₦airaland Forum

There is palpable tension in Cameroun as the nation awaits the result of the recently concluded Presidential election.

Troubled by large bouts of dementia and unable to grasp what it at stake, Paul Biya's aides have virtually hijacked him and placed him in a position he cannot riggle out of. At 92, he's the world's oldest president. And now they have drafted him for another election after spending over 40 years in power.

However the Camerounian people seemed to have decided to do away with him and picked a successor in person of  Issa Tchiroma Bakary.

According to reports, Issa Tchiroma Bakary won the presidential election conducted on 12th October. The result, according to our men on ground are already available to the major political players in the country  as well as Cameroun News Agency, and it is generating a lot of concern among the supporters of the incumbent President.

Sources have revealed that the government in a bid to ensure that they are in control of the situation, have placed Tchiroma under house arrest in Garoua, close to Yola. It is believed that the decision to keep him in check is to ensure that they have ample time to manipulate the result while also ensuring that his supporters don't have the opportunity to rally around him.

Ordinarily the results are not expected to be released by the electoral body till 27th or October which is exactly 15 days after the election. But in these days of technology, the results are already in public domain.

Before the official announcement of the results, the candidates are expected to have seen it and come up.with their complaints and based on what he has seen, Issa Tchiroma Bakary was said to have declared himself elected and also called on Paul Biya to concede defeat. Rather than concede, what Biya's team did was to move in and cage him.

Open Letter to the Prime Minister to Denounce the Militarization of Garoua by MINAT and the SED

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

It is with boundless indignation and a deep sense of urgency that I write to you, as a concerned Cameroonian citizen, alarmed by the authoritarian and potentially explosive drift taking shape in Garoua under the auspices of the Minister of Territorial Administration (MINAT) and the Head of the Gendarmerie.

Let me be clear, Mr. Prime Minister, with the brutal frankness that the circumstances demand — a frankness unadorned by the niceties of diplomacy. The current militarization of Garoua is not an act of law enforcement; it is an irresponsible political provocation — a show of force whose only consequence will be to intimidate, exasperate, and ultimately destabilize an already fragile region.

The cynicism of the situation is all the more intolerable because we recognize the hand of a man whose record should serve as a grim warning. Recall, Mr. Prime Minister, and summon your historical memory, lest the North be condemned to relive the horror of the North-West and South-West regions (NOSO).

This same Minister of Territorial Administration, through his arrogance, his contempt for local sensitivities, and his ill-judged act of defiance in Bamenda — a brutal and premature show of force, a stubborn rejection of dialogue in favor of blind repression — was among the catalysts, the tragic detonators, of the disastrous war now ravaging the NOSO. Thousands dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, an economy in ruins... such is the legacy of this “iron fist” policy that he is now repeating.

Is this, then, the destiny the Government reserves for Garoua? A bloody bis repetita? History, Mr. Prime Minister, does not merely stutter — sometimes it screams for vengeance. And if nothing is done, Garoua will be its next stage.

We are facing a grave political error — one that replaces dialogue with the gun, mediation with the military cap. The Head of the Gendarmerie, by zealously executing this strategy of tension, makes himself complicit in a threat to civil peace.

Mr. Prime Minister, this is no time for hesitation. Disarm Garoua! Recall the unnecessary and provocative troops at once. End this gunboat policy that has elsewhere only bred terror and rebellion.

Your silence, your inaction, or worse, your tacit endorsement of this drift, would make you not the guarantor of national unity, but the accountant of the next tragedy. Do not allow one man to repeat the same mistake that has already cost our Nation so much blood.

Justice and peace are not achieved through intimidation, but through respect and the rule of law. Time is running out.

Awaiting swift and decisive action on your part,
Please accept, Mr. Prime Minister, the expression of my utmost demand for accountability.

Sincerely and without complacency,
President of MRC party
Mamadou Mota

Please can you state clearly what type of business he does?

Felak Group Dismisses $7 Million Transaction Allegation, Demands Retraction

Felak Group has dismissed reports linking its Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu (OFR), and its subsidiary, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas, to a $7 million cash transaction involving Providus Bank.

In a statement on Thursday, the company described the allegations published by Mr. Chukwudi Iwuchukwu as “false, contradictory, and misleading,” stressing that neither Dr. Achimugu nor Oceangate had any involvement in the matter.

“We categorically state that neither Dr. Mrs. Achimugu nor Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas has any connection whatsoever to the alleged transaction,” the statement read.

Felak Group also pointed to inconsistencies in the report, noting that while it claimed the funds were deposited in Lagos, the legal proceedings cited indicated Abuja.

“The attempt to link our principal and subsidiary to this matter is unfounded, misleading, and without any factual basis, and represents a gross abuse of free expression,” the management said.

The company demanded an immediate and unconditional retraction and apology from the
author and from those who circulated the story, adding that the correction must be given the same level of visibility as the original publication.

It further warned that failure to comply would leave the Group with no option but to pursue legal remedies.

“Felak Group remains steadfast in driving innovation and excellence across our industries whilst conducting business with the utmost integrity,” the statement concluded.

65 HEARTY CHEERS TO AFRICA’S FOREMOST PHILANTHROPIST AND BILLIONAIRE ABDUL SAMAD RABIU AS HE ADDS ANOTHER YEAR



Born August 4, sixty five years ago in Kano, Nigeria, the story of billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu is that of a man who, though born into wealth, has laboured assiduously to entrench himself as one of the wealthiest not only in the continent but the world at large.

As the African saying goes, it is one thing to be born, yet it is another to rebirth yourself. At a tender age, the young Abdul Samad knew the value of hard work and never relented despite the fact that he was born into wealth. It is therefore not a surprise that he transformed whatever he inherited from his parents into an empire that today boasts of many firsts.

For starters, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s BUA Group has been the largest private sector employer of labour in the Northwest part of the country for some years now.

With his cement factories rolling out tens of millions of tons of cement annually from its various Sokoto lines, and many other businesses you can hardly argue against this. The trickle down effect of the cement factories alone can only be imagined. From the truckers, to the loaders, to the drivers and factory hands not to talk of those who offer support services, the number of those who are touched by the foresight of the billionaire industrialist will definitely be much more than those directly employed

Two things have however distinguished the BUA industrial activities in Sokoto as well as many other parts of the country. One is the fact that conscious efforts are made to ensure that environment-friendly policies are put in place. For instance, it is on record that years back, Abdul Samad Rabiu signed agreements with foreign firms to diversify energy sources by introducing greener alternatives especially LNG to power the kiln and its power plant.

Speaking at the commissioning of one of his cement lines in Sokoto years back, the Chairman of BUA group revealed that his power plants were now running on 100% LNG leading to reduced carbon emissions. He also confirmed that this was the first of its kind at any cement factory in Nigeria.

According to him, ‘what this means also, is that as soon as the AKK gas project comes on stream, we are ready to be one of the first off-takers to satisfy our energy needs. This will also encourage further industrialization within the region, open new industries and ensure greater development and prosperity for this region and the nation in general’. Meanwhile, the AKK gas project is scheduled to be completed in a few months.

It is not only in terms of ensuring that the environment where he does business is well protected that BUA Group has led among its peers.

It is on record that in terms of assisting the community where it operates, the BUA Group also leads the way. Even before agitations start, it is a policy of the Group that efforts are made to find out the needs of these communities and they are attended to in such a way that the communities also see themselves as partners in progress.

Rather than seeing himself as an ultra -capitalist operating in a world where all that matters is getting richer, Abdul Samad Rabiu has consistently been at the vanguard of giving back to the society. To date, he is Nigeria’s most active philanthropist with hospitals, educational institutions, empowerment programmes for communities being his priorities. The vehicle for his philanthropic activities has been the ASR Africa.

The brainchild of African industrialist, philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

From Cameroun to Niger, to Nigeria, ASR Africa has been up and doing and you can hardly mention five states in Nigeria where ASR has not touched down.

Apart from personally touching the lives of the people, Abdul Samad Rabiu has also been at the vanguard of corporate policies aimed at making life more meaningful for the people.

Earlier this year he stressed his determination to work with other stakeholders to crash the price of rice. Before then, he had led the battle against middlemen who held the country to ransom over the price of cement. He led by example, reducing the prices of his products even when others were willing to maximize their profits.

As a sign of his belief in Africa and African initiatives towards solving our problems, he has consistently advocated that the government and the people of the continent should look inwards rather than waiting for outsiders to help develop the continent.

As the billionaire industrialist and philanthropist adds another year today, one can only wish him a befitting birthday and plead that he continues to do the good works by touching the lives of many more Nigerians.


Bamidele Ogundana

ONE ON ONE WITH DAVID LOPEZ
Renowned Carnival Consultant 
As he reveals why countries should take cultural tourism seriously
David.... Lopez may not ring a bell to many carnival attendees, but he has surely made his mark in carnival consultancy the world over. And he is still doing so.
The vibe with which he discusses cultural tourism is palpable and you can easily notice this is someone who has spent over three decades on this sector of the world economy.
He speaks as an authority. You cannot fault him because as the African saying goes, what the old man sees sitting down, the young boy cannot see it even after climbing a tree.
In the business of marketing carnivals and cultural tourism, David Lopez has met people who matter and sat with kings. One thing however stand out in all these. The journey to cultural economic revival is still far.
Lopez's advocacy has seen him address issues before UNESCO as head of National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) of Trinidad and Tobago which he headed for years. 
Through the NCBA, he has also influenced the  development and growth of carnivals in Jamaica, United States, other parts of the world and even in Nigeria. It is instructive that he has been the major Consultant to the organizers of Calabar Carnival in Cross River State, Nigeria for over ten years and still counting. 
The key thing here is that there is more than dancing and music that each carnival has to offer. Behind the facts and figures are the economic and cultural ramifications which are what David Lopez helps to accentuate at each opportunity he has in speaking to power on this issue.
According to him, nations are making money and spending them on what they consider as necessities but not many are looking at human capital development as well as cultural tourism. 
As he plans carnivals, Lopez continues to advocate more commitment on the sides of political office holders and decision makers about the need to keep the fire burning. According to him, African countries have to continue to celebrate their cultural heritage and keep them alive because these link them to their kinsmen in the diaspora. The cultural tourism also provides rallying call for both those back home and the diasporans. But more importantly, there are lessons to be learnt and money to be made through these regular reawakening.
In the words of David Lopez, countries should be able to harness their perishable resources to develop their human capital as well as nurture tourism. Ultimately, when the resources dwindle, the nations are left with the human capital they have developed as well as tourism potentials they have harnessed. To him, Carnivals are economic enterprises meant to use culture to lift up the economy of nations and states. The ability to do this is what marks his organization, DGL Carnival Consultants out.

This is the major crux of the David Lopez crusade. 
When nations invest in carnivals, attract investors into the various sectors, over time, the whole society benefits as the carnival not only sustained itself but also spins revenue for the nation and also draws investors who are likely to have come in as a result of cultural tourism.

