Connect with us

NEWS

Akume Inaugurates NUPRC, NALDA Boards

Published

on

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Tuesday charged members of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensure accountability and transparency, and maintain regulatory independence in the discharge of their duties.

He gave the charge in Abuja during the inauguration of the NUPRC Board, alongside that of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), describing both ceremonies as critical milestones in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen governance frameworks, deepen sectoral reforms and accelerate inclusive national development.

Akume said the inauguration of the NUPRC Board marks a key step in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), enacted to reposition the country’s petroleum sector through enhanced regulatory clarity, institutional independence and adherence to global best practices.

According to him, the Board, as the apex governance body of the Commission, is expected to provide strategic oversight, policy direction and institutional stability necessary to boost investor confidence, optimise revenue generation and promote sustainable development in the upstream petroleum sector.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity , Yomi Odunuga, Akume said “the establishment and inauguration of this Board underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s upstream petroleum resources are managed transparently, efficiently and in the best interest of the Nigerian people”.

He noted that the appointments reflect a deliberate selection of individuals with proven competence, integrity and professional experience, expressing confidence that their collective expertise would advance the objectives of the PIA.

“Members of the Board, your charge is clear. You are to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensure accountability and transparency, and work constructively with management and stakeholders while maintaining regulatory independence,” Akume said.

The SGF stressed that integrity, diligence and fidelity to the law must guide the Board’s decisions, noting that public trust and national interest depend on their stewardship.

ALSO READ: Global Demand Takes Dangote Refinery’s Jet Fuel Export over 770% in 24 Months

He added that the exercise aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises strong institutions, the rule of law and integrity in public service, noting that effective regulation of the upstream sector remains central to economic growth, energy security and fiscal sustainability.

In a separate ceremony inaugurating the NALDA Board, Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation as a key pillar of national development.

He described NALDA as a strategic vehicle for poverty eradication, food security enhancement, job creation and rural transformation, noting that its mandate to drive agricultural land development is critical to achieving national development goals.

The SGF highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estates, designed as modern mechanised agricultural hubs with integrated irrigation, processing infrastructure and farmer settlements.

He also listed complementary programmes including the Renewed Hope Restoration Project for vulnerable groups, the Green Hope Project focused on climate-smart greenhouse farming, and the Aqua Hope Project aimed at expanding structured aquaculture systems.

According to him, these initiatives are already yielding positive outcomes in food production, employment generation and rural economic growth, while supporting the administration’s broader objective of economic diversification.

“As we look ahead, NALDA is expected to scale up its programmes across more states, strengthen the use of technology, and expand opportunities for youth and women in agriculture,” he said.

Akume emphasised that the NALDA Board would play a crucial role in providing strategic direction, effective oversight and management support required to consolidate the Authority’s gains and ensure the successful delivery of its mandate.

He urged members of both Boards to approach their assignments with a strong sense of duty, patriotism and commitment to national development, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support.

Responding on behalf of the NUPRC Board, Chairman, Senator Magnus Abe, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, pledging that the Board would not disappoint.

“We are very grateful to the President and we want to assure him through you that we will not disappoint him,” he said, adding that the Board would work closely with management to deliver on the objectives of the PIA.

Similarly, chairman of the NALDA Board, Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya, described the appointments as a call to service, assuring that the Board would provide sound governance, transparency and accountability in supporting the Authority’s mandate.

“As a Governing Board, our mandate is clear: to provide strategic direction, ensure sound governance, and uphold transparency and accountability in the discharge of our duties,” Barkiya said.

NEWS

Outrage as Police Officer Who Threatened Nigerians Over Recording Breaks Silence

Published

on

A Nigerian police officer identified as Newton Isokpehi has sparked widespread reactions online after publicly apologising for threatening Nigerians who film police officers while on duty.

The officer came under heavy criticism after a viral video showed him warning that he would “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone recording him during official duty.

