Al Humphrey Onyanabo Launches The Best of Nigeria Magazine: A Digital Celebration of Icons, Innovators, and Nation Builders

Veteran society writer Al Humphrey Onyanabo has launched a powerful new publication — The Best of Nigeria magazine — a bold, digital-first magazine dedicated to celebrating the individuals driving Nigeria’s progress across politics, business, faith, sports, entertainment, and philanthropy.

A seasoned chronicler of Nigeria’s elite and cultural vanguards, Onyanabo( he is also publisher of the news platform,(www.nigeria360.com.ng) brings his signature storytelling style to this exciting platform, presenting compelling narratives of excellence, legacy, and resilience. The publication seeks to inform, inspire, and elevate the national conversation by spotlighting those who are shaping the soul and future of Nigeria.

Leading with Leadership: H.E. Senator Barau I. Jubrin
Front and center in the maiden May edition is a powerful profile of H.E. Senator Barau I. Jubrin, Deputy Senate President — described as “the silent power broker” — whose strategic influence is quietly shaping Nigeria’s political architecture. This feature explores his disciplined leadership style, legislative impact, and national relevance.

A Vision Rooted in National Pride
According to Onyanabo, “The Best of Nigeria isn’t just a magazine — it’s a platform of pride and purpose. We are shining a light on those who reflect the strength, brilliance, and ambition of our people, at home and abroad.”

Now available in digital format, the magazine will soon transition into print editions, allowing for broader circulation and deeper engagement with readers across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Inside the May Edition,
The second edition is packed with thought-provoking features and powerful tributes, including:

Dr. Leemon Ikpea, Chief executive officer of The Lee Engineering Group: From humble beginnings to 35 years of excellence in oil and gas.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @ 73: A close look at leadership, reforms, and the future.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, (CON), CEO, SIFAX GROUP: Building a business empire on vision and integrity

Capt. Chris Najomo: Piloting a new chapter for Nigerian aviation

Pastor E.A. Adeboye @ 83: The humble visionary behind RCCG’s global expansion

Chief Bishop Emma Okonkwo: A celebrated legacy of enterprise and philanthropy

H.E. Goodluck Jonathan: From barefoot boy to global peace laureate

Victor Osimhen: From the streets of Lagos to global football stardom

Uzor Arukwe: Nollywood’s versatile star shining in Love In Every Word

Mr. Jim Ovia: A tribute to the godfather of modern Nigerian banking and founder of Zenith Bank

Mr. Pascal Dozie: Honoring the legacy of the visionary founder of Diamond Bank

And many more inspiring stories of Nigerians breaking boundaries around the world.

With each edition, The Best of Nigeria will continue to uncover and celebrate the champions of our society — the quiet heroes, the headline-makers, and the legacy-builders.

Beyond celebrating outstanding individuals, The Best of Nigeria magazine is also committed to showcasing the rich tapestry of Nigeria’s tourism, culture, and creative economy to a global audience. From breathtaking destinations like the Obudu Mountain Resort and Erin Ijesha Waterfalls to historical gems like the Benin Bronzes and the Nok Terracotta, the magazine will highlight the beauty, diversity, and heritage that make Nigeria a top destination for cultural exploration and adventure.

In addition, The Best of Nigeria will serve as a gateway to the country’s thriving creative and economic sectors — spotlighting Nollywood’s global rise, the infectious pulse of Afrobeats, the elegance of Nigerian fashion, and the power of local art. It will also promote viable investment opportunities across real estate, agriculture, tech, and tourism, positioning Nigeria not only as a cultural powerhouse but as a land of innovation, enterprise, and limitless potential.

The journey to tell Nigeria’s most inspiring stories has begun. And this is only the beginning.

VANGUARD AWARDS OLAKUNLE WILLIAMS THE ENERGY ICON OF THE YEAR: CELEBRATING THE TIGER OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN AFRICA

BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

Olakunle Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group, has been honored with the prestigious Vanguard Energy Icon Award 2025. This accolade recognizes his outstanding contributions to the African energy sector and his visionary leadership in driving innovation and sustainable growth.

