₦airaland Forum

The senior pastor of Dominion Power Assembly International (DOPA), Apostle Paul Odola has refuted again, the claims by Abel Damina of ordaining Dr Paul Enenche saying, it has never happened and it's all falsehood.

Speaking In a live video and broadcast, Odola said "My attention has been drawn to a video making the rounds purportedly claimed that, I said Dr Abel Damina ordained me and Dr Paul Enenche on the same and referring to the fact that, it was the same oil, you see this is the same false narrative projected that, was construed that i am choosing to correct".

I am doing this video in reposnse to some of the very malicious publications that I've seen on the social media all in the attempt to tarnish my image and, rubbish my personality because i have come out to publicly deny and correct the false allegations that, Dr Abel Damina ordained Dr Paul Enenche into ministry, looking at the pictures on my facebook, what happened in 1996 was not an ordination service, I want to say this categorically, it was an official prayer to license me as the cordinator of international charismatic ministers association (ICMA) in Bauchi state, that was prayer was not an ordination.

Every body that was in that 1996 minister's conference will agree with me that, it was not an ordination service, I was officially prayed for, a cordinator of ICMA in bauchi state and i was given a cordinators certificate and a fellowship card from 1996-1997 as it is on the post, so no one can claeimed that, anyone else was equally ordained on that day into ministry.

I think it is important that, I clear the air in this matter and put it into rest that it wasn't an ordination service that happened on that day.

This video (address) is to put the records straight that what happened was not an ordination and nobody should lay claim on another's man greatness and impact.

So like the pictures shows, there was no ordination done on that day, it was an official prayer for me as a license cordinator of ICMA in bauchi state so therefore no other person was prayed for, as a form of ordination on that day because what happened that day was not an ordination service and it is important for this record to be clear, I was given a certificate.

It is important that, we clear the air so we can put these fallacies to rest and not give creditability to lie even though abinitio, I was part of that misconception, false narrative and i have chosen to retrace my step for the purpose of posterity and i believe this should do justice to everyone who knows the truth, wants the truth and cares for the truth, Odola concluded.

A public and social affairs analyst, Pius Adebayo has said "Abel Damina is not a strange name in the ears of many Nigerians as far as the peddling of Christian heresies is concerned. He has carved for himself an unenviable niche in the world of heretic and controversial doctrines.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Adebayo stated that, "Whether such doctrines are being triggered by his sheer lack of understanding of the Scripture or inspired by some strange demonic influences remains a worrisome and intriguing subject. But more worrisome is the fate of young, immature and gullible Christians who are being swayed into the abyss of sinful and damnable compromise by his heretical and evil doctrines. For a so-called man of God to have and maintain a doctrinal stance that promotes unrestrained sin, immoral conducts, disorderliness, falsehood, duplicity and social anarchy speaks volumes of the extremely permissive and corrupt nature of his personal life".

Speaking further, he said, let us take a brief look at the history of this religious pariah.
Abel Damina finished Secondary School in 1988 from Prince College, Mista-Ali, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria.

He attempted to further his education by enrolling into the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, but soon dropped out shortly after, claiming to have received a call to Ministry.

This was soon followed by the commencement of his Ministry in the city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, just two years after secondary school.

From the foregoing, it is clear to see that the process of his making is already compromised as he could not endure the mental and physical discipline to run a basic post-secondary educational programme.

Even his entry into ministry cost him nothing as he did not sacrifice anything valuable to answer the call – no degree certificate, no professional qualification, no occupation or career, etc.

Adebayo stressed, Today, this same drop-out has the effrontery to challenge highly revered and renowned men of God and fathers of faith who are academic giants or scholars in their own rights aside their spiritual prowess.

His unbridled and visceral tongue did not spare God’s servants like; Pastor E.A. Adeboye, a renowned mathematician with PhD in Mathematics, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, also a mathematical scholar, Bishop David Oyedepo, a qualified architect, and Dr. Paul Enenche and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Becky Enenche, both qualified medical doctors.

These are men and women who paid the price for the call of God into ministry. Ministry, to these men, is highly valued as they left behind enviable qualifications and gainful professions to do the work of God. But that is not the same for Abel Damina.

