Latest News
FEATURES
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured a total of 4,111 convictions in 2024.
According to the commission, the conviction was the highest number in any operational year since its inception.
The commission also recovered significant sums across multiple currencies, totaling $214.5m, N364.6m, £54,318, €31,265, and various other amounts in different currencies.
This was contained in a document obtained by The PUNCH.
“In 2024, the commission secured 4,111 convictions. This is the highest number of convictions secured in any operational year from inception to date. This laudable achievement is attributable to the dedication of our officers and the enabling environment provided by the management and stakeholders of the commission.
“The commission remains committed to enhancing the knowledge and capacity of its prosecutors and the judiciary,” the document stated.
Beyond monetary recoveries, the EFCC also seized significant assets, including 70 tons of unidentified solid minerals and various cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Green Satoshi Tokens, and Tether coins, among others.
“$ 214,513,439.55, N364,597,370,151.35; £54,318.64 ; €31,265.00; CAD $2,990.00; AUD $740.00; CFA 7,821,375.00; UAE DIRHAM 170.00 ; RIYALS 5,115.00 ; W 73,000.00 ; ¥ 105.00 ; GH¢ 225.00 and RAND 50.00 were recovered in 2024.
“Assets recovered are 70 tons of unidentified solid minerals; 40,844,094 units of shares worth about N1,055,190,044.55 and $4,414,801.76; 13.37BTC worth about $572,992.86, 5.97886094 ethereum worth $13,353.06, 298.4770071 green Satoshi token worth $6, 1,002.547631, ($1,002.22), sum of N2,699,233 and N9,477,977,318.78, $2,605,858.30 and GBP1,600, cash among others.
“Some of the monetary recoveries made by the commission have been reinvested by the Federal Government into initiatives that provide significant benefits to the Nigerian people.”
The EFCC stated that the most prevalent cases investigated in 2024 involved advance fee fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime.
It added that several socio-economic factors, including rising unemployment, the pursuit of quick wealth, and weak regulatory frameworks, contributed to the high volume of the cases.
The anti-graft agency said, “The commission is actively advancing its investigative efforts across all zonal directorates. In 2024, cases involving advance fee fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime were the most prevalent in our investigations.
“The high volume of these cases can be attributed to several factors, including rising unemployment, a desire for quick wealth among the youth, a large informal economy, and weak regulatory frameworks”
The commission also raised the alarm that
cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, utilising AI-driven fraud.
“Additionally, cybercriminals are continuously evolving their tactics, incorporating innovations like AI-driven fraud, deepfakes, and advanced phishing schemes,” it stated.
Operatives of the Abia police command have reportedly found the remains of three individuals, including an officer, after a violent attack on Azumini Ndoki community in Ukwa east LGA of the state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted intelligence sources as saying that the victims were among those abducted on March 4 when armed men, in a Toyota Sienna, ambushed a convoy escorting Obasi Lawson, a businessman.
The publication said the attackers shot and killed the driver and another passenger before fleeing with the businessman and a police officer from his security team.
Makama said police operatives, after days of extensive search operations, recovered two bodies on March 8, later confirmed to be the driver and a civilian passenger.
The publication said further investigations led to the discovery of Tanko Natip’s remains in a nearby bush.
Natip, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), had his body photographed and moved to Okeikpe Mortuary in Ukwa west.
Makama stated that the whereabouts of Lawson remain uncertain as tactical teams, aided by tracking technology, continue searching for him.
The source added that security has been strengthened in the area, with more tactical teams deployed to deter further attacks and monitor the movements of the suspected abductors.
…As oil price intensifies decline
•Bonny light hits new low
•Decline will continue this week – Analysts
•Global energy analysts give reasons for the decline
The renewed trade war between the United States of America, USA, and some developed economies has put more pressure on crude oil prices bringing more threat to Nigeria’s 2025 budget.
Global crude oil market closed lower with Bonny Light, Nigeria’s premium crude oil grade, dropping to $70.3 per barrel, weekend, indicating significant 13 percent decline since the 2025 budget was passed and trend to about 6.7 percent below the 2025 budget benchmark of $75 per barrel.
