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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says those challenging its legality are “feeling the heat” of anti-graft war.
In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC’s director of public affairs, said the agency is “worried and shocked” about the suit in view of the “corruption problem” in the country.
BACKGROUND
Recently, attorneys-general of 16 states of the federation filed a suit challenging the constitutionality of the law establishing the EFCC.
The states argued that in enacting the law in 2004, the national assembly failed to adhere to section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs the incorporation of international treaties into domestic law.
They noted that the EFCC Act cannot be applied to states that did not give their consent to its creation.
The supreme court had fixed October 22 to hear the suit filed by the 16 states.
In two letters addressed to the constitution review committees of the senate and house of representatives, Olisa Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said EFCC was not constitutionally established.
Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, and some civil society organisations have faulted the suit.
‘NIGERIA CAN’T SURVIVE WITHOUT US’
Uwujaren said the establishment of the EFCC followed due process in the national assembly while calling on Nigerians to reject the move to “derail” the operations of the agency.
“I am worried that with the kind of problem we have with corruption in this country, some people will go to court to challenge the legality of EFCC,” he said.
“What you see playing out today is simply people who are feeling the heat of the work of the EFCC, and they simply want to derail what is going on within the EFCC. They see EFCC as a threat.
“Nigerians should see through the gimmick of those who are behind the suit on the legality of the commission.
“We are really shocked by what is happening. Nigerians should see through this shenanigan and oppose it because I don’t see how this country can survive without the EFCC with the kind of corruption problem that we have in this country. Nigeria cannot do without the EFCC.”
EFCC was established December 12, 2002 following an act of national assembly under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has stated that the current economic hardship being witnessed in the nation cannot be attributed to the Tinubu-led administration.
Akpabio expressed this thought at the 2024 reunion of the UNICAL '87 Law Class over the weekend.
According to him, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in power, there is light at the end of the tunnel because his administration will leave behind lasting legacies that will guarantee the future of Nigerians.
“The difficulties we are witnessing in our nation today were not caused by the present administration. These are as a result of years of maladministration. Any country that does not have backbone infrastructure, you don’t have something to develop, you don’t save for the raining day, when there is economic malaise such as we are witnessing in the world today, such country is bound to be affected.
The good news is that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have hope today, that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The things that we are trying to do now, we are doing for posterity. Not for ourselves. Be assured that this administration will leave behind lasting legacies that will guarantee a better future.”
The federal government has pleaded with Nigerians in diaspora to return home and build a better country.
The call was made by the Chairman, Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Dabiri-Erewa on behalf of the Federal Government said it is important that every Nigerian return to the country to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.
Speaking while delivering the 12th Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti ABUAD Convocation lecture on Saturday, the NIDCOM chairman said the experiences gathered by Nigerians abroad are needed back home.
According to her, such experiences would help proffer solutions to the socioeconomic challenges hampering Nigeria’s growth and development.
Dabiri-Erewa also noted that the commission is working effortlessly to support the framework for the facilitation of diaspora engagement in national growth and development.
A panel setup by the Federal Government has dismissed claims by controversial activist, Verydarkman that the popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky slept outside the prison during his six-month jail term.
According to the panel report on Monday, there is no evidence showing that Bobrisky served his sentence outside the prison.
The Executive Director and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Uju Agomoh, disclosed this while reading the phase one report of the panel at the Ministry of Interior.
Bobrisky was released from prison on August 5 after she was sentenced to six months on April 12 for naira mutilation.
Popular activist, VeryDarkMan had accused Bobrisky of spending his jail term in a lodge and not the Kirikiri prison due to the influence of a godfather.
VeryDarkMan also released an audio of Bobrisky alleging to have bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with N15 million to drop his money laundering charges.
Following this revelation, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a probe.
On September 30, Tunji-Ojo constituted an investigative panel chaired by Magdalena Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, on ‘Alleged Corruption & Other Violations Against the Nigerian Correctional Service’.