He left nothing behind, and it is obvious, he has nothing in front of him to pursue.

And since he has nothing to gain or lose, he is desperately on the loose, seeking to denigrate those who are genuinely doing the work of God with unquestionable conducts and proven track records.

His Ministerial practices have from the very beginning, been characterized by dubious fund-raising, the proceeds of which were taken by him almost immediately for personal use, and not for the church. That is, he would immediately walk away with the raised funds after the service, he could use the extremes of means, even hypnotics, if possible, to extract money from the congregants.

Adebayo narrated how, Damina once proudly told an associate that all his messages were strategically scripted to elicit giving or fundraising – that he wouldn’t preach any message that would not provoke people to give. In fact, he once told another associate that all the tithes of the church belonged to him.

But what do we have today ? The same fund-raiser-in-chief is now peddling a new doctrine that forbids the payment of tithe and other forms of giving in church and the reason for this newly minted doctrine is not far-fetched – since the fundraising and all the tithes he has been fraudulently taking from the people didn’t make him rich, no other church should take tithes from people.

But what he failed to realize is that whereas he diverted all tithes and funds raised by him on the church’s altar to his personal coffers, these other men of God, following scriptural injunctions, never had anything to do with tithes or other forms of giving in church. The standard practice is the total separation of the church from the man of God as two separate legal entities.

That makes the resources of the church not to be the same as the resources of the pastor. What is given to the church, be it tithes, offerings, sacrifices and other forms of giving, belong to the church, and not the pastor.

This is the standard scriptural practice, but Damina devoured all hook-line-and-sinker, and expected God, being a God of principle to prosper him, all the same. Since he is bankrupt of basic discipline and financial integrity to manage church’s resources, he assumes every other pastor is doing the same.

This is his mind-set because to the corrupt, everything is corrupt. He is acting like the harlot who killed her son in the Book of First Kings and wanted the surviving son of her roommate destroyed so both of them would become equal and childless. But King Solomon, being filled with the wisdom of God discerned the evil intent of the devious harlot, preserved the living child, and handed him to the rightful mother. And God is wiser than King Solomon: in the end, the heretic will always end as the ultimate loser.

Thus, Damina stepped into ministry with zero ethical foundation, zero sense of purpose, zero discipline, and zero sacrifice, just to go after people’s resources. His ministry and personal lifestyle have always been characterized with extreme level of permissiveness, disorderliness and error, hence his leaning on the absolutist grace doctrine to accommodate his moral depravity, indiscipline, avarice and recklessness.

To the gullible, unsuspecting generation of young, immature Christians, he is a hero, but deep down his hypocritical mind, he knows that he is up to nothing good but sheer falsehood, deception and double standard, with the ultimate intention to steal, to kill and to destroy lives, homes and thriving churches.

But the foundation of God stands sure, and the Lord knows those who are His – 2 Timothy 2:19. God will always stand to defend His works, and pull down all foundations and installations of falsehood, deception and evil. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

And in Mathew 3:10 Like all heretics before him, the wind of truth will eventually blow all forms of heresies into the abyss of history, and the Church of Christ will continue to march forward in triumph, and the gates of hell can never prevail against it, Adebayo stressed.

A former assistant pastor with Pastor Abel Damina of Power City International, Apostle Paul Odola has frowned at the way and manner the former attacks ministers of the gospel.

It has been obsreved that Damina had picked on respected clerics such as Pastor EA Adeboye of RCCG, Bishop Oyedepo, Dr Paul Enenche and other various men of God.

However, Odola, who was the Bauchi State cordinator of the Damina-led International Charismatic Ministers Association, ICMA, in 1995, described his constant tirades against his fellow preachers as sheer arrogance and to a large extent, disrespectful.

He urged Damina to stop trying to divide the body of Christ with his “exaggerated and digressional messages.”

He said, “I was the Bauchi coordinator of the International Charismatic Ministers Association, ICMA, led by Dr Damina in 1995. Ever since I have known him, he has influenced me greatly in ministry, I must confess.

“But now, I don’t subscribe to some of the doctrinal teachings he propagates. As a matter of fact, we have had cause to question some of the exaggerations.

