The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) revealed yesterday that its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Group (CEPTG) had scrutinized poorly executed projects totalling N219.844 billion across 176 federal government agencies.
Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the commission’s chairman, made this disclosure during a press briefing in Lagos, emphasizing the importance of directing government funds towards impactful projects in critical sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure to benefit vulnerable Nigerians.
The tracking exercise, conducted as part of the 2024 phase six initiative from November 2023 to the first quarter of 2024, focused on key sectors in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr. Adamu highlighted that 1,721 government-funded projects underwent scrutiny during this phase, with ongoing investigations into various infractions including underperformance, shoddy execution, abandonment, incompleteness, and project hoarding.
Regarding plea bargaining, Dr. Adamu noted its efficiency in saving time and money while aiding the government in recovering stolen funds.
Men Should Help Only Their Fellow Men and Women Should Help Themselves – Apostle Suleman Advises
AFOLABIPopular Clergyman Apostle Johnson Suleman shares a thought-provoking message with his congregation at Omega Fire Ministries International.
During his sermon, Apostle Suleman urged men to come together and support one another in a way that surpasses their support for women.
Apostle Suleman also directed his criticism towards men who prioritize aiding women over their own gender. He challenged the actions of those who neglect their fellow men in need in favor of helping women.
He highlighted the importance of forming strong teams and bonds through assisting men, while cautioning against potential controversies that may arise from helping women.
Apostle Suleman stressed that the gratitude shown by women when they receive help is often limited and minimal. He emphasized the idea that only a small number of females genuinely appreciate the assistance they receive.
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“If You're A Young Man, Help More Males Than Females. Let The Women Help Themselves. When You Help Your Fellow Man, You Have A Team, But When You Help A Woman, You Have Sc@ndals”
— CHUKS ? (@ChuksEricE) April 29, 2024
-Apostle Johnson Suleman pic.twitter.com/vJvwxo2HGt
A man has been arrested for abducting and hiding a 10-year-old girl in a refrigerator in Kaduna State.
The suspect was apprehended by the police in the north east State on Tuesday.
According to the police, the incident happened in Unguwar Gara Village of Kauru Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest of the suspect to newsmen on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Hassan disclosed that Uwaila Idris, the mother of the abducted girl, reported the disappearance of her daughter, Hanifa Garba, on Saturday afternoon.
“She came to the police station and reported that on April 26, at about 1300hrs one Aminu Garba of the same address allegedly abducted her 10-year-old daughter named Hanifa Garba in his shop,” he said.
Hassan said when the suspect was asked about Hanifa’s whereabouts, he denied any knowledge of where she was.
He added, ” The suspect denied seeing her and went back to his shop, covered the girl’s mouth with a Hijab (veil) and forced her into a refrigerator, and padlocked her inside.
”The youths in the area insisted on searching the shop, after which Hanifa was found locked inside the refrigerator.
“The suspect was immediately arrested, while investigation is ongoing to establish the real motive behind the suspect’s action.”
He stated that the suspect would be charged in court on completion of the ongoing discreet investigations.
Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, has wadded into the beef between his boss and Wizkid.
DAILY POST reports that Wizkid and Davido were engaged in a fierce social media war on X on Monday.
Reacting via his Instagram story, Israel DMW stated that he was disappointed with Wizkid’s behaviour, stressing that Davido had done nothing to deserve it.
He urged Wizkid to retire from the music industry “honourably” if he is fed up.
He also berated him for shading ace music executive, Don Jazzy.
Israel DMW wrote: “I use to like everything about you, thinking you’re a human being. I never knew you’re a fully daft headed human being. Why dis continous jealousy and hatred? Did oga [Davido] stops you from releasing ur own back to back sweet hits?
“He has never in anytime said anything bad of you at all. You you just keep hating him for nothing sake. Retire from music if you’re fed up. Resign honourably. Who the hell are you? You’re just a small dwarf. You will be taught a lesson, if you’re not careful.
“You’re an idiot. A whole Don Baba? Na ur mate? Ugbeowagbon, Usaloa.”
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned of social media misuse and calls for an overhaul of strategic communication to counter disinformation.
Ribadu stated that the negative use of social media poses both local and global threats, presenting an immediate national security priority.
Ribadu delivered remarks in Abuja during a session with representatives from groups associated with the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee.
He instructed media managers in defense, security, and response agencies to change their approach to engaging the public and countering disinformation from the country’s enemies.