However, Agomoh said the panel “did not find any evidence thus far that suggested that Mr Okuneye slept outside the custodial centre during the period of his imprisonment, which was from 12th April 2024 to the 5th August 2024, which is a six-month correctional sentence with the usual remission applicable”.
Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has been left shedding tears of joy after being surprised by streaming platform, Netflix.
The actress received a box of chocolate, a fashionable cup, and more from the streaming platform.
They also sent her a letter, expressing how proud they were to have her on the set of their movie, Anikulapo.
Sharing the video, she wrote: “A few weeks ago, I received a beautiful surprise from @netflixfilm, and it truly touched my heart.
Thank you, @netflixfilm, for this incredible recognition.
I’m beyond grateful to God, and my dear brother @kunleafo is even more motivated to keep pushing forward.
To my family and supporters, I promise to always give my best you all inspire me every day”.
See comments below:
Kunle Afod wrote, “You are good at what you do so you must get the reward while you are still alive my sister
Fausat Balogun wrote, “Congratulations Ashakeade
Toyosi Adesanya wrote, “More grace in all your endeavors
Monica Friday wrote, “You deserve everything good ma. A priceless easy going, super talented, and great legend
Ifeoluwa Elizbeth wrote, “You’re a legend ma, you made our childhood and you’re still making our adulthood. You deserve every recognition because you’re good at what you do
Kamo State wrote, “Congratulations Mama, up way
Raph Dubai wrote, “Congratulations sis u really deserve it our veteran
The Olaiya Temitope wrote, “You work so hard. You deserve more”.
The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a 48-year-old man, Kadiri Yusuf alias Alado, over the alleged physical assault of two of his children in the Orile Agege area of Lagos.
The suspect is alleged to have inflicted grievous bodily injuries on his two children, aged 11 and 13 years.
NAN's City and Crime gathered that the incident was reported at the station by the teacher of one of the children.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident said around 5pm on Friday, October 18, the head teacher of a primary school in Orile Agege, reported that at about 7am of the same date, she found out that one of her pupils had wounds all over her body.
Hundeyin said the teacher further claimed that upon inquiry, the little girl of about 11 years, confided in her how her father, one Kadiri Yusuf alias Alado, used to beat her.
“The little girl also confided in her teacher that her father also beat up her elder brother whose age was also put at 13.
“The victims have been retrieved and treated. They have also been handed over to their sister for safe custody.
The suspect fled from home before the arrival of the police. Efforts are on to apprehend him,” he said.
resident Bola Tinubu has had a meeting with First Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Chairman, Zach Adedeji in his office.
This comes after he resumed his official duties at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
This was disclosed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday.
Posting on X, Onanuga wrote: “President Bola Tinubu at his desk this morning, after his two-week vacation. His first meeting was with FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji.”
Tinubu had travelled to Europe on a two-week leave. He returned to the country two days ago after the leave in the United Kingdom and France.
Tinubu, who arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 7:20pm, was received by senior members of the administration.
The President had departed for the two-week working vacation on Wednesday, October 2 as part of his annual leave, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Twenty-nine suspects have been paraded by the Imo State Police Command over their alleged involvement in kidnapping within the state.
The police also recovered AK-47 rifles and other dangerous items from them.
Among those paraded were four female suspects.
A press statement issued by the command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, informed that the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects was carried out by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit on October 19, 2024, dislodging the camp said to belong to the suspects in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area of the state, leading to the arrest of 29 suspects—25 males and four females.
He stated that the operation was initiated following the apprehension of a 25-year-old male suspect, Anukuru Nnana Emmanuel, at Mgbidi in Oru East Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesperson hinted that information obtained from the suspect during cross-examination enabled police operatives to locate and dismantle the camp.
ASP Okoye further hinted that during the operation several dangerous items were recovered from the suspects, including 4 pump-action guns, two locally-made revolvers, five locally-made pistols, three AK-47 magazines, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, and 20 rounds of live cartridges. Also recovered were one white SUV and local bulletproof charms said to have been used by the suspects.
