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‘I once rejected N1Billion bribe from a contractor’ – Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi

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9 years ago

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A former governor of Rivers State and Nigeria’s Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday said he once rejected N1 billion bribe when he served as governor of the oil rich state.

Mr. Amaechi, who spoke in Lagos at a forum convened to discuss the place of social media in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development, said the social media contributed to the erroneous perception Nigerians have about him.

The minister, who said he rejected the bribe because of his principled stance on corruption, said Nigeria needed to go back to its value system.

“My first confrontation with bribe was with a big contractor in Rivers State. After awarding the contract, he brought a billion naira. I screamed.

“I asked, ‘where did you get the money?’ and he said from what he got (from the contract) and I said ‘look, that means you overquoted the contract’.

“I said ‘the only reason you are giving me N1 billion was because if the contract was N32 billion, you made it N37 billion’.

“I have been special assistant to the governor for two years; speaker, eight years; governor, eight years; minister nearly two years…that’s nearly twenty years.

“So I know Nigerian politics well. Very, very well,” he said.

Mr. Amaechi argued that in spite of its positive uses, the social media is capable of destroying Nigeria if not checked.

He said, “Social media can destroy this country, true or false? Just look at Biafra; and that’s why Nnamdi Kanu can say all he is saying and still get a forum.

“Most politicians pay young men to post all sorts on social media.”

While commenting on attacks launched against him on social media, the minister said falsehood spreads online because Nigerians do not verify information.

“I was governor for eight years, for about seven years people used to say ‘this man is arrogant’, how did they suddenly say this man is corrupt?,” he said.

“PDP used to say ‘Amaechi is our response to Fashola’. So when did they suddenly say ‘Oh, he didn’t do anything.

“And I say to people, because somebody just went to pay AIT money and, on social media too, there’s no rule. AIT came to put some things on their television, then social media came to write nonsense.

“The first time they attacked us we came out with document. But they (social media users) don’t verify.

On the controversial $43 million Ikoyi fund, Mr. Amaechi said people claiming that he owned the money were peddlers of false information.

“When they said that I owned $43 million Ikoyi money… I made just a one-page reply: ‘I don’t even own a house in Lagos’.

“I thought people would have said, ‘Ah, eight years as governor, he should be a very rich thief, so he should be able to get a property in Lagos and use it as a form of investment’. Nobody!

“Many people started celebrating, ‘It’s Amaechi’s money, it’s Amaechi’s money’. But people who know me know (that) if I have money, you will know.

“When people meet me and I am not able to spend, it is just basically because I don’t have money… The important thing is, money doesn’t govern me.

“But social media twist it the other way; so the problem with social media (users) is that they misinform…they don’t verify their information, they have no rules. Only decent ones.”

Mr. Amaechi said he was principled and Nigerians do not value principled people.

“Nigerians say I am stubborn, am I stubborn?”, he asked.

His question generated echoes of “Yes!” from the audience.

“Stop there,” he continued, “Let me tell you why you are wrong: once you are a principled man, then you are stubborn.

“Nigeria doesn’t have any word called principle,” Mr. Amaechi said.

“It just shows that we need to go back to our value system, so that we can put a place where we can add principle…where they can give you money and you look at the man and tell the man, ‘keep the money’.”

Commenting further, Mr. Amaechi said the removal of Goodluck Jonathan as Nigeria’s president, was a bigger threat than Biafra.

“The removal of President Jonathan was a bigger threat than Biafra. Nigeria was inching towards the civil war. So, forget the talk about secession; Nigeria cannot breakup,” Amaechi said.

He also said that the social media would play an important role in the 2019 general elections.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

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8 hours ago

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April 25, 2026

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ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

 

 

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

 

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

 

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

 

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

 

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

 

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

 

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

 

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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1 day ago

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April 24, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

 

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

 

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

 

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

 

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

 

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

 

Thank you.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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1 day ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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