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UNVEILING THE BRAND NEW APC CHAIRMAN By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare,
In a bold and progressive move, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as its new National Chairman — a decision that reflects both political foresight and generational transition. This is more than a leadership shuffle. It is the rebranding of a political structure, driven by intellect, character, and strategic recalibration ahead of 2027.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nentawe was raised in a disciplined, faith-based home — the son of the late Rev. Toma Yilwatda, a revered Christian cleric. The moral upbringing that shaped his early life would eventually underpin his academic, public, and political journeys.
He holds a B.Eng. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; a Master’s in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, and a Ph.D. in Digital Systems Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. But it wasn’t just classroom brilliance that defined him. Nentawe’s hunger for knowledge took him further — he received high-level training from the United Nations University in Macau (China), AfriNIC in Mauritius, NetTel@Africa in Kenya, and multiple ICT leadership sessions sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, UNESCO, and UNIDO. He is a registered engineer with COREN, and a member of the IEEE, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria.
For over 25 years, Prof. Nentawe served the university system with distinction — rising from lecturer to Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. His reforms in digitizing records, e-learning, and systems governance made him the university’s “Most Outstanding Director” in 2012. He didn’t just teach technology — he built it.
But it was his appointment in 2017 as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Benue State by President Muhammadu Buhari that launched him into the national limelight. As REC, he supervised sensitive elections in Anambra (2017), Osun (2018), Benue and Kogi (2019) — earning a reputation for integrity and forward-thinking. He introduced digital mapping of polling units and designed frameworks that ensured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) could vote — a legacy now embedded into INEC operations.
In 2022, after voluntarily resigning from INEC, Nentawe joined partisan politics and emerged as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State. He launched the “#GenerationNext” campaign — a youth-driven vision for development, technology, and security. His ideas were radical for Plateau: digital tax systems, smart policing, energy cooperatives, data-based budgeting, and rural youth empowerment schemes. Though he lost the 2023 governorship election after a prolonged legal battle, his message resonated across age, religious, and ethnic lines. The Supreme Court’s decision may have ended his gubernatorial pursuit, but it amplified his stature as a man of uncommon courage and democratic faith.
In October 2024, President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, following the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu. Within months, he began reengineering the ministry’s flawed structures with a digital-first approach. He famously told the Senate during his confirmation:
“We cannot continue managing humanitarian crises in Nigeria with sentiments. We must build the ministry on data, accountability, and dignity for every citizen in distress.”
His leadership earned him nationwide acclaim — and now, the ultimate call: to lead the APC.
So why Nentawe? Why now?
Unlike traditional party chairmen who rise through factional muscle and patronage, Prof. Nentawe arrives with no political baggage, no scandal, and no ethnic bias. He represents the future of party politics in Nigeria — intelligent, issue-driven, and people-focused.
This is where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political sagacity shines. In a season where trust in parties is declining and public apathy is growing, Tinubu has selected a chairman not just to manage party congresses or elections, but to rebuild the APC brand from the ground up. It’s a strategic masterstroke — investing in character, not noise.
What do APC members expect from their new chairman?
We expect more than order. We expect restoration.
We expect him to:
Unite the party, not by decree, but by active engagement at ward, local government, and state levels.
Reintroduce the culture of meetings — where members gather to plan, not just clap.
Digitize the party register — ensuring every member is known, counted, and connected.
Institutionalize membership dues — because a party must be funded by its people, not by desperate aspirants.
End the culture of self-funded candidacies — shifting toward a grassroots-funded model where the party carries its candidates.
Raise new leaders like himself — competent, untainted, and ready to govern.
Ensure internal democracy — where primaries are contests of merit, not auctions of money.
The challenge ahead is massive, but Nentawe is cut from rare cloth. His combination of intellect, humility, and resilience gives hope to thousands of young party members who want to see the APC reborn.
As a loyal party member and stakeholder, I say boldly: this is one of the best decisions the APC has made in years. I salute President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for resisting pressure to reward cronies, and instead choosing capacity over calculation, and value over volume.
May God grant Professor Nentawe Yilwatda the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of Moses, and the vision of Joseph. May he succeed in making the APC not just a ruling party — but a renewing force.
