₦airaland Forum

Banditry: Christian clerics, others call for arrest of Bafarawa, Yerima over killings in north West






A group of inter-faith religious leaders from northern Nigeria, styling themselves as the Concerned Northern Inter-Faith Clergy for Peace, has urgently called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate arrest and prosecution of former governors Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto State and Ahmed Sani Yerima of Zamfara State.

The clerics led by Bishop Sunday Bawa in a press conference in Abuja alleged that the two ex-governors bear responsibility for laying the foundations of the rampant banditry terrorising the North-West region.

The appeal, issued in a strongly worded statement during the Yuletide season, references a widely circulated video released earlier this month by notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji.

In the video, Turji accused Bafarawa and Yerima of seizing and selling vast grazing reserves designated for herders and arming vigilante groups, known as Yan Banga, which he claimed targeted and killed Fulani communities.

These actions, Turji alleged, sparked ethnic tensions and cycles of reprisal attacks that escalated into the current wave of kidnappings, massacres, and cattle rustling.

"Even though Turji is a confessed terrorist... we cannot ignore his words," the clergy said in statement signed by Imam Sheikh Yusuf Sarki, Bishop Pius Dauda and 10 others.

The group emphasised that the allegations point to deep-rooted issues of land dispossession and armed vigilantism that allowed criminal gangs to evolve into the "monsters" now plaguing the region.

The inter-faith body, comprising imams, pastors, bishops, and other spiritual leaders, expressed solidarity with bereaved families who have also petitioned President Tinubu for an investigation into the claims.

These families, many of whom have lost loved ones to bandit attacks, described the president as their "last hope" for justice after local efforts yielded no results.

Bawa highlighted the devastating toll of banditry, describing it as an "unfolding genocide."

They cited figures indicating over 13,485 deaths from banditry between 2010 and May 2023, with at least 2,266 killed in the first half of 2025 alone—surpassing the total for all of 2024.

Reports from bodies like Amnesty International and the National Human Rights Commission document thousands kidnapped, injured, or displaced, while economic losses run into trillions of naira due to disrupted farming, trade, and ransoms.

The statement criticised responses from Bafarawa and Yerima as "empty echoes" and denials, noting that the former governors claimed no significant banditry existed when they left office in 2007 and questioned the timing of the accusations.

"Time heals no guilt," the clerics retorted, arguing that evasion only fuels suspicion and impunity.
In a direct Yuletide appeal to President Tinubu, the group urged him to "immediately direct the arrest and prosecution" of the two former governors for "alleged acts that laid the foundations of this terror."

They further called for a transparent, independent probe—possibly with international oversight—into the allegations, alongside measures to address root causes like poverty and land disputes.

Civil Society Situation Room Rates NNPC GCEO High on Performance

***Lauds Reforms on Transparency, Improved Crude Production




The Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in the Extractive Industry (CCSTEI) has highly commended the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for his transformative leadership in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja. the coalition's National Coordinator, Dr. Agabi Emanuel praised Ojulari's bold reforms that have enhanced transparency, boosted operational efficiency, and driven significant improvements in crude oil production.


The CCSTEI highlighted that since Ojulari's appointment in April 2025, NNPC Ltd has shifted from longstanding perceptions of opacity and inefficiency to a more commercially driven and accountable entity.

Key achievements noted include the consistent publication of monthly performance reports, which have fostered real-time stakeholder oversight.
Financially, the coalition applauded the company's 2024 audited results, which showed a record revenue of ₦45.1 trillion and a profit after tax of ₦5.4 trillion – marking a 64% year-on-year growth in profit.

On the production front, the group celebrated the milestone reached by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), the company's upstream subsidiary, which hit a daily crude oil output of 355,000 barrels on December 1, 2025 – the highest in 36 years.

This contributed to an average daily production increase of 52%, from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025.

The statement also acknowledged ongoing investments in gas infrastructure, including progress on projects like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), and Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, aimed at achieving ambitious targets of 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion by 2030.

While recognizing persistent challenges such as lingering public skepticism, oil theft, and global energy transitions, the CCSTEI called for continued support for Ojulari's leadership.

It recommended further enhancements in public engagement, third-party audits, anti-corruption measures, local content development, and alignment with energy transition goals.

Concluding the appraisal, Dr. Emanuel stated: "Bashir Bayo Ojulari and his team for restoring confidence in NNPC Limited after many challenging years.

"You have proven that visionary leadership, coupled with accountability and performance excellence, can redefine an institution for the better. We charge you to soldier on undeterred.

"The Nigerian people are watching, and with your continued resolve, NNPC Limited will not only drive economic prosperity but also serve as a beacon of transparent governance in Africa."

DAYF Disburses ₦20m to 200 Youths at Business Exhibition in Abeokuta





In furtherance of its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development, the Dapo Abiodun Youth Forum (DAYF) has empowered 200 youths with cash grants of ₦100,000 each, amounting to a total of ₦20 million, at its End-of-Year Party and Business Exhibition, Season 6.

The programme took place at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, and attracted youths from across Ogun State who showcased their entrepreneurial skills and innovative business ideas.

Selection of beneficiaries was carried out through an online application process that recorded over 2,000 applicants. Shortlisted candidates were subsequently invited to physically present their business ideas and demonstrate their skill acquisition capacity before the final beneficiaries were chosen.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of DAYF, Rasheed Aroboto, commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his sustained commitment to youth development and empowerment.

According to Aroboto, the cash empowerment programme was designed to support young entrepreneurs and artisans in expanding their businesses and improving their economic conditions. He noted that the ₦20 million disbursed would help beneficiaries strengthen their trades and become self-reliant.





















“This empowerment programme is part of our continuous efforts to uplift youths and reduce unemployment. We appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support and enabling environment that allows youth-focused initiatives like this to thrive,” he said.

On the day of the programme, beneficiaries were formally presented with cheques amid excitement and celebrations.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Dennis Ogunnaike, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Innovation and ICT; Hon. Aderele Michael; Hon. Banwo Babangida, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; as well as other notable stakeholders.

Aroboto further disclosed that DAYF has consistently empowered youths for five consecutive years, reaching thousands across the state. Beneficiaries over the years have received various empowerment tools such as grinding machines, motorcycles, hairdressing dryers, sewing machines, generators, ovens, stabilizers, and clippers, among others.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the grants wisely to grow their businesses and become employers of labour, stressing that the empowerment was intended to create lasting economic impact.

The programme concluded with a business exhibition that highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of Ogun youths, reinforcing DAYF’s role as a key driver of youth empowerment in the state.

Banditry: Victims' Families write President Tinubu Over Turji's Confession, Demand Former Govs Yerima, Bafarawa's Arrest.



Bothered over persistent insecurity across the country, a coalition of families torn apart by rampant banditry in Northwest Nigeria has appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to investigate serious allegations against two former governors.



The Coalition of Families Affected by Banditry, representing victims who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods to relentless violence, has written a letter to the President in Abuja.



Exhausted by domestic inaction, they called on the President to help uncover the truth behind claims that policies under former Zamfara Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima and former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa laid the groundwork for the region's insecurity through the seizure of grazing reserves and arming of vigilante groups.



In the letter signed by Chairperson Otuba Rawene, Secretary Sani Usman, PRO Haj. Hadijat Abdullahi, and 20 others, the group said: " Many of us have lost loved ones in brutal killings, seen family members abducted, or been forced to flee our homes, leaving behind livelihoods and communities destroyed by violence.















"We write to Your Excellency with a profound sense of urgency and responsibility, seeking your support in addressing grave allegations recently made public by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.



"In a widely circulated video released in December, 2025, Turji accused former Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima and former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa of laying the foundations for the current insecurity crisis.



"Specifically, he claimed that their policies— including the seizure and sale of grazing reserves and the arming of vigilante groups that targeted Fulani communities ignited ethnic tensions and cycles of reprisal violence that evolved into today's widespread banditry.



"While we acknowledge that Bello Turji is a wanted criminal responsible for countless atrocities, including the deaths of many of our relatives, we believe these allegations warrant serious and impartial scrutiny.



"As the proverb goes, 'where there is smoke, there is fire.' Having exhausted domestic avenues for justice often met with inaction or allegations being dismissed we turn to the President, a steadfast champion of human rights and accountability, as our last hope for uncovering the truth and ensuring justice prevails.



"The scale of suffering caused by banditry in Northwest Nigeria is staggering and demands international attention.



Reliable reports indicate thousands of civilian deaths, mass displacements, and profound economic devastation. For instance, between 2018 and 2020 alone, armed banditry caused at least 4,900 deaths.



"In the first half of 2025, over 2,266 people were killed by insurgents and bandits, surpassing the total for all of 2024. Recent data document thousands abducted annually, with verified ransom payments reaching billions of naira (e.g., N2.57 billion between July 2024 and June 2025).



"These attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands, disrupted agriculture and trade, deepened poverty, and inflicted lasting trauma on survivors. Communities live in constant fear, with bandits imposing illegal levies and operating with impunity.



"As victims seeking justice and an end to this cycle of violence, we implore the Nigerian government to publicly to launch a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into Bello Turji's allegations against the named former governors. Offer technical assistance or support international oversight to ensure the probe is credible and free from political interference.



"Advocate for broader measures to address impunity, including sanctions if evidence of complicity in serious crimes emerges. We firmly believe that accountability for those who may have contributed to this crisis regardless of their status is essential to breaking the cycle of violence and restoring peace."

Festive Season: Gov. Abiodun's Aide, Akintunde Distributes Food, Cash to Abeokuta South Leaders, Reaffirms Abiodun’s Grassroots Agenda


By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo







In a bid to cushion the effects of the current economic realities and spread goodwill during the festive season, the Senior Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on Environment, Alhaji Farouk Akintunde, has distributed food materials and cash support to religious leaders and political stakeholders across the fifteen wards of Abeokuta South Constituency.

The distribution was done last week Friday, shortly after Jumat prayer.



The outreach, which cut across clerics, community leaders and politicians, was aimed at alleviating hardship among the people at the grassroots while reinforcing the state government’s people-oriented policies. Beneficiaries received essential food items alongside cash assistance to enable them cater for their immediate needs during the festive period.



Speaking during the distribution exercise, Alhaji Akintunde said the gesture was inspired by the compassionate leadership style of Governor Dapo Abiodun and his commitment to inclusive governance. According to him, the administration remains resolute in ensuring that governance is felt directly by the people, especially at the grassroots level.



“This initiative is in line with the vision of His Excellency, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, to ensure that no segment of society is left behind. The festive season is a time of sharing and caring, and it is important that our people, particularly religious and political leaders who play key roles in community development, feel supported,” Akintunde stated.



