NAPAIS felicitates Tinubu, Nigerians, urges dialogue in oil sector dispute

THE National Association of Proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Schools (NAPAIS) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 65th independence anniversary, expressing optimism that Nigeria is on the path to the greatness envisioned by its founding fathers.

In a statement signed by the NAPAIS president, Sheikh Muhammad-Jamiu Abdulgafar, and Secretary, Sheikh Muftau Salaudeen, the association urged citizens to embrace the country’s diversity as a source of strength for unity and progress.

Addressing the recent unrest in the oil and gas sector, NAPAIS appealed to the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other relevant stakeholder, to engage in constructive dialogue in resolving ongoing disputes involving tanker drivers.

According to the association, the appeal became necessary in light of the disruptions caused by the standoff between the Dangote Refinery and NUPENG, which reportedly led to the shutdown of refineries and the blockade of fuel tankers, resulting in temporary hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

‘Petrol remains a lifeline for Nigerians, for mobility, daily activities and businesses,’ said Sheikh Abdulgafar, who called on all parties involved to sheathe their swords in the interest of lasting peace and industrial harmony.

NAPAIS commended the efforts of the Federal Government, particularly the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum, chaired by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, for their timely intervention in averting further fuel supply disruptions.

On matters of traditional leadership, Sheikh Abdulgafar commented on the ongoing supremacy dispute between two prominent Yoruba monarchs, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.

He urged both royal fathers to set aside rivalry and prioritise the development of their respective domains, especially now that the President of the Federal Republic is from the South West.

‘My advice to our revered monarchs is to compete in the area of development. Let them use their influence to attract projects and initiatives that will uplift their people and reduce poverty,’ he said.

In another development, the NAPAIS president condemned reports of female students being barred from attending schools for wearing the hijab, particularly in Ilorin, a predominantly Muslim city.

Sheikh Abdulgafar described such actions as an affront to Islam and a violation of the constitutional right to education.

‘Efforts are ongoing to engage the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to foster religious tolerance and mutual respect. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education is a right for all Nigerian children. Any act that undermines this policy amounts to opposing government objectives,’ he stated.

On international affairs, the NAPAIS president praised countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, India, Canada and the United Kingdom for their recognition of the State of Palestine.

He called on the National Assembly to follow suit by supporting justice and global peace.

He urged Nigerian lawmakers to condemn the ongoing occupation and alleged annexation of Palestinian territories by the Israeli government, describing it as a path to ending genocide and promoting international justice.

No Going Back Yet: NULGE holds firm on Osun LG workers’ stay-at-home

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Osun says it has not issued any directive to local government staff in the state to resume work.

The Chairman of NULGE in the state, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, said this while addressing a news conference on Friday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that local government areas in the state had been in crisis following the February 10 judgment by the Court of Appeal, Akure.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed that the judgment did not reinstate the sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, while APC insisted on their return to office.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and NULGE, thereafter, directed local government workers to withdraw their services from February 17, citing security concerns.

However, local government staff under the aegis of Association of Concerned Local Government Workers on Thursday called on their colleagues to resume work at their various councils to avoid possible job loss.

The coordinator of the association, Mr Adedayo Adekunle, made the call while addressing a news conference in Osogbo.

Adekunle said that the stay-at-home order by NULGE for local government staff in the state over the last seven months was unnecessary.

Ogungbangbe, however, said that the directive by a factional member of the union that local government workers should resume on Monday should be disregarded.

He also said that factional members of the union, who were calling on workers to resume, had been suspended indefinitely from the union for anti-union activities.

The chairman said that the stand of the leadership of NULGE on the matter was in defense of democracy and the rule of law.

‘It is highly consequential to note that the state NULGE Executives have not directed our members to resume work.

‘It is also important to note that no screening can be done in the Local Government Service without the supervision of the Osun State Local Government Service Commission.

‘Therefore, the leadership of the union is appealing to all our educative and well-informed esteemed members not to hearken to the call for resumption,’ he said.

Tinubu’s minister Lokpobiri bags award at Africa Energy Week

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has been named ‘Reformer of the Year’ at the African Energy Week (AEW), in recognition of his strategic leadership and transformative reforms in Nigeria’s oil industry.

The prestigious award acknowledges the Minister’s dedication to reviving Nigeria’s upstream sector, restoring investor confidence, and laying a sustainable foundation for growth in the nation’s energy landscape.

A statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser on Media to the minister, noted that ‘Since assuming office, Sen. Lokpobiri has led critical reforms across the petroleum value chain, resulting in a significant increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production from a low of 1 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 1.8mbpd.’

‘This production boost has been driven by targeted interventions in security, operational transparency, regulatory efficiency, and community engagement.’

‘Investor confidence, once at its lowest ebb, has been rekindled through consistent policy direction and sectoral stability. Under his leadership, Nigeria has recorded new Final Investment Decisions (FIDs), project re-entries, and the signing of fresh investment deals and joint ventures. Notably, the reactivation of dormant fields and the streamlining of regulatory processes have played a key role in attracting both local and international partners.’

‘The reforms have also strengthened stakeholder inclusiveness, particularly with the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trusts as prescribed under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This has deepened the participation of local communities, enhanced social license for operations, and fostered sustainable development in oil-producing regions.’

In his remarks following the award presentation, Sen. Lokpobiri expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as both ‘humbling and motivating.’

‘This award is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team at the Ministry and across the sector who have worked tirelessly to turn things around,’ he said. ‘It is a recognition that reform is not just possible, but impactful when it is intentional, inclusive, and transparent.’

The Minister, however, stressed that the work is far from over.

‘This is not the final destination. It is merely a stepping stone. The Nigerian energy sector is not yet where we want it to be. Yes, we have made progress, but we are focused on achieving a fully optimized, globally competitive, and environmentally responsible oil and gas industry,’ he noted.

Sen. Lokpobiri also took a moment to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and leadership, which he described as critical to the progress recorded so far.

‘I want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting me with this responsibility. His Excellency’s fatherly role, visionary guidance, and political will have been critical to the milestones we’ve achieved,’ the Minister stated. ‘I wholeheartedly dedicate this award to him.’

The Reformer of the Year award further reinforces the global recognition of Nigeria’s energy sector reforms and highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a more resilient, investor-friendly, and forward-looking petroleum industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Katsina govt to spend N19bn on renewable energy projects

In a bold move to transform Katsina State’s energy future, the State Executive Council (SEC), under the leadership of Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved N19.89 billion for the procurement and installation of 20.1MWp of Solar PV capacity with 10.1MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across 11 key public facilities, with additional 10MWp of solar power at Lambar Rimi.

This approval followed the presentation of a comprehensive memorandum by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ahmed, during the SEC meeting.

The proposal, backed by the Committee on Alternative Sources of Energy, underscores the administration’s strategic commitment to renewable energy as a sustainable pathway to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, easing the burden on the national grid and achieving long-term fiscal efficiency.

Governor Radda’s administration is determined to lead from the front in the transition to clean energy, setting an example for other states by creating a replicable model for decentralised power generation.

‘This initiative is not just an infrastructure upgrade, it is a deliberate, future-focused investment in energy security, economic competitiveness, environmental stewardship and improved quality of life for the people of Katsina State.

‘The approved deployment will bring solar + BESS systems to critical institutions, including Ajiwa, Zobe and Funtua Water Works; Umaru Musa Yar’adua University; General Amadi Rimi Orthopedic Hospital; Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic; Katsina State House of Assembly; Turai Yar’adua Maternity Hospital; State High Court; Isah Kaita College of Education and the Booster station.

‘These facilities will benefit from uninterrupted, clean and cost-effective electricity, ensuring that essential services such as water supply, healthcare, education and governance operate with efficiency and reliability,’ said Ahmed.

The 19.89 billion investment will be implemented using globally competitive pricing for solar panels, hybrid inverters, and battery storage systems-ensuring the best value for the state’s resources while maintaining high performance and durability.

The project will commence immediately with phased installations, allowing priority institutions to benefit early.

Kaduna petrol station manager arrested for criminal diversion of N500m

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Abdulazeez Gbadebo, the station manager of Emadeb Energy Service Limited for alleged criminal breach of trust and diversion of funds to the tune of N500 million (Five Hundred Million Naira).

He was arrested by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency followed a petition by Emadeb Energy Service Ltd.

The company had alleged that it discovered through external audit that the suspect illegally diverted and sold bulk petrol to customers by manipulating the pump meters and diverting N500 million that accrued from the fraud to his personal bank account.

EFCC said its investigations revealed that the suspect sold bulk petrol and diesel to different individuals and received payments through his private bank accounts.

