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By Zaidu Zaidu

Purposeful leadership has long been the missing link in Northern Nigeria’s development journey. Despite its vast human and mineral resources, the region is often seen as a drawback in the country’s quest for sustainable progress. Simply put, many perceive Northern Nigeria as a burden, a region with little to offer. This perception might have been different if the region had continued to produce visionary leaders in the mould of the Sardauna and other great northern statesmen, who not only led with purpose but also united the people across all divides.

Today, however, a new wave of leadership is beginning to challenge this narrative. Senator Uba Sani stands out among a handful of emerging leaders who are redefining what it means to govern with vision, empathy, and results. Calm, calculative, and unassuming, the former Senator representing Kaduna Central has hardly put a foot wrong since he emerged as Governor of Kaduna State. He started by putting the people first and breaking free from the human factors that so often impede growth and development. This did not come easily, but who else would take such bold steps if not Uba Sani? If he could stand up to military juntas in the past, why would he now fear diminutive men in flowing agbadas?

Governor Uba Sani’s leadership style gives life to John C. Maxwell’s saying that “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Since assuming office, he has wasted no time translating his vision into action, and he is doing so without media frenzy or fanfare. Unlike his predecessor, who employed the tactic of divide and rule, Governor Uba Sani has been able to harmonise both the northern and southern parts of Kaduna State.

Before he came on board, Kaduna was a hotbed for bandits and terrorists, a place where, to borrow the words of Thomas Hobbes, life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” But through dialogue and a non-kinetic approach, he has helped restore a measure of peace, especially in troubled axes like Birnin Gwari. While pockets of attacks still occur, the frequency has reduced significantly, showing that security is not only about force, but also about trust and community engagement.

In terms of infrastructure, Governor Uba Sani has made meaningful strides despite inheriting a huge debt running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Roads like the Kachia-Kafanchan link and rural feeder roads in Giwa and Soba have been rehabilitated, reconnecting communities and boosting local economies in ways that touch people’s daily lives.

When the time came to organise the North West Stakeholders Forum, many doubted it could hold without descending into chaos, especially considering how the North East Stakeholders Forum had gone. But Governor Uba Sani proved the doubters wrong by spearheading one of the most seamless and productive forums in recent times. His success mirrors the Igbo proverb that “When an elder is in the house, the she-goat does not suffer parturition on its tether.” Though Governor Uba Sani is still young, he has succeeded where some elders have failed.

When predictions of chaos at the North West Stakeholders Forum did not come to pass, critics shifted their doubts to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to commission landmark projects like the rebuilt Sabon Gari Market. They said the President could not visit Kaduna without crisis, especially considering this is the state where his strongest and bitterest critic governed for eight years. Yet again, Uba Sani silenced them. Talk of a leader who knows his onions.

In the area of appointments, Governor Uba Sani has shown that he understands the time-tested Nigerian cliché that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. His cabinet includes young, qualified professionals alongside experienced hands, with clear attention to gender balance.

In all this, one thing stands out: Governor Uba Sani’s quiet revolution in Kaduna is not just transforming a state, it is rewriting the story of Northern Nigeria. By proving that with vision, courage, and sincerity, purposeful governance is indeed possible, he reminds us that the North still has leaders who know the way, go the way, and show the way.

It is now up to the people to demand and support such leadership elsewhere, for only then can the North truly rediscover the greatness it once gave Nigeria and Africa.

Zaidu Zaidu is a public affairs analyst. He can be reached via: Zaiduzaidu@gmail.com

By Mike Odeh James

As the nation grapples with rising concerns over drug abuse, cultism, and illegal oil bunkering, two youth leaders from Delta State have made a passionate appeal to young people across the region to reject these destructive vices. The call comes on the heels of a widely publicized drug-related arrest recently confirmed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following earlier reports by youth advocates and journalists.

Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, the National Political Adviser of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN), and Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Delta State Chairman of UYAN, are urging youths in the Niger Delta to “choose the path of dignity, purpose, and productivity” instead of being lured into criminal networks or illicit trades that not only endanger their futures but undermine the development of the entire region.

Speaking during a press briefing in Warri, the duo emphasized that recent events have shown how deep-rooted criminality and impunity can be challenged through responsible activism and fearless reporting — but more importantly, through mass reorientation of the youth population.

