Mato Condoles Gyado Family Over Loss Of Kenneth

... says his legacy will be always felt 

By Terfa Naswem 

Former member of the House of Representatives for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency in Benue State and Co-Founder, Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko Benue State, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato condoles the family of Gyado over the demise of Kenneth Tersoo Gyado.

He was born on the 24th September, 1971 into the family of Cyprian Liamgee Gyado from Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya Local Government, Benue State. He was the first of three children. He died on 8th February 2025 at age 53 leaving his wife, three children and relatives behind.

His funeral mass was held at St. Winifred's parish, Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya Local Government Council of Benue State while he was buried on Thursday, 27th February, 2025  his hometown, Tse-Gyado, Ihugh, Vandeikya.

Mato extolled late Kenneth as a man who was extremely loving and generous. He hated injustice and supported those who upheld the principles of togetherness and development. She said his legacy will always be felt.

Hon. Mato prayed God to grant Gyado family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable loss.

Numbeve Extends His Deepest Condolences To Gyado Family Over Demise Of Kenneth

By Terfa Naswem 

Coordinator, Benue Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Hon. Steven Numbeve has extended his deepest condolences to the family of Gyado over demise of Kenneth Tersoo Gyado whose sudden death occurred on 8th February, 2025.

Numbeve while consoling the family at their hometown in Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya LGA, Benue State before the funeral mass was held at St Winifred's Parish, Ihugh, he resounded the momentous impact late Kenneth made on the lives of the Benue All Progressives Congress, APC family, his various groups formation in support of the campaign of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia when he was contesting for governor in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

He reflected on so many positive impact late Kenneth made on the lives of many people including him, and said he will be enormously missed.

Late Kenneth was born in 1971 and died in 2025 at age 53 and was buried on Thursday, 27th February, 2025. He left behind his wife, three children, mother, siblings and relatives.

He encouraged the wife, children, relatives, friends and associates of late Kenneth to continue to hold firm in the infallible God in this darkest moment and He will give them divine consolation through Christ Jesus our Lord.

NNN PG, Salisu Lauds Tinubu, Omo -Agege over Medical University establishment in Kwale

 By Williams Ode 

The leadership of Ndokwa Nation ably led by Comrade Chief Amechi Asugwuni, President General of Ndokwa Nation (NNU) and others notable leaders in Ndokwa nation has expressed their profund gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the university’s establishment after Omo-Agege lobbied for it  and worked tirelessly for the approval. 

They also , commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the university with a takeoff grant, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to the Ndokwa Nation.

Speaking at the university’s groundbreaking ceremony on Monday last week on this day, held at its permanent site between Kwale and Emu-Ebendo, the stakeholders of the Ndokwa nation applauded Omo-Agege’s efforts in securing the specialized medical institution and pledge allegiance to support the university with enably environment for smooth takes off.

Dr. Salisu who spoke, at the university ground breaking ceremony,described the university as a major milestone, emphasizing its importance not just for Delta State but for the entire South-South region. “Today is a testimony of Senator Omo-Agege’s efforts. He lobbied for this university, and while five others were created at the same time, this institution stands out significantly,” 

Dr. Salisu, said, the Federal University of Medical Sciences Kwale  in Delta State has remove Ndokwa nation from shame while commended Omo-Agege for championing the institution’s establishment, stating that it represents the beginning of real development for the Ndokwa people. “For too long, our people have faced stagnation, but today, that chain has been broken. This university is a game-changer, and we are hopeful that more developmental projects will follow,” 

He stressed , " the university is not limited to Delta State but is a regional institution meant to serve the entire South-South.

 “All states in this region are stakeholders, and it is our collective responsibility to rally support for its development and successful takeoff,” he added.

Also speaking, Vice Chancellor Prof. Abel Nze Onunu, in his welcome address, highlighted the university’s significance, noting that it marks the first major federal government presence in Ndokwa land. “Before now, the only notable federal structure in this area was a colonial prison. For decades, Ndokwa has suffered neglect, and today, Kwale still lacks public power supply despite the numerous oil wells in the region,” 

Oh his part , in a   remarks by  Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who served as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, expressed his profound joy in witnessing the project come to life. He described the university’s establishment as a reflection of his unwavering commitment to development and transformation in Delta State.

