society
Applauding Tinubu’s Upstream Prosperity Through Strategic PIA Implementation
Applauding Tinubu’s Upstream Prosperity Through Strategic PIA Implementation
By Aminu Adamu Aminu
The restoration of hope for Nigerians and the effectiveness of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in delivering tangible, evidence-based, and progressive reforms are no longer matters of doubt or mere sloganeering among Nigerians and residents. These are not empty campaign promises but the reality of a new political order—a game-changer reshaping narratives, particularly in the petroleum sector, where the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is championing transformative reforms.
What began two years ago, upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumption of office, as an ambitious plan has evolved into a practical force, changing lives and transforming the nation with numerous tangible benefits.
President Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in restoring hope to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, fast-tracking the implementation of the PIA, and yielding measurable, positive results.
At the core of NUPRC’s reforms is an unwavering commitment to transparency, which has strengthened the PIA’s legal framework, leading to remarkable improvements in reporting obligations and host community provisions. These reforms, driven by strategic regulatory leadership and robust presidential backing, have significantly boosted oil production, steadily increasing Nigeria’s crude oil output to an all-time high exceeding 1.7 million barrels per day.
This achievement has restored investor confidence, attracting international oil companies (IOCs) back to Nigeria and encouraging direct foreign investment with renewed optimism. Through deliberate and proactive efforts, the NUPRC has fostered an environment of fruitful engagement and collaboration rooted in shared values.
This has enhanced the enforcement of improved metering systems, a decisive clampdown on oil theft, and the promotion of decarbonization. These initiatives reflect a forward-thinking agenda aligned with global standards and best practices, fostering international trade and reinforcing Nigeria’s energy independence.
The multifaceted positive impacts on Nigeria’s economy have stimulated growth, stabilized the exchange rate, and bolstered investor confidence, attracting foreign investment pledges totaling approximately $50.8 billion. An improved balance of trade has resulted in a trade surplus of about N3.42 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2024, alongside consistent GDP growth. This has led to increased revenue allocations to subnational governments and local government councils, enabling them to clear salary arrears and debts, improve citizen welfare, and invest in social services and infrastructure. These developments have further boosted economic growth and consolidated the administration’s gains.
The Renewed Hope agenda also seeks to resolve lingering industrial disputes, creating a more stable and attractive investment environment. This facilitates an energy transition aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The notable increase in transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the industry has improved regulatory oversight and community engagement, fostering a more favorable and robust business environment. This is evident in the substantial investment pledges, including the aforementioned $50.8 billion in foreign investment commitments.
Beyond stabilizing the exchange rate, reducing inflation, and increasing government revenue, Nigeria’s Eurobond issuance in late 2024 attracted over $9 billion in orders—four times the subscription level—demonstrating strong investor confidence in the nation’s economy.
This success reflects a consistent commitment to policy continuity, inclusivity, stakeholder engagement, and a strong emphasis on maintaining transparency and accountability in the PIA’s implementation.
Given the critical role of these reforms in shaping Nigeria’s trajectory, concerted efforts have ensured a profound impact. The reforms have moved the country far from its pariah days, establishing transparent licensing rounds. Recent bid rounds and concession awards, such as the 57 Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) awards in 2022, the 2022 Mini-Bid Round, and the 2024 Licensing Round, were executed with unprecedented transparency and competitiveness, drawing exceptional investor participation.
The pragmatic implementation of the PIA has also led to a strategic 28 Field Development Plans Initiative, securing $18.2 billion in investment commitments. This initiative is expected to unlock 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of gas. Additionally, rig counts have risen significantly, from 8 in 2021 to 43 as of September 2025, signaling a substantial increase in exploration and production activities.
In the words of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of NUPRC, “With the Petroleum Industry Act as our foundation, reinforced by bold Presidential Executive Orders and transformative regulatory initiatives, we are not just opening our doors to investment; we are building a world-class upstream oil and gas environment that rewards ambition, innovation, and responsibility.”
Given this resolute determination, as demonstrated by the effective implementation of the PIA through the NUPRC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is undeniably steering Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector in the right direction.
