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Civil Society Coalition Defends NNPCL Boss, Says Critics Are Derailing Progress

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A coalition of civil society organisations, CSOs on Friday asked traducers to allow the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, NNPCL Group Managing Director, Dapo Ojulari and his management have a breath of fresh air.

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja, Director General of the coalition under the aegis of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption (GCCLAC) Dr Gabriel Nwambu declared that:

“For several weeks now there haa been a plethora of mudslinging against the management of NNPCL in the media by perceived traducers who mean no well for the survival of Nigeria.

Dr Nwambu disclosed this in a statement he read at the briefing entitled: ‘Enough is Enough: A word for NNPCL Traducers’, saying:

“In recent weeks, there has been an upsurge in negative media reportage against Nigeria’s national oil company, the NNPC Ltd, and its senior management. These attacks, carefully orchestrated and coordinated by faceless groups and individuals with nefarious intents, are to say the least, most unfortunate.

” The frightening part of this dangerous development is that these negative campaigns don’t look like they will stop anytime soon. Today, it is Bayo Ojulari, the Group CEO; tomorrow, it is Dapo Segun, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the next day, it is Udy Ntia, the Executive Vice President (EVP) Upstream.

“The evil forces appeared to be unrelenting in their quest to bring the company and its management to their knees.

“The NNPC Limited and its Management have seen enough: from sponsored media attacks to frivolous lawsuits, even staged protests from rented crowd based on nothing but the imaginations of the purveyors of fake news, the critics keep coming in droves. Apparently, some folks, both within and without are not happy with the direction the NNPC is going and would stop at nothing to derail the process of making NNPC work for all.

” To think that some Nigerians are behind these mischievous allegations in the media, is just serendipitous. The purveyors of these acts are probably oblivious of the immense damage they are doing to a company which should be our collective national treasure.

“This is a company that could best be described as the goose that lays the golden egg. This is a company that is about to be listed on the stock exchange!

Nwambu further stressed that: “But one might ask: what do they stand to gain by making these potentially damaging allegations towards one of Nigeria’s major brands and institutions?

“What is their benefit if the National Oil Company goes down as a result of their cynical opinions which seem to keep discerning investors away? Where is their patriotism?

“Instead of resorting to media trial of the NNPC and its Management, why won’t these individuals and groups utilise legal option to prove their cases?

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” These traducers, in their myopic view, always think NNPC, led by Bashir Bayo Ojulari is the problem of Nigeria. Again, these critics, in their warped thinking and imagination, believe they or their paymasters can do better, in case they are asked to steer the ship of a Company that is gradually fighting its age-long demons and gradually coming back to life.

“The NNPC Management, especially under Ojulari’s stewardship, has never shied away from its many challenges. If anything, it has always been seen to face the challenges headlong.

“And the result of that confrontation has seen the company’s fortunes, growing in leaps and bounds.

“It is therefore important to state that since coming on board as the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Ojulari has recorded significant milestone and achievements, signalling a break from business as usual.

“He has also implemented bold reforms across operational transparency, fiscal discipline, and global competitiveness. It is safe to say that the man has proven himself not only a capable administrator but also a rare breed of technocrat.

“Similarly, this veteran oil and gas expert has performed feats nobody dares to attempt before. Today, through effective and innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration, the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project has crossed the River Niger, marking a major step towards delivering the project that would turn around the industrial fortunes of Nigeria.

“His leadership acumen has also ensured significant increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, generating more revenue for the country in the process. Under Ojulari’s watch, for the first time in a long while, the nation enjoyed 100% crude oil pipelines availability throughout June 2025.

“The feat which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC.

“Again, Ojulari’s tireless efforts led to the prompt payment of cash call obligations by the NNPC. Unlike in the past were NNPC’s Joint Venture partners complain of non-payment by their senior partner, today, the IOCs can close their eyes knowing that in NNPC, they have a reliable partner that will keep its own side of the contract.

” It is also not a secret today that the Ojulari-led management has revamped governance and procurement processes at the NNPC, saving the company billions of naira in potential losses. He has aso instituted a data-driven framework for contract awards and auditing, effectively blocking several channels previously exploited for financial recklessness.

“A saying goes that “critics are like eunuchs in a harem, they have seen it done times without number, but they can never do it themselves.” The NNPC critics fall in this category, because they have, many at times, been witnesses to how the Company, turbo-charged by the new legislative chest of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is gradually transforming into a world-class commercial entity of choice.

“Sadly, like the eunuchs, these on-watching cynics can never do it themselves.

“Fact is whether they like it or not, the NNPC reforms are like a moving train that can never be stopped. Mr. President did not make a mistake by nominating the current NNPC Management.

“And from their performance so far, it is evident before everyone’s eyes that this is indeed a team driven by technical acumen, eagle-eyed attention to details, and unrelenting desire to rewrite the oil and gas playbook in Nigeria.

” In conclusion, as partners in the Nigerian Project, our coalition therefore calls on these detractors to support the Bayo Ojulari-led management team for the good work it is doing at the NNPC.

“Instead of circling like vultures, these traducers will do well to allow the new Management at the NNPC turn around the fortunes of the company for the better and set Nigeria on the enviable path of greatness”, he concluded.

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President Tinubu Graces Late President Buhari’s Book Launch

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The family of the late president Buhari, on 15 December, 2025, launched a book entitled “From Soldier to Stateman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”

The event took place at the presidential villa with dignitaries in attendance include: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aisha Buhari, the wife of the late president Buhari, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the president, Dr. Charles Omole, the Author of the book, Adama Borrow, the president of Gambia, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and many others.

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Speaking at the launch of the biography, Tinubu said Buhari’s legacy of integrity and modesty would continue to inspire Nigerians.