The journey to 2027 has already begun. And with leaders like Nentawe at the helm, we walk with faith, not fear.
Prince Adeyemi Shonibare
APC Member
Advocate for Good Governance & Reform
Energy experts in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have defended the pricing structure of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing some fuel markers of attempting to blackmail the refinery and mislead the public over the recent increase in petrol prices.
The experts said reports suggesting that the refinery’s latest adjustment is solely responsible for the recent hike in fuel prices were misleading, noting that importers are also bringing in petrol at almost a N1,000 per litre, while the refinery’s coastal price is N948 and the gantry or ex-depot price stands at N995 per litre.
They stressed that public comparisons fail to consider the differences in pricing structures and supply channels.
According to the experts, N948 per litre represents the coastal delivery price, which refers to petroleum products transported by marine vessels or barges from the refinery to depots along the coastline. On the other hand, N995 per litre represents the gantry or ex-depot price, which is the rate paid by marketers who load petrol directly from the refinery into tanker trucks at the loading gantry for onward distribution across the country.
The experts explained that the two figures should not be interpreted as conflicting prices but rather as different logistics arrangements within the petroleum distribution chain.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, energy expert David Okon said the pricing adjustments were inevitable given prevailing market conditions.
According to him, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals operates in a deregulated market and procures crude at international prices, which have risen sharply due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The refinery is already absorbing part of the cost to cushion the impact of the crisis on Nigerians. We can see what is happening in other parts of the world where shortages and scarcity are being reported despite higher prices, yet the Dangote Refinery has continued to guarantee domestic supply,” he said.
Okon explained that when the refinery previously sold petrol at N774 per litre, crude oil was landing at about $68 per barrel. However, with crude now arriving at roughly $95 per barrel, the cost difference of about $27 per barrel translates to nearly N40,000 per barrel when converted to Naira.
“You cannot expect a refinery to continue selling at the old rate under those circumstances,” he added.
“If imported products were truly cheaper, importers would still be selling at the previous prices.”
He warned that without local refining capacity, Nigeria could have faced severe fuel shortages, long queues at filling stations and a resurgence of black market sales.
“Without the Dangote Refinery, many filling stations would likely shut down, queues would return across the country and black market traders would exploit the situation, hawking four litres keg at N20,000 or more. The refinery has effectively prevented that scenario,” he said.
Another analyst, Mohammed Ibrahim, also faulted narratives circulating in some quarters suggesting that the refinery’s pricing adjustment was responsible for worsening economic hardship in the country.
Accusing some importers of attempting to manipulate public perception, he said, “What we are seeing is nothing but deliberate blackmail by some fuel importers who feel threatened by local refining.
“They are twisting the pricing structure to mislead Nigerians and create unnecessary panic in the market.
“By exaggerating the refinery’s gantry price and ignoring the comparable costs of imported fuel, they are trying to make it appear as though Dangote Refinery is the cause of rising prices and economic hardship. This is a calculated attempt to protect their import businesses and undermine local refining, which is meant to reduce our dependence on imported petrol.”
Ibrahim added that such narratives were aimed at portraying the refinery as the reason Nigerians were struggling with higher petrol prices.
He stressed that petrol pricing in Nigeria is largely influenced by global crude oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and distribution logistics, noting that these factors affect both locally refined and imported fuel in the country’s deregulated market.
Afolabi Olowookere, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term.
“Therefore, improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long term benefits of local refining for the economy,” Olowookere noted.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions along key shipping lanes have tightened global oil supply, pushing crude prices past $90 per barrel, a development that directly raises the cost of both imported and locally refined petrol in Nigeria.
The unrest has pushed up fuel costs and transportation in several countries, including Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, and Japan, as rising crude prices increase the cost of refining, distribution, and logistics globally.
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ADMIN KING OF THE UKA THRONE
March 6, 2026 – In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson, as the Acting Admin King of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of Official Emperor Admin of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to competence, dedication, and integrity as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
Report Highlights:
– Nominee: King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– Objective: Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– Focus: Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– Impact: Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– Next Steps: Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
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