Opinion

Kebbi grand rally for Tinubu and matters arising

Published

12 months ago

February 23, 2025

By Isah Aminu

It was an earth shaking gathering of lovers, fans, ardent supporters and well-wishers across Kebbi State who came out with fanfare and in solidarity with President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to express their satisfaction with his laudable reforms.

It was also a gathering of the crème de la crème, the who is who, and the cavalier of Kebbi politics, who came out in droves to identify with the young dynamic governor who is cementing the concrete foundations laid by his predecessor to ensure that the journey of Kebbi State to the promised land is of no retreat, no surrender.

Beyond the uniqueness of the gathering and the large turnout of mammoth crowd, there are lessons to be learnt from it.

Indeed, one factor that plays out incontrovertibly in Kebbi State are the overwhelming arrays of federal and State people-oriented projects, and various laudable initiatives and interventions touching every strata of the state and positively impacting on every citizen and various laudable initiatives and interventions of the government.

For the people of Kebbi State, the true meaning of political governance, and the delivery of unique people-oriented dividends of democracy has clear and practical meaning leading to an enviable political culture and positive political socialization. Looking around every corner, they could point out practical projects that has direct bearing with their well-being and has enhanced their prosperity and happiness. To them the government is working very well.

As at the last count, there are 40 ongoing projects worth over N600 billion positively affecting all sectors, including, health care, education, power, agriculture, industrialization, mines, women and youth development and empowerment, trainings and manpower capacity development distributed all over the State.

In an unprecedented demonstration of commitment, goodwill, inclusive governance and strong political will to carry out all his campaign promises in line with the Renewed Hope Mandate, the Tinubu led administration has made several deliberate positive efforts to bring the federal government closer to the people of Kebbi State.

A people-oriented government must understand the imperatives of transportation in national development and economic growth, that is exactly what the Tinbu administration did, when it embarked upon the construction of a 1,000 km Sokoto (Ilela – Badagry (Agbara) Superhighway (Section 1, Phase 1A) Kebbi section worth N428.3 bn.

Also the federal government rehabilitated the 30 km within the 127 km alignment of Biu-Kangiwa-Kamba-Gaya-Niger Republic Road at the cost of N39.6 bn, and constructed the Malando Garin Baka Ngaski Wara Road CH.0+000 CH.79+586 with N86.3bn, and the N13.7bn Koko-Besse-Zaria-Kala Road.

And constructed a N35 billion Natisini – Kangiwa – Kamba Road, the Malamdo – Ngaski Warah Road, the Sokoto – Kebbi – Badagry superhighway and Koko-Mahuta – Dabai road worth billions of naira. These roads when constructed will certainly boost economic growth, ease transportation and its cost and bring about other several positive consequential benefits to the people of Kebbi State.
The President Asiwaju Tinubu’s administration also demonstrated further commitment to Kebbi’s development through the construction of the multi-billion naira Natsini-Kangiwa-Kamba Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

An impactful government, consolidating inclusive economic growth and social infrastructural development across Nigeria, the government also made a donation of the sum of N450m to the 225 wards in the state to procure food items for the month of Ramadan.

Certainly for a State government that has fulfilled over 70 percent of its campaign promises, within two years, the people have every conceivable reason to turn out in jubilation and support.

The visible changes in social and physical infrastructural development which affects all the Local government councils and particularly the state capital, underscore the dogged determination and demonstrable commitment of the State Governor to consolidate on the gains of his predecessor and completely emancipate the citizens of the State.

For instance the administration of Governor Idris profitably extended the retirement age of teachers in Kebbi State to the attainment of 65 years of age or a 40 years of period in service, thereby distinguishing the State from all other States in the federation.

He also rehabilitated the 15 kilometres road from NNPC mega station through Emir Haruna road to Haliru Abdu roundabout extending to AP 2 roundabout with the added provision of solar street lights and drainages.

Governor Idris also extended the construction of roads to the four senatorial districts of the State, and the urbanization of major rural areas within the 21 local Government Areas of Kebbi State.

The government also constructed 5 kilometres township road in Yauri, replicating the same in Ngaski, Argungu, Zuru and other local Government Areas

The government also spent over twenty-one billion naira on the purchase and distribution palliatives, pumps, fertilizer, as well as the disbursement of financial support to its people to improve their livelihood.

An empathetic governor, his resolve is to bring succor to the less privileged in the society, to do so effectively, he purchased hundreds of truckloads of grains, including rice worth billions of naira, which were distributed free to the people throughout the state.

