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EFCC Partners Firm to Establish Cybercrime Research Centre – Olukoyede

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EFCC Partners Firm to Establish Cybercrime Research Centre
– Olukoyede

 

 

As part of the efforts to prevent cybercrime and channel the digital skills of young Nigerians to more productive ventures, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has concluded plans to establish a Cybercrime Research Centre.

 

 

The Centre, which is being put together in partnership with a foremost fintech firm, Flutterwave, will serve as a research and resource centre for empowering Nigerian youths.

 

 

This was disclosed in Abuja on Tuesday by the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the National Summit on Cybercrime.

 

 

The Summit, with the theme “Alternatives to Cybercrimes: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development”, was part of the activities lined up to mark the first year in office of Mr. Olukoyede.

The EFCC helmsman said, “This Summit is the second to be organised by the Commission this year on the same issue owing to the overarching need for us to articulate opinions and build greater strength against the scourge of cybercrimes. This time around, we are not only interrogating the problem, we are aggregating workable solutions to it. This underscores the theme: Alternatives to Cybercrimes: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development.”

He bemoaned the erosion of acceptable family values and the tendency towards quick riches among young people instead of leaning towards enterprise, resourceful intellectual aspirations and technological innovations.

“Projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025, with approximately 2,328 (Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty-eight) cases occurring daily. The implication of all these is that, if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.

“These are the realities stoking the Commission’s fight against these crimes. Cybercrime accounts for a significant percentage of the 3455 convictions recorded by the EFCC in my one year as Executive Chairman. A significant portfolio of choice assets have also been recovered and returned to both local and foreign victims of cybercrimes by the Commission,” Olukoyede said.

He reasoned that things have gotten a stage where there is a compelling need to “change the narrative from criminality to productivity, from idleness to usefulness and cybercrimes to cyber wealth”.

“To this end, the EFCC under my leadership, is completing work on a Cybercrime Research Centre where globally-competitive research would be running as an alternative avenue of empowering our youths. The Centre, the product of collaboration with one of our foremost FinTechs, Flutterwave, is envisioned as a learning, rehabilitating and refocusing centre for youths across the country. It could also serve as a research resort for law enforcement agencies interested in deeper understanding of issues involved in cybercrimes,” Olukoyede said.

He noted that the commission was not unaware of the misconceptions in certain quarters that it was concentrating on the fight against internet crimes.
“While this narrative is not really true, the fact remains that cybercrime threatens the nation’s most significant asset – its reputation, and economic wellbeing. The losses by the financial services sector to cybercrime in the last three years is staggering. We cannot continue to sit idly and watch the integrity of our institutions compromised and our youths degenerate into uselessness. The future of our nation cannot and would not be allowed to hang in the balance. We must take collective actions against cybercrimes,” Olukoyede said.

On alternatives to cybercrimes, the EFCC Chairman said, “There are ample skills that can be optimized for national development. It is this lack of serious cogitation on the alternatives that has not made our youths shift their focus from criminal tendencies. First, there is the alternative of creative and innovative development of socially-beneficial applications that can deliver better prospects than internet fraud.

“Today’s event is tailored towards exposing young Nigerian with strong tech skills to the opportunities that abound in various industries and sectors for legitimate wealth creation and honest livelihood. These opportunities can be found in the creative industry, tech ecosystem, financial services sector, medical services and even law enforcement.”

He also disclosed that the EFCC is setting up a Cybercrime Response Desk as part of its corruption prevention mandate of the Commission

“The Cybercrime Response Desk is to receive and process real time information on suspected cybercrime for immediate enforcement action to nip such cases in the bud. The initiative, in our estimation, will help in reducing incidences of cybercrime and possible loss of money by victims,” he said.

Olukoyede appealed to parents and all well-meaning Nigerians to join the EFCC in the fight against corruption and internet fraud, adding that the quality of our future as a people depends on what we do to tackle the menace today.

“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the conscience of parents and heads of institutions across the country to regard the fight against internet fraud as a compelling endeavour. The quality of the future leadership of our nation depends on what we do with the issue of cybercrimes today. Tomorrow is not a promise. Tomorrow is a fruit of preparation. We must all join hands together to tackle the hydra-headed monster which internet fraud has become,” he added.