He added that over N200,000, allegedly extorted from kidnapping victims, was also recovered from them.
“Investigation is ongoing; efforts are in progress to apprehend the manufacturers of the locally made guns. The destruction of this camp is part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes and restore peace within the state,” he stated.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has kicked against people calling for a military coup in Nigeria.
According to DHQ, such a call is a treasonable offence.
The warning followed a viral video clip circulating on social media, urging the Nigerian military to take over power from the President Bola Tinubu administration.
Reacting, the military, in a statement on Monday by its Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the military is “steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and is loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
The statement added that the military remains focused on fulfilling its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity.
The DHQ further mandated relevant security agencies in the country to take necessary action against any individual or group “advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.”
023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi has given a clarification why he celebrated former military head of state General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) on his 90th birthday.
Recall that some of his followers had slammed Obi over the flowery words he lavished the former military leader on his birthday.
Obi’s stance did not go down well with the Ndigbos who believed Gown masterminded a massacre that wiped out millions of Igbos during the war.
The 1967-1970 Nigerian civil war took place under the leadership of General Gowon. While Nigeria was led by the retired general, Biafra was led by the late Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Explaining the reason for joining in celebrating Gowon, Obi said he believed in forgiveness.
“My felicitation with Nigeria’s former military Head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday anniversary, which was celebrated by a cross-section of Nigerians, has been received with mixed feelings by some Nigerians, and some have expressed their sentiments publicly, and privately to me.
“I share in some of them, and I feel that as a leader in the vanguard of providing direction for our country to shift base away from all our shortcomings, including the issues that caused our avoidable cruel civil war, I needed to show to the World that the ultimate heroism is forgiving the enemy and moving forward.
“Indisputably, the darkest part of our 64-year journey as a nation is the 30 months of civil war from 1967 to 1970 and God almighty whose way is not our way must have a reason why he kept the Chief Prosecutor of the war who is General Gowon alive to be 90 years today and the man who saw the end of the war, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to be there at 87 years super-heading all the moves to see a reconciled and just Nigeria.
“There was also a developing new spirit why the same country, Nigeria, gave the Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a heroic national burial on 2 March 2012, when he joined his ancestors, coincidentally under my tenure as Governor of Anambra state.
“The status of the burial given to Dim Ojukwu remains the boldest indication to the World that Nigeria as a country is disposed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation.
“There are various ways human beings can respond to acts of evil, especially one that claimed millions of lives. One is the tragedy of revenge, and another offers the hope of forgiveness in an attempt to forget.
“The latter conforms neatly with the template I adopted in greeting Gen Gowon at 90 years old. In all my dealings with human beings, I try to be guided by my faith as a Christian in a strong message preached by Jesus Christ himself and underscored in reflections in St Paul’s letter to the Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another: if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
“And to Ephesians 4: 31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” Whatever reason I will give for joining the rest of Nigerians to greet General Gowon, May never truly conform with some persons, especially direct victims of the war, but anger, hurt, and bitterness are the commonest responses to cruelty.
“It fuels sectarianism, it leads to resistance and avoidable blood feuds that we are witnessing across the globe, and even in our country and it does not abate. There is something about forgiveness, it sets the person doing it free.
“Forgiveness is more a process than an instinct. It’s hate that has put our society, blessed by God to be the greatest land in the black World, down, but this hate has to stop.
“I was under ten years old when the Nigeria/Biafra war started in 1967. Most of my supporters across the country joining me get a new Nigeria were born after the war, and I didn’t feel I should drag them back to the dark side of our history by being unforgiving.
“I feel such an act will derail the message of a New Nigeria that we insist is POssible. ‘Must you greet him? Why didn’t you keep quiet?’ some angrily say to me, but that will still be injurious to our journey to a new Nigeria where all political vices, including but not limited to ethnic, religious, bitterness, and regional segregation, are eliminated.
