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34-year-old HIV-positive man in police net for raping, deflowering girl with sickle cell disease in Abuja
AFOLABI
A seeming uncontrollable s3xual urge which led to the destruction of the chastity of a sickle cell carrier teenager, Ngozi (surname withheld), has not only landed Peter Ugan in police cell at the Mabushi Division of FCT Police Command, it has also led to the discovery of his positive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status.
Ugan, aged 34, from Ogoja in Cross River State, was taken into custody by detectives from Mabushi Division on Monday, January 6, after he was almost lynched by a mob. He had lured the girl into a room and deflowered her.
It was learnt that while committing the rape, Ugan tore into the girl so much that she started bleeding non-stop.
Apparently aware of the gravity of his act, Ugan locked Ngozi inside the room so that she would not leave to expose him, and went to purchase medications not prescribed by any doctor for the girl. His aim, as he later told Nigerian Tribune, was to stop the bleeding and ease the excruciating pain the girl was in.
Information gathered revealed that Ngozi, who was staying with her aunt in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, came to Abuja to register at the Government Day Secondary School, Mabushi, to complete her secondary school education when the incident occurred.
The first week she came, Ugan reportedly approached her for dating but being a young girl, she started avoiding him. On January 6, 2025, Ugan was said to have come to the room of his friend, Isaac, who lives in one of the uncompleted buildings in a compound whose owner is late.
Though the suspect lived far from the compound, it was said that he used to come to the friend’s house to cook whenever he didn’t have kerosene or some ingredients. The friend used to do the same at Ugan’s house when he’s also stuck.
On this fateful day, Ngozi, who lives with her parents in the same large compound with Ugan’s friend, was returning the plate her sister bought food with from Meshai and when he saw her passing by, he called her to help him buy sachet water.
The 17-year-old girl, who respected someone older than her, went to collect money to buy the water but got more than she bargained for. Ugan, noticing that the house was quiet, reportedly dragged the girl inside, pushed her to the floor and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. By the time he pulled his organ out of her, blood started gushing from her private part.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that Ugan locked Ngozi inside, went out and returned with some medications for her to take. He also started cleaning her legs when he saw that the blood was still flowing nonstop. Thereafter, he allowed her to leave.
On her return home, her mother, Mrs Elizabeth Aroh, seeing her daughter’s condition, became distraught. It was said that Ugan was about to escape when the mob caught up with him and beat him black and blue. A credible source told Nigerian Tribune that the suspect would have been killed but for some neighbours who made a distress call to the FCT police command to come to his rescue.
Promptly, CP Olatunji Disu directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mabushi Division to go to the scene where the suspect was rescued and taken into custody.
The girl’s mother also brought her to the police station, while she was still bleeding profusely. The girl reportedly collapsed and fainted twice, and was rushed to the emergency unit at Maitama General Hospital.
When it was too much to handle by those on duty that night, Nigerian Tribune learnt that a doctor was called from Nyanya Hospital to perform surgery on her to stop the bleeding. It was further gathered that Ngozi had to be transfused with two pints of blood for her to stabilse.
As it is usually done, the Investigating Police Officer took the suspect to the hospital for tests. To the shock of all, the result of the tests conducted on Ugan showed that he tested positive to HIV. That again caused an emotional breakdown for the girl’s mother.
Ugan’s brother, who spoke with the police said that he had noticed the suspect’s emaciated looks before the incident, and had told him to go for tests. During interrogation, Ugan told the police that he didn’t know he was HIV positive because he still had some tests six months prior to that time.
In an interview, however, Ugan, who disclosed that he was working as a Front Desk Officer in an eatery, claimed that Ngozi was his girlfriend.
He said: “She (Ngozi) was my girlfriend. I approached her for dating and she accepted. I started the relationship with her over two weeks before the incident. On January 6, I went to my friend’s house to cook and she came to visit me when she saw me. My friend lives in the same premises with her parents.
“She ate with me and we were playing. While we were together, I asked her if we could make love and she said yes. It was between 11 am and 12 noon. I brought out my condom and had s3x with her. That was when I discovered that she was a virgin, and she started bleeding.”