David Lopez, the CEO of DGL Carnival Consultancy Agency is one of the most authoritative people to speak with on cultural tourism and carnival planning as multibillion dollar industries. He spoke with us on what he believes African countries especially Nigeria could do to tap into these two industries and also extend her hands of fellowship to Africans in the diaspora.

Since when have you been involved in the organization of Carnivals?

My involvement in the organization of carnivals started in 1999 as a member of the Committee of a Carnival that was held in Suriname. It was an experience for me and a very good one at that. When I returned to Trinidad and Tobago I started working with the regional carnival in different regions of the country so that we could understand the importance of carnivals beginning with the community level. I cannot deny the fact that I gained a lot of experience working at the community level with the community leaders and thereafter, I went on to manage the National Carnival of Trinidad and Tobago. I managed that carnival for over twenty-five years. That was where my experience in carnival management started.



Can you name some of the countries where you have either organized carnivals or you served as a Consultant?

Some of the countries where I have organized carnivals are Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Jamaica, Johannesburg in South Africa, Calabar in Nigeria, Suriname, Atlanta and Boston in the United States, Leeds and Luton West Indian Carnivals in the United Kingdom, just to name a few.



Why do you think countries should develop their human capital as well as cultural tourism?
Human capital and cultural expressions are two of the most important resources a country could have. Oil and gas are finite; they will come to an end sooner or later. While their benefits to a country can never be underestimated, diversifying by means of our cultural expressions could open doors to another income stream. Therefore, failure to invest in our human capital and our culture is not an option. Both must be nurtured and passed on when the elders leave the scene. Our culture as well as our human capital are here to stay with us but we must invest in them. Carnival, one of our cultural expressions, could be a multi-billion-dollar industry. When broken down into its separate by-products, its many, intellectual properties come into play through the musicians, artisans, costume designers, vendors and traders. Then there is tourism which, by itself, is also another huge, multi-billion-dollar industry. Now we merge both together for the good of the people. Here we are talking about the food industry, the hotels, the transport sector and all other sectors. There is so much involved. We have to take it from the bottom up and not start from the top.



What Constraints have you encountered with countries who have the potentials but do not have a viable tourism plan? 

One of the main constraints I have encountered is leadership commitment. When you don’t have strong leadership as well as accountability to receive funding from major organizations, depending on funding from the countries alone, that will definitely lead to problems for the sector. This is because today we have a committee in place and it is working, tomorrow another government comes in with wholesale changes due to the politics involved.
While the government of the day must have the commitment to encourage tourism and carnival as well as the products, there must be community backing. The people must have passion for what they are doing and not just be there to siphon money. There are organizations out there that are willing to help and provide funding. But before they respond to you, they must find out whether you stand for accountability. If they discover that you have strong accountability structures, then these organizations can support you. This means you will not depend solely on government funding. So if the government changes and they decide that they don’t want to support you because they have limited resources or because your people didn’t vote for them, you can continue to do what you do. To be able to pull this off, you have to have the passion, you have to believe in yourself, and you have to understand leadership is not dictatorship.



How do you see the Carnivals as linkage between Africa and the Caribbean?
The cultural linkage between Africa and the Caribbean is so important for those of us in the diaspora. We have to understand the many things that my travels to Africa, especially South Africa and Nigeria, have taught me. Our culture is so strong. Our ancestors who were brought into the Caribbean, even though they could not practice their culture then, kept these things alive and that is why our carnivals reflect so much of African roots, it is important for us.
To come to Nigeria from Trinidad and Tobago is not easy. It is costly and stressful with long hours and connecting flights, indeed you have to make five plane changes. We are aware of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago to enhance air connectivity between West Africa and the Caribbean, transportation to the motherland is important. There may be reasons for the difficulties faced, but we will not give up. We need to work together. Now we have modern technology through which we can communicate with each other, different from years ago. We must work on this, build strong bonds in the cultural and diaspora linkage as well as human capital. We must invest in that. Nigeria has so much rich culture. Indeed, I was amazed when I came here and found out that so many cultural activities we practice in the Caribbean come from here. I was amazed to see some of the features in the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival are also present in the Calabar Carnival. We must work together, strengthen the communication between motherland and the Caribbean for the benefit of both communities.


On AI and the Cultural Tourism Agenda
AI is here to stay. That’s the new order and it gives us an opportunity to do things differently. We need to pass this to the next generation, whether it is Carnival or tourism. How do you get your products outside? How do you cope with the new technology? The past is not going to come back. That is why investing in human resources, the youth, the schools is important. The government of the day must place emphasis on community development. AI is not going anywhere, and a lot of people are going to get left behind with the evolving technologies. It is coming at a time when we are saying we need more interaction. Look at the cell phone in your hand, it is not just for making calls. You can do many things with it.
So, whether its for tourism, carnival, sports, we need to embrace AI. It is an opportunity for us to develop our communities if we put the tools to good use. It’s not going anywhere so we have to make good use of it.

DAYS AFTER BEING GRANTED BAIL BY EFCC TO RAISE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS HE DUPED ABUJA WIDOW, DESMOND ALI DENIES ARREST, WHY HE'S A WANTED MAN IN HIS IMO VILLAGE

It is no longer news that self-acclaimed Eze of Obinnoha, Desmond Ali is an embattled and conman. Ever since the story broke about his atrocities, he has made several efforts to cover his tracks and present a normal facade. Behind this however is a man who is running from pillar to post to raise hundreds of millions he was supposed to have refunded to the Abuja widow he swindled.
Desmond who falsely parades himself as Eze of a community where he is more or less persona non grata was with the EFCC between May 6 and May 22, 2025.
While with the Commission, he was grilled on the circumstances surrounding his absconding after collecting money running into hundred of millions from an Abuja widow. After a lot of grilling, he owned up to collecting the money at various times. His case was subsequently moved from the EFCC headquarters in Jabi to the Wuse 2 office of the Commission because it also involved issues relating to property.

Sources gathered that he was released on administrative bail with the strict terms that he raised the money he took from the woman within some stipulated days. Multiple reports however however confirm that he has not been able to raise the money and has been running from pillar to post.
Meanwhile, since the story broke, we have been inundated with atrocities he committed which led to his absconding from the community he claims to rule. 'Imagine a traditional ruler who dare not step into his domain', a source quipped.
Abujareporters gathered that Desmond Ali has been involved in abduction, kidnapping, extortion and a lot of other nefarious activities which necessitated his being paraded on the streets of the community. Indeed, in one clear instance a 10-yr old boy who was kidnapped was found in his house and the soldiers who came to rescue the kid arrested and paraded him with other criminals.
This wasn't a one-off case. The self-acclaimed traditional ruler, who cannot pinpoint when he was officially crowned or Coronated by the community or Imo State government had other brushes with the law. The irony of it all was that, he was always in and out of police detention for cases ranging from sexually assaulting a minor, and keeping same in his house for weeks even with his wife under the same roof, extorting money from citizens in the community and threatening them with arrest if they do not pay up, sending criminals to go after upright officers. With friends in high places especially among law enforcers, he was always able to get bailed out.
It was all these that culminated in the decision of the community to come after him, which led to his running away for over two years now. Meanwhile in Abuja where he now plies his trade as a big time fraudster, he wears regalia indicating that he's a traditional ruler. He has been a major name dropper and easily drops pictures with top celebrities to 'obtain' from his victims

Desmond Ali doesn't seem to know that his dossier is well known in Abuja circles. While we await exact date and time of his detention with EFCC, an incarceration he denied. Watch this teaser. It's the video of his boys after they were arrested by soldiers after a botched abduction. In shorts and singlet is Desmond Ali. This abduction took place in the same community he claims he is the traditional ruler.

Na wao. This fraudster who cannot enter his village after serial cases of abductions and has been declared persona non grata is forming Traditional ruler on Nairaland, nothing MUSA no go see for gate

A 22-year-old woman, Zainab Muhamadu, is facing a possible death sentence in Zamfara State after being charged with apostasy following her conversion from Islam to Christianity.

Zainab’s ordeal began after her conversion, which reportedly followed her interaction with a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified simply as Pastor Samuel, who was posted to her area.

Family sources disclosed that Zainab had formed a spiritual connection with the pastor, leading to her eventual decision to embrace Christianity.

Authorities detained Zainab after learning of her conversion. She is scheduled to appear before a Sharia Court this Friday, where she could face the death penalty under Islamic law, which criminalises apostasy, the act of renouncing Islam.

In Islamic jurisprudence, converting from Islam to another religion is considered a grave offense.

Individuals accused of apostasy are typically given three days to recant or face punishment. Children of ‘apostates’ are still considered Muslims unless they reach adulthood without returning to Islam, in which case they may also be put to death.

In April, Dr. Ibrahim Jalingo, an Islamic cleric and National Chairman of the Council of Ulama, publicly endorsed the death penalty for those who renounce Islam.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Jalingo defended a Hadith that states, “Whoever changes his religion, kill him,” and accused critics of Hadith literature of “compound ignorance.”

Jalingo wrote, “Today, I came across the first Hadith among the supposed ‘100 Hadiths’ which the fabricators claim contradict the Qur’an. They assert that Muslims who believe in both the divine revelation of the Hadith and the Qur’an cannot respond to them! The Hadith in question is: ‘Whoever changes his religion, kill him.’ The person who presented this statement by the fabricators to me is someone named Issiyaku Abdulkadir.

“Here is what I wrote in response to the claims of these fabricators: First, I thank you for starting to bring me what this compound ignoramus refers to as ‘100 Hadiths that contradict the verses of the Qur’an.’ This will, God willing, give me the opportunity to expose his ignorance to the world.”

Zainab’s case mirrors similar high-profile incidents in northern Nigeria. In 2020, a Sharia Court sentenced Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a 22-year-old gospel musician, to death for blasphemy over private WhatsApp messages.

In the same year, 16-year-old Umar Farouk was sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad during an argument with a friend.

Kyari' probe: We were misled, say protesters

Barely a week after staging a protest calling for the probe and prosecution of the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, a coalition of civil society organisations has made a U-turn, withdrawing all allegations and saying it no longer want the former NNPCL helmsman investigated.

The group under the auspices of Concerned Citizens Against Corruption (CCAC), had last week led a protest to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to call for the prosecution of Kyari.

The coalition during the protest lamented that despite the dismissal of Kyari and the entire NNPCL board by President Bola Tinubu on April 2 2025, no steps have been taken to investigate the alleged corrupt practices under the former GCEO’s leadership.

But addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, convener of the CCAC, comrade Kabir Matazu, admitted that its April 23 protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice was hasty, premature, and lacking in facts.

He claimed that the earlier decision by the group to launch a nationwide protest and demand the probe of the Kyari was driven by limited understanding of the strategic intents and works of the NNPC as a limited liability company.