He noted that religious leaders and politicians serve as vital links between the government and the people, adding that empowering them would further strengthen unity, peace and socio-economic stability within the constituency.



Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. They commended Alhaji Akintunde for his continued engagement with the grassroots and lauded Governor Abiodun for fostering a governance culture centered on empathy and responsiveness.



A cleric who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries said the intervention would go a long way in supporting vulnerable members of their communities, while also promoting harmony during the festive season.



The distribution exercise further underscores the Ogun State Government’s commitment to social welfare and its broader agenda of improving the quality of life for residents across the state through inclusive and people-focused initiatives.

Okanlomo of Ibadanland: A Title Forged by Service, Sacrifice and Transformational Philanthropy



In Ibadanland, where history breathes through ancient walls and the echoes of warrior ancestors still shape civic pride, titles are never ornamental. They are earned, defended, and remembered. Among such revered distinctions stands the title of Okanlomo of Ibadanland—a rare honour that symbolizes leadership, compassion, and responsibility over a land of immense scale and influence.



Ibadan, Africa’s third-largest city, spans more than ten local government areas and is home to a population exceeding five million people. It is a city of contrasts: tradition and modernity, struggle and triumph, resilience and ambition. To be entrusted with a title that represents this vast and storied land is no small feat. The Okanlomo is not merely a chief; he is a moral compass, a bridge between privilege and the people, and a custodian of communal progress.



From its inception, the title has been reserved for men whose lives reflect extraordinary philanthropy and transformational leadership—individuals whose generosity has uplifted communities and rewritten destinies.









The foundation of this legacy was laid by Chief Nathaniel Olabiyi Idowu, the inaugural Okanlomo of Ibadanland. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest philanthropists, Chief Idowu’s name became synonymous with compassion in action. His interventions cut across education, healthcare, community development, and social welfare at a time when such support was desperately needed. Schools were built, lives were restored, and hope was rekindled in countless homes through his quiet but powerful generosity. His reign as Okanlomo set a gold standard—establishing the title as one rooted not in wealth alone, but in selfless service to humanity.



Years later, the torch of this noble tradition was carried forward by Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, whose installation as Okanlomo in March 2017 marked another defining chapter in Ibadan’s contemporary history. His elevation was not the product of political influence or ceremonial courtesy, but of proven merit.



Senator Akanbi earned the honour through decades of tangible contributions to Ibadanland and its people. His philanthropy touched lives across social strata—supporting education, empowering youths, aiding the vulnerable, and investing in initiatives that strengthened the social fabric of the city. His approach mirrored the essence of Ibadan’s warrior spirit: fearless in service, strategic in impact, and unwavering in commitment to the collective good.



The late monarch who installed him, Oba Soliu Akanmu Adetunji (Aje Oguguliso I), was himself a symbol of industrious leadership. Regarded as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking Olubadan monarchs Ibadan ever produced, Oba Adetunji believed deeply in honouring merit and rewarding service. His reign was marked by a deliberate effort to align traditional institutions with modern development, and the installation of Senator Akanbi as Okanlomo reflected that philosophy.




In a rare and deeply symbolic gesture, the monarch also honoured Senator Akanbi’s wife with the title of Yeye Okanlomo of Ibadanland. This recognition went beyond ceremony—it acknowledged the often-unseen role of partnership in philanthropy and leadership. Together, the couple represented a shared legacy of compassion, service, and community upliftment, reinforcing the idea that lasting impact is most powerful when built collectively.



Today, the title of Okanlomo stands as a beacon of what leadership in Ibadanland should embody. It is a reminder that true greatness lies not in accumulation, but in contribution; not in privilege, but in purpose. In a city defined by its size, strength, and historical relevance, the Okanlomo remains a moral institution—challenging the elite to give back, inspiring the next generation to serve, and preserving the soul of Ibadan through acts of kindness and courage.



As Ibadan continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of the Okanlomo—shaped by icons like Chief Nathaniel Olabiyi Idowu and Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi—serves as a timeless reminder: titles may confer honour, but it is service that confers immortality.

MAKING THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR WORK FOR CITIZENS: NUPRC RESCUE MISSION

By James Itodo


The Nigerian oil and gas sector, since its discovery, exploration, and exploitation at the turn of the century, has become the goose that lays the golden egg, likened only to the much-sought-after bride.

This is because oil, and later gas, remained the main economic sustainer, accounting for virtually all the revenue utilised for the economic sustainability and stability of the country—a nation driven by a monolithic economy.

Various attempts at sustaining its viability failed because those reforms lacked the necessary ingredients and the political will of their drivers to succeed. Moreover, the temptation of the enormous amounts generated, and the ease of generating this revenue, became stronger than the moral responsibility and patriotic devotion of the country's leaders, causing various rulers to rely completely on oil while abandoning or ignoring agriculture and every other means of generating revenue, including all forms of diversification and integration.

The present Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) was born out of necessity: first, to inherit the abnormalities of the past; and second, to set in motion reforms aimed at effectively repositioning the sector. Key among these is strong political will and the appropriate sensitisation of the country's political leaders to look beyond oil and gas revenue and think towards diversification.

To carry this out effectively, there is a need to build trust and confidence on the fulcrum of accountability and transparency.
So far, the verdict has been positive. The basic recipe for repositioning and bringing about a volte-face in the sector is now present: accountability and transparency.

A new era, based on a better concept of transparency and accountability, is enhancing the effective repositioning of the Nigerian oil and gas sector, which will work for the overall benefit of all citizens and indeed residents.

Today, Nigerians are now seeing the oil and gas sector as a blessing, with transparency and accountability becoming the fulcrum of operations at the NUPRC.

There is no doubt that, for decades, Nigeria's oil and gas sector was a cesspit of abhorrent and odious corruption, coupled with mismanagement—a centre of graft, earning the moniker "resource curse."
Instead of bringing blessings to the country, it became an avenue for self-aggrandisement and self-enrichment at the detriment of national interest, economic growth, prosperity, and development.

As a whole, the sector's opacity and lack of accountability led to widespread corruption, where the few who had access to this national wealth enriched themselves and their families—buying choice houses at highly exorbitant prices in prime cities of the world and sending their children to schools abroad on ear-splitting school fees, all with our common patrimony—at the expense of the country. This resulted in environmental degradation and human rights abuses, leaving citizens with little to show for the country's vast oil resources, world oil production status, and its derived and associated wealth.

However, a new dawn has emerged with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) leading a rescue mission to reposition the sector with renewed vigour, intentionality, and patriotic commitment under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, who has turned the NUPRC into a beacon of hope for Nigerians.
Unambiguously, the NUPRC's commitment to transparency is demonstrated through its proactive disclosure of key industry data—which had previously been shrouded in obscurity—including production figures, revenue streams, and contract awards.

The demystification and openness of this key information have greatly enhanced the fostering of trust and confidence among stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organisations, and international partners.
Another signature reform is the strengthening and implementation of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), which ensures that oil and gas revenues are transparently tracked and accounted for, thereby reducing corruption and ensuring that revenues are channelled for the overall benefit of all citizens.

Projecting the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration, the NUPRC has also prioritised increased utilisation of local content development, bringing on board many more Nigerian companies to participate in the oil and gas value chain, thereby creating more jobs, stimulating economic growth, and empowering local communities.

The sector's transformation is an unequivocal demonstration of the power of transparency and accountability.
Daily, Nigerians are beginning to see oil and gas resources as a direct blessing rather than a curse, with a sector and operators poised to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards.

However, this is just the beginning; the journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come—for all of us.
While Nigerians holistically embrace these reforms, they must also continue to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders, while the NUPRC's efforts must be supported and sustained to ensure that the sector remains a catalyst for national development.

There is no doubt that the oil and gas sector can be a powerful catalytic tool for poverty reduction, wealth creation, and economic transformation. This can be imminently and necessarily achieved when the NUPRC continues in its commitment to transparency and accountability, predicated on the resilience of Nigerians, who will look forward to a brighter future where their natural resources work for them, not against them.

It must be a collaborative and conscientious responsibility of all Nigerians not only to support the NUPRC's efforts and reforms targeted at transforming the oil and gas sector but also to demand consistent transparency and accountability from our leaders, as this will ensure that our natural resources benefit all Nigerians, securing a brighter future for Nigeria and Nigerians.

Itodo writes from Abuja

Engr. Taiwo Oludotun: “Olorun Adugbo” — The Divine Giver Transforming Lives in Ogun State


By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo




In every generation, there emerges a rare individual whose life is devoted not only to personal success but to the upliftment of humanity. In Ogun State, and particularly across Abeokuta North, Odeda, and Obafemi-Owode Local Government Areas, that individual is Engr. Taiwo Oludotun—fondly and respectfully called “Olorun Adugbo,” meaning God of the Community. This name was not self-ascribed; it was earned through years of consistent compassion, generosity, and unwavering service to the people.



It is often said that many elites are wealthy, but to give selflessly is divine. Engr. Taiwo Oludotun embodies this truth. Known for his open heart and open doors, he is a man whose presence turns sorrow into joy. Those who approach him burdened by challenges often return home with renewed hope, laughter, and relief. Whether familiar or a complete stranger, anyone who comes in contact with him experiences his uncommon love for humanity. His philanthropy is not seasonal, political, or selective—it is inborn, sincere, and deeply rooted in his character.



Across Ogun State and beyond, Engr. Oludotun’s acts of kindness speak louder than any title he holds. From supporting the less privileged, empowering youths, assisting families in distress, and responding swiftly to community needs, his generosity cuts across social, religious, and political boundaries. For him, making people happy is not an obligation—it is a lifestyle. As the days go by, his confidence and commitment to giving continue to grow, driven by a genuine desire to see others smile and succeed.



Beyond philanthropy, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun has also distinguished himself as a technocrat and administrator of high repute. He currently serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Forestry in Ogun State under the visionary leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. In just a few months in office, he has recorded remarkable milestones in the forestry sector, earning praise for his integrity, transparency, and results-driven approach.



His tenure has been characterized by honesty, professionalism, and exceptional human relations. Engr. Oludotun understands that governance is about people, and this philosophy reflects in his policies and engagements. By fostering collaboration, enforcing sustainable forestry practices, and strengthening institutional trust, he has brought renewed confidence and effectiveness to the ministry.



Engr. Taiwo Oludotun stands as a shining example of what leadership should represent—a blend of competence, compassion, and commitment to the common good. His life reminds us that true greatness is not measured by wealth or position, but by the number of lives touched and transformed.