Industry experts told Financial Vanguard that the downward trend would continue this week given the root cause.
The renewed downward trend began early last week when US President, Donald Trump, signified his intention to sustain tariff war across selected major global economies.
This came at same time the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, OPEC+, decided last Monday to increase output for the first time since 2022, pressuring crude prices further down.
Oil industry analysts told Financial Vanguard that with N20.35 trillion or 56 percent of Federal Revenue expected to come from oil out of the N36.35 trillion revenue target, the decline in crude oil price has raised the possibility of increased budget deficit for the year, and possibly increase in borrowing to fund deficit spending.
International energy analysts had stated last weekend that oil prices settled down for the fourth consecutive session on Wednesday after U.S. crude oil stockpiles posted a larger-than-expected build up, adding a further headwind as investors worried about OPEC+ plans to increase output in April and U.S. tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico.
According to reports from Investopedia, Oil markets have been rattled in recent days by President Trump’s imposition on Tuesday of a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods. Trump also doubled tariffs on Chinese imports to 20 percent.
“Oil prices have been driven down from Monday’s OPEC+ decision to increase oil production starting in April. The gradual increases will unwind the production cuts the group of major oil producers committed to in November 2023.
“Lower oil and gas prices were a major focus for Trump on the campaign trail last year. He promised America would “drill, baby, drill” to reduce transportation costs and, ultimately, temper inflation. Oil prices have fallen steadily under Trump, with WTI down about 15% since his inauguration, and fuel prices have declined marginally over the past month.”
A survey by Reuters has revealed that Nigeria is pumping 70,000 barrels per day above the quote allocated by OPEC.
According to the survey, OPEC oil output rose in February, as Iranian exports held strong, despite renewed attempts by the United States of America to curb the flows.
“The OPEC nations pumped 26.74 million barrels per day last month, up 170,000 bpd from January’s revised total, the survey showed on Wednesday, with Iran and Nigeria posting the largest gains.
“OPEC’s biggest rise, of 80,000 bpd, came from Iran, the survey found, with output of 3.30 million bpd. This matched September’s figure which was the highest since 2018, the Reuters survey showed.
“The second-largest gain in output came from Nigeria where exports rose and domestic usage increased at the Dangote refinery. Nigeria is pumping 70,000 bpd above its OPEC+ target.”
Foreign news agencies reported that prices pared some losses after hitting multi-year lows earlier in the session – Brent sank to $68.33, its lowest since December 2021, and U.S. crude futures touched $65.22, its lowest since May 2023.
“Pulling prices down, U.S. crude stockpiles rose more than expected last week amid seasonal refinery maintenance, while gasoline and distillate inventories fell due to a hike in exports”, the USA’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.
According to the EIA, crude inventories rose by 3.6 million barrels to 433.8 million barrels in the week, far exceeding analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 341,000-barrel rise. Brent fell more than $2 after the data was released.
“The imposition of tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico by the U.S. sparked swift reprisals from each nation that increased concerns over a slowdown in economic growth and the consequent impact on energy demand,” Ashley Kelty, an analyst at Panmure Liberum, said.
JP Morgan analysts said a 100-basis-point slowdown in the U.S. GDP growth rate could potentially reduce global oil demand growth by 180,000 bpd, analysts said in a note.
For Nigerian energy sector analysts they key problem is with Nigerian government’s error in making benchmark projections on both oil price and output levels.
According to them “every year they make false assumptions and projections that are unrealistic. This, at the end of the day, leads to poor budget performance “Eventually, they will do what they always do, borrow more and increase the budget deficit”.
It’ll settle after White House chaos – Prof. Iledare
Speaking to Financial Vanguard on the global oil challenge Prof. Wumi Iledare, a Professor Emeritus in Petroleum Economics and Policy Research, said, “There seems to be higher than projected inventories of crude oil stockpile in the US because of lower than estimated demand. This is pushing pressure on the long term price trend fueled also by the wait-and-see positioning on where Trump’s propensity to tariff will lead the global economy.