Matazu said the group acted on misinformation provided by individuals with questionable motives, particularly naming, Philip Agbese, the House of Representatives member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency 1 as one of those who misled them into making unfounded accusations.

According to him, having consulted widely and reviewed the facts, "we are convinced that Kyari acted within the scope of his responsibilities and in accordance with due process".

His words: "As responsible corporate citizens, we and all our Civil Society partners who organized a protest on 23rd April 2025 against Mallam Mele Kyari have taken the hard decision of admitting that our earlier decision to launch a nationwide protest and demand the probe of the Ex-NNPLC boss was driven by our limited understanding of the strategic intents and works of the NNPC as a limited liability company under the leadership of Mele Kyari. Our action was therefore hasty, premature and lacking in facts.

"Despite our constructive and patriotic intentions which were aimed at fostering accountability and transparency in governance, we were misled by those we trusted to provide us with the basic facts.

"Particularly, Hon. Philip Agbese provided ill-concieved and misguided information to our group. Indeed, no amount of apology will compensate for the damage caused by our own admissible errors and outings.

"It is highly regrettable that, despite our best efforts, we were dragged unknowingly into the allegation about a crude deal with Matrix Energy by individuals with unpatriotic intentions. We admit in humility that it is statutory for NNPCL, whether under Kyari or the new management to enter into business agreements.

"There is nothing illegal about what the company did under Mallam Mele Kyari as we were erroneously made to believe. NNPLC is sanctioned at the highest authorities to enter into such deals and if there are issues, it will be handled appropriately in close coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum.

The group further praised Kyari’s leadership during his time at NNPCL, noting his role in the transformation of the organisation, the unbundling of the company, the return to profitability, and efforts to revive Nigeria’s long-dormant refineries.

"Mr. Mele Kyari with accumulated years of professional expertise also supervised and coordinated transformation efforts that led to the take off of local refining, including giving all support thereto. The revival of Nigeria's decades-long moribund local public refineries are all traceable to his selfless and professional wit.That record cannot be twisted and we did not set out to twist them except that we were misled.

"


position of credible labour unions and interest groups in the petroleum sector such as Trade Union Congress (TUC), Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) clearly shows we acted out of ignorance. Whereas accountability is the watchword of public service, we have now come to the realization that we acted without due diligence and alone as all stakeholders have vehemently refuted our claims with hard facts.

"let it be known that, we are retracting our petition and position prior stated at the protest. We are not condoning corruption but simply acknowledging, an incorruptible man was targeted wrongly and we apologize. We celebrate the fact that under Kyari, Nigeria battled oil theft to a standstill, moving crude production from less than 1 million barrels per day to about 2 million barrels per day.

"Again, after a careful thought and with the progress made in the petroleum sector so far under the current administration, we have come to the conclusion that from professional information, the amount of money spent on the rehabilitation of Nigeria's ailing refineries was not too much but quite considerate.

"The fact that these refineries are working at almost full capacity has weakened our position the more and it will be grossly unpatriotic to continue to hold onto such misleading narratives as that will affect our reputation as fair umpires and watchdogs of the society.

"Therefore, we call on all Nigerians, especially those who believed our misinformed position that our plan and action was unjustified and we hereby denounce our actions and retract the misguided allegations. This should in no way mean that we are backtracking on our core mandate and mission but to strengthen position as a credible, reliable and a dependable voice in the Nigerian polity. We shall be more scrupulous in our subsequent outings."

LIFE-ND Project Organizes Training on Innovative Agribusiness for NDDC Officials in Amukpe, Delta State

A five days capacity training programme on’ Innovative Agricultural System, Agribusiness and Climate Smart Aquaculture’ was put together for 60 NDDC Officials by the Management of FGN/NDDC/IFAD Assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger-Delta. The training programme conceived under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security took place at the Adventium Songhai Delta Limited in Amukpe Sapele Delta State from Wednesday the 23rd to Saturday 26th of April.
The training is part of their efforts to equip NDDC officials with practical knowledge and modern tools to oversee and support agricultural Development in their states. Held in partnership with Adventium Songhai Delta Ltd in Sapele, Delta State the programme focuses on building technical and operational capacity across key value chains including aquaculture, cassava, oil palm, poultry and rice production. It draws participants from the nine Niger-Delta State particularly Akwa Ibom. Imo. Rivers States.
Welcoming the participants on behalf of the National Project Coordinator Dr. Abiodun Sanni, Mrs Ngozi Ohaechesi said the programmee marks a major milestone in strengthening institutional leadership within the NDDC ‘Your presence here shows your commitment to improving the lives of the people of the Niger Delta through sustainable agriculture’. Dr. Abiodun explained that LIFE-ND Project a six years old initiative supported by the Federal Government, IFAD, NDDC and the participating State Governments seek to transform rural communities by using an incubation model-training youth and women under experienced agribusiness mentors. The goal is to boast income, improve food security and create jobs across across the nine Niger Delta States. According to him ‘the training is not just a formality, we expect Adventium Songhai Delta Ltd our technical partners to bring in their deep expertise and experience in modern agribusiness systems. Our aim is to build skills that will directly impact food production and livelihood at the grassroots. Dr Abiodun Sanni said further that the training was designed to equip the NDDC personnel beneficiaries with the requisite skills and competencies for their supervisory role to drive sustainable development and ultimately improve the quality of life for the people of the Niger-Delta Region ‘Institutional strengthening of stakeholders training for the remaining NDDC states became operational last year and so far this is the first agricultural capacity building, we are doing for the benefiting states with 60 participants drawn from Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers states that did not benefit from the International Fund for Agriculture Development capacity training’. ‘Hopefully at the end of the first phase of the agricultural incubation training for women and youths in Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers we will have 12,750 beneficiaries of our LIFE-ND Project Already there are over a thousand women and youths that are currently undergoing our incubation model- incubators training the incubatees’ Dr. Sanni said.
Representative of the Niger Delta Development Commission and Director Agriculture and Fisheries Mr. Frank Oputu Tonye expressed the commitment of the Commission to the sustenance of the training project through meeting its counterpart funding. He gave an assurance that the training on modern technology in Agriculture would impact positively on the benefitting Niger Delta Communities. ‘We are in partnership with IFAD to improve the livelihood of people in the Niger-Delta Region and are piloting the project as agreed by all parties. He stressed the need for continuity. ‘Our senior directors will phase out in time. We need our younger officers to be fully equipped to take over the baton. This is not just about now, it is about preparing for the future of this programme for sustainability’ He emphasized the value of staying aligned with IFAD‘s goals noting that shared training experience improves synergy between all the parties .
In his opening remark, Mr Isaac Oghogho General Manager of Adventium Songhai Delta Ltd explained that the training is an opportunity to address real world challenges in Agriculture. ‘We will use aquaculture to evaluate broader issues in the value chains- finance, sustainability, and logistics and market access’.
At the end of the opening ceremony there was video session and discussions on Procrastination- the bane of success presented by Mr Nkem Osondu. This was followed by another video session and discussions on elevating your mindset to unlock your potentials.
The theme for the second day of the training was an Overview of the Nigeria Agricultural Sector challenges, trends and opportunities. The third day of the training programme started with the presentation and discussions on innovative Agricultural practices with emphasis on Songhai Farm Model-ZERI presented by Mr Ramos Ifowodo.’ This was followed by a presentation and discussions on Smart Farming and the Application of Technology in Agribusiness Development presented by Mr Chadril Ogbebor. The final presentation and discussion for the day was delivered by Mr Isaac Oghogho on Climate Change and Impact on Agribusiness and this lasted for two hours. Day 4 of the training programme witnessed another presentation and discussions by Mr Isaac Oghogho on Structure and Importance of Value Chain and Market Linkages. After the tea break the training resumed with a presentation on Digital Marketing and E- Commerce for Agribusiness. After the lunch break Mrs Faith Akpevba delivered her lecture on Feed Formulation and Waste Management/ Waste to Wealth and this lasted for two hours. Day 5 witnessed a practical demonstration of Aquaculture breeding/Spawning by all the participant and this lasted for over two hours. The last presentation and discussions for the day was on Fishery and Aquaculture Development in Nigeria and was delivered by Prof Jerimoth Ekelemu
At the end of the 5 days training programme which ended on the 26th of April 2025 many of the participants expressed their personal evaluation about the knowledge and experience acquired during the training programme. One of the participant from Delta State Mr Osamah Steven an Assistant Manager was full of kudos for LIFE-ND Project the Organisers of the programme. According to him’ this is one of the best capacity building training I have attended. The presentations were so detailed and I was able to gather enough experience and knowledge that will help me not only to be an incubator myself but also be able to mentor others. I commend this laudable initiative by LIFE-ND Project and hope that more of such training would be organize from time to time so we can continue to update our skills on modern agricultural system’. Another participant Mrs Adefisayo Ebunoluwa a Chief Administrative Assistant Officer from the headquarters of the Commission appreciated the Federal Government, NDDC, IFAD and LIFE-ND Project for putting together this high quality capacity building programme. According to her, we appreciate this training organized by the Management of IFAD,FGN NDDC and LIFE-ND Project for this great training. I have really gained so much especially on innovative Agricultural practices. The Songhai Farm Model is really the way to go because it does not create room for waste. I cannot wait to put all that I have learnt here into practice.
In his closing remarks Mrs Ngozi Ohaechesi the head of Administration and logistic who stood in for the National Project Coordinator of LIFE –ND Project Engr. Abiodun Sanni, expressed Management appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari for their continuous support and encouragement for the Agricultural Initiative in the Niger-Delta Region through the LIFE-ND Project which has in no small measure helped to empower thousands of youths and women in Agribusiness thus reducing restiveness in the region. She also commended the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for his consistent and unalloyed support in ensuring that the empowerment project permeates through every nook and cranny of the region.

Abidemi Rufai, Ramon Abbas… Abdulrahman Bashir....high-profile Nigerians jailed abroad for crimes


Many prominent Nigerians have faced legal battles beyond the country’s borders, which have led to high-profile convictions and prison sentences.

From politicians to athletes, socialites and business tycoons, these figures were entangled in corruption scandals and financial crimes.

These cases have served as reminders that influence, and power do not grant anyone immunity, and no one is above the law in foreign lands.

The Times of Abuja found out that several Nigerians have been jailed overseas due to criminal offences.

Ike Ekweremadu
Ike Ekweremadu, a former deputy senate president, was sentenced to nine years and eight months at the United Kingdom’s (UK) central criminal court. In 2023, the former senator was jailed over an organ harvesting plot involving a young man who was trafficked to the UK for his kidney.

Ekweremadu and his wife Beatrice, wanted a new kidney for daughter Sonia, and trafficked their victim, a poor street trader in Lagos to the UK.

Beatrice was jailed for four years and six months due to her more limited involvement. Dr Obinna Obeta, a medical doctor, who served as the middleman, was sentenced to 10 years after the judge found he had targeted the potential donor who was young, poor and vulnerable.