Aminu writes from Kaduna
society
NOVO Announces Spring 2026 Launch: The World’s First Diamond-Backed Digital Currency and Wealth Platform Devoted to Feeding Africa
NOVO Announces Spring 2026 Launch: The World’s First Diamond-Backed Digital Currency and Wealth Platform Devoted to Feeding Africa
February 2026 — NOVO, an emerging global leader in diamond manufacturing, crypto‑banking, and ethical wealth management, today announced the upcoming Spring 2026 launch of NOVO Coin, the world’s first digital currency fully backed by certified, lab‑grown, cut, and polished diamonds stored in secure vaults in Singapore and Switzerland.
Designed for stability, transparency, and humanitarian impact, NOVO represents a new class of asset‑backed digital currency engineered to serve both global markets and vulnerable economies facing inflation, currency instability, and limited access to banking.
A Currency With a Mission: Feeding a Continent.
In a groundbreaking commitment, NOVO has pledged 50% of all corporate profits to support nonprofit micro‑finance organizations across Africa that specialize in food production, farming, fishing, and sustainable agriculture.
This initiative aims to:
Expand access to affordable capital for small and mid‑scale food producers
Strengthen local food systems and reduce dependency on imports
Dramatically lower grocery prices across African markets
Build long‑term economic resilience for millions of families
NOVO’s leadership believes that empowering Africa’s farmers and food‑producing cooperatives is the fastest path to stabilizing regional economies — and ultimately driving down global food prices.
Diamond‑Backed Stability for a Volatile World
Unlike speculative tokens or inflation‑prone fiat currencies, every NOVO Coin is backed by real, verifiable diamond reserves, manufactured through advanced laboratory processes and held in audited international vaults.
This structure provides:
Intrinsic value tied to a globally recognized commodity
Transparency through third‑party reserve verification
Security via geographically diversified vaults
Long‑term price stability for users and institutional partners
NOVO’s diamond‑reserve system is designed to offer a safe, durable alternative for nations and communities seeking protection from currency devaluation.
A Full‑Spectrum Financial Ecosystem
Beyond the currency itself, NOVO is launching a vertically integrated platform that includes:
Diamond manufacturing and certification
Crypto‑banking and digital asset management
Wealth management and life‑insurance services
Humanitarian micro‑finance distribution channels
This unified ecosystem positions NOVO as one of the first fintech institutions to combine commodity‑backed digital currency with large‑scale social impact.
A New Era of Ethical Finance
“NOVO was built on a simple belief: a currency should serve the people who use it,” said the organization’s founder. “By backing NOVO with diamonds and dedicating half of our profits to African food producers, we are proving that financial innovation and humanitarian responsibility can — and must — coexist.”
Spring 2026: A Global Debut
NOVO Coin will be available to the public in Spring 2026, with early institutional partnerships already underway across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
For more information. Here is the organizations website TOPOFTHEPYRAMID.org
Tinubu Mourns Rear Admiral Musa Katagum: A National Loss for Nigeria’s Military Leadership
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“President Tinubu Pays Tribute as Nigeria’s Naval Command Mourns the Sudden Loss of a Strategic Maritime Leader at a Critical Security Juncture.”
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially mourned the death of Rear Admiral Musa Bello Katagum, the Chief of Naval Operations of the Nigerian Navy, who died on February 19, 2026, after a protracted illness while receiving treatment abroad. His passing has sent ripples through Nigeria’s defence establishment and national security architecture, marking the loss of one of the most experienced and respected maritime commanders in recent memory.
In a statement released on February 20, 2026 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Rear Admiral Katagum’s death as a “significant blow to the military and the nation,” noting the late officer’s vast experience and “invaluable contributions” to both the Nigerian Navy and the broader “Armed Forces of Nigeria”. The President extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, naval personnel and the nation at large, while praying for solace and strength for colleagues and loved ones.
Rear Admiral Katagum’s career was marked by distinguished service in several strategic capacities. Before his appointment as Chief of Naval Operations in November 2025, he served as Director of the Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre (PC4) and Chief of Intelligence of the Nigerian Navy-roles that placed him at the nexus of naval operational planning and intelligence gathering. His leadership was widely credited with enhancing the Navy’s capacity to respond to growing maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including piracy, illegal bunkering, and transnational crime.
