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Contract scandal: Civil Society Council makes case for Tunji-Ojo

By Emmanuel Daudu

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, NCSCN, has made case for the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stating that he was no longer a director in the company.

Recall that Tunji-Ojo faced scrutiny following the controversy surrounding the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu’s financial misappropriation. A leaked document revealed that New Planet Project Limited, a company founded by Tunji-Ojo, secured a N438 million consultancy contract from the ministry.

In response, Tunji-Ojo denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he resigned his directorship in the company in February 2019 when elected as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives.

The Executive Director, NCSCN, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, stated that in less than three months Tunji-Ojo had shown tremendous work and that his involvement in fraud was doubtful.

Akinlosotu said, “Today it is evident that the Ministers can deliver on their mandates. The Minister of Interior has proven that there is hope in the present Government.

“Regarding the case of Minister of Interior and the affected company, there is a clear evidence that the Minister and his wife have resigned from the Board of Directors of the company hereby seizes to control the company.

“It will be erroneous and out of place to expect a company established to render service and create job opportunities to be shut down just because a former director has decided to serve in the status of a public servant, we frown at this mob judgement and call on Nigerians to restrain.”

The NCSCN also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s will to tackle insecurity, saying that “the Council is confident that efforts of the President towards improving Security and Economic welfare of Nigerian gradually yielding positive results.”

Akinlosotu, also commended Tinubu for the massive reduction in the size of the Federal government’s entourage.

He said, “The Civil Society Community also commend the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce the size of entourages of Executive, aimed cutting down the cost of Governance. We hereby call on both the Legislature and the Judiciary to follow suit, in other to save our economy”.

President Tinubu Receives Brief On $10 Billion Investment Prospects In Nigeria’s Steel Sector

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, at the State House in Abuja, held a meeting with the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, during which he received briefing on investment prospects in the steel sector.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) January 11, 2024, disclosed that the President emphasized that a revitalized steel development industry is both a catalyst for robust economic growth and a doorway to immense opportunities for Nigeria’s massive pool of talented entrepreneurs.

“We will remain unyielding in our determination to build a Nigeria where every citizen has an equal opportunity to prosper and achieve their dreams. New investments in steel production will spur the growth of so many sectors. Industrialization will be a reality in our country with sufficient energy and steel. Nigerian steel will undergird our economy and other economies in our region in future years. I am glad that members of my cabinet have adopted my approach to attracting new investments and job opportunities for our people. Hard work is the only true pathway. We will not relent,” the President stated.

The Ministers informed the President of their discussions with a Chinese company, Luan Steel Holding Group, to build a new steel plant in Nigeria, as well as to commence the production of military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

A delegation led by the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Steel Development had visited Hefei and Guangzhou regions of China to hold business talks with the Chairman of Luan Steel Holding Group, Mr Wang Jianbing; the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr Xiao Weizhan, and other senior executives of the Luan Steel Holding Group.

The Chinese company is expected to invest billions of dollars in Nigeria to build the new steel plant.

The Minister of Steel Development briefed the President, following his approval to restart the Light Steel Mill (LSM) section of Ajaokuta Steel Complex for the production of iron rods, on the progress made on restarting the section, which will cost N35 billion at the first stage.

The Minister said several financial institutions had already provided offer letters for this transaction and that the project is expected to create up to 5,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.

The Minister of Steel Development also informed the President of discussions with the representatives of Jindal Steel Group of India.

Jindal Steel Group had indicated interest in investing up to $5 billion in a new steel plant in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in New Delhi, India, in September, 2023, and is now considering to either acquire existing plants or set up greenfield plants.

According to the Minister, upon the completion of these deals, about $10 billion worth of new investments in both new and existing steel plants in Nigeria will be established, which will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the steel industry in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for massive job creation through industrialization.