When asked how he had a condom when he only went to his friend’s house to cook, the suspect said he got one from his friend’s room after he checked round and saw where the friend kept his.
He continued: “After the s3x, she started bleeding. I asked her why she didn’t tell me that she was a virgin. I stepped out to get her some medications, but she told me to lock the door when going as she was scared and would not want anyone to come in. I told her it would be bad if I locked her in but she said it did not matter.
“So, I locked the door and went to get some medications like Flagyl, Buscopan and Diclofenac. I bought malt drink and she took the medicines. I bought another food for her. She washed up and stood up, saying that she was going.
“After she left, I went to my own residence. I tried to explain to my cousin what happened and he told me that we would need to go to her parents’ house to explain things and offer to take care of her if there’s need for proper treatment.
“We were about to go when I saw people, four security men, the girl’s mother and her siblings. I was taken to the police station and detained. The following day, I was brought out and taken for test.”
When asked why he penetrated the victim when he could feel that she was a virgin, the suspect admitted: “It was a little bit hard but the condom I used was oily and I didn’t really feel the obstacle. It was when I withdrew that I saw it was that much.”
Concerning his questioning the girl on why she did not tell him she was a virgin after he was done with the sexual act, he was asked if she did not cry out in pain for him to know how she felt. His response was: “I didn’t see her cry before I penetrated her, but she was very stiff and squeezing her face and hands.” On why he continued after seeing her in pain, the suspect had no answer.
Nigerian Tribune also inquired whether he had knowledge of medical practice for him to know medications to buy for the girl. He however said that he got the prescription from a chemist. He stated that he didn’t know the girl has sickle cell disease until he got to the police station. He added that he didn’t know he was HIV positive until he was taken for a test by the police.
“I thought her looks were natural, I didn’t know she has sickle cell disease. Also, I didn’t know I was HIV positive. The Police took me to the hospital for tests and when the results were out, I was told that I was HIV-positive. Honestly, I didn’t know I had it in my system. I used condom because I didn’t want to get her pregnant. I was not also ready to start a family as I don’t have the capacity for now,” he said.
January 20, 2025
U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
12:10 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.) Wow. Thank you very, very much.
Vice President Vance, Speaker Johnson, Senator Thune, Chief Justice Roberts, justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my fellow citizens, the golden age of America begins right now. (Applause.)
From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first. (Applause.)
Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end. (Applause.)
And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous, and free. (Applause.)
America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before. (Applause.)
I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success. A tide of change is sweeping the country, sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before.
But first, we must be honest about the challenges we face. While they are plentiful, they will be annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the United States of America.
As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.
We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home while, at the same time, stumbling into a continuing catalogue of catastrophic events abroad.
It fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens but provides sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions, that have illegally entered our country from all over the world.
We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defense of foreign borders but refuses to defend American borders or, more importantly, its own people.
Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina — who have been treated so badly — (applause) — and other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago or, more recently, Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defense. They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country — some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting. But we can’t let this happen. Everyone is unable to do anything about it. That’s going to change.
We have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster, yet more money is spent on it than any country anywhere in the world.
And we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves — in many cases, to hate our country despite the love that we try so desperately to provide to them. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly. (Applause.)
My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal and all of these many betrayals that have taken place and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and, indeed, their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over. (Applause.)
Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied. And we will immediately restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government.
Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250-year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.
The journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one — that, I can tell you. Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom and, indeed, to take my life.
Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Federal Government has announced its intention to join BRICS as a partner country, taking a step toward strengthening international collaboration and economic development.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the situation in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday.
BRICS, a bloc of major emerging economies, provides Nigeria a platform to expand trade, investment, and socioeconomic cooperation with member countries.
According to the statement, the decision underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging opportunities for growth in key areas such as energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change.
Here are 7 things to expect following Nigeria’s BRICS involvement:.
1. BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation was formed in 2009 as a group to foster cooperation and diplomacy among emerging economies in the world. The group expanded to welcome South Africa in 2010.
