President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest.

This paper reports that the President has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA.

The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) on Thursday said this decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

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The Kano State Council has celebrated the legacy of renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Almagili, for his historic role in spreading Islam in Kano more than five centuries ago, predating the era of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the council, Malam Fatihu Isa Abdullahi.

The commendation was made by Sheikh Nadeem Latif Attari of Pakistan during a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Sarkin Sharifan Kano, Alhaji Sidi Fari Abbas Adam.

Attari called for the provision of scholarship opportunities for the Shurafa’u community, noting that similar support is extended to such groups in Pakistan. He said leaders in Pakistan give special attention to Shurafa’u students pursuing studies there.

He explained that the delegation’s mission was to establish a partnership with the Shurafa’u community in Nigeria to provide vocational and educational skills aimed at promoting youth self-reliance and sustainable development.

Earlier, the chairman of the Elders’ Forum of Majalisar Sharifan Kano, Shariff Tijjani Ibrahim, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Sarkin Sharifan, council members and the people of Kano.

He prayed for the success of the delegation’s mission and assured them of Kano’s readiness to collaborate, stressing the importance of joint efforts in advancing educational and developmental initiatives for the Shurafa’u community.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured historical sites, including the mosque and Islamiyya school established by Sheikh Almagili, which remain in active use today.

In his remarks, Sarkin Sharifan Kano, Alhaji Sidi Fari Abbas Adam, presented a special message to Sheikh Iliyas Al-Qadri Attari through the delegation leader, aimed at strengthening ties and fostering mutual cooperation.

The visit underscored the significance of preserving Islamic heritage while building strategic partnerships that empower communities, promote education, unity and self-reliance.

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A civil society organisation, Muryar Matasa Initiative (MMI) for Employment Development and Inclusion, has called on the Katsina State Government to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law.

The group made the call in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday, signed by Saratu Hamidu and Nasir Dauda, Executive Director and Secretary-General respectively.

The group urged Gov. Dikko Radda to prioritise the full enforcement of the law, noting that delays have continued to deny persons with disabilities (PWDs) access to critical protections and opportunities in the state.

The CSO expressed concern that, despite the signing of the landmark legislation in 2023, its implementation framework remains largely inactive, leaving a significant segment of the population vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion.

It noted that Katsina is home to an estimated 600,000 persons with disabilities, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, visual and hearing impairments, leprosy-related conditions, and other physical or developmental challenges.

The group added that Nigeria has about 35 million PWDs, underscoring the scale of the issue and the need for urgent action at the state level.

It further stressed that full implementation of the law would guarantee the protection of fundamental rights, ensure equal access to justice, and eliminate discrimination in both public and private sectors.

“The law would provide a structured framework for inclusive healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, thereby improving the quality of life for affected individuals,” the group emphasised.

According to the group, effective enforcement would also position Katsina as a model for inclusive governance and social justice in Nigeria, in line with global development goals.

It commended Radda for his efforts toward inclusive governance and for creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in state affairs, adding that, “more concrete steps are required to translate policy into action.”

The group called on the state government to immediately operationalise the law, establish enforcement mechanisms, allocate adequate funding, and ensure the active involvement of PWD in its implementation.

“Implementation is not merely a legal obligation, it is a moral imperative and the pathway to dignity, equality, and opportunity for all citizens,” the statement added.

(NAN)

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