Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has rewarded a pilgrim, Zainab Idris, with One Million Naira (N1,000,000) for returning missing $5000 to the rightful owner, a Tajikistan citizen.

Idris, a pilgrim from Plateau State, found the money in Saudi Arabia during the recently concluded 2025 Hajj exercise, searched for the owner and returned it to him.

Presenting the N1m to Zainab Idris at the Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, the Governor, through the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Dayyabu Dauda, said they invited her to show appreciation for her good conduct and character during the pilgrimage, and to support her business with a token.

The governor also awarded one Malam Ayuku with a new phone for returning lost iPhone in Saudi Arabia during pilgrimage.

According to the secretary, ‘We are proud of these pilgrims because they have proved to the world that they are of good character. Before we traveled to the Holy land, the governor in his message asked pilgrims to be good and ambassadors and they justified that. We are proud of them indeed.

‘Governor Mutfwang has advised that we should always be good people wherever we find ourselves. He also called on other citizens of the state and the country at large to emulate them,’ he added.

Responding, Idris appreciated the reward extended to her by the Governor, describing him as a father. She added that the money would go along way in supporting her business.

The Ajadi Rescue Movement, a fast-growing socio-political and humanitarian initiative founded by Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has launched its Gombe State Chapter in a colourful ceremony that brought together political figures, community leaders, and youth groups from across the state.

The inauguration, held in the Gombe State capital on Saturday, was a vibrant display of culture, unity, and purpose.

The Fasaha Cultural Troupe opened the event with a lively Hausa traditional performance, symbolising the movement’s deep respect for Nigeria’s diverse heritage and its commitment to inclusivity.

The programme began at 11:00 a.m. with prayers from both Islamic and Christian clerics – Imam Adamu Usman Manzo and Reverend Nuhu Nadabo – reinforcing the organisation’s message of religious harmony and peace. Attendees also rendered the national anthem and the Ajadi Anthem, led by the Zonal Coordinator of Gombe South, Mr. Amatiga N. Yila.

In his welcome address, the Zonal Coordinator of Gombe Central, Mr. Mahmud Usman, praised Ambassador Ajadi’s ‘visionary leadership and unwavering dedication’ to social justice, youth empowerment, and national rebirth. He also acknowledged Northern Coordinator Comrade Shuaibu Ibrahim for his ‘unrelenting grassroots mobilisation’ across the region.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Shuaibu Ibrahim described the Ajadi Rescue Movement as a people-oriented platform devoted to empowering the underprivileged.

‘Ajadi Rescue Movement is not a political family business – it is a national service platform,’ he declared. ‘Ambassador Ajadi’s mission is not driven by politics, ethnicity, or religion, but by a genuine desire to rescue humanity from poverty, ignorance, and neglect.’

He urged the people of Gombe to identify with the vision of the movement, assuring them that its positive impact will soon be felt nationwide.

The highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of the Gombe State Chapter, led by State Coordinator Comrade Abubakar Kalagar Muhammad. He lauded Ambassador Ajadi as ‘a God-sent reformer whose compassion and patriotism have birthed a movement of hope across Nigeria.’

‘Leadership is not about power but purpose – the purpose of serving others,’ Kalagar stated, while unveiling the newly appointed state executives and local government coordinators.

Goodwill messages followed from dignitaries, including CSP Muhammed Baba Ali and Prince Zaidu, who represented His Highness, the Hakimin Shengete. Both commended the movement’s leadership and prayed for Ambassador Ajadi’s continued strength and success.

During an interactive session, participants discussed the movement’s goals, structure, and long-term sustainability.

Their concerns were addressed by Hon. Ibrahim and Comrade Kalagar, who reaffirmed the movement’s transparency and commitment to grassroots empowerment.

In her closing remarks, Gombe State Women Leader Hajiya Mairo Adamu, alongside Youth Leader Engr. Aeron Maidoma and Secretary General, expressed appreciation to all attendees. They pledged to take the ‘message of hope, unity, and empowerment’ to every corner of Gombe State.

The event ended with closing prayers from Reverend Nadabo and Imam Manzo Adamu, followed by a group photograph led by Hon. Ibrahim. Participants dispersed joyfully at about 1:45 p.m.