Indeed, “Olorun Adugbo” is more than a name; it is a testimony to a man whose heart beats for the people and whose legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Group Calls for Independent Probe into Alleged Kwara Govt Arming of Bandits



The Crisis and Situation Monitoring Room (CSMR), a human rights advocacy organisation, has issued a strong demand for an immediate, independent investigation into serious allegations linking the Kwara State Government to the arming of criminal elements responsible for escalating banditry in the state.

The group's intervention follows widespread public concern over claims that prohibited firearms and a government-branded security vehicle ended up in the hands of suspected bandits operating in Ifelodun Local Government Area and beyond.

In a statement, Dr. Anthony Rowland Attah, Executive Director of CSMR, sharply criticised Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq's administration for what he described as a dangerous pattern of insecurity and potential complicity that has eroded public trust.

“The allegations emerging from recent security operations are not mere rumours but point to a profound crisis of governance in Kwara State," he said.

"If officials under Governor Abdulrazaq have facilitated the distribution of AK-47 rifles – weapons exclusively reserved for federal security forces – to non-state actors masquerading as patrol operatives, this constitutes a direct assault on national security and a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution.

“Section 14(2)(b) unequivocally states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Yet, under this administration, communities in Ifelodun, Edu, Patigi, and other areas have endured relentless attacks, kidnappings, and killings, with hundreds displaced and lives lost.

"Arming criminals, whether intentionally or through gross negligence, transforms the state from protector to perpetrator, amounting to nothing short of state-enabled terrorism.

“We reject any attempt to dismiss these claims as misinformation without transparent accountability. The presence of a local government security vehicle in the possession of armed suspects raises unavoidable questions about oversight, procurement, and distribution chains within the governor's apparatus.

"No state governor possesses the constitutional authority to procure or distribute military-grade weapons like AK-47s, as confirmed repeatedly by legal precedents and federal regulations.

“To ensure an impartial process free from executive interference, we insist on a federal-led independent probe, ideally through a judicial commission of inquiry or special panel appointed by the President.

"This investigation must trace the provenance of the weapons, examine logistical support provided to alleged vigilante groups, and identify any officials involved, including those referenced in public accounts.

“Furthermore, in light of the gravity of these allegations and to prevent any tampering with evidence or witnesses, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invoke necessary constitutional measures to suspend Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq from office pending the conclusion of investigations.

"Such action would uphold due process, restore confidence in governance, and align with established precedents in cases of serious misconduct threatening public safety.”

Dr. Attah emphasised that CSMR's demand stems from a commitment to constitutionalism and human rights, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal networks and further destabilise the North-Central region.

The group noted ongoing insecurity trends in Kwara, including killings, reported abductions and attacks that have prompted school closures and community displacements, arguing that the current administration has failed in its fundamental duty to safeguard citizens.

While the Kwara State Government has issued denials, asserting no arrests occurred within its borders and no authority to distribute prohibited arms, CSMR maintained that such responses fall short without verifiable independent scrutiny.

Coalition Announces Nationwide and Global Protests Demanding Immediate Removal of NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed





A powerful coalition of civil society organizations has declared joint nationwide protests across Nigeria, with simultaneous demonstrations in New York and London, to demand the immediate removal of Farouk Ahmed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The protests will commence on Wednesday from Ahmed's office in Abuja and continue throughout the week in major cities, while diaspora actions target the UN House in New York and Nigeria House in London.

The coalition includes the Nigerian Citizens for Transparency (NCT), Anti-Corruption Alliance of Nigeria (ACAN), Sokoto Welfare Foundation (SWF), Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), African Refiners Network (ARN), Lagos Civil Rights Movement (LCRM), Global Nigerians Diaspora Forum (GNDF), Nigerian Integrity Watch (NIW), Petroleum Workers Union of Nigeria (PWUN), Youth Empowerment Initiative (YEI), Economic Sabotage Watch Group (ESWG), International Coalition Against Corruption (ICAC) and Diaspora Advocacy Network (DAN).

Others are British-Nigerian Solidarity Forum (BNSF), Anti-Graft Campaign UK (AGCU), Human Rights Defenders League (HRDL), Sustainable Energy Alliance (SEA), and National Anti-Corruption Front (NACF).

"Nigerians are deeply shocked and outraged that a public official entrusted with regulating a critical national resource has allegedly squandered millions of dollars sending just three of his children to exclusive secondary schools in Switzerland, while millions of suffering citizens in his home state of Sokoto and across the country cannot afford basic school fees," a statement by Comrade Dan Danilson on behalf of the groups said.

"These allegations expose a glaring betrayal of public trust and highlight unacceptable extravagance at the direct expense of impoverished communities in Nigeria and beyond."

Danilson condemned Ahmed's conduct in the strongest terms and vowed unrelenting pressure until he is removed and fully investigated.

Dan Danilson stated:
"The lavish lifestyle of Farouk Ahmed, funded by questionable wealth while he occupies one of the most sensitive positions in Nigeria's economy, is an intolerable insult to every struggling Nigerian.

"Spending millions on foreign luxury education for his children while Sokoto parents beg to pay N10,000 school fees reveals a man utterly detached from the suffering he is supposed to help alleviate.

"These are not mere allegations—they point to deep corruption and conflict of interest that have directly sabotaged Nigeria's push for energy independence. By protecting fuel importers and undermining local refineries, Ahmed has chosen personal gain over national progress, condemning millions to continued poverty and fuel scarcity.

"We will not stand by as one man hands over Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector to vested foreign interests. His actions amount to economic treason, enriching himself and his allies while driving domestic investments to ruin and keeping petrol prices artificially high for the suffering masses.

"The protests starting Wednesday from his very office will send an unmistakable message: Farouk Ahmed must go now. No investigation can restore the trust he has shattered; only his immediate removal will begin to heal the damage he has inflicted on our nation.

"We call on all Nigerians—home and abroad—to join this historic stand against corruption. This is our moment to hit back hard against those who plunder our future for private luxury. Farouk Ahmed's time is up."

The coalition emphasized that the allegations against Ahmed are far too grave to be dismissed or covered up, warning that failure to act decisively would signal official tolerance of corruption in critical sectors.

OMO-ADE Applauds Abiodun for Driving Arts, Culture, Creative Economy at Artnovation Launch





A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Alhaji Yisa Ismaila Adebayo, popularly known as Omo-Ade, has commended the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his sustained commitment to the promotion of arts, culture and the creative economy in Nigeria.

Alhaji Adebayo gave the commendation on Monday, December 15, 2025, following the official launch of Artnovation: Afro-Italian Renaissance (AAR) Exhibition held at the Italian Consulate in Lagos, which was attended by Governor Abiodun.

Describing the governor’s presence and endorsement of the initiative as timely and visionary, Omo-Ade said the Abiodun administration has consistently demonstrated that creativity, culture and indigenous enterprise can serve as powerful tools for economic growth, youth empowerment and international collaboration.



















“The governor’s passion for arts and culture is evident in his policies and actions. By supporting initiatives like Artnovation, Prince Dapo Abiodun is not only preserving our heritage but also positioning Ogun State as a major hub in Nigeria’s creative economy,” Adebayo said.

At the event, Governor Abiodun formally endorsed the Artnovation initiative as a strategic platform to expand Ogun State’s creative economy while strengthening cultural and economic ties between Ogun State and the Italian Republic. The exhibition featured prominently original àdìrẹ fabrics from Ojude Aso, one of the newly established stores at the recently revamped Olumo Rock Tourism Complex in Abeokuta.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor stated that creativity remains a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, tourism development and sustainable revenue generation. He noted that Ogun State’s investments in arts, culture and indigenous enterprises — including the revitalisation of Olumo Rock and the promotion of Adire — are already yielding positive results.

Governor Abiodun further disclosed that through strategic partnerships with the Italian Consulate in Lagos and the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI–Solution17), Ogun State is well positioned to play a leading role in shaping Nigeria’s creative economy and exporting its cultural assets to the global stage.

The Artnovation launch also featured the unveiling of the Afro-Italian Art Exhibition by renowned master artist, Tola Wewe, alongside vibrant runway showcases, poetry readings and musical performances that celebrated the fusion of African and Italian creativity.

One of the major highlights of the event was the announcement that Ogun State will be showcased at the prestigious Milan Design Week 2026. According to stakeholders, this development represents a significant milestone that will enhance global visibility for Ogun State, open new trade and investment opportunities, and deepen cultural and economic collaboration between Ogun State and Italy.

Alhaji Adebayo concluded by urging stakeholders, artists and the private sector to continue supporting the Abiodun-led administration’s creative initiatives, noting that culture-driven development remains a sustainable pathway to economic prosperity and global relevance for Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

Ijebu Royal Descendant, Olawunmi Samuel Omo'ba Anikinaiya Alleges Plot by Traditional Rulers to Despise His Family, Seize Ancestral Land and Chieftaincy Stool

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo




A member of a recognized Ijebu royal lineage, Prince Olawunmi Samuel Omo'ba Anikinaiya, has issued a public notice alleging an ongoing conspiracy by three traditional rulers within the Erebe Ijebu axis of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, to dispossess his family of its ancestral heritage.



In a statement circulated to the media, Anikinaiya, who described himself as a graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a farmer, claimed that the alleged plot is aimed at usurping the royal lineage, ancestral lands, family identity, and chieftaincy stool of the Adekoya Ofirigidi Anikinaiya Ruling House.



According to him, the disputed area—Erebe Ijebu—is the ancestral homestead of the Oloja Adekoya Ofirigidi lineage, which he said has historically belonged to his family. He alleged that certain individuals, operating under the name Sangokoya Ofirigidi, are impersonating their ancestor and unlawfully selling family land to real estate developers and private buyers.







Anikinaiya further alleged that the traditional rulers involved, working with unnamed accomplices and with the alleged support of a senior police officer, are planning to fabricate allegations of attempted murder and other criminal claims against him and key members of his family and community.



“I have no criminal record and have lived a peaceful life as a farmer and community member,” he stated. “These allegations are, in my view, a calculated attempt to intimidate us and remove us from the picture so our heritage can be taken over.”



Expressing grave concern for his personal safety and that of his family, Anikinaiya said the situation has become more alarming following the death of his immediate junior brother in February this year, which he described as occurring under mysterious circumstances.



He accused relevant authorities of failing to act despite being aware of the dispute and the escalating tensions. “I hold the authorities responsible for any harm that may come to me or members of my family due to their inaction,” he said.



Calling on the people of Ijebuland, traditional stakeholders, and concerned citizens, Anikinaiya appealed for support in what he described as a struggle against land grabbing, impersonation, and the distortion of family history.



