Felak Group Debunks False Story in Purported $7m Transaction

Felak Group, together with its subsidiary, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas, has debunked a publication authored by Mr. Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, which attempted to link the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu, OFR, and Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas, in a purported $7 million cash transaction involving Providus Bank.

In a statement signed and made available to journalists on Thursday, Felak Group management denied any connection whatsoever to the alleged transaction, describing the publication as “unfounded, contradictory, and misleading”.

“We categorically state that neither Dr. (Mrs.) Achimugu nor Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas has any connection whatsoever to the alleged transaction. The claims are unfounded, contradictory, and misleading,” the statement reads, adding that. At the same time, the publication suggests the funds were deposited in Lagos, the referenced legal proceedings state otherwise in Abuja, an inconsistency that underscores its lack of credibility”.

According to Felak Group, it is evident that the allegations were designed to undermine confidence in its leadership and discredit the work of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas. “The attempt to link our principal and subsidiary to this matter is unfounded, misleading, and without any factual basis, and represents a gross abuse of free expression,” the Group stated.

As a responsible corporate institution, with transparency, ethical business
practices and excellence as its key attributes, Felak Group reiterates its unwavering commitment to always protecting its name, its people, and its legacy, while it calls on the author and all parties who have circulated the rumour to issue an immediate and unconditional retraction and apology, with the same visibility as the original publication.

The Group therefore promises that if the demands are not met, it will be left with no option but to pursue every available legal option to restore its reputation. “Should this not occur immediately, we will have no choice but to pursue all necessary legal remedies available to us.

Felak Group remains steadfast in driving innovation and excellence across our industries whilst conducting business with the utmost integrity,” the statement concludes.

Turning Ondo State into a Global Tourist Destination

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

“We have a lot of tourist sites in the state that would help us create more jobs for our people, boost our economy, and generate revenue.

• Gov. Lucky Aiyetadiwa ( Speaking at the 9th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP ), July 2025 )

That tourism remains an untapped gold mine across Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural landscape is stating the obvious. But what might not be so known to millions of the citizens, including the policy makers are the pragmatic policies, programs and projects to serve as the right steps to take; to bridge the gap which currently exists between the immense natural potentials and the actualized revenues and inputs from the significant sector. Though the most visited destinations by international tourist arrivals in 2024 as revealed by Lewis Nunn, the Senior Travel Editor with Forbes Magazine include France with 100 million visitors, Spain with 94 million, the United States,72.4 million, Italy 69.5 million followed by Turkey with 52.6 million while the Travel industry pumped $11.1 trillion into global economy Nigeria did not rank amongst the top 10
most visited countries in Africa in 2024.

On the continent Morocco topped with 17.4 million tourists, followed by Egypt, 15.7 million; Tunisia, 10.25 million and South Africa, 8.92 million In fact, Nigeria ranked 12th with 1.2 million tourists mostly driven by diaspora visits, business, and cultural events.

While the country recorded a total of 528,000 tourists in 2022, ranking 88th in the world that figure increased to 1.2 million international visitors, and three million domestic trips equating to 20% rise in 2023. That was according to the then Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John. She disclosed this during the 20th edition of the AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, held in Lagos. But one state that is poised to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s tourism spectrum is none other than the acclaimed Sunshine State, Ondo located in the South-West geo-political zone.

Given its scenic, diverse landscape with the tempting terrain from the rolling hills,verdant valleys across the fertile forests to the aquatic splendor of the Atlantic ocean boasting of the longest coastline in West Africa, Ondo state is considered a prime tourism investment destination. That is more so due to its wealth of natural and cultural resources, offering an enticing opportunity for tourism investors. Name them; from the
Araromi White Sand Beach to the Idanre Hills Tourist Centre and the Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre,Obdo state has all these and more. Places such as Igbo Olodumare.
Smokin Hill Golf Resort and
Oke Maria (Christian Pilgrimage center) are spell-bing places as memorable treats for visitors from across the globe. In fact, Idanre is an ideal site for high altitude sport, training, gaming, adventure, relaxation, picnicking, leadership training and holidaying.. But how do we harness them for the state’s sustainable economic growth? That is the million-naira, sorry, dollar question.