The inauguration of the Gombe Chapter marks another milestone in the expansion of the Ajadi Rescue Movement across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Since its inception, the movement – under the leadership of Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi – has inspired Nigerians with its vision of social inclusion, youth development, and national renewal.

A business reporter with Daily Trust Newspaper, Faruk Shuaibu, was among the journalists honoured at the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) 2025.

Shuaibu, who emerged as a winner, was nominated among 26 finalists for the award ceremony with an entry ‘Why Nigerians Ditched the eNaira’ under the Digital Public Infrastructure/Digital Public Goods Reporting category.

The category highlights how governments in Africa are using digital infrastructures to better the lives of their citizens.

Catherine Gicheru, a grand jury for WAMECA, said the story was selected as ‘the team at the Daily Trust exposed how Nigeria’s bold experiment with digital currency stumbled. Through sharp reporting and human stories, they revealed the disparate between innovation and reality, showing how poor communication, technical failures, and lost confidence turned a national milestone into a cautionary tale.’

‘It is more than a technology story. It is a story about trust, about governance, and inclusion. This story reminded us that true digital transformation isn’t about apps or platforms. It’s about people. Congratulations to the Daily Trust team, and especially the journalists who were involved in this story because of their work, they made the winners of the Digital Public Infrastructure category.’

In a statement earlier, MFWA said it received 793 entries this year and were submitted by journalists from over 600 media outlets across 15 West African countries.

It said Nigeria emerged as the country with the highest number of submissions (335 entries), comprising 42% of the total.

Ghana followed with 101 entries, while Burkina Faso submitted 92 entries. 21 entries were received from Mali, while Niger recorded 4 entries. The remaining 10 countries in the subregion recorded a total of 230 entries.

‘This overwhelming response marks a strong return for West Africa’s biggest and most prestigious journalism event after a break in 2024. The call for entries, which opened on April 15, invited submissions of journalistic works published between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Entries were received across nine award categories, including Human Rights Reporting, Environmental Reporting, Investigative Journalism, Women Empowerment Reporting, and Digital Public Infrastructure/Digital Public Goods Reporting. Others include Anti-Corruption, Extractive sector, Telecoms and ICT, and Illicit Financial Flows.’

As part of this year’s Green Diplomacy Week, the European Union and the German Embassy in Abuja launched the German-Nigerian Flare4Value project, a landmark initiative aimed at tackling gas flaring in Nigeria while unlocking new economic opportunities through gas optimisation and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation.

Declaring the event open on Thursday in Abuja, Kristina Fuerst, Head of the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, said the initiative ‘marks a significant milestone in the German-Nigerian partnership and our joint commitment to transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities.’

She added that ‘gas flaring reduction is not only a climate priority but a gateway to energy access, industrial growth, and sustainable development for Nigeria.’

Reiterating the significance of emission reduction, Johannes Lehne, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Germany in Nigeria, said, ‘The strategic significance of gas flaring reduction represents both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity.’ He added that, ‘By capturing and utilising flare gas, we not only cut emissions but also create value for power generation and industry.’

Speaking further, he emphasised that Flare4Value ‘reflects the strength of the German-Nigerian partnership and the EU’s wider commitment to supporting Nigeria’s leadership in climate action.’

Dr Vitalis Obi mni, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, noted that the Flare4Value initiative underscores Nigeria’s shared commitment to reducing emissions and unlocking the full potential of its gas resources. He emphasised that, through partnerships such as this, Nigeria can transform flare gas into an engine for cleaner energy, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

The project is implemented under H2-diplo, a GIZ programme commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office and financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI). H2-diplo supports Germany’s international energy and climate diplomacy, partnering with countries to advance the use of green hydrogen in diversifying and decarbonising their economies.

Nigeria is one of the world’s top seven gas-flaring countries, losing billions in potential revenue each year while contributing significantly to GHG emissions. In 2022 alone, the country flared around 275 billion standard cubic feet of gas, emitting over 16 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This not only exacerbates climate change but also contravenes Nigeria’s Climate Change Act (2021), which mandates strict carbon budgeting and emissions reduction.