Governor Idris also took drastic, prompt and commendable measures to tackle the threat of migratory birds, spending over 4,000 liters of chemicals and conducting numerous flight hours to protect agricultural yields from pests, particularly quelea birds, to improve food security and availability, with the distribution of fertilizer worth N2.6 billion to farmers

To further enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through practical and deliberate support for farmers at reduced operational costs, Governor Idris, procured and distributed hundreds of solar-powered water pumps, CNG pumps, conversion kits, power tillers, and motorized sprayers worth over N8.5 billion.

To underscore the importance of the Central Park in Birini Kebbi in both security, facilitation and ease of transportation, revenue generation and localization of transport point, Governor Idris also embarked upon its reconstruction and rehabilitation into a modern befitting modern motor park for public transport fitted with adequate water supply, modern administrative block, lock up shops, available sit out for commuters, gallery, up to date readable electronic information board and restaurant which will serve as convenient centre for both local and international travelers and freight collation centre, with focus on Niger and Benin. The project gulped a whooping sum of N2.99 billion.

His reformative work in the educational sector is also aimed at, re-inventing educational system and making it competitive and result oriented. The habitation and construction of facilities and standard classrooms is to provide favourable and conducive atmosphere for both teachers and learners for optimal teachers’ performance and effective and efficient learners’ activities.

His educational initiative tagged, ‘Better Education Service Delivery for All’ (BESDA) has led to various renovation of classrooms, construction of standard classrooms, and the provision of instructional materials for schools across the state enhancing teaching and learning. This is inclusive of the construction of mega pilot schools in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru.

This education friendly disposition has significantly led to increased learners enrollment and retention and transition in the schools.

He also renovated and several health facilities including the Zauro Psychiatric hospital, and also provided modern health facilities, and increased the entitlements of doctors and nurses as well as abolished the employment of casual staff in State owned hospitals.

A transparent and optimistic leader bent on ensuring a reliable for upcoming generations, Governor Nasir re-established the payment of scholarships and bursary awards to indigent students in tertiary institutions and the sponsorship of indigent students on scholarships outside the country to India and Egypt and other countries of the world.

With the creation of the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Internal Security, Ministries of Rural and Community Development, Establishment, Training and Pension, Solid Minerals Development and Mining, Rural and Community Development, Religious Affairs, Physical Planning and Urban Development as well as Ministry of Digital Economy, Governor Nasir Idris has broadened the frontiers of the civil service, created more employment opportunities and restructured the State civil service for effective service delivery and optimal performance.

Disposed to enhancing better living conditions for the Youths and Women through concerted empowerment opportunities as well as grant them financial independence over 500 youths and women were trained across the four Emirates of the state in cosmetics, barbing, hair dressing, popcorn making, tailoring, computer application, handset repairs, and animal husbandry.

An inclusive and productive State governor, his administration has also demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment through prioritizing youth inclusivity through political appointments, thereby opening opportunities for the youths to have a direct voice in the governance of their own State and also affording them the opportunity of mentorship.

A resilient, focused, transparent, and creative governor, as prioritizing the development of Birini Kebbi, the State Capital has also made favorable nd significant inroads of physical infrastructural developments in State capital, agricultural development, improving Healthcare delivery, education and women and youth empowerment .

An innovative and persuasive leader, his security strategy has led to the return of normalcy, peace and security in Kebbi South bringing notable changes and return to agricultural and other economic activities to Fakai, Danko Wasagu and Zuru where the devastating activities of bandits who created camps and infiltration points from the neighbouring Niger and Zamfara States into some local government areas have been sufficiently stopped.

It is to the credit of the administration of Governor Idris that the destruction of farmlands, rustling of cattle and incessant destruction of lives and properties has significantly been brought under control

Surely, the 500 million naira on monthly security vote allocated to Governor Nasir Idris is used profitably for the people of Kebbi State protecting them and making them sleep with all eyes closed and with the assurances that they will wake up the next day and go peacefully about their daily businesses.

An engaging team player, his regular interface with the various security services operating within the State has produced excellent results.

Demonstrating his will and determination in arresting the security menace in the State, Governor Idris purchase of 27 brand new Hilux brand of vehicles to security operatives, 1000 motorcycles to vigilantes to promote grassroots community policing to compliment effort of the police, and also ensure regular and timely payment of allowances to security personnel operating across the State as well as providing other working materials required by them.

In a rare commitment towards ensuring an enhanced workforce and a conducive work ambience, he completed the 9 million naira ultra-modern Gwadangwaji Secretariat complex which was abandoned for over 15 years by previous administrations. The secretariat now houses various ministries, departments, and agencies of the State and Federal Government boards

It is also on records that Governor Idris since assumption of office has also made the timely payment of workers’ salaries , payment of government running cost, payment of pension and gratuity to retirees a priority. With the government also settling outstanding leave grant of civil servants in the state.

