FALA: Expediting Africa’s Systemic Change Through Young Leaders

The Grand Finale of The Future Africa Leaders Awards 2023!

Mark your calendars! The 11th edition of The Future Africa Leaders Awards’ (FALA) highly anticipated grand finale is set to take place on December 31st, 2023, at the Loveworld Crusade Ground, Aseese, Nigeria.

The annual event recognizes and empowers young Africans between the ages of 16 and 23 who have fostered positive change and innovative advancement in their communities across the continent through multifaceted initiatives and projects.

The winner of the night, who embodies the highest standards of visionary leadership, will receive a prize of $25,000. Additionally, the top ten finalists announced will receive a grant of $10,000 each for their contributions.

Over the past decade, the Future Africa Leaders Foundation has played a pivotal role in identifying, honoring, empowering, and mentoring young Africans from all corners of the continent. These individuals voluntarily took on leadership roles in their local communities and have successfully spearheaded various grassroots initiatives to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges through innovative and indigenous solutions. Since its inception, over $1.35 million has been awarded to 110 youths from 28 African countries out of thousands of entries reviewed annually from all 54 countries.

On December 17th, this year’s top 30 nominees selected from various African countries, such as Somalia, Morocco, Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria, Republic Of The Congo, Burundi, Chad, South Sudan and more were announced during a nomination show. The contenders include exceptional individuals like Abdimalik Abdullahi Hussein, Bouchra El Mourabit, Derrick Absalom, Favour Bassey Effiom, Malkia Mutwoki, Silia Taider, Denise Ruth Loemba Won-Mi, Ezekiel Ubani Akuma, Grace Lamane Fatime, Emma Kwaje and many others. To watch the re-broadcast of the nomination show, visit http://www.futureafricaleadersfoundation.org.

Hosted by the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, the event emphasizes the Foundation’s steadfast commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders and expediting Africa’s systemic change by cultivating a spirit of innovation, responsibility, and service among young leaders.

In his striking opening address at the 2022 Future Awards Leaders Award ceremony, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, D.Sc, DSC, D.D, the distinguished founder and host of the event, emphasized the significance of Africa to the Foundation and asserted that Africa is not as it is often portrayed, but a place full of hope, strength, and courage.

He unequivocally stated, “Our work is global, but we are aware of the peculiar situation in African countries where leadership is much needed, and this initiative is our contribution to building leaders from their youths; it’s the reason for this Award. In the past few years, we have witnessed very inspiring feats achieved by our young people; we keep looking out for more across African countries, and quite frankly, there’s so much to see. When you get to review their work, you’d be amazed that most of it is unheard.”

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has chaired the ceremony multiple times, expressed his confidence in the potential of African youths to develop the continent just like any other in the world. He opined, “All we need is the identification of those who will do the leading; encourage, empower, mentor, and monitor them so that they can take us to the promised lane.”

The event has featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including world-renowned figures such as the first elected female head of state in Africa, Madame President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Roberta Gbowee, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Solomon Dalung, and many others.

The Award has produced several outstanding winners who have gone on to do great exploits and make significant contributions to society. Among these remarkable individuals are Ajide Sharon and Ekpoki Naomi from Nigeria, Salapei Lotan from Kenya, Sakala Rose from Malawi, Musodza Karen from South Africa, Isaiah Deng from South Sudan, and Babienne Heline Eweni, Wawa Gwei Michael, Nervis Nzomethiah, and Lebsey Petmia Lebaga from Cameroon. These individuals are a true testament to the Foundation’s impact, and their exceptional achievements have inspired many worldwide.

Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Roberta Gbowee took the opportunity to boldly charge the global audience at the program to recognize the promise that Africa holds within. She confidently stated, ” I encourage the young people to strive for what they want and look within, not outside!” In the same vein, Former President Goodluck Jonathan also expressed his unwavering belief in the critical role that “African youths are critical stakeholders in our quest for socio-economic transformation as a continent.”

Indeed, December 31st’s Eve will be a night to remember for visionary young leaders and patriotic Africans across the globe. Tune in to applaud and celebrate these stellar young leaders driving the continental systemic change, societal advancement, and responsible leadership Africa needs today!

Participate from anywhere in the world in your preferred language by logging on to http://www.futureafricaleadersfoundation.org or all Loveworld Networks. You can also watch the LIVE broadcast of the New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and the FALA grand finale on your local TV and radio stations.