“We’ve just come out of a trying period where our credibility was attacked for exposing a drug-related case involving a high-profile family,” said Comrade Okpuzor. “Now that the NDLEA has confirmed that our report was true, we’re using this momentum to refocus the conversation on prevention and youth empowerment. It’s not enough to just expose wrongdoing — we must also build systems and values that steer young people away from these paths.”

Comrade Fajoye echoed this sentiment, warning that drug trafficking, cultism, and oil bunkering are not just criminal offenses but “cancers that continue to eat away at the soul of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.”

“These vices offer quick rewards but leave behind a trail of destruction,” he said. “The arrest of a prominent figure’s relative should serve as a wake-up call — that no one is untouchable and that the law will catch up with those involved in such acts. But more importantly, it should prompt our young brothers and sisters to ask: Is it worth it?”

A Call for Government Partnership

Beyond the warnings and condemnation, both leaders are calling on the Delta State Government to actively partner with youth-focused organizations such as UYAN to develop comprehensive training programs aimed at equipping young people with skills for self-employment.

They stressed that many of the youths drawn into criminal activities are not inherently bad but are victims of systemic neglect, unemployment, and lack of opportunity.

“We need to move from condemnation to creation,” said Comrade Fajoye. “Our youths are talented, energetic, and full of ideas. What they lack is the platform and support to turn those ideas into sustainable livelihoods.”

The leaders proposed collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and the private sector to fund skill acquisition centers, create entrepreneurship hubs, and support agricultural and technology-based ventures that can absorb the growing number of jobless youths in the state.

“Let’s invest in people instead of just infrastructure. Let’s build future leaders, not future convicts,” Comrade Okpuzor added.

Rehabilitating Hope, Restoring Accountability

UYAN has already started rolling out community engagement programs in parts of Delta State to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and criminal involvement. Through town hall meetings, school sensitization campaigns, and media outreach, the group is working to rewrite the narrative that the only way to success is through shortcuts and illegality.

The group is also advocating for stronger collaborations between law enforcement and community leaders to tackle cultism and organized drug rings operating in urban and riverine areas.

“We must move away from reactive policing to proactive prevention,” Fajoye emphasized. “When communities feel ownership of the anti-drug campaign, the results are far more lasting.”

Youth Inclusion, Not Youth Abandonment

The duo concluded by reminding the public that youth involvement in nation-building must go beyond rhetoric. They called on policymakers to stop using young people as “political thugs during elections and statistics afterward.”

“Delta’s youths deserve better,” said Okpuzor. “They need to be part of the planning table, not just the receiving end of empty promises. If we don’t engage them positively, someone else — usually a criminal network — will.”

In a final message to the state’s youth, both leaders encouraged their peers to resist peer pressure, stay focused, and reach out for support whenever necessary.

“There is no shame in seeking help,” said Comrade Fajoye. “But there is great danger in silence and inaction. We are here, and we will walk with any young person who wants to change.”

As the region recovers from the shock of recent arrests and looks ahead to 2027 and beyond, these voices of conscience are becoming increasingly vital in building a society where youth are not pawns in a broken system — but pioneers of a brighter future.

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Contact
For support or to participate in UYAN initiatives, youth and civil society stakeholders can reach out through the official channels of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN) Delta State Chapter.

A prominent women’s advocacy group in Kaduna Central Senatorial District has sharply criticized Senator Lawal Adamu for what it described as two years of non-performance, lack of constituency engagement, and failure to provide empowerment programs, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

In a statement issued to journalists today, the Women Forum for Unity and Development of Kaduna Central expressed disappointment over the senator’s alleged silence on the Senate floor and his inability to attract any meaningful development to the district since assuming office in 2023.

“It is over two years now since we elected Senator Lawal Adamu, and we have never heard his voice on the floor of the Senate,” said Hajiya Amina Suleiman, the group’s leader. “We have not seen any serious empowerment programme aimed at cushioning the effect of the current economic situation.”

The group lamented that while lawmakers in other parts of Kaduna and across the country have implemented various initiatives—such as distribution of tricycles (Keke Napep), grinding machines, motorcycles, and grants for small-scale businesses—Kaduna Central has seen no such dividends of democracy under Adamu’s leadership.

“We see other senators initiating scholarship schemes, distributing farm implements, and launching skill acquisition centers. Sadly, our representative has failed to do any of this,” Suleiman added.