Abidemi Rufai
Abidemi Rufai was a special assistant to the governor of Ogun state when he was prosecuted and sentenced.

In 2022, Rufai was sentenced to five years in prison by the US District Court in Tacoma for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for his attempt to steal nearly $2.4 million from the United States government, including approximately $500,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits

He was said to have succeeded in defrauding 12 US agencies of $600,000 paid out into bank accounts controlled by him.

Ramon Abbas
Popularly known as Hushpuppi, Ramon Abbas, a notorious Nigerian social media influencer was jailed in November 2022 for more than 11 years in the US for his role in an international fraud syndicate. He was linked to numerous cyber fraud operations.

According to the US attorney’s office, Central District of California, Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in June 2020 and has remained in federal custody since his expulsion from the UAE.

The attorney’s office described Abbas as “a prolific international fraudster who conspired to launder tens of millions of dollars through a series of online scams and flaunted his luxurious, crime-funded lifestyle on social media”.

Hushpuppi claimed he had only made $300,000 from the crime he was being tried for. However, he was still sentenced to 135 months in a federal prison.

Abdulrahman Bashar
Abdulrahman Bashir, a Nigerian oil mogul and the chief executive officer (CEO) of Rahamaniyya Oil and Gas Limited, was first sentenced to 10 months imprisonment in the UK.

Bashir was imprisoned for breaching multiple orders of the court in a pending suit instituted by Sahara Energy Resources Ltd. He was sentenced for continually breaching the order of a UK court in 2019

That is not all, he was also sentenced to a year in prison for financial crime involving his dealings with CI Energy Company, an oil and gas firm, in 2025.

He was sentenced for issuing seven cheques with a combined value of 126.45 million dirhams, drawn on an Emirates Islamic Bank account with a mismatch in his signature.


Pominent Nigerians who faced Jail-Terms abroad
Obinwanne Okeke
Obinwanne Okeke, known in Nigeria as Invictus Obi, was sentenced in February 2021 to 10 years in prison for his “involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11 million in known losses to his victims”.

“Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims,” said Raj Parekh, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Invictus Obi was celebrated as an entrepreneur with investments in real estate development, energy, and construction in Nigeria.

James Ibori
The former governor of Delta who served between 1999 and 2007, was sentenced to 13 years in prison in the UK for money laundering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) enlisted the assistance of Interpol after the former governor fled Nigeria in April 2010 while facing corruption charges. Interpol caught him in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and extradited him to the UK, where a case of massive corruption and money laundering had been compiled against him.

He allegedly embezzled over $78.5 million in state monies and contributed to the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s election as Nigeria’s president in 2007.

After serving half of his term prior to and following his conviction, Ibori was freed in December 2016 and returned to Nigeria in early 2017.

Akinkunmi Amoo
A Danish court sentenced a former Golden Eaglets star and FC Copenhagen of Denmark forward Akinkunmi Amoo to one year in prison for sexual assault. But after serving the jail-term, his new club, Omonoia Nicosia, announced the termination of his contract.

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the first civilian governor of Bayelsa, who gained notoriety for building extravagant public works and embezzling as much as $55 million in oil ministry revenue, spent it on luxuries and homes around the world.

After retiring from the air force, he served as governor of Bayelsa between 1999 and 2005. Former President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded him following his impeachment.

He lost his governorship position when he dramatically surfaced in Nigeria and was impeached by the Bayelsa state house of assembly. His subsequent prosecution by the EFCC resulted in a plea bargain after he pleaded guilty to theft of public funds and money laundering.

Alamieyeseigha pleaded guilty on July 26, 2007, before a Lagos high court to six charges and was sentenced to two years in prison for each. He spent most of his prison term in a hospital while most of his assets also got confiscated.

He forfeited money and property to the government, and got a two-year jail sentence in 2007. He reportedly spent no more than two days in the cage post-sentence, having been held in detention for two years since his apprehension.

In March 2013, Alamieyeseigha was pardoned by former President Jonathan, who was his deputy during his time as governor, but his pardoning was criticised by many, including the United States government.

He died in October 2015 of cardiac arrest at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers state.

Group demands probe into NLRC boss’ NYSC scandal*




ABUJA - The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace and Good Governance has called for an immediate investigation into allegations that Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), may not possess a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.




The NYSC certificate is a mandatory requirement for Nigerian graduates under 30 and a key eligibility criterion for holding public office in Nigeria.




During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Comrade Isa Yakubu, Convener of the Coalition, expressed deep concern over the revelations.




Yakubu emphasized that the NYSC certificate is not only a legal obligation but also a symbol of national service and unity, making its absence a significant breach of public trust.




The Coalition urged the National Assembly, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the NYSC to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.




The group vowed to monitor the situation closely and advocate for justice, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and no public official is exempt from scrutiny.




Yakubu said, "We, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace and Good Governance, express profound concern over recent revelations regarding the qualifications of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, the Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). It has come to our attention that Mr. Gbajabiamila may not possess a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, a compulsory requirement for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30 and a prerequisite for holding public office in Nigeria.




"The NYSC certificate is a cornerstone of national service, symbolizing a commitment to the development and unity of our nation. It is not only a legal obligation but also a critical standard for those entrusted with public leadership roles.




"Our preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Gbajabiamila lacks this essential credential, casting serious doubt on his eligibility to lead the NLRC, an institution responsible for overseeing a key sector of our economy. The integrity of public office is non-negotiable. Public officials must adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards to preserve the trust of the Nigerian people and the credibility of our institutions.




"We therefore call upon the National Assembly, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the NYSC to initiate an immediate and comprehensive investigation into this matter. The Nigerian public deserves clarity and accountability, and swift action is essential to ascertain the facts and address any wrongdoing.




"As a coalition committed to fostering good governance, we will remain vigilant in monitoring this situation and advocating for transparency and justice. We firmly believe that the rule of law must prevail, and no public official should be exempt from scrutiny or accountability. We urge the relevant authorities to act decisively to resolve this issue and restore confidence in the NLRC and our governance framework

C-Circle Foundation has continued its annual counselling initiative to help upcoming students in choosing career paths, a duty they placed on themselves for over five years now. Last year, they collaborated with Read and Reap Initiative (RaRe), another Abuja-based NGO to make RaRe 2024 Professionals Day a memorable one. They were also out, earlier this year at GSS, Jabi Abuja.

See pictures from one of their outings

C-Circle Foundation CEO, Dr Chimere May Ohajinwa, was at Government Secondary School Garki to talk to the SSS1 - 3 (mainly SS1) students about opportunities that abound if one studies sciences in the university, apart from the popular medicine, law, accounting, and engineering.

It was an opportunity for the participating students to know about other courses that exist in the university and where one can work. The SS1 students had some clarity on whether to join sciences, arts, or commercial classes.

It was an exciting time as the guest lecturers took the students through the various career lines and the students appreciated the guidance on their path to their dream careers.

According to sources, this is 3rd time they are participating in career days in secondary schools. They do a lot of work  in secondary schools, having been to three different schools between 2022 and this year. The aim is the same: help the SS1 students choose a career path.

FOR instance they have been organising debates in schools for  five years now. One of their goals is to 'nurture potentials of youths" and Raise Environmental Consciousness.




Their website reveals C-Circle Foundation has been at the vanguard of enlightening students on health and environment related issues in the society over the years as an NGO dedicated essentially to promoting environmental sustainability and fostering awareness of the critical connection between the country's environment and public health.

This has made the CEO of the Foundation, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa one of the most sought after speakers on Environment -related issues both locally and internationally.

C-Circle Foundation at one of its annual environment -related programmes

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace and Good Governance has called for the immediate settlement of outstanding payments owed to contractors involved in the stalled Bwari Housing Project.

The group accused the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Managing Director of deliberately abandoning the initiative for personal interests, despite available funds.

According to the coalition, the current FHA leadership, which took office in February 2024, has deliberately withheld payments for completed work, leaving contractors in financial ruin. Some have reportedly suffered strokes or even lost their lives due to the distress.

The group alleged that the management is attempting to cancel the project and reassign it to preferred associates while leaving the initial contractors unpaid.

The Bwari Housing Project, awarded in April 2022, faced delays when contractors couldn’t begin work for six months due to site unpreparedness. This setback, coupled with rising costs of materials, labor, and transportation, made completion challenging.

Despite these obstacles, many contractors finished and handed over buildings as instructed by the current administration in line with President Tinubu Renewed Hope Housing Initiative aims to deliver 500,000 housing units annually. However, once the new management took over, payments ceased.

In a statement signed in Abuja on Saturday by Comrade Isa Yakubu, National Coordinator, the coalition, lamented the contractors’ worsening plight.

They detailed how many took out loans with high interest rates, used properties as collateral, and are now facing confiscations due to non-payment by the FHA.

The coalition claimed that the refusal to pay is not due to a lack of funds but an intentional act to favor new associates.

The FHA, they claim, has advertised fresh projects while allowing the Bwari Housing Project to deteriorate, effectively wasting taxpayer money. Multiple requests for a meeting with the Managing Director have gone unanswered.

According to the coalition, the MD allegedly claims he is not accountable since he didn’t award the contracts and believes his position is secure due to his status as the President’s son-in-law.

Contractors continue to bear the brunt of these decisions, with many unable to return to the site without outstanding payments. What was intended to be an affordable housing project has now turned into an abandoned venture, marred by financial struggles and leadership neglect.

The coalition vowed to escalate the issue through legal action and protests if the FHA does not resolve the matter. They are also demanding an independent probe into the agency’s handling of the project and its funds.

Their statement reads: "This project was awarded to various contractors in April 2022. However, they could not commence work immediately as the site was not ready for construction. By the time work began, material and labor costs had surged. Despite these challenges and delays in payment, contractors remained committed to completing the project within the specified timeline.

"In February 2024, a new management team took over at the FHA. Since their assumption of office, they have refused to honor any valuation or payment certificates. This is despite the fact that some buildings were completed and handed over as instructed by the current administration. Many contractors took bank loans with high interest rates, using their properties as collateral—now lost to confiscation due to non-payment.

"All efforts to secure payments have been met with silence. Our findings indicate that the FHA leadership deliberately stalled the project because they did not award the contracts. Their plan appears to be terminating the project to reassign it to favored individuals.

"As a result of these actions, contractors have abandoned the site, unable to continue work without receiving their dues. This project, which was meant to provide affordable housing, now stands as an abandoned site due to selfish interests, despite the availability of funds.

"Some contractors have suffered strokes and others have died due to stress and financial hardship caused by these delays. The FHA MD has reportedly dismissed accountability, boasting that since he didn’t award the contracts, no one can hold him responsible. His confidence is allegedly tied to his connection as the President’s son-in-law.

"While this project is left to waste, the FHA has advertised new ones, further misusing taxpayer money. We have sent three separate requests for a meeting with the MD to discuss these outstanding payments, but he has not responded in any form.

