The Parroters

In years past, the arrival of the rainy season sent waves of anxiety across many communities in Ondo State. From Ilaje to Idanre, residents would brace themselves for the devastating impact of floods, homes submerged, roads cut off, livelihoods ruined, and in some tragic instances, lives lost. However, this painful reality is now being rewritten, thanks to the bold and unprecedented efforts of the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Flooding has remained one of the most pressing environmental challenges in Ondo State, especially in low-lying and riverine communities. In Akure South, parts of Odigbo, Ondo East and West, and particularly the coastal terrains of Ilaje, tales abound of how families were forced out of their homes, crops destroyed, and roads rendered impassable due to blocked canals and unchecked water channels. For years, these communities called for intervention, often receiving minimal or delayed responses. The lack of proper drainage, unregulated urban ...

  By Paul Ikpambese    With a vision that stretches beyond the horizon, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe is crafting a legacy of groundbreaking reforms that are revolutionising the oil and gas industry. His trailblazing career, marked by numerous achievements and milestones, has been a masterclass in visionary leadership. From spearheading the Nigeria Pipeline and Storage Company to leading the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, Chief Komolafe's singular passion has been to transform the industry and shape its future. With a keen eye for opportunity and an intimate understanding of the sector, he is boldly rewriting the rules and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.   Like the great leaders who have transformed their industries, Chief Gbenga Komolafe is driven by a bold vision for the oil and gas sector. Inspired by the likes of Nelson Mandela, who fought for a united South Africa, and Lee Kuan Yew, who propelled Singapore to prosperity, Chief Komolafe's mission ...

By Ali A. Ali In the corridors of power, where politics often wears a mask of self-interest, Hon. Dr. James Abiodun Faleke stands out as a shining beacon of hope. For two years, he has walked the halls of the 10th Assembly, leaving a trail of transformative impact in his wake. With every bill sponsored, every motion moved, and every town hall meeting held, Faleke has demonstrated a deep commitment to the people he serves. His is a leadership style that embodies transparency, accountability, and empathy - a refreshing change from the status quo. As his constituents rejoice in the fruits of his labour, Faleke's legacy as a champion of the people continues to grow, inspiring a new generation of leaders to follow in his footsteps. There is a growing trend for demand of parliamentarians with shared value orientations, inclusivity, a community-driven approach, and emphasising such attributes as transparency, accountability, and empathy. Over time parliamentary representative democracy ha...

By Mike Udo In the heart of the Niger Delta, a region long shrouded in darkness by neglect and underdevelopment, a new dawn is breaking. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, a young and dynamic leader, has rolled up his sleeves to tackle the region's challenges head-on. With a fierce determination to transform the lives of his people, Senator Asuquo has embarked on a journey of development, constructing roads, providing solar-powered streetlights, and empowering communities through education and economic initiatives. The Niger Delta Region, a vast and complex network of rivers, wetlands, and creeks in southern Nigeria, is a land of contrasts. Rich in natural resources, the region faces significant environmental challenges, including pollution and degradation. Despite these challenges, the Niger Delta plays a vital role in Nigeria's economy and is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups and cultures. It is from this dynamic backdrop that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong emerged, born on August 25...

As the Ogun State government intensifies efforts on the re-construction of roads in Ijebu-Ode and its environs, residents of the town have commended the government for giving the town a facelift in the area of a good road network and other social amenities. The residents who bared their minds in a chat with newsmen said critical infrastructure in the ancient town had been in a downward trend for a long time, but the narratives have changed since the inception of the present administration. A resident of Tam-Balogun, one of the roads under construction in the town, Mr. Oduwole Lawrence, recalled the harrowing experience he and his neighbours went through in the past, especially during the rainy season, adding that with the construction of the road, life would return to normal for those living in the area. "The government is doing well, and I love everything they are doing about the roads because roads are one of the amenities people need to move forward. "Before now, each gove...

  A civil society group, the Citizens for Equity and Justice Initiative (CEJI), has condemned the governors of Zamfara and Katsina states over a widely criticised peace meeting held with Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader long declared wanted by security forces. The meeting, held Saturday in Bichi community, Danmusa LGA of Katsina, was attended by traditional rulers, local government officials, representatives of the Nigerian Army, and top officials from both states. In widely circulated video footage, Aleru — who has a N5 million bounty on his head — was seen addressing the gathering, urging for peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and farming communities. Aleru has been linked to countless acts of terror and bloodshed in the north-west, with human rights organisations accusing him of orchestrating mass killings, mass kidnappings, and the displacement of thousands. His reemergence, not in handcuffs but at the centre of state-sanctioned negotiations, has sparked outrage ac...

