On behalf of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and my family, I specially felicitate with our leader, father and President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of your birthday.

Sir, your courageous leadership, firm resolve, and bold reform-driven governance continue to serve as a springboard for a renewed Nigeria, strengthening national confidence and optimism in our shared future.

Your Excellency, we are particularly grateful for your visionary drive toward Nigeria’s energy transformation, especially your support for solarization initiatives and the transition to sustainable energy: an intervention that has illuminated over 37 health and tertiary institutions, MDAs, and numerous rural and urban communities within the last three years.

It is pertinent to note that this practical commitment in your capacity as the board chairman of the ECN, is steadily laying a solid foundation for resilience, innovation, and sustainable national development.

Sir, as you mark this special day, we celebrate the enduring impact of your leadership across critical sectors that drive national progress.

We pray that Almighty God grants you renewed wisdom, sound health, and long life to continue guiding our nation with strength and foresight.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President. The Asiwaju of the Universe!

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condoled with former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother.

In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Sani described the passing as a profound loss not only to the El-Rufai family but also to Kaduna State and the nation at large.

He paid glowing tribute to the deceased, commending her life of service, community leadership, and the enduring legacy of her motherly care and guidance.

“Her death is a great loss to Kaduna State and the nation at large. We appreciate her life, community leadership, and motherly love,” he said.

Sani also prayed for the repose of her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. He further prayed for strength and comfort for El-Rufai and his family in this moment of grief.

“May Allah console the heart of our former Governor and his family members,” he added.

Reflecting on a personal connection, the former lawmaker noted that the deceased was also the mother of his late childhood friend, Ibrahim Iro El-Rufai, who died in a tragic road accident in 2014.

He concluded with the Islamic expression, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” meaning, “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.”

By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

In moments of political turbulence, leadership is ultimately judged not by loyalty to structures in crises, but by fidelity to the people one serves. The recent ruling of the Apo Judicial Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which recognized the Boniface Aniebonam faction of the NNPP as the legally authentic party and directed INEC accordingly, has brought a decisive clarity to what had long been an increasingly murky and destabilizing internal conflict.

For the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, this judicial pronouncement does more than settle a factional dispute, it vindicates a decision that, at the time it was made, attracted fierce criticism but was rooted in pragmatic foresight and responsibility.

When the Governor chose to part ways with the faction aligned to Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the dominant narrative pushed by critics was one of betrayal. Yet, with the benefit of unfolding events and now the weight of judicial affirmation, it is increasingly evident that the decision was not about political convenience but about safeguarding the stability of Kano State.

At the heart of the matter lies a simple but propound principle that governance cannot thrive in the shadow of legal uncertainty and factional paralysis. The protracted crisis within the NNPP had already begun to cast a long shadow over its elected officials, raising legitimate concerns about party legitimacy, electoral mandates and the risks of prolonged litigations.

For a sitting Governor, the implications were stark; whether to remain entangled in a party facing existential legal disputes or chart a course that ensures continuity of governance and protects the mandate entrusted by the people. Governor Yusuf chose the latter.
His defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) must therefore be understood not as an abandonment of political ideals, but as an act of strategic recalibration in the interest of the people. By stepping away from a party embroiled in internal contradictions, now confirmed by the court’s recognition of a rival faction, he effectively insulated Kano from the kind of instability that often accompanies prolonged political and legal crises.

Critically, this move also positioned the state to benefit from stronger alignment with the federal government. In Nigeria’s political economy, access matters. Federal collaboration can accelerate infrastructure development, enhance security coordination and unlock economic opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. In this regard, the governor’s decision reflects a clear prioritization of outcomes over optics and of tangible progress over partisan rigidity.

It is also worth noting that leadership sometimes requires the courage to endure temporary misunderstanding in pursuit of long-term stability. The initial backlash that greeted the governor’s move was, in many ways, inevitable in a political environment deeply shaped by loyalty to personalities and movements. However, as the internal contradictions within the NNPP have now been laid bare through judicial intervention, the logic underpinning Governor AKY’s decision becomes increasingly difficult to dispute.

This is not to suggest that political realignments are without consequence or controversy. They are, by nature, disruptive. But disruption, when guided by a clear commitment to public interest, can be a necessary prelude to stability and progress.
The unfolding reality, therefore, invites a reaffirming of the narrative. Rather than viewing the governor’s defection through the narrow lens of partisan allegiance, it should be seen within the broader context of responsible governance. Faced with a party in disarray and risk of legal and political uncertainty, Abba Kabir Yusuf chose a path that prioritized Kano first, its stability, its development and its future.