“For me, like I've often said, he is majoring on the minor. That is not edifying. It is a complete digression from the Bible's teachings. When you are remapping a place, ancient landmarks should not be removed because the entire map becomes confusing. We are to be taught very basic, powerful, spiritual Christian practices. But I see his teachings as digressions from what we knew him to be.

“The way that Dr Damina has chosen to preach his gospel is completely out of character of how the gospel of Jesus should be presented. His name callings and picking on certain messages of fathers of faith that have come to be respected is out of character.

“These are people who have had personal experiences and encounters with God. I don't think it is in anybody's ministerial calling to correct people who have produced evidence, touched lives, and transformed destinies. People respected around the world should not be insulted in their understanding of God and the revelations they share. That is not Christian-like.”

Asked if Damina has deviated, Odola said, “The deviation is very obvious. The Dr Abel Damina we knew then was powerful, fiery, eloquent and impactful. In those days, Uyo was like a spiritual marker. Every February, we all looked forward to going to Uyo because of what we learned from his teachings, preachings, and ministerial impact. That is not the case right now. He has completely deviated from the things we knew about him then. That is not the same Dr Abel Damina of the 90s.”

On what might have led to the his sudden change and strange teachings, Apostle Odola opined, “In his own words, he felt empty, felt hollow, then traveled and said he had an encounter, and came back with this strange ministerial pattern. I don't know what went wrong, but this certainly is not the Dr. Abel Damina that I knew.

“To be very precise, Dr Abel’s comments about other men of God like Daddy GO, Dr Paul Enenche are sheer arrogance and to a large extent, disrespectful.

“If he had had the opportunity, like some of us who have gone to the Glory Dome in Abuja and seen what the Lord has enabled this man to accomplish, I think with all sincerity, Dr. Abel would review his statements regarding Dr Paul Enenche.

“But when you stay in your corner and are not aware of what people are doing for God, your view about them will become pygmy and myopic.

“As a pastor, I know that nobody is perfect, but from what I have observed, Dr Abel Damina has gone too far in his divisive way of preaching the gospel. His arrogant approach to declaring the word of God has not helped to fortify or unify the body of Christ. A lot of people online are confused about the gospel of Christ due to his current teachings. To that end, he has become more divisive than united. There's quite a lot of division and confusion.”

Apostle Paul Odola, the General Overseer of Dominion Power Assembly International (Dopa), has countered the recent claim by Pastor Abel Damina of Power City International that he (Damina) ordained the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche and gave him direction into ministry.

Recall that Damina had always claimed that he was the one who ordained Dr Enenche into ministry and gave him direction on how to start his now global ministry, a claim many people have faulted.

Damina had also claimed that he ordained both Dr Enenche and Apostle Odola same day into ministries.

Speaking for the first time on the controversy in an interview with newsmen, Apostle Odola faulted Damina’s claim, stressing that Pastor Enenche was already an established minister before his path crossed that of Damina very breifly in 1995.

He said, “I’ve been privileged to know Dr. Abel Damina and Dr. Paul Enenche since 1995 and that was the first time Dr. Paul Enenche came into the picture.

“At the time Dr. Paul came into the picture, he was already a man of God in his own right. I have a particular handbill where Dr Paul featured as a guest speaker in 1995.

“In that handbill, there was one pastor called Dr Friday Yanga. Dr Paul came into the picture already as a minister of the gospel, fireful and vibrant. He often attended conferences that Damina organized then.

“There was this Jos Prayer Conference that was going on then that Dr. Paul attended. When the ICMA movement became a church, Dr. Paul came in as an associate minister. Sometimes he went around preaching, so we didn’t get to see him on Sundays. If he was around, he just came in for the service.

“I had the opportunity to invite Dr Paul to minister for us in Bauchi State in 1995. He was then a man of God in his own right. He came to that meeting with Dr Becky, his wife, and their daughter, Deborah, his mother in-law. He was anointed, fireful, a man of God in his own right by all standards.