“Of course, since the economy of Nigeria is too linked to government spending, there may be some adverse impact if the crude oil price continues to decline, it reduces government revenue for funding projects that matter to the economy.
“But I am confident the price will rebound after these Trump things are settled, after the tariff uncertainty and the ineptitude and chaos from the US white House”.
False budgetary assumptions leading to poor budget performance
According to oil policy expert and CEO, AHA Consultancies, Mr. Henry Adegun, the government makes the same mistake every year when making projections.
“Every year they make false assumptions and projections that are unrealistic. This, at the end of the day, leads to poor budget performance because they don’t have the fundamentals correctly. What we expect them to use are figures that are realistic.
“It has become normal for us to overestimate the barrels that we produce and then we have to borrow money to finance the budget. They rely on false projections that are unrealistic and that are not based on any facts and figures.
“Eventually, they will do what we always do, borrow more and increase the budget deficit”, he added.
Adigun explained that while the country has the potential to produce two million barrels of oil per day, he pointed out that this was not possible in the short term.
More borrowings, wider deficit looms
In a note to Financial Vanguard on the Implications of the budget benchmark assumptions, former Technical Adviser to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Dr Dauda Garuba, said the government would have to resort to additional borrowing to fill the gap that would be created by drop in price of oil.
Garuba noted that poor implementation of the budget would push more Nigerians into poverty and lack.
He stated: “The implication will be poor budget implementation or external borrowing. Neither of the two results is good for Nigeria, given that it will further push the country into the abyss of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment”.
Non-oil revenue may plug the gaps – Zera Advisory
On his part, Partner, Zera Advisory, Joe Nwakwue, said it was most unlikely for the government to achieve the projections on oil price and production volumes.
He stated: “It’s certainly a stretch. Most unlikely, we would achieve both volume and price targets going by current trends. “However, there has been a significant uptick in non-oil revenue generation. I hope these improvements will address the shortfall in oil revenue.
Specifically on the 2.06 million barrels per day projection, Nwakwu said: “It is very unlikely, given we are already in March. Volume growth takes time and resources, and resources and resources take time to mobilize”.
[Vanguard]
Eniola Bolaji has won gold medal in the women’s SL3 category of the Spanish para-badminton International 2025.
The 19-year-old defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna 2-0 in the event’s final on Sunday in Victoria, Spain.
Bolaji easily won both sets with identical 21-15 scorelines in the one-sided final, which lasted only 29 minutes.
The victory was the teenager’s second international tournament triumph in just two months.
She had also won a gold medal at the global para-badminton championship held in Cairo, Egypt, at the end of January.
Over the past two years, Bolaji has participated in 11 international championships, winning all of them.
Team Nigeria had six representatives at the Spanish para-badminton tourney level 2. The list included Okoro Chinyere Lucky, Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift, Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday, Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah and Bolaji
Following their outing in Victoria, Bolaji, alongside Jeremiah and Eze, will head to Toledo, Madrid, for the more prestigious Spanish International level one para-badminton championship scheduled from March 12 to 16.
[TheCable]
Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, paid visits to Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola and Tunde Bakare during the weekend.
The visits to Aregbesola, the former interior minister and ex-governor of Osun; and Bakare, founder of the Citadel Global Community Church (formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly); were in Lagos, while the visit to Abubakar, standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, was in Adamawa.
“After tonight’s Itfar (breaking of fast), I received in audience, former Governor of Kaduna State, @elrufai former Governor of Adamawa, Jibrilla Bindow and Musa Halilu, Dujima Adamawa. Our robust discussions were the dessert of the meal. -AA #RamadanKareem,” Abubakar shared on his X page.
El-Rufai, who served as governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has hinted at pitching his political tent elsewhere ahead of the 2027 presidential poll — after criticising the APC publicly.
The former Kaduna governor previously met with members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to “strategise ahead of the 2027 elections”.
In January, the APC in Osun expelled Aregbesola over anti-party activities after the Omoluabi Progressives, Aregbesola’s political group, quit the party.