Security policy experts emphasise that Katagum’s loss comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria. Dr. Adebola Akinpelu, a defence analyst at the Institute for Security Studies, observes that “Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a frontline in the broader security challenges facing the nation; the loss of an adept operational leader like Rear Admiral Katagum is not just a personnel change but a strategic setback.” His insight reflects broader concerns about continuity in military leadership amid intensifying threats.
The Nigerian Navy’s own statement, confirmed by the Directorate of Naval Information, affirmed that Katagum’s “exemplary leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering loyalty” were central to boosting operational readiness and national defence. According to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, “His legacy remains a source of inspiration across the services.”
As Nigeria grapples with complex security landscapes at its land and maritime frontiers, the death of Rear Admiral Katagum underscores a broader national imperative: strengthening institutional capacities while honouring the service and sacrifice of those who defend the nation’s sovereignty. In the words of military scholar Professor James Okoye, “Leadership in security institutions is not easily replaceable; it is built through experience, trust and strategic clarity; qualities that Katagum embodied.”
Rear Admiral Musa Katagum has since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites, leaving behind a legacy that will inform Nigerian naval operations for years to come.
Viral “Chat With God” Claim Targeting Kenyan Prophet David Owuor Proven False
By George Omagbemi Sylvester, SaharaWeeklyNG
“Viral screenshot sparks national controversy as the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness dismisses fabricated “divine” WhatsApp exchange, raising urgent questions about faith, digital misinformation, and religious accountability in Kenya.”
A sensational social media claim that Kenyan evangelist Prophet Dr. David Owuor displayed a WhatsApp conversation between himself and God has been definitively debunked as misinformation, sparking national debate over digital misinformation, religious authority and faith-based claims in Kenya.
On February 18–19, 2026, an image purporting to show a WhatsApp exchange between a deity and Prophet Owuor circulated widely on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp groups and TikTok. The screenshot, allegedly shared during one of his sermons, was interpreted by many as illustrating unprecedented direct communication with the divine delivered through a mainstream messaging platform; a claim that, if true, would have broken new ground in how religious revelation is understood in contemporary society.
However, this narrative quickly unraveled. Owuor’s Ministry of Repentance and Holiness issued an unequivocal public statement calling the image “fabricated, baseless and malicious,” emphasizing that he has never communicated with God through WhatsApp and has not displayed any such digital conversation to congregants. The ministry urged the public and believers to disregard and stop sharing the image.
Independent analysis of the screenshot further undermined its credibility: timestamps in the image were internally inconsistent and the so-called exchange contained chronological impossibilities; clear indicators of digital fabrication rather than an authentic conversation.
This hoax coincides with rising scrutiny of Owuor’s ministry. Earlier in February 2026, national broadcaster TV47 aired an investigative report titled “Divine or Deceptive”, which examined alleged “miracle healing” claims associated with Owuor’s crusades, including assertions of curing HIV and other chronic illnesses. Portions of that investigation suggested some medical documentation linked to followers’ health outcomes were fraudulent or misleading, intensifying debate over the intersection of faith and public health.
Credible faith leaders have weighed in on the broader context. Elias Otieno, chairperson of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), recently urged that “no religious leader should replace God or undermine medicine,” affirming a widely accepted Christian understanding that divine healing does not supplant established medical practice. He warned against unverified miracle claims that may endanger lives if believers forego medical treatment.
Renowned communications scholar Professor Pippa Norris has noted that in digital societies, “religious authority is increasingly contested in the public sphere,” and misinformation (intentional or accidental) can quickly erode trust in both religious and secular institutions. Such dynamics underscore the importance of rigorous fact-checking and responsible communication, especially when claims intersect profoundly with personal belief and public well-being.
In sum, the viral WhatsApp chat narrative was not a revelation from the divine but a striking example of how misinformation can exploit reverence for religious figures. Owuor’s swift repudiation of the false claim and broader commentary from established church bodies, underline the ongoing challenge of balancing deeply personal faith experiences with the evidence-based scrutiny necessary in a digitally connected world.
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