In the final analysis, history tends to be kinder to decisions that place people above politics. The recent court ruling does not merely resolve a party dispute, it underscores a deeper truth that in times of crisis, decisive leadership anchored in the public good will always find its justification.
Kano deserves stability; Kano deserves progress and above all, Kano deserves leadership that is willing to make difficult choices.

Barrister Hussaini is the Special Adviser to Governor AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters.

By Abdullahi Sabiu

Fresh from a defining moment on the global stage in Japan, where he secured a prestigious international maritime leadership role, Abubakar Dantsoho clocks 57 with his profile not just rising at home, but commanding recognition across the world’s maritime corridors.

It is a fitting milestone for a man whose steady hand is fast redefining Nigeria’s port ecosystem.

At the helm of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dantsoho has emerged as a quiet reformer with global relevance—bridging local execution with international credibility. His recent recognition abroad is more than ceremonial; it is a validation of reforms taking root within Nigeria’s once-troubled port system.

Since assuming office, he has steered the NPA away from chronic inefficiencies toward a culture of discipline, coordination, and forward planning. Congestion is being confronted, processes are being streamlined, and the long-overdue march toward port digitisation is gaining traction. The result is a system gradually shedding its old image and embracing operational clarity.

Dantsoho’s leadership is defined by resolve rather than rhetoric. He understands that ports are not just terminals—they are economic lifelines.

Under his watch, every improvement in cargo clearance, every reduction in turnaround time, and every increase in transparency feeds directly into national productivity and investor confidence.

What sets him apart is his ability to navigate a complex web of stakeholders without losing focus. The maritime sector, long burdened by entrenched interests, is yielding—slowly but surely—to a new order driven by accountability and shared purpose.

Now, with global recognition reinforcing his local reforms, Dantsoho stands at a unique intersection: a technocrat with both domestic impact and international voice.

His growing influence signals that Nigeria is no longer content with being a passive player in global maritime affairs.

At 57, his journey reflects discipline, depth, and direction. Not loud, not flamboyant—but effective, strategic, and increasingly impossible to ignore.

As Nigeria pushes to unlock the vast potential of its blue economy, one thing is becoming clear: the momentum is real—and Dantsoho is firmly at its centre.

Complete Story:

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the Nigerian Air Force have initiated a strategic partnership to enhance energy security. This development follows a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, led by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal E. K. Gabkwet, and the Chief of Logistics, AVM A. I. Sambo, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

During the visit, Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet expressed appreciation to the Director General of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi, for granting the audience and conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Air Staff. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing renewable energy solutions to support anti-terrorism operations. He also requested technical training support from ECN for Air Force personnel and pledged the Air Force’s assistance in logistics, transportation, and other operational areas.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi described the engagement as historic, noting that it is the first of its kind between the ECN and the military. He reiterated the Commission’s mandate to ensure national energy security and highlighted key policy frameworks, including the National Energy Policy (NEP) and the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP).

The Director-General further outlined ongoing solarisation projects in healthcare facilities and tertiary institutions, assuring the delegation that similar initiatives would be extended to the Nigerian Air Force. He also announced the immediate deployment of solar-powered lighting solutions to support Air Force operations.

Copies of the NEP and NEMP were presented to the delegation, and both parties affirmed that the partnership marks the beginning of sustained collaboration aimed at advancing national development and security.

The meeting was attended by ECN directors and members of the Air Force delegation, including AVM C. E. Akpa, Air Commodore L. O. Wabriboko, Air Commodore A. T. Adejimi, I. O. Akpasa, Squadron Leader A. B. Gambo, and Flight Lieutenant A. M. Aondoakaa.

Grace Sule

A coalition of northern youth groups has urged the Nigerian Senate to refrain from what it termed a political vendetta against the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over alleged financial irregularities.

Issuing a joint statement in Abuja on Saturday, the coalition—led by the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL)—condemned the Senate’s decision to summon Kyari over purported discrepancies totaling ₦210 trillion in NNPCL’s audited financial reports.

The statement, signed by the Assembly’s President, Amb. Abdul Danbature, and endorsed by the Forum for Youth Development, Unity and Peace Initiative, along with 21 other civil society bodies, described the summon as part of a disturbing pattern of blackmail against dedicated public servants.