2. On Friday, the Brazilian government confirmed Nigeria as a partner of BRICS, a political and economic group formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
According to the Brazilian government, Nigeria will join the group as the ninth partner country after indicating its intention to do so in October.
3. The partner-country category was established at the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October 2024.
During the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, it officially expanded its alliance, adding 13 new nations as partner countries, though not as full members.
The countries are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
4. Nigeria’s inclusion places it among eight other nations with similar partner status in regions such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
5. As a partner of the group, Nigeria can push to reduce its dependency on the United States dollar and encourage trade in its local currency. This could also help it mitigate against forex pressures, which continue to be a major factor in the country’s economic crisis, as per the group’s objective to establish an alternative currency to replace the dollar.
6. Also, while Nigeria is not a full member, it may qualify for funding under specific conditions to finance infrastructure and development projects through its New Development Bank (NBD) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
7. According to a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) report published in December, one of BRICS’ main objectives is to serve as an alternative to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
However, Nigeria’s partnership with BRICS does not affect its existing commitments to other groups such as the IMF.
Controversial Nigerian transgender, Bobrisky has described the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the most wicked organization in Nigeria.
Bobrisky made the comment in response to the Commission’s request that Nigerians exhibit empathy and sympathy to its official who was killed during one of its night operations in Anambra State.
In a series of Instagram Stories posts on Monday, Bobrisky accused the EFCC of hypocrisy, claiming that the police are “100% better.”
“I just don’t like reading about the EFCC online because I feel like I want to throw up each time I read about them,” Bobrisky posted.
“You’re asking the public to be human over the loss of your staff, but you are the most wicked people in Nigeria.
“When I was in your custody, you took me to my house and searched it. When I asked you why, you claimed I was into money laundering and wanted to check if I was printing money in my house. The police are 100 % better than you all, one million times.”
UK-based Nigerian replaces shoes, wristwatch Kemi Badenoch claimed police stole from brother
AFOLABI
James Akinwande, a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom (UK), has bought a new pair of shoes and a wristwatch as replacements for the ones allegedly stolen from Kemi Badenoch’s brother by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Recently, in an interview, Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, said some officers of the NPF stole her brother’s watch and shoes.
Badenoch did not indicate the year the incident happened in Nigeria but said, “giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate”.
Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch’s last name changed after she married a Scottish banker.
She came back to Nigeria, where she grew up, and finally returned to the UK at 16.
Badenoch has drawn the ire of some Nigerians—including a rebuke from Vice-President Kashim Shettima—for “constantly denigrating” her homeland.
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The Tory leader has consistently shown her disdain for the leadership situation in Nigeria—a development that has earned her both admiration and condemnation.
However, in response to Badenoch’s comment on the alleged theft, Akinwande recorded a video wherein he entered a shop in the UK and bought a pair of shoes and a wristwatch.
In the video, Akinwande took the new items to the UK Conservative Party headquarters to present them to Badenoch.
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At the pedestrian gate, Akinwande met the security personnel and handed over the items with the view of giving them to the Tory leader.
At the end of the video, Akinwande wrote: “On behalf of every proud Nigerian who felt genuinely hurt by those unfounded disparaging remarks about The Nigerian Police. We “buy back” the stolen shoes and watch! (I hope it fits, tho..).”
The video has been circulating on social media.
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The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has pledged the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment in Nigeria.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, chaired by Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) today, the minister outlined ongoing efforts to combat the nation’s unemployment crisis.
Just three months into his role, Dingyadi emphasized that tackling unemployment is the ministry’s top priority.
“Every hour, we are working tirelessly to address unemployment because it is our key responsibility. All our skill development programs are designed with the singular aim of reducing unemployment.”
On the nations unemployment statistics, the Labour minister refrained from providing specific figures, citing the need for accuracy.
“I don’t want to give figures I’m not certain about. However, we have these numbers, and our parastatals and agencies are actively working on the issue. We will coordinate and present accurate data to the committee soon,” .
Some lawmakers, however, commended the Tinubu administration’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerian workers, both in public and private sectors, highlighting the recent implementation of the new national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2024, as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation and decent work.