A Visionary Leader Transforming Africa’s Energy Landscape

Under Williams’ guidance, Tetracore Energy has emerged as a leading energy solution provider, boasting a natural gas portfolio exceeding 75 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScfd) for industrial use and energizing over 300 megawatts (MW) of power generation in Nigeria. His strategic focus on clean and cost-effective energy solutions aligns with Africa’s aspirations for a sustainable future, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the continent’s energy narrative.

Pioneering Gas Innovation and Strategic Collaborations

Williams’ commitment to innovation is exemplified by Tetracore’s recent collaboration with Dangote Cement to supply up to 400,000 standard cubic meters per day of Auto Compressed Natural Gas (Auto-CNG) for its logistics operations. This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving the goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), highlighting Williams’ role in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition.

Accolades Reflecting Excellence

Olakunle Williams’ remarkable leadership, visionary drive, and consistent dedication to transforming Africa’s energy landscape have earned him several prestigious accolades both locally and internationally. In 2022, he was honoured with the Nigeria Domestic Gas Ambassador Award by the Nigeria Gas Association in recognition of Tetracore’s outstanding commitment to deepening domestic gas utilization across Nigeria. This was closely followed in 2023 by the Innovative Gas Company of the Year Award presented by the Nigeria Gas Investment Forum, celebrating Tetracore’s pioneering contributions to innovation within the gas industry. His transformative leadership qualities were further acknowledged in 2021 when he received the Energy Personality Leadership Prize for African Leadership Excellence, highlighting his role in reshaping the African energy sector. Williams’ growing influence was also solidified when the African Energy Chamber listed him among the 25 Energy Personalities to Watch in 2022, positioning him as one of the most dynamic leaders shaping Africa’s energy future. In 2023, The Guardian Nigeria further amplified his reputation by featuring him among Nigeria’s 50 Most Inspiring and Definitive Top CEOs in its Annual CEO Series. His exceptional contributions to leadership and corporate governance earned him the Professional Doctorate and Corporate Leadership Excellence Award in 2025, conferred by the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics (Ghana). In the same year, he bagged the Innovative Sustainable Energy Provider of the Year Award at the Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (NBLA), organised by BusinessDay, for his strategic and sustainable energy solutions. Notably, Williams’ continental impact was recognized with the CHOISEUL 100 Africa’s Economic Leaders Award, celebrating his outstanding role in shaping Africa’s economic and energy landscape and affirming his position as a key figure in Africa’s development story.

An Illustrious Career Dedicated to Energy Advancement

With over 16 years of experience across the natural gas and power value chains, Williams’ career includes roles such as Consultant on the Energy desk at Deloitte Nigeria and leading Commercial Advisor at the Nigerian Gas Company Limited. His academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bradford School of Management (UK), and he is a Project Management Professional, Chartered Management Accountant, and Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. Williams is also a member of several professional bodies, including the International Bar Association (IBA), Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN), and the Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

Driving Sustainable Energy Solutions

Tetracore Energy, under Williams’ leadership, has significantly expanded its natural gas portfolio in alignment with Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative and the country’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP). The company’s focus on projects that impact industrialization and energy access includes a long-term contract to supply up to 40 MMScf/d of gas to the Rongtai Industrial Park in Edo State and 60 MMScf/d of natural gas to the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), supporting 34% of electricity generation to the Nigerian grid.

A Legacy of Excellence

Olakunle Williams’ recognition as the Vanguard Energy Icon 2025 is a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in Africa’s energy sector. His recognition as a CHOISEUL 100 Africa’s Economic Leader and BusinessDay’s Innovative Sustainable Energy Provider of the Year further solidify his position as one of Africa’s most influential figures in the sector. Williams’ leadership continues to inspire and drive progress, earning him a reputation as the “Tiger of the Energy Sector” in Africa. The Vanguard Recognition/Vanguard Award further solidifies his legacy as a transformative and visionary force in shaping Africa’s energy future.

