News
Nigerians in Diaspora Groups Lauds Tinubu, NUPRC CEO, Gbenga Komolafe, for Sustaining Laudable Reforms in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector
The Nigerians in Diaspora Groups has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, for their transformative leadership and commitment to transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In a statement issued on Monday, David Matthew Akpambu, Global President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Groups, commended the 2024 Oil Block Licensing Round, conducted in full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and NUPRC Guidelines.
This groundbreaking process, they noted, marked a major milestone in the nation’s quest to rid the sector of corruption and mismanagement.
Emphasizing the significant strides made, the groups highlighted the transparent, digital nature of the bidding process.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the oil and gas sector witnessed a fully digital and point-based commercial bid evaluation, ensuring a competitive and fair allocation of assets. This digital approach, underpinned by encryption and decryption technology, provided an unprecedented level of security and integrity, ensuring that data remained confidential and free from human interference,” the statement reads.
“This reform is a testament to the leadership of President Tinubu and the proactive vision of Gbenga Komolafe. The 2024 Licensing Round was transparent, competitive, and a clear departure from previous practices that have often been tainted with allegations of corruption.”
The groups also applauded the stringent prequalification process, which demanded that applicants demonstrate not only financial strength but also technical expertise.
“The rigorous criteria were designed to ensure that only qualified entities could proceed to the subsequent stages, ultimately safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas assets from mismanagement,” the statement added.
“The commercial bid phase, which took place in full public view, was another highlight of the process. The transparent evaluation system, which was broadcast live, involved representatives from key agencies such as the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Federal Ministry of Finance, ensuring the process was open and accountable. With outcomes determined instantaneously, the digital process eliminated any possibility of human interference or manipulation.”
They also emphasized the importance of the involvement of well-established industry players, noting that this model ensured that even newly incorporated entities could compete fairly, provided they were supported by reputable stakeholders with proven operational experience.
The groups reiterated its support for the leadership of Tinubu and Komolafe, recognizing the significant steps taken towards a transparent and efficient oil and gas sector.
The diaspora groups stressed that it had been monitoring Komolafe’s activities since his appointment, and found him consistent in delivering on the promises he made to the country.
“During his Senate screening, Mr. Komolafe made a commitment to the nation: to establish a 21st-century regulator and position NUPRC as the leading upstream regulatory body on the African continent,” they declared.
“Today, that vision is not just alive—it has been achieved. Nigeria now ranks as having the best upstream regulator in Africa in terms of best practices, a feat acknowledged by stakeholders at several international energy summits.”
They called on other government agencies to adopt similar reforms in other critical sectors to further drive Nigeria’s economic growth and attract foreign investments.
News
Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano
The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.
The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.
Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.
Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.
He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.
He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service.
News
Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.
Tinubu said this in a special tribute on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.
He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.
The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.
Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.
He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.
Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.
As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.
The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.
He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.
Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.
He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.
The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday.
News
Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation
Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.
The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.
According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship, graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.
“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.
“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.
“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.
“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.
While presenting the certificates to the graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.
Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.
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