Oredola Adeola

Dr. Adeola Yusuf, a leading energy communication researcher and Team Lead of Platforms Africa, will join Dr. Justice Derefaka of NUIMS, Olurotimi Famoroti of FIPL, and Mobolaji Sunmoni of Fidelity Bank Plc. as speakers at Asharami Square 2.0, a Sahara Group initiative focused on advancing sustainability through strategic media advocacy.

Sahara Group, in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports and signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Bethel Obioma.

Obioma confirmed that the second edition of Asharami Square, its flagship thought leadership platform, will focus on key gas-related strategies as Africa explores sustainable options to improve energy access and security across the continent.

Dr. Yusuf, who is a seasoned researcher in the intersection of media, energy, and development, is expected to delve into the media’s pivotal role in shaping public awareness, influencing policy direction, and curbing misinformation and greenwashing.

He is scheduled to speak at the event themed “Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future” and it expected to explore the media’s role in shaping awareness, moderating policy, and preventing misinformation and greenwashing.

Obioma stressed that the agenda-setting function of the media demands that journalists are well-informed on critical issues such as energy transition, energy security, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.

He said, “The media should be equipped to play an active role in policy formulation and execution.

“Asharami Square connects participants with subject-matter experts, enabling impactful dialogue that enhances reporting and deepens public understanding,” he said.

Asharami Square is a Sahara Group initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through effective media advocacy.

“The platform is specifically designed to foster a holistic understanding of sustainability and influence effective, balanced and reliable reporting by journalists across print, electronic and digital platforms.

“The 2nd edition of the platform will further reinforce Sahara’s commitment to championing energy access, climate advocacy, and sustainable development,” Head, Corporate Communications at Sahara Group said.

Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, said the focus on gas is critical for Africa at this time, given the key role it is playing in improving access to clean, reliable energy across Africa.

“At Sahara Group, we see gas as a tool for long-term impact and platforms like Asharami Square help us translate technical possibilities into shared understanding and collaborative action.

“The first edition of the initiative was hugely successful. Sahara Group is delighted to work with the media again for the second edition as Asharami Square reinforces its commitment to promoting excellence in the media’s reportage of sustainability related issues” she said.

Dr. Justice Derefaka, Group Asset Manager, PSC Asset Group B at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), is also expected the keynote address will be delivered.

With over two decades of experience in oil, gas, infrastructure policy, and sustainability leadership, Dr. Derefaka will share insights on unlocking Africa’s gas potential through innovation and public-private collaboration.

The event will also feature a panel with distinguished experts.

Ijeoma Isichei, Commercial Manager at Sahara Group, will highlight gas as a bridge fuel and a driver of regional market integration and cooperation.

The panel will also feature Olurotimi Famoroti, CEO, First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), who will examine the potential of gas in enhancing poverty alleviation, SME growth stimulation, and electricity access, especially in underserved areas.

Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head, Integrated Gas Ventures, Asharami Energy will speak on long-term strategies for achieving a sustainable energy mix and the role of gas in securing Africa’s energy future.

Lastly, Mobolaji Sunmoni, Lead, Midstream and Power at Fidelity Bank Plc, will address investment mobilization and innovative financing models for scaling gas infrastructure across emerging markets.

The panel is expected to be moderated by Omobolanle Adesulu, Head, Management Information Systems, Sahara Group.