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Abacha’s loot was spent in the 2004 and 2005 budgets on roads, electricity, education, water and health across all 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria – Okonjo-Iweala
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has “received several documents from the World Bank totalling over 700 pages on information on the spending of recovered assets stolen by the late General Abacha, with some of the documents suggesting that Abacha loot was spent on roads, electricity, education, health and water.”
This information was disclosed by SERAP executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, in a statement dated November 29, 2015.
The organisation said, “SERAP can confirm that last week we received several documents from Ann May of the Access to Information Team of the World Bank following our Access to Information Request to the Bank. We also received a letter dated 24 November 2015 from Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud, Director of the World Bank in Africa.”
“In total, SERAP has received over 700 pages of documents, which we are now closely studying and scrutinising with a view to discovering whether the documents contain details that Nigerians would like to see and whether the information correspond to the facts on the ground. After this analysis, we will respond to the Bank and consider our options, including filing an appeal before the Bank’s Access to Information Appeals Board and taking other appropriate legal actions nationally and internationally to discover what exactly happened to Abacha recovered loot,” the organisation said.
The organisation said that “In the meantime our preliminary review of some of the documents and the letter from Mr Rachid Benmessaoud have revealed certain facts which raise more questions about what exactly happened to Abacha loot: First, that Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Minister of Finance in a letter dated 9 January 2005 explained to the Bank that around $500m (N65bn) of Abacha loot received from Switzerland was programmed into and spent in the 2004 and 2005 budgets on roads, electricity, education, water and health across all 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria.”
“Second, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala explained to the Bank that N18.60bn was spent on roads; N10.83bn spent on health; N7bn spent on education; N6.20bn spent on water; and N21.70bn spent on electricity. She also said that part of the funds were spent on new and ongoing investment projects. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said that relevant federal ministries have the full details on the spending of repatriated Abacha loot. The Bank noted that there was no funds monitoring and tracking mechanism in place to trace the spending of Abacha loot,” the organisation also disclosed.
“Third, Mr Rachid Benmessaoud confirmed that the World Bank played a monitoring role in a return of assets by Switzerland but that the Bank is not currently involved in the monitoring of spending of Abacha loot that have been returned to Nigeria in recent years. He said that the Bank would be prepared to set up a mechanism to monitor the use of Abacha loot if the Nigerian government requests the Bank’s assistance in this respect.”
“Given Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s involvement in the spending of Abacha loot, SERAP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently probe the role of the Ministry of Finance and relevant federal ministries at the time in the spending of Abacha loot particularly given the strong allegations of mismanagement that characterised the use of the funds,” the organisation said.
“Although Mrs said that Abacha loot was spent in the 2004 and 2005 budgets on roads, electricity, education, water and health across all 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria, there is no evidence of such projects as millions of Nigerians continue to travel on dead roads, while they continue to lack access to adequate electricity supply, water, health and quality education. Therefore, President Buhari can no longer continue to remain silent on this issue of public interest if Nigerians are to continue to trust him in his fight against corruption,” the organisation also said.
It would be recalled that in a letter dated October 15, 2015 and signed by Ann May of the Access to Information Team, the Bank said that “In response to your request under AI3982, we would like to inform you that we are still considering your request and need additional time to provide you with a more comprehensive response.”
The letter reads in part “In most cases, we will be able to respond within twenty (20) working days from receipt of a request for information. However, we may need additional time in special circumstances, for example, if the request is complex or voluminous or if it requires further review by or consultation with internal World Bank units, external parties, the Access to Information Committee, or the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.”
Earlier, SERAP had on September 21, 2015 sent an access to information request to Jim Yong Kim, President, World Bank Group urging him to “exercise the Bank’s prerogative to release documents relating to spending of recovered assets stolen by Late General Sani Abacha”.
The group also asked Mr. Yong Kim to “disclose information about the Bank’s role in the implementation of any projects funded by the recovered assets and any other on-going repatriation initiatives on Nigeria with which the Bank is engaged.”
The request was “pursuant to the World Bank’s Access to Information Policy (The Policy), approved by the Board on June 30 205. SERAP notes that one of the Policy’s guiding principles is to maximize access to information. There is also clear public interest in Nigerians knowing about the Bank’s supervisory role and specifically its involvement in the implementation of projects on which repatriated funds were spent.”
Blue Lagos Launches Community Sensitisation and Engagement Campaign in Riverine Areas
Blue Lagos has officially commenced its community sensitisation and engagement campaign across riverine and coastal communities in Lagos State.
The initiative is designed to amplify the voices of underserved communities, raise awareness on civic responsibilities, and highlight the unique challenges faced by residents living along the waterways.
Through on-ground interactions and digital advocacy, Blue Lagos aims to foster inclusive participation and ensure that no community is left behind.
Speaking on the campaign, The Director of Mobilisation & Community Engagement for the Blue Lagos Team, Hon. Ashade Abdul-Salam emphasized the importance of engaging directly with residents to better understand their daily realities, from access to basic services and transportation challenges to opportunities for development and improved governance.