“We had the opportunity of coming around Dr. Joshua Talena and Dr. Damina, and it was very clear that Dr. Paul was different. He was different from us in so many ways. He was different in his lifestyle, his approach to ministry, and his morality. At one of the conferences we had in Uyo in 1996, Dr Paul also attended. It was obvious that Dr Paul had his own approach, his own lifestyle, and ministry. He only came around as an associate.

“We always knew he had a ministry that was going to be global because of his approach to life and ministry, which was quite different from ours.

“His very strict and high standard of living was different from ours because we were all young men then. The way he is today, I am not surprised.

“If Dr Abel Damina claims to have trained or ordained Dr Paul Enenche into ministry, it is false.

“When a man who had his own ministry and was already in ministry associates with you at one point in time, it does not mean you ordained him into ministry. It is just like saying John the Baptist ordained Jesus into ministry. Today, we can see that Dr Paul Enenche had it and was intentional about it while he was with us.

Asked how long Dr Paul’s association with Damina lasted before he founded his church, Odola said, “The interaction was quite brief because Dr Paul was already in ministry and only associated with us. He realized that the company was not befitting for him and he left.

“On our part, our youthful exuberance was very obvious, so Dr Paul, sensing and understanding that, had to completely dissociate himself from us. That interaction and association were brief. I think it was that lack of principle and youthful exuberance that he observed. When he came around, he didn’t stay too long and today, the difference is clear.”

Speaking on the claim that Damina was part of the inaugural service of Dunamis Church in Abuja, Odola said, “To the best of my memory, Dr Paul had already started the church in Abuja when Dr Damina and I came for one of his conferences. I was part of that conference. The church had already started before Dr Abel Damina was invited to come as a guest minister.

“As a matter of fact, we were all surprised at what the church had grown to be within a short period. Obviously, I don't think it was the inaugural meeting that we came for because the church had already started and Dr Abel was invited as a guest speaker and we all came together.

“Anyone with us then would know that Dr Paul Enenche knew where he was headed and what he wanted to do. People like Rev Talena could tell that Dr Paul came in with the understanding of ministry and where he was headed.

“When it was time to start his own ministry, we all knew he was going to leave.

“Dr Paul had always shown clearly that he knew where he was going and what he wanted to do in ministry.


“I want to say this with all sincerity. I invited him (Dr Paul) to preach in our church in Bauchi in 1995 because I saw that he was quite different among us. He was the first person that ever came to preach when I answered the call.

“I did it because I saw what he had and who he was. Today, I am not surprised at what the Lord has used him to do. I had the privilege of taking a tour of the Glory Dome recently, and I want to say that people only see the Dome from the outside. They have no idea of the Glory Dome except if they come and visit and experience it like I did. Dr Paul is not just a gift to our nation; he's a gift to our generation.

“What he has been able to do by the hand of God, no man can claim. No man can claim that he has inspired it. He is a generational gift and consistently remains an inspiration to our generation. I think everyone in their right senses should give this man the honor he deserves and learn from what God is using him to do.

"Dr Paul Enenche, I must say this with all sincerity is one of the greatest voices we have in the body of Christ. He is more or less like the current father of our faith because, whether we like it or not, the older generations are phasing out.

"He is one of the current fathers of faith that my generation of ministers is looking up to. Let’s talk about the lives that he has touched. In every country he has gone to, presidents and leaders of that nation attend his crusades. Such a man should be given the honor he deserves.

"So, Dr Damina’s comments regarding Dr. Paul Enenche are completely unfounded."

Pastor Abel Damina of Power Chapel International has recently been at the center of a storm of controversy. Within the Christian community, his teachings have sparked significant perplexity, with many labeling his doctrines as outright heresies. These concerns have raised serious questions about his doctrinal stance and the spiritual root of his ministry.

One of the most contentious aspects of Damina's teachings is his assertion that sin does not condemn anyone to hell. Additionally, he has claimed that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was never a virgin. These and other provocative teachings have led many to question the origin of his inspiration.

To gain deeper insight into the roots of Damina's ministry and the controversy surrounding it, we spoke with Bro Soviet, a long-time acquaintance who knew Damina before his ministry began.

In a revealing interview, Bro Soviet shared his thoughts on the current controversies and offered a candid perspective on Damina's spiritual journey.

