By Ayomide Otitoju
The Sahara Group has announced that the second edition of Asharami Square, its flagship thought leadership platform, will focus on gas-related opportunities critical to enhancing energy access and security across Africa.
Asharami Square, a Sahara Group sustainability initiative, is designed to promote responsible energy development and foster impactful media advocacy. According to Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, the platform is tailored to equip journalists across print, broadcast, and digital media with a deeper understanding of sustainability and energy transition dynamics.
Obioma emphasized the media’s agenda-setting role, noting the importance of informed reporting on key issues such as environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and energy security. “Asharami Square gives participants access to subject-matter experts, facilitating meaningful conversations that improve reporting and deepen public understanding,” he said.
Ejiro Gray, Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, highlighted the strategic role of gas in advancing Africa’s energy goals. “At Sahara Group, we see gas as a tool for long-term impact. Asharami Square enables us to convert technical insights into shared understanding and collaborative action,” she said, adding that the success of the inaugural edition reinforced the company’s commitment to partnering with the media on sustainability issues.
The upcoming event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Justice Derefaka, Group Asset Manager, PSC Asset Group B at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS). With over 20 years of experience in oil and gas infrastructure and sustainability, Dr. Derefaka is expected to share insights on unlocking Africa’s gas potential through innovation and public-private partnerships.
Other key speakers include Dr. Adeola Yusuf, Team Lead at Platforms Africa, who will address the media’s role in shaping public discourse and countering misinformation and greenwashing. Ijeoma Isichei, Commercial Manager at Sahara Group, will discuss gas as a bridge fuel and a driver of regional energy integration.
The panel will also feature Olurotimi Famoroti, CEO of First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), who will explore the role of gas in alleviating poverty, stimulating SME growth, and expanding electricity access. Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, will outline long-term strategies for a balanced energy mix and energy security.
Mobolaji Sunmoni, Lead, Midstream and Power at Fidelity Bank Plc, will speak on financing models and investment strategies for gas infrastructure development. The session will be moderated by Omobolanle Adesulu, Head of Management Information Systems at Sahara Group.
Sahara Group said Asharami Square reaffirms its commitment to driving thought leadership, responsible energy use, and empowering media to support Africa’s sustainable future.