“The attempt to rewrite our history and take over our land is a travesty,” he said. “I am not afraid to die, but I will not allow the legacy of my ancestors to be destroyed. I demand justice and protection.”



As of press time, efforts to obtain responses from the traditional institutions and security authorities referenced in the allegations had not yielded results. The newspaper will continue to monitor developments and present all sides of the matter as more information becomes available.

PDP Holds BoT Meeting, Vows To Restore Confidence, Hold Congress In States

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) is presently meeting in Abuja.

In his opening address, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, reaffirmed the commitment of the body to restoring confidence within the party and organizing congresses in states where they have not yet been held.

Senator Ohuabunwa told members that the national leadership is ready to work collaboratively with all state chapters to bring fresh leadership and stability across the country.

He outlined the PDP’s roadmap: conduct overdue state congresses, consolidate ongoing achievements, and support the national leadership to steer the party back on course.

According to him, these steps are critical to ensuring unity, transparency, and strengthening grassroots engagement.

By holding timely congresses and reinforcing organizational discipline, PDP hopes to rebuild trust among members and present a more organized, credible front ahead of future elections.

Taiwo Oludotun: Power Engineer Turning the Tide for Ogun’s Forests


By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo



Hon. Engr. Taiwo Oludotun has emerged as one of the quiet reformers in Ogun State’s public service, blending technical discipline with environmental leadership as the state’s Commissioner for Forestry. An electrical power engineer by training, Oludotun has built a reputation for firm but practical governance, steering the state’s forestry sector toward accountability, sustainability, and climate resilience.



Born on October 25, 1973, in Lagos State and rooted in the Owu Kingdom of Abeokuta North, he received his early education at Catholic Comprehensive Secondary School, Ibara, Abeokuta. He went on to earn a National Diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from Ogun State Polytechnic, Ojere, and a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering from Yaba College of Technology. His academic journey was further strengthened by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, as well as an international certificate in Public Utility Regulation and Strategy from the University of Florida, USA.



Before joining government, Oludotun built a solid private-sector career. He trained at Debo Industry in Oshodi and later rose through the ranks at Unistar Hi-Tech Systems Limited, Lagos, becoming General Manager. His years in power systems and corporate management shaped a results-driven mindset that would later define his public service.



Screened and confirmed by the Ogun State House of Assembly in 2023, he returned to the State Executive Council as Commissioner for Forestry at a time when the sector faced serious threats from illegal logging, forest encroachment, revenue leakages, and environmental degradation. His response has been both strategic and decisive.



Under his leadership, the ministry introduced a digital payment platform for logging operations to block revenue leakages and improve transparency. He also championed the deployment of Amotekun operatives into forest reserves to curb illegal logging, encroachment, and allied crimes, sending a strong signal that the era of impunity in protected areas is ending.



Beyond enforcement, Oludotun has positioned forestry as a frontline tool in Ogun’s climate response. He has been a visible advocate of tree-planting campaigns, supporting the state’s ambitious one-million-tree drive and the development of green recreational parks. His approach balances strict regulation with community engagement, working closely with traditional rulers, forest-edge communities, private firms, and civil society groups to promote shared responsibility for conservation.



Colleagues describe his leadership style as pragmatic, disciplined, and collaborative. A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), he is known for bringing engineering precision into public administration—measuring impact, tightening processes, and insisting on results.



In a political environment often shaped by noise, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun stands out for substance: a technocrat turned steward of nature, quietly powering a greener, safer future for Ogun State.

Breaking: Gov. Abiodun’s Environment Adviser, Farouk Akintunde, Elected 25th President of Lisabi Elite Club



In a historic and celebratory atmosphere, the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Environment, Alhaji Chief Hon. Farouk Adeniyi Akintunde (FHNR, FCSS, FCAI), has emerged as the 25th President of the prestigious Lisabi Elite Club of Abeokuta. The election, held on December 6, 2025, was conducted peacefully and drew widespread commendation for its orderliness and transparency.



Members of the club, in a unanimous decision rooted in performance and integrity, entrusted Alhaji Akintunde with the leadership of one of Abeokuta’s most influential socio-cultural clubs. His victory was described as a reflection of the club’s confidence in his proven capacity, dedication, and long-standing service to the community.



According to the club’s leadership, the decision to elect him was significantly inspired by his unparalleled contributions to environmental development in Ogun State. They praised him as a “proud ambassador of the club” whose professional excellence and public service record continue to elevate the organization’s reputation.





Aside from his distinguished role in government, Alhaji Akintunde is well-known as a grassroots politician and humanitarian, widely respected for his philanthropic interventions across Ogun State. His efforts in supporting community development, youth empowerment and social welfare have earned him admiration within and beyond the political sphere.



With his emergence as president, members expressed optimism that the Lisabi Elite Club will experience new milestones under his leadership, marked by innovation, inclusiveness, and continued commitment to community upliftment.



The inauguration of the new executive council is expected to take place in the coming weeks, marking the beginning of what many believe will be a transformative era for the esteemed club.

Security Agencies Uncover Plot to Stage Protest Against President Tinubu, NSA Ribadu

Nigeria’s security agencies have reportedly uncovered a plan by some opposition politicians to organise protests in Sokoto and other northern states against President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Fresh intelligence reports made available to journalists on Friday show that former Senator Kabiru Marafa is the main arrowhead of the plot.

The group is allegedly working to discredit NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, by falsely linking them to bandit groups and using a Sokoto-based militia to trigger violent protests.

Sources say the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, is strongly backing the plan and providing funding, determined to paint the federal security team as incompetent and force the removal of both Ribadu and Matawalle.

Security operatives detected the scheme this week, monitored several planning meetings in Gusau and Abuja, blocked funding channels, and quietly disrupted the operation.

No arrests have been made, but all the key figures are now under close surveillance.

The key figures are now being monitored by security agencies to track their key sources of funding.

Jema'a LG Chair Hails Gov Uba Sani’s People-Centric 2025 Budget



By Israel Bulus, Kaduna



The Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, has praised Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani for presenting a people-focused and development-driven 2025 budget, describing it as a plan that speaks directly to the needs of citizens.

Reacting to the nearly ₦1 trillion Appropriation Bill, the largest in the state’s history, Dogara said the budget rekindles hope, particularly in rural communities long challenged by insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited access to essential services.

“Every budget carries a story. This one speaks about the people,” Dogara said. He commended the governor’s growing internally generated revenue, which has made such a comprehensive budget possible.

He noted that the emphasis on agriculture, security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure aligns closely with his own 5-point development agenda for Jema’a, which prioritises primary healthcare, basic education, empowerment and agriculture, security, and investment.

“The intention behind the figures is what matters most to me as Chairman of Jema’a. These reflect the everyday needs of our people,” Dogara said.

“I am happy that the budget is bringing hope for our people and Kaduna State in general.”

Dogara pledged to advocate for increased allocations to Jema’a Local Government, stressing that the council would ensure that approved funds directly benefit citizens.

“As chairman, I will do everything possible to push for more funds for the good of my people. When the budget is passed, we shall ensure that the people benefit. That, to me, is what leadership is all about,” he added.

The 2025 budget, themed “Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity,” prioritises security operations, rural roads, agricultural value chains, and social services, areas considered critical to economic stability and citizen well-being.

Hon. Ajayi Adekunle: A Beacon of Grassroots Leadership and Progressive Vision in Obafemi-Owode



By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo









In the evolving landscape of local governance, few leaders stand out as clearly as Hon. Ajayi Adekunle, the councillor representing Owode Ward in Obafemi-Owode Local Government. Widely regarded by his constituents as a beacon of hope and resilience, Adekunle has built a reputation anchored in community-focused service and unwavering commitment to development.







As a true grassroots politician who embodies the adage “all politics are local,” Hon. Adekunle has become a familiar and trusted name across Owode Ward. His approach to leadership is founded on visibility, accessibility, and actionable impact—qualities that have endeared him to residents and strengthened his bond with the people he serves.







Driving Development Through Tangible Projects

Hon. Adekunle’s political style is marked by purposeful interventions designed to improve daily life within his ward. His development initiatives reflect both strategic thinking and genuine empathy for community needs. Among his notable contributions are:







Installation of borehole projects, providing clean and reliable water access to residents.

“Welcome Back to School” packages crafted to encourage students and support families, especially at the start of new academic terms.

Cash empowerment programmes for petty traders, aimed at boosting small businesses and enhancing economic stability across the ward.

Educational support initiatives, emphasizing his belief that empowering youth through learning is a foundation for long-term development.



These efforts collectively highlight a pattern of leadership rooted in empowerment rather than dependency—an approach that has earned him admiration across Obafemi-Owode.







Expanding Horizons: Pursuing Investment Opportunities Abroad

Beyond local initiatives, Hon. Adekunle has demonstrated a forward-looking vision that extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. Recently, driven by his passion for progress and sustainable development, he accompanied the Executive Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Ambassador Lanrewaju Adesina Ogunsola, on a mission to the United States of America USA.







According to the information shared, the visit focused on securing agricultural investment opportunities for the local government—an ambitious step expected to:



Create new employment opportunities for young people

Enhance agricultural productivity

Strengthen food security in Ogun State and beyond

This international engagement further reflects Hon. Adekunle’s expanding political sagacity and his readiness to explore innovative avenues for local economic growth.



A Leader Worth Emulating

In a time when effective grassroots governance is more essential than ever, Hon. Ajayi Adekunle stands as an inspiring example of what determined, community-first leadership looks like. His blend of compassion, strategic thinking, and hands-on engagement continues to shape the lives of his constituents and set a high standard for local governance.







As Owode Ward and the entire Obafemi-Owode Local Government look to the future, the impact of his work is already paving the way for sustained progress and collective advancement.

Official Biography of Her Excellency Erelu Angela Adebayo: A Pillar of Ethical Leadership




Her Excellency Erelu Angela Adebayo is a distinguished Nigerian leader whose life and work exemplify compassion, integrity, ethical stewardship, and a profound commitment to public service, responsible corporate governance, and transformative philanthropy. Over the past four decades, she has emerged as one of Africa's most iconic tri-sector leaders, and most respected female figures, deeply admired for her humility, moral strength, and unwavering devotion to improving society.


*Early Life and Education*

Born on 23 September 1958, H.E. Erelu Angela Adebayo’s life reflects a rare combination of intellectual depth, strong values, and a deep-seated commitment to service. Her foundational education began at Queen’s College, Yaba. She later earned a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Social Sciences from the University of Ibadan in 1979. She furthered her academic pursuits, completing an MBA at the University of Lagos in 1982 and an MPhil in Land Economy at the University of Cambridge (Cantab.) in 1994. This comprehensive academic journey has profoundly shaped her disciplined, principled, and globally attuned leadership style.


