News
North Central Reformed Youth Assembly Inaugurates National Executives, State Coordinators in Jos
The North Central Reformed Youth Assembly (NCRYA) on Saturday held its inaugural meeting in Jos, Plateau State, where it formally inaugurated its newly elected national executives and state coordinators who will drive the organization’s mandate across the North Central region.
The ceremony, held at Great Links Hotel, Gold and Base, drew youth leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders committed to enhancing youth involvement in governance and regional development.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Zachariah Sunday Diwong, described the event as a major milestone for youth across the six North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that NCRYA was established in March 2025 following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Act.
Hon. Diwong said the Assembly is a legally registered youth movement dedicated to promoting unity, empowering young people, and supporting the implementation of the NCDC’s development agenda.
“We are here to inaugurate our state coordinators. We didn’t make it a large ceremony because of the security challenges in the country. But this step is important as we assign our coordinators the responsibilities that lie ahead,” he stated.
Representing Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang, the Special Adviser on Youth Matters, Hon. Hitler Pwajok, commended the Assembly for its vision and assured them of the government’s support.
He applauded NCRYA’s emphasis on reform, unity, and youth empowerment, noting that the Mutfwang administration prioritizes the involvement of young people in governance.
“In this room, there is no Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Niger or Kogi. There are only brothers and sisters united by a common goal,” he said. “The future of the North Central region depends on how well we empower the youth today.”
He urged other governors in the region to emulate Plateau State by appointing and involving young people in leadership roles, adding that societies that fail to invest in their youth risk stagnation.
Speaking after the oath of office was administered, the newly inaugurated National Chairman, Comrade Joel Anji, described NCRYA as a movement committed to reviving the identity, culture, and developmental aspirations of the North Central region.
He applauded President Tinubu for establishing the NCDC and expressed optimism that the Commission would address long-standing developmental challenges.
“We witnessed the inauguration of the NCDC in Abuja as the only youth organization that proudly displayed its flag,” he recalled. “We urge the Federal Government to provide sustained financial and operational support to ensure the Commission achieves its objectives.”
On rising insecurity in the region, Comrade Anji commended the Plateau State Government for the proactive closure of schools in response to recent security threats. He referenced recent student kidnappings in Niger and reported cases in Nasarawa, calling for stronger regional collaboration.
“You cannot pursue education if you are not alive. We support every action aimed at safeguarding students and communities,” he said.
He further urged governments in Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and the FCT to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, ensure good governance, and partner with youth groups to strengthen community resilience.
Highlighting NCRYA’s core values—integrity, unity, civic engagement, interfaith tolerance, and cultural revival—Comrade Anji announced plans for extensive engagements with traditional rulers, government officials, youth bodies, and security agencies across the region.
“One of our major priorities is rebuilding religious tolerance and ensuring that criminals are not shielded under the guise of ethnicity or religion,” he added.
The event concluded with the presentation of appointment letters to newly inducted state coordinators and executives, marking the beginning of coordinated youth-led initiatives across the North Central region.
The inauguration comes amid heightened insecurity—including student kidnappings, communal tensions, and school closures—reinforcing calls for stronger community participation, youth leadership, and regional cooperation.
Thirty-one companies have emerged winners of 37 oil and gas blocks in Nigeria’s 2025 Licensing Round following the conclusion of the commercial bid conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The bidding process, held at the Transcorp Event Centre, attracted 143 companies, which submitted about 200 bids for 37 of the 50 oil and gas blocks offered by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The blocks span multiple terrains, including the Niger Delta onshore, shallow water and deep offshore areas, as well as the Benin, Anambra and Chad basins and the Benue Trough.
While 37 blocks received bids, the remaining 13 attracted no offers.
The NUPRC described the outcome as significant, noting that it is the first time Nigeria’s frontier basins—including the Benue Trough, Chad Basin, Anambra Basin and Benin Basin—have attracted such strong investor interest.