RESCUE MOVEMENT FOR NEW NIGERIA CONDEMNS, MASSACRE OF OVER 160 PEOPLE IN PLATEAU

Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative aka Rescue Movement For New Nigeria, a registered NGO, has condemned the Christmas day genocide in Plateau State, where over 160 innocent Nigerians were brutally massacred in a coordinated attacks in more than 20 communities at the same time, by terrorists operating under the name bandits.

Describing the attack as the usual ethnic cleansing, the group lamented that Nigeria has become a mere jungle of wild animals where precious lives of innocent can be sniffed out in mass murder and it won’t appear as if something that terrible happened.

This was obtained in a statement issued on behalf of the group, by the National Director, Media and Publicity; Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba and made available to pressmen.

The clergy raised alarm with total dismay that, “our country, Nigeria has turned to a mere jungle of wild animals, where there is no iota of regard for human lives. Over 160 innocent Nigerians brutally massacred and it was like nothing happened! Yet only one person was murdered in America and the whole world including Nigerians raised alarm and it was #ICantBreath all over social media”.

Asking if we truly have a government and security apparatus in Nigeria. Because “it can’t just be explained how some wicked people will invade up to 20 communities with sophisticated guns and kill over 160 people without a single person been arrested, not even any record of being repelled by the security forces of the country.

“If there is no conspiracy from the power that be in the country, then the culprits should be smoked out and be made to face the full weight of the law. In a saner clime, heads would have been rolling by now, but in Nigeria it will be explained away and the government will only make a statement in some cases, waiting to make another statement when another massacre occur again. How long will things continue this way?” He concluded.

DIKKO RADDA AN ICON OF INNOVATION.

BY COMRADE MUSA MOHAMMED

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

The above contemporary definition of a true leader is not only apt but reflected in the sterling character and personality of the Executive Governor of Katsina state Dr. Dikko Umar Radda.

The man whose pragmatic and transformative leadership are glaringly visible in the number of giant leaps that Katsina has recorded under his visionary administration in the last 6 months in office.

Dikko Radda have been described as a thorough person who treated memos with speed required and gave adequate attention to such within the limit of available resources.

Undoubtedly, his footprints and innovative ideas are rapidly transforming the state.

Dikko Radda a focused leader and astute administrator with an unparalleled commitment to the development and greatness of Katsina state in spite of the daunting challenges.

He will remain the most humble governor in Nigeria.

He has made sacrifices and selfless efforts in ensuring that he bequeath a transformed state that will be globally visible and recognized for rapid Development.

Always working round the clock, thinking outside the box, using his influence and networks of well-meaning friends, politicians to attract accelerated development to Katsina state.

He is god fearing with a large heart which culminated into peace experienced.

He inherited a collapsing system and is gradually resuscitated it.

He understood the system administrative system excellently and that would brought successes.

The Governor’s achievements in various sectors of the economy is unprecedented.

“Governor Dikko Radda’s landmark achievements are awesome and intimidating. Is a clear testimony to his many achievements in the last 6 month’s in office”.

He deserves to be commended for restoring the lost glory in the state’s security sector, for running a transparent government as well as for the stable leadership Katsina is currently enjoying.

NNPP Chieftain Clears Air On Eniola Ojajuni Allegations, Refers To Him As A Clown And Unrepentant Terrible Liar.

Following the allegation of Prince Ojajuni Joseph Eniola, the former Ondo State governorship candidate under New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as he alleged that some people in NNPP “took away his N5 million”; Pastor Peter Olagookun Ayodele, the Ondo State Chairman for NNPP, has refuted the allegation, referring to Ojajuni as unrepentant liar who erroneously assume he is smarter than everyone, hence assuming he can always play on people’s intelligence with unbelievable lies.

Pastor Peter asserted that, ordinarily he wouldn’t have responded to “such a known clown who just thrives in deception” but since he erroneously assume “he can use lie against NNPP to shine, I will have to clarify this issue at this point in my capacity as the Ondo State Chairman of NNPP.

“To start with, no individual or group of persons in NNPP went anywhere with Ojajuni’s money, not even N5,000 not to talk of the bogus N5 million he claimed.

“To put the record straight, during the preparation for 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba (who was then the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of NNPP) actually brought Eniola Ojajuni to NNPP and pleaded with other National officers to support him and give him consideration to get the Ondo State gubernatorial ticket for the party.