The forum also criticized Adamu’s frequent absence from the senatorial district and his reported prolonged stays abroad. “He is always in Saudi Arabia instead of sitting in the Senate to raise issues concerning the progress and development of our constituency,” the statement read.

Most strikingly, the group condemned the senator’s failure to visit any of the seven local government areas within the district, stating that he appears more interested in aligning himself with the Senate leadership than in addressing the pressing needs of his constituents.

“We didn’t elect him to serve as an aide to Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the group emphasized. “Our recent review meeting at Arewa House concluded that Senator Lawal Adamu is the worst-performing representative Kaduna Central has ever had.”

Citing the ongoing economic hardship worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy, the women’s group warned that their patience is wearing out.

By Mike Odeh James

In a society where truth is often obscured by power and fear, genuine activism and fearless journalism remain the last strongholds of accountability. Recently, I, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, in collaboration with Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Delta State Chairman of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN), released a hard-hitting report that reverberated across the country — especially in the Niger Delta. Our report exposed that the brother of a high-ranking individual, Chief Ayiri Emami, had been apprehended in connection with illegal drugs.

The fallout was immediate and intense.

From accusations of political mischief to claims of defamation, our work was met with suspicion and hostility. Many dismissed the findings as fabricated or driven by ulterior motives. Personally, I endured a barrage of insults, many hurled in private messages by those unwilling to believe or too quick to attack. Nevertheless, amid the storm of criticism, we stood our ground — guided by the principle that truth, though often resisted, always comes to light.

That light has now come.

In a decisive update, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially confirmed the arrest and detailed the situation surrounding the case. This confirmation not only strengthens the credibility of our initial reporting, but it also sends a clear message: Activism and journalism, when grounded in integrity, are vital forces for justice and societal reform.

This moment is not simply a personal vindication for myself or Comrade Fajoye. It is a triumph for youth advocacy, civic accountability, and the critical role of investigative journalism in a democratic society. It is a statement that speaking uncomfortable truths — even at great personal cost — is never wasted effort.

Despite attempts to silence our voices — including social media takedowns and online harassment — we remained resolute. We knew the story was not just about narcotics or criminal allegations. It was a deeper struggle over who controls the narrative, and whether ordinary citizens still have the power to challenge the influential without being crushed.

To those who doubted our intentions: healthy skepticism is essential in a democracy. But this episode should be a reminder that facts, when supported by evidence, will eventually pierce through propaganda and denial. Truth may take time, but it is never powerless.

Let this development also serve as a rallying cry to every journalist, youth leader, activist, and civil society organization: stay the course. Ask the hard questions. Dig deeper. Stand firm even when the ground beneath you shakes — because the stories that rattle the powerful are usually the ones that matter most.

Ultimately, this case isn’t just about a confirmed arrest. It is about bravery in the face of backlash, about standing firm when your credibility is questioned, and about protecting the future of a nation whose youth are increasingly vulnerable to the failings of leadership, justice, and governance.

Let us not forget that silence benefits only the oppressor. But a collective voice — driven by truth and united by purpose — can tear down even the most fortified walls of deceit.

The Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), a rebranded political movement formerly known as the Labour Party Patriotic Members Congress, has pledged its full support for a national coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

In a statement issued by Luka Ikechukwu of Pointsman Projects Media, a good governance advocacy group, the LPPMC described the coalition as a convergence of “well-meaning and public-spirited Nigerians” determined to rescue Nigeria from what it termed the “failures of poor governance under the APC.”

Highlighting its active role in galvanising support for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the LPPMC said it was redirecting its grassroots energy toward broader national reform.

“Our Congress is ready, willing, able, and committed to deploy its structures across all six geopolitical zones, the 36 states, the FCT, and the 774 local government areas in support of the coalition and in pursuit of responsible and responsive governance,” the statement declared.

The Congress further pledged to leverage its “monstrous followership” and material resources to defend democracy and promote leadership that is genuinely accountable to the Nigerian people.

According to the group, its participation in the coalition was not about political convenience, but about principle.

“This must be different from the current order where leaders have failed in accountability,” the group noted. “We shall mobilise our structures to support the genuine effort of progressives to rescue the nation.”

The National Coordinator of the Congress, Kingsley Okundaye, reiterated the LPPMC’s unwavering commitment to democratic values and nation-building, stating that Nigeria is in dire need of a new political culture.

“Our dear nation, and all those in leadership, whether in government or the opposition must embrace the progressive and patriotic ideals that define LPPMC as a credible vehicle for national rebirth,” he said.

