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How Niger Delta will benefit from Buhari’s govt — Oshiomhole

Published

11 years ago

July 7, 2015

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says the Niger Delta region will benefit immensely from the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on Monday during the visit of the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, who led other members of the Board including the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Bassey Dan-Abia, to his office, Mr. Oshiomhole said events of the past few years have shown that friends of the Niger Delta are not necessarily from the region.

He said: “I am aware that the Board has initiated a number of projects and according to you, you have over a thousand of them totaling over a trillion naira. These are huge numbers. The expectations of the people of the Niger Delta are very high as they expect that the intervention agency would find resources to address their critical needs.

“I also know that the Board has been afflicted by critical Nigerian disease namely: clarity of ideas; the need to take extra-ordinary measures.

“The law is specifically clear as to how NDDC should be funded and all that is expected is that the Federal Ministry of Finance or to be more specific, the Federal Government ought to ensure that the law they had passed and signed which are in operation are enforced to the letter so that they in turn can compel the Board to ensure that the fund is judiciously expended.

“I am very confident that President Mohammadu Buhari, given his passion for development as a trusted friend of the poor masses which is his own main constituency, will do everything possible to look at the letter and the spirit and do whatever has to be done to ensure that the law of NDDC is complied with.”

Speaking further, the governor said “We governors of the South-South region are meeting in the last week of this month and one of the issues to be discussed will be how we can collaborate to ensure that NDDC delivers on its mandate and gets the support of the appropriate authority so that it has the wherewithal to deal with projects that will impact on the region.”

Making a case for the NDDC to embark on major infrastructure projects, Mr. Oshiomhole said “the condition of the South-South will be effectively serviced with an efficient and effective rail system”, assuring that regardless of political party affiliations, Governors of the Niger Delta are united in their desire to ensure rapid development of the region.

He advised the state commissioners on the NDDC Board to ensure that the views they canvass at the commission reflect the expectations of the people of their states.

He said, “One major weakness I have observed in the running of the commission is that it has been over-politicized. It was not meant to be a political vehicle. Nigeria has opted for a multiple political democracy and our people from time to time could replace a government and a political party. No party will be too good to govern forever.

“Regardless of the government, there are certain key principles that must never be sacrificed, namely that composition of the Board must be made of people who bring to it the aspirations of their respective states.

“Governments will come and go but the people will remain. So you need to liaise and ensure you carry the authorities along. In each state, there is nobody who can claim to have the mandate of the people to govern more that the Governor, just like there is nobody in Nigeria who can claim to have a popular mandate to govern Nigeria than the president,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ewa-Henshaw appealed to the governor to intervene on behalf of the NDDC to get the funds due to the Board released.

According to him, the NDDC has not been funded, according to law, since 2001 and over N800 billion due to the Board unremitted.

He said the “vision of the Board is one that can provide a platform and the avenue for integrating and developing the Niger Delta sub-region through strategic intervention and key infrastructure development in road, rail and education.

“We can create business investment and employment opportunities for our people. We are not unaware of the negative perception of our people, but as a Board we have come determined to change that,” he said.

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Adebola Sofela’s Record in Ogun State Industry Ministry Shapes Emerging Political Profile

Published

10 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Sahara Weekly

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

As Ogun State approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, the performance of key public office holders is increasingly coming under public scrutiny. Among those drawing attention is Adebola Sofela, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, whose tenure has been defined by a series of policy-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s economic landscape.

Since assuming office, Sofela has focused on improving the ease of doing business in Ogun State. Recognizing that regulatory bottlenecks and land administration challenges often discourage investors, his office has worked to streamline processes and enhance transparency. These efforts are part of a broader state agenda to position Ogun as a preferred destination for both local and foreign investment.

In addition to regulatory reforms, Sofela has maintained consistent engagement with major industrial players operating within the state. Through dialogue with corporate organizations such as African Industries Group and Dangote, the ministry has sought to address operational challenges while also encouraging companies to deepen their Corporate Social Responsibility commitments. This approach has helped sustain industrial activity while fostering a cooperative relationship between government and the private sector.

Investment promotion has also been a central pillar of Sofela’s work. Under his leadership, Ogun State has continued to host and expand platforms designed to attract investors and showcase opportunities. Notably, preparations and participation in the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair in 2026 have been highlighted as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the state’s reputation as Nigeria’s industrial hub. These initiatives aim to connect businesses, facilitate partnerships, and stimulate economic growth.

Sofela’s tenure has also placed emphasis on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are widely regarded as critical drivers of employment and innovation. By promoting policies and programs that improve access to resources and markets, the ministry has contributed to strengthening this segment of the economy.

A key highlight in youth-focused development has been the facilitation of the Orange Corners Nigeria Hub in Ogun State. Representing the government at its launch, Sofela underscored the importance of equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and funding needed to build sustainable businesses. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role of youth entrepreneurship in long-term economic development.

Collaboration with institutional stakeholders has further defined Sofela’s approach. His engagement with the Ogun State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has been instrumental in improving the quality and participation levels of trade fairs and related economic activities. Such partnerships have helped align government policies with the needs of the business community.