Abubakar, a former vice-president and PDP chieftain, has spoken of building a coalition that would give the ruling APC a run for its money in the next presidential election.
See pictures from el-Rufai’s visits below.
Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate has announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Consistent with its results track record, the Group sustained its strong growth trajectory across its financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.
In its audited results, Transcorp reported significant year-on-year growth, with a revenue of N408 billion as at December 31, 2024, representing a 107% increase over the revenue of N197 billion in the previous year.
Highlights of Transcorp Group Results:
- FY 2024 Revenue increased by 107%, rising to N408 billion from N197billion of 2023.
- Profit before Tax grew by 132% to N7 billion, compared to N58.8 billion in the previous year.
- Profit after Tax improved 188% year-on-year to N1 billion in 2024, from N32.6 billion in the same period last year.
- Operating Income grew by 83%, to N0 billion in 2024, up from N81.4 billion in the corresponding period in 2023.
- Operating Expenses saw an increase of 105% year on year, to N8 billion in 2024, reflecting the impact of inflation and strategic investments in operational capacity.
- Net Finance Cost decreased by 45% to N4 billion, owing to the complete repayment of foreign currency loans.
- The Group’s Gearing Ratio reduced to 21% from 32% showing positive financial leverage.
- Earnings per share of the Group were N45 compared to N0.40 in 2023.
- Total assets expanded by 42%, increasing from N9billion in December 2023 to N751.6 billion at the end of 2024.
- Shareholders’ Funds grew by 45%, from N3 billion in December 2023 to N271.7 billion by year-end, supported by profit accretion to retained earnings.
- Declared N10.1 billion full year dividend, representing N1.00 per ordinary share in 2024.
Speaking on the results, Dr. (Mrs) Owen D. Omogiafo, President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, commented, "Our 2024 financial performance reflects the sustainable value creation strategy of Transcorp Group. We have been able to consistently record impressive growth across all indices year on year, despite the challenging macroeconomic environment. In the sectors we operate, we have delivered consistent growth by leveraging operational efficiency, strategic investments, and an uncompromising focus on value creation for our shareholders. Looking ahead, we will deepen our growth trajectory by seizing emerging opportunities, and strengthen our position across Nigeria’s power, hospitality, and energy sectors, even as we consider more sectors that take us closer to our purpose of improving lives and transforming Africa.”
Transcorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasizing sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.
About Transnational Corporation
Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses - Transcorp Power Plc. and TransAfam Power Limited – provide approximately 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.
Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination.
China is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) courses in primary and secondary schools in a bid to strengthen the country’s goal to dominate the sector.
According to a statement on the Beijing Municipal Education Commission’s website, schools in Beijing, the capital of China, will offer at least eight hours of AI classes periodically — starting from the coming fall semester which begins on September 1.
The statement said the schools can run them as stand-alone courses or integrate the courses with existing curricula like information technology and science.
“Build municipal general basic courses. Implement the requirements of the national curriculum plan and curriculum standards, and offer all courses related to artificial intelligence education,” the introductory part of the document reads.
“Explore the establishment of local courses for artificial intelligence education in primary and secondary schools, develop the ‘Beijing Local Curriculum Outline for Artificial Intelligence Education in Primary and Secondary Schools (Trial)’.
“Compile primary and secondary school artificial intelligence education and teaching guidelines and student learning manuals based on the cognitive abilities of students at different stages of education, develop supporting course resources with diverse forms and dynamic updates, and promptly reflect new technologies, new methods, and new achievements.”
China’s AI battle with the US reached new heights this year when DeepSeek dropped a leaner, faster model that rivalled those from the United States.
Beijing’s new education plan follows a pledge by the government to support the extensive application of large-scale AI models and the development of new generation intelligent terminals and manufacturing equipment.
Recently, Huai Jinpeng, China’s minister of education, said the country will release a white paper on AI education in 2025.
Over 7million small businesses shut down in Nigeria due to unfavorable economic conditions - NESG reports
AFOLABI
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has revealed that 30% of Nigeria’s 24 million registered Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) shut down between 2023 and 2024 due to mounting economic challenges. This alarming trend was highlighted during the launch of the “2025 Private Sector Outlook: Adapting to Economic Uncertainties for Growth and Resilience” in Lagos.