*Professional Career and Corporate Governance*

Erelu Adebayo's corporate career is rooted in accountability, transparency, and ethical governance. She began her professional journey at ICON Merchant Bank in 1982 as a Banking Officer, later transitioning successfully into real estate, capital markets, and corporate board leadership. In these diverse sectors, she earned a reputation for fairness, strategic clarity, and moral strength.

Her distinguished service includes key roles such as: Director at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, the First Female Chairman of WEMABOD Estates Limited, Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc., Director Greenwich Trust Limited, Director Meyer Paints Plc, and Council Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX Group).

Furthermore, she serves as a Patron of the British-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce (BNCC).

Across all these roles, she has consistently championed ethical cultures, strengthened corporate governance frameworks, and ensured that institutions operate with transparency and respect for all stakeholders.


*Public Service and National Contribution*

Erelu Adebayo's commitment to the nation was most prominently displayed during her tenure as First Lady of Ekiti State (1999–2003). This period remains a high point of ethical and compassionate public service, where she delivered impactful programmes focused on women’s health, child welfare, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment, always operating with a commitment to dignity and accountability.

Her key contributions include chairing the Ekiti State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) and instituting transparent welfare support for widows and vulnerable mothers. She also spearheaded Soup Kitchen Initiatives in both Ekiti and Lagos, providing essential food support for the poor, elderly, and displaced persons. Her approach during this period set a clear benchmark for compassionate leadership anchored firmly in integrity and service to humanity.


*Philanthropy and Social Impact*

Philanthropy is unequivocally at the heart of Erelu Adebayo’s identity, defining her as one of Nigeria’s most compassionate and ethical humanitarians. She has dedicated her life to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society. Her key philanthropic roles include serving as Chairman of the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Founding Trustee at Greenwich Foundation, and as a Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation. She is also the Founder of the Erelu Adebayo Foundation.

One of her most enduring and remarkable legacies is the Erelu Adebayo Children’s Home, Iyin-Ekiti, which she founded with the deep belief that every child deserves dignity, love, and opportunity. Over the years, the home has provided shelter, protection, and education to hundreds of children. Many of these children, once abandoned or orphaned, have grown into university graduates, professionals, entrepreneurs, and responsible members of society.

This remarkable outcome stands as a profound testament to her compassion, her insistence on dignity for every child, and her commitment to building lives, not merely offering charity.

Her extensive humanitarian work also encompasses scholarship programmes, medical outreach support, women’s empowerment initiatives, counselling and rehabilitation services for victims of abuse, and structured food-support networks in Lagos and Ekiti. Her entire humanitarian approach is defined by integrity, empathy, and long-term impact, establishing a model of philanthropy rooted in accountability and love for humanity.


*Mentorship and Leadership Development*

Erelu Adebayo is intentional about raising the next generation of ethical African leaders. She serves as a dedicated mentor to countless young African professionals across various fields including public administration, finance, international development, entrepreneurship, civil society, and academia. Her mentorship philosophy strongly emphasises integrity in leadership, service before self, empathy and compassion, accountability, and excellence. Many of her mentees credit her as a guiding force who opened doors, shaped their moral compass, and inspired them to lead with both humanity and courage.


*International and Cultural Leadership*

Through her extensive global networks, Erelu Adebayo actively works to strengthen Nigeria–international relations and promote ethical business practices. As Patron of the British-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, she vigorously supports bilateral collaboration rooted in fairness, responsible investment, and mutual respect.

In her cultural capacity, she holds the highly esteemed traditional titles of Erelu of Iyin-Ekiti, Aare Erelu of Ado-Ekiti, and Erelu-Owa of Awo-Ekiti.

These positions recognise her as a cultural matriarch, peacebuilder, custodian of Yoruba values, and a revered mother figure to her communities, with her leadership promoting unity, moral discipline, and cultural continuity.


*Family Life*

Erelu Adebayo is married to His Excellency Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Their marriage is blessed with three children.


*Conclusion*

Her Excellency Erelu Angela Adebayo stands today as an exemplar of compassionate, ethical, and principled leadership across the public sector, corporate boardrooms, and philanthropy. Her life’s work, which is defined by integrity, empathy, vision, and service, continues to uplift communities, strengthen institutions, and inspire the next generation of African leaders. Her enduring impact on children, women, families, institutions, and governance in Nigeria solidifies her position as one of the nation’s most respected and enduring pillars of moral and national leadership.

Appraising Regulatory Excellence through Komolafe's Lens

By Ibrahim Idris


When the momentous task of leading a constituted regulatory edifice like NUPRC is entrusted to a single person, the world expects two things: fidelity to statutory duty and demonstrable outcomes. In Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, it is no surprising that those expectations have been largely met, and have been exceeded on many occasions by Engineer Gbenga Komolafe. Being the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Komolafe is a living metonym for “Regulatory Excellence”, one who is meticulous in method, and relentless in his delivery.

Komolafe’s regulatory excellence is a precis of performance. His ability to expressly use technological modernity to reorient the upstream governance from an era of opaque process to one that’s characterized by clearer rules, timelier approvals, and an insistence on environmental and fiscal accountability, speaks a lot about the valuable experiences he has gotten over decades of commitment.

Trained as an engineer and a lawyer, and steeped in decades of hands-on experience at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries, Komolafe is a practitioner-turned-regulator who understands the idiosyncrasies of Nigeria’s oil industry from the pumpjack to the policy memo. His appointment as the inaugural CEO of the NUPRC in 2021 placed him at the fulcrum of the Petroleum Industry Act’s (PIA) ambitious reordering of upstream governance.

Is arrival at the NUPRC with credentials that signal both technical proficiency and institutional knowledge, present him as the perfect leader who could translate the PIA text from just abstract into implementable regulations, and pragmatic decision that would uplift investor confidence while protecting the national patrimony. Komolafe as proven himself capable.

In a capital-intensive industry such as upstream oil and gas, it is well-known that one of the strongest indicators of regulatory is the predictability and timeliness of approvals. Under Komolafe’s leadership, the NUPRC proven this efficiency rationalizing transactional approvals while insisting on enforceable conditions that protect communities and the environment. A salient example is the commission’s approvals of onshore asset sales in 2024 which saw a sign-offs on transactions involving major operators.

However, this action created a new willingness to clear transactions that has been long affected by regulatory uncertainty, on the condition that buyers accept responsibility for remediation and community compensation. This accelerated market orderliness while ensuring that liabilities linked to environmental damage are not abdicated. It further enabled market continuity and protected public interest. This posture which is neither reflexively permissive nor immovably obstructionist, has produced a healthier investment rhythm. By setting clear conditions and timelines, Komolafe and his team have sent a market signal: Nigeria’s upstream sector can transact with greater legal certainty, and the regulator will enforce compliance without needlessly obstructing legitimate commercial pathways.

Komolafe’s NUPRC understood that regulatory excellence in the contemporary petroleum sector is inseparable from environmental stewardship, and a regulator that fails to harmonize extractive activity with climate commitments, will over time, undermine both national credibility and long-term resource value. Therefore on this note, the commission foregrounded decarbonization as an operational requirement rather than a rhetorical afterthought that is hardly being implemented.

Moreover, the launching and enforcement of the Upstream Petroleum Decarbonisation Template (UPDT), and the insistence that licence applicants demonstrate low-carbon credentials and evidence of renewable-energy integration, constitute an important normative shift. The NUPRC, on the 1st of January 2025, stipulated a regulatory condition that aligns Nigeria’s upstream licensing with expectations of global nations’ governance and investor desire for lower-carbon portfolios. These administrative structuring operationalize decarbonization by embedding measurable mitigation commitments into the licence lifecycle. This has become a blueprint for good governance whereby, applicants must present verifiable plans, timelines to work with, and monitoring structure.

Komolafe has made his policy more persuasive by proving it with real data. Under his leadership, the NUPRC reported a notable growth in national oil reserves and a substantial uptick in production between April 2023 and November 2024, accompanied by a marked reduction in theft and deferments. This was made possible due to the good relationship the commission fostered with security agencies and its deployment of monitoring systems contributed to these improvements. These outcomes are mot accidental; they are results from all elements of a regulatory strategy that prizes accountability.

Regulation often plays a catalytic role in attracting and preserving investment. Metrics like, rig count, capital commitments, and licensing round outcomes that investors watch out for, has shown progressive movement under Komolafe’s watch. It is reported that active rig count has increased geometrically from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025, revealing a 763% increase, and substantial investments flowing into exploration and production activities indicate a renewed operational momentum. These shifts are consistent with a regulatory environment that has become less volatile and more adjudicatively certain.

In practical terms, this is consequential because, higher rig counts mean more acreage is being tested and developed; new investments translate into jobs, forward and backward linkages, and enhanced fiscal inflows for the state. The regulator’s role here has been to create an enabling framework, one that clarifies title transfers, streamlines licencing, and enforces compliance, thereby lowering perceived sovereign risk and unlocking capital that had hitherto been reticent.

Under Komolafe, the NUPRC has been proactive in institutionalizing technical and procedural tools that make oversight more effective and less discretionary: the promulgation of measurement regulations, the introduction of the Advanced Cargo Declaration Mechanism, and the modernization of the licensing apparatus are illustrative. This action of his aligns with the popular saying that, “Great regulators are not only arbiters; they are architects of process. “

There is an often observed strain among public figures where they substitute verbosity for efficacy. If you are looking for a talkative then you may seek salvation elsewhere, because unlike most, Komolafe’s modus operandi, by contrast, privileges "speaking with action." To be clear, Komolafe’s leadership has been accompanied by tangible communication of policy direction, stakeholder consultations, and public reporting. The difference is tone: where many an official indulges in florid programmes of rhetorical self-congratulation, Komolafe’s communications tend to be utilitarian, one that is aimed at clarity and compliance rather than propaganda.

The validations from local and international bodies are innumerable. Under Komolafe, the commission has garnered multiple awards and recognition for service delivery and regulatory ingenuity. These accolades are not end-goals; they are signposts that the industry and peer institutions acknowledge the seriousness of the reform trajectory. Awards and commendations, when paired with measurable results, strengthen the claim that the NUPRC is not merely performing administratively but is effecting legitimate sectoral transformation.

Komolafe’s NUPRC has been an early adopter of the emergent architecture of next generation: one that integrated digital tracking, balance measurements, and embeds climate-related frameworks within licencing. This is a blueprint that is instructive, making regulators synthesizing being business-friendly and being accountable together, rather than choosing one when it’s possible t have both through rule-making and consistent enforcement.

