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Nigerians in Diaspora Hail NUPRC Boss Komolafe for Leadership Award and Doctorate
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The Nigerians in Diaspora Assembly (NiDA) in London has hailed Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), following his recent dual honours: a professional doctorate in Leadership (Energy Law) from the International Business School of Scandinavia, and the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference 2025, held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.
In a statement on Saturday, NiDA London President Dr Sani Abubakar and Secretary Mrs. Chioma Okorafor lauded Komolafe for elevating Nigeria’s profile on the international stage.
“These recognitions reflect the calibre of leadership and innovation that Nigerians can bring to global governance. Engineer Komolafe’s achievements demonstrate that merit, integrity, and hard work are respected worldwide, and they reinforce Nigeria’s reputation as a nation of competent professionals,” the statement reads.
The diaspora group highlighted Komolafe’s transformative leadership at NUPRC, particularly in steering reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and advancing indigenous participation.
“His tenure has brought measurable progress in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, from a surge in active rig counts to substantial fiscal surpluses. The Host Community Development Trust has exceeded N350 billion, funding projects that restore peace and provide tangible benefits to local communities. These results show that responsible leadership drives both economic growth and social development,” the statement added.
NiDA London also emphasized the symbolic importance of Komolafe’s awards for all Nigerians living abroad.
“Engineer Komolafe’s dual honours serve as an inspiration to Nigerians worldwide. They send a powerful message that our citizens, irrespective of religion or region, can gain global recognition when they pursue excellence, uphold transparency, and commit to ethical governance,” the group said.
The statement further noted that the accolades reinforce Nigeria’s emerging status as a credible and attractive destination for energy investment.
“By combining regulatory rigor with strategic foresight, Komolafe has positioned Nigeria as a transparent and competitive hub for upstream investment. His work underscores the potential of African leadership to shape global energy discourse, and it encourages young Nigerians to aspire to similar standards of professionalism and impact,” the NiDA London officials said.
Since assuming office, Komolafe has overseen a dramatic expansion in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Active rig counts grew from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025, a growth exceeding 760 percent. Revenue performance has consistently surpassed government projections, with surpluses of 18.3 percent in 2022, 14.6 percent in 2023, and 84.2 percent in 2024.
The Host Community Development Trust has channelled billions into infrastructure and social programmes, strengthening relations between oil companies and local populations while aligning with international best practices.
NiDA London urged the Nigerian government to continue supporting visionary leaders like Komolafe and called on the diaspora to recognise and celebrate achievements that reflect the country’s global potential.
“As Nigerians living abroad, we are proud to see one of our own recognised on such a prestigious platform. We encourage all citizens to uphold standards of integrity and professionalism that ensure Nigeria remains a respected player in international development and energy sectors,” they admonished.
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Just in: Massive Explosion Rocks APC Governorship Candidate’s Convoy in Borno as Terrorists Attack
The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, was reportedly ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Thursday evening.
This development occurred along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway as Gubio and his entourage were returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, a border town in northern Borno State.
Damasak is located about 190 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
According to a security source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attackers allegedly planted landmines along the highway, with a police armoured vehicle leading the convoy triggering one of the explosives.
“We entered Damasak safely and spent about 40 minutes there. On our way back, the insurgents planted mines on the road, and the armoured vehicle that led the convoy drove over it and exploded,” the source said.
The explosion was reportedly followed by an attempted ambush as the insurgents opened an attack on the convoy.
Security operatives comprising military personnel, police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
The source said the security team had to take defensive positions after the blast while waiting for other vehicles in the convoy to arrive.
“We had to park and take positions, waiting for the remaining vehicles in the convoy to arrive. In the course of waiting, we noticed the movement of the insurgents and swiftly engaged them,” the source added.
The combined security team reportedly succeeded in repelling the attack and preventing further damage to the main convoy.
However, the police armoured vehicle that triggered the explosive device was said to have been severely damaged in the blast.
The Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway is considered one of the most dangerous routes in northern Borno because of the activities of insurgents and the persistent threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and ambushes.
The route is also strategically important to insurgents operating around the Lake Chad region, with security sources saying it provides access towards Alagarno, the Sambisa Forest and parts of Yobe State.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the security challenges confronting political activities and campaign movements in Borno State ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also brings back memories of the assassination of Modu Fannami Gubio, an ANPP governorship candidate, who was shot dead by gunmen in Maiduguri in January 2011.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nahum Kenneth Daso, reportedly did not answer calls or respond to text messages sent to his phone.
The security agencies had not publicly confirmed the reported attack at the time of filing this report.
The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, has died.
The monarch passed away on Thursday in Egypt.
His death has thrown the people of the Gumel Emirate and residents of Jigawa State into mourning, with tributes expected to continue to pour in from across the state and beyond.
The death of the respected traditional ruler is a significant loss to his family, associates and the entire Gumel community. Prayers have been offered for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
Prayers were also offered for Allah to grant his family, loved ones and the people of Gumel the strength and patience to bear the loss.
The death of the Emir represents a major loss to the Gumel Emirate, given the important role traditional institutions play in promoting peace, unity, cultural values and community development.
The Gumel Emirate is one of the historic traditional institutions in northern Nigeria, with a rich heritage and longstanding influence in the social and cultural affairs of its people.
As Emir, the late Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, CON, served as custodian of the traditional institution and provided leadership to the people of the emirate.
His passing is expected to be deeply felt by members of the royal family, traditional title holders, community leaders and residents across the emirate.
United States federal agents have nabbed a podcaster, Azariah Southworth, in Los Angeles over allegations that he threatened to kill US President Donald Trump.
According to New York Post on Thursday, Southworth was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles following an investigation into the alleged threats against Trump.
Southworth is known for hosting the Yass, Jesus podcast and previously hosted the Christian television programme, The Remix. His arrest has brought federal authorities’ attention to statements allegedly made by him concerning the president.
The allegations against Southworth have not been established in court, and details of any criminal charges filed against him were not immediately available in the report. Federal authorities typically investigate threats against the president as potential federal offences.
US law prohibits knowingly and willfully threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict bodily harm on the president. Such cases can result in federal prosecution if investigators determine that a statement meets the legal threshold for a criminal threat.
Federal authorities have pursued similar cases involving alleged threats against Trump in recent years.
The US Department of Justice has previously announced charges and convictions involving people accused of making threats against the president online and through other forms of communication.
Authorities have also stressed in previous cases that an arrest or criminal charge does not establish guilt. Prosecutors are required to prove the allegations in court, while defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.
Southworth’s arrest comes amid continued security concerns surrounding threats against Trump and other US public officials. Further details about the allegations, possible charges and Southworth’s next court appearance are expected to emerge as the federal case proceeds.
Just in: Massive Explosion Rocks APC Governorship Candidate’s Convoy in Borno as Terrorists Attack
Nigerians react as UK permits foreign workers to change employers