Nathaniel Bassey, the Nigerian singer, on Monday, ministered at the presidential inaugural prayer breakfast of Donald Trump in Washington DC.
The event, held after Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, is a non-official and non-governmental gathering, focusing on intercessory prayers and spiritual support for the incoming administration of Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Bassey, who was invited to minister to the guests, delivered a powerful rendition of his song ‘Take the Stage’.
Through his music, he prayed for Jesus to guide the White House and for God’s glory to be manifested in the nation.
His heartfelt prayer also sought satisfaction for American citizens, asking God to make them His vessels.
“Please take the glory/ I’m satisfied/ Just to see you glorified/ Take the nation Lord and have your way/ We’re just your vessel/ And nothing more/ We’re satisfied/ Just to see you glorified/ Jesus, take the White House/ And have your way/ We’re just your vessels and nothing more/ When you’re done moving this nation/ Please take the glory/ We’re satisfied just to see you glorified,” he sings.
Bassey is a pastor, trumpeter, and songwriter popularly known for his songs ‘Imela’, ‘Onise Iyanu’, and ‘Olowogbogboro’.
He has established himself as one of the prominent gospel ministers in Nigeria.
Media
The World Bank Group has announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Norman Didam, for fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices linked to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the World Bank disclosed that the project aimed to provide targeted financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households was compromised due to several unethical practices during a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract process.
The statement read, “The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.
“The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.”
The bank said that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bids and accessed confidential tender information from public officials.
It added that these actions constituted fraudulent and collusive practices under its Anti-corruption Framework.
The World Bank further noted that Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam falsified the company’s experience records, submitted fake manufacturer’s authorisation letters, and provided inducements to project officials, which it classified as corrupt practices.
These violations, according to the bank, undermined the integrity of the social safety net initiative designed to benefit Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
The statement noted, “According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework, in connection with a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in the companies’ Letter of Bids and received confidential tender information from public officials, which constituted fraudulent and collusive practices, respectively.
“Further, Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively.”
The debarment precludes the two companies and Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects and operations for the specified period.
As part of their settlement agreements, the parties acknowledged their culpability and committed to meeting specified conditions, including enhanced compliance measures.
The conditions require Didam to complete individual ethics training, while the companies are mandated to improve their internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programmes in line with the bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
The bank highlighted that reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation during investigations, voluntary corrective actions, self-imposed restraints from bidding for contracts, and the time elapsed since the infractions.
The statement added that the debarments qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, signed in April 2010.
It also stated, “The companies also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency. The settlement agreements feature reduced debarment periods due to the companies’ and Mr Didam’s cooperation with the Bank Group’s investigation, voluntary corrective actions, voluntary restraint from participating in Bank Group tenders, and the passage of time.”
The World Bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects, stressing that the sanctions demonstrate its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
It said the implicated parties must fulfil the stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future Bank-funded initiatives.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is set to appear before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris on Thursday in an alleged breach of contract case concerning the Mambilla Power Project.
A power firm, Sunrise Power, had instituted a $2.3 billion arbitration case against the federal government claiming that Nigeria had defaulted in its contractual obligations to the company.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP under anonymity, a source familiar with the matter confirmed the development. “Yes, the former president will testify on Thursday in France on the matter,” the source said.
The case revolves around claims made by Sunrise Power concerning a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050-megawatt Mambilla hydropower plant in Taraba State, valued at $6 billion.
The company alleges that the federal government failed to honour its contractual obligations, leading to arbitration proceedings at the ICC.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed recent social media reports suggesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pressured prominent Nigerians to participate in the arbitration process.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as “false and misleading.”
“The arbitration process remains confidential, and those involved in Nigeria’s defence are doing so voluntarily, driven by patriotism and a sense of duty,” Onanuga said. “At no point has President Tinubu pressured anyone to testify or barred anyone from doing so.”
A power firm, Sunrise Power, initiated the arbitration proceedings on October 10, 2017, seeking $2.354 billion in damages for what it described as a breach of contract.
