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Fidelis Oditah’s commercialized outbursts against EFCC, corruption fighting back

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*Fidelis Oditah’s commercialized outbursts against EFCC, corruption fighting back*

*By Kehinde Osifisan

The recent virulent outbursts on a national television Programme by a UK-based Nigeria lawyer, Professor
Fidelis Oditah, calls for serious concern as it was nothing short of corruption fighting back.

One is taken aback that Professor Oditah, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), though far from home, could go on a national television’s live programme to display or feign such lack of knowledge about the EFCC’s Establishment Act, operations and recent sterling accomplishments of the Commission, especially under the current, widely acclaimed, leadership of Ola Olukoyede as Chairman.

The unrestrained attacks on the EFCC by the professor and his startling comments trivialising the issue of corruption and the unrelenting efforts and commendable achievements of the Commission in the last one year, leaves much to be desired.
One cannot accept that the professor, though foreign based, is unaware of the developments and achievements of the EFCC in the last one year, even in this age of the internet.

Rather, one suspects that corruption is fighting back. Having failed to rubbish the EFCC and its Chairman, through simulated attacks by its local recruits, Nigeria’s politically exposed persons undergoing corruption trials, might have chosen to ‘boost’ its well oiled propaganda machine by recruiting foreign based “opinion experts”.

Ironically, the Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Christopher Wray, from the United Kingdom, where Oditah has long been ensconced, paid historic visit to the EFCC headquarters, commending the Commission on the feat attained in the fight against corruption and financial crimes and seeking more collaboration with the EFCC in their shared mandate of fighting corruption and financial crimes across the borders. The visit was the first of its kind Olin the annals of the EFCC.

Wray expressed confidence and appreciation to the Commission for its professional handling of transnational economic and financial crimes, especially cybercrimes and sextortion; and pledged stronger cooperation with the Commission.

The renewed attraction of foreign law enforcement/anticorruption agencies to the EFCC under Olukoyede has been unprecedented and strongly anchors on the new face of the fight against economic and financial crimes. The new professional approach of the Commission resonates well with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), leading to positives outcomes and result-oriented synergies.

Also, on September 6, 2024, the EFCC boss handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) the sum of $180,300 (about N310,000,000 – million here hundred and ten million naira) and 53 vehicles worth hundreds of millions of naira; being assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters.
Representing the Canadian authorities and the RCMP at the handover ceremony were Robert Aboumitri, First Secretary, Deputy High Commission of Canada and Nasser Salihou, Liaison Officer and Programme Manager, RCM.

The EFCC has also been making exploits with the Spanish Police. On September 20, 2024, Olukoyede handed over €5,100 (Five Thousand, One Hundred Euros – N9.5M, Nine million, five hundred thousand naira) proceeds of crime to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell, being the sum recovered from a Nigerian romance fraudster for Heinz Burchard Einhaus Uchtmann, a Spanish victim, by the EFCC in collaboration with the Spanish Police.

It can therefore be discerningly deduced that Oditah’s vituperations were not only out of touch with realities on ground concerning the EFCC, but also, most probably, stemmed from the spurs of the political clique that is seriously unhappy with EFCC, as it continues to touch and puts on trial, the hitherto “untouchables” and “sacred cows”.

As the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, puts it: “There is no denying the fact that the respected professor goofed in all his comments about the EFCC and his views are not reflective of the realities on ground concerning the anti- corruption fight of the government.”

However, it is good and reassuring to note that Ola Olukoyede remains unperturbed, undeterred and undaunted in his commitment to delivering the constitutional mandate of the EFCC. As he declared in a charge to the EFCC operatives after mandating all of them to declare their assets for verification: “Don’t be tired. They will call us names. They will abuse us. But we will remain on our feet and pursue the mandate that was given to us by the (EFCC) Act. We will fight this war. I assure you that there will be be light at the end of the tunnel. We will win at last. Nigeria will win.”

Osifisan, a Social Policy Advocate, is the Programme Coordinator at the Abuja-based Journalists Against Corruption (JAC) and sent this via [email protected]

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GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE EXTENDS WARM BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO PRESIDENT TINUBU ON 74TH BIRTHDAY

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GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE EXTENDS WARM BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO PRESIDENT TINUBU ON 74TH BIRTHDAY

 

The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

 

In a statement released to the press, the Initiative conveyed warm wishes for the President’s personal well-being and for his continued leadership of the nation. The statement, signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, expressed hope that the coming year would bring the President “renewed strength and more wisdom in guiding the nation.”

 

The statement further noted that the Grand Patron of the Initiative, His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, joined in celebrating the milestone. It added, “Wishing Your Excellency continued good health, vitality, and determination as you lead the country towards greater unity and progress.”

 

The message underscores support for President Tinubu’s administration and its national objectives, marking the birthday as an occasion to reaffirm commitment to the nation’s unity and advancement under his stewardship.

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Dominion City to Host Global Camp Meeting, “2 Nights of Glory” 2026 in Lagos, Enugu …Calls for Moral Renewal

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*Dominion City to Host Global Camp Meeting, “2 Nights of Glory” 2026 in Lagos, Enugu

…Calls for Moral Renewal

Lagos – Dominion City has announced plans to host its annual Global Camp Meeting alongside a special “2 Nights of Glory” gathering in April 2026, with events scheduled to be held simultaneously in Lagos and Enugu.

The week-long programme is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants onsite and millions of virtual attendees from across the globe.