“Funny enough, the Eniola Ojajuni who could not even raise ordinary 12% of the (N1 million) expression of interest form, let alone having anything to pat for the N6 million nomination form, he cannot even reduce his unbelievable lie, he is now claiming that some people in NNPP took away his N5 million. This is the most hilarious lie I have ever heard since that 2020. Where did Ojajuni get N5 million from that he will even claim that some people went away with his money? This is not only funny, but it also says more about his kind of person”.

The Ondo State NNPP Chairman thus explained that “it’s so funny to hear that a man who could not even afford to pay for gubernatorial nomination and expression of interest form, neither did he print even one paper poster for his gubernatorial election, is deceiving himself that they took his N5 million. Yet it was our former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, in person of Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba, that surety and stood for him to be given the expression of interest and nomination form on credit. Though the then acting National Chairman in person of Major Agbo, insisted that if Eniola Ojajuni must be given forms on credit, he (Ojajuni) should show commitment by paying at least the N1 million for the expression of interest form, then he would be given the main nomination form on credit. Yet he couldn’t still raise that. It was only N110,000 he could raise and even he couldn’t even raise it once. He had to pay the N110,000 in two instalments. Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba who was the person that brought him to NNPP still intervened and pleaded until the party had to give him both forms without he being able to pay additional money more than the N110,000 he earlier paid.

“When he was eventually allowed for the gubernatorial primary election, that he was to contest unopposed, he gave fake promises that he was to take care of the payment for the venue, refreshments for party delegates and transportation fare. But he failed to fulfill all the promises, putting the party primary in disarray.

“Our then South West Vice Chairman in person of Comrade Tunde Oke had to travel all the way from Abuja, lodged in hotel, handled all his personal expenses to ensure the gubernatorial primary supervised by INEC was successful.

“The gubernatorial primary election that was to hold at Jen’s Hotel, along Fiwasaye road in Akure, Ondo State couldn’t start because Ojajuni who promised to pay for the venue was nowhere to be found neither did he make any payment for the venue as at the time the primary was to start. It was one of our party leaders that had to make payment for a smaller hall that we eventually used for the gubernatorial primary election, yet Ojajuni was the only gubernatorial aspirant for the primary.

“Funny enough he was so shameless that after the small hall was paid for by another person he (Eniola Ojajuni) showed up and pleaded to be allowed to take part in the primary. Adding that the money he had would not be enough to take care of the delegates and still pay for the hall, promising to take proper care of the delegates after the primary election and provide their transport fare. He also pleaded that he was going to run a robust campaign that would make the party proud, adding that those who want to support him promised that once he gets the party gubernatorial ticket they will rally round him for the campaign. This happened to be another of the several lies of Ojajuni.

“Though sounding hilarious in view of his previous fake promises, but due to the plea of Rev Emmanuel who brought him, he (Ojajuni) was allowed for the primary, and the party still gave him the ticket. Though he (Rev Emmanuel) was in his office at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja during the primary, but he was constantly on phone intervening at every point and kept pleading on his behalf that he should still be given benefits of doubt despite his several fake promises that he couldn’t keep to any.

“Sincerely yours, nobody will ever believe that the same Eniola Ojajuni can be so ungrateful that he will ever lie on NNPP and even later insulted and lied on the same Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba, who is far way older than him and who went out of his way to ensure Eniola got his first ever gubernatorial ticket to ever contest an election. But that says volume of his kind of person. Because thorough breed Yoruba youths are known for their respect for elders and they are not ingrates.

Pastor Peter explained that even Eniola Ojajuni’s promise to take care of the delegates and pay their transport fare was another deception as it ended up another fake promise as usual. As immediately the primary election was concluded, Eniola quickly left the hall with his wife and baby that he came with, quickly took a public taxi and the taxi zoomed off and he switched off his phones so that nobody could reach him. Leaving the delegates stranded.

The cleric who is the Ondo State Chairman of NNPP stressed further that, “when we traced him (Eniola) to the hotel where he lodged, he had checked out and was told that he said he was returning to Lagos State. We had to contribute money among ourselves to provide refreshments for the delegates and to give transport fare to those who had no transport fare to return.

“Despite all that, we still allowed Peju Eniola Joseph Ojajuni to still go on as the flag bearer of the party under my leadership as the Ondo State Chairman of the New People’s Party (NNPP).

“Yet, all of what he said that some people were ready to support his campaign were lie and his usual manipulative deception as he couldn’t print even one physical poster to paste anywhere in the entire Ondo State. Apart from e-posters he designed and was circulating on his Facebook.