According to him, “As Deputy Senate President, my passion for service and vision for a better future drove me. Today, we take a giant leap towards realizing that vision,” 

Omo-Agege emphasized that,  the university will provide quality education in medical and health sciences, drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create job opportunities for Ndokwa people. He extended heartfelt appreciation to President Buhari for his visionary leadership and initial approval of the project, as well as to President Tinubu for ensuring its smooth takeoff.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership and for giving the initial approval for this university. Your commitment to education and development is truly commendable, and we are grateful for your support.

“I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the establishments 

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the university is receiving the necessary funding for success. His administration’s approval of this institution, alongside other tertiary institutions, underscores his commitment to expanding educational opportunities and securing a brighter future for Nigerian students,” Omo-Agege said.

He further reiterated that, " Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda  administration is dedicated to enhancing access to tertiary education nationwide. “We are proud to see this vision become a reality in Kwale,” he added

CSO Writes AGF, Seeks Probe Of DPPF Over "Frivolus" Charges Against Businessman, Lawyer

By Dansu Pentho 

A civil society group, Federation for Truth and Justice has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to investigate the activities of the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Mohammed Abubakar Babadoko. 

The group, in a letter dated February 25, 2025 is asking the AGF to use his office to probe the relationship between the DPPF and one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL

According to the letter, signed by the leader of the group, Comrade Henry Owolabi, the activities of the DPPF regarding the case of a businessman, Cecil Osakwe  and his Counsel, Mr Victor Giwa calls for probe. 

He said in the letter, "Our attention has been brought to many alleged illegal,  and suspicious activities been perpetrated by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mohamned Abubakar in the Ministry of Justice. 

"It has come to our attention that Mr Abubakar, whom hereafter we shall refer to him as DPP is believed to be abusing his office by using his office to intimidate, persecute and threaten perceived opponents of his cronies, in this case one, Asabe Waziri, a staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCLTD). 

"Sir, the DPP has with a clear intention to intimidate Asabe Waziri ‘s opponents, framed and filed two charge sheets against one Cecil Osakwe and one Charge sheet against Cecil Osakwe and his Counsel, Victor GIWA, for standing up to opposed DPP’s illegal action against his client. 

"The charges are Charge No: CR/244/2022 at the FCT High Court, Charge N0: FHC/ABJ/CR/331/2022 at the Federal High Court and the latest is Charge N0: CR/222/2023 in the FCT High Court, Abuja.

"Curiously, sir, these charges against Cecil Osakwe, a businessman and his Counsel where framed by the DPP, with the intention of weaponizing the charges against Cecil Osakwe and force him to conceded to Asabe  Waziri’s  reliefs   which she could not get in civil courts.

Sir, the subject of the disputes between Asabe Waziri and Cecil Osakwe is the proposed purchase of 2 blocks of flats from Cecil’s Osakwe property -Abeh Signature Apartment in Maitama, Abuja.

Asabe has proposed to purchased the two flats at a purchase price of two hundred and sixty million naira (260,000,000) and made a fifty million deposit, after which was given possession."

He said shortly after taking possession, there were issues which led to management of the property to terminate the sales agreement.

"The management of the Property decided to terminate the contract with Asabe and refund her deposit. Asabe Waziri insisted on remaining in the property and vowed to deal with Cecil Osakwe.

"The matter was submitted to the FCT High Court before his Lordship Hon Justice Othman Musa, who terminated the transaction and ordered that Asabe Waziri be refunded her deposit including her agency and legal fees and vacate the premises.

"Inspite of the Court Order, Asabe Waziri refused to vacate the premises and subsequently Court Order was enforced against her.

"Surprisingly, the DPP framed and filed the first charge against Cecil Osakwe, accusing him of collecting money from Asabe under false pretense on a property Asabe Waziri stayed for over two years before she was vacated.