Items recovered from him include: An ash-coloured Mercedes Benz, an ash-coloured mini cooper, a green-coloured mini cooper, an ash-coloured mini cooper and a white Mercedes Benz GLK. Others are, one original authorization letter from Kaduna Geographical Information System, KADGIS, a certificate of occupancy with file number, KDL 328159, one three bedroom fully detached bungalow and three landed properties.

He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

’Why I said yes to Mr Eazi,’ Temi Ajibade opens up

Nigerian fashion influencer and media personality Temi Ajibade, has opened up on why she said yes to Mr Eazi’s marriage proposal.

While speaking during an interview, Temi opened up on her bond with her husband, revealing that he is her best friend.

Temi also stated that their relationship is built on shared dreams and desire to face life’s challenges together.

‘There’s too many. How will I choose one, there’s too many first and foremost he is my best friend. That is my person and I think when you meet your person you know. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anybody else,’ she stated.

The daughter of one of Nigeria’s top billionaires, also expressed her excitement to spend the rest of her life with Mr Eazi. She added that he is her person.

‘He is the person I’m excited and can’t wait to spend everyday with and you know build our lives together and work through our ups and downs together. Celebrate together, solve problems together. He is simply my person,’ she added.

Nigeria’s non-oil export hits $1.79bn in Q1, 2025 – NEPC

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says Nigeria’s non-oil export rose to $1.791 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation exercise organised for sesame seed farmers on Thursday in Dutse, Jigawa.

The theme of the workshop was: ‘A Tactical Involvement for Enhancing the Production Capacity of Sesame Seed in Jigawa State.’

Represented by Okany Chika Sylvia, Chief Trade Promotion Officer, NEPC, Ayeni said the export value represented a 24.75 per cent increase compared to 19.59 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

She noted that non-oil export performance in 2024 indicated that sesame seed ranked third among the top 20 export products, amounting to 337,825.8 metric tonnes, representing 4.63 per cent of total exports.

‘Nigeria can obtain a significant share in the enormous forex from sesame seed export in the global market,’ she said.

Ayeni stressed the need to enhance the nation’s sesame yields and production to maximise export potential along the value chain.

In her presentation, Sylvia recalled that Nigeria’s sesame seed export to Japan between 2019 and 2021 was allegedly threatened due to the discovery of excess pesticide residue and salmonella.

‘The offshoot of this discovery was raised by the Japan Oil and Fat Importers and Exporters Association (JOFIEA) on 5 August, 2022.

‘Relatively, the Japanese authorities allegedly confirmed that a high dose of pesticide residue found in sesame seed exported to Japan between 2019 and 2021 was 1.9 times in excess of the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL),’ she said.

She identified challenges confronting sesame seed exports, including poor compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, cross-contamination during handling, and lack of proper documentation by exporters.

Proffering solutions, she said the issues could be addressed through tackling contaminants from farm gate to market, adopting a comprehensive approach, and training farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

‘The introduction of technology-driven traceability systems, tackling logistics hurdles, packaging and product differentiation will also curtail the situation.

‘Quality testing, deployment of modern technology, awareness campaigns as well as establishment of proper storage systems are vital,’ she added.

Sylvia further advocated the establishment of clusters within the medium term, stressing that the Council would engage relevant stakeholders to ensure zero rejection of agricultural exports, especially sesame seed.

‘We believe that through strategic engagement and partnerships, Nigeria’s sesame seed export will be boosted and competitively repositioned across major destination markets.’

NEPC’s Jigawa Coordinator, Mr Abdulkadir Aliyu, said the forum aimed at increasing Nigeria’s sesame seed output.

He noted that the overall objective was to help the country tap into growing opportunities in the global market, particularly in foreign exchange earnings.

‘This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and contribute meaningfully to the development of this important sector,’ he said.

One of the participants, Balaraba Ibrahim, called for the establishment of aggregation centres for sesame seed processing in Jigawa.

She expressed concern over the level of exploitation faced by sesame farmers who lack the capacity to process their produce, forcing them to sell at cheaper prices.

Another participant, Magaji Rabi’u, urged farmers and residents of the state to explore export opportunities through the NEPC.

Tinubu backs clean energy revolution at historic E1 Lagos GP

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a goodwill message in which he assured the world of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy. Besides, he praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the various sponsors for making the race a reality.

