Zulum Unveils N1.05bn Empowerment for Youths, Persons with Disabilities

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has launched a N1.05 billion empowerment programme for seven groups in Maiduguri Metropolitan and Jere Local Government Areas.

Governor Zulum launched the programme on Friday at the State Hotels, Maiduguri, noting that the intervention was in continuation of his administration’s support for vulnerable people, youths, women and persons with disabilities.

The governor stressed that he would provide more job opportunities to young people so they can earn a living.

“Today, we are launching another empowerment programme for seven groups to boost business and economic opportunities in our dear state, which is recovering from years of Boko Haram conflict,” Zulum said.

The governor promised a larger empowerment programme for women, youths and other entrepreneurs by the end of the month.

“I consider every young person in this state as my son. That is why I am committed to providing every opportunity to ensure that you prosper and become productive members of society,” he added.

The beneficiaries include clubs and associations, persons with physical disabilities, including persons with hearing impairment, persons with visual impairment, persons affected by leprosy, and youth groups.

Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Economic Empowerment, Hon. Saina Buba, thanked the governor for the many empowerment programmes he has provided for youths and other vulnerable groups. He said the programmes had greatly improved their lives.

Present at the occasion were the governor, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio; the member representing Marte/Monguno/Nganzai Federal Constituency, Engr. Bukar Talba; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; the Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; commissioners; and other dignitaries.

Zulum Unveils N1.05bn Empowerment for Youths, Persons with Disabilities

VP Shettima Commissions Ultramodern Head Office Of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Firm In Lagos

*Says region’s petroleum industry is positioning for decades of service in changing global energy economy

** Attributes fresh investment, stronger performance in oil/gas sector to President Tinubu’s reforms, subsidy removal

By: Our Reporter

In a massive boost for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has officially commissioned the ultra-modern corporate headquarters of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited in Lagos.

He hailed the state-of-the-art facility as a game-changer that will revolutionize local operations and completely rewrite the standards of excellence for the nation’s multi-billion dollar oil and gas industry.

Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of the regional petroleum and gas firm’s corporate head office in Victoria Island, Lagos, Senator Shettima declared that the world-class facility sends a clear message to investors, clients, and Nigerians that Northwest Petroleum is poised for decades of service in an evolving global energy economy.

According to Shettima, while the new corporate facility marks an expansion for Northwest Petroleum, a major indigenous player in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector, it will also provide a modern, world-class environment for collaboration, professional fulfilment, and strategic achievement across its workforce, partners, and stakeholders.

“We take particular pride in seeing an indigenous enterprise expand with such conviction. Nigerian ownership must mean Nigerian capacity to compete, invent and deliver.

“This headquarters brings strategic leadership and innovation under one roof, telling investors, customers and our citizens that Northwest Petroleum is preparing for decades of service in a changing global energy economy. The progress recorded here should make our country harder to dismiss,” he stated.

The Vice President attributed what he described as renewed investment and stronger performance across the nation’s oil industry to “the economic reforms of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” assuring that the Tinubu administration will continue to foster conditions that reward enterprise, encourage technological advancement, and sustain growth.

Specifically, VP Shettima pointed to the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and reform of the foreign exchange market, saying they “have confronted distortions that discouraged productive investment.”

He continued: “The stabilisation of the market is restoring the confidence businesses need to commit capital beyond the next quarter. A business must be able to plan before it can expand. Greater exchange rate predictability strengthens procurement, improves investment decisions and supports production.

“Our administration will continue to foster conditions that reward enterprise, encourage technological advancement and sustain growth. We recognise the sacrifices reform has demanded, and our obligation is to translate economic progress into better lives.”

Noting that the government cannot manufacture prosperity by proclamation, the Vice President stressed the need for “private enterprises that turn investment into employment and opportunity,” commending Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited for building a strong Nigerian presence across the oil and gas value chain since 1998

The regional oil conglomerate, he said, will “open doors for talented young Nigerians, offer professionals room to advance and deepen the skills on which” the nation’s energy industry depends,” observing that every career developed in the corporate facility could become a source of security for a family and strength for the country’s economy.

On his expectations from the facility, Senator Shettima said, “A centralised corporate hub must also sharpen efficiency, improve coordination and increase productivity across your expanding operations.

“Its economic influence should extend beyond its gates. I expect new demand for suppliers, transport, maintenance and other services to generate opportunities within this community. The prosperity of your neighbours should grow alongside the prosperity recorded in your accounts.”

The VP congratulated the Board and the Mrs. Winifred Akpani-led management team of Northwest Petroleum on bringing the vision of a world-class corporate headquarters to fruition, expressing confidence that the facility will “nurture creativity, reward innovation, generate profitability, and inspire service worthy” of Nigeria.

“It is now my distinct honour to officially commission the Corporate Head Office of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, to the glory of God and for the progress and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he further declared.

Earlier, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described the private sector as the oil of growth, reassuring of government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for private sector to thrive.

He commended the Vice President for his leadership, support and unwavering dedication to the Nigeria Project, saying “this morning again you have demonstrated that by leaving everything in Abuja to come and honour us in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu applauded the private sector for investing in Lagos, observing that if the sector had chosen not to make the investments, the state wouldn’t have witnessed such tremendous growths.

“So, for all of you in the oil & gas industry, financial services industry, and construction industry, let me, on behalf of Lagosians, thank you day-in-day-out, year-in-year-out for making those investments in the commercial economic centre of country,” he added.

Also, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Northwest Petroleum and Gas Company Limited, Mrs Winifred Akpani, underscored the importance of indigenous business and private sector participation in the continued development of the nation’s economy.

She explained that the facility represents the growth of the company, its confidence in the future, and its determination to build a modern Nigerian company capable of operating to the highest standards of excellence in an era where the global energy landscape is rapidly evolving.

“This smart building stands as a symbol of our long-term commitment to Nigeria’s future. It provides a modern environment designed to promote collaboration, strengthen operational efficiency, encourage innovation, and empower the talented people who drive our business,” Mrs Akpani stated.

She noted that the future of the energy industry would depend increasingly on innovation, technology, responsible investment, strong partnerships, and development of Nigerian talents.

Also present at the event were former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Oil and Gas, WAEP, and Fertilizer, of Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko-Dangote; former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, and captains of industries, among others.

VP Shettima Commissions Ultramodern Head Office Of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Firm In Lagos

Yobe: Rabies is a serious health concern, says Commissioner of Police

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, SM, ICM, has described rabies as a serious public health concern requiring collective responsibility.

CP Kanfani Jibrin stated this today in commemorating the 2026 World Rabies Day. He calls on members of the public, particularly dog owners, to ensure that their dogs are properly and regularly vaccinated against rabies.

Ably represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of veterinary, ACP Yusuf Birma, he urged dog owners to ensure that their dogs are properly vaccinated and responsibly managed, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The programs featured sensitization on rabies prevention, responsible animal ownership, dog-bite management, and post-exposure among human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders under the one health approach.

“Members of the public are to take responsible measures in preventing the spread of rabies, promptly report cases of dog bites, and seek appropriate medical and veterinary attention when necessary,” the command urged the public.

The command reiterates its commitment to supporting interagency collaboration and public health initiatives that contribute to the protection of lives and promotion of public safety and well-being of residents.

Speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, ably represented by Dr. Muhammad Muhammad Ishaku, sensitized participants on appropriate measures following dog bites, including immediate wound care and prompt medical attention.

Yobe: Rabies is a serious health concern, says Commissioner of Police