News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Alhaji Mohammed Idris President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on his 60th birthday.  In a statement signed by him, the President described Mohammed as an excellent communicator, public relations executive, and media leader, who brought finesse, credibility, and gravitas to public communication in his administration.  Tinubu said: "His reputation precedes him. He has been at the forefront of the media and public relations industry as the founder and publisher of Blueprint Newspapers and as the chairman of a successful public relations consultancy and broadcast media outfit. "His role as general secretary of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) before his appointment distinguished him as a patriot and valued partner in nation-building." The President commended Mohammed for his diligence, brilliance and doggedness in communicating the achi...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has concluded plans to embark on a 13-day trip to Kenya, Rwanda and France.  He will depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2nd, on a visit to the three nations. Tinubu’s first stop will be in France, after which he will depart for Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the Africa-France Summit scheduled to begin next week.  Co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto, the summit focuses on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, restructuring of global financing architecture, and climate action.  President Tinubu’s participation at the summit from May 11 to 12, will underscore Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African nations and the French Republic. The summit, with the theme: "Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth", will provide a high-level platform for African leaders and their French coun...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja As Nigeria joins the global community to mark 2026 Workers' Day, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has pledged improved welfare, conditions of service, and training opportunities for staff. The Director-General/CEO of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor stated this on Friday in commemoration of International Workers' Day with the theme: "Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment". He hailed the staff for their commitment, professionalism, courage, and sacrifice in navigating difficult terrains.  Barikor said: "Today, as Nigeria joins the world to celebrate Workers’ Day, I salute all of you who give meaning to the mandate of the Agency. From Headquarters to Zonal Offices, State Field Offices, Operational Areas, and our laboratories, you have exhibited uncommon resolve to safeguard the Nigerian environment.  "Our job as the police of the environment is certainly not an easy o...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has recorded another breakthrough with the successful crossing of 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline through River Niger.  The feat was achieved through NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of NNPCL, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Nigeria’s national gas transmission network.  It further unlocked the full potential of the OB3 Pipeline, a strategic infrastructure designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, significantly strengthening energy availability, enhancing supply reliability, and accelerating national economic development.  Executed approximately two kilometres beneath the River Niger riverbed, the technically complex crossing was delivered by the NNPC project team working with PCE Nig. Limited, using advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology. Commending the achievement, the Group Chief E...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  Joseph Tegbe President Bola Tinubu has named Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution. This follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office. Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.  He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance.  Tegbe had advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring. He is presently the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnershi...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Rilwan Babalola President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr Rilwan Lanre Babalola as Special Adviser to the President on Power. Babalola will also serve as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reset and Restoration. This is even as the President redesignated the Office of the Special Adviser (Energy) as the Special Adviser (Oil & Gas) to clarify roles and avoid duplication of functions within the energy governance framework. Babalola, a former Minister for Power, brings deep sectoral expertise and a proven understanding of the structural and operational challenges within the electricity value chain. His appointment underscores the President’s determination to undertake a decisive and results-driven reset of Nigeria’s power sector.  The Presidential taskforce, which he heads, will operate under a direct presidential mandate as a high-level, delivery-focused vehicle to restore discipline, efficiency, and commercial viab...