“The only serious publicity for Eniola’s election was the personal support from Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba who from his own personal account sponsored the news of his (Eniola’s) emergence as NNPP gubernatorial candidate on two major national newspapers and he (Rev Emmanuel) also got some bloggers to also carry the news and circulated it.

“In conclusion the claim by Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni (PEJU) that some people in NNPP went away with his so called N5 million when he contested as NNPP gubernatorial candidate is false, it is his usual deception and malicious against the party, and he might have to explain that before the court of law as time goes. Enough is enough for his lies on the party of which I am the state Chairman on Ondo State”, he concluded.

When Comrade Tunde Oke who was the NNPP South West Vice Chairman then was contacted, he said, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni is a known liar and a jester that anyone who knows cannot take seriously for anything. Where will he even get N5 million before he will even claim that they took from him? “That’s another usual lie. I don’t really have his time, I heard that he is now in Labour Party and looking for Labour Party gubernatorial ticket for 2024 Ondo State election, if any political party will give him (Eniola Ojajuni) gubernatorial ticket for this coming election that will be the worst mistake of such party. There are so many things to say, but sorry I don’t have time for the issues relating to such individual”, he concluded.

On his part, Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba simply said, “I am too busy to have Ojajuni Eniola’s time. He should continue with his jokes. If after bringing him to NNPP in 2020, when I was the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, that I went extra mile along with Comrade Tunde Oke to ensure he (Eniola) got NNPP Ondo State governorship ticket same year, despite that he had no money for it, that all he could raise was just N110k out of the N7 million for the tickets, and I gave him media coverage on two newspapers and used 16 bloggers to blow the news of his emergence then. Which the national newspapers and blogger were sponsored from my personal account, the same Eniola Ojajuni could turn back to lie on NNPP and some of the officials who gave him ticket.

“Is he contesting for the award of the worst liar? And in addition to his lie on the party, he (Eniola Ojajuni) could later insult me using vulgar languages like motor park boys (agbero), then it shows where he belongs. And his deeds will find him out, as it’s already on.

“In fact, the issue of how he played on the intelligence of some bloggers I engaged for him, when he claimed he was the national president of Afenifere National Youth Council (ANYC) might soon be visited by those bloggers, because I will no longer appeal to them to give him time to make amends, as it’s obvious that he erroneously assume he can play on the intelligence of anyone or any group of persons and go with it, assuming that to be smartness”, he concluded.

Ex-minister, Buhari’s Top Aide, 14 Others Implicated In N26.6 Trillion Fraud

A former minister in the outgone Muhammadu Buhari administration and erstwhile Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele are to face trial over the scandal that rocked the apex bank in the last one year, it was learnt.

After a five-month probe, the minister, Emefiele and 14 others who have been implicated in over N26.6 trillion fraud, have been recommended for trial, The Nation reports.

Those implicated include former and serving top officials of the apex bank.

No fewer than 16 former government and CBN officials were alleged to have indulged in fraudulent use of ‘Ways and Means,’ which stood at N26.627 trillion.

Also, a former influential aide of former President Muhammadu Buhari may be arraigned with Emefiele.

In September 2022, the aide had allegedly told Emefiele to proceed with the naira redesign.

The printing of the new notes cost N61.5 billion out of which N31.79 billion has been paid.

There were indications that the aide also sold a “dummy” to the former president.

Preliminary investigations into the activities of the CBN and related entities revealed many infractions, including the violation of the apex bank’s Act, alleged looting, diversion of funds and sidelining of the Board of Directors.

Other allegations were lack of presidential approval, extra budgetary spending, forgery, concealment, stealing, conspiracy and fraud.

Some documents based on the report by the Office of Special Investigator, gave insights into how the rot in the CBN was perpetrated.

The Special Investigator on CBN and Related Entities, Mr. Jim Obazee, was appointed in July, 2023.

He submitted an Interim Report on December 9, 2023.

It was learnt that the final report was submitted to the President on the December 20.

The investigations exposed what a source described as a “monumental scandal”

Some documents contain some highlights of the first phase of the probe of accounts and operations of the CBN.

It was discovered that Emefiele invested public money (billions of dollars) in 593 accounts in the United States, China and the United Kingdom without authorisation.

In the UK alone, Emefiele kept £543,482, 213 in fixed deposits without authorisation by the CBN Board and the Investment Committee.

