By Philip Agbese

The seeds of greatness are often sown in the fertile soil of community, nurtured by the collective efforts of individuals who dare to dream big. For Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, it was always about the people. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs have guided his journey as a leader, inspiring him to build bridges, empower lives, and create opportunities that have transformed the landscape of Bichi Federal Constituency and beyond.

Recently, his commitment to public service and education was recognised with an honorary degree from the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, another proof of his outstanding contributions to the development of education in his constituency and beyond. This achievement is a fitting tribute to a leader who has dedicated his life to the service of others.

On a crisp October 2, 1981, a future leader was born in the ancient town of Bichi, Kano State. Rt. Hon.Bichi’s journey began with a spark of curiosity, fuelled by his education at Dadin Kowa Science College. His academic pursuits took him across borders to the New York Institute of Technology, where he earned not one, but two esteemed degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Science in Energy Management.

Years later, the call to serve his people became too loud to ignore. In 2019, Rt. Hon. Bichi heeded the call, stepping into the Federal House of Representatives as the voice of Bichi Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His constituents’ trust in him was evident when they re-elected him in 2023, eager for him to continue his impactful work.

As Bichi’s reputation as a leader grew, so did his influence. He became a respected voice, known for building bridges and fostering meaningful relationships. Whether in the halls of power or in the communities he served, he invested in people, forging genuine friendships and alliances that would last a lifetime. His commitment to public service was matched only by his compassion for those he represented. As Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Rt. Hon. Bichi rolled up his sleeves and got to work, using his diplomatic finesse to bring critical infrastructure projects to life.

The Lagos-Badagry Road, Abuja-Kano Road, and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria Road took shape under his watchful eye, connecting cities and towns, and opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. But Bichi’s legacy wasn’t just about roads and rails – it was about people. He showed up for his constituents, listening to their struggles and responding with empathy and generosity. He built schools, provided support, and initiated projects that brought hope and joy to those who needed it most.

Through thoughtful debates, persuasive arguments, and strategic votes, he has mobilized public support and brought federal attention to his constituency. He has championed critical bills, including the establishment of the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Bichi and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation. As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Dr Bichi demonstrated exceptional leadership, ensuring the budget cycle ran smoothly and funds were released promptly to drive national development. His commitment to addressing the needs of his people has been unwavering, and his impact is felt across the nation.

Recognising the challenges of the modern world and the importance of education, Rt. Hon. Bichi took bold steps to secure the future of his constituents. He invested in the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, constructing two faculties, two halls of residence, and lecture halls, creating a conducive learning environment for students. His commitment to education went beyond infrastructure development. He personally contributed N16,874,996.55 to support over 1,000 indigent students, covering their tuition fees for the 2019/2020 academic year.

He also provided scholarships to 21 constituents to study at the prestigious Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and sponsored 59 science and technical students with educational kits. To address the shortage of teachers, Rt. Hon. Bichi recruited 150 temporary teachers and 50 Islamiyah teachers, ensuring that students across the constituency had access to quality education. These efforts paid off, increasing school enrollment, reducing dropouts, and developing human capital in his constituency. 

Rt. Hon. Bichi’s leadership is a breath of fresh air, inspiring countless young minds and captivating the hearts of his people. As a trailblazing legislator, he’s redefined the contours of public service, transforming his constituency in ways that were previously unimaginable. With a unique blend of vision, empathy, and strategic acumen, he’s driven groundbreaking initiatives that have enriched the lives of his constituents and contributed to the nation’s growth.

A master communicator, Bichi has a rare gift for building bridges across divides, forging powerful alliances, and mobilizing support for his causes. His patriotism is evident in his unshakeable love for his country and his commitment to the values that define its identity. He demonstrates a deep sense of national pride, fostering unity and inclusivity in his interactions with people from all walks of life.

As a champion of democracy and good governance, he upholds the rule of law, respects the separation of powers, and promotes the principles that underpin a thriving democracy. Abubakar Bichi’s dedication to the nation’s interests is palpable, and his emotional attachment to the country is matched only by his respect for its rich diversity. This unique blend of patriotism, leadership, and integrity has set him apart as a true icon and a distinguished parliamentarian, earning him the admiration and respect of the nation.

