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AANI PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO HMOD, ALHAJI MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR, CON mni

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AANI PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO HMOD, ALHAJI MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR, CON mni

 

 

 

On Wednesday 8 November 2023, the National President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni, led a team of the National Executive Committee, some EX-Officio and other members of the association to pay a courtesy call on one of the outstanding members of the association, the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD) Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni at his office at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja.

 

AANI PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO HMOD, ALHAJI MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR, CON mni

 

 

 

 

 

Stating the purpose of the visit, Ambassador Okafor said that they were at the Ship House to congratulate the Honourable Minister on his well-deserved appointment as Minister of Defence and commended the government for making the right choice of appointing such a distinguished member of the National Institute as Minister of Defence. He noted with delight the encouraging and reassuring steps and direction the HMOD has taken thus far since the assumption of office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He noted with delight that the HMOD has the benefit of having three well-trained and distinguished AANI members in the Ministry; Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, the permanent secretary, Major General Ahmed Tijjani Jibrin (rtd) mni, SA (Technical) and Dr Elsie Uduak Onwuhafua Mbuk mni, the Deputy Director Navy. He also assures him of AANI’s continuous support to ensure that he succeeds adding that the ministry is very strategic and therefore will be the focal point of the association in its efforts towards a better society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He seized the opportunity to request the ministry’s collaboration to host seminars and other training programmes to enhance national unity, peace and security in Nigeria. The AANI President also solicited the Minister’s support for some of the association’s activities and invited him to the forthcoming AANI Presidential Dinner in honour of graduating members of Senior Executive Course 45 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Former AANI Presidents, Engineer MG Umar mni and Bolaji Khalil took turns to present goodwill messages and also eulogise the Honourable Minister for his support to AANI.

 

 

 

 

 

In his response, the Honourable Minister expressed delight with the visit and said that he was always happy to be of help to further enhance the association. He also said that he would partner with AANI on the seminar and other training programmes adding that it would be good to make it more robust and all-encompassing by involving the services under his Ministry. He said that he would attend the AANI presidential Dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those on the delegation include former AANI presidents Engineer Mohamed Gambo Umar mni and Alhaji Bolaji Khalil mni and a former Vice President, Hajiya Aisha Dankani mni. Also on the entourage were Mrs Olufunke Amos mni, Vice President of the association, Alhaji Abubakar Ismail Isah mni, Secretary General, Alhaji Tijjani Inuwa Dutse mni, AANI Legal Adviser, Mrs Maryamu Madami Laka, mni, Financial Secretary, Alhaji Samaila Umar Sifawa, Treasurer, Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni, National Publicity Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Favour Uguwanyi, mni Social and Welfare Secretary, Dr Babatunde Moses Kayode,mni, the Assistant Secretary of the association, and Alhaji Nasir Ladan mni, Director of Administration at AANI national secretariat.

 

 

 

 

 

Also present at the occasion were, Major General AT Jibrin (Rtd) mni SA (Technical) to the HMOD, Brigadier General Habibu Baba Manu, Principal General Staff Officer to the HMOD and Dr Elsie Uduak Onwuhafua Mbuk mni, a Deputy Director at the Ministry.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp
Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina
AANI National Publicity Secretary
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

 

 

 

AANI PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO HMOD, ALHAJI MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR, CON mni

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

– The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has removed Nigeria from its list of debtor countries.

 

– Country now better placed to strengthen fiscal credibility, says presidential aide, O’tega Ogra

 

 

In a report titled: ‘Total IMF Credit Outstanding – Movement from May 01, 2025 to May 06, 2025,” obtained on the multilateral institution’s website yesterday, Nigeria was not listed among its debtors which has a total of 91 developing and least developed countries owing the Fund a total of $117,797,656,224 as at 6th of May 2025.

 

Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

Total IMF credit outstanding refers to the total amount of unpaid and outstanding principal due to the Fund from its member countries. This includes both outstanding loans under current arrangements and those that have expired.

 

 

When contacted on the development yesterday, a top IMF official in Washington DC, who pleaded to remain anonymous, told THISDAY they were trying to confirm the reports, pointing out that Nigeria borrowed a rapid finance loan during the pandemic.

 

 

However, StatiSense, a data company which also confirmed on its X handle yesterday that Nigeria was no longer listed on the list of countries indebted to IMF, revealed that as at July 28, 2023, Nigeria was owing the Fund $1.61 billion, this was reduced to $1.37 billion as at January 5, 2024; $933.03 million as at July 10, 2024; $472.06 million as at January 8, 2025, before it was finally settled this month.

 

 

It was learnt that the value was converted from Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries, to US dollars.

 

 

In a post on his X handle, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy, and New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the development was a signal of discipline, reform, and strategic reset by the Tinubu-Shettima administration in restructuring “our finances to enable us to be better placed for a prosperous future.”

