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Nigeria Accelerates Green Mobility: Minister Applauds ECN-EMVC Partnership at EV Charging Station Launch

Maryam Aminu

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has lauded the groundbreaking partnership between the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), describing it as a major step toward advancing Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions.

Speaking at the commissioning of an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station in Abuja, Nnaji emphasized that the collaboration will play a crucial role in sustaining Nigeria’s energy ecosystem and accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable mobility.

“This commissioning marks a bold stride towards cleaner transportation, reflecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependence, enhancing energy security, and fostering green innovations,” Nnaji stated.

He commended ECN’s Director General, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, for his unwavering dedication to advancing Nigeria’s clean energy initiatives through strategic private-sector partnerships.

According to the Minister, the launch of the charging station is “more than just an infrastructure milestone; it’s a testament to Nigeria’s resolve to embrace technological progress in energy and transportation.”

Nnaji urged stakeholders to expand this initiative nationwide, ensuring that electric mobility becomes a viable and widespread reality across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to policies that drive innovation, attract investment, and create sustainable jobs in the green economy.

Congratulating ECN on the pioneering achievement, Nnaji expressed optimism about future breakthroughs in clean energy, positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global transition to sustainable solutions.

Justice Denied? How a Top Ogun Government Official Allegedly Frustrated a Murder Investigation

Maryam Aminu

In what appears to be a troubling case of power obstructing justice, the police investigation into the gruesome murder of 24-year-old Saheed Shoboyede Jinadu in Lagos has allegedly been thwarted by a highly placed government official in Ogun State.

The official, reportedly linked to the church that bought the land at the center of the deadly dispute, is accused of using his influence to shield suspects and derail police efforts.

The harrowing case began with the arrest of six suspects: Hammed Olayiwola, 45, Taofeek Ajasa, 47, Samuel Ajose, 39, Segun Elijah, 54, Segun Dada, 54, and Elijah Adeogun, 43 after a violent attack in Osuke village, Ado-Odo, Ota, where armed masked men unleashed terror, leaving Jinadu fatally shot.

The police launched a painstaking investigation, uncovering critical evidence, including spent AK-47 shells and cartridges at the crime scene.

Determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, detectives meticulously followed legal procedures securing court approvals, retrieving communication records from major telecoms providers, and pushing for forensic analysis of the recovered shells. But just as their investigation gained momentum, an invisible hand of power allegedly began working against them.

Attempts to obtain remand orders in Ogun State were stonewalled, as were efforts to secure an autopsy report confirming the cause of death. Forensic analyses of the bullets remained stalled. It soon became clear that someone in high places was working tirelessly behind the scenes not to ensure justice, but to sabotage it.

Police sources allege that this powerful figure, instead of allowing the law to take its course, moved swiftly to manipulate the system, using his office to secure the release of the suspects a group allegedly known for violent land grabbing in the state.

Then came the unexpected twist: Ogun State Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, released a statement not in pursuit of justice, but condemning the police.

He accused the AIG of Lagos Zone 2 of being used by land grabbers and claimed the investigation was riddled with errors. Citing these “irregularities,” the AG abruptly discontinued charges against the suspects.

With justice slipping away, the police have now transferred the case to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, in a desperate bid to salvage the investigation and bring other suspects still at large to book.

For the family of the slain Saheed Jinadu, this is more than just another legal battle. It is the painful realization that, in Nigeria, justice is often a privilege of the powerful. The question now remains: Will the authorities allow this case to be buried, or will they stand up for justice, no matter whose interests are at stake?

The guy that sustained bullet wound on the first day of the attack

On the second day of the invasion this is the picture of the person killed

Heritage Bank Depositors Call on National Assembly to Intervene in CBN’s License Revocation

Maryam Aminu

Depositors with N5 million and above in the recently liquidated Heritage Bank have appealed to the National Assembly for urgent intervention, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reconsider its decision. Many affected customers say they are facing severe financial distress, with businesses collapsing and livelihoods at risk due to their inability to access their funds.

In a strongly worded appeal, the depositors expressed frustration over what they see as an abrupt revocation of Heritage Bank’s license, despite previous assurances from the CBN that the bank was financially stable.

They described the situation as a trigger for widespread economic hardship, with reports of some depositors suffering fatal heart attacks and others hospitalized due to stress-related conditions.