“Various personal experiences of victims of injustice across the globe who have chosen to put ugly things behind them visibly demonstrate the transformative power of forgiveness in healing personal and collective wounds,” he wrote on his official X handle on Sunday.
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World Bank urges Nigeria to scale up nutrition investment, promises $23 return per dollar spent
Admin
The World Bank has urged the Nigerian government to increase its investment in nutrition programs, highlighting the potential for substantial economic returns.
According to the global financial institution, “every dollar spent on nutrition could yield up to $23 in returns, underscoring the critical importance of addressing malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations.”
This appeal comes amid alarming rates of child stunting and maternal anemia in Nigeria, which pose serious challenges to the nation’s health and economic development.
The World Bank’s Investment Framework for Nutrition highlights that globally, “Investing in nutrition is not just about health; it’s about economic growth.”
In Nigeria, where 11 million children suffer from stunting and over 50% of pregnant women are anemic, these returns could be even higher, with potential gains of up to $23 for each dollar invested.
Nigeria’s stunting and anemia crisis
In Nigeria, child stunting and maternal anemia remain severe challenges. UNICEF reports that over 11 million Nigerian children under five are stunted, which is roughly 35% of the child population. Stunting affects cognitive development, physical growth, and future productivity.
Maternal anemia is equally alarming, with over 50% of pregnant women affected. This condition heightens the risk of premature births, low birth weight, and maternal death, further straining Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Scaling up nutrition
Nigeria stands to benefit substantially from global nutrition investments, especially under the new Investment Framework for Nutrition 2024. The framework estimates that an additional $13 billion annually will be required globally to tackle undernutrition over the next decade, with Sub-Saharan Africa—where Nigeria plays a critical role—needing $34 billion alone to meet its nutrition targets.
For Nigeria, the World Bank emphasizes that the solution lies in scaling up affordable interventions, such as improving maternal and child healthcare, fortifying staple foods, and promoting breastfeeding. For Nigeria, the cost of these interventions—around $17 per child and $13 per pregnant woman per year—is a relatively small price to pay for the long-term gains in productivity and health.
Economic and social impact for Nigeria
Beyond health, investing in nutrition in Nigeria could yield substantial economic benefits. Underproductive children become underproductive adults, so improving childhood nutrition will enhance labor market productivity. Reducing maternal anemia will improve maternal and infant health, cut healthcare costs, and strengthen families.
Every dollar invested in nutrition could generate a return of $23, contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic and social development goals. These investments would also support Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2), which aim to end hunger and improve food security and nutrition.
Financing and policy innovations
To fund these interventions, Nigeria must adopt innovative approaches, including repurposing agricultural subsidies for healthier diets, increasing taxes on unhealthy foods like sugar-sweetened beverages, and utilizing climate funds to address food insecurity.
Additionally, Nigeria can leverage social bonds and private sector partnerships to support its nutrition programs.
Stronger regulations on food fortification, improved healthcare services, and public awareness campaigns promoting dietary diversity would further bolster these efforts. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and fortifying staple foods such as rice and maize with essential nutrients will be crucial for combating malnutrition.
What You Should Know
- As the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit approaches, Nigeria has an opportunity to significantly enhance its nutrition strategy.
- Scaling up efforts to address child stunting and maternal anemia will improve health outcomes, enhance economic productivity, and reduce the long-term costs of malnutrition in the country.
- With the World Bank’s backing, Nigeria could significantly improve its health outcomes, enhance its labor productivity, and contribute to its broader economic development.
[Nairametrics]
Secondary school student apprehended for kidnapping his 10-year-old neighbour for money ritual
AFOLABI
In a shocking incident in Masvingo, an 18-year-old student has been arrested for kidnapping his 10-year-old neighbour with the intention of using him for a money ritual.
The young boy, named Tawana, disappeared for three days, only to be found after a police investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, a Form 4 student at Vision Academy, identified as Peter.
Peter admitted during a police interrogation that he had planned to take Tawana to clients in Chipinge, who had requested the child’s head for ritual purposes.