"As of today, the management has made no effort to settle these outstanding debts to the contractors."

Atus demands bold action to close gender gap*

ABUJA – Alhaji Ismaila Yusuf Atus, Managing Director of Atus West African Investment, has issued a stark warning regarding the slow pace of gender equality, emphasising the urgent need for systemic change to close the global gender gap.

In a statement to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, he highlighted alarming disparities in pay, funding, and leadership opportunities for women.

Atus referenced troubling statistics, including a 20% global wage gap and the fact that only 10% of global funding reaches female-led startups, despite evidence that women-led businesses yield higher returns.

He stressed that symbolic gestures and awareness campaigns are inadequate without measurable progress.

The statement called for immediate action to address persistent gender disparities, urging organisations and advocates to move beyond rhetoric and actively support women in public and private decision-making roles.

Atus emphasised that women need not just a seat at the table but the ability to own the table, set the agenda, and create opportunities for others.

Despite some progress, he noted that the gap between intention and execution in gender inclusion remains wide, with women still underrepresented in funding, leadership positions, and key decision-making spaces.

Atus urged stakeholders to invest in women-led businesses, leverage their influence to open doors, and translate advocacy into concrete actions.

He also encouraged women to stop waiting for the “perfect” time, urging them to take bold steps now. Atus highlighted that the world does not lack talented women but rather the speed and commitment to empower them.

His statement added: “Women don’t just need a seat at the table; they need to own the table, set the agenda, and create opportunities for others.

“Let’s support women now—The best time to act is today. Invest in businesses—Funding shouldn’t be an afterthought. Use your influence to open doors—Advocacy must translate into action.

“The world does not lack talented women; but women lack speed and commitment. Let’s end the cycle of praising women for doing more with less. If you are serious about gender equity, you must move faster and be bolder. Progress towards a gender-equitable future is a necessity, not a favour.”

*International Women’s Day: 132 Years Is Too Long to Close the Gender Gap – Tuzzi*

ABUJA – The Chief Light Bearer of Lightbulb Consults, Tuzzi Atuzie, has raised concerns over the slow pace of gender equality, warning that at this rate, it will take 132 years to close the global gender gap.

In a statement marking International Women’s Day, Tuzzi called for urgent action to address persistent disparities in pay, funding, and leadership opportunities for women.

She highlighted alarming statistics: a 20% global wage gap and only 10% of global funding reaching female-led startups, despite research showing that women-led businesses yield higher returns.

“These numbers expose the urgent need for real systemic change, exactly what ‘Accelerate Action’ demands this year,” she stated.

While symbolic gestures and awareness campaigns are important, Tuzzi argued that they are insufficient without measurable progress.

“Women don’t just need a seat at the table, we need to own the table, set the agenda, and create opportunities for others.”

Despite some progress, the gap between intention and execution in gender inclusion remains wide, with women still locked out of funding, leadership roles, and key decision-making spaces.

Tuzzi urged organizations and advocates to move beyond rhetoric and actively support women in both public and private spaces where critical decisions are made.

Three Immediate Actions to Drive Change:
Support women now—The best time to act is today.
Invest in women-led businesses—Funding shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Use your influence to open doors—Advocacy must translate into action.

Tuzzi emphasized that the world does not lack talented women, it lacks speed and commitment.

“Every year, we celebrate International Women’s Day with grand speeches, yet we still ask: Why are women paid less? Where is the action?

Women make up nearly half the world’s population, yet they earn 20% less on average. Only 10% of global funding reaches female-led startups.

At this pace, 132 years is too long. What will we tell our daughters?”

“We need more than policies; we need power shifts. Women don’t just need a seat at the table, we need to own the table, set the agenda, and create more seats.

Stop waiting for the ‘perfect’ time to support women. The time is now. Invest in women-led businesses, pay women what they deserve, and recognize that exposure won’t pay the bills. Use your influence to open doors for women.

The world does not lack talented women; we lack speed and commitment. Let’s end the cycle of praising women for doing more with less. If we’re serious about gender equity, we must move faster and be bolder.

Progress toward a gender-equitable future is a necessity, not a favor.”

Empowering Africa’s Future: Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme Set to Transform
Women’s Leadership Across Nigeria and Beyond

As Nigeria joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, Daurama
Foundation announces the commencement of the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme
(SBMP) Class of 2025, a transformative initiative designed to equip young women across
Nigeria and Africa with leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills.
Aligning with this year’s global theme "Accelerating Action for a Gender-Equal Future",

SBMP aims to break down systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership and
entrepreneurship. The programme focuses on women from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on northern Nigeria and other underrepresented
regions in Africa, where digital and economic opportunities for women remain disproportionately low.

The programme directly supports Vice President Kashim Shettima’s call for women to play a
leading role in Africa’s projected $29 trillion economic transformation. By providing
mentorship, hands-on training, and leadership development, SBMP advances the Nigerian
government’s commitment to gender inclusion as a fundamental pillar of national
development while contributing to broader African Union goals for women’s empowerment.

Unveiled at the 100 Most Notable Africans Business Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, in August last
year, SBMP builds upon successful models such as the Nigeria for Women Project and
pan-African mentorship programmes, which have championed women’s access to finance,
education, and leadership roles.

"A gender-equal future requires more than words – it demands deliberate action," said Dr. Samira Buhari, Founder of the Daurama Foundation. "By equipping women with the tools
they need to lead in business, governance, and their communities, we are investing in the
long-term growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole."

Research highlights mentorship as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth,
particularly for young women navigating industries where leadership roles remain
male-dominated.

SBMP provides a structured pathway for women to access industry leaders,
digital skills training, and entrepreneurial development, ensuring that participants can
contribute meaningfully to their economies.
With 60% of women in northern Nigeria lacking internet access, digital exclusion remains a
major obstacle to economic participation.

The SBMP addresses this challenge by incorporating digital literacy and online business strategies into its curriculum, empowering
women to compete in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Daurama Foundation invites government agencies, private sector leaders, and civil society
organisations to support this initiative.

"Creating an equitable future requires collective action," Dr. Buhari emphasised. "We
welcome partnerships that will accelerate opportunities for women to lead and thrive, not
just in Nigeria but across Africa."
To learn more about the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme or to be part of this
transformative initiative please visit sbmpafrica.org

About the Daurama Foundation
The Daurama Foundation, established by Dr. Samira Buhari, is committed to improving
health outcomes and championing the rights of women and girls across Nigeria through
advocacy, comprehensive education, and active community engagement.

The foundation
addresses pressing issues such as domestic violence, neonatal health, and menstrual health
and hygiene, empowering women and girls to achieve their full potential.

About the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme (SBMP)
The Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme (SBMP) is a flagship initiative of the Daurama
Foundation, designed to empower young women with the skills, knowledge, and networks
needed to excel in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Through mentorship, hands-on training, and community impact projects, the SBMP equips
participants to break barriers, drive positive change, and contribute to a more equitable
society

WHEN PRESENT AND PAST LEADERS OF NIGERIA RALLIED ROUND IBB TO PRESENT HIS MEMOIR AND LAUNCH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY: Blow by blow Account

Apart from the Council of State meeting which attracts all former Heads of State, Chief Judges of the Federation and serving governors, no other gathering has ever pulled such a crowd with even the incumbent President in attendance. All living former leaders of the country were there except Buhari who sent in a representative.
Governors past and present, Ministers past and present were there, so also we're traditional rulers, members of the National Assembly and captains of industries.




Life Outside the Congress Hall
Yes. There were a lot more celebrities than you could imagine outside the Congress Hall, venue of the book presentation. As many as five ex-governors were seen making frantic efforts to get to the venue, but the presidential bodyguards just won't budge. Some left in annoyance but then, they were surely not missed. Among these were former Governors of Bauchi and another former Governor of Kaduna. It even took the intervention of top security buffs before Retired Generals Akinrinade and Nwachukwu could be smuggled into the aisle. At a point Ordinary Ahmed, who felt he was treated ordinarily raised his voice to decry the fact that so many were outside the hall than should ordinarily have been there. Yes, IBB even thirty two years after leaving office still pull unprecedented crowds.

BIPARTISAN CROWD
If you ever look for a bipartisan audience, IBB's events are usually cut out to be so. You would see former and present does rubbing shoulders. Years back at the wedding ceremony of his daughter, many APC and PDP men rubbed shoulders and sat on the same table and shared jokes. This event was also like that. It must have been the first time since Tinubu assumed office that he would see Rotimi Amaechi and they exchanged pleasantries. Kwankwaso, Peter Obi who also vied for the Presidency with Tinubu were also there, so also were governors from both sides of Nigeria's political divide and lawmakers all to celebrate IBB.

What the event was About

When the Invitations came out weeks back, not a few were taken aback. It simply stated that IBB had an autobiography," A Journey In Service", to be presented and also a Presidential Library to be launched. It was to be organized by a team led by former Governor of Cross River State with the scion of the Babangida family, Mohammed playing a major role. Many will agree that putting together such a huge event must have taken a lot of planning and dedication. Even at that, few would have expected that the whole thing would go so seamlessly.




OBJ was there and he truly acted as Chairman
One thing that he said which rang a bell was that IBB should be prepared for more attacks with the book. He spoke about the Nigerian concept of 'pull him down'. Well, he had hardly finished when people who had not even read the book had started throwing brickbats at the author. For once, Obasanjo also showed the statesman in him by keeping off attacks on some of the people with which he presided over the programme. Those who expected jibes at Tinubu who was seated not too far from the former military and civilian leader were disappointed. For, Obasanjo, it was a day to celebrate IBB and not a day to show frustrations at the system and current leaders.

What the Guest Lecturer, former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Akufo- Addo said

Speaking at the event Nana Addo.Akufo-Addo underscored Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa’s economic future.

“Nigeria, with its enormous economic and human potential, must play a leading role in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory. We must move beyond rhetoric and translate our ambitions for integration into tangible actions,” he stated.

The former ECOWAS Chairman highlighted that Nigeria’s vast resources and regional influence position it as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation stressing that if the continent is to break free from dependency on foreign aid to prioritise self-sufficiency, the West African giant must play an integral role.
He acknowledged General Ibrahim Babangida for ultimately embracing democratic governance despite his military background.




Abdusalami Abubakar finally admitted that IBB is older than him

Abdusalami Abubakar and IBB have always been seen as more or less Siamese twins. If you know how close they relate after both left office, you will know that they have indeed come a long way. According to the former head of State, they grew up together attended same secondary school and IBB was his head boy. He also spoke of their sojourn in the military together and their remarkable journey of life together. Indeed, there is no doubt that nobody in the crowd knew IBB as much as his more reticent 'partner in crime'. No wonder they live nearly opposite each other in Minna Hilltop.