Segun Omisakin, Chief Economist and Director of Research at NESG, outlined the key risks faced by businesses during this period. These include foreign exchange (FX) shortages and volatility, with the naira averaging N1,479.9 per dollar in 2024; rising public debt, which reached N142.3 trillion as of September 2024; and the exit of multinational companies, which, alongside MSME closures, resulted in an estimated N94 trillion economic loss. Omisakin also pointed to structural issues such as insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited market access as significant hurdles for the private sector.
Despite some positive developments, such as improved foreign exchange availability due to policy reforms and a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024—the highest since 2021—businesses continued to struggle with rising costs, inflationary pressures, and policy uncertainty. Wonu Adetayo, NESG Board Director, noted that while reforms like fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonisation boosted investment levels, stagnant productivity and macroeconomic imbalances worsened living standards and economic distress.
During a panel discussion, Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), emphasised the importance of policy stability for attracting foreign direct investment. He urged the government to act as a facilitator rather than a competitor in economic affairs and called for greater inclusion of business organisations in key negotiations to ensure broad-based economic benefits.
Other panellists echoed these sentiments, warning against government overreach into private sector affairs and advocating for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. They stressed the need for active involvement of business associations like the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in economic decision-making.
The NESG also highlighted the lack of immediate monetary interventions following the fuel subsidy removal, which exacerbated inflationary pressures, and criticised inconsistent Customs regulations and fluctuating exchange rates as deterrents to investment and operational stability. To address these challenges, the NESG proposed a framework of economic stabilisation, consolidation, and acceleration, emphasising the need for policies that enhance private sector competitiveness and monitor reform efficacy.
A passport is your gateway to the world, but in some countries, it comes at some of the world’s expensive rates.
While many travelers focus on airfare and accommodation expenses, the price of a passport itself can be a major financial barrier.
Let’s take a look at the most expensive passports globally and how they compare.
Top 5 Most Expensive Passports in the World
1. Australia – $412
On January 1, 2025, the cost of an Australian passport increased from $398 to $412, making it the most expensive passport in the world. While Australia’s passport provides access to numerous countries visa-free, its high cost has been a topic of discussion among travelers.
2. Mexico – $353.90
Mexico holds the second spot, with its passport costing $353.90. Despite being ranked 23rd in global passport power, the price is significantly higher than those of many higher-ranking passports. Mexican citizens still benefit from visa-free access to numerous countries, particularly in Latin America and Europe.
3. United States – $252.72
The US passport is the third most expensive in the world, costing $252.72. Despite the high cost, it remains one of the most powerful passports globally, granting Americans visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a vast number of destinations. However, US citizens must also consider renewal costs, making the expense even more significant over time.
4. New Zealand – $193.72
New Zealanders must pay $193.72 for their passport, placing their country in fourth place. Known for its strong global mobility, the New Zealand passport grants access to over 180 countries without requiring a visa, making it a valuable investment despite its high cost.
5. Japan – $162
Japan, often recognized for having one of the world’s most powerful passports, charges $162 for its citizens to obtain one. Although this cost is lower than those of the countries listed above, it is still notably high compared to other Asian nations. Japanese passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, making it one of the most sought-after travel documents.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says his administration pulled out of an existing loan arrangement with the World Bank to save the state from “debt overhang”.
Soludo said this while addressing members of the Late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah Media team who were on inspection of the ongoing Government House and Governors Lodge project in Awka on Sunday.
He said his administration had not only refused to borrow from any bank or institution but also refused to access the Federal Government loan to states in 2024.
He said that notwithstanding the development, his administration had embarked on ambitious and people oriented projects which were at various stages of completion.
According to him, it may interest you to know that Anambra is the only state that pulled out of an existing World Bank loan arrangements which was signed before I came in.
“I looked at the terms of the loan and I said it was not sustainable; it was easy to continue with it because the next generation will pay but based on the terms, it was a bad deal for Anambra.
