…charges relevant agencies to open immediate investigation.

The Concerned Citizens Network of Nigeria (CCNN) has slammed Engineer Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), for his full-page newspaper advertisements published on July 11, 2025, as a “disgraceful charade” and “diversionary” designed to dodge accountability.

The group said the ads, appearing on page 12 of Thisday, page 17 of The Guardian, page 15 of Vanguard, page 3 of BusinessDay, and page 19 of Daily Trust, were unsigned and devoid of substance, failing to address explosive allegations that Ahmed spent over $5.5 million (approximately N8.25 billion) on his children’s secondary education abroad.

In a fiery press conference on Monday in Abuja, the CCNN, led by Dr. Emmanuel Agibi, demanded an immediate investigation, accusing Ahmed of insulting Nigerians’ intelligence with his evasive tactics.

The CCNN highlighted that Ahmed’s children—Faisal Farouk attended the Montreux school, Farouk Jr attended the Aiglon college, Ashraf Farouk attended the Institut Le Rosey while Farhana Farouk attended the La Garenne International School for six years each.

With annual tuition and upkeep exceeding $200,000 per school, the total cost for the four children is estimated at $5 million, or roughly $1.2 million per child over six years.

“The cost per child included annual tuition fees of approximately $130,000–$150,000 and an additional $50,000 for upkeep, flights, and other expenses. For each child, this amounts to roughly $180,000–$200,000 annually, or $1,080,000–$1,200,000 over six years,” the statement said.

“For four children, the total expenditure ranges from $4,320,000–$4,800,000. Even now, questions remain unanswered about the tertiary education of Ahmed’s children. Having completed their secondary education, Faisal, Farouk Jr., Ashraf, and Farhana are enrolled in prestigious universities abroad, where annual costs often exceed $70,000–$100,000 per student.

“Further compounding public outrage, Engr. Farouk Ahmed’s son recently graduated from Harvard University, where tuition and associated costs exceeded $152,000, with additional expenses in the range of $100,000. This extravagant expenditure, far beyond the gross earnings of a civil servant of his calibre, places an immense burden on Nigeria’s poor taxpayers, many of whom struggle to afford three meals a day or school uniforms for their children, particularly in the northern regions.

“Notably, Ahmed has never held employment outside his role with the Federal Government since leaving school, raising further questions about the source of his wealth. The opulence displayed in funding such elite education underscores a stark disconnect between Ahmed’s lifestyle and the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.”

The group urged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate how a civil servant’s salary could fund such lavish expenditure.

“In a nation where over 10 million children, particularly in the north, lack access to basic education, this lavish spending by a public servant is not merely a matter of personal choice—it is a moral outrage,” the statement added.

“While countless Nigerian families struggle to afford primary schooling, Ahmed’s children attended secondary institutions costing more per term than the annual budgets of some federal colleges. This stark inequality represents an injustice that cannot be ignored.

“The absence of transparency regarding how these ongoing expenses are funded further fuels public suspicion. If Ahmed’s wealth can support such elite secondary and tertiary education, the public deserves to know the legitimate sources of these funds, especially given his role as a public servant accountable to Nigerian taxpayers.

“The CCNN’s allegations are grounded in rigorous evidence, stemming from a petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation after weeks of verification, fact-finding, and public record reviews.We question how a public official, whose salary is known and whose assets must be constitutionally declared, could finance such an extraordinary level of overseas education without a visible commercial empire or disclosed inheritance.

“The petition raises serious concerns about potential abuse of office, asset concealment, or diversion of public funds under Ahmed’s leadership at NMDPRA. Public response has been resolute, with peaceful protests by lawyers, students, and civic groups targeting the Attorney-General’s office, ICPC, EFCC, National Assembly, and NMDPRA headquarters. These demonstrations, supported by formal letters and placards, demanded a transparent investigation.

“The NMDPRA’s attempt to dismiss these voices as ‘faceless’ is a cynical effort to undermine lawful civic engagement, further eroding public trust. The NMDPRA’s statement conspicuously avoided addressing key issues: it did not deny the children’s attendance at the listed secondary schools, nor did it provide any breakdown of how tuition was funded.

“It offered no details on asset declarations, loans, business income, family inheritance, or blind trusts, relying instead on vague appeals to Ahmed’s ‘reputation’ and ‘integrity.’ In a democracy, such claims are insufficient when a public servant’s lifestyle appears misaligned with their declared income. The burden of proof rests with Ahmed, not the public.

“The CCB, ICPC, and EFCC have constitutional mandates to investigate cases of unexplained wealth, ensuring that public officials are held accountable. This case tests the credibility of President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption and transparency agenda. The CCNN is not calling for Ahmed’s immediate removal but for an open, independent investigation. If he is innocent, a transparent process will vindicate him.

“However, continued silence risks tarnishing both his reputation and the government’s reform efforts. Ignoring these allegations would be a grave miscalculation. The CCNN is submitting additional letters, pursuing legal action, and mobilising further protests to ensure accountability. Civic vigilance is not a nuisance—it is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy.

“Engr. Farouk Ahmed must step forward, disclose his funding sources, and submit to a full inquiry. This is not persecution—it is the price of public trust. The CCB, ICPC, and EFCC must act swiftly to investigate these allegations, ensuring that justice and transparency prevail.”

Lagos Speaker, Turkish Airlines, International Stars Grace The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025

The Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Lokman Balkan, Turkish Airlines’ topshot, actresses Lilian Bach, Ronya Man, and Ghanaian-born broadcaster extraordinaire, Riyah Abdul, among others, are part of the high-flying guests and award recipients at the just-concluded The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025.

