of a new station in Lekki, Lagos, to enhance access to exceptional fueling solutions.

Strategically located to serve residents and businesses across Lekki and its environs, the new facility is equipped with trailblazing forecourt technology. This system allows for remote-controlled, real-time inventory management that ensures pinpoint meter accuracy for both the Synergy team and customers, guaranteeing fair and efficient service. Alongside forecourt technology and add-on services like Vehicle Repair and Maintenance, Car Wash, Lubes Station, and an on-site Restaurant, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director, Sahara Group, stated the station is set to become the “benchmark for quality assurance, safety, reliability, and operational excellence in the industry.”

Adedoyin-Adeyinka, who chaired the commissioning of the facility, said it embodies Sahara’s brand philosophy of ensuring excellence and distinction across its operations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

“We wanted a retail station that reflects who we are, our attention to detail, our commitment to quality, and our refusal to do things in small measures. While we may not have hundreds of stations, every Asharami station we open must stand out, not just as a place to buy fuel, but as a symbol of our brand promise: quality and premium experience.”

Foluso Sobanjo, Head, Downstream Africa, Sahara Group, described the project as “a celebration of perseverance, innovation, and collaboration.”

 

Photo Caption (L-R): Oladimeji Williams, Government Relations and Business Development Manager, Asharami Synergy; Adekanmi Adesola, COO, Asharami Synergy; Foluso Sobanjo, Head, Downstream Africa, Sahara Group; Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director, Sahara Group; Nomnso Dike, CEO, Asharami Synergy; Ademola Johnson, CFO, Asharami Synergy

“This achievement is a result of collective sacrifice and commitment,” Sobanjo said. “At some point, this seemed impossible, but we’ve turned the impossible into possible, because that’s what we do at Sahara. Now, Lekki and neighbouring locations can enjoy services driven by commitment to excellence, innovation, and service. Beyond Nigeria, Sahara Downstream also operates 11 retail stations across the Greater Accra, Central, Western, Eastern, and Savannah Regions of Ghana as part of our dedication to expanding quality access across Africa.”

According to Nomnso Dike, CEO, Asharami Synergy, the Lekki station represents more than a physical expansion, but also reinforces Asharami Synergy’s dedication to quality, and the ultimate customer experience.

“The commission of the Asharami retail station is truly something special,” Dike said. “Our focus now is to sustain this legacy, to continue being the provider of choice wherever energy is consumed. To all the residents in Lekki and Lagos, we assure you that when you make the Asharami turn, you’re choosing reliability, innovation, and quality fuel, every time.”

The new station boasts a Forecourt Controller, a highly sophisticated modular solution that serves as a single point of control for multiple devices and interfaces. Supporting over 100 communication protocols and integrating power supply, CPU board, and interface modules, this system offers one of the most intelligent and reliable retail station management systems available today.

The intelligent inventory management system, empowered by volume and temperature sensors, provides high-accuracy, real-time data on products available and dispensed volumes, which is a crucial benefit to the customer. This rigorous process effectively eliminates the possibility of meter manipulation common in the retail business and drastically reduces theft, assuring Asharami Synergy’s customers of unmatched meter accuracy and complete transparency with every liter purchased.

Sahara Group continues to advance its energy access agenda across Africa, with investments such as this reaffirming the Group’s long-term commitment to driving sustainable energy growth, powering communities, and bringing energy to life responsibly.

 

Sahara Group Champions Inclusive Digital Learning to Strengthen Education, Energy Security Across Africa

Kola Adesina, Executive Director at Sahara Group, has called for stronger collaboration among African nations to prioritize inclusive digital learning as a catalyst for building robust educational systems and securing the continent’s energy future.

Adesina, who spoke at the 4th International Colloquium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Distance Learning Institute, said the continent’s development is inextricably linked to its ability to equip its population with 21st-century skills, “leaving no one behind”.

Commenting on the theme,  “Future-Proofing Open, Flexible and Distance Learning: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainability,” Adesina said: “Africa’s journey to sustainable energy security is a complex challenge that requires a highly skilled workforce. We can only build this army of engineers, data analysts, policy makers, and technicians by enabling access to quality education through digital platforms. Innovation can only be fully harnessed when it is inclusive.”