"When it comes to Abel Damina, I believe he has run out of ideas," Bro Soviet stated.

"The spirit behind his teachings is definitely not of God because there is meant to be harmony in the body of Christ. When someone finds fault with everyone else and claims to be the only one who is right, it means he is the one who is actually wrong. Abel is someone I have known even before he started his ministry."

Bro Soviet’s familiarity with Damina dates back to the early days of his ministry. Reflecting on Damina's early years, Bro Soviet expressed his skepticism about Damina's calling and discipline.

"Before he started his ministry, I observed an obvious lack of clarity of call and discipline in his lifestyle. His messages don't bear the fruit of the Spirit of God. I have not seen that clear call. He probably went into ministry because his father was a pastor in the Assemblies of God, and he grew up on church premises and got few bits of information and began to mix them up.

“To fully understand the trajectory of Abel Damina's ministry, it's essential to trace his roots back to his arrival in Uyo in 1990.

“When Damina first came to Uyo, I was a member of a church called Life Tabernacle. A branch of Idem Ikon's Church in Calabar. In Calabar it is called Revival Valley.

“But when they created Akwa Ibom State, the members of the church that came to Akwa Ibom as Akwa Ibomites opened a church in Uyo called Life Tabernacle located along Oron Road in one secondary school.

“Now while the church was growing up, that was when Abel Damina came in. He introduced himself to the man of God called Atauyo Ibanga. When he introduced himself, the pastor only gave him the pulpit to greet the church and introduce himself for 5 or 15 minutes thereabouts. As soon as he dropped the microphone, he left with the two people that he came with.

"After the service, the pastor said, 'This young man is up to something." He said that he would never give him the pulpit again. He called Damina, "This Hausa boy," because in Akwa Ibom then, they call everybody from the north, Hausa.

“So when I learnt that he is from the north and I am also from the north, I went after him, and tried to encourage him. In that process, we went to Dr Uma Ukpai, and he introduced himself and told Uma Ukpai what he came from the north to do and all that. Dr Uma Ukpai used a few words, he said, "Young man, Go back to the north, your assingment is not welcomed here." That was all.

It was then. I said, "Ah! A father of faith that is supposed to receive a young, vibrant minister..."
That was when I started developing cold feet because it was rejection everywhere. Then, I was thinking that it was persecution but I found out that utterances from his mouth and what he was doing were at variance. That was when I began to develop cold feet.

“Honestly, let me tell you. From the beginning, I saw insincerity, I saw moral bankruptcy, I saw all these things from the beginning. And like I said, that was why I refused to be part of his work.

“Now he came in and introduced himself that he never came to establish any church, rather, he came for a ministers association called ICMA, meaning International Charismatic Ministers Association. Not too long after that, he started a fellowship, calling it FFF. Friday Fire Fellowship. Not too long Power Chapel International started. That was when it was confirmed that he was up to something else other than what he told people when he came.

“As I'm talking today, everything metamorphosed from ICMA to FFF, then to Power Chapel International, and now it is Power City.

“Honestly, there had never been any honesty from the beginning. There had never been a clean, clear vision, from the beginning.

“The foundation was faulty and it's the same thing that is happening up to date.”

Bro Soviet’s concerns about Damina's doctrinal stance are not unfounded. "If I met him today, I would tell him to apologize to the body of Christ. His heretical ideas and teachings are leading some gullible young generation of Christians astray. But all I know is, just like music, it will all fizzle away," Bro Soviet said.

Bro Soviet believes that those who are genuinely seeking Christ will eventually find their way back, despite the confusion caused by Damina's teachings.

Reflecting on the financial aspect of Damina's ministry, Bro Soviet shared his experiences from the past. "As a preacher, if your message centers on how to collect money from people every time, then something is wrong. Way back, I used to give him money. Though I was never comfortable because of his character, I knew he was not the one to reward me but God. He had no capacity to manage the money. This was someone who was preaching that all tithes belonged to him and he could do whatever he wanted with it."