For the Jagaban, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Kauran Gwandu Governor Nasir Idris, their tenacity, effectiveness, dexterity and people-oriented signature projects, and several interventions have indeed become revealing prove of a responsive government intent on addressing the needs of the people, and have made the people fall in love with them, making them unanimous not just in their support but in endorsing Mr. President and Mr. Governor to continue beyond 2027. These are the lessons for leaders, that when you serve, the people fall in love, and will not hesitate to come out to support you.

Aminu is writing from Kebbi State.

Opinion

No More Pipeline Vandalism in The Niger Delta, But…

Published

2 weeks ago

January 21, 2026

Daily Mirror

APPRAISING MILITARY RESOLVE AND THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE OIL SECURITY

By Aaron Mike Odeh

On a recent media assessment visit by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael E Onoja on the 20 January 2026, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander Land Component Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Emmanuel Emeka, stated that there will be “no more pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta” indicating a strong affirmation of military resolve and institutional confidence in the ongoing operations within Nigeria’s most economically strategic region.
Far from being a casual statement, the pronouncement reflects the operational posture, command clarity, and renewed determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces (AFN) under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede. It signals a clear message: the era of unchecked sabotage of national economic assets is being decisively confronted.

CONTEXTUALISING THE GOC’S DECLARATION
Statements of this magnitude from a serving GOC carry both symbolic and operational weight. They are rooted in firsthand command experience, intelligence assessments, and measurable gains on the ground. In this regard, Major General Emmanuel Emeka’s assertion should be understood as a projection of confidence derived from sustained military engagement, improved coordination with sister security agencies, and enhanced operational discipline within the 6 Division’s area of responsibility.
The Niger Delta has long posed complex security challenges due to its difficult terrain, extensive pipeline networks, and the activities of organised criminal syndicates. Against this backdrop, the GOC’s declaration underscores a belief that the Nigerian Armed Forces has reached a level of operational advantage sufficient to deter, disrupt, and dismantle pipeline vandalism networks.
OPERATIONAL GAINS AND MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM
Under Major General Emmanuel Emeka’s command, the 6 Division has intensified patrols, improved intelligence-led operations, and sustained pressure on illegal refining camps and crude oil theft routes. These efforts align with the Federal Government’s strategic objective of securing oil infrastructure as a matter of national economic security.
The GOC’s statement therefore reflects not mere optimism, but a professional assessment of the division’s growing capacity to dominate the operational environment. It also reinforces the Nigerian Armed Forces constitutional role as a stabilising force, committed to safeguarding national assets in support of economic recovery and investor confidence.

THE “BUT”: BEYOND KINETIC SUCCESS
While commending the resolve and achievements of the 6 Division, it is equally important to situate the declaration within a broader national framework. The “but” in the statement should not be interpreted as doubt or contradiction; rather, it represents an acknowledgment of the multifaceted nature of pipeline security in the Niger Delta.
Pipeline vandalism has historically been sustained not only by criminal intent, but also by socioeconomic pressures, environmental degradation, and the absence of alternative livelihoods in some host communities. Military success, while indispensable, achieves greater durability when complemented by effective civil governance, economic inclusion, and community trust-building.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AS A FORCE MULTIPLIER
One of the strengths of recent military operations in the Niger Delta has been improved civil-military relations. The success of the Armed Forces is closely tied to cooperation from local communities, traditional institutions, and credible stakeholders.
Sustainable pipeline security is most effective when host communities become partners in protection rather than passive observers. The GOC’s declaration implicitly places responsibility on all stakeholders—government agencies, oil companies, community leaders, and youths—to consolidate the gains made by the Armed Forces.

INSTITUTIONAL SYNERGY AND NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The efforts of the 6 Division do not exist in isolation. They form part of a wider national security ecosystem involving regulatory agencies, intelligence services, law enforcement bodies, and policy institutions. The GOC’s confidence should therefore inspire complementary actions across these sectors.
Oil companies must uphold environmental standards and transparent community engagement. Regulatory bodies must enforce accountability. Development agencies must deliver visible dividends of peace. These non-military actions reinforce the security umbrella provided by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MESSAGING
Major General Emmanuel Emeka’s statement also serves as strategic communication—boosting troop morale, reassuring investors, and reinforcing public confidence in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Such leadership messaging is essential in shaping national narratives around security, discipline, and state authority.
By articulating a firm stance against pipeline vandalism, the GOC is not only commanding troops, but shaping expectations and setting benchmarks for operational success.