 

 

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Ambassador Ajadi Extols Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi’s Virtues on Her Special Day

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Ambassador Ajadi Extols Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi’s Virtues on Her Special Day

 

 

In a heartwarming celebration filled with love, prayers, and admiration, one of the strongest members of Team Makinde and the Chief Executive Officer of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has celebrated his beloved wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, on the occasion of her birthday today, Saturday, May 9, 2026.

 

 

Speaking during a private prayer session held in the early hours of the morning at his residence, Ambassador Ajadi described his wife as a rare gem whose unwavering love, support, and devotion have remained a pillar of strength in his personal and professional journey.

 

“Behind a successful man, there must be a good woman,” Ambassador Ajadi said while expressing gratitude to God for the gift of his wife. “Oyindamola embodies kindness, passion, patience, loyalty, and perseverance. Today, as she celebrates another beautiful year of life, I am reminded once again of how blessed I am to have her beside me.”

 

The businessman and politician further poured out emotional and romantic birthday wishes to his wife, appreciating the joy and peace she has brought into his life.

 

 

 

“Happy birthday to you, my darling,” he said. “I celebrate your special day with my heartfelt, romantic, and sweet wishes that make you feel cherished and deeply loved. My love, every year with you is better than the last. Happy birthday to the one who makes my heart skip a beat. Love you forever.”

 

Ambassador Ajadi also offered fervent prayers for his wife, asking God to continually guide, protect, and prosper her in all areas of life.

 

“Oyindamola is not just a wife and a mother; she is a beacon of love, wisdom, and support. I vow to always celebrate her and cherish every precious moment we share together. May Almighty God bless her with long life, sound health, endless joy, divine wisdom, peace of mind, and abundant prosperity. May her days be filled with happiness, favor, grace, and fulfillment beyond expectations,” he prayed.

 

 

He added, “I celebrate a beautiful soul today. On your special day, I want to shower you with all the love and affection in my heart. May your light never dim, may sorrow never come near your dwelling, and may God continue to uplift and strengthen you in all you do.”

 

The birthday celebration attracted goodwill messages and prayers from family members, friends, political associates, colleagues, and admirers, many of whom described Mrs. Ajadi as a humble, supportive, and virtuous woman whose kindness and warmth continue to positively impact lives around her.

 

As she marks another milestone, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi remains a source of inspiration to many, with loved ones joining Ambassador Ajadi in praying for greater accomplishments, divine protection, and many more fruitful years ahead.

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Viral Hantavirus Reports Spark Fresh Anxiety as Prophet Aitafo’s 2025 Warning Resurfaces

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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

Viral Hantavirus Reports Spark Fresh Anxiety as Prophet Aitafo’s 2025 Warning Resurfaces

 

Kingsley Aitafo’s widely shared prophecy about a coming “deadly disease” has resurfaced online amid growing concern over reports of a new Hantavirus outbreak in parts of Europe, particularly France.

 

In a viral video from his “2025 Prophecy” message, the cleric warned of a disease outbreak he described as potentially “more brutal than COVID-19,” urging followers to engage in fervent prayers against a looming global health emergency.

 

“We should pray against a deadly disease that is more brutal than COVID-19. It is coming on the earth. I cannot specify when, but we should pray against it,” the prophet declared in the footage.

 

The resurfaced prophecy has triggered intense debate across social media platforms, with many followers drawing parallels between the warning and recent international reports surrounding Hantavirus infections.

 

Rising Concern Over Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially severe viral infection commonly transmitted through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Some strains can lead to serious respiratory complications or hemorrhagic fever.

 

Although health authorities have not declared a global emergency, reports of increasing infections have heightened public concern, especially given lingering memories of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medical experts continue to caution against panic, stressing that surveillance systems and international response mechanisms are now far more prepared than they were during the early stages of COVID-19.

 

 

Health Precautions Advised

Health authorities and medical professionals recommend the following precautionary measures:

Avoid contact with rodents, their droppings, urine, or nesting areas.

Properly disinfect potentially contaminated environments.

Maintain strict hygiene practices.

Seek urgent medical care if symptoms such as sudden fever, muscle pain, fatigue, or breathing difficulties develop.

As of press time, Nigerian authorities have not issued any formal travel advisory linked to the reported outbreak in Europe, though monitoring measures at international entry points are believed to have been strengthened.

