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Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them

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Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.

“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.

He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.

Tinubu approves the extension of Kemi Nandap’s tenure as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS

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Tinubu approves the extension of Kemi Nandap’s tenure as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS

President Bola Tinubu on Monday approved the extension of Kemi Nandap’s tenure as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS until December 31, 2026.

Mrs Nandap, who began her career in the Nigeria Immigration Service on Oct. 9, 1989, was appointed C-G on March 1, 2024, initially to serve until August 31.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced Mrs Nandap’s tenure extension on Monday in Abuja, commending her achievements.

“Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has achieved significant advancements in its core mandate.

“With notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes, and national security measures.”

President Tinubu commended the C-G for her exemplary leadership and urged her to remain committed to the Service’s strategic priorities, which aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Immigration Service in fulfilling its mandate to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promote safe, legal, and orderly migration,” the statement added.

NAN

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the violent mob action in Edo State

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Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the violent mob action in Edo State

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the violent mob action in Edo State that led to the brutal killing of travellers accused of being kidnappers.

The attack, carried out by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road, resulted in tragic consequences.

In a Friday statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and titled IGP Condemns Mob Action in Edo State, Orders Immediate FCID Takeover of Investigation, the police chief decried the extrajudicial actions and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has strongly condemned the violent mob action carried out against a group of travelers by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State,” the statement read.

The victims, who were traveling in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were found in possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms.
However, the vigilantes, doubting their explanation, branded them as kidnappers.
“Regrettably, without allowing for due process or proper investigation into their claims, the vigilante group subjected some of them to unlawful mob justice, resulting in tragic consequences,” the IGP stated.

In immediate response, the Edo State Police Command dispatched operatives to the affected community to restore order.

“So far, fourteen (14) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while a manhunt has been launched for other perpetrators involved in the mob action,” the statement confirmed.

To ensure a thorough and impartial probe, the IGP directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, to take over the case.

He assured the public that the police force “remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any form of unlawful killings or extrajudicial actions under any guise.”

The IGP further called for calm and urged citizens to cooperate with the investigation, warning against jungle justice.
“Additionally, while condemning the resort to jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law.

“Individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms are advised to report to the nearest police station to surrender such weapons or initiate the appropriate licensing process,” the statement added.

How Bumpa co-founder Teejay Opayele was murdered, Suspect, Abiola Odutayo, arraigned

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How Bumpa co-founder Teejay Opayele was murdered, Suspect, Abiola Odutayo, arraigned

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arraignment of Abiola Odutayo in connection with the death of 32-year-old Adetunji Opayele, co-founder of Bumpa, popularly known as Teejay.

The incident, which occurred on March 4, 2025, has sparked widespread public concern, prompting the police to reaffirm its commitment to justice and transparency.

According to a statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Odutayo was arraigned on March 12, 2025, at Court 1, Tinubu, following her discharge from the hospital.

She is facing charges of reckless and careless driving on a public highway, which resulted in the death of Opayele.

Hundeyin added that the court granted Odutayo bail, and the case has been adjourned until April 16, 2025.

The statement said, “We #LagosPoliceNG acknowledge public concerns regarding the tragic accident that claimed the life of Adetunji Opayele (Teejay) on March 4, 2025. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who have been affected by this loss.

“We can confirm that following a thorough investigation, Abiola Odutayo ‘f’ was arraigned in Court 1, Tinubu on March 12, 2025, after she was discharged from hospital, for driving on a ‘public highway in a reckless and careless mannerwithout due care and attention to other road users and caus[ing] the death of one Tunji Opayele ‘m’ aged 32 and thereby committed an offence…’

“The court granted her bail and adjourned the case till April 16, 2025.

“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to transparency, fairness, and justice.”

Nigerians have expressed outraged over the death of Opayele who died on March 4, 2025, after a collision on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Lagos.

The driver, Biola Adams-Odutayo, allegedly failed to yield and refused to assist the critically injured Teejay, reportedly citing concerns about staining her car.

Bystanders struggled to find medical help as several hospitals allegedly refused treatment.

Over 35,000 Nigerians have signed a petition demanding justice with many calling for more severe charges, including manslaughter, rather than the reckless driving charge

Petitioners have also demanded that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice oversee a thorough investigation and ensure proper prosecution.