Komolafe leadership style is a deliberate one which is result oriented, and synonymous with outcomes. He is the procedural craftsman who gets things done. Believe me, if you are interested in an administrator who gives priority to Law and demonstrable gains, Komolafe is the perfect exemplary figure: the “Sure Plug” for a sector that needs a good blend of legalism and pragmatism.

There is no doubt that Nigeria’s upstream sector remains complex and evolving. But the successes under Komolafe are credible progress markers that ensure sustenance. They have proven that when a leader combines transparency with technological tools and strategic partnerships, the result is governance that produces both public value and investor confidence. For that reason, Gbenga Komolafe is not merely a regulator among many, he is a case study in how regulatory institutions can be rebuilt, not by rhetoric, but by disciplined action.

Idris is an oil and gas expert contributed this piece NNPC Quarters, KAduna.

‘PIA Implementation on Track’ — Niger Delta Accountability Network Knocks Reps Committee Over ‘Misleading’ Trillion-Naira Claims





An oil and gas watchdog, the Niger Delta Accountability and Resource Protection Network (NDARPN), has refuted claims by the House of Representatives Committee on the South South Development Commission alleging that Nigeria’s failure to implement key Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) funds has deprived the region of over ₦1 trillion.

In a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt, the group’s president, Comrade Ebikabo West, described the committee’s assertions as “sensational, misleading and potentially damaging to the investment stabilisation the PIA has steadily cultivated”.

West said the PIA’s implementation by the respective regulatory bodies, particularly in the management of host community development funds and environmental obligations, has been impactful and more transparent than any pre-PIA framework.

He warned lawmakers against political statements that could “erode investor confidence or disrupt the delicate progress achieved so far”.

“It is simply inaccurate to suggest that the Niger Delta has been denied trillions because the funds are not being operated in the dramatic fashion being portrayed,” West said.

“The host communities development provisions of the PIA are being effectively and rigorously monitored. The regulatory framework now ensures that communities benefit directly, with clear oversight and traceability.”

According to him, the PIA created enforceable obligations that regulators now track with far stronger compliance mechanisms than existed before.

He added that the narrative of “non-implementation” ignores verifiable progress across host communities and environmental management.

“We must be careful not to weaponise environmental concerns or misrepresent regulatory processes. Such portrayals undermine the credibility of reforms and weaken the collective fight for environmental justice,” West warned.

He also emphasised that Nigeria is steadily rebuilding the confidence of multinational oil companies that exited the country due to years of regulatory instability, conflicting directives and institutional pressure that once “strangled investment”.

“After decades of uncertainty, Nigeria now has a stable legislative and fiscal environment. It is only wise to allow the relevant agencies to carry out their mandates strictly within the dictates of the PIA. Any attempt to drag them into political theatrics will jeopardise the gradual return of investor confidence,” the group added.

NDARPN said the National Assembly’s oversight role is important, but must be evidence-based and not driven by assumptions capable of creating confusion or tension in the sector.

“What the Niger Delta needs is consolidation, not disruption. Let the institutions empowered by the PIA continue their work without undue pressure. That is the surest path to accountability, environmental protection and sustainable development,” West advised.

Declare State Of Emergency In Zamfara To Sanction Governor Now, Human Rights Watchdog Tells Tinubu





The Human Rights Watchdog in Africa (HRWA) has demanded that President Bola Tinubu declare a state of emergency in the troubled northwest state, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of fueling insecurity through reckless political gamesmanship and a blatant disregard for human life.

The urgent call, issued on November 28, 2025, comes in direct response to explosive reports that over 500 inmates convicted of banditry-related offences—many jailed under previous administrations—have been mysteriously released from the Gusau Correctional Facility.

Insiders at the facility revealed that among the freed prisoners were 69 hardened bandits who allegedly received a secret state pardon from Governor Lawal as far back as September 2025.

Further details emerged that these ex-inmates were funnelled through the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board for "religious amnesty," ostensibly to aid their reintegration into society.

Compounding the outrage, sources confirmed that eight suspects remanded in January 2022 for heinous crimes—including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, dealing in human parts, and cannibalism—were among those who benefited from what HRWA described as Lawal's "backdoor amnesty."

The releases, tied to convictions from the tenures of former Governor Senator Abdul'aziz Yari and ex-Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle (now Minister of State Defence), have plunged thousands of Zamfara residents into "a serious circle of confusion and fear," with communities bracing for a potential resurgence of violence.

HRWA Executive Director Samson Adamu, in a fiery statement, lambasted Lawal for treating the state's rampant banditry crisis as a mere political football.

"This is sacrilegious and totally against humanity," Adamu declared. "Governor Lawal has never truly taken the insecurity plaguing Zamfara seriously—always playing politics while our people bleed.

"Since he assumed office, things have deteriorated catastrophically: villages razed, families torn apart, and now this betrayal by unleashing convicted killers back onto our streets under the guise of amnesty."

Adamu accused Governor Lawal of empty boasts about ending banditry "in two months" while secretly shielding perpetrators.

"It's a mockery of justice and a death sentence for innocent civilians. How can a leader who claims to know every bandit kingpin's hideout—down to their phone locations—then pardon the very monsters terrorising his people?

"This isn't governance; it's complicity. Lawal's actions have emboldened criminals, eroded trust in the system, and turned Zamfara into a bandit haven. If he won't protect his citizens, President Tinubu must step in—now."

The watchdog urged Tinubu to invoke emergency powers under the Nigerian Constitution to suspend Lawal, overhaul the state's security apparatus, and launch a federal probe into the pardons. "Sanction him hard," Adamu emphasised.

"Strip away his authority before more blood is spilled. HRWA stands with the voiceless victims of Zamfara; we will not rest until accountability prevails."

IWA’s Unprecedented Achievements: A Call for Continuity in Ogun State House of Assembly, Constituency 2

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo



In the evolving landscape of grassroots development in Ogun State, Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayodele—widely known as IWA—has continued to distinguish himself through impactful representation and people-centered initiatives. As the member representing Abeokuta South Constituency 2 in the Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA), his tenure has been marked by strategic development projects and tangible interventions that have improved the lives of constituents across communities.



Hon. IWA’s leadership philosophy is built on accessibility, responsiveness, and a deep commitment to the welfare of his people. These values have guided the numerous projects he has delivered—projects that resonate with the needs of ordinary citizens and reflect a clear understanding of grassroots priorities.



Among his notable achievements is the renovation and support of public primary schools across the constituency, providing students with a safer and more conducive learning environment. His focus on educational development extends to scholarship schemes that have given countless young people renewed hope and expanded opportunities. Through these efforts, IWA has demonstrated that quality education remains a cornerstone of community advancement.



The health sector has also benefited significantly from his representation. Upgrades to primary health centers, provision of essential medical supplies, and facilitation of improved community healthcare services have strengthened the wellbeing of residents—especially women, children, and the elderly. His attention to healthcare accessibility underscores his belief that a healthy community is the foundation of sustainable development.



Equally impactful are his empowerment programs, which have supported aged citizens, local traders, artisans, and small business owners. These initiatives have not only provided financial relief but have also enhanced economic participation and independence for beneficiaries. By targeting vulnerable groups and grassroots entrepreneurs, IWA continues to promote inclusive development within the constituency.



As the forthcoming election approaches, many constituents and observers believe that continuity will help consolidate and expand on the progress already achieved. Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayodele has expressed his readiness to continue delivering results if entrusted with a solid eight-year mandate at the Ogun State House of Assembly. His vision for the next phase includes deeper community engagements, more infrastructural development, and strengthened social support systems.



With a track record marked by service, transparency, and measurable impact, IWA stands as a testament to what effective representation can accomplish. His achievements have set a high standard for constituency leadership, and many believe that continuity will further accelerate growth and development in Ogun State.



As voters prepare for the next electoral cycle, Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayodele’s message is clear: the work continues, the people come first, and the future holds even greater promise with sustained, focused leadership.

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo




In the heart of Ogun Central, a figure stands out not merely for his political roles but for his unwavering commitment to humanity. Engineer Taiwo Oludotun TWINNY, a proud son of Abeokuta North, has earned a reputation as a leader whose passion for service transcends politics and personal ambition.



Fondly described as “a man of the people” and “a lover of youths,” Oludotun’s impact is evident across communities, especially among students, young entrepreneurs, widowers, and the elderly. For years, he has provided educational support, business capital, and welfare interventions—gestures that continue without reduction or hesitation. His philanthropy has earned him several recognitions across Ogun State and beyond, enriching his public profile and strengthening his bond with the people.



Unlike many contemporaries in the political landscape, Oludotun leads with calm, integrity, and admirable restraint. He is known for prioritizing peace over personal gain, never approaching political positions with a “do-or-die” mindset. This unique humility and people-first orientation have distinguished him as a politician with a difference.



His commitment to development was evident during his tenure as Commissioner for Urban and Regional Development under Governor Dapo Abiodun's first term. His performance was widely acknowledged as impressive and impactful. Today, as the Commissioner for Forestry in Ogun State, he continues to break new ground, achieving milestones that set new standards for the ministry—records his predecessors could not match.



Oludotun’s leadership style is driven by a deep passion for service and a desire to put things right. As an accomplished engineer and administrator, he combines technical expertise with genuine compassion, making him a model public servant in Ogun State.



In Ogun Central Senatorial District and beyond, Taiwo Oludotun stands tall as a rare blend of generosity, professionalism, and visionary leadership—an ever-reliable figure whose contributions continue to uplift countless lives.

Group Hails Tinubu, Matawalle, Security Chiefs for Rescue of 24 Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls






The Network for Peace and Development (NPD) has described the successful rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, as “a divine victory and a resounding testament to decisive presidential leadership.”

In a statement issued this evening and signed by its Executive Director, Rev. Moses Adamu, the group praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his immediate and firm directive that produced results in record time.

“To the glory of God Almighty, our daughters are back home alive and unharmed,” Rev. Adamu declared.

“This miracle did not happen by chance. It is the direct result of Mr. President’s fatherly resolve when he ordered the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State and ensure the girls were brought back alive. That single instruction changed everything.”

The NPD singled out Dr. Matawalle for special commendation, describing his physical presence in the state as the turning point in the operation.

“Dr. Matawalle did not sit in Abuja issuing press releases. He moved to the theatre of operation, coordinated the forces on ground, and led from the front.

“Today, Kebbi and the entire nation are celebrating because of his courage and commitment,” the statement read.

Rev. Adamu also poured encomiums on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and troops who executed what he called “a flawless rescue mission.”

“These gallant men and women worked day and night, risking their lives in difficult terrain, because leadership at the very top gave them no option but failure.”