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From Visa Bans to Value Chains: Why Europe must structure sovereign mobility for growth

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*From Visa Bans to Value Chains: Why Europe must structure sovereign mobility for growth*

By Babatunde Aduloju

 

The recent visa restrictions introduced by the United Kingdom government on nationals connected to Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program have triggered an important policy moment, not just for the UK, but for the broader European Union.

 

At first glance, this may appear to be a routine tightening of immigration controls. It signals something deeper: a growing discomfort within Europe about how to manage the intersection of global mobility, private capital, and economic sovereignty.

 

But the current response, restrictions, fragmentation, and reactive regulation, misses the bigger opportunity.

 

Global mobility is no longer just about movement. It is about capital, consumption, and economic influence.

 

And right now, Europe is under-leveraging one of the most powerful drivers of modern economic growth: the Sovereign Mobility Investor.

 

*The Economic Reality Europe Cannot Ignore*

 

Globally mobile investors are not passive travelers. They are active economic participants who inject capital across multiple sectors simultaneously.

 

To understand the scale:

 

• Global tourism receipts reached approximately $1.5 trillion annually, with Europe capturing nearly 50% of international tourist arrivals.

 

• High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) account for a disproportionate share of premium travel and luxury consumption, often spending 5–10x more per trip than average travelers.

 

• The global luxury tourism and hospitality market is projected to exceed $1 trillion in the next decade, driven significantly by cross-border wealth mobility.

 

• International real estate investment linked to mobility programs contributes hundreds of billions of euros annually, particularly in gateway cities and emerging tourism destinations.

 

But these figures only scratch the surface.

 

A single Sovereign Mobility Investor family typically contributes across five interconnected economic layers:

From Visa Bans to Value Chains: Why Europe must structure sovereign mobility for growth*

By Babatunde Aduloju

-. Travel & Aviation

 

• First- and business-class international flights

• Private aviation and charter services

• Frequent cross-border movement generating recurring airline revenues

 

-. Hospitality & Tourism

 

• Luxury hotels, extended stays, branded residences

• High-value tourism experiences (medical tourism, cultural tourism, leisure travel)

• Destination spending across restaurants, entertainment, and services

 

-. Real Estate & Infrastructure

 

• Acquisition of residential and commercial property

• Participation in resort and mixed-use developments

• Investment in urban regeneration and tourism infrastructure

 

-. Financial Services & Capital Markets

 

• Banking relationships across jurisdictions

• Portfolio diversification into European assets

• Participation in private equity, venture capital, and structured investment vehicles

 

-. Lifestyle & Consumption Economies

 

• Luxury retail (fashion, automotive, art, jewelry)

• Education (private schools, universities)

• Healthcare systems (private care, specialized treatment)

This is not migration. This is an integrated economic ecosystem.

 

*The Rise of the Sovereign Mobility Investor*

 

Over the last decade, a structural shift has taken place.

 

High-net-worth individuals from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, particularly from countries like Nigeria, India, South Africa, and Lebanon, have increasingly turned to second citizenship and residency programs as tools for:

 

• global market access,

• risk diversification,

• family security,

• business scalability,

• and participation in international economies.

 

In Africa alone, outbound investment migration has grown significantly, with Nigerians consistently ranking among the top participants in global mobility programs.

 

Contrary to outdated narratives, these individuals are not fleeing instability, they are strategically positioning themselves within global value chains.

 

They are:

• founding companies in multiple jurisdictions,

• investing in global startups,

• participating in cross-border trade,

• and contributing to international tax and consumption systems.

 

They are, in effect, informal ambassadors of transnational economic integration.

 

*Europe’s Policy Challenge: Fragmentation vs. Strategy*

 

Despite benefiting from global capital flows, Europe’s approach to sovereign mobility remains inconsistent.

 

Across the European Union:

 

• Some countries have scaled back or eliminated investor visa programs (e.g., golden visa reforms).

• Others maintain independent frameworks with varying standards.

• Regulatory bodies emphasize risk, compliance, and reputational concerns, often without unified economic strategy.

 

The result is a fragmented system that:

• discourages high-quality investors,

• creates policy uncertainty,

• and weakens Europe’s global competitiveness relative to regions like the Middle East and Asia, where mobility-linked investment is aggressively structured and incentivized.

 

The UK’s decision regarding Saint Lucia reflects this tension: a necessary concern for oversight, but an incomplete solution for economic engagement.