Guess who's the Youngest among the Committee of former Presidents
When Jonathan rose to speak, many felt it was out of place since his predecessors all spoke sitting. But according to him, he was the youngest among them all.
Jonathan however had some good words for IBB and a message for Tinubu who was seated not far from him. He spoke of the need for the serving President to institute a team under the SGF's office to ensure that Presidential Libraries of former Presidents are established for each of them just like they have in the United States of America. He spoke about his tour of American presidential libraries and how the trip helped in enhancing his history of the United States.
He also spoke of the need for former leaders to follow the lead already shown by Obasanjo and IBB who have established their own presidential libraries as well as documented their own experiences in government..




Members of the Committee of former Vice Presidents were there
They were all there from Atiku Abubakar to Namadi Sambo to Yemi Osinbajo. Though the first two had little or no role to play, Osinbajo did an excellent review of the book. Indeed, he did a perfect marketing job, wetting people's appetite.
Meanwhile, we must not forget that it was Namadi Sambo's architectural firm that designed the Presidential Library. And they eventually made a presentation at the launching to show the architectural masterpiece that the IBB Presidential Library is.




Why the book is very special as shown in Osinbajo's review
It's not for nothing that Osinbajo was chosen as the book reviewer. A lawyer, professor and pastor all rolled into one, no better candidate for eloquence you will agree. And he did deliver. He knew when to tell the story, build the suspense and when to keep his audience hanging.
He reeled out details concerning IBB's change of surname from Badamasi to Babangida, which has always been a very topical issue. He spoke on the Dimka coup with everyone expecting him to reveal more from the book but he kept his listeners hanging. He spoke on the pains of June 12 to IBB and what Maryam meant to him. Osinbajo really did justice to the book and it will not be surprising if it turns out to be a bestseller given his erudite and powerful review.
One thing he also revealed was the cat and mouse game Tinubu played with the military during those heady days of endless transition and how Tinubu had to escape from the country when Abacha men wanted him dead or alive.

What President Tinubu Said
If there was anyone whose words were not to be taken lightly, it was Tinubu, Nigeria's sitting president. He could not thank IBB enough.
Tinubu thanked Gen. Babangida for his foresight in ensuring the private sector’s growth in Nigeria.

In his words, “Without you, people like me will not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution. You said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics. We met you in Dodan Barracks. You inspired some of us. And when you look at the programme today, the names of bankers and many of us here today for this library project are all because they believe in the visionary Babangida. Thank you for what you are.”

President Tinubu also thanked the leaders who graced the occasion, adding that the sacrifice was worth it.

“Let me start from the celebrant; I listened to your remarks, your recollection of history. The dream, progressive ideas, the joy of being alive today, 32 years after, to give us an account of stewardship and service.

“Your Excellency, it is challenging to find the people present here if not because of your personality, character, and impact."

And IBB Spoke about June 12 again

It had been his political albatross and he had carried it very well. But on that day IBB used the opportunity to the fullest. Explaining how he would have lost his life if he had ventured to oppose the Abacha annulment move, not a few Nigerians now know and understand the power play that threw up the Abacha regime and how his inordinate ambition brought Nigeria close to the precipice.
Nigerians wanted an explanation and they got one. You might fault the fact that these are coming so late but it takes a lot of charisma and humility in leadership to own up to mistakes and this, many of the people who listened to IBB acknowledged he displayed. Even former President Goodluck Jonathan owned up to this fact when he stated that the former military leader is perhaps one of the most charismatic that the country has ever had.

Mohammed Babangida Also Spoke

As the chief host, he gave what could be termed a message from the family.
He thanked all who contributed to the success of the event as well as those who came to grace the occasion.
But his message struck more of a cord because it was the first time everyone was reminded of the missing link in the whole IBB story, his late wife, Maryam Babangida.

Of course a whole chapter was said to have been devoted to her in the book, but her warmth and charm was one thing that only a worthy son could refer to in loving memory on a day when she would have been around to cheer her hero.

https://abujareporters.com.ng/when-past-and-present-nigerian-leaders-rallied-round-ibb-to-launch-presidential-library-and-present-his-memoirs-what-they-wont-tell-you/

Abdulrahman Vows to Challenge Dubai Court Judgement, Describes it As Pressure Tactics


The Founder of Rahmaniya Group, Abdulrahman Bashar has vowed to challenge a judgement given against him by a Dubai Court, describing it as a pressure tactic to threaten his reputation and business.


A Dubai court had sentenced Abdulrahman to one year in prison for an alleged financial crime involving his dealings with CE Energy Company, an oil and gas firm. Abdulrahman is innocent and is taking steps to overturn the decision and is working with Global law firm HFW to achieve this.

The UAE court gave the verdict on 30 January 2025 , which judgment was given in Abdulrahman’s absence without the opportunity to properly defend that allegations. It is expected that the Dubai Courts will overturn the judgment once Abdulrahman’s defence is considered.

Abdulrahman said: “We refer to the criminal proceedings and recent judgment issued in the criminal courts against Mr. Bashar on 30 January 2025. First and foremost, Mr Bashar rejects any allegations of criminality.”


“There are several ongoing civil disputes between CEE and Mr. Bashar. The criminal proceedings have, in our view, been filed against Mr. Bashar as a pressure tactic in the context of the Commercial Proceedings, to threaten Mr Bashar's reputation and business.

“Mr. Bashar will take all available steps available to him to challenge the judgment.”


Abdulrahman alleged that CEE had used similar heavy handed litigation tactics in the commercial proceedings, including seeking a Worldwide Freezing Order (the WFO) from the English Court against him.

According to him, The WFO was successfully challenged and discharged. CEE's appeal to the Court of Appeal was also rejected. The English Court recognised the futility of CEE’s tactics.

It is worthy of notes that Abdulrahaman is currently doing his legal business in Nigeria and not in any prison as presumed.

SEE pictures of a giant turtle, believes to be from an extinct specie caught in a river somewhere in EKITI.

It was a gathering of pupils of diverse backgrounds days back as GapThinkers Youth Centre, in collaboration with C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, Nature News, ITV, and 5Amas Foundation, held another  Abuja Green Christmas debate and choral competition at GSS Gwarimpa Life Camp, Abuja.

Among the schools involved in the debate are Government Secondary Schools from Kubwa,  Gwagwa, Special Needs school in Kuje as well as the host, GSS, Gwarimpa and JC Best International School.

Pupils from School for the Blind, GSS Kwali could not make it because they were disappointed by their driver.

It was however a day to be remembered for all those who came as the whole essence of the debate, which is enhancing public speaking among the youths was driven to the fore.

The students with special needs from GSS Kuje had a different debate topic which was “Is our society built to eliminate barriers to social inclusion for people with special needs?". The group that opposed the motion won. With the help of the sign language interpreter the audience was able to understand what the special needs students were saying.

Major takeaway from the debate were the ideas the students towards enhancing our environment. Most of them agreed that by making a few conscious choices, we can reduce our environmental impact and enjoy the holiday season responsibly.

The choices include reduction in waste generated such as opting for gifts with minimal packaging and choosing reusable gift packages/bags; proper waste disposal; use digital greetings cards instead of paper ones; reduction in food waste by storing food properly as well as  handling food wastages

They also suggested reduction in energy consumption; use of energy-efficient LED lights for decorations, turning off lights when not in use, and eco-friendly decorations.

The students also opened that the reduction of carbon emissions by sharing, ordering things online, and walking or biking for short distances would help the environment more during this season of celebrations. In addition to this, they suggested choice of gifts from companies with ethical and environmental friendly practices.

The kids were also of the opinion that gift experiences like tickets, classes, or volunteer opportunities should be preferred at yuletide because such are environment-friendly.

A vibrant choral competition featuring traditional and contemporary Christmas carols also took place to live up the event. Schools presented their unique renditions, showcasing their musical talent and creativity. All the schools and students were at their best.

Launching of GapThinkers Youth Center: the conveners of Green Christmas Competition talked about the focus of Gapthinkers youths and reveal of the logo.

According to them, 'by incorporating these practices into your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy a meaningful and environmentally friendly Christmas'.

In her welcome address, Dr Chimere May Ohajinwa, an Environmental Toxicologist and Public Health Expert is the founder of Gapthinkers Youth Centre and C-Circle Foundation for sustainable Health and Environment educated the students on the importance of social inclusion for the physically challenged like students with visual and hearing impairment in such programmes.

According to her, social inclusion means that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, feels valued, respected, and part of the community. She emphasised the importance of empathy and patient for the physically challenged, and encouraged the students to challenge negative stereotypes and prejudices about people with disabilities.

Dr Ohajinwa also emphasized the importance of debate competition in fostering environmental awareness and climate action among young people.

In her words: “This debate competition broadens children’s knowledge about environmental issues, climate change and its impacts, while also enhancing their public speaking, critical thinking skills, listening skills, research skills and team work.

“Participating in debates help students learn how to express their opinions effectively and respectfully while also learning how to listen and consider other perspectives. "In addition, debates can be an opportunity for students to engage with current events, important societal issues, and complex issues in a structured and constructive way. Debates open up minds,” she added.

According to her, fourteen schools were invited to participate in the competition  many of who had participated in previous debates, with only  six finally participating because most of the schools were writing exams. The schools engaged in vigorous discussions on the debate topics, which addresses the theme Green Christmas Competitions to address the waste and emissions generated during celebrations.

Dr. May Ohajinwa expressed improvement on students’ performances compared to the past debate round in June 2024. She also expressed her satisfaction over the joy the students expressed during the dance and song competition.

She reiterated the importance of debates and need to intensify these efforts in other to bring the best out of them as they grow up and become the leaders of tomorrow. The skills the children will gain via debates prepare them for leadership positions tomorrow, according to her.

She added that C-Circle Foundation is set to organize debate competitions on different topics annually nation wide.

Nature news, 5Amas Foundation, ITV, and Root TV and other individuals proudly supported the event which also set out to instil the value of taking care of our environment, the students crafted gifts from wastes, recyclable and biodegradable materials.

The teachers were specially appreciated, and all the students got branded exercise books as gifts for participating in the debate.

Green Christmas Competition is an initiative to raise consciousness consumption as it affects the environment during the yuletide and also build a sense of community and togetherness with the physically challenged.

Widow Cries Out Petitions First Lady over every-home-a-garden

_Accuses self aclaim estate chairman of stopping her from farming_


The N25 million every-home-a-garden competition initiated by First Lady, Remi Tinubu, to encourage women to go into farming, has suffered a setback, as estate chairmen are preventing some women from growing crops in their vicinity.

A widow, Ebere Mogbo, who addressed newsmen yesterday in Abuja, complained how she was prevented from planting 2,000 seedlings around her vicinity, at the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Estate, Wuse 2.

Mogbo said: "The problem is that when the First Lady Remi Tinubu, told women to have a garden in their homes, I felt like instead of staying at home mourning my husband, I should join them because there is a prize attached to it which is N25 million. So I came here to begin cultivation where I have a property.