In a disturbing confession, Peter said; “When I took this child, they had told me to find a head and bring it.”
The confession, recorded on video, shows Tawana’s grandmother wailing in the background as the child’s mother, filled with shock and rage, confronts the suspect. She demands answers from Peter, questioning his motives.
""So, you wanted to sacrifice my child? Peter, did you really plan to do this? What did Tawana do to you? What did we do to deserve this? You have no shame!"
In the same video, Tawana’s mother also reprimands her son for ignoring warnings about befriending older individuals like Peter,"Tawana, you hear what your friend was up to? We always warned you not to play with this older guy. Look what he wanted to do—he wanted to get you killed." she said
The video ends abruptly, but the incident has left the local community in shock, raising concerns about the safety of children and the people parents trust with their well-being.
Watch the video below…
Media
An 18 year old form 4 student at Vision Academy in Msv confessing that he disapeared with a 10 yr old neighbour for 3 days intending to go with him to Chipinge were his clients were waiting for the minor' head for ritual purposes. pic.twitter.com/avQpNbchjx
— Media Centre Masvingo (@MasvingoMedia) October 19, 2024
Controversial celebrity crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has been reportedly arrested by operatives of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Seme border while attempting to flee Nigeria to the neighbouring Benin Republic.
This was disclosed by social media activist, Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), via an Instagram post on Monday. According to VDM, Bobrisky was apprehended by Nigerian immigration officers while trying to escape amidst an ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives over bribery allegations against officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) involving the crossdresser.
In the video by VDM, he displayed a message he had received, stating, “Bobrisky was arrested this morning at Seme border post on his way to escape to Benin Republic. He sent someone to help him sign his international passport, and he hid in his car. The Nigerian immigration service is currently holding him.”
VDM has since called on both Bobrisky and the Nigerian Immigration Service to address the rumours and clarify the situation.
The crossdresser’s alleged arrest came amid his scheduled appearance before a legislative panel at the House of Representatives.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Bobrisky had previously been invited in connection to leaked audio recordings in which he allegedly admitted to bribing his way out of prison with the assistance of a powerful “Godfather” and having a money laundering case against him dropped by EFCC.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Bobrisky was yet to respond to the claims of his arrest or the ongoing investigation.
[Leadership]
The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has revealed that Nigeria incurs an annual loss of $3 billion due to importing Ankara fabrics, a widely recognized wax print in West and Central Africa.
Musawa noted that fabrics such as Adire, Kente, Bogolan, and Ankara represent Africa’s pride, history, and cultural identity.
However, she regretted that despite this rich heritage, many of the continent’s favourite fabrics, including Ankara, are primarily manufactured outside Africa.
Naija News reports that Musawa made this remark in Algiers last week during the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024.
According to a statement from the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, Musawa emphasized the importance of strengthening Africa’s fashion and textile industry.
She stated, “Nearly 90 percent of the Ankara consumed on our continent is imported, leading to an annual loss of approximately $3 billion to foreign manufacturers. We must change this.
“We must reclaim our fashion narrative by strengthening local production capacities and ensuring that the benefits of this vibrant industry remain within our borders.”
Musa further stated that Africa’s fashion industry is projected to grow to $15.5 billion by 2025 and called for actions to address structural challenges hindering local production.
“Fashion is far more than a form of expression. It is an economic powerhouse. The global fashion industry is valued at approximately $2.5 trillion. In Nigeria alone, the fashion industry contributes approximately $6.1 billion to GDP, while South Africa’s textile sector employs over 140,000 people, demonstrating the sector’s capacity for job creation.
“Investments in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth. By expanding local production, we will not only add value within our borders but also position Africa as a global hub for fashion,” she stated.
Musawa stated that the ministry is actively engaged in developing manufacturing hubs and training programs in craftsmanship as part of the Design Nexus and Destination 2030 initiative throughout Africa.
She further noted that this initiative seeks to elevate Nigeria’s arts, culture, and creative economy to a leading position.