The volatility of crude oil prices in the international market has had a negative impact on Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, with importers and depot operators raising petrol prices to between N905 and N940 per litre. In contrast, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has maintained its ex-depot price at N825 per litre. According to data gathered, Rainoil increased its price to N920 from N850 per litre, while Fynefield and Mainland raised their ex-depot prices to N930 and N920, respectively, an increase of N50 and N10. Additional pricing data showed Sigmund selling at N920 per litre, Matrix Warri at N910, and NIPCO rising sharply to N920 from N827 the previous week. Aiteo was reported selling petrol at N920 per litre. Further increases were recorded as Swift Oil moved to N920, Emadeb and Wosbab to N910, and First Royal to N905. Pinnacle made the most significant adjustment, now selling at N940 per litre. These price hikes follow sustained gains in global crude oil markets, with Brent crude tradin...

The Centre for Oil Sector Accountability and Reform (COSAR) has dismissed claims by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) that Dangote Refinery’s business model poses a threat to competition and employment in the downstream petroleum sector. In a detailed statement issued on Monday by Dr Raymond Osaremen Okojie, president of COSAR, the group said PETROAN’s criticisms of the refinery’s adoption of a forward integration strategy and its planned use of a private sector equalization system reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of free-market economics. “The recent statement credited to PETROAN on the impact of the introduction of a private equalization fund betrays the very ethos of running a free market,” Dr Okojie said. “What Dangote is offering is a private sector equivalent of the petroleum equalization fund that was established in 1975 by General Yakubu Gowon, amended in 1989 by General IBB, and modified into bridging allowances in 2021.” He ex...

  As the Nigerian Security Forces are recording success daily on the ongoing fight against bandits in the Northwest, the full Military kitted pictures of the Zamfara State House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Moriki emerged from one of the no go area forest in Zamfara having pleasantries with some Fulani's believed to be bandits terrorizing Zurmi local government area of Zamfara State.   Investigations from Moriki Locals revealed that, the bandits dent visited by the Honourable Speaker is that of Kachallah Dammaka Dole situated in Moriki death Zone no go area under Zurmi local government.   It was also confirmed from one the State own security outfit Zamfara State protection Community Guards personal who begged for his name to not appear on the print that,"Even last week huge amount of ransom was paid to same bandits enclave visited by the Honourable Speaker, added that last year Nigeria Air force strike and neutralized Several bandits Commanders but are gradually reg...

Dangote Petroleum Refinery is pleased to announce the commencement of a significant national initiative designed to transform Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape. Effective 15th of August 2025, the Refinery will begin the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country, with free logistics to boost distribution network. To ensure smooth take-off of this scheme, Dangote Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers. This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe. The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution. This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing en...

The Managing Director/CEO of Fendini Homes Ltd , Prince Adelaja Adeoye Arrested for Alleged Document Falsification, Forgery, Fraud and Intimidation as regards the Ownership of Rayfield Garden City, Alao Akala Housing Estate, Ibadan Oyo State. We express deep concern over the recent arrest of Prince Adelaja Adeoye, Chairman and Managing Director of Fendini Homes Ltd, in connection with the alleged fraud, falsification of official documents in connivance with some Government officials of Oyo state Public Private Partnership agency (OYSIPA) to forge documents belonging to the Rightful Project proponent, Messrs. Privus Crest Limited as originally approved by the state government through the Oyo state Public Private Partnership agency (OYSIPA). The case of alleged forgery was formally brought to the attention of the Inspector General of Police via a petition dated 9th of May, 2025. Following due process, approval was granted for the arrest of Prince Adelaja Adeoye for interrogation and furt...

By Daniel Aruwa The North East Development Commission (NEDC) was established in 2017 to extirpate the problems of poverty, insecurity and the long and intractable devastation caused by insurgency through Boko Haram and other criminal elements in that region, thereby enhancing resettlement and rehabilitation, the reconstruction of physical infrastructures, provision of social infrastructures in terms of poverty alleviation and palliatives, various intervention in education, the provision of greener environment both for the present and in the future and also the improvement of the healthcare of the people. To actualize its mandate and as an interventionist agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the North East Development Commission was saddled with the responsibility of devising means of attracting funds both from the Federal Government and other international donors, and ensuring its meticulous management, targeting and prioritizing resettlement, rehabilitation, integration, and r...