Despite Damina's current stance against giving, Bro Soviet remains hypocritical. "Like I told you, when you run out of lies, you need to cook up more lies to cover up the previous lies you have told. At the beginning, his foundation was faulty. When the first phase expired, he needed more lies to sustain his life. I don't know of any academic certificate that he has. He is not a graduate because he didn’t go to any university to my knowledge."

Bro Soviet’s critique extends beyond Damina's teachings to his personal life and foundation. "There are men of God in Nigeria who have integrity, but right from the beginning, he exhibited an abysmal level of moral and character bankruptcy in all ramifications. That is why he has the audacity to say once born again, always born again."

Bro Soviet concluded with a call for accountability and repentance. "As a servant of the kingdom, he should humble himself and apologize to the world for misleading people. Some of us have invested so much into his life and ministry. He has benefited a lot. I housed him and his pastors for one year and six months in Uyo, so I know what I am saying.
"Joshua Talena, if he is sincere, knows what I'm talking about. His own younger brother, Gideon was in the picture. At the beginning as I have been saying, there were a number of people who rushed in thinking they had found a ministry with which they could grow, but not too long after, they were all discouraged and fizzled away. Persons like Joe Odobre, Joe Udomio, Bro Tony that he turned into his driver, Rev. Benny Momoh and Macdonald Edward with his wife and a daughter then; all of them lived in my house at No. 53 Enwe street by Oron Road. Bro Uduak Ekong, Sister Aniebo Ndada Inyang, Bro Charles Uko. There were many more brethren whose names I cannot remember anymore because this was some 34 years ago.

Bro Soviet hasn't been able to reach Damina to discuss these issues directly. "I will tell him to his face that he should apologize to those men of God he has insulted. He should apologize for misleading people. From the Bible, you can pick one or two scriptures and build any negative message. But the foundation is what is important. A message built on falsehood will eventually crumble. We must remember it is not just about those he has insulted; it’s about the body of Christ. If a man of God twists scripture for personal gain, it’s a problem."

In Bro Soviet’s view, Damina's recent messages are fueled by jealousy. "His new messages are products of jealousy. He feels left behind and there is nothing he can do to measure up to the standard of those he is attacking. The men of God he’s talking about, one branch of their church is more than everything he has worked for in his entire life. I urge those fathers of faith he has defamed to forgive him and pray for his repentance."

The executive director, electoral college Nigeria (ECN), Kunle Lawal, said electoral college plays a crucial role in addressing political literacy in Nigeria.

Lawal in a statement made available to journalists said, In the heart of Nigeria's democratic landscape lies a profound challenge: political illiteracy. Despite decades of independence and numerous election cycles, a significant portion of our populace remains unaware of the intricacies of governance and the responsibilities of elected officials.

"This gap in knowledge not only hinders the effective functioning of our democracy but also perpetuates a cycle of unfulfilled promises and misguided expectations.

Political illiteracy manifests in various forms. Many voters are unable to distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of different political offices, leading to misplaced expectations and accountability. Candidates, on their part, often exploit this ignorance by making promises that lie outside the jurisdiction of the office they seek. The result is a disillusioned electorate and a political environment rife with confusion and mistrust".

Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, the Electoral College Nigeria was established with a clear mission: to bridge the gap in political knowledge and foster a more informed and engaged citizenry. Our approach is multifaceted, combining education, engagement, and empowerment to create a lasting impact.

At the core of our efforts is a robust educational framework consisting of 27 modules that cover all aspects of politics and governance. These modules are designed to provide comprehensive insights into the workings of government, the electoral process, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. By demystifying these concepts, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.

To address political illiteracy effectively, Lawal said; "the Electoral College Nigeria employs several key strategies: Debates for Political Candidates, We organize debates for candidates to articulate their policies and respond to critical questions. These debates prevent candidates from making unrealistic promises and help voters understand the true scope of what their elected officials can achieve. This initiative ensures that both candidates and voters are aware of the specific roles and limitations of various political offices".

Educational Modules, Our comprehensive 27-module curriculum covers every aspect of politics and governance. These modules are designed to equip participants with a deep understanding of political processes, the structure of government, and the responsibilities of different political offices. This knowledge base is crucial for developing an informed electorate that can engage meaningfully in the democratic process.

