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An account of the Alleged mind-blowing corruption of ex- NDLEA boss Ahmadu Giade

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ahmad

 

NDLEA official petitions Buhari

*Alleges fresh plot to abduct Senator Kashamu

 

A top official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Paul Audu, a lawyer, has written a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the petition, Barrister Audu urged him to order an investigation into alleged atrocities committed by the former Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade during his 10-year tenure.

The petition was titled “A Call for Investigation of Allegations of Corrupt Practices and Clandestine Activities of Alhaji Ahmadu Giade (Former NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive), dated 28th March, 2016.

[Audu is a Chief Superintendent of Narcotics.]

He said he was constrained to send the petition to the President because no action was taken on an earlier one he sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in December, 2015.

Specifically, he said the petition was received in the Office of the AGF on the 11th of December, 2015.

In the earlier petition dated December 1, 2015, Audu had alleged, among others, that Giade embezzled the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (N500, 000,000.00).

That being the fund remitted to the Agency by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2008 for the purpose of carrying out Drug Demand Reduction enlightenment campaign.

The campaign was aimed at reducing and discouraging illicit drug business and consumption in Nigeria.

He also accused Giade of converting to personal use the sum of Sixteen Million Naira (N16,000,000.00).

The said sum was the balance of the sum of Thirty Four Million Naira (N34,000,000.00) remitted to the Agency (NDLEA) by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

It was earmarked for the training of its staff at the NDLEA Academy, Jos, Plateau State.

The petitioner also urged the President to order the relevant anti-graft agencies to probe how Giade allegedly doubled for himself the estacode due to him.

It doubled from Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars per night ($550.00) to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per night for all the foreign trips embarked upon by him during his headship of the Agency.

The former NDLEA boss was further accused of corruptly enriching himself with the sum of One Billion, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N1.5billion).

That was the fund remitted to the Agency in 2014 as Intervention Fund by the Federal Government.

Giade was also said to have allegedly misappropriated the sum of Nine Hundred Million Naira (N900, 000,000).

The said sum was realized through the Agency’s recruitment portals.

He made applicants for the Agency’s job to pay the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Naira (N1, 500.00) as application/access fees.

According to Audu, the Area Commander of Gada Area Command in Sokoto State, he realized the said amount without offering them jobs.

Audu further alleged that contrary to Giade’s term of employment on the 24th November, 2005, for a term of 4 years, he (Giade) stayed in office for six (6) more years without valid renewal of his tenure.

“[He] thereby fraudulently occupied the said office for a period of 10 years (i.e. from 24th November, 2005 to 24th November, 2015) during which he was remunerated with tax payers’ money and thereby conferred unfair advantage on himself.”

The petitioner alleged further that Giade flagrantly disobeyed a superior circular from a constituted authority to wit;

The Federal Civil Service Commission with Ref. no; FC.6243/S.1/XVIII/5 dated 28th May, 2010 and received in his office on 7th June, 2010.

He, however, deliberately refused/failed to promote the staff/officers of the Agency already due or in arrears of promotion on or before 30th of November, 2010, as directed in the said circular.

He, therefore, stagnated several officers of the Agency for upward of six to 10 years  or more.

Audu also accused the former Narcotics czar of stealing the sum of One Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N1.5b).

That was the fund remitted to the Agency between October, 2014 and March, 2015, by the Federal Government to be disbursed to officers of the Agency for the March and April, 2015 general elections.

The petitioner accused Giade of compromising national security.

This he did by collaborating with and permitting the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office of the United States of America to install surveillance/intelligence gathering gadgets.

Said gadgets were installed at Nigerian International Airports and the Agency’s national headquarters, Ikoyi, Lagos, under US officials’ control and management.

Through those gadgets, they directly spy over Nigeria territory and our military formations within the areas of coverage, including the Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos.

They continuously gather intelligence on Nigeria to the detriment of the Federal Government.

In the latest petition to President Buhari, Audu quipped, “The question then is: since those gadgets do not and cannot detect drugs, what then could be the motive for installing them?