“We deem it necessary to speak out against the rising wave of blackmail, politically driven accusations, and deliberate efforts to tarnish the image of individuals who have rendered selfless service to the nation,” the statement read.

The groups hailed Kyari’s tenure at the helm of NNPCL, emphasizing his pivotal role in modernizing the nation’s oil and gas sector. They highlighted key milestones achieved under his leadership, such as the successful transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into a commercialized limited liability company in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). They also acknowledged his efforts in driving the rehabilitation of the country’s refineries and enhancing transparency in crude oil production monitoring.

According to the coalition, Kyari was instrumental in expanding gas infrastructure projects, bolstering national energy security, and fostering greater local content and youth participation within the industry.

The coalition praised the former NNPCL chief as a committed patriot whose leadership aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda. They noted his consistent support for youth empowerment and his role in creating leadership pathways for young Nigerians in strategic economic sectors.

“It is deeply regrettable that after years of unwavering service, a concerted effort is being made to drag his name through the mud with controversies that only serve to disturb the peace of his retirement,” the groups lamented.

While acknowledging the constitutional oversight functions of the Senate, the youth coalition cautioned the legislative body against leveraging its powers for what they described as political persecution and character assassination. They advised the Senate to redirect its focus toward addressing critical national issues, such as the persistent insecurity plaguing northern communities and other regions of the country.

The coalition called on Nigerians to view the allegations against Kyari with circumspection and to resist attempts by certain individuals or factions to manipulate public sentiment for selfish or political ends.

The groups further appealed to relevant state institutions to allow the former NNPCL chief to enjoy his post-service life free from harassment and undue public scrutiny.

“As a nation, we must learn to recognize and honor those who have dedicated their expertise and years to the service of our fatherland,” the statement concluded.

A civic advocacy group, Retirees Dignity Promoters (RDP), has criticised the Nigerian Senate over what it described as an attempt to harass former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, despite his record of reforms and transparency in the oil sector.

The group said it was troubling that the Senate committee probing alleged financial issues linked to the national oil company appears determined to overlook the unprecedented openness that characterised Kyari’s tenure.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Moses Epenyoung and issued in Abuja, RDP said Nigerians witnessed a historic shift during Kyari’s leadership when the oil giant began publishing detailed monthly financial and operational reports, openly disclosing revenues, remittances and expenditure — a practice that had never existed before.

“For decades, Nigerians knew virtually nothing about the income, operations and spending of the national oil company. That culture of secrecy changed under Kyari,” the group said.

RDP said it was therefore surprising that lawmakers were now ignoring that transparency legacy while resorting to threats of arrest warrants, a move the group described as politically coloured.

The group also recalled that when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission invited Kyari last year over industry matters, he voluntarily honoured the invitation shortly after returning from an overseas trip, demonstrating that he had nothing to hide.

According to RDP, the Senate must avoid actions that create the impression of political intimidation, especially as the country gradually approaches another election season.

“Kyari helped open the books of Nigeria’s oil sector. He should be allowed to enjoy his retirement in peace,” the statement added.

By Conrade Oloko

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has thrown its weight behind the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, praising his leadership style and what it described as historic achievements in expanding electricity to rural Nigeria.

In a world press statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the youth group said its declaration of solidarity followed extensive consultations with Northern elders, youth leaders, and key stakeholders across the region.

According to the Assembly, Aliyu has demonstrated “uncommon commitment, transparency, and a results-driven leadership style” since assuming office. The group noted that he has accelerated the implementation of renewable energy and rural electrification projects nationwide.

The group particularly commended the REA’s reported expansion of electricity access to underserved communities. It highlighted that several projects under the current leadership have extended beyond rural households to critical public institutions such as hospitals, universities, and other essential facilities.

These interventions, the Assembly stated, have directly contributed to improved healthcare delivery, enhanced educational outcomes, and increased economic productivity in previously dark communities.

In a significant claim, the Assembly further stated that available records and stakeholder observations indicate that Aliyu is the first head of the Agency to oversee electrification projects across all states in Northern Nigeria while simultaneously expanding implementation nationwide.

“These achievements deserve recognition and continued support,” the statement read, adding that the agency’s efforts align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of energy access, economic inclusion, and national development.

As a youth-driven movement, the group called on Northern youths and young Nigerians across the country, as well as civil society organisations and community leaders, to support ongoing efforts to deepen rural electrification and sustainable energy development.