Steel Development Minister visits Governor Bello, briefs him on positive developments in the Steel industry

…congratulates him on the appointments of New Ohinoyi, other monarchs, LGA Chairs, Cabinet Members

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuiabu Abubakar Audu, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello CON, on Friday, 12 January 2024 to brief him on the recent developments in the steel industry and proposed steel investment deals expected to bring about $10 billion into the nation’s economy.

This is also as Prince Audu congratulated the governor on the recent appointments of the New Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, other traditional rulers, local government caretaker chairmen, and state executive cabinet members.

According to a press release sign by Lizzy Okoji, SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development,
January 12, 2024, Prince Audu also thanked the governor for his support in ensuring that he delivers on the national assignment as Minister to revive the nation’s steel industry in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Briefing the governor on the updates in the steel industry, Audu told Bello that upon actualization of all the prospective steel deals, billions of dollars of foreign direct investments would come into the nation’s steel industry, which would further create over 500,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Nigerians including thousands of Kogites.

“I am delighted to brief you on the positive developments in the steel industry that the President Tinubu Administration is keen on reviving in order to open up the nation’s economy and create job opportunities.

“Significant progress has been made in the sector with my engagements with prospective international and local investors who have expressed their interest in investing in the steel industry, as well as private financial institutions who are ready to invest funds in the sector.

“We have had expressions of interest from India’s Jindal Steel Company and China’s Lu’an Steel Group which are ready to invest billion of dollars in the sector as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. We will also begin production of military hardwares and production of Iron Rods following President Tinubu’s approval for the resuscitation of the Light Steel Mill section of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant”.

Prince Audu also lauded Bello for ensuring that the right and deserving people were appointed at all helms of affairs, extoling Bello for his wealth of wisdom in successfully governing the state in the past eight years.

“Your Excellency, I congratulate you once again on the appointment of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, and other traditional rulers: the Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Saidu Akawo Salisu, and the Maiyaki of Kupa, Dauda Isah.

“I also extol the meticulous selection of the 21 Local Government Caretaker Chairmen and the Members of the State Executive Council, who, as we know, are capable hands,” Audu added.

Gov. Bello commended the Minister for a job well done and delivering on the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to remain focused.

The Governor commended the significant achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR within just eight months, pledging his support to Prince Audu to succeed in his assignment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“By the grace of God, Ajaokuta will come alive, and the steel industry will boom in the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He is doing very well. When we met the day before yesterday, we really commended him, and we pointed out so many areas where he has helped us within these seven, eight months. Keep moving, continue to do your work, ignore every form of fake news, remain focused, and avoid every form of distraction. We will continue to support you. Make us proud because Mr. Presindet is sure of us in Kogi State, and we will deliver,” Bello said.

Troops neutralize 86 terrorists, arrests 101-Dhq

By Maryam Aminu

The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba has disclosed that troops has neutralized 86 terrorists, arrested 101 from January 1st to the 11th of January, 2024.

Edward made this disclosure on Thursday during a biweekly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja while giving a detailed breakdown of success stories of the Nigerian troops on Ongoing Military Operations by the Armed Forces Of Nigeria as at 11 January 2024.

According to him, “the aim of our ongoing operations remains unchanged and clear even in the new year 2024. Our aim is to find and destroy the terrorist wherever they maybe hiding in order to ensure their enduring defeat. This would deny the terrorist the ability to terrorize or hurt citizens across country.

‘Pursuant to our goal, troops have in the last one week, focussed on striking the terrorist enclaves from our air attacks. We also exerted significant military power on areas in which the terrorists are hibernating.

“Our operations resulted in 86 neutralized terrorists with 101 of them arrested. Troops also arrested 30 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Thirty Six Million One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Naira (N736,115,470.00) only.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 111 assorted weapons and 1,124 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 65 AK47 rifles, one HK G3 dun, one G3 rifle, 8 locally fabricated guns, 15 dane guns, 2 fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, one english pistol, one pump action gun, 2 auto pump action gun, 2 single barrel guns.