Questioning the handling of the revocation, the depositors pointed to the smoother transitions seen in similar cases, such as the Unity Bank-Providus Bank merger.

They also raised concerns over reports that First Bank had withdrawn N460 billion from Heritage Bank before its liquidation, wondering why their case was being treated differently.

Calling for immediate action, the depositors urged lawmakers to ensure they are fully reimbursed without delay.

They proposed that other banks absorb affected depositors, mirroring the Unity Bank-Providus Bank approach, and suggested using Heritage Bank’s reserve ratio to settle depositor claims.

Additionally, they challenged the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (NDIC) claim that 85% of depositors had received the insured sum. They demanded independent verification of this claim and called on the CBN to extend a loan to the NDIC to facilitate immediate payouts.

They argued that this approach would protect depositors, restore confidence in the banking system, and prevent further financial instability.

The crisis stems from the CBN’s decision on June 3, 2024, to revoke Heritage Bank’s license over financial instability and regulatory breaches, leading to the NDIC taking over its assets and liabilities. However, many depositors insist they were blindsided by the move and now look to the National Assembly for swift intervention.

FRC Boss Calls for Urgent Implementation of Fiscal Responsibility Laws at Subnational Level

Maryam Aminu

In a bold call for strengthened fiscal governance, the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako Esq., has urged Nigerian states with fiscal responsibility laws to take immediate steps toward their full enforcement.

He made this appeal at the launch of the Subnational Audit Efficiency Index 2024, organized by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja.

Muruako stressed that the effective implementation of fiscal responsibility laws at the state and local government levels is crucial for improving public service delivery and ensuring greater accountability.

He challenged stakeholders to reflect on whether local governments are truly fulfilling their mandates in governance and financial management.

The high-profile event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Mr. Odeh Friday, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria. The session, themed “Leveraging Technology Tools for Improved Public Audit Practices and Service Delivery at the Subnational Level,” explored innovative solutions for enhancing fiscal oversight.

Mr. Sunday Adegoke, Chairman of the Body of Federal & State Auditors-General and Ondo State Auditor-General, pointed out the decline in funding for audit offices following the expiration of the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) program.

He called for increased financial support, enhanced capacity building, and the integration of social media and cybersecurity tools for real-time citizen engagement in fiscal transparency.

Mrs. Veronica Okonji, represented by Mr. Francis Agbayi, shared insights from Delta State’s pioneering performance audit, attributing its success to training provided by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative.

She emphasized the need for continuous investment in capacity building to drive institutional reforms.

Hon. Eric Akpan,

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Akwa Ibom State, advocated for stronger legislative backing to ensure the independence and effectiveness of audit offices.

He also stressed the need for closer collaboration between the executive and legislative arms in audit implementation.

Adding a civil society perspective, Mrs. Ugochi Freeman, Executive Director of Creative Minds Centre for Youth and Community Development, underscored the role of civic-tech tools in equipping citizens to monitor government spending and demand accountability.

The presence of Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, Auditor General of the Federation, reinforced the federal government’s commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability. His participation further emphasized the urgent need for reforms in public audit practices across the country

A key highlight of the event was the recognition of states that have demonstrated commitment to performance auditing and the publication of citizens’ accountability reports. Adamawa, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Oyo, Katsina, Benue, Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo received accolades for their efforts in fostering transparent governance.

As the event concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging technology, legislative reforms, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen fiscal responsibility and public audit practices at all levels of government.

NYDB Technical Committee Presents Groundbreaking Youth Empowerment Proposal to Minister

Maryam Aminu

The Technical Committee of the National Youth Development Bank (NYDB) has presented a transformative proposal to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, aimed at addressing funding and inclusion challenges faced by young Nigerians.

During a high-level meeting in Abuja, the committee outlined strategic initiatives designed to provide financial support, skill development, and innovative funding solutions tailored to the needs of Nigerian youth.

L-R; Hon. Minister of Youth Development , Comrade Ayodele Olawande receiving Report of Technical Committee on the Establishment of National Youth Development Bank (NYDB) From the Committee Co-Chairman, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, today March 24. 2025.

Co-Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, emphasized that the proposal seeks to bridge the gap between youth-driven enterprises and sustainable financial resources, fostering long-term economic impact.

“With Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population, the country is at a critical juncture where economic empowerment and financial inclusion are essential to unlocking the full potential of its young citizens,” Okhaimo stated.

