Opinion
A Tribute to a God-fearing Philanthropist: Celebrating Apostle Promise Momo

By Abubakar Yunusa Ojima-Ojo
May God bless the day you were born, Apostle Promise Momo. You are not just a friend, but a brother and a beacon of hope for many. Your unwavering love for humanity and your steadfast faith in God set you apart as a truly remarkable individual.
Your life is a testament to what it means to live selflessly and to serve others with a pure heart. In a world often dominated by self-interest and material pursuits, your dedication to philanthropy and your deep spirituality are refreshing reminders of the good that still exists. You embody the true spirit of compassion, reaching out to those in need and providing solace and support without expecting anything in return.
One of the most striking aspects of your character is your ability to entrust every situation to God. You understand the transient nature of life’s challenges and always maintain a calm and composed demeanor, knowing that God is in control. This profound faith not only inspires those around you but also reinforces the idea that true peace and contentment come from surrendering to a higher power.
Continue to be the wonderful person you are, Apostle Promise Momo. I acknowledge the distractions and challenges that often arise on the journey to greatness. These obstacles are a natural part of life, but your resilience and unwavering focus on your mission demonstrate your strength and dedication.
As you celebrate another beautiful birthday, my prayers for you are filled with hope and gratitude. May God grant you all your heart’s desires and bless you abundantly. I pray that you never experience lack, even in times of scarcity. Your generosity and kindness have touched countless lives, and I believe that God will continue to provide for you so that you can keep making a difference in the world.
Your commitment to serving God and humanity is a source of inspiration for many. You have shown that true greatness is not measured by material wealth or social status but by the impact one has on the lives of others. Your actions speak volumes about your character and your unwavering faith in God’s plan.
In a society where people often chase after temporary pleasures and fleeting successes, your life stands as a shining example of what it means to live with purpose and integrity. You have chosen a path less traveled, one that prioritizes the well-being of others and glorifies God in all things. This choice is not always easy, but it is undoubtedly rewarding, both spiritually and emotionally.
Apostle Promise Momo, you are a light in the darkness, a source of hope for the hopeless, and a true man of God. Your birthday is not just a celebration of the day you were born but a celebration of the positive impact you continue to make in the world. May you be blessed with many more years of health, happiness, and fulfillment.
As you reflect on your journey thus far, may you find joy in the lives you have touched and the hearts you have uplifted. May your faith continue to grow stronger, guiding you in all your endeavors. And may you always remember that you are loved and appreciated by those whose lives you have transformed through your kindness and generosity.
Happy Birthday, Apostle Promise Momo. May God’s blessings be upon you today and always.
Abubakar Yunusa Ojima-Ojo freelance journalist writes from Abuja
National
FG To Implement Policy Compelling IOCs To Drill Or Drop Inactive Oil Wells

Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
National
Pan-African Student Movement Lauds Ogun State Police Leadership

The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
Opinion
UBEC: Synergising and Collaborating with Security Agencies to Promote Basic Education

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.