Cohort-Based Learnin: We have successfully implemented a cohort-based learning system, with our 15th cohort soon to be launched. Each cohort consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a commitment to enhancing their political literacy. This collaborative learning environment fosters peer-to-peer education and broadens participants' perspectives on governance and politics.

Community Engagement and Outreach: We actively engage with communities through workshops, seminars, and public forums. These outreach efforts bring our educational programs to a wider audience, ensuring that even those who cannot participate in our cohorts directly benefit from our resources and expertise.

Public Awareness Campaigns; We conduct targeted public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of political literacy. These campaigns utilize various media platforms to reach a broad audience, emphasizing the need for informed voting and active civic participation.

Lawal stressed, "By focusing on these strategies, the Electoral College Nigeria plays a pivotal role in addressing political illiteracy and fostering a more informed and engaged electorate. The impact of our efforts is evident. Graduates of the Electoral College Nigeria have gone on to become active participants in the political process, whether as informed voters, advocates, or even candidates themselves. Their enhanced understanding of governance and political processes translates into more meaningful engagement and a stronger democracy".

However, the journey is far from over, as addressing political illiteracy is a continuous process that requires sustained effort and collaboration. We call on all stakeholders—educational institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and the government—to join us in this critical endeavor. By working together, we can build a more informed electorate and, consequently, a more robust and responsive democracy.

Lawal concludes saying, "political illiteracy is a formidable challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Through the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Electoral College Nigeria, we can make significant strides in educating our citizens and enhancing our democratic processes. It is a mission that demands our collective commitment and action, for the future of our nation depends on it".

Financial Analyst, Anti Corruption Advocate Questions GIFMIS's integrity as corruption rocks civil servants.

A financial analyst, and anti-corruption advocate have questioned and querried the integrity of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

It said GIFMIS was designed to enhance the management, performance, and outcomes of public financial management (PFM).

The national president of the group, Tertsea Manasseh Gbede, in a statement shared with journalists on Friday, said GIFMIS is a reform aimed at boosting efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, transparency, data security, and comprehensive financial reporting.

He stated that GIFMIS handles various financial aspects such as payments, receipt collections, accounting, and reporting.

According to him,the Key functionalities include:Implementing agencies use the Expenditure Advance Transfer (EAT) module, while the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) handles beneficiary payment.


"Income and custom tax payments are processed via the PRAKALP application, while the ARPIT portal manages indirect taxes.

"Monthly and annual reports are generated using Decision Support System (DSS) and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools.

"GIFMIS manages cash, releases just-in-time funds, and minimizes floats with Autonomous Bodies (ABs) through e-Kuber, integrated with PFMS.

However, despite these measures, corruption persists. Cases highlight the misuse of GIFMIS, such as accountant at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital allegedly stole N249,984,847.62 via the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and GIFMIS.

"The director of finance (REA) Gambo Abdullahi allegedly embezzled N1.8 billion without documentation, bypassing the accounting officer and executive management.

" A health director reportedly pilfered funds using GIFMIS, leading to a 2022 court judgment by the Abuja Federal High Court.

Gbede noted that over N109 billion was allegedly stolen through GIFMIS in 2022.

"These instances raise critical questions about the system's integrity. How much more is being stolen? Has a system designed for accountability become a gateway to corruption?" he asked.

A Financial Analyst, Anti Corruption Advocate Wants Improvement On GIFMIS's to curb corruption in civil service.

A financial analyst, and anti-corruption advocates wants improvement even as he questioned the integrity of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

It said GIFMIS was designed to enhance the management, performance, and outcomes of public financial management (PFM).

Tertsea Manasseh Gbede, in a statement shared with journalists recently, said GIFMIS is a reform aimed at boosting efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, transparency, data security, and comprehensive financial reporting.

He stated that GIFMIS handles various financial aspects such as payments, receipt collections, accounting, and reporting.

According to him,the Key functionalities include:Implementing agencies use the Expenditure Advance Transfer (EAT) module, while the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) handles beneficiary payment.


"Income and custom tax payments are processed via the PRAKALP application, while the ARPIT portal manages indirect taxes.