CONCLUSION
The declaration that there will be “no more pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta” should be seen as a reflection of strengthened military capacity, improved leadership focus, and renewed institutional confidence under Major General Emmanuel Emeka, GOC 6 Division of the Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Armed Forces has demonstrated readiness to secure critical national assets. The task ahead is to consolidate these gains through sustained operations, inter-agency synergy, and socio-economic interventions that address underlying vulnerabilities.
In this context, the GOC’s statement stands as both an assurance and a call to collective national responsibility—one that deserves commendation, support, and strategic follow-through.

Aaron Mike Odeh, a Public Affairs Analyst Media Consultant and Community Development Advocator wrote from Post Army Housing Estate Kurudu Abuja

Opinion

Appraising NUPRC’s New Tempo

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2026

Daily Mirror

By Grace Ameh

As a woman who has spent years admiring the quiet strength of sisters carving paths in Nigeria’s demanding energy sector, my heart swelled with genuine joy the moment Chief Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan’s appointment as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission was announced.

Here stands a remarkable daughter of the Niger Delta, graceful yet fiercely determined, becoming the first woman to lead our nation’s upstream regulator. Her rise feels deeply personal, like watching a beloved sister finally claim the spotlight she has long deserved.

The NUPRC, as a young agency born from the transformative Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, has shouldered enormous responsibilities in a complex and evolving landscape—navigating fluctuating production levels amid global energy shifts, addressing delays in data dissemination that can affect investor planning, tackling the persistent menace of crude oil theft that impacts national revenue, and working to enhance transparency in licensing rounds and asset management for greater stakeholder confidence.

This institution emerged with bold ambitions to modernise regulation, attract investment, and optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, yet it has operated in an environment marked by inherited challenges and the need for continuous adaptation to deliver on its mandate.

Then, in December 2025, President Bola Tinubu nominated Chief Mrs Eyesan as the first woman to lead NUPRC, a move swiftly confirmed by the Senate.

My spirit lifted immediately. Chief Eyesan’s journey inspires every woman dreaming big in this field. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Economics from the prestigious University of Benin, graduating in 1986 with a solid foundation in economic theory, market analysis, and project evaluation—skills that would prove invaluable in the complex world of energy finance and strategy.

Her academic grounding equipped her to navigate large-scale investments and regulatory frameworks with precision. Early in her career, she honed her financial acumen in banking, serving as Branch Manager at People’s Bank of Nigeria and later as Treasury Officer at Gulf Bank, before joining NNPC in 1992.

Over nearly 33 years, she rose steadily through roles in planning, procurement, corporate strategy, and sustainability, culminating as Executive Vice President, Upstream, until her retirement in November 2024. In that position, she oversaw strategic management of Nigeria’s upstream operations, led sustainability initiatives, strengthened financial discipline, and guided critical reforms aligned with the PIA.

Since assuming office, Chief Eyesan has brought a refreshing wave of purpose and collaboration to NUPRC. Her patriotic commitment shines brightly as she aligns the Commission’s work with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising increased crude oil production to enhance energy security and revenue, accelerated gas monetisation to advance the Decade of Gas vision, and robust transparency measures to rebuild investor trust.

I admire her focus on digitisation; she is thoughtfully integrating digital tools to improve operational efficiency, accountability, and ease of business, cutting through layers of bureaucracy that once slowed progress. Her leadership style feels deeply relatable—inclusive and engaging. With an open-door policy and regular town halls, she encourages staff input while forging stronger ties with stakeholders, labour unions, and professional bodies.

She champions environmentally sustainable practices, ensuring growth does not come at the cost of our land and waters. Her strategic vision unfolds organically: boosting crude reserves and output for economic stability, scaling gas utilisation for power generation and exports, fortifying regulations to attract long-term investments, nurturing technical expertise through partnerships and capacity building, and embedding digitisation hand-in-hand with transparency to foster dynamic, confidence-inspiring growth.

In these early weeks of January 2026, tangible steps are emerging. She has advanced the 2025 licensing round, scheduling a key pre-bid conference for January 14 in Lagos to draw fresh capital into exploration and development. Partnerships, such as deepened synergy with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, highlight her collaborative spirit.

What touches me profoundly is how Chief Eyesan views challenges as opportunities. She inherited an agency needing revitalisation but approaches it with grace, strategy, and unyielding diligence—that workaholic patriotism we so admire in trailblazing women. Her experience positions her uniquely to resolve legacy issues, unlock stranded assets, and position NUPRC as Africa’s premier regulator.