Get Teejay Justice! CHANGE.ORG

*Justice for Teejay: A Life Cut Short by an Inhumane Driver*
On Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, Adetunji Opayele (TeeJay), the Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Bumpa, woke up like every other ambitious Nigerian youth, eager to contribute meaningfully to his nation. He had no idea that this would be his last day on earth, all because of someone else’s inhumane actions.
Born in Lagos on December 20th, 1992, Teejay had his secondary school education at the Lagos State Model College Meiran, Lagos. He then gained admission to study Law at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Although he pursued a law degree, his true passion lay in Information technology. He eventually transitioned fully into software engineering, a field where he was nothing short of a prodigy, as many described him.
Before co-founding Bumpa, Teejay built an impressive career in software development, holding positions in both Nigeria and the United States. He worked with Nigerian financial services provider E-Settlement and also founded HostCabal, a web hosting company. Bumpa, the startup he co-founded, focuses on automating retail operations for small businesses. In 2022, the company secured $4 million in seed funding led by Base10 Partners. Today, Bumpa employs over 40 individuals and has processed transactions totalling over ?160 billion for about 60,000 onboarded SMEs.

*A Night of Tragedy*
After a long day at work on March 4th, Teejay went to the iFitness gym in Victoria Island before heading home on his power bike. At about 10:20 PM, as he rode along Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, he had the right of way when Miss Biola Adams-Odutayo driving a vehicle with licence number LND 418 JR merged onto the expressway without considering approaching traffic, thereby crashing into him.
Biola and her friend had just left a restaurant by the expressway where they had dinner. Despite having a driver, she chose to drive herself, while she asked her driver to drive her  friend’s car following behind.
Though fully equipped with safety gear, Teejay was knocked unconscious, sprawled on the road. 
What happened next was not just an accident, but a complete disregard for human life.

*Negligence, Indifference and a Life Lost*
After the crash, Biola Adams-Odutayo refused to step out of her vehicle to check on Teejay. Bystanders and good Samaritans rushed to help, begging her to assist, but she did nothing. When they approached her friend, they were reportedly told:
“She doesn’t want blood to stain her car.”
As Teejay lay unconscious but still breathing, Biola, a healthcare professional and Head of Health at a reputable Insurance brokering firm chose to stay on a phone call for over 30 minutes  instead of helping save a life.
Meanwhile, bystanders desperately tried to get Teejay to a hospital. Many cars refused to stop, but they eventually convinced an Uber driver to assist.
Teejay was taken to two different hospitals, but both refused to admit him.
Desperate to save his life, the Samaritans returned to the accident scene, placed Teejay in a minibus (known as korope), and forced Biola to accompany them, hoping that her presence would prevent further rejections. She reluctantly followed. The only reason she remained at the accident scene was because bystanders physically prevented her from fleeing especially after she had already arranged for her car to be towed away.
At 11:30 PM, Teejay’s brother got a call about the incident, He got to the scene and met a Samaritan who had held on to Teejay’s properties. He handed them over to Teejays brother and followed him to the hospital Teejay was taken to. On arrival, he was told that Teejay was also just being brought in. This was past midnight. Shortly after arriving, Teejay was declared dead.

*Why We Are Speaking Out*
The inhumane actions and complete lack of empathy from Biola Adams-Odutayo have forever changed our lives. The family has lost an irreplaceable asset and Nigeria has lost one of its brightest minds. 
From that moment until now, Teejay’s family, friends, mentees, and the community he impacted have been plunged into deep grief.
What makes this pain even worse is the shocking behavior of Biola Adams-Odutayo and those around her.
After Teejay was declared dead, she walked into the hospital and requested a drip, claiming she was in shock. Then, she attempted to flee.
Since her arrest, she and her family have boasted of their ‘connections’ and engaged several tactics against Teejay’s grieving family and friends. To add insult to injury, Biola Adams-Odutayo indeed made good on those connections, as the Nigerian police charged her with reckless driving only as if Teejay’s life was worth no more than a traffic violation.
Biola Adams-Odutayo was detained for only one night at the police station, and her whereabouts remained unknown for the following days until she was charged to court for mere reckless driving.
Her bail conditions were set at ?1,000,000 and two sureties, which she met on the same day.
Since then, she has been comfortably at home, enjoying her freedom.
This is why we are bringing our story to the public.

*OUR DEMANDS*

1. Proof that Biola Adams-Odutayo is still in Lagos state, Nigeria. On Monday, March 17th, 2025, she was summoned to the police station and failed to show up, wasting the time and emotions of a mourning family.