“Last year N438 billion was distributed to 35 states, Anambra was the only state that did not take it. I need money but I cannot borrow my state into slavery,” he said.
Soludo said he was giving Anambra a permanent Government House and Governor’s Lodge 34 years after it was created, expressing regret that the facilities had exited at a construction company office and outside Awka respectively.
He said that it was a magnificent project with about 34 buildings which were being built to last, such that in the next 200 years, they would still be standing like the White House in America.
“I said we are going to break the jinx and we are doing that with the biggest and the best that somebody said is going to be like a mini city,” he said.
Soludo said he had done over 750 kilometers of roads with about 410km completed with attention to parts of the state that had not seen tarred roads since their existence.
“We have touched education, health, youth empowerment, social reorientation and bringing back our value of dignity in labour against this new get rich quick mentality that is destroying our youths.
“I told Anambra people when I was sworn in that I will show them where every Kobo they gave me is channeled,” he said.
Mr Kamen Ogbonna, the Leader of the Ubah media team said they were impressed with what the governor was doing as it aligned with their Philosophy.
Ogbonna said it was interesting to note that Soludo had made such progress in three years without borrowing from any source.
“The magnitude of the Government House and Governors Lodge will tell you why other governors carefully avoided the project,” he said.
Nollywood stars including Steve Alajemba (Uwaezuoke) and Collins Monago who were on the trip lauded Soludo for his works and urged Anambra people to support him to continue the good job as they prepared for Nov. 8 guber.
More...
For His Radical Educational Reforms and Devt Strides, Ekiti University Confers Honorary Doctorate on Gov Mbah
Admin
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has bagged the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) degree from the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ekiti State, for his inspiring leadership and contributions to the advancement of quality education in Nigeria.
This was even as the governor, who bagged the honorary award at the maiden convocation ceremony of the state-owned university in Ikere-Ekiti at the weekend, reiterated his administration's resolve to continue to transform the education sector in Enugu State and set exemplary steps through innovative and experiential learning model.
Mbah stressed that although the gains of investments in education take many years to crystalise, his administration's reforms and huge investments in education was driven not by public acclaim, but by the conviction that the highest legacy was to equip Enugu children and the youth with quality education that imbue them with the requisite knowledge and skill set to compete on the global stage.
“This award is a reminder that there is no greater honour than service. It is an inspiration to re-commit to the governance values that underpin our modest achievements in Enugu State.
“These values are shaped, particularly, by the conviction that education is the best legacy to bequeath to the emerging generation,” he added.
The governor, who has consistently dedicated over 33 per cent of the state's annual budget solely to education, maintained that the achievements recorded in the quality of output in the education sector through the deployment of huge resources had reflected in the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools for experiential learning in the state.
He explained that this education model emphasises experiential learning that imbues children with problem-solving skills over rote learning.
While stressing the university’s motto, “Learning for Self-Reliance,” Mbah said this should resonate with all levels of government nationwide in the face of shrinking international funding by some world economies, saying it was time to press the inventive button as a nation.
He noted that despite the BOUESTI being at its formative years, the university had made giant strides by nurturing an environment that was conducive to learning.
“This clearly underscores the university’s firm belief in the primacy of human capital development. Although established in 2020, it is heartwarming that this university is emerging as a formidable platform for science and technological renaissance.”
Commending the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his enduring reforms and sustained investment in education, Mbah charged the graduands to wear the toga of the university with pride and dignity, urging them not to severe links with the institution as alumni.
While conferring the highest degree on the governor, the university's Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said the degree was strictly meant for lawyers of distinction, which Mbah had clinched by merit.
He described the governor as a rare breed in the entrepreneurial space, who was presently disrupting the Nigerian leadership space through his innovative style of governance.
A former Kaduna lawmaker, Sen. Shehu Sani, said he lost his senate re-election bid in 2019 because he opposed the former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s move to obtain a 340 million dollars foreign loan.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the Eighth Senate, stated this in an interview with Newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.
“I was insistent on speaking truth to power, and that was why I lost my re-election bid in 2019. Former Gov. Narsir El-Rufai was going for a 340 million dollar loan and we said ‘No’.