Today, the seeds of greatness sown by Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi have yielded a bountiful harvest of progress and development, touching countless lives and transforming communities. Dr. Bichi’s name is etched in the annals of academic excellence, his honorary degree a badge of honour that reflects his unwavering commitment to the development of his people and the nation at large. 

Yet, the journey is far from over. With a heart still committed to the people and a spirit that remains unrelenting, Rt. Hon. Bichi continues to push boundaries, break new ground, and inspire others to join him in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria. The best, it seems, is yet to come.

*Agbese is the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives

By Afolabi Adetutu

In the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda is fast evolving from a mere campaign slogan to a policy thrust that’s redefining the very architecture of governance, and largely reflected in Nigeria’s budgetary planning and execution. At the heart of this transformation is Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu—the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning; a silent catalyst who embodies and institutionalises the economic philosophy of the president’s agenda, silent works and accurate execution of budget planning with a profound sense of purpose.

Senator Bagudu not only understood the philosophical and fiscal underpinnings of the Tinubu administration, but he has translated it and made it evident in Nigeria’s progressive economy. The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a poetic permutation of optimism; it is a bold, structured promise of recalibrating Nigeria’s economy, restoring institutional dignity, reengineering the public sector, and revitalising citizen confidence in the federal government.

Bagudu, with his extraordinary blend of fiscal discipline, economic realism, and a technocratic touch, is serving as the architect and conductor of the nation’s budgetary symphony. The inheritance of President Tinubu’s administration in May 2023 was a faltering economy that was encumbered by rising inflation, debt overhang, low public trust, and a chaotic fiscal culture, reflecting the grim realities of the time. Yet, in less than two years, there has been a perceptible change in trajectory and a strong affirmation of rejuvenating hope.

Appointing a former governor, senator, and erudite economist, in the person of Senator Atiku Bagudu, was not just for political balancing; it was a calculated move and a strategic economic reconfiguration by President Tinubu, who is a master strategist himself. Under Bagudu’s leadership, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning has become a bedrock of renewed economic consciousness. His mantra was drawn from President Tinubu’s ideology, making sure that he moves budgeting from a yearly ritual of numbers to a roadmap for national rebirth.

Budgeting, in the hands of Senator Bagudu, is no longer just an inert tabulation of numbers but a moral and developmental instrument used in driving the course of a nation. The 2024 national budget, which was themed “Budget of Renewed Hope” reflected a transformative ambition that called for development. Witnessing a staggering N28.7 trillion in expenditure and a strategic allocation to sectors such as health, defence, education, and infrastructure, it is evident that national priorities are being deliberately aligned with human development indices.

Senator Bagudu ensures that the budgetary process is both inclusive and transparent. For the first time in a long while, budget town halls were held across geo-political zones, just to ensure that the budget reflects the aspirations of a diverse federation. Bagudu worked tenaciously with the National Assembly Committees and the Budget Office of the Federation in ensuring that the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) became realistic and development-focused.

Moreover, it is also on record that under his watch, capital expenditure now takes centre stage, with the budget earmarked for capital projects at over 37%. This is a commendable deviation from past regimes where recurrent spending choked national ambitions, thereby placing infrastructure as a pedestal on which economic expansion is anchored.

One profound critical element of Bagudu’s impact that’s less celebrated is how well he has recalibrated fiscal discipline. It is no surprise that the Nigerian budget system we used to know has suffered from underperformance, leakages, and a notorious culture of “budget paddings” and abandoned projects for decades. His reformative actions within the ministry have led to the adoption of digital budget tracking systems, which have expanded the capabilities of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and harmonised budget reporting templates across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

However, Bagudu’s insistence on budget credibility has geared up the push for a more stringent implementation of the Public Finance Management Act. In his quiet but firm demeanour, he ensured that MDAs strongly stick to expenditure and project implementation timelines. His persistence in wielding the tool of compliance has made the budget be seen as a legally binding covenant with people, rather than being perceived as an elastic instrument to be stretched and manipulated at will.

It is to Bagudu’s credit that the government is not merely investing in brick-and-mortar schools and hospitals but is deliberately enhancing quality and access. With over N1.3 trillion allocated to education and more than N1.2 trillion to healthcare in the 2024 budget, the narrative of social investments has shifted to strategic development. His work with the Ministries of Education and Health to institutionalise performance-based budgeting has ensured that every spending directly impacts measurable outcomes, such as maternal mortality, availability of materials for easy learning, school enrollment rates, and life expectancy.