Okundaye also expressed optimism that the coalition’s efforts would result in a “new dawn” for Nigeria, stressing that any alliance must be “people-centered and policy-driven.”

By Mike Odeh James

Leaders of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN) have called on Nigerian authorities to fully disclose the details surrounding the recent seizure of illicit drugs reportedly worth billions of Naira. The drugs were allegedly linked to the younger brother of Chief Ayiri Emami, a prominent Niger Delta businessman and political figure.

In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Tuesday, the National Political Adviser of UYAN, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, and the Delta State Chairperson of the organisation, Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, expressed deep concern over what they described as an apparent attempt to shroud the case in secrecy.

“We are alarmed and outraged by the disturbing revelations that the younger brother of a well-known figure in the Niger Delta, Chief Ayiri Emami, was apprehended by security operatives in connection with a massive drug seizure,” Comrade Chuba stated. “Even more troubling are reports suggesting that Chief Ayiri or his proxies attempted to bribe security personnel to suppress this investigation.”

The case has sparked outrage across social and political circles in Delta State and beyond, not only for its scale but for what appears to be an effort to downplay the matter, possibly due to the high-profile individuals involved. Security operatives are said to have rejected bribe offers, showing rare integrity that UYAN commended.

“This is a moment where transparency must take precedence over status or connections,” said Comrade Gbenga Fajoye. “The Nigerian youth are the primary victims of this kind of criminality. They are often trapped in cycles of addiction, poverty, and criminal exploitation because of the unchecked activities of drug barons.”

Fajoye added that the issue extends far beyond a single incident, noting that hard drugs have become the silent drivers of widespread insecurity across the country. “We are already battling ritual killings, cybercrime, kidnapping, terrorism, and violent cultism among our youth. Hard drugs are a common factor in most of these vices,” he said.

The youth leaders urged security agencies to release the full details of their investigation to the public and avoid treating the suspect as a “sacred calf” protected by elite interests.

“This is not the time for silence or secrecy. Nigerians deserve to know the facts. The authorities must either confirm or dispel the reports regarding the attempt to bribe officers and the involvement of such a powerful individual’s family in a drug cartel,” Chuba stressed.

He warned that any failure to act decisively could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s justice system, which many already view as compromised by selective enforcement and double standards.

“When drug barons are shielded because of their social standing or political connections, it sends a dangerous message to the rest of society—that the law is only meant for the poor and powerless,” he said. “We cannot continue to run a society where the rich commit crimes with impunity while young people are jailed or even killed for petty offenses.”

The UYAN leaders linked the prevalence of hard drugs to the alarming spike in insecurity across Nigeria, arguing that substance abuse has become a gateway to other major crimes.

“There is a clear connection between the abuse of hard drugs and the rise in violent crimes such as terrorism, banditry, and ritual killings,” Comrade Fajoye emphasized. “Drug-fueled violence is consuming entire communities, and until we deal with the root—drug importation and trafficking by powerful figures—nothing will change.”

The youth leaders also praised the security operatives involved for their integrity and bravery in rejecting the alleged bribe, calling it a “rare and commendable act of patriotism.” They urged the federal government to reward and publicly acknowledge the officers involved as a way of encouraging such professionalism within the ranks.

“We must institutionalise a culture of accountability and reward officers who do the right thing,” Chuba added. “These officers stood their ground under tremendous pressure. Their courage deserves national recognition.”

UYAN also appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and well-meaning Nigerians to raise their voices and demand full disclosure of the investigation, including the identities of all individuals implicated and the current status of the case.

“Our silence will only embolden the criminals,” said Comrade Fajoye. “If we keep quiet now, tomorrow it could be another youth whose life is destroyed by these drugs. This must not be swept under the rug.”

As public pressure continues to mount, many Nigerians are watching to see how the case unfolds and whether the government will respond with the transparency and decisiveness that this moment demands.

“It’s time to send a message that no one is above the law,” Comrade Chuba concluded. “Let this be the turning point where justice is not just done but seen to be done.”

The drug bust, its links to prominent individuals, and the government’s response—or lack thereof—may prove to be a litmus test for President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s willingness to fight corruption and drug trafficking at all levels, including within elite circles.

As of the time of publication, the relevant security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming or denying the incident. Repeated attempts to reach Chief Ayiri Emami or his representatives were unsuccessful.