"I have started to make things better. I went to Orange Market in Mararaba to buy 2,000 tubers of yam.

"When I started, nobody stopped me. All of a sudden, one man emerged, Sani Abba-Kura claiming to be the chairman of the estate. I do not know him. He stopped me. We have already planted some yams.

"He drove me away with some remnants of yam seedlings. I pleaded with him. My husband worked with him and he was their senior. He retired as a top executive director in PHCN.

"So, I have been struggling with 2,000 seedlings. On Saturday when we came here he drove us away and threatened my life. The yams I have planted have been overtaken by weeds.

"I lived here for 9 years and I am not aware of any policy preventing occupants from growing crops in their environment.

"I think his annoyance is because when he wanted to sell the whole estate the owners of the flats agreed to it. But I refused. I told him that I was not going to sell my property when one powerful politician wanted to buy the whole estate.

"This is not the idea of Obasanjo for people to sell property of owners. That is where the animosity started."

But Sani Abba-Kura, in his defense, explained that Mogbo had rented the property out, adding that it was against the policy of the estate for occupants or property owners to grow crops inside the estate.

By Adekunle Sulaimon, Abiodun Sanusi


Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have stormed the Abuja home of a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, located in Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory.

Photographs seen by our correspondent on Wednesday show some armed EFCC personnel laying siege to the ex-governor’s home on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

As of press time, our correspondent could not independently confirm the reason behind the siege on Bello’s home as the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, did not respond to inquiries concerning the development.

However, the EFCC had earlier dragged Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali, one Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in an amended charge in March 2024 over an alleged N84bn money laundering.

Reacting to the development, the ex-governor’s media office, in a statement, condemned the operatives’ actions while urging President Bola Tinubu to caution the EFCC.

According to the statement, the presence of the operatives in Bello’s residence negated the order of injunction granted on February 9, 2024, by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Yahaya Bello v. EFCC, restraining the commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

The statement read, “The EFCC was duly served with that order on February 12, 2024, and on February 26, 2024, the EFCC filed an appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said order to the Court of Appeal Abuja Division. The appeal was accompanied by a Motion for a Stay of Execution of the order of the High Court, which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till April 22, 2024.

“Furthermore, judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC will be delivered at 12 noon today in Lokoja.

“Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello, seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!

“It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.

“We are aware of the total commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s current administration to the rule of law and can say categorically that the EFCC leadership might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert it to their score-settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.”

The ex-governor’s media office further alleged that the anti-graft agency was plotting to embarrass and harass him through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, long before he assumed office.

The anti-graft agency, in the 17-count amended charge, accused Yahaya Bello of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N84,062,406,089.88.

The EFCC had claimed in the amended charge that the former governor was at large.




Prior to the charge, the EFCC had arraigned Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for alleged money laundering involving N10bnn belonging to the Kogi State Government.

However, the state government faulted the charge, describing it as “ridiculous” and “laughable,” adding that it was impossible, as the former governor was not yet able to access or misappropriate state funds at the said time.

The state government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, had on February 7, 2024, accused the EFCC of being “infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of ‘Mr. President’ to defeat corruption in Nigeria.”

Count one of the charges reads: “That you, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, Yahaya Adoza Bello (still at large) and Abdulsalam Hudu (still at large), sometime in September, 2015 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80,246,470,089.88 which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(b) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended,” the EFCC said in a release sent to SaharaReporters.

“While ex-Governor Yahaya Bello and Hudu are still at large, Ali Bello and Suleiman, first and second defendants respectively, who were present in court “pleaded not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to them. 

The Punch

The National Association of Nigerian Students have raised alarm over what they called 'Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency and Accountability in Cement Technology Institute of NIGERIA, CTIN Funds Administration under billionaire Aliko Dangote's leadership.

In a petition addressed to President Tinubu which they presented through a Press Conference today, they expressed their 'outrage regarding the mismanagement and lack of accountability within the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN), an organisation under Dangote’s Leadership as pioneer and self imposed life Chairman'.

In their petition, they claimed that the 'misuse, diversion and misappropriation of such strategic fund intended to provide training and development opportunities for Nigerian youth in the cement industry in line with the establishment goals of CTIN is a weighty one, in fact it's a future-threatening act and an act of economy sabotage'.

They are of the opinion that, 'Certainly, the fund has been squandered, leaving a trail of broken promises and shattered dreams as nothing can be pointed at as an achievement in this regard'.

To them, 'the situation of countless Nigerian youths, who remains unemployed and lacking technical skills in a rapidly advancing global economy like ours, is a harsh testament to the repercussions of such mismanagement and embezzlement. Another hidden factor responsible for the unprecedented hike in cement price in the country'.

Heaping blames on the billionaire, they claimed that, 'we are living in a country where our potential is suppressed and our future is uncertain courtesy of greed and selfishness of a microscopic few in position of authority, while leaders of our industries such as Aliko Dangote with such a special intervention fund failed to do the needful but rather enrich themselves by diverting such funds intended for our growth and development for only God and Dangote known purpose and use'.

According to them, they demand answers, demand accountability, explanation and also demand justice.

Speaking further they stated that:

1. In clear terms, We urge Mr President to issue a directive to Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to make public as a matter of urgency and national importance her role so far, the status, management, and usage of the over 20billion Naira (about $100 million as at then) contributed as levies on imported cement to CTIN for technical training purposes since over 10 years ago when Nigeria was still importing cement.

We know and we are fully aware nothing has been done with the fund in line with its purpose. This is money that should have gone to government coffers for investment in our vocational and technical education system.

Alh Aliko Dangote has been sole chairman since this institution was created by the Federal Ministry of Trade in conjunction with cement importers - hence why we are also demanding an explanation directly from Alh Aliko Dangote as to where is the said fund.

Your Excellency, to avert degeneration of this matter, where all Dangote industries will be occupied by Nigerian students nationwide, kindly advice Alh Aliko Dangote to immediately engage an external independent forensic auditor to audit the CTIN funds, and we also demand that anyone found guilty be held accountable for their actions.

We further demand swift action towards restructuring the leadership and governance of CTIN, nothing like life chairman, it should be democratic to prevent such overstay that is bringing severe mismanagement of what should be the People’s commonwealth from happening in the future.

We demand from Chairman CTIN Aliko Dangote , an explanation on his level of involvement as to what looks to the public as a mismanagement and misappropriation of the CTIN funds.

The Nigerian youth will no longer remain silent as our potential is suppressed and our futures are jeopardized by anyone.

This is not a plea for answers; this is a demand for accountability, transparency, justice and a rallying cry for all those who believe in Nigeria's potential and the rights of its youth to education, opportunity, and a fair shot at success.

We will not rest until every penny of the funds is accounted for, and until those responsible for this shameful betrayal of trust by hiding these funds and not using them for their right purpose, are held accountable publicly.

We will use every available platform and legal recourse to seek justice and ensure that such a breach of public trust never reoccurs.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CTIN members, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment, the Nigerian youth are waiting, and we demand your swift and thorough public response within seven days of the publication of this letter.'

How Dangote Allegedly Snubbed Emefiele In Time Of Need

* Pundits Recall When Dangote Granted Emefiele Unrestricted Access To His Private Jet

Beware the fury of a betrayed friend. A patient, pitiless friend like Godwin Emefiele. The embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may be out for blood amid his trial for fraud and official misconduct during his time as CBN head honcho.

Indeed, revenge is the sweetest morsel to the mouth that ever was cooked in hell. Against the backdrop of the invasion of Aliko Dangote’s office by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), speculations are rife that the man hitherto regarded as Africa’s richest billionaire may have been thrown under the boss by the former CBN boss.

Sources close to the duo revealed that the EFCC’s three-hour invasion and ransack of Dangote’s office and archives, today, may be connected to his rumoured falling out with his ex-buddy and business associate, Emefiele.

The latter had reportedly reached out unsuccessfully to Dangote, from detention.

It is alleged that Dangote persistently snubbed attempts by the ex-CBN governor to get his attention; likewise he reportedly snubbed members of Emefiele’s family who tried to seek his assistance for their breadwinner who is currently facing trial for financial misappropriation, including a major transaction involving Dangote, during Emefiele’s tenure as CBN governor.

Frustrated, Emefiele reportedly started singing like a canary to the anti-graft agency, so doing, implicating a lot of his cronies and associates – many of whom have abandoned him in his hour of need.

Thus when the EFCC operatives stormed the Lagos head office of the Dangote Group to conduct a search on forex allocations to the company during the tenure of Emefiele as CBN governor, many concluded that its Emefiele hacking his pound of flesh of Dangote, who allegedly betrayed him. Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesman, has also confirmed the development.

It would be recalled that, on June 9, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Emefiele from office with immediate effect. This was disclosed in a press statement from Willie Bassey, the Director of Information for Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Emefiele’s suspension followed an ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the economy’s financial sector. Emefiele’s suspension and subsequent trial have been linked to a significant scandal involving the borrowing of $1 billion that occurred just before the inauguration of the new administration of President Tinubu.

Startling revelations emerged, shedding light on Emefiele’s actions in obtaining the funds. It is alleged that on April 24, 2023, after the elections and in preparation for the May 29 inauguration, Emefiele borrowed $1 billion from Afrexim Bank.

Shockingly, within two days of receiving the money, $750 million was swiftly transferred to Aliko Dangote’s Dubai accounts using a Form A transaction.

These revelations have sent shockwaves throughout the nation, raising concerns about integrity, collusion, and potential abuse of power. It is claimed that the Tinubu then the new President-Elect, was kept in the dark about this transaction.

The scale and method of the transaction are deeply troubling. Sources within the CBN suggest that Emefiele sold the dollars to Dangote at an exceptionally low rate of N445 Naira to the dollar.

On April 24, 2023, $1 billion was deposited into the CBN JP Morgan account from Afrexim Bank. Within two days, $750 million was transferred to Dangote’s Bluestar Dubai account using the “Form A” transaction method, bypassing the requirement of a Letter of Credit. Bluestar has had connections to Dangote since 2007.

While some CBN officials expressed concerns about these transactions, the revelations underscore the potential for money laundering and illicit activities within Nigeria’s financial system, casting a shadow on the CBN’s integrity during Emefiele’s tenure.

There is no gainsaying President Tinubu took decisive action by suspending Emefiele and initiating a thorough investigation of his tenure as CBN governor.

Emefiele, who is seeking a plea bargain in the criminal suit filed against him by the federal government is facing a 20-count charge over an alleged conspiracy to carry out procurement fraud, among others.

It would be recalled that both Emefiele and Dangote enjoyed a chummy relationship before Emefiele’s sack and subsequent trial and things went awry between them. Back then, no favour was deemed too much or expensive by Dangote as a means of oiling his relationship with the ex-CBN governor.

For instance, he saw nothing wrong in releasing his private jet, a couple of times, to Emefiele, who enjoyed unrestricted access to the aircraft.