*APPRECIATING TINUBU’S PENCHANT FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUDGETING*

By Okanga Agila

The Budget Office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria operates under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Over the years, the Office has witnessed numerous leadership transitions—often abrupt and inconsistent—leading to underperformance, infrastructural decay, and an erosion of professionalism. Leadership struggles and industrial unrest were further compounded by partisanship and blatant disregard for established procedures. Staff postings were dictated more by personal preferences than institutional needs, resulting in a disoriented system that drifted far from its mandate.

At its lowest point, the Budget Office had deviated from being a cornerstone of national development to a platform marred by inefficiency and weakened leadership. It became symbolic of bureaucratic lethargy and a conduit for underwhelming outcomes.

This dismal trajectory began to reverse when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his knack for spotting talent and assigning responsibilities to the most capable hands, appointed Tanimu Yakubu as Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation. A respected economist and former Chief Economic Adviser to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Yakubu brought to the role the intellectual depth and administrative acumen needed to drive transformational change.

Under his leadership, the country has witnessed a marked turnaround in budgetary performance. Sound economic reforms and a focus on sustainable growth have contributed to stabilizing an ailing economy. A significant part of this transformation is attributable to a restructured and inclusive budgetary process that emphasizes team spirit, delivery, and responsiveness to the needs of citizens.

Yakubu has streamlined the budget planning and allocation system, ensuring that national resources are channelled toward addressing real economic gaps. His approach is both focused and people-centred, leading to strategic outcomes such as a reduction in inflation—from 34% to 15% in 2025—and a steady improvement in economic indicators.

Among his most notable innovations is the enhanced monitoring of projects, supported by the engagement of consultants to ensure cost-effective and durable implementation. These measures have built investor confidence and encouraged both local and foreign investments.

His reform agenda also includes a redefinition of agricultural investment. By opening up previously untapped opportunities and portfolios, food security has been bolstered through widespread bumper harvests, contributing to the reduction of food-related inflation.

The Budget Office, under Yakubu’s direction, has adopted policies that prioritize poverty alleviation and disaster response. Strategic reallocations—such as N120 billion earmarked for flood mitigation and support to public hospitals—have ensured that underserved populations gain access to life-saving medicines, including for conditions like tuberculosis and HIV.

Furthermore, Yakubu’s organizational restructuring of the Budget Office has significantly improved staff performance and internal coordination. His strategic foresight in identifying inflationary triggers and implementing countermeasures has helped stabilize the economy. Today, Nigeria not only enjoys steady revenue growth and increased foreign reserves (now exceeding $42 billion) but has also surpassed its oil production targets—reaching over 2.6 million barrels per day, with an initial boost of 130,000 barrels per day.

A distinguished alumnus of Wagner College, Yakubu anchors his policy direction on promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency, and accountability in public finance management. He is widely recognized for his results-driven, inclusive leadership style that inspires and empowers staff across the Office’s six operational departments and seven units. This collaborative environment has led to impressive improvements in the functions of departments such as Revenue/Fiscal Policy, Social and Economic Expenditure, Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Human Resource Management, and Finance and Accounts.

By fostering interdepartmental synergy, Yakubu has achieved a high-performance culture. His strong communication skills and motivational leadership have unified the workforce, enhancing productivity and accountability at all levels.

Yakubu’s crowning achievements include the development of a forward-looking economic blueprint aligned with the government’s development priorities and the establishment of a state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the Budget Office. His commitment to staff welfare, transparent monitoring systems, and project tracking has ensured a more efficient and impactful budget performance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Indeed, Tanimu Yakubu stands as a clear testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and meritocracy. His appointment has brought about a necessary transformation in the Budget Office, catalyzing economic stabilization and laying a firm foundation for national development and prosperity.

Okanga writes from Agila, Benue State.