Well aware of these huge potentials, the state governor, Lucky Aiyetadiwa has pledged that his administration was ready to maximize the tourism potentials for economic growth of the Ondo. He gave the assurance at the 9th annual general meeting and conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, in July,2025. He acknowledged the immense contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any nation. Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said his administration was deeply focusing on preserving the existing tourist sites in Ondo state in order to attract local and foreign tourists.

In specific term, he stated that: “Sites like the Idanre Hills, Araromi Beach, Igbo Olodumare and Ebomi Lake, among others, would soon receive attention. We will maximize our tourism potential for economic growth.”

And walking the talk on the promises made, Governor Aiyetadiwa has gone ahead to award contract based on Public Private Partnership ( PPP ) for massive construction of recreation centres as well as hotels, chalets to accommodate visitors to Idanre Hills from across the globe. It is a similar one for the Araromi Obuh at the Atlantic Bar Beach as a world tourist site. Located close to the state”s modular oil refinery with a capacity of 500,000 barrels per day, it will no doubt attract tourists. Of interest too is the springing up of several top-class hotels in places such as Akure,Ondo,Okitipupa, Ikare and Ore, that connects the South West to the South East. All these, as confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku will assist to open up the cities to harness their potentials as cultural destinations.

Speaking on how Ondo state could leverage on the available tourism potentials, an indigene who happens to be the Convener, Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference ( DNGRC ), Ambassador Ayo Omotoso insists that the state has a beautiful place in the global tourism map, that is, if properly harnessed. That is more so in the development and showcasing areas of tourist destinations, cultural spectacles and agritourism.

Describing tourism as universal and a tool to create wealth; which contributes to the nation”s GDP he believes that Ondo state in particular and Nigeria at large have what it takes to be reckoned with as places such as Malaysia, Jordan, Scandinavian countries, South Africa, Jerusalem, Mecca, and Dubai, all of which earn huge incomes from tourism.

According to him, the tourism template of Ondo State is worth 29 billion dollars and can generate employment for one million youths. The major tourism signature among them is Idanre Hills, which is 3,000 ft. above sea level and is listed on a UNESCO heritage site. He wants it to be properly marketed around the scenic beauty of the hilly town of Idanre, celebrating nature’s gift and providing a viable destination for tourists.
Similarly, Oke Maria is a religious destination waiting for branding and other tourism embellishments
similar to how Israel sells major religious tourist centres, including Jerusalem to the rest of the world.

On the cultural attractions of Ondo state there are colorful ones like the Igogo festival which is already on the world’s tourism map as well as the Eginmogun Festival.

Notably, the eco-tourism potential ranges from mineral resources to the beach coastline. The coastal area development too will generate funds similar to what happens in Florida, in the United States flourishes through tourism.

On agritourism the idea of Ile-Oluji Cocoa Powder, a tea with a good natural taste is a welcome development. With it the people can mix it with a tourism as it is done in Kenya and many East African countries. .Farmers and ranchers use this interest to develop traffic at their farms or ranch and interest in the quality of their products.

Tourism, as Omotoso views it is like a flame that once you light it, it brings development to the whole geographical space. Good enough, Gov. Aiyetadiwa is lightening up the space by the partnership the state has with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security, to train and empower over 34,000 livestock farmers of the state on livestock productivity. It also has one with the Czech Republic for a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation, involving global investors and entrepreneurs, aimed at unlocking the state’s vast economic potentials.

With massive infrastructural development opening up the tourist destinations down to the rural areas and peace guaranteed the dream of turning Ondo state into a global destination has started to see the light of the day. flame; the moment you light it, it brings development to the whole geographical space. Good enough, Gov. Aiyetadiwa is lightening up the space by the partnership the state has with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security, to train and empower over 34,000 livestock farmers of the state on livestock productivity. And of course, that with the Czech Republic for a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation, involving global investors and entrepreneurs, aimed at unlocking the state’s vast economic potentials.

With massive infrastructural development opening up the tourist destinations, down to the rural areas and peace guaranteed the dream of turning Ondo state into a global destination has started to see the light of the day.

Opinion: Lt General Olufemi Oluyede ; A Quintessential Gentleman and a Soldier’s Soldier.

By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

” The most important thing I learned is that Soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow ” – General Colin Powell.

Nearly all leaders can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him a battle. This very word fit into the compass mind under which the character of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has evolved. In the war against remnants of terror, banditry and other violent crimes in Nigeria, his leadership qualities stood out the most.