By Theresa Alan

Kaduna-based philanthropist, Ambassador Yerima Usman Shettima, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the landmark tax reform bill, describing it as a major step toward building a more inclusive and self-reliant Nigerian economy.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna and made available to journalists, Shettima hailed the reform as a timely and necessary intervention that simplifies tax administration, broadens the revenue base, and improves the business environment for both local entrepreneurs and international investors.

“There is no doubt that this new law has laid a solid foundation to boost Nigeria’s economy by simplifying tax processes, expanding the tax base, and creating a more business-friendly environment for Nigerians and foreigners alike,” Shettima stated.

He urged stakeholders, particularly the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to ensure that the implementation of the law is done with full transparency and accountability, warning that the potential gains could be lost without diligence and proper oversight.

Shettima, known for championing economic justice and grassroots empowerment, emphasized that the law is structured to uplift small businesses and low-income earners, while also improving government revenue through fair and streamlined taxation.

“The reform will support small businesses, increase revenue generation, simplify tax payments, and ultimately improve the socio-economic condition of the country,” he noted.

He further highlighted a key component of the bill—its focus on a fairer distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue among states, which he described as a path to greater fiscal autonomy for sub-national governments.

“This law aims to overhaul the country’s tax collection and administration systems, presenting an opportunity to create a more equitable and efficient taxation model. At the heart of the bill are transformative provisions such as revisions to the VAT revenue-sharing formula and exemptions for small businesses and the average Nigerian,” Shettima said.

However, he also pointed out that the reform brings to light persistent structural inequalities within Nigeria’s federal setup and called for continued dialogue to address the economic imbalances between states and local governments.

“While these changes could potentially revitalize Nigeria’s economy, they also expose critical issues within the country’s federal structure, particularly the economic imbalances among regions,” he explained.

Commending the President, Shettima added: “With the enactment of these transformative tax laws, President Tinubu has once again demonstrated bold leadership and the political will to drive meaningful reforms that promote economic inclusion, reduce inequality, and spur growth.”

He concluded by urging Nigerians to support the law’s full implementation and take ownership of the change it represents.

“President Tinubu has delivered the blueprint; now it is time for all stakeholders to ensure it works for the Nigerian people,” Shettima affirmed.

By Samuel Adogu

In a powerful demonstration of solidarity against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child marriage, top officials, religious leaders, legal experts, and civil society organizations came together in Kaduna State to sign a landmark public declaration aimed at ending violence against women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

The declaration, signed at the Centre for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV), Rigachikun, Igabi LGA on Saturday, June 28, 2025, signals a firm and united commitment to prevention, justice, and systemic change. It marks a major milestone in Kaduna’s ongoing campaign to end GBV and promote Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).

Following months of stakeholder engagement and intensive training of community and religious leaders, healthcare workers, security agents, and judicial officers, the declaration emerged as a collective roadmap to action.

Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, represented by her Senior Special Adviser, Hajiya Mariam Muaz’u, signed the document on behalf of the state government. She reaffirmed the administration’s determination to uphold the dignity and rights of all residents.

“The administration of Senator Uba Sani is not joking with peaceful Kaduna State. This is why Mr Governor is working hard to ensure justice for all groups including women, children, and other vulnerable groups,” she stated.

She thanked development partners such as CERSDOV, the Norwegian Government, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), alongside religious and traditional leaders, civil society, and the media for their unwavering commitment.

Professor Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf, Executive Director of CERSDOV, described the declaration as more than symbolic, calling it “a testament to Kaduna’s collective resolve to eradicate sexual and gender-based violence and eliminate harmful traditional practices.”

“We appreciate the long-standing support of the Norwegian Government and UNFPA. CERSDOV remains fully committed to delivering on our mandate,” she affirmed.

Barrister Sarah Peters, a Senior State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice, outlined the legal weight of the declaration.

“Legally, the implication is clear: GBV will no longer be tolerated or handled with indifference. It’s not business as usual. Prosecutors are better equipped than ever to seek justice,” she declared, urging law enforcement to improve collaboration and proactively address cases before they escalate.

Religious leaders lent strong moral backing to the initiative. Reverend Ma’aji Caleb, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter, emphasized that the teachings of the Bible are aligned with non-violence.

“No individual has the right to oppress another, regardless of status or background. We are all created in God’s image,” he said. “Through pastors, deacons, and church women’s groups, we can reshape societal values and restore peace within families and communities.”