The Global Camp Meeting will run from Wednesday, April 1 to Monday, April 6, featuring daily sessions at 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The “2 Nights of Glory” is slated for Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 at the Golden Heart Place, Km 22 Lekki-Epe Expressway, beside Lagos Business School, Ajah, Lagos.

Organised by Dominion City, a global church focused on raising transformational leaders, the conference will centre on revival, spiritual renewal, and practical teachings. This year’s theme, “Redigging the Wells of Our Fathers,” underscores a call to return to foundational values and principles.

Speaking ahead of the event, Nobbert Onaga, President, Golden Heart Foundation and Senior Pastor, DC Lagos & Europe, emphasised the need for moral reawakening as a pathway to national transformation. He described the Church as “the pillar and foundation of truth,” noting that the conference aims to confront moral decline and restore core values within society.

“We are going back to foundational truths that established the Church. These truths will help repair societal damage and reposition the Church as a source of hope and light,” Onaga said.

Also speaking, Shola Olapade, Senior Pastor of Dominion City Headquarters, highlighted the Church’s role in addressing ethical and cultural challenges, particularly among young people. He added that the programme would go beyond spiritual teachings to include sessions on artificial intelligence, innovation, business, media, arts, and career development.

“We are equipping people not just spiritually, but with relevant 21st-century skills to thrive in today’s world,” Olapade noted.

The conference will feature teachings and ministrations from a lineup of international ministers, including Dr. David Ogbueli, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Andres Bisonni, Pastor Randy Mitchell, Apostle Ikechukwu Peter Nnajiofor, Dr. Ferdinand Nweke, Apostle Ben Hanyani Ndobe, Evangelist Dan Scott, and Dr. Chiefo Ejiofobiri.

Music ministrations will also be led by notable gospel artists such as Grace Idowu, Rhema Onuoha, Once More Six, David Nkennor, Anthony Kani, and GUC.

Organisers disclosed that over 30,000 participants are expected to attend in person, with free transportation provided from designated locations across Lagos to ease access. In addition, free medical services will be offered daily, building on previous outreaches that benefited over 1,700 people.

To ensure safety and order, more than 200 traffic marshals will be deployed in collaboration with relevant authorities.

Beyond its spiritual impact, organisers project that the event will stimulate local economic activity across hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors.

The Global Camp Meeting remains a key platform for spiritual impartation, leadership development, and societal transformation, aligning with Dominion City’s mission to equip believers to influence their communities positively.

Participation is open to the public, with registration available online for both physical and virtual attendance. //END.//

 

*PHOTO CAPTIONS:*

L-R: Dr. Godwin Efobi, Head, Medical Team, Dominion City Headquarters (DCHQ); Pastor Shola Olapade, Senior Pastor, DCHQ; Pastor Nobbert Onaga, President, Golden Heart Foundation and Senior Pastor, DC Lagos & Europe; Pastor Chuks Anochie, Head of Security and Traffic Control, Dominion City Headquarters (DCHQ), Camp Meeting 2026; Pastor Josh Tim Vaduchi, Head of Event & Programmes, DCHQ, during the press briefing of the forthcoming Global Camp Meeting, held the weekend of 2026 at the Dominion City Headquarters (DCHQ), Lagos.

 

 

L-R: Pastor Chuks Anochie, Head of Security and Traffic Control, Dominion City Headquarters (DCHQ), Camp Meeting 2026; Pastor Shola Olapade, Senior Pastor, DCHQ; Pastor Nobbert Onaga, President, Golden Heart Foundation and Senior Pastor, DC Lagos & Europe; Dr. Godwin Efobi, Head, Medical Team, DCHQ; and Pastor Josh Tim Vaduchi, Head of Event & Programmes, during the press briefing of the forthcoming Global Camp Meeting, held over the weekend in 2026 at the Dominion City Headquarters (DCHQ), Lagos.

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Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu, Felicitates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 74 

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Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu, Felicitates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 74

By Adeyemi Obadimu 

 

The Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Saliu, Elebo II, has extended warm felicitations to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

 

 

 

In a goodwill message issued from his palace, the revered monarch described President Tinubu as a visionary statesman, a courageous reformer, and an indefatigable democrat whose lifelong commitment to nation-building continues to shape Nigeria’s progress.

 

 

Oba Babatunde Saliu praised the President’s unwavering dedication to public service, noting that his leadership has ushered in a new phase of economic reform, infrastructural renewal, and institutional strengthening across the country.

 

 

According to the monarch, the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda has begun yielding tangible relief and renewed confidence among citizens, reflecting his determination to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.

 

 

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional resilience, strategic foresight, and a deep love for Nigeria. His administration’s bold initiatives are laying the foundation for long-term national transformation. At 74, he remains steadfast in his resolve to build a stronger, more united, and economically vibrant nation,” the monarch stated.

 

 

Oba Babatunde further commended the President’s legacy of leadership, describing him as a bridge-builder, a mentor to many leaders, and a symbol of democratic stability. He acknowledged the President’s decades of sacrifice and contribution to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

 

 

On behalf of the Oworosoki Kingdom, the royal father prayed for divine wisdom, sound health, and renewed strength for the President to successfully complete the noble reforms and developmental strides he has embarked upon for the benefit of all Nigerians.

 

 

“As Your Excellency marks 74 remarkable years, we pray that Almighty God grants you long life, continued wisdom, and the fortitude to steer our great nation toward greater heights. May your days be filled with strength and grace as you continue to serve Nigeria with distinction,” Oba Babatunde Saliu added.

 

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clocks 74 as a leader whose enduring influence, bold reforms, and steadfast patriotism remain central to Nigeria’s ongoing journey of national renewal.

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