Also, about N1.7 trillion spent on COVID 19 intervention management did not get to the right beneficiaries.

Ways and Means

A major breakthrough in the probe of the CBN was the manipulation of “Ways and Means” by Emefiele and his team.

Investigations showed that the former CBN governor and those who worked with him could not produce evidence of “Ways and Means,” which now stands at N26.627trillion.

It was found out that there were instances of arbitrariness where there was no presidential approval, but billions of Naira were taken out from the nation’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) account.

Some of the findings were as follows: “The CBN officers and even the then Acting CBN Governor could not produce the presidential approval of most of the expenses described as “Ways and Means”.

“When confronted to provide the breakdown of the supposed N22,719,703,774,306.90 that was presented to the 9th National Assembly to illegally securitise as “Ways and Means” financing, they were only able to partially explain a total of N9,063,286,720,318.92 or N9,258,040,720,318.92 (depending on which official you are considering his submission) and an unreasonable attribution of non-negotiated/unadvised interest element of N6,678,874,321,541.97. This shows the point where the officers of the immediate past administration as well the erstwhile CBN governor and others connived, defrauded and stole from the common wealth of the country with the aid of civil servants.

“The true position of the “Ways and Means” as documented from the reconciliation between the CBN and the Ministry of Finance at the time is N4, 449, 149, 411. 584.54. This may have been the main reason the past administration hurriedly sought that the advances of N22,719,703,774,306.90 be securitised by the 9th National Assembly on the 19th December 2022; which they also hurriedly did despite the fact that it contravenes Section 38 of the CBN Act, 2007.”

“The probe showed that the CBN Governor on the 19th December 2022 “ signed an advice to the former President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure “Ways and Means” of N23,719,703,774,306.90, despite presenting a different figure to the National Assembly on the same date.

“The fact that the balance of the “Ways and Means” was documented as N26.63 trillion as at June 8, 2023 by the erstwhile CBN Governor shows an unrepentant attitude of the management of the CBN because they continued to carry the “Temporary Advances to the Federal Government” as a running current account, despite the obvious contravention of Section 38 of the CBN Act, 2007, which they swore to uphold,” the document said.

Naira redesign

Obazee, who worked with different teams of crack detectives, also uncovered the intrigues behind the naira redesign, which almost led to the collapse of the nation’s economy.

The outcome of the investigation confirmed that an ex-presidential aide gave the directive to Emefiele.

Section 19(1) of the CBN Act requires that “Naira notes and coins shall be of such forms and designs and bear such devises as shall be approved by the President on the recommendation of the Board of the CBN.”

It was unclear the circumstances under which the former presidential aide allegedly gave instructions to Emefiele.

A document said: “The Naira Redesign was not approved by the Board of CBN and President Muhammadu Buhari in accordance with the law. Buhari only tagged along. Sometimes in September 2022, the erstwhile Governor of the CBN claimed that during his visit to the Presidential Villa, one of the presidential aides told him to go and consider redesigning the Naira.

“On 6th of October, 2022, Emefiele wrote Buhari seeking approval to redesign and reconfigure N1,000, N500, N200 and N100 notes. Buhari approved the proposal same day. But Buhari approved the currency be printed in Nigeria.

“On that 6th October 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved Emefiele’s request and directed that he should redesign and reconfigure the four denominations of the Naira notes as prayed, but should print them locally.

“Emefiele did not consult with the management of the CBN or seek any recommendation from the Board of the CBN as required by Section 19 of the CBN Act, 2007.

“Emefiele did not seek the recommendation of the Board of the CBN nor revert to former President Muhammadu Buhari to inform him nor seek his presidential approval for the new redesigns and the fact that he is now recommending only three denominations

“Emefiele took the redesigns, a mere change of colour to De La Rue in UK for a fee of £205,000. Only N1, 000, N500 and N200 were redesigned.

“As at August 9, 2023, N769 billion of the new notes were in circulation. The printing cost was N61.5 billion, out of which N31.79 billion has been paid.

In a separate document, the probe confirmed the investment of billions of dollars in 593 foreign accounts in the United States, China and the United Kingdom without approval from the board or the President.

“The former governor of the CBN invested Nigeria’s money without authorisation in 593 foreign accounts in the United States, China and the United Kingdom while he was in charge.

“All the accounts where the billions were lodged have all been traced by the investigator, In the UK alone, Emefiele kept £543,482, 213 in fixed deposits without authorization by the CBN board and the Investment Committee of the bank,” the document added.