Similarly, Ibrahim Issa Kufena, Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Kaduna Chapter, stated that Islam offers a robust moral and legal foundation against GBV.

“This declaration is consistent with Islamic teachings. Islam forbids oppression, coercion, and violence,” he said, adding that JNI is already mobilizing its grassroots structures through Friday sermons, religious lectures, and community dialogues to spread the message.

With multiple sectors aligned—from government and justice systems to religious bodies and civil society—Kaduna’s historic pact stands as a beacon of hope in the fight to eliminate GBV and secure a safer, more dignified future for its women and children.

BY John Wesley Success

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating an allegations of money laundry, misappropriation and criminal diversion of public funds at the National Steel, Raw Material Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in Kaduna

Findings revealed that over N105 million was alleged to have been mopped through fake companies, as staff cried over unpaid arrears as approved by government while equipment running into millions of Naira vandalised & stolen.

The allegations which is being investigated by the EFCC is against the Director General Mr. Kolawe Michael Ogunbiyi.

The Federal government’s purported agreement with Russia for the revival of the nation’s steel industry and plans to increase the country’s GDP may hit the rock if the provider of the raw materials, National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency is not cleansed of allegations of large scale corruption and administrative ineptitude which beclouded the agency since the appointment of Mr. Kolawe Michael Ogunbiyi in 2022.

Allegations of corruption and diversion of public funds running into millions of Naira backed by empirical evidences were contained in a petition sent to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Findings however revealed that the EFCC upon receipt of the petition in 2023 swung into action and found the Director General, Mr. Ogunbiyi guilty of all the financial irregularities. How the matter could not be sent to court for prosecution is what is difficult to explain.

Against the above background, Counsel to the petitioners had on 4th March 2025 wrote to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice urging for discreet investigations when it appeared that the EFCC’s findings were being swept under the carpet which give the embattled DG the strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the agency with reckless abandon. The morale of the workforce has been crippled to the lowest ebb leading to collapse of ethics and discipline.

According to available evidence, the mopping of N105, 130, 504.94 (One Hundred and Five Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Four and Ninety Four kobo) was executed simultaneously on
December 21st, 2022 as follows:-
Alakrity Global Concept N59, 873, 253.80
Gatplus Dynamic Resources N13, 330, 712.00
Bitcnot Nigeria Ltd N11, 604, 612.00
Teminote Concept N20, 321, 927.14

Similarly, the sum of N1.2billion was said to have been approved by the federal government to pay accumulated arrears of hazard and medical allowances for the period 2009-2017. The Director General Mr. Ogunbiyi chaired the committee for the compilation of the list of the beneficiaries and came up with payment schedule. In the process, heavy deductions were made in each of the beneficiary’s entitlements.

The payments of these arrears were done in four instalments via IPPIS as follows: 25% on the 6th of April 2022, 25% on 11th May, 2022, 25% on 14th June 2022 and the final 25% on June 22nd 2022. There is however concern that some of the beneficiaries were either underpaid or not paid at all.

Most astonishing was the fact that not a single beneficiary was privy to his/her package after the computation, suggesting that some shoddy deals were used in the implementation process. 

Additional findings also revealed that the Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRAI) and the NSC Co-operative Society together with the committee orchestrated the plan where millions of Naira meant for the defenceless beneficiaries were diverted. The computation of the arrears was done in outright breach of government’s extant financial regulations and did not pass through the internal audit clearance.

In a related development, a section of the staff has dragged the embattled DG to court over unpaid salaries for two years or more. These are staff who were duly accepted on transfet from sister agencies- Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, National Metallurgical Development Centre, National Lottery Regulatory Commission as well as some staff of the then Ministry of Mines and Steel development.

Upon assumption of duty, Mr. Ogunbiyi redirected that the staff return to their former agencies after they had finished all the documentation for the transfers. All attempts to make the DG consent for the capture and migrate the affected staff on IPPIS payroll platform were resisted by him. The matter has been in the National Industrial Court.

With the on-going legal battle, there is also the controversy regarding his appointment as the Director General of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA).

A federal establishment circular 2011-2019 signed by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha frowns at the way some Ministers continue to process appointments of chief executives without following the clearly defined extant guidelines and the provisions of the enabling laws of such agencies.

In the circular, the President has directed that requests for such appointments should always be channelled to His Excellency through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who will process them for approval to the appropriate supervising Ministers.