A youth coalition under the banner of the Zamfara APC Integrity Network (ZAIN) has strongly rejected the speculated defection of Governor Dauda Lawal from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as a political liability with a trail of poor governance. In a statement signed by its president, Comrade Murtala Sani Gummi, and made available to journalists in Gusau on Monday, the group said it had credible intelligence suggesting that Governor Lawal was lobbying to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in a bid to realign with the centre and retain political relevance. The group, however, warned that such a move would backfire, noting that the APC in Zamfara and across Nigeria “cannot afford to inherit a non-performing politician whose leadership has worsened the socio-economic conditions of Zamfara people”. “We want to make it categorically clear that Governor Dauda Lawal is not welcome in the APC. He is a huge liability, and an...

The Benue Good Governance Network (BGGN) has lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his recent visit to Benue State to coordinate military operations aimed at restoring peace and order in conflict-affected communities. The group described the Army Chief’s actions as bold, timely, and deeply reassuring to the people of Benue, many of whom have endured years of violent attacks and displacement without visible federal intervention. In a statement signed by the Convener, Dr. Amase Paul, the BGGN said General Oluyede’s presence in the state — personally assessing the situation, meeting with troops, and engaging with key stakeholders — sent a strong message of renewed federal resolve to bring an end to terrorism and protect innocent lives. “For many of our people, this visit came like the first rainfall after a long drought. It was a powerful demonstration that Benue is not alone and not forgotten. Lieutenant General Oluyede has restored our faith in the Nige...

The North West Youth Network has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), describing the move as a clear reward for competence and a boost for youth inclusion in governance. In a statement on Sunday, the group said Danfulani’s appointment had restored the confidence of young professionals across the North West in President Tinubu’s readiness to identify and empower credible technocrats regardless of age or political weight. “We applaud President Tinubu for this well-considered appointment. Yazeed Danfulani is a tested, trusted, and transformative leader. His emergence is a strong signal that this administration is serious about driving economic growth through capable hands,” said Bashir Kawu, National Coordinator of the North West Youth Network. Danfulani, a respected agribusiness expert and public finance professional, has since resumed duties as Managing Director...

Hundreds of lawyers and members of civil society organization, today, stormed the Attorney General's Office with a petition demanding immediate action against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).  The group alleges Ahmed abused his office, misappropriating over $5 million in public funds to fund his children in elite schools abroad. In the petition signed by Barrister Aquila Kendo, the  Concerned Nigerian Youths Forum claims Ahmed's children attended prestigious schools in Switzerland and India, with tuition fees running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.  It also alleges conflict of interest, citing Ahmed's son's employment with Oando PLC, a company regulated by NMDPRA, and accuses Ahmed of casting doubt on the quality of petroleum products refined by the Dangote Refinery. “The actions attributed to Engr. Farouk Ahmed, if proven, violate a number of federal statutes and ethical standards,” Ken...

By Mary Odoma The Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) is an agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, established on November 15, 1987, under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, with the mandate to provide agricultural risk insurance to Nigerian farmers. Incorporated in June 1988 and transformed into a corporation in 1993 under Act 37 of 1993, the agency remains the sole insurance company geared towards the provision of agricultural risk insurance cover to Nigerian farmers. In a bid to reposition and deliver on the agency’s mandate, President Bola Tinubu on May 22, 2025, appointed Alhaji Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for an initial term of four years. Alhaji Yazid's brief is quite a tall order. Aside the expectation of Mr. President, which include facing the challenges of enlisting formidability into the entire insurance framework for Nigerian farmers, he is also to inject fresh and renewed vitality and strategic vi...

Fresh controversy has emerged over Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the embattled Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), who is now accused of fleeing Nigeria to evade arrest by anti-graft agencies. According to a statement by the Coalition for Public Accountability (COPA), Ahmed left the country under the pretext of performing Hajj but diverted to a discreet location on an island in the United States. The development comes amid mounting allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and unexplained foreign education expenses for his children, totalling over $5 million. The group said Ahmed’s disappearance is a calculated attempt to avoid imminent prosecution following protests and petitions filed against him by civil society and legal advocacy groups. “We have received credible intelligence that Engr. Farouk Ahmed is not in Saudi Arabia or the UAE as publicly claimed. Instead, he is currently hiding on a private island in the United S...

The African Centre for Energy Governance and Accountability (ACEGA) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as groundbreaking and well-coordinated reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory framework. The group said the Tinubu administration’s support for the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its deliberate push to increase crude oil production are signs of genuine transformation in the energy sector. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Usman Bello Idris, the group said Tinubu’s approach to reform has restored investor confidence, revived production targets, and positioned Nigeria as a more responsible and efficient oil-producing nation. “For years, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector groaned under inefficiency, uncertainty, and dwindling output. But what we are seeing today under President Tinubu’s leadership is a bold reset — one that respects the sanctity of the Petroleum Industry Act while pushing for real, measurable ...