2. Biola Adams-Odutayo must be properly charged with manslaughter also, not just a lesser offence of reckless driving. @CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh

3. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice must ensure that justice is not derailed by an orchestrated cover-up. @Lawal Pedro, SAN

4. The Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police must ensure due process is followed and that no one is above the law. @IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD. 

5. The Governor of Osun State, The Senator representing Osun-West senatorial district and House of Rep member representing Iwo, Ayedire & Olaoluwa LG must intervene to ensure that the death of a precious son of the soil does not go in vain. @Senator Ademola Adeleke, @Senator Lere Oyewumi (Akogun), @Hon. Lukman Kayode Mudashiru. 

*HOW YOU CAN HELP*
Please share this post until the relevant authorities take action. We believe that justice is possible in Nigeria, and with your help, we can achieve it.
If you were present at Ozumba Mbadiwe on March 4th and have videos, photos, or any relevant information, please message us on Facebook, X, Threads, or Instagram (@teejay_legacy).
We have critical evidence that we are holding until court proceedings begin, but we need all the support we can get.
Teejay deserved better. He cannot speak for himself, but we can speak for him. It is Teejay today, it can be anyone tomorrow.
? Justice must be served. ?

A 14-year-old Secondary School Student, identified as Nicknes Ayo, has committed suicide after her mother pressured her to name the man who impregnated her

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A 14-year-old Secondary School Student, identified as Nicknes Ayo, has committed suicide after her mother pressured her to name the man who impregnated her

A 14-year-old Secondary School Student, identified as Nicknes Ayo, has committed suicide after her mother pressured her to name the man who impregnated her.

The incident happened on Saturday at Egba in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

A neighbour who identified herself as Mama Enyi told PUNCH Newspaper correspondent on the phone that the girl who was schooling in Otukpo returned home on Thursday with signs of pregnancy.

“Her mother, who noticed some signs of pregnancy, inquired from her if she was pregnant or not. It was after much pressure and a threat to be taken to a clinic in the village that the girl ran away.

“She was later found in her room, having taken a substance suspected to be bottle Gammalin, and she was rushed to the village clinic known as ‘Ghana Clinic’ in the village.
When contacted, the medical director of the clinic, Dr. Oyaje Sule, popularly known as Dr. Ghana, said that the girl was brought to her clinic on Saturday morning.

He said, “It is true, they brought a 14-year-old girl to my clinic this morning and were suspected to have taken Gammalin when her mother pressured her to disclose who was responsible for her pregnancy.

“But when the situation was getting out of hand, I referred her to the hospital in Obagaji, headquarters of Agatu local government, unfortunately, she died on the way.

“As I am talking to you, the girl whose age was put between 13 and 14 years old had been buried. Unfortunately, she lost her father a few years ago.

Fubara, Wike’s fight about money sharing — Former Governor Amaechi explains

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Fubara, Wike’s fight about money sharing — Former Governor Amaechi explains

A former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that the feud between the suspended governor of the oil-rich state, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is about money sharing.

Amaechi said this in an interview with DW Africa on Saturday.
The ex-governor also said the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu was unconstitutional.

He said, “The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel?  Nigerians don’t dislike corruption anymore. I’ve not seen anybody on the street querying what the problem is. Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is?

“We are now denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in the country currently not enjoying democracy. They have imposed military rule on us.

“Secondly, the president acted outside the Constitution. Section 188 states how a governor can leave office, either by death, resignation, or impeachment. It didn’t say that one day you wake up and a man called the president of Nigeria will throw you out of office, which makes democracy unstable.”

The former minister stressed that the President had a hand in Rivers’ situation because he wanted to wield power by ousting governors who may not support him in the 2027 general election.

“Rumours are everywhere that if any governor is not careful, the president will remove you. So the Rivers issue is about sharing money and 2027 politics.

“If the President said that the pipe that exploded was the reason why he tagged Rivers unstable and insecure by declaring a state of emergency, what about the other parts of the country where there is insecurity? Is the President saying that they should impose an emergency rule on him? They can’t because he is a democratically elected President. There are insecurity issues in the North East and North West, even in the South East and South South.

“The governor has no responsibility for the blown pipes in Rivers. Security responsibility rests solely on the President. Why punish a man who did not commit any offence?”

Saudi Arabia announces sighting of Shawwal crescent

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Saudi Arabia announces sighting of Shawwal crescent

The Crescent for the month of Shawwal 1446 was seen in Saudi Arabia today subsequently tomorrow is the beginning of the month of Shawwal 1446.