Contrary to the aforementioned circular, the then Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekon Adegbite directly conveyed approval for Ogunbiyi’s appointment to him from the office of the then Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

There are also reports of some staff who absconded from their duty post for years living abroad and are still on the payroll of the agency. These staff are said to be enjoying the cover of the DG.

Allegations of mass stealing of equipment and accessories which rendered the agency incapacitated to carry out its mandates effectively have also reached an alarming proportion.

According to reports, a senior staff was caught red handed stealing electrical cable which was swiftly covered because of his closeness to the Chief Executive.  This recent theft is the high point of series of stealing of the agency’s property running into millions of Naira.

“Only a forensic audit of the agency can determine the level at which things have deteriorated”, an aggrieved staff who spoke on condition of anonymity said

Against the forgoing, the need for the Federal government to beam its search light on the activities of the NSRMEA under the leadership of the incumbent director general with the view to right the wrongs and bring the guilty to book is imperative.

ENDS

*Governor BAO, Fayemi, Adebayo, SGF’s wife, others to honour Ekiti-born celebrant

*Speaks on her regrets, visions for Nigeria

It would be a celebration galore this weekend as former Special Adviser on former Governor Kayode Fayemi on Development Partnerships and SDGs, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, roll out drums in celebration of her 50th birthday, taking place at at BMO Event Arena, Abuja.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), will lead his predecessors, former Governors Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adedayo, including the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Regina Akume, to celebrate the 50th birthday of an Ekiti-born development expert, Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Fagboyo, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The event billed to take place at BMO Event Arena, Inside RiverPlate Park, will also have other prominent personalities such as Ondo State First Lady, Seun Aiyedatiwa, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, many House of Representatives members, top government officials, top CSO leaders, development experts and many other diplomats.

Born on the 23rd of June, 1975, to the respected family of Pa Cyril Akanbi Bello and Mrs. Mary Olanike Bello from Oke-Emo Quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Dr. Fagboyo is a multi-disciplinary development practitioner whose work has made meaningful impacts across Nigeria and beyond. With over two decades of professional experience, she has carved a niche in international development, gender advocacy, and institutional partnerships. She currently serves as the Director of Development at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), one of Nigeria’s leading think tanks dedicated to strategic leadership and sustainable development.

The celebrant was a key member of the Ekiti State Executive Council from 2019 to 2023 serving under Governor Kayode Fayemi as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnerships and SDGs.

Prior to her public service, she spent a remarkable chapter of her career with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), rising through the ranks to become Regional Coordinator and Acting Head of Office, leading programs in the South West, South South, and South East regions.

Her leadership in promoting social inclusion and gender mainstreaming remains a reference point in development work.

Speaking with newsmen Wednesday in Abuja, on her expectations for Nigeria ahead of Saturday’s event, Dr. Fagboyo said she envisioned a country where institutions work, where justice is blind, where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve.

According to her, as a passionate Nigerian who believes in the immense potential of our nation, my vision for Nigeria is one of hope, transformation, and inclusive growth.

“I long to see a Nigeria where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve – not self. A Nigeria where our diversity becomes our strength, not our division.

“I envision a country where institutions work – where justice is blind, opportunities are accessible, and every citizen feels seen, heard and valued. A land where young people can dream boldly and achieve greatly without having to look beynd our borders. Where women, men, and all marginalized groups are fully included in governance and development.

“Going forward, I expect Nigeria to rise beyond the grip of corruption, insecurity, and poverty. I expect us to prioritize education, invest in healthcare, secure our streets, and harness our vast resources – both human and natural for the common good.

“The road may be long, but I believe in the resilience and brilliance of Nigerians. Together, with vision, courage, and collective action, we can build the Nigeria we all desire – a nation that works, not just for a few, but for all.”

When asked whether she had any regret in the last 50 years of her age, the proud mother of three wonderful children and loving wife said life has been good to her.

“At 50, I choose gratitude over regret. Life has been good to me at 50 though I experience some challenges too, but every high and low has shaped the woman I am today – stronger, wiser and more grounded.

“If there is any regret, it would only be moments I doubted myself, delayed my dreams, or dimmed my light to make others comfortable. But even those moments taught me valuable lessons. So, no deep regrets – Just reflections, lessons, and a deeper resolve to live the rest of my life with more intention, joy, and courage. I’m embracing this new chapter with open arms and a heart full of purpose.”