The German-Nigerian Flare4Value initiative is designed to address this challenge head-on. It focuses on reducing flare-gas emissions, improving gas utilisation, and aligning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector with its Energy Transition Plan. A key innovation of the project is its exploration of flare gas-to-hydrogen pathways, turning waste into clean energy carriers while creating space for industrial growth.

Representing the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager for Energy, Circular Economy and Climate Change, said, ‘Reducing what goes into the atmosphere today is a responsibility we all share. It’s encouraging to see Nigeria’s flare-reduction efforts already yielding results; this project takes those gains even further.’

Ogbemudia added that the initiative ‘isn’t only about environmental protection; it’s about creating new business opportunities through gas commercialisation and cleaner energy solutions that benefit people and the planet.’

Through structured dialogue, technical collaboration, and private-sector engagement, the project provides a high-level bilateral platform for Germany and Nigeria to deepen cooperation on climate action. With its launch under the EU Green Diplomacy Week, it showcases the EU’s commitment to forging strong partnerships in multilateral decarbonisation efforts. Nigerian partners include the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria (GACN), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

The project was formally introduced at a virtual kick-off meeting on 29 September, followed by Thursday’s high-level event in Abuja. A study tour to Germany is planned for October, bringing Nigerian public and private-sector actors together with German stakeholders. The initiative will culminate in a multistakeholder conference in Abuja on 4 December 2025, where a discussion paper on flare-gas reduction will be launched alongside a B2B exchange platform for Nigerian and German businesses.

By linking flare-gas reduction with hydrogen development, the Flare4Value project bridges climate action and economic opportunity. It supports Germany’s and the EU’s broader energy diplomacy while advancing Nigeria’s national priorities, reducing emissions through targeted gas recovery, creating new industrial and economic value, and strengthening Nigeria’s energy transition for a more resilient and diversified economy.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardon to some Nigerians including ‘drug traffickers and smugglers.’

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, in a statement, described the action as ‘pathetic and a national disgrace,’ warning that the move undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts, encourages crime, and further tarnishes Nigeria’s image in the eyes of the world.

He said the ADC finds it ‘pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace’ saying that the the recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to ‘several convicted criminals’ amounts to a most ‘irresponsible abuse of the presidential power of prerogative of mercy to grant express pardon to dozens of convicts held for drug trafficking, smuggling, and related offences, especially when most of these convicts have barely served two years in jail for offences that carry a penalty of life imprisonment.’

Abdullahi said pardons and clemency are granted for their social utility and to correct perceived miscarriages of justice, and to convicts who have paid their debts to society. ‘But we wonder what Nigeria stands to benefit from this act of clemency to convicts serving life sentences who have barely served two years.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, Nigeria is still regarded as a major transit point for illicit drugs while we face a serious national pandemic of drug use, especially among our youths. Several reports have it that Nigeria’s drug use stands at an estimated 14.4%, almost three times the global average of 5.5%.’

ADC said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies have risked life and limb to combat this problem, dismantle illicit drug networks, intercept consignments, prosecute offenders, and secure convictions.

‘The men and women in these agencies have laboured under enormous risk and pressure to protect the public from the scourge of addiction, trafficking, and related crimes that carry some of the harshest penalties in Nigerian law, precisely because of their devastating impact on public health, youth development, and national security.

‘Granting clemency to individuals convicted under such laws therefore strikes at the very foundation of Nigeria’s legal and moral stance against narcotics and makes a mockery of the gallant efforts of officers fighting the battle against narcotics and illicit drugs.’

‘These pardons also send reverberations beyond Nigeria’s borders. They undercut our standing among global partners in the fight against drug trafficking and give the unfortunate impression to the rest of the world that our country, under President Tinubu, has particular sympathy for drug dealers and that Nigeria is a risk-free jurisdiction for traffickers in narcotics.’

The opposition party said with this mass clemency for drug dealers, ‘President Tinubu and the APC are redefining the standard of morality in our country. They are gradually transforming Nigeria into a country where anything goes, where even the worst of crimes attract no punishment beyond a few months of inconvenience for the criminal to, by their assessment, ‘show remorse.’

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), threatening to invoke the ‘no work, no pay’ policy if academic activities are disrupted due to the union’s action.

In a joint statement released on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving ASUU’s grievances through dialogue.