Similarly, it has been discovered that the emphasis on job creation and youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Job Creation initiative is intricately linked to Bagudu’s planning and execution. The National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) reforms, the conditional cash transfer schemes, and the disbursements of microcredit to small-scale entrepreneurs are all being embedded into the budgetary process under his supervision. For a man who isn’t attracted to fanfare or court publicity, Bagudu’s touch has been greatly impactful in these initiatives.

President Tinubu’s administration has never pretended about its desire to wean Nigeria off the addiction to oil revenues. And in this regard, the role of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning becomes even more pivotal. Senator Bagudu’s budgetary strategy emphasises diversification, which is not merely an economic necessity, but as a patriotic obligation. This redirection of budgetary attention to sectors with latent comparative advantage is evident that Bagudu share an aligned view with Mr President’s agenda.

Perhaps what makes Senator Bagudu’s contributions even more compelling is how well he has been able to balance political wisdom with technocratic vigour. In his words, “I don’t view budgeting as an academic exercise but as a living, breathing instrument of socio-economic transformation.” Of a truth, this philosophy of his has prudently shaped Nigeria’s national outlook.

In Cabinet meetings and inter-ministerial dialogues, he champions a strong but quiet voice of reasoning, one which advocates for prudent borrowing, counselling against populism, and resists expenditure wastage. Unlike many who wield power with a flourish and to oppress, Senator Bagudu wears his influence like a devoted monk wears his robe: firm, calm, and purposeful.

The Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely rhetoric under his leadership in the budgetary ministry; it is producing results in social welfare, infrastructure renewal, economic stabilisation, and fiscal rebalancing. Budget credibility is gaining traction. Investor confidence is inching upward. And most importantly, the people are beginning to see and feel the dividends of planning.

In Senator Atiku Bagudu, we see a man who not only believes in Nigeria but is helping to build the scaffolding for its future prosperity. His personality reminds us that not all catalysts are noisy, not all reformers are water banners, and not all patriots are flamboyant. They work modestly, methodically, and masterfully.

Adetutu writes from Abuja

By Paul Ikpambese

With a vision that stretches beyond the horizon, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe is crafting a legacy of groundbreaking reforms that are revolutionising the oil and gas industry. His trailblazing career, marked by numerous achievements and milestones, has been a masterclass in visionary leadership. From spearheading the Nigeria Pipeline and Storage Company to leading the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, Chief Komolafe’s singular passion has been to transform the industry and shape its future. With a keen eye for opportunity and an intimate understanding of the sector, he is boldly rewriting the rules and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Like the great leaders who have transformed their industries, Chief Gbenga Komolafe is driven by a bold vision for the oil and gas sector. Inspired by the likes of Nelson Mandela, who fought for a united South Africa, and Lee Kuan Yew, who propelled Singapore to prosperity, Chief Komolafe’s mission is to revamp the oil industry, harnessing its potential to drive growth, prosperity, and progress. With his leadership, vision, and expertise, he is reshaping the sector, pushing boundaries, and unlocking new opportunities for success.
A team player, Engr. Komolafe possesses a strong ability to inspire with his ideas and his direction, forming an integral unit, mobilised towards achieving shared visions and goals. An innovative and strategic thinker, his ability to bring about effective and result-based solutions to the daily challenges facing the petroleum industry in Nigeria and indeed impact and guide not just the country, but the global oil industry into sustainable growth and development, has made him a well-sought-after material and resource fellow.
Little wonder then that in such a short stay on the saddle, Engr. Komolafe has transformed the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) into an epochal frontier revenue-generating institution in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, making sure that the industry operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably. To enhance national development and preserve its pride of place as a frontier national revenue earner, Chief Komolafe deliberately positioned NUPRC to evolve an economic contribution model that prioritises the efficient maximisation of revenue collection, while attracting direct national and foreign investment.