The announcement came after the crescent moon of Shawwal was sighted in several locations across the Kingdom, marking the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

Eid Al Fitr will be observed across Saudi Arabia with special prayers on Sunday morning, followed by festive celebrations with family and community.

However, a number of countries had earlier officially announced that Eid Al-Fitr will fall on Monday, March 31, 2025, as the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Saturday evening.

According to Saudi Gazette, authorities in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia confirmed the date based on astronomical data and futile local moon sighting efforts.

At least 10 persons have been killed when gunmen attacked the Ruwi community of Bokkos local government area of Plateau State

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At least 10 persons have been killed when gunmen attacked the Ruwi community of Bokkos local government area of Plateau State

At least 10 persons have been reportedly killed and three others sustained injuries when gunmen attacked the Ruwi community of Bokkos local government area of Plateau State.

A source from the community who pleaded anonymity told Daily Trust Newspaper that the gunmen stormed the community around 9:30pm on Thursday and opened fire on the victims who were observing a wake-keep service for their loved one who died recently.

“Ten persons were killed while three others got injured. It is an unfortunate attack. The attack took place yesterday in the night. We are calling on the security agencies to intervene,“ the source said.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed the incident.

In a statement issued by the command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, on Friday, he expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.
He assured that more officers had been deployed to restore law and order in the affected community and its environs.
Mr Alfred, who didn’t disclose the casualty figures, said the commissioner of police had visited the scene of the incident to assess the situation.
“The Commissioner of Police also deployed additional manpower and operational assets from the State Headquarters to Bokkos and its surrounding Local Government Areas. He also directed the area commander, Pankshin, to relocate his base to Bokkos for strict supervision of all operations and to avoid the reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents until normalcy is restored.

“The CP assures the good people of Plateau State that the Command under his leadership remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the lives and properties of the good and peace loving citizens of Plateau State; as we are doing everything necessary within our Constitutional powers to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous and inhuman act are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” the spokesperson said.

Kano housewife sentenced to death for drowning eight-year-old girl

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Kano housewife sentenced to death for drowning eight-year-old girl

The Kano State High Court has convicted a housewife, Fadila Adamu, and sentenced her to death by hanging for killing an eight-year-old girl.

Fadila, a resident of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters, was earlier arrested and convicted for culpable homicide for kidnapping the teenager and subsequently throwing her into a well, leading to her cruel death.

Justice Yusuf Muhammad-Ubale ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, therebynecessitating the defendant’s capital punishment.

“I hereby sentence the defendant to death by hanging for kidnapping and throwing the victim into a well, which caused her death,” he ruled.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 14, 2019, at Tudun Wada Quarters, Kano.

“The defendant told her sister that the deceased was the daughter of her friend, whose mother had travelled to Ghana, and asked her to keep the child until she returned.

“On July 17, 2019, at about 6:30 p.m., the defendant caused the death of the minor when she threw her into a deep well situated in the Tukuntawa Quarters, Kano,” he said.

Abba-Sorondinki presented seven witnesses, including the defendant’s statements and a medical report confirming the victim’s death. The prosecution said that the offence contravened Sections 274(b) and 221(a) of the Penal Code.

The defendant denied committing the offence.

The defense counsel, Zulaihat Tata, presented four witnesses, including the defendant, to testify in her defense.

The brutal killing of no fewer than 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo, sparks outrage in Nigeria

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The brutal killing of no fewer than 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo, sparks outrage in Nigeria

The Kano State Government has strongly condemned the brutal killing of no fewer than 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Waiya, in Kano on Saturday.

Waiya described the incident as a heinous act that should be met with an unwavering response from security and judicial institutions.

The victims, predominantly hunters were allegedly ambushed by a vigilante group and armed youths while travelling from Rivers to Kano to celebrate Sallah with their families.

The statement said that all individuals found complicit in the atrocity should be brought to justice, including law enforcement personnel who may have neglected their duty.

The Kano State government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen the nation’s security framework, including better equipment for the police forces and access to justice and redress.

Meanwhile, The House of Representatives has condemned the mob killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government of Edo.

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said that such a horrific act was a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.

He said the house acknowledged the directives of President Bola Tinubu, and Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation into the extra-judicial killings.

Rotimi urged law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators were promptly identified, arrested and prosecuted.

The spokesman commended security agencies for their swift and timely intervention, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects.

He said that the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric, cowardly and unacceptable.”
Rotimi quoted the speaker as saying that such acts of brutality had no place in a society that upheld the sanctity of life – a fundamental principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.