The campaign will feature community visits, short sensitisation videos, interactive sessions, and stakeholder engagement, all geared towards empowering residents with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in shaping their future.
Blue Lagos calls on riverine and coastal residents to take advantage of this initiative, share their experiences, and stay informed on civic processes, including voter registration and community development programs.
This campaign marks a significant step towards building stronger connections between communities and decision-makers, while promoting inclusive growth across Lagos State.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Blue Lagos Team via email: [email protected]
One Universe Launches to Redefine How People Find and Pay for Trusted Services
One Universe, a new trusted digital marketplace designed to connect people who need services with skilled professionals, has officially launched and is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Built to solve the everyday challenge of finding reliable service providers, One Universe brings trust, convenience, and transparency into one seamless platform. From beauty and lifestyle services to technical, creative, and professional support, users can now discover verified professionals, agree on terms, and complete payments securely – all within the app.
A Safer, Smarter Way to Get Things Done
One Universe was created to eliminate uncertainty in service transactions. The platform enables buyers to find professionals, chat directly, agree on pricing and timelines, and make payments securely. Funds are held safely until the job is completed, ensuring protection for both parties.
Empowering Professionals to Grow
For service providers, One Universe offers a powerful opportunity to showcase skills, receive referrals, build credibility through reviews, and access more customers without the usual barriers. Professionals can focus on delivering quality work while the platform supports visibility, trust, and secure payments.
Introducing the One Universe Recruiter Program
As part of its launch, One Universe is rolling out the Recruiter Program, designed to reward individuals who help grow the community. Recruiters earn incentives by inviting people to join the platform – especially buyers seeking services – thereby helping professionals get more jobs while expanding the ecosystem. The program turns everyday referrals into real value and shared growth for all participants.
Key Features Include:
• Verified professionals across multiple service categories
• Secure in-app payments with buyer and seller protection
• Transparent pricing and direct communication
• Ratings and reviews to build trust
• A growing community driven by referrals and reputation
• Incentives through the Recruiter Program for community growth
*Now Available on iOS and Android*
One Universe is now live and ready for use. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to download the app, explore services, and experience a smarter way to connect and transact.
Download One Universe today:
Apple App Store
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/one-universe/id6753012310
Google Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oneuniverse.oneuniverse
About One Universe
One Universe is a trusted digital marketplace built to connect people with skilled professionals, making service discovery, engagement, and payment simple, safe, and reliable. The platform is committed to empowering service providers while giving users confidence and peace of mind.
Media Contact:
www.oneuniverse.ng
08083327368
Business
Adron Homes Unveils Sallah Mega Promo with 30% Discount and Exciting Gift Rewards for Subscribers
Adron Homes Unveils Sallah Mega Promo with 30% Discount and Exciting Gift Rewards for Subscribers
As the festive spirit of Eid al-Adha (Sallah) approaches, Adron Homes & Properties, Nigeria’s leading real estate company, has announced a nationwide Sallah Mega Promo designed to reward subscribers with unbeatable discounts, flexible payment plans, and exciting gift items.
The limited-time promotional campaign aims to empower Nigerians to celebrate the season of sacrifice with both joy and long-term investment security by making property ownership more accessible and rewarding. Subscribers can enjoy a 30% discount on all plots across Adron estates nationwide, alongside a flexible payment plan of up to 36 months. In addition, clients can spread their initial deposit over four months, easing financial pressure while securing valuable real estate assets.
According to the company, the Sallah promo reflects its continued commitment to providing affordable housing solutions while rewarding both new and existing clients during key festive periods.
“Sallah is a time of giving, sacrifice, and celebration. At Adron Homes, we believe there is no better time to empower families and investors with the opportunity to own land while also receiving valuable gifts that enhance their celebration,” the company stated.
As part of the promo, subscribers will enjoy a wide range of gift rewards tied to their payment milestones. Platinum plot subscribers stand to receive items such as bags of rice ranging from 10kg to 50kg, food packs with chicken and seasoning, goats and rams for Sallah celebrations, and even a cow or a double-door refrigerator for high-value subscribers. Compact plot subscribers will also benefit from gift items including bags of rice, vegetable oil, cartons of noodles, goats, and other household essentials designed to support festive celebrations.
Over the years, Adron Homes & Properties has remained at the forefront of real estate development in Nigeria, consistently delivering affordable luxury and flexible payment structures tailored to a wide range of investors. The Sallah Mega Promo further reinforces the company’s mission to democratize property ownership while strengthening its relationship with clients through value-driven initiatives.
Prospective subscribers are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time offer by contacting Adron Homes through its official channels.
📲 WhatsApp: +234 805 101 1951
🌐 Website: Adron Homes Official Website
With the Sallah season fast approaching, this promo presents a unique opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate meaningfully by securing their future through real estate investment while enjoying generous festive rewards.
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