To enhance the social responsibility of the upstream regulatory sector of the nation’s oil and gas sector, and place it at the hearts and minds of the citizens, he devised a system of enhanced community based environmental and social governance which aims at implementing environmental regulations, engaging with local communities, and promoting corporate social responsibility in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

Some of his innovative and far reaching reforms include; the enhancement of transparency in the licencing processes, improvement of the processes leading to fiscal transparency, accountability and open-governance, and the strengthening of a robust community based action group which enhances stronger collaboration and effective coordination between the oil and gas companies and their host communities fostering peaceful coexistence and leading to a rancour free mutually symbiotic relationship.

Komolafe’s services of leadership at the NUPRC have not just outstandingly transformed and translated his vision into reality but have also predicted a destined future of greatness and prosperity for Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and is doing all it takes to invent it. His diverse reforms also aim at making Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector Africa’s investment frontier. To achieve this, he has stimulated various diverse innovative reforms, such as the reduction of entry barriers, enhancement of regulatory efficiency and the unlocking of about %17billion investment from China and other parts of the world.

With the setting up of a timeline of 12 months for deliverables in the PIA, Komolafe has been able to set in motion a catalytic reaction with the trajectory of speeding up the processes of the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Mandate. In line with his desire to provide one of the best and most iconic workplace ambience for staff and business operators, he invested heavily in speeding up the completion of the 48,400 m2 ‘The Barrel’, a facility which sets the highest standard in both design and functionality.

His vision is not misplaced given that Nigeria is rated fifth on the world scale of oil-producing countries, and the continent’s largest in gas and second-largest in oil reserve, with an estimated 37.5 billion barrels and a gas holding of 209 trillion cubic feet (TCF). This explains why part of his vision is to consistently increase the country’s oil and gas reserves while stimulating focused production, enhancing hydrocarbon accounting and transparency, and achieving cost-efficient and effective decarbonization in the upstream operations.

As a thoroughly focused and dynamic leader, Chief Gbenga Komolafe’s exceptional understanding of industry trends and phenomena has been instrumental in shaping his vision for the oil and gas sector. His ability to navigate complex human relations has also enabled him to build a robust, flexible, and research-driven institution that prioritises people-oriented approaches. This leadership acumen is rooted in his impressive educational background, which includes a degree in Engineering from the University of Ilorin, MSc degrees in Industrial and Labour Relations and Industrial and Production Engineering, and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from 2006, culminating in his call to the Nigerian Bar in 2008.

This wealth of knowledge and diverse experience has not only honed his expertise and proficiency but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for effective collaboration, synergy, and teamwork. As a result, he has been able to leverage the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to drive seamless implementation, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and propel the NUPRC to new heights. With his unique blend of skills and experience, Chief Komolafe has positioned NUPRC to excel in planning, development, regulation, and implementation, ultimately driving progress in the upstream petroleum sector.

A slew of groundbreaking regulations have been gazetted, transforming the oil and gas sector. These include regulations such as the Petroleum Licensing Round Regulations 2022, Petroleum Royalty Regulations 2022, and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Host Communities Development Regulations 2022, which aim to drive growth, transparency, and sustainability in the industry. Other notable regulations include those related to domestic gas delivery obligations, petroleum measurement, production curtailment, and frontier basins exploration fund administration.

Chief Komolafe’s commitment to stakeholder engagement has been evident in the development of these regulations, as well as in the Commission’s Draft Regulatory Framework for Energy Transition, Decarbonisation and Carbon Monetisation. Through extensive stakeholder engagement meetings, he has ensured that all relevant parties are carried along in the development of this framework, resulting in highly effective and achievable frameworks that position the Energy Transition and Carbon Monetisation Division of the Commission for success.

As a foremost regulator and business enabler, of the upstream petroleum oil and gas sector, he has deposited both his time, energy and resources at ensuring he creates a more fulfilling and inviting ambience for foreign direct investment, thereby boosting the oil and gas reserve, to a condensate reserves status of 37.046 billion barrels, with a life index of 60 years representing a slight increase of 0.37% compared to 36.910 billion barrels as of 1st January 2021, and a National Gas reserves status of 208.62 (trillion cubic feet) TCF with a life index of 80 years, representing an increase of 1.01% compared to 206.53 TCF as of 1st January 2021.

Indeed, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe has demonstrated through building a legacy of reforms within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President that a man of vision is not only an asset to every nation but can simply lay a solid, verifiable, transformational, ethical base for his country’s prosperity.

Ikpambese wrote this piece from Warri.