COVID-19 intervention funds

Another scandal which was unearthed was the inability to trace about N1.62 trillion COVID-19 intervention funds.

It was discovered that “the N1,622,119,412,095.16 was surreptitiously transferred to the following individuals and organizations: Police Trust Fund(N29,750,000,000.00); Companies and individuals (N22,680, 275, 135.45); borrowed for salaries (N720, 682,827,000.00); Donations to public (N40,000,000,000.00); Office of Accountant-General of the Federation (N196, 190,789,994.72); MDAs (N303,514, 294,725.21); and others (N293,986, 243,831.39).

Diversion of N17b by DMB

On the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the former CBN Governor was accused of unlawful manipulation of the approval of the President.

Investigation indicated that 14 Deposit Money Banks (DMB) were involved in what is termed “criminal diversion of N17, 232,349, 193.55.

But the list of the 14 banks was still kept under wraps as at press time.

A source said: “We have the list which includes some rated banks. But at the appropriate time, Nigerians will know them.”

Two of the banks are to refund over N3 billion each.

The least amount to be refunded is N8, 902, 081 by a reputable bank.

Also a web management firm is to refund N4.8 billion, being the sum said to have been illegally diverted from NESI Stabilisation Strategy Limited.

Explaining what Emefiele did, the synopsis of the investigation on NESI was as follows: “The Presidential Approval granted by the then President Goodluck Jonathan was rightly stated by him that NESI should be a Company Limited by Guarantee, but the Committee of Governors misled the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria by inter-alia:

“Relying on a non-existent advice by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, to incorporate a Company Limited by Shares for which the Allotted Share Capital exceeded the Authorized Share Capital (See 380% Meeting of the Committee of Governors held in January 2015); and “Allotting unauthorised share capital without lawful approval by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Investigation also spotted illegal Issuance of Debentures by NESI Stabilisation Strategy Limited.

“There was misrepresentation of Presidential Approval (NESI Stabilisation Strategy Limited). NESI, as approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan, was supposed to be an SPV limited by Guarantee, but Emefiele, relying on a non-existent advice, made it a company limited by shares.

“By law, an SPV cannot issue Debentures, as it is precluded from forming a Debenture Trust. Worse still, a virgin entity without any operational track record cannot issue Debentures as it has no trading or earnings history to justify the requirements of the Debenture issue.

“Despite these, the Committee of Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria on the date of its Meeting of 21st January 2015, caused a violation of Section 31 of the CBN Act, 2007 by authorising the issuance of Debentures by NESI Stabilization Strategy Limited to which the initial sum of N64,861,954,000.00 (Sixty Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty One Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand Only), was diverted from Public Funds under the guise of Debenture issuance. This practice has grown to N952,414,745,000 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Two Billion, Four Hundred and Fourteen Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Five Thousand Naira Only) by the Financial Year end 2021”, the document added.

“N1.325billion was stolen pre-incorporation and the money was funneled to four companies, including a legal firm which got N300 million.”

The note on the allegations against some banks read: “A total of 14 DMBs engaged in the manipulation by unlawfully arranging and collecting 1.9535 percent of the total disbursements paid to the DMBs participating in the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation facility.

“The fees are paid to the banks in the ratio of their contributions to the NEMSF disbursement, according to External Auditor’s Notes to the Financial] Statement of NESI Stabilisation Strategy Limited.”

Also, a firm linked with some CBN officials was paid N4, 897,789,000 allegedly “illegally diverted from NESI Stabilisation Strategy Limited.”

Source: The Nation

2023 Elections: Nigeria Disapora Communities Review Procedures, Agree with Supreme Court Verdicts

.Call for Improved Electoral Process

After a review of the conduct of 2023 general elections, Nigerian Diaspora Communities in Europe and America resolved to commend the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu for conducting relatively fair and credible elections.

The Disapora communities ,which abinitio disagreed over the outcome of results of the general elections, met in Washington recently to review the elections ,which some had declared as “Fraudulent and unacceptable.”

But after the recent Washington meeting , the members of Diaspora communities agreed that the 2023 general elections was though controversial , it was far better than previous elections held in the country by INEC.

Briefing journalists shortly after the review meeting held in Washington ,United States, the National Coordinator of Nigerian Diaspora in Europe and America,Mr Collins Abraham Douglas, said the aim of meeting was basically to assess conduct of the 2023 elections under leadership of Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and take necessary action .