The unique event, which was held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, celebrated Nigeria’s multicultural economic ecosystem. The colourful gathering was attended by industry notables including the Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who was the event’s Chief.

The black-tie affair welcomed an elite audience of diplomats, corporate leaders, international investors, global citizens, and distinguished professionals whose presence reinforced the deepening bond between Nigeria and the international business community.

Anchored by the dynamic duo of Egypt-born media advisor Rania Elewa, who also went home with the award of Diaspora Trailblazer, and Cameroonian music-comedy sensation Danny Green, popularly known as 237 TownCryer, the night was a celebration of global entrepreneurship, cultural synergy, and social impact.

Unlike conventional award platforms which primarily honour local players, TEBA is a trademarked celebration of Nigeria’s diverse economic tapestry, recognizing the contributions of ethnic enterprises and migrant professionals who are actively shaping Nigeria’s GDP and socioeconomic advancement.

The event featured captivating exhibitions, cultural showcases, music, and comedy, creating a glamorous yet soulful atmosphere of unity and recognition.

Among the night’s highlights was the presentation of coveted awards to exceptional individuals and companies whose impact spans various sectors, including aviation, media, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Notable honourees include: Turkish Airlines, an international airline which won Expatriate Airline of the Year 2024/25, Lilian Bach, the top actress, who won the Diaspora Distinction Award.

Also, Ghanaian born broadcaster extraordinaire, Riyah Abdul was TEBA’s Diaspora Revelation of the Year 2024/25, Ronya Man, a quiet but talented woman was the Cross Over Actress of The Year 2024/25, Avsatel Communications Ltd., an aviation company owned by Austra born Georg Eder MBA won Aviation Safety Champion of the Year 2024/25.

Others are MACE Industries Ltd., a notable aviation technology company owned by Mr. Manoj Tagjiani, which is the Aviation Technology Company of the Year 2024/25, while Cameroon-born Danny Green (237 TownCryer) went home with the Cross-Border Talent of the Year 2024/25.

On the list of the awardees is a talented entrepreneur, Pascale Olumayowa Rafqa who won the Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year 2024/25, Mrs. Alice Adetona (Oyinbo Olonje), a Polish-born self-made chef was announced as Inter-Cultural Culinary Ambassador for her passion for Nigeria’s culture and culinary skills while Gambia beautician, Zainab Fatty was TEBA’s 2024/25 Serial Entrepreneur of the Year, and Swiss-born Mrs. Janice Udogu, married to a Nigerian won the Heritage Embrace Award for her love for the nation’s customs and tradition.

Others are CCECC, a top-flight international construction company with Construction Company of the Year 2024/25, and Nigerbirds Engineering – Emerging Aviation Powerhouse

Rt. Hon. Obasa, in his remarks, applauded the organisers for spotlighting the indispensable role of expatriate communities in Nigeria’s development journey. He noted that platforms like TEBA not only promote inclusivity and business diplomacy but also help position Lagos and Nigeria as a hub for multicultural growth and investment.

As one of the night’s hallmarks, partners and sponsors received premium visibility before an audience of decision-makers, industry influencers, and public officials, further reinforcing the value of public-private-international collaboration.

TEBA 2025 has cemented its place as one of the leading platforms promoting intercultural recognition, business excellence, and global synergy in Nigeria’s corporate and entertainment landscape.

Tension Rises as LASIEC Delays Release of Candidate List Ahead of LG Polls

With just days to the Lagos State local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, tension is building as the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has yet to release the official list of candidates. The delay has stirred widespread unease among candidates, political parties, and observers, raising questions about the transparency and credibility of the entire process.

Under the Nigerian Electoral Act and LASIEC’s own guidelines, candidate lists must be published well ahead of polling day to allow the public adequate time to assess their choices. The commission’s continued silence, however, is heightening suspicion and eroding trust across party lines.

When our correspondent visited LASIEC headquarters in Yaba earlier today, the premises bore a tense atmosphere, reinforced by a heavy police presence and barricades, giving the area a near-siege-like appearance.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration over the delay. “It’s worrisome and alarming that with just three days left, LASIEC has not published the list of contesting candidates. We are demanding answers. Their silence is simply unacceptable.”

There is growing speculation that LASIEC may be playing partisan politics by stalling the announcement of opposition candidates. However, even within the ruling APC, there is a lack of clarity. In Mushin, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Agege, Alimosho Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, members remain uncertain about who their candidate is. While some suspect attempts to impose some candidates, nothing has been confirmed by the commission.

“If anyone says LASIEC is only screening APC candidates, that’s not accurate,” some APC members in Epe, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Mushin, Ikosi-Isheri stated. “Even we don’t know who is running. There are rumors of internal interference, but without the official list, we’re left completely in the dark.”

The confusion appears to extend beyond the APC. A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member in Apapa LGA, also speaking under condition of anonymity, alleged that internal disputes and external influences have complicated the selection process.

“There’s been a power struggle within the party over which candidates to field,” he said. “We heard the list was taken to an APC chieftain in Abuja for ratification. When it came back to Lagos, several names had been altered. This disruption has delayed LASIEC’s ability to finalize and release the list. The situation is chaotic, and many of our members feel betrayed.”

According to him, the changes were made without the consent of key party leaders, and many candidates—including some closely aligned with influential figures—were affected. “We are prepared for whatever happens. Saturday will reveal everything,” he concluded.

Some political analysts suggest LASIEC’s delay may be a strategic move to limit the window for legal action that could challenge the candidates or the process itself.

As election day draws near, the pressure is mounting on LASIEC to come clean and restore public confidence in the electoral system. For now, uncertainty reigns—and the credibility of the July 12 polls hangs in the balance.