He highlighted that access to finance remains one of the most significant barriers preventing young Nigerians from actively participating in business, innovation, and wealth creation.

The NYDB, he explained, will be majority-owned by the Federal Government while also leveraging funding from various sources, including government allocations, development finance institutions, private sector contributions, and innovative financing mechanisms such as youth intervention funds, concessional loans, and blended finance models.

In response, the Minister, Olawande commended the committee’s efforts and reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment initiatives.

He emphasized the importance of financial support in reducing unemployment and fostering innovation across multiple sectors.

Expressing optimism about the next phase of implementation, the Minister assured stakeholders of the government’s readiness to refine and execute the proposed initiatives to ensure meaningful impact.

Concerned Christian Youth Forum Urges Respect For Leaders After Apst Alilu’s Apology

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum is pleased to share the news that the issue surrounding the arrest of Apostle Festus Alilu has been resolved. And Apostle Festus Alilu tenders His unreserves Public apology to Pastor Korede Komaiya and the Master’s International Church Warri Delta State.

In a statement on Monday, the convener of the forum, James Paul Adama, confirmed the development, describing it as a positive step towards reconciliation.

Apology and Resolution

Apostle Alilu, in his letter of apology, expressed regret over a viral video he had posted on Facebook on 8 March 2025, in which he criticised Pastor Korede Komaiya’s.

“I write to express my sincere and unreserved apologies for a viral video i posted on my Facebook page on the 8th day of March 2025 where i criticized your style of preaching.
I regret the offensive contents of the video and the negative effect on your reputation, congratulation and the entire body of Christ”.

“I have removed the video from the Facebook page and i have also posted an apology video on the same platform”.

“I humbly request for your forgiveness and understanding so we can put it behind us and focus on our values of commitments in spreading the Gospel”.

“Once again, please accept my apologies.

Thank you and God bless you in Jesus name”.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum applaud this reconciliation and urge others to follow suit.

We believe that the Christian faith and its Leaders should be respected and protected against defamation and cyberbullying.

Do NOT defame or tarnish the reputation of anyone while criticizing their actions. Remember, you are only sharing your perception or opinion and this must be done within the confines of the law.

Criminal offence isn’t just against the victim but against the entire State. So do not come up with lame excuses that the victim is a Christian or Pastor and ought to have forgiven.

Let this apology serve as a reminder that differences of opinion do not justify hateful speech or malicious behavior.

The matter has been withdrawn, and we are grateful to all those involved for finding a peaceful solution.

James Paul Adama
Converner, Concerned Christian Youth Forum.
Abuja, Nigeria.

Anambra Central Constituents threaten to recall Senator Victor Umeh from Senate over alledged lack of transparency in constituency project implementation

By Michael Ovat -Awka

A group of Active Citizens, Anambra Central Senatorial District has threatened to recall the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly Abuja, Senator Vuctor Umeh, over alledged lack of transparency and Accountability on constituency project implementation.

The group also cited poor welfare package for constituents as another reason for planned recall.

The recall threat was contained in a press statement subject: “Fraudulent Activities of Senator Vuctor Umeh, and other representatives of Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly; lack of transparency and accountability in new/ongoing constituency projects, which a copy was sent to Senator Umeh’s Constituency office in Awka and also made available to Journalists, on Friday.

According to the group via the statement, we the constituents of Anambra Central Senatorial District (Active Citizens), are constrained to bring to the attention of the general public the fraudent activities of Senator Victor Umeh, lack of transparency and accountability of other elected National Assembly Representatives on the Federal Government Constituency Projects allocated to the seven local government areas that constitute the district under the 2024 budget appropriation bill.

“Our investigation/findings reveal that over eighty three (83) projects with a total appropriation of over eleven billion (N11, 000, 000,000) naira were allocated across the fifty seven (57) communities in the district.

“As of the time of this press release, our investigation team has successfully identified and visited the locations of some of these projects, however, a significant number remain untraceable with their sites unknown and extremely difficult to locate. This disturbing discovery neccessited an urgent call for a town hall meeting involving all well-meaning constituents and stakeholders across the communities. The goal of the town hall meeting was to ensure transparency, accountability and constituents participation in the implementation/execution of these projects which are said to be facilitated by the elected representatives for the collective benefit of our people. To the disappointment of all attendee constituents, all our elected representatives deceitfully avoided the town hall meeting held at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka on February 28th, 2025”.