According to him , part of actions intended to take was to push for sanctions and embark on worldwide campaign against Prof. Yakubu, who it believed rigged the elections in favour of ruling party All Progressives Congress.

He however said,the perception changed after some members;observations and stakeholders who spoke during the meeting cleared the air over misconception and erroneous impressions about the result announced in favour of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) .

He said , it natural for its members to disagree over the outcome because of the controversy surrounding the outcome of the Presidential elections, especially the failure to transmit results electronically as promised by INEC earlier .

But after the verdicts of the Election Tribunal and Supreme Court, and reports of International Observers , it unanimously agreed to score the elections as fair, but with a reservation that INEC must be more transparent with result announcement procedures. Noting, ” If results were transmitted electronically, the outcome would have been more transparent and acceptable”.

He further said, ” The fact that opposition parties won some key state like Lagos , Kano, Plateau, Kaduna and other states during the presidential elections was enough to measure levels of fairness.

He also said members later agreed with the outcome when the Supreme Court affirmed the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC as the valid winners of the general elections.

“The Supreme Court has already affirmed the Presidential election was credible and Tinubu deserved the victory”

He therefore advised INEC to ensure that its system works better during the next bye-elections and elections in the country .

“There Will Be A Dawning Of A New Day For Nigeria!” -Fadojoe Remarks In His Merry Christmas Message.

Comrade Faduri Oluwadare Joseph aka Fadojoe, the leader of Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative aka Rescue Movement For New Nigeria and a former presidential aspirant under Labour Party, has said no matter the thickness of the night there will be the dawning of a new day for Nigeria and the country will take her place of pride again among the Comity of Nations.

This is contained in his Christmas good wishes message to Nigerians made available to pressmen. While wishing Nigerian a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance, the activist noted that as the year is ending, there is need for reminiscence on the political situation in the year 2023 in our dear country, Nigeria. Stressing that “the year, 2023 started with a ray of hope as in February Nigerians were enthusiastic in electing new leaders that they hope will bring positive change to the nation and lift Nigeria gradually out of the gulf of political and social-economy downturn the nation has been plugged into over the years, but unfortunately as the new administration took over power, the country is nosediving deeper as economy is crashing more, naira on free fall cost of everything on the rise, yet our political leaders are still spending lavishly and borrowing to finance their extravagant cost of governance.

“However, no matter the situation we still have reasons to give thanks to God, if not for anything at least for life: that you and I, are still in the land of the living. And certainly there is always light at the end of the tunnel and there is no thickness of the night that can prevent the dawning of a new day. So let us be hopeful that Nigeria will rise again and take her place among the Comity of Nations.

“Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year in advance from all of us at Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative aka Rescue Movement For New Nigeria”, he concluded.

Again, Zulum Provides Free Christmas Transportation to South

For the fourth time since 2020, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum
of Borno State Government, on Thursday, approved free transportation for 630 families who intend to travel to their various states for the Christmas celebration as a way of cushioning the effect of the current hardship faced by citizens as a result of the subsidy removal.

The move was to support the less privileged who could not have afforded fares and foster peaceful coexistence among non-indigene groups.

Mr Emmanuel Egwudike, the Coordinator of Ohanaeze All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Group, at the flag off said the Governor also provided money to widows for Christmas celebration.

He commended the Governor for providing free transport for the less privileged, who wouldn’t have travelled without the support.

He noted that it was not the first time that Governor Zulum had been magnanimous as he regularly supported non-indigenes and gave palliatives to widows to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

“He has been doing this since 2020. Every Christmas, he makes sure that every non-indigene, especially the most vulnerable, can travel. Due to hardship and economic situations, as well as subsidy removal and an increase in transportation, a lot of families wouldn’t be able to get themselves to celebrate Christmas in their state without this gesture from Zulum’s administration.

“You can see the number of people that are here at the park and the joy in the faces of the people, which is the mood of happiness.

“From the record we have, over 630 families will be going to their various homes to celebrate this Christmas and this is something that is quite appreciated by all non-indigenes in the State,” he said.

He, therefore, urged other governors to emulate Zulum to further boost the unity in their respective states.

“This is what is expected from every governor because, when we talk about unity, it is beyond lip service. This is an avenue to cement the purpose of the people and this will strengthen the unity in the State,” he said.

President of the Tiv Community in the State, Mr Abraham Kaanti, said the Governor had exhibited his love for the downtrodden and the less privileged by this gesture.