The company claims the federal government violated a 2003 agreement for the Mambilla Project, originally designed as a “build, operate, and transfer” scheme.
In 2017, then minister of power, works and housing Babatunde Fashola described Sunrise Power as a “middleman,” stating that the Buhari administration had engaged Sinohydro Corporation Limited, a Chinese firm, as the project’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
But while an out-of-court settlement of $200 million was reportedly agreed upon in 2020, Sunrise Power later filed a new claim for $400 million at the ICC, alleging the government had defaulted on the settlement terms. The company also sought reinstatement as the local partner for the revised $5.8 billion Mambilla Project, a condition, it claimed, was removed in subsequent negotiations.
Sunrise’s legal representative, Femi Falana, filed the lawsuit at the ICC, demanding that the government pay $400 million in compensation and penalties for defaulting on the agreement. The claim includes a 10 percent penalty for delays beyond the stipulated 14-day settlement period agreed upon in January 2020.
The federal government has argued that the terms of the agreement were reviewed due to the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting fresh negotiations.
The arbitration outcome could have significant implications for Nigeria’s finances and the future of the long-delayed Mambilla power project.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is currently in Paris to honour the invitation to speak on the Mambila Power Project.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the former president left Nigeria for Paris on Saturday morning to enable him to appear and speak on the subject matter, which may be ongoing as we speak.
Obasanjo’s special assistant on media, Kehinde Akin Yemi, confirmed to LEADERSHIP on Monday afternoon in Abeokuta that Obasanjo had chosen to honour the invitation to set the record straight.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, is seeking more funds for seven critical housing sector programmes.
He said these projects include the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme, Slump Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme, and others.
Dangiwa called during the budget defence session of the Senate Committee on Housing, held on Monday at the National Assembly Complex.
“I request that the Distinguished Chairman and Members of this critical Committee use their good offices to increase the budgetary allocation in several key areas.
“This is because these areas are critical to Mr President’s transformative policies and programmes to put the economy on the path of recovery and growth.
“It is pertinent to state here that in the 2024 fiscal year, the sum of N162.609 billion was allocated to our Ministry, which amount was considered inadequate.
“Yet, we have been given an envelope of
N83.752 billion is the Ministry’s Capital Budget Ceiling for 2025, which is a far cry from even the 2024 Appropriation. ”
He said the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme was designed to stimulate economic growth.
“The construction and development of these new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and attract investments.
“The 50,000 units planned to deliver under phase I will create 1 250 000 direct and indirect construction jobs for Architects, Engineers, plumbers, iron benders, masons, etc
“This is in addition to the value chain effect of purchase, supply of building materials and other businesses.
“We have covered 12 States and would like to cover 18 at 250 units per site. The amount needed to achieve this is N108 N6 billion per state.
He said the “Slump Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme” also required increased budgetary allocation.
“Currently, there are ongoing programmes in four states in each geopolitical zone, including FCT.
“This means four sites in four states of each geopolitical zone, including four sites in FCT, bringing the total to 100. At least N100 billion is needed for better results,” he said.
Dangiwa further said that the ministry was exposed to huge liabilities arising from projects completed, duly certified for payments before the end of the budgetary year but not paid due to limited time.
“There is the need to make adequate provisions for liabilities to enable the ministry to reduce the number of liabilities it is exposed to.
“The Ministry has over N92 billion liabilities but would need nothing less than N60 billion in the 2025 Budget to reduce the exposure,” Dangiwa said.
In his remarks, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, assured the minister of his support for tackling the issue of incurred liabilities.
“We will support you by working together to see how best we can approach the Minister of Finance, the budget office, and even the Presidency.
“How best we can get this debt relief on the part of the ministry and the part of our contractors.”
[Leadership]
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A former Minister of Interior, Professor Bola Akinyemi, has said that Nigeria should not have accepted the partner membership granted to it by the multinational bloc, BRICS.
Akinyemi made this statement on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Monday.
He argued that Nigeria should have been an original member of the group or granted full membership during its expansion, rather than being designated a partner country.
The professor of political science said that offering Nigeria partner status instead of full membership by BRICS is a slap in the face of Nigerians.