‘The Federal Government has demonstrated demonstrable sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union,’ the statement read.

The ministers noted that most of ASUU’s concerns, such as increased teaching allowances and improved conditions of service, have been addressed. Other issues, they said, fall under the jurisdiction of university governing councils, which have been reconstituted to handle them.

‘Despite these efforts, ASUU has opted for strike action. This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public,’ the ministers stated, adding that the government had met its deadline for presenting its position.

They added that under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government emphasised its priority to maintain academic stability.

However, they warned, ‘The ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted.’

The statement urged ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to dialogue, stressing that ‘government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.’

Governor Uba Sani’s decision to meet the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, in order to fast-track the completion of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway has been described as hands-on people-centred leadership.

In a statement issued by the Kaduna State Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria(RTEAN), Hon Adamu Zubairu Jalaludeen, the association commended the Governor’s visit.

Hon Jalaludeen who is also the North West Vice President of the association, noted that the expressway is the major gateway to both the North West and North East geopolitical zones.

Underscoring the importance of the road, the RTEAN chieftain noted that Governor Uba Sani’s decision to meet the Minister of Works on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway has endeared him to all stakeholders in the transport value chain.

According to him, both transport owners and employees have been expressing optimism that the road project will be completed soon, following Governor Uba Sani’s intervention.

It will be recalled that the Governor had met with Engr Umahi last Friday, to conduct a comprehensive review of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway project, in line with inter-governmental collaboration.

Discussions at the meeting centered on expediting the completion of the Abuja-Jere-Kaduna segment, which serves as a lifeline for millions of Nigerians who rely on it daily for mobility, trade, and social connectivity.

The Governor emphasized that the expressway transcends regional relevance, describing it as a ‘national artery’ central to the socio-economic integration of the entire northern region.

Governor Uba Sani reiterated that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway represents a flagship component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aligning with the administration’s vision of modernizing infrastructure and stimulating economic competitiveness.

‘This expressway is not just a road – it is an economic corridor that connects people, markets, and opportunities across northern Nigeria and beyond,’ he argued.

In his response, Engr Umahi commended Governor Uba Sani for his constructive engagement and consistent advocacy for the people of Kaduna State.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering the project within record time, disclosing that contractors have been directed to adopt double shifts to accelerate progress without compromising on quality.

The Minister further assured that the innovative use of durable concrete pavement technology would guarantee long-term sustainability and reduced maintenance costs.

The Federal Government has been advised to recruit personnel from voluntary paramilitary organizations such as the Boys Scouts, Boys Brigade, and Man O’ War among others to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

The Deputy Commandant of Training, Operations and Rescue, Man O’ War, Kwara State Command, Nasiru Yusuf Ali, made the call at the Kwara State Security Summit held in Ilorin at the weekend.

The event was under the auspices of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), to address the growing insecurity in the state and seek stronger collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, and local stakeholders.

Ali who is also the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the state, said proper recruitment was key to solving the country’s security challenges.

He stressed that many people currently serving in security agencies joined not out of passion or commitment but the need for employment.

‘Most people who are employed into security agencies are not driven by interest in that particular service but because they need a job after graduation. Proper recruitment is one of the basic solutions to the security challenges we are facing,’ he said.

He said the federal government should consider drawing from voluntary uniformed organizations whose members already possess discipline, community service experience, and dedication to national duty.

‘About four weeks ago, we lost one of our Man O’ War members to bandits in Isin Local Government Area. He volunteered to assist local hunters in confronting the criminals inside the forest. His corpse was discovered two days later. That shows the level of sacrifice our members are willing to make,’ he said.

In his remarks, the state Commander of the NFSS, Oyewole Nasirudeen, appealed to both the federal and state governments for full legal recognition and logistical support to boost its operations in protecting forests and combating criminal activities across the state.

He said the organization is mandated to secure forested regions across the country and assist formal agencies in intelligence gathering.

‘You will agree with me that at this moment, there is no comfort space or safety zone for anyone in the state. That is why we are calling on the Governor of Kwara State to be more proactive in supporting local intelligence and surveillance efforts,’ he said.

The NFSS Commander noted that the agency had yet to benefit from state security interventions despite its significant role in forest surveillance and intelligence work.

He appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to provide working tools and logistics to improve the organization’s efficiency, adding that foresters are more familiar with the terrain and can easily identify criminal hideouts.

The Commander disclosed that the NFSS has operational units across all 16 local government areas of the state, with more than 3,200 personnel working closely with other security agencies to monitor forest routes and prevent criminal infiltration.

For his part, the service Assistant Commander General, North Central, Abdulhakeem Adeyemi Ibrahim, explained that NFSS was not competing with existing security agencies but complementing their efforts.

‘Police cannot do without us, and we cannot do without the police. Our operatives are risking their lives to assist formal agencies’, he said.

He further sought collaboration with traditional rulers, urging them to provide office spaces and logistical support for NFSS personnel at the grassroots to enhance coordination with the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps among others.

Representing the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, ACP Onyeabor Oseloka, thanked the NFSS for its dedication but advised the organization to prioritise professional training and capacity building.

‘As a paramilitary organization, you must understand security architecture, weapon handling, and local intelligence gathering to work effectively with communities,’ Oseloka said.

The summit was attended by immigration, traditional rulers, youth groups, and other stakeholders.

President Bola Tinubu, in May, approved the establishment of forest guards coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The initiative is to protect forests and ungoverned spaces in the country which had turned to hideouts for bandits and other criminal groups.

As Plato aptly stated, ‘Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.’ This profound assertion underscores the necessity of wisdom to distinguish belief from truth. Without clear understanding, opinions, no matter how well-intentioned, remain elusive and inherently subjective, lacking the objectivity required for transformative progress.

To transition from ignorance to knowledge, rigorous interrogation, analysis, and redefinition are essential. This philosophical backdrop frames the remarkable leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Interim Chairman of the African Petroleum Regulatory Forum (AFRIPERF), whose tenure exemplifies a paradigm shift in Africa’s petroleum sector. His appointment is not merely a recognition of personal excellence but a testament to the trust placed in him by African leaders in the oil and gas industry.

Engr. Komolafe’s years of consistent, transformative leadership have catalyzed significant reforms, positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in strengthening petroleum governance through shared values, collaboration, and effective coordination among member regulators.

Engr. Komolafe’s leadership is rooted in a visionary approach to unifying petroleum regulation across Africa, fostering an environment conducive to attracting investment and driving regional economic growth. His strategic foresight reflects a radical, multi-sectoral approach to problem-solving, for which he is widely respected.

Under his stewardship, AFRIPERF has emerged as a dynamic platform for harmonizing ideas, fostering expertise, and entrenching best practices in the petroleum sector. The forum’s objectives include addressing regional challenges, facilitating knowledge sharing, and enhancing energy security, all of which are critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

The African petroleum sector is poised for unprecedented growth, with Nigeria leading the charge toward achieving a projected $600 billion in annual upstream investments. Engr. Komolafe’s leadership of AFRIPERF has positioned Nigeria as a continental force capable of rewriting Africa’s energy narrative through sustainable development. His appointment reflects his patriotic zeal, exemplary performance, and a proven record of stewardship, making him a round peg in a round hole.

Since assuming the role, he has driven pragmatic reforms aimed at transforming regulatory practices, safeguarding AFRIPERF’s core mandate, and prioritizing frameworks that strengthen governance, ensure environmental compliance, promote sustainable practices, and enhance community participation.

Engr. Komolafe’s disciplined and focused leadership has reshaped continental narratives, transitioning the sector from irresponsible practices to responsible mining techniques, reforestation programs, and land reclamation initiatives that mitigate environmental impacts. His alignment with initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) has bolstered transparency in revenue management and accountability in the mining sector.

By fostering collaboration with organizations such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), he has created a robust network for policy harmonization and sustainable resource development.

Recognizing the importance of a skilled and innovative workforce in a rapidly evolving digital era, Engr. Komolafe has prioritized extensive training and capacity-building programs. His investments in human capital development, research, and innovative technology have significantly enhanced sectoral growth and governance. His extensive experience, credibility, and profound knowledge have positively influenced regulatory frameworks across African nations.