Among the successful bidders are SSonic Petroleum Limited, CFP Pipeline and Flowlines, Dutchford E&P Limited, Attabanson Global Company Limited, Rosem Energy Limited, Pivot-GIS Limited, Network E&P, Asharami, LexOil, BVOF, Gupsco Energy Limited, Saratoga, Volante, Concept-Reel Petroleum Services Limited, Clinton Oil Field, Nuway Oaklane Limited, Ramec, Italia, Blueridge E&P, Up Energies Limited, AYM Shafa, Blackrock Holdings Limited, Funtay Integrated Business Limited, Riparian Development and Production Limited, Nikstallis, Stardeep Petroleum, Dakoda & U Limited, Southborne Oil and Gas Limited, Lanaka Petroleum, Highban Resources Limited and Eyre Energy Limited.
READ ALSO: PHOTO STORY: Firms begin commercial bidding for Nigeria’s deep offshore, shallow water oil assets
The commission said the companies will receive final awards only after paying the required signature bonuses and obtaining the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Speaking after the exercise, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the successful conduct of the licensing round.
She congratulated the successful bidders and urged them to promptly pay their signature bonuses and develop the awarded assets, warning that undeveloped assets could be withdrawn under the commission’s “drill or drop” policy.
The commercial bid conference was monitored by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and compliance with applicable laws.
News
ntel says ‘The Next Frontier’ strategy to drive connectivity, real estate growth – Technology Times
ntel has unveiled a new corporate strategy, “The Next Frontier”, as the telecommunications company expands beyond connectivity into digital infrastructure and real estate development.
The strategy, launched in Lagos on July 13, is built around ntel’s BET Agenda, Beam, Eden and Titan, and is aimed at accelerating growth through technology innovation, infrastructure development and strategic asset optimisation.
Soji Maurice-Diya, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NatCom Development & Investment Limited trading as ntel, said the initiative represents more than a business transformation strategy.
“It represents the company’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that connects people, empowers businesses, drives digital inclusion, and creates sustainable economic value for Nigeria,” Maurice-Diya said.
ntel building an integrated ecosystem, CEO says
The launch comes as ntel continues efforts to regain spectrum assets while pursuing strategic partnerships aimed at redefining innovation in the telecommunications industry and opening new pathways for growth.
Under the Beam pillar, ntel introduced WakaGo, a global e-SIM solution for international travellers, and AirFibre, a high-speed fixed wireless broadband service designed to provide reliable internet access for businesses.
The Titan pillar focuses on ntel’s infrastructure business, including tower development, fibre connectivity, duct infrastructure, colocation services and infrastructure-sharing solutions for operators, enterprises and technology providers.
A major highlight of the launch was Eden, ntel’s real estate development platform, which is intended to transform NatCom’s property portfolio into commercial and residential developments.
The company unveiled three flagship projects under the platform: Eden Place, a commercial development in Lagos; Nova Place, a commercial project in Port Harcourt; and Terenna Court, a residential apartment development in Abuja.
According to ntel, the projects are expected to unlock value from its real estate assets through strategic partnerships, innovative design and long-term investment.
The ntel CEO said the telecoms company had achieved several milestones over the past 12 months, including strengthened stakeholder engagement, strategic business alignment, creditor discussions, the pursuit of partnerships with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and operational restructuring to improve efficiency and optimise infrastructure assets.
The event was attended by government officials, telecommunications industry leaders and private sector stakeholders, including Gbenga Alade, Managing Director and CEO of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria; Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission; Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Chairman of the ntel board; Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON; and Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON.
By combining connectivity, infrastructure and real estate under a unified strategy, ntel said it is positioning itself at the intersection of technology, infrastructure development and economic growth in Nigeria.
Stay ahead with real-time reports, breaking news, and exclusive insights delivered directly to your phone. Don’t settle for outdated information. Join TECHNOLOGYTIMES NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates.
Join Our Whatsapp Channel
-
News15 hours agoGagdi Hails Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive as Babban Lamba–Sharam Road Project Begins in Plateau
-
Business3 days ago
Governor suspends N1.3 billion hospital renovation project on poor implementation
-
Health3 days ago
PT Health Watch: Why high cholesterol is easy to miss but dangerous to ignore
-
News4 days ago
TCN Announces Two-Day Blackout in Six Northern States