“Our findings also revealed that several identified projects were either abandoned, uncompleted or implemented with substandard materials. We, and other relevant stakeholders in the district strongly believe that these challenges can be mitigated if citizens in the affected communities are actively involved in every stage of the process from planning/execution to oversight and maintenance.

“It is imperative that all hands be on desk to ensure that our commonwealth is judiciously utilized for the development and welfare of our people.

“The group was equally Inaugurated by the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), in grassroot community involvement on Federal Government Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP) in Anambra State

Korede Komaiya: No more attacks on Christian leaders – Youth Forum warns after Apostle Alilu’s arrest

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has called for mutual respect for religious leaders.
This follows the arrest of Apostle Festus Alilu over an alleged defamatory video against Pastor Korede Komaiya.
Apostle Festus Alilu, the senior pastor of Word of Power Gospel Church International in Ughelli, Delta State, was arrested by the police late Thursday following controversial statements he made against Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master’s Place International Church, a well-known prosperity preacher.

The arrest comes after Apostle Alilu posted a video on his official Facebook page in which he accused Pastor Komaiya of misleading church members with fabricated prosperity teachings.
Reacting, the group clarified that Pastor Komaiya did not initiate the arrest, stating that it was carried out by some of his followers.
In a statement, the forum condemned the verbal attack on Pastor Komaiya and emphasized the need to uphold dignity and respect for Christian leaders while urging an amicable resolution to the matter.
Adama said, “The attention of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum has been drawn to the arrest of one Apostle Festus Alilu over an alleged defamatory video he made against Pastor Korede Komaiya.
“We have watched the said video with due circumspection on social media and the Concerned Christian Youth Forum hereby condemn in totality the verbal attack of Apostle Festus Alilu on the person of Pastor Korede Komaiya.
“We consider this attack unprovoked and unwarranted, and we consequently wish to extend our sincere apologies to Pastor Komaiya on behalf of our community.
“Upon further inquiries, we discovered that the arrest of Apostle Alilu was not initiated by Pastor Komaiya himself but by some of his followers. This highlights the importance of considering and verifying facts before drawing conclusions or making accusations.
“The Concerned Christian Youth Forum is stepping in with the hope of finding an amicable resolution to this matter.
“We would like to use this opportunity to make it clear that attacks on the Christian Faith and its Leaders will no longer be tolerated. We are ready to take all necessary steps to vigorously defend Christianity and its leaders in Nigeria.
“We encourage everyone to respect the Christian Faith and avoid making derogatory comments or attacks on any religion. Such unruly behaviour has no place in our society and must be stopped forthwith.
“The Concerned Christian Youth Forum is committed to ensuring that the Christian faith and its leaders are treated with utmost dignity and respect they deserve.”

Sen. Eteng J Williams Bags Performing Senator Award, Described As An Emerging Pan-Nigerian Statesman

Sen. Eteng J Williams representing Cross River Central Senatorial District has been described as an Emerging Pan-Nigerian Statesman by Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) awarding him the “Performing Senator” Award in Abuja.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups reaffirming his statesmanship defined the true meaning of statesman according to the Merriam-Webster, as a someone who is versed in the principles
or art of government, especially; one actively engaged in conducting the business of
a government or in shaping its policies.
Simply put, a statesman is a wise, skilled, experienced and respected political leader
or figure. The Leader of the CSOs groups, Myke Ngbe said the definition is a perfect match of what Senator Eteng Jonah Williams is fast becoming, in
the political landscape of Cross River State in particular and Nigeria in general.

He added that the senator’s rising political trajectory, which follows his consistent contributions
towards the process of our evolving government, alongside his sustained service to humanity, is fast earning him the admiration of objective stakeholders, who are now
looking to him as an opinion leader and respected power broker, in the ongoing
political equation of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

Ngbe went down the political history of the newly awarded performing senator: “Here’s why!
Eteng Jonah Williams who hails from Mkpani in Yakurr local government area of
Cross River State, was a 3-term member who represented the good people of Yakurr
II State Constituency at the 7th and 8th assemblies of the Cross River State House of
Assembly, from 2011 to 2023.
While at it, he was chairman – house committee on finance and appropriation, vice
chairman – house committee on business and rules, member – house committee on
public account, member – house committee on health service, women affairs, social welfare and gender development – all at the 7th and 8th Assemblies of the CRSHOA.
Validating his wealth of legislative experience and leadership qualities, Eteng Jonah
Williams was elected by his colleagues as Speaker of the 9th Assembly of the Cross
River State House of Assembly and sworn in on June 11, 2019.”