 

*The Strategic Opportunity: A Tiered Sovereign Mobility Framework*

 

Europe has an opportunity to lead, not by restricting mobility, but by structuring it.

At HOC Capital Club, we propose a Three-Tier Sovereign Mobility Engagement Framework:

 

Tier 1: Compliance, Governance & Trust Infrastructure

 

Establish a unified European baseline for mobility-linked engagement:

• Cross-border AML and KYC integration

• Shared intelligence platforms between EU and partner jurisdictions

• Standardized due diligence for CBI and residency-linked investors

• Digital identity verification systems

• Policy alignment between immigration, finance, and security agencies

Objective: Remove opacity and build trust.

 

Tier 2: Economic Participation & Sector Alignment

 

Link mobility access directly to economic contribution:

• Minimum investment thresholds tied to priority sectors

• Structured investment pathways in:

o tourism and hospitality,

o green energy,

o healthcare infrastructure,

o digital economy and fintech,

o logistics and supply chain ecosystems

• Regional development incentives for underinvested EU zones

Objective: Convert mobility into measurable economic output.

 

Tier 3: Strategic Sovereign Mobility Partnerships

 

Integrate investors into Europe’s long-term economic vision:

• Co-investment platforms with governments and development banks

• Public-private partnerships for infrastructure and tourism

• Innovation ecosystem participation (tech hubs, venture ecosystems)

• Policy dialogue platforms connecting investors and regulators

Objective: Transform investors into long-term economic partners.

 

*The Financial Multiplier Effect*

 

What Europe must recognize is the compounding nature of sovereign mobility capital.

A €2 million investment does not remain €2 million.

 

It triggers:

• construction jobs,

• tourism revenue,

• local business growth,

• tax contributions,

• secondary investments,

• and long-term economic activity.

 

For example:

• A luxury resort backed by mobility-linked capital can generate tens of millions annually in tourism revenue.

• A single high-net-worth investor relocating partially to Europe can contribute €200,000–€500,000 annually in direct consumption.

• Portfolio investments in startups and SMEs can unlock innovation-driven growth across sectors.

 

When aggregated across thousands of investors, the impact becomes systemic.

 

*Why Europe Is at Risk of Losing This Opportunity*

 

Other regions are moving faster.

• The Middle East is aggressively positioning itself as a hub for global mobility capital.

• Asia is integrating investment migration with innovative ecosystems.

• Caribbean nations continue to refine their CBI frameworks as economic tools.

 

If Europe continues to approach sovereign mobility primarily through restriction:

• capital will be redirected,

• investors will seek alternative jurisdictions,

• and Europe’s influence over global mobility standards will decline.

 

*The Role of HOC Capital Club*

 

This is where HOC Capital Club becomes critical.

 

We are building a platform that connects:

 

• policymakers,

• sovereign mobility investors,

• institutional capital,

• and global economic ecosystems.

 

Through our Sovereign Mobility Investor Program, we provide:

 

• structured investor engagement frameworks,

• policy advisory for governments and institutions,

• curated investment pipelines aligned with national priorities,

• and governance-driven platforms for cross-border collaboration.

We position sovereign mobility not as a loophole, but as a lever for structured economic growth.

 

*A Call to Action for Europe*

 

The decision by the United Kingdom government on Saint Lucia should not end the conversation.

 

It should begin a new one.

 

Europe must decide:

 

Will it remain reactive, closing doors and managing risk?

 

Or will it lead, designing the frameworks that define the future of global mobility?

 

Because the reality is clear:

 

• Capital is mobile.

• Talent is mobile.

• Opportunity is mobile.

 

The regions that succeed will not be those that stop movement.

 

They will be those that structure it, govern it, and align it with growth.

 

*Conclusion: Building Economies Without Borders*

 

Sovereign mobility is not a threat to Europe.

 

It is an opportunity, if properly structured.

 

The future global economy will not be defined by static borders, but by connected systems of capital, policy, and people.

 

Europe has the regulatory strength, institutional depth, and economic scale to lead this transformation.

 

But leadership requires a shift in mindset:

 

-From restriction to strategy.

-From fragmentation to coordination.

-From control to structured collaboration.

 

At HOC Capital Club, we stand ready to partner with Europe in building that future.

 

Because the next era of global growth will not be built within borders.

 

It will be built across them.

 

Aduloju is the Director, Policy & Strategic Development, HOC Capital Club

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