“Others are: 14 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 993 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm, 99 live cartridges, one round of 9mm ammo, one of short gun cartridge, 2 bandoliers, 2 fabricated swords, 13 magazines, 5 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, mobile phones and one GTA radio amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 37 dugout pits, 65 boats, 71 storage tanks, 14 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 108 cooking ovens, 4 pump machines, one speedboat and 60 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 1,013,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 299,169 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK.

” Our operations clearly indicate that we are hunting the terrorist commanders and their seniors leadership. Indeed, from their topmost leadership to the lowest commanders are dead men walking and we will stop at nothing until they are dead or surrender.

“The armed forces has demonstrated commitment by our actions to winning this war. Troops will therefore continue to act with tremendous force to achieve the task ahead”, he added.

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu appointed Chairman Governing Council Kings and Queens Medical University College, Ghana

The Vice-Chancellor, Crown University International Chartered Inc in USA, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu has been appointed as the Chairman, Board of Governing Council of the first Ghana’s Private Accredited Medical University.

The President/Chancellor of Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana, Professor Dr. Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu made this known on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in press statement made available to some group of Journalists.

In a statement by Prof Dr. Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu, the President/Chancellor of Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana as contained in the document as letter of appointment to UNESCO laureate by Ghana’s first accredited Private Medical University College appointing him as Chairman, Advisory Board reads in parts: “On behalf of the Governing Council, I’m pleased to inform you that the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Chairman of Advisory Council, Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana,

Congratulations on your appointment in Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana!”

“Your appointment is informed of your contributions to the field of education in Nigeria and the world at large, your integrity, moral standing added with your vast experience in higher education administration which we pray you will bring to bear in nurturing this nascent global Medical University”.

UNESCO laureate while reacting further to the appointment to his Appointment as Chairman, Advisory Council of Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana, Prof Aremu promised competence and commitment to duties of the Advisory Board.

He stated in the release: “We as a Advisory council Members will work as a team. We are saddle with the responsibilities of promoting the overall well-being of the Institution in terms of sustainability, corporate strategy, associated plans and others. Also, to promote the general control and superintendency of the policy, We are charged with the duties of determining major business decisions and corporate policies, the framework of governance, management and monitoring institutional and Executive performance”.

Dr. Raymond Edoh Demands justice for victims of Plateau killings

Plateau Massacre: Youth wail, calls on FG’s action against perpetrators

…Plateau Eve Attack: Service Chiefs should resign if can’t perform-Youth Leader

…Senate, Presidency summon Service Chiefs on Plateau killings-Raymond Edoh

…Raymond Edoh pleads vengeance on killers of Plateau indigenes

A Nigerian born International Activist, Life member, International Chartered World Learned Society, USA, ICWSL, and Secretary General Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, Dr. Raymond Edoh has expressed concern over the Plateau Massacre orchestrated on the 24th of December, 2023 by terrorists living over 160 persons dead and over 300 injured with sundry degrees.

Dr. Raymond Edoh in a statement he signed on the 4th of January, 2024 called on the Federal government, Nigerian Senate, and other stakeholders to invite the Nigerian Service Chiefs to explain to Nigerians why such a coordinated attack should be carried out successfully under their watch and no result-oriented action was taken, stressing that this tends to harp on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pointing out that the State known as a State of Peace and Tourism has suddenly become a state of blood shed.

The statement reads in parts, ” The major security threats within the year 2023 were terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, secessionist agitations and farmers-herders clashes. The threat dynamics were however defined along geo-political zones with some permeating across the regional lines.

“We understand that The predominant threat in the North Central (NC) and North West (NW) regions is armed banditry/terrorism while the Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State West African Province lingering insurgency remained the main threat in the North East (NE) region. The major threat in the South-East (SE) and South-West (SW) was the secessionist agitations of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Yoruba Nation respectively.