The Network revealed that it worked hand-in-hand with the federal security forces throughout the eight-day ordeal, supplying vital community intelligence and mobilising local hunters.

“We saw first-hand the determination of our security agencies when they are backed by a President who means business,” Rev. Adamu said.

While rejoicing with the families, the NPD mourned the death of the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who was killed during the attack, and prayed for his soul.

The group urged sustained momentum in securing schools nationwide, declaring: “Today, Mr. President, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and our security forces have shown that no child will be abandoned in the hands of criminals as long as this administration is in power.”

Akinosho’s Regular Faulty View and A Regulator’s Achievements

By Bukola Olasanmi


On the surface, the piece published in the online and PDF editions of the Africa Oil+Gas Report on 24 November 2025 under the title “The irregularities of the regulator will keep Nigeria’s upstream underachieving” wears the respectable garb of a professional intervention designed to stimulate debate and provoke corrective action.

A closer, honest reading instantly betrays the personal grievance of the publisher, Toyin Akinosho, who has cynically disguised his private shopping list as an “editorial.” The deliberate distortion of facts, the selective deployment of half-truths, and the insertion of outright falsehoods disgrace the very idea of an editorial—an exercise that is meant to be impartial, disinterested, and committed solely to the public good. For the remainder of this rebuttal, therefore, the article will be correctly described as Akinosho’s opinion piece, not as any official editorial of the Africa Oil+Gas Report.

To dignify it with the label “editorial” would be an insult to every serious publication that has ever taken a principled stand on issues of national importance. In that single article, Akinosho has managed to commit what amounts to journalistic fraud in print. Were he still resident in Nigeria rather than safely ensconced abroad where he now peddles his wares, a strong case could be made for charging him with criminal defamation and cyber-stalking.

By rushing into print, he has implicated himself beyond rescue. Had he kept his resentments private, some people might still have mistaken his silence for wisdom. Instead, he has chosen to advertise the hollowness of the “decades of experience” he so loudly trumpets—experience that now stands exposed as little more than recycled gossip, hot air, and copy-paste plagiarism from the NUPRC website and social-media handles.

One would not be surprised if, cornered by the collapse of his latest stunt, he resurrects his decade-old trick of claiming “assassination attempts” in order to cloak his fabrications in a martyr’s robe. His only plausible plea at this point is ignorance; everything else—malice, envy, and mercenary interest—is already on full display.

Akinosho’s tirade against the NUPRC (and by extension its leadership) conveniently omits the elementary truth that attracting investment into any sector is never the responsibility of a single regulator acting in isolation. Global capital flows are shaped by security, fiscal policy, judicial certainty, infrastructure, and a dozen other variables. A responsible analyst would at least have acknowledged the devastating impact of Nigeria’s lingering insecurity on investor confidence.

Instead, Akinosho remained silent on the subject, preferring to train his guns exclusively on the Commission while pretending the broader context does not exist. Yet even within this hostile operating environment, the NUPRC under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe has delivered results that no honest observer can dismiss as modest.

The aggressive roll-out of improved metering infrastructure has driven crude-oil theft and losses to a 16-year low by mid-2025. The 2024–2025 divestment programmes and licensing rounds have been widely praised for transparency and competitiveness. The Project One Million Barrels incremental initiative has already added approximately 250,000 barrels per day of sustainable production. These are verifiable, quantifiable achievements—facts that sit uncomfortably with Akinosho’s narrative of failure and therefore had to be ignored entirely.

The mask slips completely in the seventh paragraph, where he laments: “Hopes that NUPRC’s appointment earlier this year of a professional with business journalism experience and a track record of demanding transparency from powerful individuals and institutions as its head of communications would lead to predictable and timely release of data have been dashed.”
Translation: “They should have given the job to me. I have a geology degree, industry exposure, and I run a newsletter—never mind that my ‘journalism’ consists largely of lifting NUPRC press releases verbatim and selling them to foreign subscribers as proprietary analysis.

Fire the current spokesman and install me instead.” It is a naked, pathetic job application dressed up as public-interest commentary. One sincerely hopes that the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, treats this tawdry piece of blackmail with the contempt it deserves. Intellectual laziness is the kindest explanation for such a shoddy, narrow-gauge outburst.

The days when Akinosho could simply harvest data from the NUPRC website, repackage it with minimal effort, and flog it abroad as “exclusive insight” are over. The Commission now releases timely, detailed, world-class data directly to the public—cutting out the parasitic middlemen who used to monetise information that was never theirs to sell. That is the real source of his rage: the tap has been turned off, and the easy money has dried up.

Let Toyin Akinosho understand this clearly: his attempt to denigrate an institution that has become a benchmark of competence and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector is doomed to fail—now and always.

What is truly galling is the shameless plagiarism that has sustained Akinosho’s “career” for years. Page after page of his paid reports, sometimes sold for thousands of dollars to unsuspecting international clients, are nothing more than lightly reworded copies of press releases, presentations, and social-media infographics. He adds a few adjectives, changes a headline, and pockets the money while contributing zero original research, zero fieldwork, and zero value.

Now that the Commission publishes everything in real time—with infographics, spreadsheets, and interactive dashboards—he has been reduced to a digital scavenger screaming because the free buffet has been replaced by an open, transparent cafeteria that no longer needs his waiter services.

The irony is delicious: a man who postures as the conscience of Nigerian upstream is in reality its most conspicuous freeloader. While genuine journalists and analysts burn shoe leather attending technical meetings, interviewing engineers, and crunching data, Akinosho sits abroad, copies, pastes, and cashes cheques. His entire brand—built on the borrowed credibility of other people’s work—is collapsing in real time, and the panic is palpable.

This November 2025 tantrum is not the cry of a wounded patriot; it is the death rattle of a hustler whose business model has been rendered obsolete by competence and openness. Finally, spare us the pretence of elder-statesman gravitas.

A man who has spent years dining out on the NUPRC’s intellectual property now has the effrontery to lecture the same institution on “irregularities” because it refused to hand him a salaried position he never applied for through proper channels. The sheer sense of entitlement would be comical if it were not so pathetic.

Toyin Akinosho is not a victim of regulatory failure; he is a casualty of his own laziness, greed, and the irreversible triumph of institutional excellence over parasitic pamphleteering. History will record him not as a chronicler of Nigeria’s oil industry, but as a cautionary tale of what happens when a mediocre middleman mistakes access for talent and plagiarism for journalism. The NUPRC has moved on. He never began.

***Olasanmi is a legislative writer with a focus in oil and gas

Kebbi APC youths berate Zamfara PDP over reckless comments on kidnapped students

****urge security agencies to investigate opposition's role in insecurity


The Kebbi APC Youth Forum has condemned the Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for sabotaging the ongoing rescue of 24 female students kidnapped from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, inthe Talata-Mafara area of Kebbi state.

The youths, in a statement signed by their Chairman, Comrade Nasiru Maga, and circulated to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, described the Zamfara PDP’s recent press statement criticizing the deployment of Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to coordinate the rescue as “heartless, wicked, and tantamount to giving comfort to terrorists.”

“While our daughters are spending another terrifying night in the bush, Governor Dauda Lawal and his media thugs are busy typing press releases to frustrate the rescue mission just because the man leading the operation is their political enemy,” the statement read.

“This is no longer politics; this is dancing on the blood of innocent children.”

The group reminded Governor Lawal of his 2023 campaign promise to end banditry in Zamfara within two months, adding that two years later, the state has become “the undisputed capital of kidnapping, mass murder and highway robbery in the North-West.”

“Dauda Lawal has abandoned the people he swore to protect. His only achievement is turning Zamfara into a no-go area while he and his cabal loot the treasury,” the youths charged.

The forum specifically accused the governor of repeatedly plotting to have President Bola Tinubu sack Matawalle out of “sheer jealousy and bitterness,” and said the latest press release was the governor’s revenge for failing to remove the minister.

The Kebbi APC Youth Forum urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police, and the National Intelligence Agency to immediately open an investigation into “Governor Dauda Lawal’s open romance with bandit elements and the treasonable conduct of his media team.”

“Criticising a rescue operation ordered by the President and executed by security forces while schoolgirls are still in captivity is a national security offence. We demand that Governor Dauda Lawal, his spokesman, and every PDP official who signed or endorsed that wicked statement be invited for questioning without delay,” they declared.

The youths praised President Tinubu for cancelling his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa the moment he received news of the abduction, and expressed total confidence in Matawalle, whom they described as “the same man who crushed bandits when he was governor of Zamfara.”

“We are confident that within days, Dr Bello Matawalle will bring our 24 daughters home alive. No amount of distraction from failed politicians like Dauda Lawal will stop him,” the statement concluded.

Pan African Parliament Hails Nigeria’s Laudable Milestones In Petroleum Sector Reforms

***To Adopt Model Law on Resource Management


The Pan African Parliament (PAP) has commended Nigeria for its remarkable and historic turnaround in the petroleum sector, describing the country’s upstream reforms as a benchmark for the continent.

At the conclusion of a fourteen-day special syndicate meeting of West African parliamentarians held in Johannesburg to deliberate on African resource management and the urgent need for a continental model law, PAP members declared Nigeria’s faithful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 the practical template that other African oil-producing nations should emulate.

The meeting resolved to fast-track the drafting of a Model Law on Natural Resource Governance, with Nigeria’s transparent, predictable and investment-friendly licensing regime repeatedly cited as the central reference point.

At the centre of the continent’s admiration is Nigeria’s dramatic production rebound. Official figures confirm the country has repeatedly surpassed 1.7 million barrels per day in 2025, decisively ending a decade of stagnation caused by security challenges, operational setbacks and chronic investor hesitation.

Nigeria now stands firmly on course to achieve its long-standing target of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2026. A near-70 rig count recorded this year—the highest in almost a decade—with more than forty rigs still active, reflects the strongest upstream drilling activity in years and unmistakable evidence that global investor sentiment has turned decisively in Nigeria’s favour.

This transformation has been powered by multi-billion-dollar Final Investment Decisions, the approval of Field Development Plans worth approximately twenty billion dollars in the past ten months, and rigorous enforcement of the PIA’s “drill or drop” provisions, which have seen idle and fallow discoveries systematically recovered and prepared for immediate reallocation to serious developers.

Nigeria has also replaced irregular and opaque bid rounds with annual licensing cycles, delivering the regulatory predictability investors have long demanded.

The 2025 licensing round, opening on 1 December, is already regarded as one of the most strategically important since the PIA was enacted in 2021.