Photo Caption (L-R): Keynote Speaker, Prof. Chukunoye Ochonogor, Professor Extraordinaire, Tshwane University of Technology, (TUT), Pretoria,  South Africa, Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, and Prof. Risikat Dauda, Director, Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos at the 4th International Colloquium of the University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute

World Bank Data shows that only about 28% of Africa’s population has access to fixed broadband. Adesina argued that the “critical digital gap” is robbing the continent of potential talent that could help discover solutions to Africa’s numerous challenges, including energy poverty.

Describing learning as a continuous process, Adesina said the process would only serve Africa sustainably if “we collaboratively work towards ensuring that as many people as possible are carried along in the process.”

According to him, innovation, inclusion, and sustainability hold the key to helping Africa harness new frontiers of development. While commending digital technology for expanding access to education, he, however, warned that inclusion remained a critical component in determining how Africa can be transformed across the continent’s value chain.

“Innovation without inclusion is progress without justice. Every innovation must answer one question: does it bring more people in, or shut people out, he said, adding, “sustainability is not just about costs. It is about authentic learning. Today, AI can generate essays, but true learning is more than convenience. It is critical thinking, originality, and genuine engagement.”

Adesina stated that the principles of sustainability and inclusion continue to drive Sahara Group’s core operational philosophy.

“At Sahara, our approach to energy access is rooted in creating sustainable value that is inclusive and innovative. This is evident in our various initiatives, from power infrastructure projects that light up communities to capacity-building programs that empower young entrepreneurs and creatives to make a difference responsibly,” he said.

Sahara Group Cultivates Future Storytellers at UNILAG #MADWITHCOMMS Forum

Leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group reinforced its dedication to nurturing future communication leaders, emphasizing the human advantage over AI at the #MADWITHCOMMS forum at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

#MADWITHCOMMS, which stands for “Making A Difference with Communications,” is a Sahara Group thought leadership initiative designed to support, steer, and shape young professionals for impactful careers in communications.

This year’s theme, “Code vs. Conversation: The Human Edge in a Digital World,” challenged Mass Communication students at UNILAG to develop and deepen their indispensable human skills; their true advantage while leveraging unfolding technological advancements.

Sharing insights on the theme, Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, said comms professionals needed to master AI as a tool for efficiency, data, and insight, but layer over these, their unique human capabilities.

Obioma noted that contextual interpretation, emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and empathetic communication, among others, provide the human advantage that can be the “career differentiator”.

“Within minutes, you can input some prompts, and AI can help you access historical data, generate reports, and insights that inform compelling narratives. But communication is much more than data. Everyone is looking to you for the human touch that will make your output genuine, unique, and impactful,” he said.

He emphasized that rather than seeing AI as a threat, young professionals should embrace it as a tool that enhances but does not replace the human edge. “Your ability to interpret context, understand nuances, feel the emotion behind stories, and communicate with empathy is what will set you apart,” he added. “If you can harness this human advantage, you will not only make a difference, you will also ascend beyond the zenith of your career.”

The event featured engaging breakout sessions where participants were grouped into teams to examine case studies in media ethics, crisis management, advertising biases, and responsible AI implementation. They were tasked with identifying flaws in the sample materials and proposing versions that emphasized ethical, creative, and engaging storytelling, and most importantly, the human edge.

The students’ presentations were assessed by a panel comprising Obioma, Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group; and Felix Ofulue, Head, Corporate Communications, Egbin Power Plc, a Sahara Power Group company.

Following the group presentations, winners were rewarded with cash prizes, with further commentary from the panel on how to improve their application of the human advantage in communications.

Participants expressed their delight at the #MADWITHCOMMS initiative, urging Sahara Group to host more learning activities at the prestigious university. Eniola Doherty said, “though we could see the role of AI in gathering data for the presentation in my group, the human edge was critical in helping us transform our presentation.”