“The South-South (SS) region continued to experience oil theft, cultism, and youth restiveness. However, acts of criminalities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, communal clashes and cattle rustling were common across the 6 geopolitical zones. It is pertinent to point out that most security threats in the country were fueled by the proliferation of small arms exacerbated by the influx of illegal arms and ammunition through our porous borders and the preponderance of local arms fabrication factories in the country. Thus, the armed forces kinetic and non-kinetic efforts were geared towards tackling these threats in all the geo-political zones with military operations proportional to handling the issues ranging from Operation Hadin Kai (North East), Operation Safe Haven (North Central), Operation Whirl Stroke (North Central), Operation Hadarin Daji (North West), Operation Whirl Punch (North West), Operation Delta Safe (South-South), Operation Udo Ka (South East), officially funded by both the Federal, state governments and foreign donors.
My challenge is, why shouldn’t these killings stop with these adequate funding, and sufficient manpower? what is happening? I remembered when the Services Chiefs, a while ago appeared before the hauled chamber of the Senate for screening. They assured Nigerians of new tactics, employing innovative measures to curb the insecurity in the country. But, it seems there are no differences with their predecessors. What a higgledy-Pigledy!

While citing some recently avoidable killings in some states if we had got a gallant and patriotic military and Police, he said, in Anambra on the 16th of December, 2024, Gunmen targeted a convoy of U.S. Embassy staffers in southeastern Nigeria, killing two of its local workers and two policemen. The assailants opened fire on the convoy along a major road in Ogbaru local government area in Anambra State, one of the epicenters of separatist violence in the region. According to police. “The hoodlums murdered two of the Police Mobile Force operatives and two staff of the consulate, and set their bodies ablaze and their vehicles.

“Again, Seven people including members of a local vigilante group were killed in an attack by gunmen on Porsche nightclub at Oba, in the Idemili Local Government of Anambra State within the same period.

“In Southern Kaduna, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states, several killings in 100s almost on a weekly basis, and yet, the Soldiers couldn’t go out there and fight and all they could do is to storm a Police station in Yola, Adamawa State in their numbers to fight Police officers instead of synergizing to fight and curb insecurity. The incident comes just days after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) clashed in Kaduna. It is mind-boggling.

“Inasmuch as we tend to criticize objectively, we understand that the Nigerian troops in a sum total assessment of the troops activities for the year 2023 neutralized 6,886 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 6,970 suspects, rescued 4,488 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 3,320 assorted weapons and 39,075 assorted ammunition. Additionally, they recovered 100,316,600 litres of crude oil, 60,339,426 litres of AGO, 3,465,450 litres of DPK, and 3,544,990 litres of PMS., according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations on Friday, 29th December 2023. But, their best is not enough. More needs to be done.

“Speaking on the Plateau attack, the citizens were informed ahead of the attack, the governor said the same and also stated that he made the information available to the security personnel, and yet, nothing was proactively done to stop the attack which has resulted to over 150 people dead and over 250 injured in their various degrees.
If the citizens had access to the information ahead of the attack, then, why should those we pay to secure us claim they don’t have access to the information ahead of the attack? Sincerely speaking, we the Nigerian youths are so disappointed.

“On the other hand, a supplementary budget has been passed and yet, the Security Chiefs are claiming they don’t have it yet, what is happening in the Nigerian Democratic system? Who is still keeping captive of the funds? The President must investigate this as a matter of urgency.

While outlining measures, Edoh called on the federal government through the instrumentality of the Nigerian Senate to consider the constitutional role of Traditional Rulers in Security and dispute resolution across the federation.

“Also, the minister of Solid Minerals and the Plateau State governor should be urged to stop illegal mining in the state. The Senate President should send a high-level delegation to the state to see the situation of things”, he added.

“However, reiterating my points, we can not win the war against insurgency in Nigeria with the armed Forces. In my opinion, we should adopt what I see as Executive and legislative process to draw in Traditional rulers ignored over the years. I feel they have a role to play in the constitutional process.
I see it that there is need to invite the owners of Nigeria through ethnic nationality leaders together with traditional leaders or rulers. Without this, there is no way Nigeria will develop because we sincerely need peace and security to develop. I also wish to suggest that the National Assembly considers moving from nine to five transactional legislative process to transformational uncommon process”, Edoh added.