He also said that as speaker of the 9th Assembly of the CRSHOA, Eteng Jonah Williams shone like
a million stars. On his watch, the House passed the Cross River State House of
Assembly Service Commission Bill 2020, the Judiciary Funds Management Bill
2021 and the Legislature Funds Management Bill 2021 into law.
“It is universally acknowledged that, ‘the reward for hard work is more hard work!’ This truism was demonstrated in February 2023, when Eteng Jonah Williams was rewarded by the electorates of Cross River State Central Senatorial District, with
a resounding victory at the polls which saw him emerge winner of the Senatorial election, to represent the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District at the Nigerian Senate and he was sworn in to serve the people on June 13, 2023.” Ngbe recalled.

“True to type, the distinguished senator indeed hit-the-ground-running at the Nigerian
senate, quickly taking giant strides by way of lofty legislative contributions. In his
first year as senator, distinguished Senator Eteng sponsored three bills – including
the Nuclear Security and Safety bill – and also moved five far-reaching motions.
Ultimately, his towering legislative experience, political dexterity and public service
pedigrees are so compelling and speaks to so much competence, that he currently
serves as the Chairman – Committee on petroleum resources (Upstream) at the current 10th senate. This is a very rare accomplishment for a first term senator in the Nigerian Senate and it speaks volumes of his proactive leadership and statesmanship.
Moreover, distinguished senator Eteng is also a firm believer in service to humanity, obviously because he has personally suffered deprivations and neediness from his
humble background. Accordingly, Senator Eteng is blazing a trail in humanitarian
initiatives, by empowering the less privileged and creating opportunities for indigent
people.” Ngbe stated.

He further stated that upon assumption of office as a senator of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria in June 2023, the senator immediately embarked on social intervention programmes for his constituents, which includes doling out #200,000 scholarship grant to each of twenty (21) indigent Law School students, from across the six local government areas of Cross River Central Senatorial District.
“The senator’s benevolence and magnanimity also includes sponsoring free medical outreaches for his constituents, with beneficiaries running into thousands and counting. Even so, Senator Eteng’s service to humanity goes beyond education and
healthcare, as he has also championed agricultural interventions as well as human capital development initiatives, among other humanitarian causes.
However, it appears that the senator is rather unassuming about his noble contributions, shunning fanfare and opting to remain modest about what many others flaunt. That explains why his accomplishments are never accompanied by much pomp and pageantry as do others of his ilk. But the records speak for themselves and
that is why objective stakeholders are looking towards Senator Eteng for leadership.
Suffice it to say that, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams is indeed a rising star in the political equation of Cross River State; a light that is set on a hill that can never be hidden. No matter the calculation, permutation and combination, the political
configuration of cross River State is irreversibly changing with the advent of the performing senator on the scene – because people now have an alternative choice.” Ngbe said.

The leader of the groups concluded by saying his parting gift to the emerging statesman – Senator Eteng Jonah Williams – is
these words of the sages, ‘let your light so shine that all may see your good works and glorify your maker in heaven, who graciously gives abilities and opportunities to all who desire to serve with integrity!’
Do not rest on your oars senator, keep on doing the Lord’s work – you shall reap in
due season if you faint not!

Nigeria and Bangladesh to Strengthen Defence and Agricultural Cooperation

Emmanuel Daudu

In a move to deepen bilateral ties, Nigeria and Bangladesh are set to share expertise in defence, agriculture, and military cooperation.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, emphasized the importance of this partnership during a courtesy visit by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, H.E. Mansur Rahman, at Ship House, Abuja.

The discussions focused on integrating military personnel into non-combat sectors such as agriculture, construction, and infrastructure development.

According to Badaru, this initiative aims to ensure that military personnel remain engaged in productive activities during peacetime, contributing to both their personal growth and national development.

Highlighting the significance of military involvement in civilian sectors, High Commissioner Mansur Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Nigeria.

He noted that such collaborations could enhance economic stability and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s blue economy.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s vision of leveraging innovative strategies to enhance the welfare of military personnel while fostering national prosperity.