“It is alarming that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life.”

Abbas also called for calm and urged Nigerians to refrain from acts that could escalate tensions.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts by security agencies, community leaders and citizens to prevent further occurrences of such tragic incidents.

Abbas said that beyond immediate justice, the tragic incident underscored the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings and ethnic profiling, which threatened the nation’s collective peace and unity.

The speaker called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice and protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity

Abbas called on community leaders, religious institutions and traditional rulers to actively foster mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for the rule of law within their communities.

He called on civil society and the media to promote legal awareness, civic responsibility and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice.

The speaker urged all Nigerians to reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermined democracy and social cohesion.

Abbas reaffirmed the 10th assembly’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all and supporting policies that safeguarded the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.

“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilised society.

“The house will continue to advance legislative measures to address these pressing concerns.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace.”


He said that as representatives of the people, the house would remain resolute in its duty to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensure that no act of lawlessness would go unpunished.

IMF appoints Heirs Holdings Founder, Tony Elumelu, to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth

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IMF appoints Heirs Holdings Founder, Tony Elumelu, to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony Elumelu, to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, convened by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva.

His appointment was disclosed in a statement on Friday.
The Advisory Council of the IMF comprises global business leaders, policymakers, and academics, dedicated to identifying and addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship.
Its mandate is to recommend policies that enhance resource allocation, stimulate innovation, and catalyse sustainable private sector-led economic growth.

“Elumelu, Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and whose Foundation has funded, mentored and trained over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, champions entrepreneurship as the engine for the economic transformation of Africa.


“A self-made entrepreneur, Elumelu’s embracing of entrepreneurship is fundamental to his concept of Africapitalism, his belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development, making long-term investments, that deliver social and economic value.

“Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking.

Other members of the Council include: Harberger Professor of Economics, University of Chicago, Professor Ufuk Akcigit; Saudi Ambassador to the United States, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud; Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Mr. Marc Benioff; Executive Chair, Banco Santander, Ms. Ana Botín; Chairman, Tata Group, Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran; Chief Executive, Vodafone Group, Ms. Margherita Della Valle; Founder, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners, Mr. Robert Smith and Argentine Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Mr. Federico Sturzenegger.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council on Wednesday 26 March 2025, the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, noted: “The Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide a supportive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity—key ingredients for a thriving private sector and strong economic growth.”

“A blatant lie from the pit of hell” – Atiku denies receiving campaign funds from Babajide Sanwo-Olu

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“A blatant lie from the pit of hell” – Atiku denies receiving campaign funds from Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has denied some media reports which claimed that he received campaign funds from the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the 2023 election.

Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, described the reports that he received money from Sanwo-Olu, who is a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a “is a blatant lie from the pit of hell.”

“We at Atiku Media Office have taken note of reports in a section of the media that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu through Ms Aisha Achimugu made available to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007 money purportedly belonging to Lagos State. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is also credited with investigating the matter.

“Let it be known, that this is a blatant lie from the pit of hell; a contrived political hogwash, and a futile campaign of calumny aimed at advancing the political interests of President Bola A. Tinubu,” a statement by Atiku media team said.

The statement also said that Atiku does not know Sanwo-Olu and has never met the Lagos governor before.
It further added, “This piece of kindergarten propaganda is beneath the camp of Tinubu. How is it possible for an Atiku that does not know and had no connection with Sanwo-Olu to be having a transaction with him involving the exchange of money – let alone during the Presidential election of 2023 in which his boss was a contestant? To what end would that be?
“We wish to, therefore, state emphatically and for the record that it is a political hatchet job aimed at providing a much-needed justification to jettison Governor Sanwo-Olu, who appears to have fallen out of favour with the “Bourdillon Cult.”
“Indeed, their strategy is two-fold: get rid of Sanwo-Olu and to discredit the coalition being put together by the opposition political leaders, of which Atiku Abubakar is a key stakeholder.

“To even underscore how poor the propaganda is, an unnamed Sanwo-Olu’s aide is quoted in the news story trashing his principal and adding fuel to the fire. Pray, who does that? “Since the EFCC has been dragged into the arena of politics and propaganda, we challenge the anti-corruption agency to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation.

“It is not just the President that is entitled to that information but the generality of the Nigerian public, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.

“This voyage of misadventure and campaign of calumny against the person and reputation of Atiku Abubakar must be halted immediately and with alacrity, too.”

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