“”Some of us told him that such a venture would impact negatively on our people, but he went ahead and did that, while he perceived us as his political enemies.
“”This political battle with El-Rufai affected several other politicians, resulting in our leaving the party en masse.
“My own very case was that I stood up to the governor and I paid the price by losing my seat,” he said.
The popular pro-democracy activist, however, said that today, he had been vindicated.
“At that time, the governor was opposed to me; the state assembly members were opposed to me and many political figures there were opposed to me.
“Today, I am vindicated because even the governor of the state today has made it public how the finances and the economy of the state have been strangulated by that loan.
“Many projects were littered, uncompleted and abandoned all over the state. Kaduna today has become the second highest indebted state in the country.
“So I am vindicated, even though I lost my seat,” he said.
Sani said he was satisfied with the role he played on the controversial loan at that time.
“I’m satisfied that, at least, when I die, nobody will look to my grave and say this is the person who signed an approval for the loan that we are going to pay in 100 years.
“The vindication is more important to me than my return to the National Assembly,’’ he said.
The former lawmaker attributed the failure of most members of the national assembly to return to their refusal to be loyal to their governors.
This, he said, often resulted in high turn-out of lawmakers in each election year.
Sani, however, said that the high number of new lawmakers in national and state houses of assembly at every election year was not the best for Nigeria’s democracy.
He said that in the developed world, such as India and the United States, some lawmakers would be in the legislature for 30, 40 and 50 years.
“But in Nigeria, if you are a senator and you are fond of standing up every time to speak truth to the power, you will hardly come back to that national assembly.
“If what you are doing or saying is particularly contrary to the interests of the governor of your state, you will not come back to the national assembly,’’ he said.
The former senator also said that irrespective of a lawmaker’s qualifications, he could only emerge as senate president or speaker of the house if he happened to be the favourite of the executive.
“It’s only during Buhari’s time that a mistake was made in 2015 which made Buhari lose the election at the national assembly.
“Then his adversary Sen. Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara took over and you could see what happened for four years.
“ So, if you are elected as a governor of a state, your life is dependent on the state assembly and you cannot allow your enemy to take over.
“So, you will bring someone whose first qualification is not that he speaks good English, second qualification is not that he is competent, third qualification is not that he is good looking and fourth qualification is not that he knows how to make laws.
“The first qualification of a person who is going to be a speaker is that he is 100 per cent loyal to the governor or the president,’’ Sani said
1. In 2010, our law firm handled the case of Hon Dino Melaye & 10 other legislators who were suspended for accusing the Dimeji Bankole-led House of Representative of wallowing in corruption The Federal High Court declared the suspension of the legislators illegal and unconstitutional and ordered the payment of their withheld salaries and allowances.
2. In 2012, our law firm also handled the case of Honourable Rifkatu Danna, the only female member of the 31-member Bauchi State House of Assembly. Danna was suspended in June 2012 for allegedly making uncomplimentary remarks when she challenged the lawmakers’ decision to approve the relocation of the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. But the Bauchi State High Court declared her suspension illegal and ordered the Bauchi State House of Assembly to reinstate her and pay her withheld salaries and allowances.
3. In 2017, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal filed against the judgment of the Bauchi State High Court in respect of the illegal suspension of Honourable Rifkatu Danna. The Court upheld our submission to the effect that the suspension of the legislator constituted a breach of the right of the Bogoro Constutuency to be representated by her in the state house of assembly. The Court equally held that the decision of the House to withhold the salaries and allowances of the legislator was illegal as she was not an employee but an elected member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
4. In 2018, our law firm equally handled the case of Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives who was suspended for 180 days for accusing the Yakubu Dogara-led House of padding the 2016 national budget. The Federal High Court nullified the suspension and ordered the payment of the withheld salaries and allowances of the legislator.
5. Based on the case of the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly v Honourable Honourable Rifkatu Danna (2017) 49 WRN 82 which is the locus classicus on the subject matter, the 2017 suspension of Senator Ali Ndume by the Bukola Saraki-led Senate was annulled by the Federal High Court. The case filed on behalf of the Senator his lawyer, Marcel Oru Esq.