Following the backlash, Isokpehi released a video on Thursday pleading with Nigerians and rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu for forgiveness, saying his earlier comments were made out of anger and frustration.

SEE ALSO: Six Arrested as Police Expose Inside Network Behind Oyo School Abduction

“Please forgive me. If I offended you as a brother, forgive me. That statement was just out of annoyance because of the things that are happening,” he said.

Speaking in Pidgin English, the officer clarified that he was not against citizens filming police officers, noting that Nigerians have the right to record security personnel while carrying out their duties.

“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman. But it’s not right for just anybody to come from anywhere and start videoing officers on duty,” he stated.

Isokpehi, who disclosed that he hails from Edo State and was raised in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who has spent over 12 years serving in the Mobile Police unit.

The officer also displayed several scars and gunshot wounds on his body, claiming they were sustained during dangerous operations while serving the country.

“Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation. We have suffered in this work,” he said emotionally.

Attempting to walk back his earlier remarks, Isokpehi insisted he never intended to harm civilians.

“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he added.

He further appealed directly to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, admitting that the controversy had escalated beyond what he expected.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far,” he pleaded.

The apology has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the officer’s initial comments while others expressed sympathy over the harsh conditions faced by security personnel.

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Cubana Chief Priest Explains Why He Dumped Peter Obi for Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Published

on

Nigerian socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has explained why he shifted his political support from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during a livestream session with popular streamer Peller, the celebrity businessman said his decision was motivated by a desire to avoid repeated political disappointment.

SEE ALSO: Plateau 2027: “I’m Not in the Race to Fill Numbers” — Bida Declares War on Mutfwang

He stated that he no longer wanted to back a candidate who might lose, saying he made the switch after the last election experience.
“Because I don’t want to lose again because they say first fool no be fool na the second fool be proper fool,” he said.

Cubana Chief Priest also claimed that President Tinubu remains cautious about him due to his past political alignment with Peter Obi and his ethnic background.

According to him, the President does not fully trust him because of his previous support for the opposition during the 2023 polls.

“President Bola Tinubu no really trust me as an Igbo man that I am. He look me with one eye because he believes that this one that worked for Peter Obi, before at the last election,” he added.

He further dismissed the chances of Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, describing him as “not serious” and insisting that only “serious people” would emerge victorious.

The comments have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with critics accusing him of political opportunism, while others argue that his position reflects the realities of Nigeria’s winner-takes-all political system.

Cubana Chief Priest was a vocal supporter of Peter Obi and the Labour Party during the 2023 elections but later aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the Pro-Tinubu City Boys Movement and has become more active within APC circles.

He had also obtained an APC House of Representatives nomination form but later withdrew from the primary election on the day of the exercise.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Yobe Hospital Makes Medical History With First-Ever Lower Jaw Surgery

Published

on

The Yobe State Specialist Hospital has recorded a major medical breakthrough after successfully performing its first-ever lower jaw surgery, a development described as the first of its kind in North-Eastern Nigeria.

The complex procedure, known as a segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction, was carried out on a 40-year-old female patient suffering from mandibular ameloblastoma, a tumour affecting the jawbone.

Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Usman Abba Giedam, said the surgery marked a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare sector.

SEE MORE: Ex-IGP Usman Alkali Baba Joins Yobe Governorship Race, Vows to End Insurgency

According to him, the operation involved the removal of a diseased section of the patient’s lower jaw and a sophisticated reconstruction using reconstruction plates and an iliac crest bone graft.

The surgery was led by Dr. Muhammad Ayuba Fusami with support from Dr. Peter Umejiego.

Giedam revealed that the patient is currently recovering well and responding positively to treatment following the successful operation.

He noted that the achievement reflects the growing capacity of the hospital to handle highly specialized medical procedures that previously required referrals outside the state.

The CMD also credited the administration of Mai Mala Buni for investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, and skilled manpower development across the state.

He added that the hospital remains committed to advancing specialized healthcare services and improving access to quality medical care for residents of Yobe State and the North-East region.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x