“The motive obviously cannot be far from espionage. Can Nigeria do this in America? Certainly not!

“We must be able to strike a balance between foreign aid and our national security which must be held sacrosanct, inviolable and non-negotiable as a sovereign nation.”

Audu alleged that “Giade’s lawlessness and disobedience for the rule of law and court orders have no boundary.

“The dramo-hypocritical and orchestrated invasion of the premises of Senator Kashamu in May, 2015 cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

“I am very much aware that the Agency had previously sent some of its very senior officers to London to give evidence in Buruji Kashamu’s favour.

“[They] equally deposed to affidavit in his favour at the Federal High Court, Lagos in 2002 and 2013 respectively (i.e. under Giade’s administration).

“So, how can we now reasonably explain the sudden dramatic twist ignited by Giade against the same Kashamu soon after your victory at the poll?”

The top NDLEA official more or less confirmed the recent alarm raised by the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District of Ogun State, Buruji Kashamu.

Kashamu had alleged that Giade and some powerful persons were planning to abduct him and forcibly take him to the U.S.

“However, I recently read of the alarm raised by Senator Kashamu about yet another attempt by Giade to abduct him’

“[That] made him to sue the AGF, NDLEA and Giade, and also petitioned the National Assembly.

“Knowing Giade’s predilection for illegalities, this might not be unfounded.

“Information is rife now again within the Agency about such planned abduction in another form by Giade, in collaboration with US Embassy officials in Nigeria and DEA agents.”

Audu commended President Buhari’s anti-corruption war “more so that it leaves no room for sacred cows, and Alhaji Ahmadu Giade must not be an exception”.

He faulted the appointment of Giade as Special Assistant to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He wondering what such “a lawless fellow” was doing in the office of the Chief Law Officer of the Federation.

In conclusion, the operative said, “All the criminal allegations contained in the attached Appendix A against him are evidently verifiable.

“Giade should be asked to step aside from his position and referred to the appropriate Agency for investigation in order to establish the veracity or otherwise of the allegations against him.

“Even if it is for the sake of restoring order to the system and recovering the stupendous public funds looted by him.”

 

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the regulatory and standardization authority in the sector, has invited professionals in the hospitality, tourism,travel and allied sectors to register as mandated by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Act 2022.

A statement signed by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism reads:

“Enjoy FREE registration from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025! This is your chance to register as a professional or practitioner at no cost.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to solidify your presence in Nigeria’s thriving tourism industry. Visit www.nihotour.gov.ng now!

“Hurry—free registration closes on January 15, 2025. Take the first step toward advancing your career in tourism today!”

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EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

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EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

 

EGC Homes, a notable player in the real estate and property development sector, has made waves in the Nigerian market with its recent announcement of the launch of Goodness and Mercy Estate in Ogun, alongside other strategic initiatives.

The company emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the government to alleviate the housing deficit in Nigeria while prioritizing the well-being of residents.

In an interview with THECONSCIENCE NG, Oladapo Jimoh, the Managing Director of EGC Homes and Properties, expressed the brand’s long-term vision to bridge the housing gap and simplify the journey to homeownership.

He stated, “Current data estimates Nigeria’s housing deficit to be around 28 million units by 2024. This figure is among the largest globally and poses significant challenges, contributing to homelessness and various social issues.”

“National statistics indicate that our country faces a pressing need for approximately 700,000 new homes each year to address this deficit. As urbanization continues, these challenges are particularly evident in major cities, where affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, forcing many into slums and informal settlements.”

The World Bank projects that Nigeria’s urban population could exceed 200 million by 2050, highlighting a potential social crisis as the lack of affordable housing leads to the rise of slums, especially in urban areas.

“As a forward-thinking and solutions-oriented company, we are dedicated to addressing these critical housing issues in partnership with the government.”

Following its successful launch in Lagos, EGC Homes has rapidly expanded its operations, acquiring a significant land bank across the southwestern region of Nigeria and enhancing its marketing strategies to effectively connect with customers.