The Assembly emphasized that energy access remains a critical driver of economic growth and social transformation, urging stakeholders to prioritize unity and constructive engagement in advancing national development goals.

It also reaffirmed its support for the leadership of the Rural Electrification Agency, encouraging Aliyu to remain focused and committed to expanding electricity access to rural communities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and businesses across Nigeria.

The statement, which was signed by the President of the Assembly, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, concluded with a unifying call to action:

“Together, we can light up Nigeria and empower our people.”

By …

A coalition of 21 Northern Nigeria youth organisations under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for adjusting the timetable for the 2027 General Elections from February to January 2027.

In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Amb. Abdul Garba Danbature, the group described the decision as a “statesmanlike gesture” that strengthens democratic inclusion and national cohesion.

The youths said the adjustment, reportedly made in consideration of the proximity of the earlier February date to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, demonstrates administrative foresight and sensitivity to Nigeria’s religious diversity.

According to the statement, the initial schedule could have posed logistical and participatory challenges for Muslim faithful observing the fasting period. “By revising the timetable, INEC has shown commitment to inclusivity and ensured that no segment of the population is inadvertently disadvantaged in exercising its constitutional rights,” the group stated.

The coalition noted that the decision followed appeals by several stakeholders, including the Sultan of Sokoto and the leadership of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, as well as civic organisations across the country. It said the Commission’s responsiveness underscores the importance of constructive public engagement in a democratic system.

The group also defended the leadership of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, saying the timetable adjustment reflects a balance between firmness in upholding the law and flexibility in accommodating legitimate concerns.

It called on Nigerians who may have expressed reservations about the INEC chairman’s appointment to reconsider their stance and support the Commission’s efforts to deliver credible and peaceful elections in 2027.

The statement further urged political actors and citizens alike to prioritise peace and unity, drawing inspiration from former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, whose advocacy for peaceful democratic transitions was described as enduring.

The youths also referenced the legacy of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello, noting his commitment to unity and cross-cultural engagement across religious and ethnic lines.

They stressed that peaceful coexistence and dialogue remain essential pillars for Nigeria’s democratic consolidation, urging stakeholders — including political parties, civil society organisations, religious institutions and youth groups — to focus on issue-based campaigns and lawful mobilisation ahead of the polls.

“The adjustment of the 2027 election timetable is not a concession to sectional interests but a reinforcement of national equity,” the statement added.

The coalition reaffirmed its confidence in INEC’s leadership and called on Nigerians to prepare for what it described as a peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral process.

ENDS

The leadership of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, under the guidance of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Friday carried out a strategic inspection of the group’s Abuja Secretariat.

This marks a significant step in consolidating the nationwide grassroots mobilisation drive recently unveiled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The inspection signals the formal activation of the Secretariat as a national coordination hub for the movement’s outreach, stakeholder engagement, and policy communication efforts across the six geopolitical zones.

It comes at a critical time, as the administration intensifies efforts to communicate ongoing reforms and deepen citizen participation in governance.

The visit was coordinated by the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, whose role in galvanising institutional and political support reflects the growing synergy between government policy drivers and grassroots mobilisation structures.

Dr. Abdullahi emphasised the importance of aligning advocacy, public enlightenment, and stakeholder engagement with the administration’s broader economic transformation objectives.

In attendance were prominent political leaders and influential voices within the ruling party and the national polity, including former Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Al-Makura; former Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim; Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Mr. Otega Ogra.

Their presence underscored a broad coalition of political experience and strategic communication expertise, reinforcing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ mandate to serve as a bridge between government policies and the Nigerian people.

Observers note that the initiative is designed not merely as a political support structure, but as a platform for policy advocacy, citizen feedback, and structured engagement aimed at translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible community-level impact.

Key focus areas include economic recovery, energy transition, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, food security, and digital innovation.

The convergence of governors, senators, presidential media aides, and zonal coordinators highlights the expanding momentum behind the initiative and reflects a coordinated effort to institutionalize grassroots participation in governance.

As the Secretariat becomes fully operational, expectations are high that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will play a pivotal role in mobilising national consensus, strengthening party cohesion, and sustaining public confidence in the administration’s reform agenda.

The Abuja inspection therefore represents more than a routine visit — it signals the operational take-off of a nationwide movement structured to drive engagement, amplify government achievements, and consolidate support for President Tinubu’s vision of inclusive growth and national renewal.