He suggested that spokespersons in the security sector should address the use of media and social media platforms, which create division between citizens and governments at various levels.
Ribadu highlighted the prevalence of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation and identified them as hazards to national security and public involvement.
The NSA stated, “Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens. This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority.
“The urgency to prepare and be proactive in our national security strategic communication management is now, and the spokespersons have a critical role to play.
“Upon the sweat and blood of service personnel and the men and women who protect us daily, we must build a narrative of resilience and mobilise our people.
“We must tell their stories and sing their praise as part of a broader national strategic communication programme.
“As spokespersons, you have a critical role to play in effective governance communication to project our results and reach audiences at home and abroad.
“Countering fake news will require that we are ahead of the news and proactively update the public.”
The NSA assured that going forward, government communication would be in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision and directives, with messages carefully coordinated to reflect national security objectives and values.
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Tuesday, revealed that the People Democratic Party, PDP, will lose a sitting governor in the South-South to the Labour Party.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Oluwatosin Osho, the prophet explained that the current PDP management will continue to put the party in more crises, adding that many important people are decamping to another party as a result of the leadership crisis rocking the opposition party.
He said; ‘’A sitting governor in PDP will decamp, a prominent governor in South-South will decamp to the Labour party. The current management will put PDP in a big problem, If PDP isn’t careful, the party will become a forgotten factor in the country.’’
The prophet further noted that although the current leadership will plunge the party into more issues, a powerful person will take over the party.
“The management will compress the PDP, they will put the party into more crisis but I see a powerful person coming to take over the party,” he said.
Primate Ayodele also disclosed that a third force would emerge, adding that it would be a coalition of aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and PDP.
He warned that the coalition would be a strong movement.
‘’However, I still see a third force that will be formed by aggrieved members of APC and PDP, it will be a strong one; both parties should prepare,’’ he added.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said he refused to back his former Deputy, Philip Shaibu, to succeed him because the odds didn’t favour him.
Obaseki said the political permutations in the South-South state did not favour Shaibu to take over as the leader of the state.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Obaseki said he could not risk backing Shaibu to succeed him because he had to protect the Edo people.
The governor added that he had to “protect the Edo people. So, I could not take that risk on Edo people.”
He said: “For me, I did not understand where the ambition was coming from because it was clear that the odds were not in his favour in terms of succeeding me and I made it very clear.
“So, I could not take any risk on his ambition because I have to protect the Edo people. So, I could not take that risk on Edo people.”
Naija News reports that Shaibu and Obaseki were former allies, but fell off after the former declared his intention to become the governor of the state.
The former deputy governor was later impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly for leaking government information.
Bishop David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel International, has issued a stern warning against internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
During a Sunday service in Canaanland, Ota, Bishop Oyedepo advised the youth to steer clear of fraudulent activities and live within the bounds of the law.
Naija News reports that Bishop Oyedepo, in his message to the congregation, warned against deceit and corruption, specifically targeting those involved in internet scams.
“Nobody playing games has a future in the kingdom. Hear this and hear it forever. If that is your trade, stop it,” he declared, explicitly condemning the activities of those who engage in acquiring people’s ATM card details through deceitful means.
The Bishop emphasized the inevitable bitter end for those involved in such nefarious activities.
“You are on a very fast lane that always ends in bitterness and destruction,” he warned.
Bishop Oyedepo reminded his listeners about the spiritual laws of sowing and reaping, and the principles of seedtime and harvest.
He encouraged engagement with these laws cheerfully, willingly, and tirelessly, suggesting that lawful endeavors would eventually lead to prosperity.
“Engage with that law and watch how you begin to lay up gold with time,” he advised.
Recall that in 2022, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries labeled internet fraudsters thieves and proclaimed that they would ‘know no peace’ as long as they continued to steal from others.
Bishop Oyedepo’s condemnation of internet fraud comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with a high rate of cybercrimes, impacting the image of the country internationally.
The talented Nigerian international goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has made an indelible mark in the annals of history by becoming the first African and Nigerian player to be honoured as the top goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema (women’s league).
Naija News reports that throughout this season, the 23-year-old Super Falcons goalkeeper has showcased her exceptional skills, particularly in saving penalties, solidifying her position as one of the finest goalkeepers on the global stage.
Nnadozie triumphed over fierce competition from Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG, emerging as the deserving recipient of this prestigious individual recognition.
“It’s very pleasing because she deserves it and she achieved an exceptional Champions League and not only on penalties.