The firm is committed to providing Nigerians with exceptional value, peace of mind, and simplifying the processes of land acquisition and homeownership.

“Our mission is to make life easier for Nigerians while assisting the government in tackling the housing deficit.”

Recently, the company introduced its premier property, the Goodness and Mercy Estate, located in Arepo and Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, with more projects on the horizon. Its flexible payment plans and affordable property prices aim to cater to a wide audience.

Additionally, EGC Homes has appointed Titilayo Adebayo-Omotosho as its social media brand ambassador to promote the unique offerings of EGC Homes and Properties Limited to Nigerians both at home and abroad.

In her remarks, she highlighted her commitment to the vision of EGC Homes, stating, “I believe every Nigerian deserves a decent roof over their head. This aligns perfectly with the mission of EGC Homes and Properties, which is why I chose to represent the brand, promoting its exceptional estates and home packages to Nigerians and those aspiring to own homes here.”

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Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys LCC Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive $500m Investments in Nigeria

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L-R Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners and Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC during the partnership agreement signing between Optiva Capital partners and Loft & keys LLC at Optiva's headquarters in Lagos

Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys LCC Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive $500m Investments in Nigeria

 

Optiva Capital Partners, Africa’s leading wealth management and retention company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Loft & Keys LLC, a renowned real estate and investment company with dominant presence in Nigeria and the Middle East.

 

The ceremony which took place over the weekend at Optiva Capital’s Corporate Headquarters, aims to boost investment in Nigeria’s hospitality and healthcare sectors on the one hand, as well as provide Nigerian investors with opportunities to invest in real estate in the UAE, particularly in Dubai.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership, “With Loft & Keys’ deep understanding of the Nigerian market and established networks in the Middle East, we are poised to bring $500 million in investments into Nigeria’s hospitality and healthcare industries. These funds will be strategically spread across Lagos, Abuja (FCT), Delta, and Enugu.”

 

The investment in hospitality will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Nigeria. Beyond creating employment opportunities, it will spur infrastructure development, enhance regional tourism appeal, and foster business ecosystems in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Enugu, and Delta. Similarly, the healthcare focus will address critical gaps in medical infrastructure, improve access to quality care, and promote health innovation—key pillars for national development.

 

The partnership According to Dr Kimemia also extends to Nigerian investors seeking opportunities in the UAE. With Loft & Keys’ expertise and extensive networks in Dubai and other Middle Eastern hubs, the collaboration will unlock access to one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.
Speaking about the partnership, Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC, said “Optiva Capital Partners stands as Africa’s leading wealth retention company, a position that is firmly established and without question. This partnership with Loft & Keys will further solidify their dominance and create even greater opportunities for growth. As Dr. Jane Kimemia has rightly emphasized, Loft & Keys, with our extensive expertise in the Middle East, is a trusted and experienced partner”. We have a strong presence in the UAE and are actively expanding into Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the near future. Together with Optiva Capital Partners, we are committed to capturing significant market opportunities in these regions. I am confident that this partnership will foster substantial growth that will be mutually rewarding for both parties.

 

Dubai, a city widely known for its opulence and rapid development, is reportedly operating at only 30% of its projected capacity, presenting a significant growth opportunity for investors. According to industry experts, this untapped potential creates a unique window for investors to capitalize on the city’s future expansion and development.
The partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 as two formidable brands, Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys are committed to leveraging their collective strengths to drive impactful investments that benefit clients and communities alike.

 

L-R Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners and Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC during the partnership agreement signing between Optiva Capital partners and Loft & keys LLC at Optiva's headquarters in Lagos
About Optiva Capital Partners
Optiva Capital Partners is a premier wealth management and retention firm offering bespoke solutions in four areas of specialization – investment immigration, investment advisory, insurance, and international real estate.
About Loft & Keys LLC
Loft & Keys is an internationally recognized real estate and investment company with a robust presence in Nigeria and the UAE. The firm is dedicated to connecting investors with high-value opportunities in dynamic markets.

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