Creation of rival Motorcycle Union: MOUN says Delta state government lacks the legal right

The national body of the Motorcycle Operator Union of Nigeria, (MOUN) an affiliate body of the Nigeria Labour Congress has rejected in totality the latest move by the Delta state government to create an illegitimate rival union known as the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA).

The Delta state government in a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu on Saturday noted that COMTOA has been given approval to coordinate and supervise the activities of motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state henceforth.

The SSG also noted that COMTOA will commence the management and collection of levies from motorcycle and tricycle riders effective Monday, 8th January 2024.

Meanwhile, reacting to the new order by the Delta state government, MOUN president, Comrade Julius Ogenewevgba Bobi, FCPAN called on security authorities in the state and at the Federal level to call the government to order, in other to avoid a situation where anarchy would be created in the state.

“The law is at our bosom and we shouldn’t allow the secretary to the Delta State Government to breach it if not our members will confront them and we shall be protected by Section 24 of the Trade Unions Act. So we’re soliciting that he should be called to order before there’s breakdown of law and order and its attendance consequences. We’re most obliged please”

Bobi maintained that the issue had long been judiciously settled in MOUN favour in the High Court of Justice at, Udu Judicial division, Delta state, when Hon. Justice C E Achilefu, (MRS) ruled…… “That the Defendants are hereby restrained from further collecting Passengers Welfare scheme levies and motorcycle and tricycle taxes in Delta State as same contravenes Part II of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, 2004 (as amended) The Defendants are hereby restrained from further collecting taxes and levies in Delta State that are not listed in Part II of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved list for Collection) Act, 2004 (as amended).f. The Defendants are hereby restrained from further using private tax consultants or private individuals or bodies for assessing and collecting taxes and levies on behalf of the Defendant in Delta State as same negates the provisions of Sections 2(1), 3 and 4 of the Taxes and Levies…”

MOUN president lamented that the new move is an an attempt by the government to set the State on fire, “That’s an impunity and illegality taken too far by the Delta State Government. We’re commencing our operations on Monday to counter them,” Comrade Bobi stated unequivocally.

Comrade Bobi also cited a recent judgement where Justice Nelson Ogbuanya of the National Industrial Court (NIC), Port-Harcourt Division, has held that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by extant laws, lacks the power to register organisations under Incorporated Trustee, which has aims and objectives of a Trade Union.

He now wondered where the Delta state government is deriving their power to create a rival motorcycle Union in the state.

Betta Edu, issues around the palliatives money scam is deeper than what Nigerians are been told-CUPP

……the saga, there is more to it than meets the eye.

…….CUPP calls for open public investigation.

……. Any attempt to use political consideration to sweep this monumental corruption under the carpet will be resisted by the Nigerian people.

CUPP welcomes the suspension and investigation of the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Dr. Beta Edu and hereby urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to go beyond Edu and fish out anyone that is connected to or partake in the stealing of our collective patrimony.

It our belief that the suspended Minister could not have carried out that heist without the urging of a stronger and perhaps high-ranking member or members of the present government.

The whole issue surrounding the palliative and the larger Humanitarian Affairs ministry has become a sore thumb in both this government and the previous one.

The former minister Sadia Umar is still under probe for embezzling close to forty billion naira before the present minister is fingered for her ignoble role in the transfer of five hundred and eight five million naira to a private back account.

CUPP does not really believe in giving people fish to eat, which the ministry stands for, but in teaching people how to fish and become self-sustaining. CUPP imagines what the budgets of over five hundred billion would provide in the areas of cottage industries with the attendant employment it will generate, or farm settlements that will spring up, food produced, and employment that go with it.

The federal government should rethink the role and mandate of the ministry and save the nation from this embarrassment.