"DPP has continued to use the charges against Cecil Osakwe to negotiate Asabe re-entry to the premises even after Cecil Osakwe lodged an appeal against the Court of Appeal decision, setting aside the trial’s court judgement.

"Honourable Minister sir, it based on the allegations of abuse of office, official corruption and bribery that we make the following demands:"That you cause the withdrawal of the Charge no /222/2023 against Cecil Osake and his Council Victor Giwa in the High Court of the FCT for been obtained through money inducement by Asabe Waziri through one Matthew Una of the DPP.

"That you investigate the attempted bribery in dollars by DPP through his agent Matthew Una of an FCT High Court Judge who refused that bribe to arraign Cecil Osakwe".

Northern Union, 72 Other Arewa Groups Back Tinubu's Tax Reform Bills

 ... Lauds Senate Committee Chairman.

By Dansu Goldmark 

The Northern Union and 72 other Arewa groups have announced their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Tax Reform Bills.

This endorsement comes on the heels of a Senate public hearing, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the proposed legislation.

According to the Northern Union, the Tax Reform Bills align with their organisation's values of promoting economic growth, fairness, and simplicity.

The President of the group, Alhaji Adamu Muazu Garuba, said the proposed legislation will streamline tax administration, reduce compliance costs, and promote investment in key sectors.

Speaking on behalf of the groups after a public hearing in the Senate, Garuba commended the Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Sani Musa for his professional conduct throughout the hearing. 

Garuba further praised Musa for displaying the highest level of accountability, neutrality and impartiality by ensuring that all Nigerians were heard.

"The benefits of the Tax Reform Bills to the North are numerous. A simplified tax system will attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth," Garuba said. 

" The reduction in compliance costs will ease the burden on taxpayers, enabling them to invest in their businesses and communities. Additionally, the increased revenue generated from the reforms will enable governments to fund critical infrastructure projects and social programs.

"The Tax Reform Bills will also promote fairness and equity in the tax system, eliminating multiple taxation and reducing the tax burden on low-income earners.

"This will promote social justice and reduce poverty in the region. Furthermore, the reforms will promote transparency and accountability in the tax system, building trust between governments and the people."

In particular, Garuba said that the Tax Reform Bills will have a profoundly positive impact on the North.

He added: "A simplified tax system will attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the region. This, in turn, will lead to increased economic activity, improved living standards, and reduced poverty levels.

"As the North is a significant contributor to Nigeria's economy, the benefits of the Tax Reform Bills will be felt across the country. The reduction in compliance costs will also ease the burden on taxpayers in the North, enabling them to invest in their businesses and communities.

"This will be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the Northern economy. By reducing the tax burden on SMEs, the Tax Reform Bills will promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in the region.

"The increased revenue generated from the reforms will also enable governments in the North to fund critical infrastructure projects and social programs.

"This will help to address the region's developmental challenges, such as inadequate healthcare, education, and transportation infrastructure. By investing in these critical areas, the North will be better equipped to unlock its economic potential and improve the lives of its people."

Garuba, however, has urged all northerners to support the Tax Reform Bills, emphasising that these reforms are in their best interest.

He stated: "We urge all northerners to join us in supporting the Tax Reform Bills. These reforms are in our best interest and will promote economic growth, fairness, and simplicity.

"We must work together to ensure that these reforms are passed into law and implemented effectively. We also call on our lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Tax Reform Bills.

"We urge them to put aside their differences and work together to pass these critical reforms. The fate of our region and our people depends on it. Finally, we commend President Tinubu for his leadership and vision in proposing these reforms."

NUPRC Transforming Nigeria's Oil and Gas - Report

By Dansu Peter 

A recent report by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has highlighted the significant strides made by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in transforming the country's oil and gas sector. 

The report assesses the impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the efforts of NUPRC under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The report notes that Komolafe's leadership has made significant strides in restoring the lost glory of Nigeria's oil and gas sector. 

In the report signed by its secretary general, Fabian  Opialu, the group said the commission has embraced digitalization, ensuring real-time monitoring of oil production and compliance, which has helped curb crude oil theft and improved accuracy in production reporting.