“I am not happy. Can you tell me the difference between a partner country and a member, given our GDP in Africa compared to Ethiopia or even South Africa? Is it a partner country that befits us? No.
“We should have been part of the original members of BRICS. I have said this on several platforms. I don’t know why we were never an original member; I don’t know why we were not invited to join as a full member when they were expanding it.
“I think it is a slap in our face, and we should never have accepted this partner member if that is what they call it,” Akinyemi said.
DAILY POST reports that BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of 10 countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Recall that on Friday, Brazil announced the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of BRICS.
According to a statement by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, BRICS and Nigeria share common interests, as both actively strive to enhance cooperation among Global South countries and advocate for the reform of international organisations.
“With the world’s sixth-largest population—and Africa’s largest—as well as being one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS.
“It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governance—issues that are top priorities during Brazil’s current presidency,” the statement said.
DAILY POST gathered that Brazil currently holds the BRICS presidency for 2025, having taken over from Russia on January 1.
[DailyPost]
The suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Church of Warri Diocese, actually dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, United States of America, PUNCH Metro gathered on Sunday evening.
The priest tied the matrimonial knot with his wife, Dora Chichah, at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas, USA on December 29, 2024, without waiting to be released from his canonical obligations and responsibility by the universal Church.
Consequently, the church Diocesan authorities suspended him from priestly duties noting that “by this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1.”
The suspension, which was contained in a statement titled, ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated, Thursday, January 16, 2025, jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo had alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.”
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement partly read.
“A footage of the marriage reportedly circulated widely on social media had, in addition, prompted the church to act.
“According to the Diocese, even though Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders, the Diocese affirmed that it “reached out to him, asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure”.
“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the Church statement posited.
The Diocese, however, remarked that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.”
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.
But more details emerged on Sunday evening on why the now suspended Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, USA.
A woman who claimed to be the biological sister of the suspended Catholic priest, Mary Okanatotor, maintained that “it was the best decision” for her brother.
Mary, in a social media comment over the reports that her brother (Fr Oghenerukevwe) secretly married her partner in America, attributed his decision to “loneliness.”
She disclosed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe suffered from mental health for a long time and could not handle the “loneliness” as a priest.
She added that the family was not physically present to support the priest when he was undergoing difficult challenges.
She wrote, “Thank you all for the comments, the said priest is my brother and it was the best decision for him because he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness.
“We, his family members, are not with him to give him support physically. Thank you for your encouraging words.
“This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.
“Secondly, he did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision.
“Once again, thank you. For the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly.”
Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who hails from one of the communities in Ewu Kingdom of Delta State, was ordained as a priest on June 21, 2008, into the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
The World Bank Group has announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Norman Didam, for fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices linked to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the World Bank disclosed that the project aimed to provide targeted financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households was compromised due to several unethical practices during a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract process.
The statement read, “The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.
“The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.”
The bank said that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bids and accessed confidential tender information from public officials.
It added that these actions constituted fraudulent and collusive practices under its Anti-corruption Framework.
The World Bank further noted that Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam falsified the company’s experience records, submitted fake manufacturer’s authorisation letters, and provided inducements to project officials, which it classified as corrupt practices.
These violations, according to the bank, undermined the integrity of the social safety net initiative designed to benefit Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
The statement noted, “According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework, in connection with a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in the companies’ Letter of Bids and received confidential tender information from public officials, which constituted fraudulent and collusive practices, respectively.
“Further, Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively.”
The debarment precludes the two companies and Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects and operations for the specified period.
As part of their settlement agreements, the parties acknowledged their culpability and committed to meeting specified conditions, including enhanced compliance measures.
The conditions require Didam to complete individual ethics training, while the companies are mandated to improve their internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programmes in line with the bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
The bank highlighted that reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation during investigations, voluntary corrective actions, self-imposed restraints from bidding for contracts, and the time elapsed since the infractions.
The statement added that the debarments qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, signed in April 2010.