With this treatise, with this article, a reflection on the qualities of a Quintessential Gentleman and a Soldier’s Soldier begin…. His name, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army).

Many will agree with the General in the very manner of summing up his philosophy, a passion for excellence is contagious and uplifting. Passion cuts both ways. In creating passion in his own life and with those he cares for. General Olufemi Oluyede wants to feel, experience and live every emotion and passion of his work. And such that he had determined to suffer through the bad for the heights of the good. Here, is a story of a General and the Chief of Army Staff, starts as one of the very few who as the head, has witnessed war… Real war, and unlike many others, has triumphed.

The war, i am referring to, is not even just a war, not just a battle, but a war with a difference, the war on enablers of violent crimes and and their collaborators with as much of a political backing.

Such a country President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited, such is also the circumstances General Olufemi Oluyede inherited as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army.

Violent crimes in Nigeria has many arms and appendages including but not limited to banditry, kidnapping etc. But the most dangerous reality about this violent crimes is perhaps it’s political arm, of which any army is not going to be so equipped to deal with by the book and neither by their training. It is not uncommon to see a scenario play out. That a decision be made at the very top of our security agencies and within minutes, such intricate policy decisions made in secrecy is already known to the criminals. Many times, this criminals will be waiting in ambush to intercept personnel carrying out a mission regarded as a maneuver and tactics. This leak were mostly done by some politically exposed individuals who are aiding and abetting this criminal elements.

This situation and many of such, the Army Chief has had to face since his appointment as the COAS, Nigerian Army.

To say the truth, General Olufemi Oluyede has succeeded where some others have failed in tackling the ever difficult challenge of tackling the political arm of this violent criminals. And we must say where we have a volatile mix of politics and religion, a very serious challenge ensures. But not insurmountable as the Nigerian Army under General Oluyede has succeeded in locating, arresting and decimating the support system of this criminal elements.

As the General himself has demonstrated, in the military, he has learned the essence of the people. He has learned to be impartial.

In General Olufemi Oluyede, we have seen so many examples of self sacrifice and moral courage, even taking the battle to every nooks and crany of the Country. Today the people of the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and all other parts of the Country, sleep peacefully in their beds at night, only because noble men like General Olufemi Oluyede and his gallant soldiers stand ready to defend their liberties on their behalf.

There’s no doubt that, General Olufemi Oluyede’s core values that emanated from professionalism and responsiveness includes training, regimentation, welfare, operational exigencies, logistics, inter agencies cooperation and observation of human rights obligations.

On human rights obligations, the Nigerian Army under General Oluyede has continued to sustain relationships with human rights bodies, the Army engages them as partners rather than rivals in the internal security operations. The Nigerian Army leadership has been able to close the gap with the civil populace and the civil society organizations.

Also lauded by Nigerians are the Nigerian Army open dialogue with partners like the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Red Cross Society and also the Human Rights Writers Association and others.

No doubt, General Olufemi Oluyede has decided to undertake the transformation of the service as a priority. The training in the Nigerian Army has been modified with the use of latest technologycal advancement.

Our Soldiers are now well motivated than ever, they are getting required support as at when due, General Olufemi Oluyede cuts the image of an uncommon Soldier, tough on battlefront but gentle as a dove on the home front. He has the pedigree of being a torn in the flesh of insurgents, insurrectionist and other enemies of Nigeria. He’s a, Soldier’s Soldier, gallant, resourceful, courageous and humane.

He has brought laughter to many faces, enhanced the development of many communities across Nigeria through the Nigerian Army Civil Military legacy projects.

For all it is, the Nigerian Army under General Olufemi Oluyede, though in the throes of few security challenges, has remained resolute and committed to maintaining the territorial integrity of our borders as well as keeping the nation and our democracy safe.

Perhaps, the highly celebrated journalist, ” Don Yeager” had the likes of General Olufemi Oluyede in mind when he said; ” Sometimes legends find themselves remembered more for what they have not done than for their accomplishments”.

Today, it is no longer in doubt that the Nigerian Army under General Olufemi Oluyede is more than ever be committed to its constitutional responsibilities. It is therefore, not out of place to state that General Oluyede has lived to expectation and Nigerians are proud of his leadership.

This article was written by Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.