He added that the Governor’s gesture came when many had lost hope of travelling home for the festivities.

Also speaking for the Yoruba Constituency in the State, who are among the beneficiaries, Chief Saka Ganiyu Abiodun expressed gratitude to Zulum for the gesture, saying that the Governor is known for his attitude of not wanting to see people suffer.

He said the selection of the beneficiaries was done on the vulnerability of each of them, especially those who wished to go home but could not afford the cost of taking themselves home.

In a similar vein, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Borno State, Pharm Napoleon Egbonu, who said he was sent by the Igbo Community to supervise what is happening and appreciates the Governor, said the gesture is directly touching the downtrodden.

“It is a tro and fro programme. It has been going on for the past five years and the people are really happy with the Governor,” Egbonu said.

For the leader of the Eggon Community in Borno and a native of Nasarawa State, who said he has lived in the state for over 40 years, working for the Nigeria Railway Corporation, the Governor’s gesture is timely considering the economic hardship bedevilling the people presently.

CSOs Dismiss Allegations of Religious Discrimination, Fraud Against Gov. Zulum

Northern based Coalition of Civil Society Organisations have dismissed allegations of religious discrimination and fraud against Borno State Governor, Alhaji Babagana Umara Zulum.

Recalled that the Center for Justice on Religious And Ethnicity in Nigeria (CJREN) had accused Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State of deliberately excluding Christians in the state from the Federal Government palliatives and assistance brought to the state including the N3billion given by President Bola Tinubu to help those whose family members were killed by Boko Haram insurgents and other terrorists in the state.

Reacting to what it termed, “concocted false and misleading” allegations levelled against the Governor ,the CSOs in a statement jointly signed by Chairman and Secretary,Comrade Musa Abdullahi Danbatta and Comrade Yusuf Ibrahim Kudan said it quite unfortunate that the CJREN is promoting acrimony and religious division in a state already devastated by insurgency .

The statement further reads: “We are deeply worried about the tension being stirred up by the religious group , especially about a dispassionate Governor, widely known across the country for his hard working disposition and commitment to tackle prolonged menace of Boko Haram Insurgency in the State .

“We have keenly studied the Press Release Shared by The CJREN Director-General, Reverend Kallamu Dikwa and concluded , it was more of a mischief than conflict resolution.

“At this critical period , we expect Leaders , whether religious, political or traditional to always talk more issues that promote and unite people than those that create cracks and division.

“It is in the public domain that Governor Zulum has carve a niche for himself a leader with passion for progress and development of Borno State regardless of any bias .

“We can authoritatively defend Zulum as an individual who demonstrated high sense fairness ,justice and equity with distribution or state resources since he assumed office as Governor of the State.

” We recalled that The governor during his inaugural speech did promise to promote unity and work with all stakeholders for the development of the state and he has been visibly doing exactly that. “

On the allegation of fraud , the forum acknowledged how the Governor has managed state funds judiciously and manner of equitable distribution of palliatives and assistance to victims of Boko Haram Insurgency and disaster over the years .

His Policy formulation and initiatives have always being targeted towards financial viability of Borno State in revenue generation and expenditure

The Forum however , urged the citizens of Borno and Nigerians to disregard the malicious release by CJREN and support the Governor to continue to provide good governance and dividends of democracy.

Forum Concludes Arrangements to Hold Workshop on Solutions to affordable , accessible health system in Nigeria

In a bid to find a sustainable solution  to funding problems within the healthcare system in the country , Group  under aegis of Assessible and Affordable Healthcare  (AHF) has concluded arrangements to organize a Workshop to discuss Nigeria’s health problems and affordability. 

According to the forum, the  workshop holding in Kaduna on Saturday will focus  on  Northern Nigeria and the peculiar health challenges and solutions. 

In a statement signed by the Secretary  of the Forum for Assessible and Affordable Healthcare, Dr. Muhammad  Umar ,the programme with the theme: “Exploring the Affordable and assessable aspects of the Health sector Renewal and investment initiatives and compact” will direct conversations on how the poor can benefit from health reforms policies. 

It will equally discuss How society’s cultural and religious norms can fit into the health care system . 

In the statement the forum further said the discussants will dwell much about   public and private health issues facing the country,  especially northern region. 

The forum has invited resource persons across  the world with vast solutions experience in providing  solutions to challenges facing healthcare delivery system. 

Participants  and drawn from the  healthcare facilities across Nigeria and other Stakeholders within health sectors are expected to attend.