6. In the same vein, the 2020 suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was declared illegal and unconstitutional by the Federal High Court. The case was filed on behalf of the Senator by Edward Omaga Esq.
7. Sometime in 2020, the Jigawa State House of Assembly suspended a lawmaker, Hon. Sani Iyaku, over alleged criticism of the state governor, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Badaru who was on a visit to Hadejia town for a wedding ceremony. Honourable Iyaku challenged his suspension in the Jigawa State High Court. The trial Judge, Justice Ahmed ruled that the action of the Assembly did not comply with order 15 rule 74 (2)(c) and (3) a, b of the state House of Assembly standing orders 2017 and therefore declared the suspension illegal, inappropriate, null and void. The court also directed that the defendant be paid his three months allowances withheld to the tune of N3 million.
8. On November 18, 2020, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Akure, Ondo State dismissed the motion for stay of execution filed by the state House of Assembly against the judgment of the High court reinstating the three suspended members of the state assembly. The Presiding Judge, Justice Folayemi Omoleye, queried the appellants for bringing a frivolous appeal before the court, directing that the lawmakers should be reinstated immediately to resume their legislative duties.
9. On August 13, 2024, the same court reinstated Hon. Iroju Ogundeji as the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly. In a unanimous ruling, Justices Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, Frederick Oziakpono-Oho, and Yusuf Alhaji Bashir affirmed the decision made by Justice Akintan Osadebey, which reinstated the two-term legislator representing the Odigbo state constituency.
10. In the past five years, the High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, and the National Industrial Court nullified the illegal suspension of members of the Houses of Assembly of Kogi and Edo State respectively.
11. In March 2024, the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP; Bauchi) for three months for alleging that Nigeria's 2024 budget was padded. The Senator instructed our law firm to challenge the suspension in the Federal High Court. We wrote to the leadership of the Senate to review the suspension in view of the illegality of the action. As we were preparing to challenge the suspension in the Federal High Court, the Senate recalled Senator Ningi and paid his withheld salaries and allowances.
12. In view of the definitive pronouncements of the several High Court and the Court of Appeal on the illegality of the suspension of elected members of legislative houses in Nigeria, the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is the height of legislative recklessness. The illegal suspension should be lifted without any further delay. Since the Federal High Court had restrained the Senate Ethics Committee from hearing the complaint against the embattled Senator pending the determination of the motion on notice the Senate ought to have stayed action in accordance with the rule of law.
13. Finally, the official impunity of suspending legislators at the whims and caprices of leaders of the federal and state legislative houses must not be allowed to continue in Nigeria.
Femi Falana SAN
Canada has announced its plan to accept up to 10,000 complete visa applications for sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025.
This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.
To be eligible, sponsors must be at least 18 years old, meet the required income threshold, and sign an undertaking to support their parents or grandparents financially.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) oversees the program, which provides an opportunity for family reunification.
Super Visa: an alternative for extended family visits
For those who want to reunite with their parents and grandparents for extended stays without permanent residency, the Super Visa remains an option.
The Super Visa allows multiple entries to Canada over a 10-year period, with each visit lasting up to five years. IRCC has recently made the Super Visa more accessible by revising health insurance requirements.
Super Visa applicants must apply from outside Canada and meet temporary residence requirements. They also need to provide proof of valid health insurance from an approved provider. If coverage expires before departure, visa holders may need to renew their insurance to maintain eligibility.
Canada Parents Visa: Processing Times and Provincial Variations
As of February 5, 2025, processing times for PGP applications are approximately 24 months for applicants outside Quebec. Due to Quebec’s family class admission targets, processing times for those settling in the province are estimated at 48 months.
Super Visa applicants must have private health coverage, as they are not eligible for provincial or territorial health care plans. Previously, proof of health insurance was only accepted from Canadian providers, but IRCC now permits applicants to purchase policies from international insurance companies.
For those planning shorter stays of six months or less, a visitor visa remains an alternative option.