Overall, Sofela’s time in office has been marked by a focus on creating an enabling environment for both established industries and emerging enterprises. While political discussions about future aspirations continue to evolve, his record in the ministry provides a measurable basis for public evaluation. As Ogun Central looks ahead to 2027, his performance in driving industrial growth and investment will likely remain a significant point of reference in the broader political conversation.

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FCMB Limits Exposure in Fraud Attempt

Published

2 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Sahara Weekly

More than ₦3 billion was targeted, but about ₦677 million reached the culprits, with recovery and prosecutions underway, reflecting how banks are responding to more sophisticated fraud risks.

Nigeria’s expanding digital banking sector is facing increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts, as financial institutions adapt to faster transactions and broader online services.

A recent case involving First City Monument Bank (FCMB), linked to fraudulent activity detected in December 2025, has drawn attention to how banks are responding to such incidents, with a focus on limiting exposure, recovering funds and working with law enforcement.

According to findings referenced in proceedings before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, the incident involved unauthorised transactions tied to a digital product. Early reports erroneously suggested more than ₦3 billion was lost. Subsequent clarification shows that over ₦3 billion was targeted, ₦2.4 billion was blocked and recovered, while ₦677 million got into the possession of the culprits. This outcome reflects the bank’s cyber security and monitoring capabilities, as well as improved collaboration among regulated financial institutions and with law enforcement agencies. Several suspects and beneficiaries have been apprehended, while recovery and prosecution efforts are ongoing, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Proceedings at the Lagos State Special Offences Court have resulted in convictions, including that of a repeat offender, with restitution orders issued. Related matters are also being handled at the Federal High Court in Lagos, where additional suspects are being tried in connection with the scheme. This process is aimed at ensuring that bad actors are identified and permanently blacklisted from the financial system.

Authorities say recovery efforts are continuing as additional funds are traced.

Analysts note that the pace of legal action reflects closer coordination between financial institutions and enforcement agencies in addressing cyber-related financial crime.

The case comes as banks contend with more complex fraud methods, including social engineering and automated exploitation of system processes.

As digital products and platforms expand, so too does the risk associated with cyber-crime and related fraud.

“The scale of digital banking means risks are evolving alongside the systems,” said a Lagos-based financial analyst. “Institutions are now judged by how they manage these events.”

Observers say the sector is moving toward a stronger focus on response and recovery, rather than prevention alone.

This includes improving monitoring capabilities, strengthening transaction controls and enhancing collaboration with regulators and law enforcement. The FCMB case, with limited exposure relative to the amount targeted and ongoing recovery, reflects that shift.

For customers, the primary concern is the safety of their funds. In this case, there has been no indication of losses affecting customer deposits. Maintaining that level of protection remains central to sustaining trust in the financial system.

Nigeria’s financial sector continues to grow, supported by digital innovation and expanding access to banking services.

However, analysts say fraud attempts are likely to persist as systems become more complex and interconnected.

They say institutions will increasingly be judged not only on their ability to prevent incidents, but on how effectively they respond and recover when they occur.

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Ex-APC Deputy Guber flag bearer, Joshua MacIver backs Tinubu, express fears over implosion in Bayelsa APC

Published

3 weeks ago

March 21, 2026

Sahara Weekly

….congratulates new State Party Chairman, Warman Ogoriba

APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver has declared his total commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu come 2027, declaring that the Tinubu re-election project is non-negotiable.

Great Joshua MacIver, in his statement titled ” BAYELSA APC CONGRESSES: GOING FORWARD, A CALL TO LOOK INWARDS” and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, warned APC leaders in the state to look Inward and take note of certain factors which may hinder or cut short our victory.

According to Great Joshua MacIver, such noticeable pitfalls include the imbalance in the united front being put up by the State Governor,Senator Douye Diri among various political blocs in the state.

In the statement issued at the weekend. Great Joshua MacIver stated that “First, before His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, joined the APC in the state, there were clearly two political blocs that made up the party, with the approximate population ratios of the blocs standing at 95% to 5%.”

“After the entrance of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, ONLY THE SMALLER BLOC IS BEING CARRIED ALONG IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE PARTY, leaving the greater percentage to their fate, and this situation has the potential to build anger and dissatisfaction in our dear party.”

” The consequence of this has been the high level defection we have witnessed in the party recently and we believe more may likely follow, if we do not put our house in order.”

” If we do not pull together as a party, we may witness a situation where we will lose key stakeholders, especially after the State and National Assembly Primaries as well the Gubernatorial Primaries.”

“Finally, while it is very clear that we are the party to beat in the 2027 elections and that our loyalty to Mr. President IS NON-NEGOTIABLE, we must make haste to say that we cannot afford to create situations or loopholes in our unity which will be exploited by other political interests in the state. We cannot afford to under-rate anyone.”

“Our core interest remains the re-election of Mr. President, a project to which we have committed our all. We also pledge our total loyalty to the party as we have no alternative to the APC. However, our concern is that we must, as a party, look inwards and ensure that we do not create loopholes that can impede our common goal.”

Great Joshua MacIver, however congratulated the newly elected State Executives of the APC in Bayelsà State led by Hon. Warman Ogoriba, saying their emergence is welcomed at this critical time in our national history.