Abimbola Adelakun, added that the session had made her confident to adopt the obvious benefit of AI “I have come to realise that AI is a tool and not something I should fear. It can give me the data that I need, but it is left to me to humanize my story for greater impact.” For
Wisdom Udo, the key to making a difference is to “infuse my human touch which leaves an unmistakable imprint on the story.”

In closing, Obioma said the #MADwithComms initiative would be expanded to reach more young professionals across Africa, adding, “We believe in equipping future storytellers with not just the tools, but the right mindset to drive impact, shape narratives, and fuel transformation.”

 

Asharami Energy Surpasses 5 Million LTI-Free Man-Hours Milestone, Reinforces Safety Culture as Foundation for Sustainable Growth.

Asharami Energy, a leading upstream operator and a subsidiary of Sahara Group, has reached a landmark safety milestone – completing five million man-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). This achievement places Asharami Energy in the top quartile of oil and gas operators who have achieved this remarkable benchmark for operational excellence in Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector.

The milestone achieved on Asharami Energy’s OML 148 asset in Edo State, Nigeria, over a period of 3051 days of zero LTI, reinforces Sahara Group’s commitment to operational excellence and its “Zero is Possible” vision – an unrelenting pursuit of zero harm to people, environment, and assets, and achievement of “Goal Zero” daily, weekly, monthly, annually and continuously said Leste Aihevba, Chief Technical Officer, Asharami Energy.

According to Aihevba, “This moment belongs to the people who showed up every day, stayed alert, followed procedures, and put safety first. The teams that worked tirelessly to ensure the company’s high-risk operations were executed without injury, incident, or disruption.” He noted that achieving five million LTI-free man-hours was not just a statistical win for Sahara Group, “It represents the resilience of our safety systems, the responsiveness and dedication of our people, and the robustness of our processes. We are already looking beyond this milestone towards achieving Ten Million LTI-free man-hours and much more.”

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Five Million Man-Hours LTI-Free Safety Plaque, led by Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, supported by other Sahara directors, Ade Odunsi and Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka and their partners from the Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) represented by Vincent Uwadileke, Deputy Asset Manager PSC Asset B, and Jeffery Jaiyeola, Deputy Asset Manager (Technical) PSC Asset B.

Photo Credit (L-R): Chief Technical Officer, Asharami Energy (A Sahara Group Upstream Company), Leste Aihevba; Executive Director, Sahara Group, Ade Odunsi; Executive Director, Sahara Group, Temitope Shonubi; Executive Director, Sahara Group, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka; Deputy Asset Manager, PSC B, Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Vincent Uwadileke; and Deputy Asset Manager (Technical), PSC B, NUIMS, Jeffrey Jaiyeola at the event to celebrate the five million man-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) milestone achieved by Asharami Energy

“We are here to celebrate you. We salute your choices, your discipline, and your diligence.” Shonubi said, emphasizing that the landmark safety record was driven by the discipline, diligence and expertise of frontline and support teams – men and women who worked in the field, day after day. “It would be wrong for the management to take the glory while you did the work. This plaque, this celebration – it’s all for you.”

Commending Sahara Group for the achievement, Vincent Uwadileke, said, “This is a very important achievement. When you run operations for long enough, it’s easy to start taking routine things for granted. But this milestone proves that discipline, attentiveness, and a strong safety culture remain at the centre of Sahara’s operations.” Uwadileke emphasized the significance of staying vigilant, especially with more complex rig activities on the horizon.

In closing, Ade Odunsi, the supervising Executive Director for Sahara Upstream, reminded all that with this achievement, Asharami Energy is now even more on the radar screen of regulators, investors and other stakeholders. “Safety performance is actually one of the key metrics used to assess operational excellence” he said adding that we must therefore understand that continued focus on safety is not optional, especially as we embark on our aggressive growth phase with increased rig and constriction activities.

With the audacious planned oilfield activities ahead as Sahara Group continues to grow its upstream operations, the energy conglomerate has reiterated its commitment to strategic investments in technologies, and partnerships that support safe and sustainable operations across the energy value chain.