“She is adorable. It is deserved. We know that she will be courted this summer, but we will try to keep her,” said Pierre Ferracci, the president of Nnadozie’s club, Paris FC.
Naija News reports that Nnadozie has been unrivalled in saving penalties this season, leading Europe with an impressive seven saves.
Recall that Nnadozie was also awarded CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023.
Paris FC is currently in third place in the league standings with 42 points, trailing Paris Saint-Germain by eight points and Lyon by 11 points.
After winning the French D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Year award, Nnadozie expressed her gratitude on social media platform X, stating that she was thrilled to have received this honour.
“A big thanks to everyone who voted for me, and also a special appreciation to my coaches and teammates for all the support and encouragement, to my amazing family, and to Naija fans Una too much. GOD DID,” she added.
Former African Footballer of The Year, Victor Ikpeba, believes the appointment of Finidi George as Super Eagles coach will be a blessing to home-based players.
After waiting almost two months, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced Finidi George as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
Before his appointment, Finidi served as the Super Eagles’ assistant coach for 20 months and was the head coach of Enyimba of Aba.
Ikpeba, a member of the Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee that endorsed Finidi for the Super Eagles coaching job, said the former Nigeria international, who won the NPFL with Enyimba last season, will provide opportunities for homegrown players.
“Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool,” Ikpeba said on Monday Night Football aired on SuperSport.
“As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he’s in touch with the domestic scene and will provide opportunities for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself.”
Reports claimed that Finidi George signed a one-year contract with the NFF with a one-year extension option. His first assignment is to lead the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The journey to that goal will commence on June 3 when the Super Eagles take on South Africa in their third game of the qualification series. After the game in Uyo, the Eagles will fly to Abidjan in Ivory Coast to take on Benin Republic on June 10.
Nigeria is currently third in Group C, a point behind second-placed South Africa, and two points below first-placed Rwanda. Hence, the Eagles are expected to win their games this June to increase their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“In the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures that could define our World Cup aspirations,” Ikpeba said.
“We find ourselves in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is imperative. With the talents at our disposal, if Finidi can extract the best from the players, qualification is within our reach.”
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Everton have already established contact with Wilfred Ndidi over a summer move.
Ndidi has less than two months on his contract with Leicester City and is not expected to sign an extension.
A number of clubs have already expressed interest in signing the defensive midfielder.
Anticipating they could face stiff competition for the Nigeria international, Everton have decided to send their proposal to the player early.
Ndidi, according to reports, is yet to decide his destination.
The 27-year-old played a crucial role in Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League.
The Foxes won the Sky Bet Championship title after a 3-0 victory over Preston North End on Monday.
A recent report by Statisense has ranked the Nigerian Naira and the Argentine Peso among the top 15 weakest currencies against the U.S. dollar, highlighting ongoing economic challenges in both nations.
Naija News reports that this revelation follows a considerable depreciation in the value of the Naira.
The currency hit a record low in March, exchanging at over N1,900 to a dollar before significantly improving to N1,100.
However, recent trends indicate a continued decline, with the Naira currently trading for over N1,300 to the dollar. This fluctuation underscores the naira’s persistent volatility and weakening stance in the global currency market.
According to the Statisense report, the top 5 currencies listed to be performing poorly against the dollar were Lebanon, Syria, Argentina, Nigeria and South Sudan, respectively.
Malawi, Angola, Turkiye, Egypt, Zambia, Venezuela, Burundi, Belarus, Congo, and Laos are also among the 15 countries whose currencies are performing poorly against the U.S. dollar.
The report situates the Naira and the Argentine Peso within a broader context of global economic instability, where multiple countries are grappling with inflationary pressures, political instability, and challenges in the financial sector.
In Nigeria, factors such as fluctuating oil prices, foreign exchange reserve pressures, and speculative activities are exacerbating the situation, leading to a continuous depreciation of the Naira.
Similarly, Argentina has been dealing with longstanding economic difficulties, inflation, and fiscal deficits that have weakened the Peso.
Economic analysts suggest that stringent economic reforms, better fiscal management, and stabilizing measures are crucial for improving the strength of these currencies.
‘Let Tinubu Breathe’ - APC Chieftain Slams Daniel Bwala For ‘Pursuing’ President To Saudi Arabia
AFOLABIA chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has attacked Daniel Bwala, branding the former Atiku Abubakar’s spokesman as a “hungry man” after he visited President Bola Tinubu to Saudi Arabia where the president had participated in World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Igbokwe described Bwala, who ahead of the 2023 presidential election defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as shameless.