He said Lagos is making history as the host of the E1 Lagos GP, as the first city in Africa to host the powerboat racing championship, joining the ranks of Monaco, London, Jeddah and Venice.

President Tinubu, in his goodwill message on the E1 Lagos GP on Friday, said the event underscores his administration’s commitment to the blue economy as a catalyst for growth.

Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to lead in the great transition to clean energy and sustainable prosperity, noting that ‘By investing in our coastal infrastructure, marine tourism, and renewable energy, we create jobs, open new opportunities for youth, and strengthen Nigeria’s place in the global community.’

He said: ‘I am excited because, despite being Nigeria’s President; a job that I am truly honoured and privileged to have, I remain a proud Lagosian. The state is, once again, affirming its place as a bold, forward-looking city and a gateway to innovation, technology and global sporting excellence.

‘This championship is not merely a thrilling spectacle on water but a statement of intent. The E1 Powerboat series combines world-class entertainment with clean energy innovation, showcasing electric-power vessels that point the way to a greener and more sustainable future.

‘As a nation committed to renewable energy and environmental stewardship, Nigeria welcomes this pioneering event as a fitting complement to our drive toward a low-carbon economy.

‘Lagos, the cultural capital of Nigeria, the heartbeat of our economy, and a symbol of our resilience, is the perfect host. Its vibrant waterways and dynamic people embody the spirit of competition, creativity and hospitality.

‘I commend Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his team, and all partners, particularly the E1 and sponsors of this event, for the vision and hard work that made this possible.’

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the event at Lagos Boat Club, Ikoyi, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that President Tinubu, who is currently in Lagos, is excited about the E1 Lagos GP, and he has made known his readiness to watch the participating team during the final of the competition on Sunday in front of his private residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the championship underscores his administration’s commitment to sustainability, highlights its capacity to host world-class events and demonstrates the remarkable potential of Lagos waterways.

He said: ‘For us in Lagos, the E1 Lagos GP, the first to be held in Africa, is a befitting accolade to a sports-loving people and a government that knows the place of sports in human development.

‘E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism. The Spirit of Lagos. Besides, it is a vivid testimony of our growing influence and energy.’

The E1 Lagos GP kick-started on Friday with a boat regatta led by Governor Sanwo-Olu and other State Government officials. It was followed by a shakedown on water by the competing teams.

Yul Edochie raises alarm over children losing mother tongues

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of Nigerian children, especially those of Igbo heritage, who can no longer speak their native languages.

The actor described the situation as a ‘failure that must be corrected,’ stressing the urgent need for parents to prioritize indigenous language preservation at home.

In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Edochie lamented that many Igbo children today struggle to communicate fluently in their mother tongue due to parental neglect.

‘Many of us who are Igbos, our children cannot speak Igbo. It’s a failure on our part that must be corrected moving forward,’ he wrote.

His remarks have since sparked heated debate across social media, with some users backing his call for cultural revival, while others argued that the dominance of English in schools and society has made it difficult for children to learn their native dialects.

Edochie further stressed the importance of embracing Omenaani (traditional customs), describing ancestors as ‘guardian angels’ and urging Nigerians to return to their cultural roots.

NBA apprehends legal impersonator at Magistrates’ Court

The Anti-Fake Lawyers Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch, Delta State, has arrested a man for impersonating a legal practitioner at the Orhuwhorun Magistrates’ Court.

The suspect, U. T. Oghenetejiri, was caught during proceedings for a criminal case where he was attempting to represent a client.

He was exposed after being unable to respond to a direct query from the presiding Magistrate, causing him to flee the courtroom before being detained.

Edmund Odohisi, Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, explained that the association had launched an investigation following prior complaints.

‘The integrity of the legal profession is paramount,’ Odohisi stated. ‘Our committee took swift action to apprehend the individual upon his appearance in court.’

Following the arrest, it was discovered that Oghenetejiri had allegedly been running a legal practice from an office on Jakpa Road in Effurun.

Preliminary findings indicate he used a forged stamp and seal to prepare legal documents, including deeds of transfer.

Official verification confirmed that Oghenetejiri never attended law school and is not enrolled to practise law in Nigeria.

The incident has prompted calls for increased vigilance within the judicial system.

The NBA Udu Branch has urged the public to verify the credentials of their legal representatives and report any suspicious activity.

The suspect has been handed over to the police and is being held at the Ovwian Police Station pending arraignment.