Built on the fully digital, transparent and livestreamed platform that won universal acclaim in 2024, the exercise will offer around twenty-four blocks across onshore, shallow-water and deep-offshore terrains, with a deliberate emphasis on natural gas alongside crude oil in line with Nigeria’s energy-transition commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Massamba Dieng of Senegal told journalists at the close of the meeting: “What Nigeria has achieved in less than five years is nothing short of revolutionary for Africa.

"The disciplined enforcement of ‘drill or drop’, the return to annual licensing rounds conducted on a fully digital and transparent platform, and the recovery of billions of barrels in stranded assets have turned Nigeria into the continent’s most attractive upstream destination.

"We in Senegal and across West Africa intend to borrow heavily from this model as we craft our own reforms.”

Hon. Salifu Jawo, Gambian member of the Pan African Parliament, added: “Nigeria’s leadership extends beyond its borders through its chairmanship of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

"The practical knowledge being shared through AFRIPERF is already helping smaller producers design better regulatory frameworks. The combination of political will, legislative clarity in the PIA, and courageous regulatory execution has given Africa a success story we can all replicate.

"This is why the Model Law we are drafting will be built largely on Nigeria’s experience.”

Adding further weight to Nigeria’s continental influence is its current presidency of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), held by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

Parliamentarians noted that Nigeria’s bold reforms are being actively disseminated across the continent through AFRIPERF platforms, offering practical guidance to regulators seeking to attract investment and maximise resource value.

As the Pan African Parliament prepares to adopt a continent-wide Model Law on Resource Management, members unanimously agreed that Nigeria’s journey—from near-collapse to renewed vigour under the transformative framework of the Petroleum Industry Act and its exemplary leadership of AFRIPERF—will serve as the cornerstone of that historic legislation.

Zamfara APC Accuses PDP Government of Sabotaging National Security Efforts Over Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Kidnapping





The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a blistering attack on the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration, accusing it of deliberately undermining federal efforts to rescue 24 female students abducted from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Wednesday.

In a strongly worded statement issued Friday by the APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party described a recent press release by the “dissolved” Zamfara PDP as “shameful, disgraceful and unpatriotic,” claiming it was designed to sabotage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to personally coordinate the rescue operation.

The APC statement highlighted that President Tinubu cancelled a scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa immediately after receiving news of the abduction – a move the party contrasted with previous administrations under Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, during whose tenures the Chibok, Dapchi, Jangebe, Kankara and Birnin Yauri abductions occurred without similar presidential cancellations of foreign engagements.

“Instead of sympathising with the people and government of Kebbi State, the Zamfara PDP chose to issue a statement that can only be described as felony,” the APC said, questioning whether the PDP-led state government has “a partnership with bandits terrorising the North-West.”

The party further accused Governor Dauda Lawal of abandoning security responsibilities, alleging that banditry has worsened dramatically in the two years since he took over from Matawalle in 2023.

It claimed all major roads in the state are now closed by 6:00 pm, many have become “death traps,” and travellers are forced to detour through Sokoto State to reach Gusau, the state capital.

The APC also repeated earlier allegations that the PDP government harbours bandits and that some armed political thugs travel in the governor’s convoy, citing past incidents where innocent citizens were reportedly shot.

In a direct challenge, the party asked the PDP spokesman, Halliru Andi, to tell Zamfara residents “whether the security situation has improved or escalated” since Governor Lawal took office, noting that the governor had promised during his 2023 campaign to end banditry within two months.

The statement praised former Governor Matawalle’s past efforts against banditry and expressed confidence that, in his current role as Minister of State for Defence, he will successfully coordinate the rescue of the 24 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls.

Exclusive: Zamfara Gov. Daudal Lawal Weaponises Fake News Against Tibunu’s Government




The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has reportedly escalated moves to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration after failing to get a nod to defect from his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with actions taken by the governor’s camp cited a report by an online platform, titled “EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC — Former Aide” as the start of a disinformation campaign to target President Tinubu through his appointees.

One of the sources, who craved anonymity because of the fear of reprisal, revealed that the Zamfara state governor has given a marching order for his associates to “Unleash calculated spread of misinformation to deflect attention from his own dealings while sowing discord within the government at the center.”

He further revealed that “The story on Matawalle, for instance, is only the first among things that would come out soon. You can see how it relied on someone they kept referring to as the Minister’s former aide. It was a deliberate tactic to discredit Tinubu’s allies, especially by floating and fueling stories that implicate key figures in the security challenges in the Northwest.”

Another source revealed that Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, who previously served as Honorary Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs to former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, was the person behind the story attempting to implicate the Minister in banditry.

He said, “Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi is the person they used in that story. Interestingly, some of us had warned that it could backfire because the same Shinkafi was even arrested in the past with terrorist links and he is presently a very close ally of the Governor. So, by the same token His Excellency Dauda Lawal must also be accused of being in bed with bandits.”

“Shinkafi had calculated that he could increase his political estate when the governor defects to the APC have been upset that this would not happen so long as Matawalle continues to deliver as Minister of State for Defence. So, he is leveraging his past as Matawalle’s ex-aide to be feeding Dauda Lawal and Sahara Reporters with false reports,” the source explained.

Zamfara Youths Dismiss Matawalle’s Alleged Fresh Links To Bandits As Recycled Lies




The Zamfara Youth Network (ZYN) has described SaharaReporters publication alleging that Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, gave 36 Hilux vehicles to bandits and still chats with terrorists as a complete and malicious lie from beginning to end.

Speaking in Gusau today, Comrade Musa Usman said the story is nothing but a desperate attempt to rubbish the outstanding results the Minister has delivered since his appointment.

The youth body stated categorically that no such vehicles were ever handed to bandits under Matawalle’s watch as governor or as minister.

“These are recycled lies that were investigated and thrown away by security agencies years ago,” Musa said.

“Every single bandit leader mentioned in the story is already dead – neutralised by the same military operations Matawalle is directing right now. Dead men cannot drive Hilux vehicles and they cannot chat on WhatsApp.”

The ZYN further declared that the so-called “whistle-blower” does not exist in any government record.

“We have checked the payrolls from 2019 to 2023. No aide with that description ever existed. The story is pure fiction designed to distract Nigerians from the fact that Zamfara is enjoying its best peace in over a decade because of Matawalle’s aggressive push against terrorists.”

The youth network accused jittery politicians who are losing grip in Zamfara and across the North-West of sponsoring the false report.

“These are the same people who were paying monthly allowances to bandit leaders when they were in office. Now that those leaders are being eliminated one by one, they are running scared and looking for any lie to regain relevance,” he stated.

They pointed fingers at individuals who have been sidelined by the people and are now using foreign-based blogs to fight their battles.

“2027 is coming and they know Zamfara will never vote for anyone who once negotiated with killers. So they are using SaharaReporters to throw mud at the one man who has brought real peace to our state.”

Usman said: “Matawalle has done what nobody before him could do. Markets are open again, schools are full, farmers sleep on their farms without fear. Bandits are running or dying every week. This is the success some people cannot swallow, so they pay bloggers in America to vomit lies.”

The network warned that any politician still romancing the old failed strategy of blackmail will be exposed and rejected by the youths and women of Zamfara.

Usman added: “I speak for every youth in Zamfara when I say: Minister Matawalle is working day and night with our gallant soldiers. He visits the troops, he brings equipment, he brings morale.

“The peace we enjoy today is because of him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Anybody insulting Matawalle is insulting the blood of our soldiers and the tears of our mothers.

“We challenge SaharaReporters and their sponsors: bring that your whistle-blower to Channels TV or AIT tomorrow morning and let him swear on the Holy Qur’an with his full face and name. If he refuses, every Nigerian will know this story is 100 % opposition poison.

“To the failed politicians hiding behind this lie: your time is finished. The youths and women of Zamfara are now awake. We will defend this peace with our lives.”

“Thank you, President Tinubu. Thank you, Minister Matawalle. Because of you, our children now go to school without paying ransom. We will never allow liars to drag your name in the mud.”

Oil and Gas Network Commends NUPRC for Effective, Responsible Deployment of Frontier Exploration Fund





The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, for what it described as the “transparent, responsible, and judicious” management of the Frontier Exploration Fund, saying the Commission’s handling of the statutory allocation has ensured the money is used strictly for the purpose prescribed in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

In a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt, the coalition said recent public conversations surrounding the Fund had made it necessary to “set the record straight” and acknowledge the regulatory diligence that has guided its utilisation under Komolafe’s leadership.

According to the group, the NUPRC has demonstrated “commendable discipline and clarity of purpose” in deploying the Fund, insisting that ongoing frontier basin activities ranging from seismic acquisition to exploratory drilling campaigns reflect the Commission’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s reserve base and improving long-term energy security.

“The NUPRC, led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has shown a rare commitment to accountability and sectoral discipline in the management of the Frontier Exploration Fund,” the statement, signed by Comrade Boma Kenule, reads.

“Every kobo has been channelled towards what the PIA intended; stimulating exploration in frontier basins, derisking new terrains, and ensuring that prospective hydrocarbon fields receive the technical attention they require. This is what responsible regulation looks like.”

The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network said its assessment of NUPRC’s stewardship was based on ongoing field reports and consultations with industry operators who have attested to the Commission’s methodical approach to frontier development. It added that, at a time when global capital for fossil exploration is tightening, Nigeria cannot afford mismanagement or policy inconsistency in the sector.

“What is particularly noteworthy is that Komolafe’s leadership has brought renewed credibility to the frontier exploration framework. He has consistently prioritised efficiency, ensured that contractors meet performance benchmarks, and maintained a clear line of engagement with host communities and state governments involved in exploration activities,” the coalition said.

The watchdog group also argued that effective management of the Fund has contributed to renewed investor confidence in pre-development exploration, noting that the expansion of reserves is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s production capacity over the next decade.

“Those who follow frontier basin work understand that exploration is capital-intensive, time-bound, and technically demanding. The NUPRC’s prudent handling of the Fund has guaranteed that investments go exactly where they should. This is why stakeholders continue to express confidence in the Commission’s technical leadership,” the statement continued.

The coalition urged the Federal Government to continue strengthening the autonomy and operational capacity of the NUPRC, noting that the commission is central to ensuring transparency and preventing any misuse of statutory sector-wide funds.

It further called on the media and political actors to avoid mischaracterising official remarks on the Fund, warning that unfounded narratives or poorly contextualised reports could distract from the progress being made in frontier exploration.

“At a time when the sector needs clarity rather than noise, it is important to acknowledge institutions that are performing their statutory duties with diligence. The NUPRC has kept faith with the PIA and with the Nigerian people, and that should be recognised,” the statement added.

The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring regulatory compliance across the sector and said it would continue to spotlight agencies that uphold transparency, safeguard public resources, and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term energy outlook.