For instance, Senegal has adopted a transparent and inclusive governance structure with clear licensing criteria, while Tanzania has strengthened its legal framework to emphasize community development and environmental protection. In South Africa, Engr. Komolafe’s influence has driven transformative community welfare and transparency reforms, resolving long-standing conflicts in the mining sector.

As a proactive and resilient leader, Engr. Komolafe has established effective monitoring mechanisms and consistent regulatory enforcement, significantly reducing illicit financial flows and corruption in the sector. His strengthening of institutional mechanisms has enhanced transparency and accountability, creating a stable and attractive investment environment.

His achievements as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) further underscore his qualifications for leading AFRIPERF. At NUPRC, he garnered global acclaim for his transformative leadership, implementing transparent licensing rounds, fiscal disclosures, and compliance monitoring to ensure regulatory adherence. His establishment of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) has promoted transparency and social responsibility, providing tangible benefits to local communities.

Additionally, his decentralized stakeholder engagement model has restored public trust by fostering collaboration with communities, civil society, and other stakeholders, ensuring sustainable reforms.

Engr. Komolafe’s leadership of AFRIPERF carries profound implications for Africa, as the forum strengthens regional petroleum governance, promotes cooperation, and enhances regulatory frameworks across the continent.

Under his guidance, AFRIPERF is innovating sustainable solutions and leveraging Africa’s vast oil and gas reserves-estimated at 125 billion barrels and 620 trillion cubic feet, respectively-to attract investment and boost economic growth. By standardizing regulations and fostering knowledge sharing, he has enabled member countries to adopt best practices and create a unified regulatory approach.

A staunch advocate for Africa’s economic independence in the global energy landscape, Engr. Komolafe integrates renewable energy and emissions reduction into existing policies, ensuring a balanced approach to energy security. His diplomatic efforts have deepened collaborative dialogue with industry stakeholders and international organizations, addressing regional challenges with mutual respect and shared value. His leadership fosters inclusivity, collaboration, and partnership, enhancing training, research, and innovation to build resilient regulatory institutions.

Engr. Gbenga Komolafe’s leadership of AFRIPERF is not a mere coincidence but a recognition of his outstanding track record, unwavering commitment, and resilience in the oil and gas sector. His appointment holds immense potential to transform Africa’s petroleum industry, driving economic growth, sustainable development, and energy security for the continent and beyond.

Through his visionary leadership, Africa is poised to redefine its energy future, harnessing its vast resources to achieve prosperity and global relevance.

Prince writes from Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Wing has welcomed Hon. Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly, to the party.

The group said the development signals a growing wave of support for the APC under the leadership of Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.

In a statement signed by Comrade Danjuma Nuhu, the APC National Youth Wing celebrated Kurya’s move as a bold embrace of progress.

Kurya’s defection follows his crushing defeat in the August supplementary election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s Kamilu Sa’idu the rightful winner of the Kaura Namoda South constituency.

Returning Officer Lawal Sa’adu from the Federal University Gusau confirmed Sa’idu’s triumph, securing 1,181 votes against Kurya’s meager 194 in the runoff.

Across the constituency, APC amassed a commanding 8,182 votes, dwarfing PDP’s 5,544.

Comrade Danjuma Nuhu hailed Matawalle as a political colossus whose strategic brilliance and unrelenting dedication to Zamfara’s security and prosperity have redefined the state’s future.

‘Dr. Bello Matawalle is a rare gem, a leader whose political dexterity and foresight have elevated him to a towering figure in Nigerian politics.

‘As Minister of State for Defence, he has spearheaded relentless efforts to curb banditry, bringing renewed hope to Zamfara’s beleaguered communities.

‘His ability to unite diverse groups and inspire defections like Kurya attests to his magnetic leadership and unyielding commitment to progress,’ Nuhu declared.

Matawalle’s policies, he added, have laid a foundation for peace and development, positioning him as the architect of Zamfara’s renaissance.

The APC National Youth Wing extended an open invitation to other PDP members.

‘We call on all well-meaning PDP members ready to walk away from the sinking ship to embrace the APC, where Matawalle’s leadership offers a clear path to stability and growth,’ Nuhu said.

Kurya’s defection, seen as a harbinger of further realignments, signals a shifting tide in Zamfara’s polarized landscape.