It also stated, “The companies also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency. The settlement agreements feature reduced debarment periods due to the companies’ and Mr Didam’s cooperation with the Bank Group’s investigation, voluntary corrective actions, voluntary restraint from participating in Bank Group tenders, and the passage of time.”
The World Bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects, stressing that the sanctions demonstrate its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
It said the implicated parties must fulfil the stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future Bank-funded initiatives.
[Punch]
Comments by Joe Igbokwe, an All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain condemning the endorsement of Seyi Tinubu as the next Lagos state governor has drawn wide condemnation across the country.
Recall that Igbokwe in a post on his Facebook page said ruling Lagos was not a job for the boys, stating that the call was a distraction aimed at pulling President Bola Tinubu down.
Since the comment, there have been several reactions condemning Igbokwe’s position, the latest of which is the statement issued and signed by an APC chieftain and former Deputy Campaign Manager for Obi/Datti in the 2023 election, Comrade Isaac Balami.
According to Balami, he is mobilizing his supporters and groups across the country and in Lagos to come all out in support of Seyi Tinubu’s whose ability he believes will further reposition Lagos state. According to him, “if Seyi Tinubu agrees to run in the next Lagos governorship election, I will come all out with my army of youths supporters to support him because as a young man I had suffered serious blow in the past years because they saw that I was young and ambitious. This is the time to change the practice of gerontocracy for the good of Lagosions,” he said.
According to Balami, despite his respect for Igbokwe whom he had known to be a youth advocate, his position on this matter is archaic and does not have a place in modern democracy that is chiefly driven by young and innovative minds.
The former spokesman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, expressed shock that the controversial comment could originate from Igbokwe’s page, saying that good political actors will always stand with what they believe in, “and I had thought Igbokwe believes so much in the potential of the Nigerian youths. I believe that like everyone of us, he knows that the future of this great country lies in the hands of its vibrant youths. It’s therefore contradictory to say otherwise.
“There is no doubt that young people are taking over economically and politically. Historically, good governance is associated with young people who are in leadership positions. This is a fact Igbokwe knows and should defend because he started benefitting from politics very early in life. It was Lagos that reshaped his growth politically. This didn’t start at his current age. The opportunity created for Igbokwe helped him to have a say in Lagos politics. This is why he should leave Seyi Tinubu alone henceforth.
“How old was Yakubu Gowon when he became the nation’s head of state? At the age of 32, his achievements were unmatched. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu led Biafra at 33. Obafemi Awolowo emerged Premier of Western Nigeria only at 37. Peter Obi was handed the mantle as early as 46. Donald Duke did not do badly when he was Cross River State Governor. He was only 37. In comparison to global politics and governance, Emmanuel Macron became the French President at the age of 39. Compare France GDP of $3.31 Trillion to that of Lagos State which has a GDP of $87 Billion, and you will realize that Seyi Tinubu who will be 42 in 2027 stands the better chance of running Lagos better than anyone else.
“It remains a clear case of infringement on one’s fundamental human rights if someone who has hit the franchise age is deliberately denied the right and the opportunity to run and become the governor of Lagos state because of some campaign of calumny.
“And for the fact that the current agitation and campaign against Seyi Tinubu’s age is coming from someone who had not only benefited from the same opportunity but granted the same right as Lagos citizens despite his South East origin is quite disturbing. If Igbokwe could bank on age, why not also look at the pressing question of indigene and relinquish his status as a Lagosian. Using age, gender and tribe as a tool to select our leaders will frustrate leadership by competence and merit.
“My group and I are ready to mobilize support for Seyi Tinubu should he decide to accept his endorsement by the various groups. We will do this to change the notion that the Lagos State governorship seat is reserved for certain age.
“Our interest in Seyi Tinubu is not only because he is a young man with the energy to deliver good governance to Lagosians, it is also because of the leadership he has provided in his capacity as Chief Executive Officers of different companies.
“Empowering young people through his foundation and lifting dashed hopes amid tough times show he is a man in touch with the reality of the ordinary people. I believe that Lagos and Nigeria are for the boys and not for the men. The men have done their best and should now step aside for innovative youths,” he said.
[Vanguard]