The president described the late president Buhari as a “leader of quiet strength and discipline.”

“President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall,” Tinubu said.

He recounted his political journey with Buhari, decorating him as a consistent patriot whose honesty was acknowledged even by critics, adding that their political partnership taught the value of cooperation across differences.

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Prominent Kano Politician Ibrahim Little Sues Danagundi, Ibn Sina Over Hisbah Establishment

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A chieftain and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin “Little,” has filed a legal action at the Kano State High Court challenging the establishment of an Independent Hisbah body in the state.

It will be recalled that Little had earlier written to the concerned parties, urging them to suspend the move in the interest of peace and stability in the state. A copy of the letter, addressed to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also sent to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Baffa Babba Danagundi; Haruna Ibn Sina; and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to his Executive Assistant and Media Aide, Adnan Mukhtar, Little decided to seek legal redress following what he described as the respondents’ persistence and insistence on proceeding with the establishment of the Independent Hisbah.

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“Dissatisfied with their recent actions and continued insistence on moving forward with the establishment process, Little approached the Kano State High Court to seek redress,” Mukhtar said.

Those listed as respondents in the suit include the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Kano State Hisbah Board, Baffa Babba Danagundi, and Haruna Ibn Sina.

In an official statement posted on his Facebook page, Little said:

“I have today instructed my lawyers to file an action challenging the establishment of an Independent Hisbah in Kano State. This follows my recent letter to the parties concerned and their insistence on proceeding with the establishment of the Independent Hisbah.

 

“I believe this move is an attempt to disrupt our peaceful coexistence at a time when the state is facing security challenges.

 

“The peace of Kano State remains our utmost priority.

Kano Sabuwa, In sha Allahu.”

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Commissioning of Kano State Online Media Chapel Marks Historic Milestone in Journalism

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By: Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, ANIPR

The commissioning of the Kano State Online Media Chapel at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Council Secretariat marked a defining moment in the history of journalism practice in Kano State. The event reflects the continuous evolution of the media profession in response to digital transformation and modern communication realities.

The ceremony attracted prominent personalities from journalism and government circles, underscoring the importance of online media as a vital component of information dissemination, public enlightenment, and democratic engagement in contemporary society.

NUJ National President’s Remarks
In his keynote address, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, described the commissioning as a progressive step aligned with global best practices in journalism, where digital platforms now play a central role in shaping public opinion and narratives.

He emphasized that the Online Media Chapel was not established merely for recognition, but to instill discipline, professionalism, and ethical compliance among online journalists operating within Kano State and beyond.

“Journalism remains a noble profession that demands responsibility, truthfulness, and accountability, regardless of whether it is practiced through print, broadcast, or online platforms,” Abdullahi stated. He cautioned against the misuse of digital platforms for misinformation, character assassination, and unverified reports, warning that such practices pose serious threats to societal peace, national security, and the credibility of the profession.

The NUJ President charged members of the Online Media Chapel to see themselves as ambassadors of responsible journalism, committed to accuracy, balance, and fairness in all their reports. He assured that the national body would continue to provide guidance, support, and policy direction to ensure online journalists are fully integrated into the union’s professional framework.

Kano State Government’s Position
Delivering his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the commissioning as a timely intervention in the state’s information ecosystem.

He noted that the Kano State Government recognizes the influence of online media in shaping public perception and applauded the NUJ for organizing practitioners under a structured and accountable platform.

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The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNISE, to sustaining a healthy relationship with the media as partners in governance and development. He urged online journalists to use their platforms to promote peace, unity, and developmental initiatives, stressing that responsible reporting remains a key pillar for social stability and economic growth.

“Freedom of expression must go hand in hand with respect for the law, ethical standards, and cultural values,” Waiya emphasized, assuring the chapel of the ministry’s readiness to engage constructively with practitioners to ensure accurate dissemination of government policies and programs.

NUJ Kano State Council’s Perspective
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, welcomed guests and described the day as historic for the council and online media practitioners.

He explained that the decision to establish the Online Media Chapel was borne out of the need to accommodate the growing number of journalists operating on digital platforms within Kano State.

Comrade Dederi noted that the chapel would serve as a platform for capacity building, ethical regulation, and collective engagement, aimed at improving the welfare and professional competence of its members. He reiterated the council’s commitment to fostering unity among all chapels under the NUJ umbrella, emphasizing that journalism thrives best in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.

Online Media Chapel’s Commitment
Speaking on behalf of online media practitioners, the Kano State Chairman of the Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, described the commissioning as a dream fulfilled and a turning point for online journalism in Kano State.

He expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership at both state and national levels for formally recognizing online journalists as critical stakeholders in the media industry.

Comrade Dangambo pledged that members of the chapel would operate with professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility to the public. He emphasized that the chapel would prioritize training, mentorship, and internal regulation to ensure members uphold the ethics of journalism at all times.

He further stressed the collective resolve of members to combat fake news, hate speech, and sensational reporting that could undermine social harmony, calling on online journalists to see the chapel as a platform for unity, self-discipline, and continuous learning in line with global journalism standards.

Conclusion
The atmosphere of the event reflected shared optimism and commitment by all stakeholders toward strengthening journalism practice in the digital era. Participants expressed confidence that the Online Media Chapel would contribute positively to professional development, public trust, and credible information dissemination.

The establishment of the chapel was widely acknowledged as a proactive response to the challenges and opportunities presented by digital journalism. The commissioning ceremony concluded with a collective call for ethical journalism, unity among practitioners, and sustained engagement in advancing the role of the media in national development.

The Kano State Online Media Chapel now stands as a symbol of progress, professionalism, and adaptation, reflecting the enduring relevance of journalism in a rapidly changing digital world.

 

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