Furthermore, the report also said the NUPRC has strengthened engagement with host communities, ensuring benefits from oil production reach local populations, and has facilitated open dialogue and cooperation between government agencies, international investors, and host communities. 

Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

To overcome these challenges, the report recommends that the NUPRC continue to enhance transparency and digitalization, strengthening security measures by implementing cutting-edge surveillance technologies to address oil theft and pipeline damage. 

The report also urged the commission to maintain improved stakeholder engagement, ensuring continuous dialogue with host communities, international investors, and oil-producing firms.

“Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed,” the report said. 

“It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency. 

“In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

“However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

“Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

“We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development.”

Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

 By Akonasu Gbedozin 

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has commended the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The group, consisting of loyalists of President Bola Tinubu, praised Komolafe's tireless efforts in driving reforms in the petroleum industry, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to RHAN's assessment report, the NUPRC has made significant strides in implementing the PIA, which has led to improved operational effectiveness, reduced misconduct, and increased revenue generation for the government.

The report highlighted the commission's efforts in streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting a more investment-friendly environment.

Speaking at a press conference, the national secretary of the group, Dr. Opialu Fabian specifically praised Engr. Komolafe's leadership style, which he says,has brought about a strong commitment to regulatory excellence, innovation, and transparency.

He noted that Komolafe's initiatives, such as technology-driven regulation, review of crude oil handling agreements, and commitment to local content development, have helped to curb oil theft, promote gas utilization, and attract investment in deepwater exploration.

RHAN also commended Komolafe's commitment to local content development, which has strengthened engagement with host communities.

According to Fabian, this has ensured that the benefits of oil production reach local populations, promoting socio-economic development and reducing conflicts.

Furthermore, the report acknowledged the challenges still facing the NUPRC, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

However, RHAN expressed confidence that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

Fabian added: "Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed. It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency.

"In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

"However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

"Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

"We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development."

"Lest We Forget 2024 Budget Padding, Ekiti Representatives At NASS And 2025 Appropriation Bill"

By Femi Awojobi 

The current political atmosphere in Nigersia was sometimes ago filled with so much noise but very few or no logical ideology in terms of human feelings from the so called Politicos.

Nigerian political system had recently turned to nothing but rather "a surface dressing construction site of a dysfunctional foundation with eminent catastrophic and monumental nearest future destruction"  The larger-than-life percetage of the current Nigerian Politicians  by their  nature, action and performance are Flukes, Loafers and Maladroitness who look innocent at a glance but devilish and heinous inside.

Ekiti State might have not be so lucky in terms of getting juicy leadership roles in the National Assembly under any President unlike the present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu going by the roll call at both the Green and Red Chambers.

Undoubtedly, Ekiti State for the first time in Nigerian checkered history produces the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB). Also, the State is proud to have produced the current Spokespersons for both the Green and Red Chambers at thesametime, Hon. Akin Rotimi and Sen. Yemi Adaramodu respectively.

Summarily, nearly all the Representatives from Ekiti State at the National Assembly are currently holding chairmanship positions including a returning member who had been relegated from a juicy chairmanship Position to a "just figurehead committee" without a single Agency. Though, it is never an aberration after all, committee headship is a privilege not a right.

The question now is that, will Ekiti People get the dividends of the current opportunities of being placed at strategic positions of the National Assembly ? Or will Ekiti People also continue to experience failure or abysmal performances from their Legislators like before especially from some of the last crop of Legislators from Ekiti State who were just full of themselves with propaganda or media staunch on facilitating fake Federal employments for Ekiti People or other mirage achievements without traceable of such on reality except unreasonable acquisition of properties at the detriment of the People?

Going by the last March, 2024 appointment letters as Senior Legislative Aides in some local government Areas of Ekiti State by the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, one would have commended the generosity of the Benefactor but the question is that, WHY IN MARCH?