High Chief Peter Ameh
National Secretary CUPP

Civil Society Council Of Nigeria Commends Minister Of Interior On Launching Automated Passport Registration, Others

……..Charges him to remain focused on mandate delivery

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria [NCSCN] has commended the Honorable Minister of Interior and the entire team of the Nigerian Immigration Services [NIS] for the successful launching of the Automated Passport Registration System.

In a Press Release signed by Amb. Blessing A. Akinlosotu and Dr. Raymond Edoh, the Executive Director and Executive Secretary respectively on Monday 8th January, 2024, the Council disclosed that the automated E-Passport Processing System initiated by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo is intended to enhance security by timely identification of fraudulent passport applications, through smart document verification officers stationed nationwide.

“The system will ensure thorough scrutiny of passport applications across all Local Government Areas, contributing to strengthening our national security. The enhanced passport application process represents a significant advancement in the country’s security and migration frameworks. It promises quicker detection of fraudulent passport applications, aimed at reducing crime and illegal migrations, while reinforcing the overall efficiency and reliability of the passport issuance system”. The Press Text asserted.

Further recounting the achievements of the Minister, the Leadership of NCSCN applauded Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo over some of his overwhelming landmark accomplishments that have awakened the hope of Nigerians in and outside the Country.

“His swift clearance of 204,000 backlog of passport applications within two weeks is a highly commendable, coupled with the removed of stringent bottlenecks in the acquisition of passports and other immigration documents. Moreover, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s few days in office has witnessed an unprecedented promotion of about 32,361 personnel across the Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. This move underscores the commitment of the Renewed Hope Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in prioritizing the welfare of officers, a feat unprecedented in the history of paramilitary service in Nigeria” the Text continued

“Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo introduced User-friendly e-platforms for visa applications, allowing passport photo uploads via the immigration portal, under an Innovation called E-Platforms for Visa Processing. This initiative promises increased accessibility and convenience for Nigerians seeking visas. Furtherance, the unveiling of enhanced e-passport facilities in key Nigerian Embassies across Europe stands as a testament to his commitment to improving service capabilities for Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly in Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

He also went steps ahead to advocate for equitable compensation and initiated plans for a functional Pension Board, thus, boosting morale and productivity within the ranks. His efforts signifies a pivotal step towards aligning paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ensuring fairness and equity. The proposal of Pension Boards for various security apparatus highlights his dedication to ensuring better welfare and equity within the sector” the NCSCN Press Text stated

“His Collaborative efforts led to the release of 4,000 inmates from correctional centers, showcasing his commitment to rehabilitation and social justice through strategic partnerships and financial assistance. His few days in office has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped the landscape of service delivery, reformed policies, and placed the welfare of Nigerians at the forefront. In recognition of his sterling performances, he was awarded the Public Service Person Of The Year 2023 by Leadership newspaper. According to Leadership, he was found worthy for finding his way into the hearts of millions of citizens for whom obtaining or renewing the Nigerian passport had become a nightmare; for his bold, extensive, and exceptional reforms in tackling the perennial passport booklet debacle at NIS in less than five weeks into his assumption of office. In tandem with these accomplishments, Tunji-Ojo’s engagement with agencies, stakeholders, and international partners underscores his commitment to tackling illegal migration and organized crime, ensuring a safer and more secure nation”. The Text went on

The Civil Society Council, while throwing its weight behind him charged the Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to remain focused on his national assignment as Nigerians believe in him and his leadership prowess, which has metamorphosed into tangible results.

Sadiya Umar-Farouq returns home after hours of interrogation by EFCC operatives

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq returned home on Monday night after hours of interrogation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

She had arrived at the Jabi Headquarters of the EFCC about 10.18 am on Monday to honour the invitation to offer clarifications on some issues that the Commission is investigating.

The former minister had a long session with the EFCC interrogators. The Monday session ended about 10.30 pm after which she was allowed to return home.

She is expected to return on Tuesday for further clarifications on sundry issues that the Commission has flagged in the course of its preliminary investigations.