"Monthly and annual reports are generated using Decision Support System (DSS) and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools.

"GIFMIS manages cash, releases just-in-time funds, and minimizes floats with Autonomous Bodies (ABs) through e-Kuber, integrated with PFMS.

However, despite these measures, corruption persists. Cases highlight the misuse of GIFMIS, such as accountant at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital allegedly stole N249,984,847.62 via the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and GIFMIS.

"The director of finance (REA) Gambo Abdullahi allegedly embezzled N1.8 billion without documentation, bypassing the accounting officer and executive management.

" A health director reportedly pilfered funds using GIFMIS, leading to a 2022 court judgment by the Abuja Federal High Court.

Gbede noted that over N109 billion was allegedly stolen through GIFMIS in 2022.

"These instances raise critical questions about the system's integrity. How much more is being stolen? Has a system designed for accountability become a gateway to corruption?" he asked.

*ECOWAS 65TH ORDINARY SUMMIT's RE-ELECTION OF PRESIDENT TINUBU TO CHAIR THE SUB-REGIONAL BODY IS A PLUS*

The proponent of the proposed National Commission for the Co-ordination and control of the proliferation against small arms, ammunitions and light weapons, NATCOM Dr. Baba Mohammed says the re-election of Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu as chairman of the ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government for the second consecutive tenure is a right step in the right direction.

Dr. Baba Mohammed in a statement issued in Abuja emphasized that the sixty-fifth session of the community held in Abuja saw Nigeria making new commitment to incentivize the fight against terrorism in the ECOWAS sub-region with its counter-terrorism centre.

Assenting to the NATCOM bill passed by the 9th assembly will no doubt assist the nation, the ECOWAS sub-region and indeed Africa in checking proliferation of small arms, ammunitions and light weapons.

This is largely because the NATCOM bill proposed by Dr Baba Mohammed is in line with ECOWAS convention 2006 and to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The statement
Congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians, member states of Ecowas and indeed the entire Africa.

*GMBNI---a beacon of hope for many*

The present day situation in Nigeria requires a deep sense of love, care and compassion for the less fortunate.

Grassroots mobilizers for better Nigeria, a non governmental organization popularly known as GMBNI is endeared to countless hearts and homes, providing succour in various fields of human endeavors.

Founded by Amb. Dr. Fatima Mohammed Goni, a pan Nigeria woman from Borno state aims to provide support for the less privileged in society living in the rural areas and most especially the Tsangaya/Out of School Children (Almajiri) in Northern Nigeria by providing them with access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities.

The initiative's gesture is also further enlarged to assist more less fortunate Nigerians regardless of socio-economic, tribal , ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The certified non governmental organization with operational license now has a wider scope as it took the bull by the horns to provide succour to the affected persons and communities as recently demonstrated in Jigawa state where it inaugurated a revived dilapidated school as well as eleven open wells to provide portable water for residents of hard reach rural communities.

While in Dutse, Jigawa state, Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni and her team were accompanied by the members of the Jigawa chapter of GMBNI on a courtesy visit to the Emir of Dutse, Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi where the royal father appreciated the philanthropic efforts of the GMBNI.

Worthy of note is the fact that the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria is a cultural and religious practice that has existed for centuries.

This system involves sending young boys to Islamic schools, where they receive religious education and training.

However, many of these children are neglected and deprived of basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

These children are left to fend for themselves, and they are often forced to beg on the streets to survive.

GMBNI was moved in this direction to enroll some of them in Nasarawa state into formal school.

The initiative took the responsibility of providing teachers, uniforms, books and bags to the school pupils.

With building of worship centres for both Muslims and Christian communities as a way of life to Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni, the gesture has also been extended to public burial grounds for both religions, keeping the places out of weeds and construction of drainages to prevent erosion.

Provision of succour to internally displaced persons in Borno State is another intervention where Befitting blocks of buildings with necessary essentials ranging from boreholes and solar energy are also provided to make life comfortable for them.

To achieve its mission, GMBNI is seeking funding and support from various donor organizations and good spirited individuals as the founder who has been shouldering the entire projects executed from her personal purse is poised to do more.