Why? MOB as been fondly called in political circle have to wait for, nine good months as a Senate Leader before bringing his People in Ekiti State as SLAs when you are not a Governor or President who may need the clearance of the Legislators before such appointment, if he genuinely meant well to serve the People. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele had served as a member, House of Representatives for a single term of four years and the Lawyer turned Politician is serving a second term  as a member of the Red Chamber, hence the need to know better or act as such except his "alleged intention is to continue to deceive People to win them to his side whenever he needs them for political journey as a machinery".

I watched a Video clip of MOB speaking as a Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele after he was recognised by the  Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio as a Senate Leader on the floor of the Senate, trying to whip up sentiments on the Senate Presidency between the Northern and the Southern parts of Nigeria, leaving aside the sensitive subject matter of 2024 Budget Padding which is still casting great aspersion on the 10th Senate under his Leadership. So, who is fooling who? MOB.

MOB had tried as much as he could, to be smart enough as if nothing was wrong with the 2024 fiscal budget as passed by the Legislators but Nigerians especially the reasonable ones knew many things were wrong with the conduct of the Senate at handling the issue of the Appropriation Bill for the Country.

Though, One may not blame the former Commissioner for Information, youths and Sports in Lagos State for whipping up  sentiments and sway away the Public inorder to defend his immediate Boss at the Senate, Akpabio, because traditionally, in the legislative arm of government in Nigeria, "a fall of one, is a fall of all in thesame political Circle". But, as a Senate Leader and an Ekiti Man who cherished sincerity, hardwork and honest, MOB ought to have come out like the former Chief whip of the Senate, Sen. Alli Ndume who had On March 13, 2024  said presiding and principal officers received more in constituency project allocation because “some animals are more equal than others".

Also, Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta North, says he was able to attract N1 billion worth of projects for his constituents in 2024.

In his axiomatic reaction, Jarigbe Jarigbe, senator representing Cross River North, claimed that some “senior” senators got N500 million for projects.

Jarigbe made the claim when the senate deliberated on the allegation  by Abdul Ningi, Senator representing Bauchi Central, who had been recalled after serving a-3month-undeserved suspensin Sen. Ningi had claimed that the 2024 budget was padded by over  N3 trillion, thesame issue that MOB was trying to politicise in an attempt to cover up an already exposed "Maggot- breeding-rotten- element" of the current Senate.

In thesame budget that, MOB could not see anything wrong with has among other things a whopping sum of 212 billion Naira to erect about 1,150 Streetlights which mean, a unit will cost over 184 million Naira, (maybe the Streetlights are going to be Gold enshrined ones, Nigerians are yet to be informed) while 427 Boreholes are to gulp up 82.5Billion Naira which means a Unit of such "Millennium Boreholes" as passed by our Senators for themselves as parts of their Consistueny projects will cost the Country over 193million Naira with 47.5Billion Naira allocation for rehabilitation of 50 Schools without locations and among others.

Our current Legislators must remember that, the Senator represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007- 2011, Senator Ayo Arise only served for one term and touched nearly all nooks and crannies of the five Local Government Areas in the District and crowned his Superlative Performance with a Federal University that all Ekiti People both at home and in the Diaspora are enjoying today.

As at today, no other Representatives from Ekiti State except the two youngest Lawmakers among them, Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole and Hon. Akin Rotimi who represent Ekiti North Federal Constituency II and Ekiti North Federal Constituency I respectively, could be seen to have lived above Board in the distribution of palliatives or empowerment packages and Consistueny Projects for the benefits of their Consistents apart from the fact that, some of them had been alleged to have diverted such gestures to other States or Countries on commercial purpose inorder to rake in more monies into their Bank accounts at the detriment of the People they represent. But time will tell.

"It is disheartening, barbaric and uncouth to have seen some marred Federal government packaged bags of Rice meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal delivered as far back as February 2024 or earlier in Ekiti State to have been kept till December 2024 for distribution as xmas gifts for the People of Ekiti State by our Politicians or Representatives even the State Government was also guilty of the ugly development".

In as much as we will continue to wish all Politicians especially MOB and other Legislators in Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole a successful tenure, it is however high time we demanded a better service delivery to alleviate the sufferings of the People from our Leader as 2025 Appropriation Bills are about to take off across the Country..

kingfemi13@gmail.com (08037643696).