Reflecting on this new era, sisterly pride overwhelms me. Chief Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan is truly an Amazon—resilient, visionary, and devoted to Nigeria’s progress. In her capable hands, the upstream sector is not just recovering; it is poised to soar, delivering sustainable wealth for generations.

Dear sister, you embody the hope we renew daily. The light of your leadership illuminates our path forward, proving once again that when a woman of substance rises, the nation rises with her.

*Ameh an Oil and gas expert writes from Kaduna.

Opinion

FIFA World Cup: Counting the costs of Super Eagles missed opportunities

Published

1 month ago

December 29, 2025

Daily Mirror

By Victor Okoye

As the football world prepares for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria is facing the prospect of missing the global showpiece for the eighth time since its inception in 1930, a development that has drawn concern from football stakeholders and sports administrators in the country.

The Super Eagles, who made their World Cup debut at USA 1994, have qualified for the finals six times but failed to reach the tournament on seven previous occasions.

Should Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 edition, it would mark the eight miss and a second consecutive absence, further highlighting the rising cost of non-participation in an era of unprecedented financial rewards.

Historically, missing the World Cup was largely a sporting setback. Financial incentives were modest in earlier tournaments.

In USA 1994, FIFA’s total prize money stood at about 62 million dollars, with champions Brazil earning roughly four million dollars.

France 1998 offered about 131 million dollars in total prize money, while winners received around six million dollars.

The figures rose steadily to 300 million dollars at Brazil 2014 and 440 million dollars at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

However, FIFA’s recent review has significantly raised the stakes.

The FIFA Council has approved a record 727 million dollars financial package for the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

At an estimated exchange rate of 1,500 naira to the dollar, the total sum translates to about 1.09 trillion naira.

Of this amount, 655 million dollars (approximately 982.5 billion naira) will be shared as prize money among the 48 participating teams.

Champions will earn 50 million dollars, runners-up 33 million dollars, third place 29 million dollars and fourth place 27 million dollars.

Teams finishing between fifth and eighth will receive 19 million dollars, ninth to 16th are to receive 15 million dollars, 17th to 32nd will pocket 11 million dollars, while teams ranked 33rd to 48th will earn nine million dollars.

Each qualified nation will also receive 1.5 million dollars as preparation funds.

This guarantees every participating team a minimum of 10.5 million dollars — about 15.75 billion naira — before the tournament begins.

Nigeria’s 2026 qualification campaign ended in disappointment after the Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa in their group and lost the African playoff final to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on penalties.

To date, no public official report has broken down the total operational costs or expenditure to prosecute the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign (travel, allowances, camps, logistics) but there are concerns and scrutiny over Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) finances.

The scrutiny includes how funds received from FIFA and CAF have been used over the years following the House of Representatives move to probe more than 25 million dollars in FIFA/CAF grants given to the NFF between 2015 and 2025, citing accountability questions.

However, the NFF has petitioned FIFA over alleged player-eligibility breaches by DR Congo, a move that has reopened debate within the football community.

Reacting to the situation, former Super Eagles captain and 1994 AFCON winner, Mutiu Adepoju, described the possibility of another World Cup absence as “a huge setback”.

“Missing one World Cup is painful, but missing two in a row is unacceptable for a country like Nigeria. Beyond pride, the financial loss is enormous and affects football development at all levels,” Adepoju said.

Former NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, said qualification had become more critical than ever due to the new prize structure.

“In the past, the World Cup was more about exposure. Now, the money involved can change the entire football ecosystem. Missing out means missing an opportunity to invest in grassroots and infrastructure,” Eguavoen said.

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, said the impact would also be felt in the domestic league.

“When the national team is at the World Cup, it attracts attention to our league and players. Absence reduces visibility, sponsorship interest and confidence in the system,” Elegbeleye said.

Similarly, former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, said Nigeria must treat World Cup qualification as a national project.

“The Super Eagles missing the World Cup repeatedly shows deeper administrative and structural issues. The financial consequences alone should force stakeholders to rethink planning and accountability,” Dalung said.

On the legal challenge before FIFA, NFF Secretary-General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that the matter was under review.

“We have submitted our petition and we are waiting for FIFA’s decision. The rules are clear on nationality and eligibility, and we believe the issues raised deserve careful consideration,” Sanusi said.

If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into the intercontinental playoffs, restoring a pathway to qualification and access to guaranteed earnings of at least 15.75 billion naira.

Failure would confirm Nigeria’s eighth World Cup absence, with consequences ranging from lost revenue and reduced global visibility to diminished influence in international football.

With the 2026 World Cup set to deliver the highest financial rewards in FIFA history, stakeholders agree that Nigeria can no longer afford repeated absences from football’s biggest stage.