 

 

He added: “As Nigeria closes the chapter on these legacy debt obligations, we are better placed to strengthen our fiscal credibility and show the world, and ourselves, that Nigeria is serious about managing our economy with responsibility and vision.

 

 

“Does this mean no more business with the IMF or other foreign lenders? No! Nigeria still remains a member of the IMF and can approach it at any time if the situation demands. This is definitely not a door slammed shut.

 

 

“Why? Because global partnerships like the IMF remain valuable allies, especially in a world defined by volatility and uncertainty. The difference now is that any future engagement will be proactive, not reactive, and will also be based on partnership, not dependence. Debt clearance today, reform momentum tomorrow.

 

 

“President Bola Tinubu will continue to prioritise long-term reforms with sound financial management for the benefit of our country and generations yet unborn. Nigeria is rising with clarity, capacity, and credibility, and this is why you should take a #BetOnNigeria.”

 

 

The IMF recently commended Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as bold measures that have helped stabilise the economy and laid the groundwork for future growth.

 

 

The IMF, in its recent 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria, last month, by a team led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. These reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.

 

 

“The macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.

 

 

“Macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.”

 

 

Schimmelpfennig in the statement had noted that the cessation of deficit financing by the CBN, the removal of costly fuel subsidies, and improvements in the foreign exchange market were major policy shifts that signaled a commitment to reform.

 

 

He stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.”

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Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

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Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Pretoria – May 5, 2025

 

In a vibrant and heartwarming celebration held at the University of Pretoria on Monday, May 5, 2025, Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia proudly graduated with an Honours degree in Public Administration and Management.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Dressed in academic regalia and beaming with pride, Hlavutelo walked across the graduation stage to thunderous applause from her family, friends, and fellow graduates. The event was a joyful culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Her parents, visibly emotional and proud, described the moment as one of the happiest of their lives. “We are overwhelmed with joy,” said her mother. “Watching our daughter achieve this milestone is a dream come true.”

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

The colourful ceremony, filled with music, traditional attire, and jubilant celebrations, marked a significant chapter in Hlavutelo’s academic journey. She expressed gratitude to her family, lecturers, and peers for their unwavering support, adding that she hopes to use her qualification to serve her community and contribute to ethical governance in South Africa.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia’s achievement stands as an inspiration to many young South Africans, reminding them that with determination and support, anything is possible.

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

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N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

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N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That a controversial water project in (Filin tanda) Bade local Government of Gashua Yobe State, initially intended to provide clean drinking water, has become a focal point of public outrage and accusations of corruption. The project, purportedly aimed at replacing a former children’s play area (referred to as “sling swing”) with a functional water supply system, is now facing severe criticism regarding its execution and financial management.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The project is linked to Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the former President of the 9th Senate and current Yobe North Senator. Senator Lawan’s long tenure in the parliament, spanning approximately 30 years, has drawn scrutiny, with some residents claiming that his career is marked by a lack of substantial developmental achievements.

 

 

“This used to be the place we played sling swing (Lilo) as kids… This guy, who spent about 30 years in office, making me as old as his incumbency, who has zero projects that go beyond a hundred million Naira, was once even the president of the Senate! What a monumental failure his entire career must be!” lamented a source.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

Adding fuel to the controversy, Senator Lawan’s alleged ambition to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial elections has been met with skepticism. Critics express concern about the potential for further mismanagement and wasted resources, citing a pattern of “classical stupidity” among the electorate.

 

 

The accusations of fraud and negligence are particularly focused on the handling of the project’s funds. Sources, including Usman Umar Nagona and Habu Nawi Katuzu, have raised serious allegations: “5.7 Billion water fraud, jama’a ku tayani dubawa a ina 500M ta mutu anan? And that former Senate president, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, must come out boldly. Meanwhile, the work has not even reached 40% completion… The quality is substandard, timelines are completely ignored, and there’s a clear lack of accountability.”

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The total budget for the water project is reported to be 5.7 billion Naira, with concerns that 500 million Naira is unaccounted for, despite the project’s completion rate being less than 40%. The reports of substandard quality, missed deadlines, and a lack of transparency have intensified calls for an investigation into the project’s management.

 

According to Usman Umar Nagona and Habu Nawi Katuzu, “the Yobe State Executive Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni Chiroman Gujba CON refused to attend the commissioning of the project because he knew it was a fraud”.

 

N5.7 Billion Yobe Water Project Plagued by Allegations of Fraud, Negligence

 

The controversy surrounding the water project has raised questions about Senator Lawan’s legacy and his suitability for higher office, and the Gashua people want to protest against the project if actions are not taken.

 

As Yobe State approaches the 2027 elections, the allegations of fraud and negligence in this project are likely to play a significant role in the political discourse.

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