Bwala had left Tinubu ahead of the election to work for Atiku’s presidential campaign organisation as a spokesperson.
“Why is this PDP man running helter-skelter? Why is he rushing PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) anywhere he goes? What is he looking for? What is he pushing for?” Igbokwe wrote, adding that Bwala has no shame for disturbing the president in Saudi Arabia after previously pursuing him to France recently.
“Let this man receive little sense and dignity by sticking to his Party PDP and allow PBAT to breathe? Haba! Kilode gan ni? Oginidi?” the APC chieftain added.
Bwala, a former supporter of Tinubu before he defected to Atiku’s camp, has been making overtures to reestablish ties with the president, including pledging allegiance to him after a meeting at the Presidential Villa in January.
Bwala stated after the meeting that he was committed to supporting Tinubu’s administration, even if it required returning to the APC, saying “President Bola Tinubu is my motivation.”
It was a reversal from Bwala’s earlier criticism of Tinubu’s appointments as “nepotism pro max” when he was Atiku’s spokesman.
Reacting to Igbokwe’s post, Segun Showunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku’s campaign, said: “Blame the handlers of President Bola Tinubu. I have spoken on this and how those who work so hard might be feeling. I hope they know the larger implications of these things.”
Explaining his decision to realign with Tinubu, Bwala had said in January, “Some of his ministers that were allegedly reported to have committed infractions, instead of protecting them, he asked that the law should take its course. And he suspended somebody without wasting time. That to me is impressive because it is about the people.
“Secondly, there has been this outcry that the government is bloated and the rest. Yesterday he introduced a policy to reduce the cost of governance and today he told me it is just the beginning. There are many more decisions of government that would reduce the cost of governance,” Bwala added.
Bwala further stated, “This is not about political parties and you need to know that I was with him (before the presidential election) before I left and I was doggedly committed to him. I told him today, I am committing to play my part to support your administration, and I have no apologies to anybody.”
When asked if he’s back in the ruling APC, Bwala said, “APC is a party. President Bola Tinubu is my motivation; if supporting him will take me to APC, so be it.”
‘NEPOTISM PRO MAX’
In his previous criticism, Bwala had accused Tinubu of nepotism when the president nominated additional persons to serve as ministers in his cabinet.
“President Bola Tinubu’s appointment is nepotistic and now has earned the status of nepotism pro max 15,” he had said in September on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics.
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“We earn the right to point out things that the President and his administration are doing which are not uniting Nigeria, which are not pushing us towards the path of progress”.
“I earn the right to speak truth to power because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is somebody that I, Bwala Daniel, respect with the greatest respect,” Bwala added. “I supported him when I was in the APC in the primaries, and more than just that, I, along with the PDP, sent my congratulations to him after he was sworn in which brought a lot of backlash to me.”
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I am delighted to meet Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ongoing World Economic Forum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where President Tinubu delivered at the forum a well defined agenda for Nigeria and the rest of the world through collaboration. pic.twitter.com/YzbtEEX7cU
— D. H Bwala (@BwalaDaniel) April 29, 2024
The Nigerian currency, the Naira, has experienced a significant decline in value, falling to ₦1,340 per dollar in the parallel market, a notable decrease from N1,300 per dollar just last Friday.
Naija News reports that the depreciation trend continued in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), where the Naira weakened to ₦1,419.11 per dollar from ₦1,339.23.
According to data released by FMDQ, the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM showed a sharp depreciation of ₦79.88, exacerbating concerns among investors and the public about the underlying economic pressures facing the country.
The growing disparity between the official and parallel market rates, which now stands at ₦79.11 per dollar compared to ₦39.23 last week, underscores the volatility in the foreign exchange market.
Economic analysts suggest that the widening gap could be indicative of increased demand for dollars that is not being met by adequate supply in the official channels.
This imbalance often forces individuals and businesses to turn to the parallel market, where rates are typically higher but more readily available.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has yet to respond to the current market dynamics, but financial experts are calling for urgent interventions.
Measures such as enhancing foreign exchange liquidity and addressing structural economic challenges could help stabilize the Naira.
As the country grapples with these financial uncertainties, the impact on import costs, inflation, and general cost of living continues to be a major concern for both businesses and households across Nigeria.
The ongoing depreciation of the Naira highlights the need for robust economic policies and effective management of the foreign exchange market to safeguard the economic stability of the nation.