Going about in Dangote’s  private jet apparently made work easier for the CBN governor. He did not have to queue to board commercial airlines and he found it extremely comfortable and luxurious to travel in style aboard the aircraft of Africa’s richest billionaire and philanthropist.

Both men are definitely a long distance from that era and they’ve drifted far apart.

thecapital.ng

BUA Group Chairman has disclosed that the price of its cement will remain at 3,500 per bag going forward into the new year. Speaking to State House Correspondents after paying homage to President Tinubu in his Lagos home for the yuletide, the billionaire industrialist disclosed that it will not increase the price of its products even though there are hints that other manufacturers might tinker with their prices. According to him, BUA cement remains 3,500 Naira per bag plus VAT. There will be no price increase. He however hinted that given the fact that the new Sokoto factory just came on stream, transportation to other parts of the country may change the delivered price. According to him, products manufactured in Sokoto and sold in Sokoto will not be sold in Maiduguri at the same price.
He however emphasized the fact that the company's new factory would ensure that it has a major say in the way the product is sold nationwide with the additional 6million tons its new factory is adding to the market.
The BUA Chairman has always been at the vanguard of appropriate pricing of his products by ensuring that the prices are pocket friendly. Towards the end of the year, he had singlehandedly forced other producers to take panicky measures by bringing down the price of cement at a time many never believed it was practicable.
To Abdul Samad Rabiu, it was his own way of helping the government and Nigerians to lessen the general hardship caused by the downturn in the economy.

WHAT THEY WON’T TELL YOU ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP CRISIS ROCKING CCB, HOW FORMER AGF, MALAMI’S APPOINTED STOOGE TO CONTINUE TO PERPETUATE HIS HOLD ON BUREAU

Not many people knew how powerful the Code of Conduct Bureau was until the former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen was arm-twisted into resigning by the Code of Conduct Tribunal after the Bureau had done a hatchet job indicting him. Professor Mohammed Isa, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau was in charge during the period. And after the job was done, the Bureau went into coma. Unknown to many a lot of shady deals were taking place underground, while the chairman and his clique were smiling to the banks. According to investigations by our reporters, the erstwhile Chairman Professor Isa decided to side track the official process of investigating cases. Rather he choose him own team of private investigators tagged task force and used them to carry out his bidding own team of These guys investigated cases involving top government officials, and once they concluded gave him reports and based on the reports, guilty public officers were billed millions of dollars and after payment, their cases died naturally. This was happening behind the conventional way of handling cases and petitions. The normal standard is that all petitions addressed to the Chairman are minuted to the Director of investigation who after carrying out the investigation with his team forward the report to the Director of Legal Services who in turn will send his findings to the Chairman for formal endorsement and transfer to the Tribunal for prosecution. However the erstwhile Chairman circumvented the entire process for personal gains. According to our source, this was why he could not recommend any major case to the Tribunal for prosecution all through his four years tenure.


Isa had a few guys who worked with him in the Board of the Bureau. One of them was Murtala Kankia from Katsina. Kankia was Isa’s right-hand man. Late in 2022, Kankia and two others resigned from the Board of the CCB to contest for elective posts. They all lost. After the primaries, Isa and Kankia knew that the likelihood of the Chairman getting appointed by Tinubu for second term was slim. He had failed the then President-elect, who wanted to use Keyamo the current Minister of Aviation to prosecute Atiku but Isa and his team made a mess of the petition. So, based on that premise, Malami quickly arranged that Isa Kankia alone, out of the three who went to contest and lost be reappointed as board members. As Mohammed Isa left office with the expiration of his term in November 7th 2023 he surreptitiously handed over to his right-hand man, Murtala Kankia, hoping that the latter would be able to cover up his tracks instead of handing over to the most senior officer who happens to be Barrister Benedict Umeano. Meanwhile our sources gathered that when he handed over, over 2,000 files of investigated public officers were returned to the office. Why none of these, especially the top politicians as well as many heads of government agencies whose cases were believed to have been investigated discreetly were not prosecuted is left for you and I to guess.

Workers and others who are aware of what transpired between Isa and Kankia were quick to raise alarm that the latter could not have been the acting Chairman unless government want to kill the Bureau. Ordinarily, he wasn’t the next in command to the outgone Chairman. The next and most qualified senior official , should have been Benedict Umeano as the guidelines of the civil service specified that the most senior director should be the one to take over.

What has happened is that Kankia usurped the Chairman’s post after he was hurriedly smuggled back into the Board after resigning. He was brought back for the purpose. And another Board member who had earlier taken the ineptitude and corruption of the erstwhile Chairman to the appropriate committe in the National Assembly Hon.Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma a former Reps member sensing the vacuum also played a fast one to see if he could secure the Chairmanship post by rushing to the Press to announce that President Bola Tinubu has appointed him as the new helmsman of the Bureau.

Insiders have however warned that the President may lose a major platform for fighting the war against corruption and abuse of office if Kankia or Hon. Agbonayinma are allowed to lead the Bureau because they are not qualified to lead the CCB by virtue of their antecedent. Like many other appointments in the dying days of Buhari administration, the reappointment of Kankia alone back to the Board after himself and two others had stepped aside to contest elective posts was meant to cover up the atrocities committed by their former Chairman, Mohammed Isa, and by inference, Malami’s stooge as the Chairman. To allow this is to sound a death knell on the Code of Conduct Bureau.

KINGS COLLEGE BRITISH AMERICAN INSTITUTE, BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS SCHOOL, PROFESSOR PAUL GODWIN UDOFIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU CENTER FOR INVENTORS AND INVESTORS DISCOVERY AND PROMOTION SET TO RAISE AND PROMOTE NIGERIAN INVENTORS AND INVESTORS IN ORDER TO TURN NIGERIA INTO AN HAVEN OF TECHNOLOGY AND CHINA OF AFRICA.

KINGS COLLEGE BRITISH AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS SCHOOL AND PROFESSOR PAUL GODWIN UDOFIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU CENTER FOR NIGERIAN INVENTORS AND INVESTORS DISCOVERY AND PROMOTION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP , SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT FOR ANY NIGERIAN THAT CAN INVENT SOMETHING NEW.

CAN YOU CREATE OR MANUFACTURE SOMETHING UNIQUE, ARE YOU ANOTHER PHILIP EMAGHWALI, A NIGERIAN THAT INVENTED SUPERCOMPUTER FOR AMERICA,
ARE YOU ANOTHER JELANI ALIYU WHO IS CREDITED WITH DESIGNING A CAR CALLED CHEVROLET IN AMERICA,

WERE YOU BORN WITH A NATURAL TALENT TO CREATE AND INVENT NEW THINGS THAT ARE EITHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN TO HUMANKIND?
OR
ARE YOU AN INVESTOR, DO YOU WANT TO INVEST IN A NIGERIAN INVENTION AND CO- OWN THE INVENTION,
THE KINGS COLLEGE BRITISH AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PROFESSOR PAUL GODWIN UDOFIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU CENTRE FOR NIGERIAN INVENTORS AND INVESTORS DISCOVERY AND PROMOTION HAS A GOODNEWS FOR YOU. TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE A NEW NIGERIA WITH ILLUMINATIVE INVENTIONS.
WHATSAPP YES TO 07084343164.

PATRIOTIC NIGERIANS WHO WISH TO PARTNER WITH US TO SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE THAT IS TARGETED TOWARDS DISCOVERING AND PROMOTING NIGERIAN INVENTORS AND INVESTORS SHOULD
WHATSAPP 07084343164

NIGERIA UNDER THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL BE A TECHNOLOGY HAVEN, A CHINA OF AFRICA.

WETIN DE SOKOTO, DE OUR SHOKOTO

THE KINGS COLLEGE BRITISH
AMERICAN INSTITUTE, BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS SCHOOL AND PROFESSOR PAUL GODWIN UDOFIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 360 FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS IN NIGERIA HEREBY OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP( TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLIES) TO 20 NIGERIANS FROM EACH OF THE 360 GEOPOLITICAL ZONES OF NIGERIA WHO WANTS TO LEARN COMPUTER SCIENCE, TAILORING / FASHION AND DESIGN AND AUXILIARY NURSING SO THAT THE CAN BECOME SELF EMPLOYED AND ECONOMICALLY SELF- RELIANT THIS THREE PROGRAMS STARTS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 20TH, 2024. WHETHER YOU HAVE A UNIVERSITY DEGREE, DIPLOMA OR NOT, COME AND LEARN A TRADE SO YOU CAN FIT INTO THE CURRENT SOCIETY AND BECOME SELF EMPLOYED.
TO CONNECT TO US AS A NIGERIAN INVENTOR OR INVESTOR OR A SUPPORTER OF THIS VISION OR AS A STUDENT OR AS AS A FREELANCE LECTURER,
WHATSAPP YES INVENTOR TO 07084343164.
YES INVESTOR TO 07084343164
YES SUPPORTER TO 07084343164
YES STUDENT TO 07084343164
YES FREELANCE LECTURER TO 07084343164.
YOU ARE TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT OR SEND SOMEONE TO REPRESENT YOU AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THIS PROGRAM AT THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL MERIT HOUSE ON THE 4TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2023 BY 10AM PROMPT. IF YOU CAN'T COME, DROP WHATSAPP MESSAGE ON THE ABOVE NUMBER.

THE CARDINAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF KINGS COLLEGE BRITISH AMERICAN INSTITUTE,
THE BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS SCHOOL AND PROFESSOR PAUL GODWIN UDOFIA IS:

To award and give appraisal to good Governance, genuine Leadership and innovative Busineses.

To comb wherever man is found irrespective of whatever risk it would take to discover and promote INVENTORS AND INVESTORS for national development

To deploy whatever means it would take to mitigate and destroy ethnicism, tribalism, racism and religious conflicts with the focus of introducing into the NIGERIAN system of education, a new and core subject called ETHNICISM, TRIBALISM, RACISM AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE. I will develop the curriculum of this new core subject from nursery level to university level for federal government .

1 The collaboration between King's college British American Institute of science and technology, and His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inventor and investors carnival village.

The essence of the collaboration is to make Nigeria a technology avend and the china of Africa.

(2) Scholarship for all Nigerians who wish to learn a vocational trade and become economically empowered and self reliance.

(3) Invitation to the venue where the two things will be commissioned, which is on the 4th of December 2023 at Merit house Maitama.

To promote Mass eradication of illiteracy by providing high quality education.

To promote the enthusiasm of excellent performing Leaders and innovative Businesses so they can deliver their best for the Benefit of the citizens and the country in general.

To raise, train, monitor and maintain genuine Leadership and innovative Businesses that can project to greater heights the gross domestic products (GDP) of the country.

To act as a catalyst for national growth and development and as a sphygmomanometer wherein the blood of mediocres are gauged.

To impact positively on the masses through high quality Education.

To raise, maintain and Induct professionals who makes matchless impacts on human lives and the general society, men who live for others.