society
Nigeria Is Not Poor; It Is Plundered
Nigeria Is Not Poor; It Is Plundered.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“A Forensic Look at Grand Corruption, State Capture and Why the Ballot Remains Nigeria’s Most Powerful Anti-Looting Tool.”
Nigeria is often described (both at home and abroad) as a poor nation. That description is not only misleading; it is INTELLECTUALLY lazy and MORALLY dangerous. Nigeria is not poor. Nigeria is systematically plundered. What masquerades as poverty is, in truth, the cumulative outcome of decades of grand corruption, elite impunity, institutional decay, and a political culture that privatizes public wealth while socializing suffering.
The long list of scandals. Nigerians now recite almost casually with Abacha loot, Diezani Alison-Madueke, James Ibori, fuel subsidy frauds, NDDC trillions, NNPC opacity, central bank scandals, budget padding, security vote abuses; are not isolated events. They form a clear pattern: state capture by a predatory political elite.
As the late Kenyan scholar Ali Mazrui once observed, “Africa is not underdeveloped; it is over-exploited and internally as much as externally.” Nigeria is perhaps the most painful illustration of this truth.
Looting as a System, Not an Accident. The thefts Nigerians discuss are not market pickpocketing; they are industrial-scale extractions enabled by weak institutions and political protection.
The Abacha loot, recovered over several decades from Switzerland, the UK, the US and other jurisdictions, runs into billions of dollars, officially acknowledged by Nigerian and foreign governments. The very fact that stolen public funds had to be repatriated from foreign vaults is itself an indictment of governance failure.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, former petroleum minister, remains at the center of multiple forfeiture cases in the UK and Nigeria involving luxury properties, cash, and assets allegedly linked to corruption. Several courts have ordered interim and final forfeitures, underscoring that these are not mere rumors but judicially examined matters.
James Ibori, former Delta State governor, was convicted and imprisoned in the United Kingdom for money laundering which is one of the clearest international confirmations of Nigerian elite corruption.
These cases alone debunk the myth of Nigerian poverty. Poor nations do not produce billion-dollar looters. Only resource-rich but poorly governed states do.
The Normalization of the Scandal Economy. From fuel subsidy frauds to the NDDC’s unaccounted trillions, from budgetary insertions to security vote secrecy, Nigeria has normalized what political economists call a scandal economy with a system in which corruption is not an aberration but a routine cost of governance.
Former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi warned years ago that “Nigeria’s problem is not lack of resources but lack of discipline and accountability.” His warning proved prophetic. Revelations around the Central Bank, the opaque operations of NNPC over the years, and audit reports showing trillions in “UNRECONCILED” figures reinforce a disturbing pattern: when oversight disappears, looting accelerates.
The controversies surrounding the Kolmani Oil Project, the Nigeria Air project and disputed figures in the power sector all point to the same structural problem; projects announced with fanfare, funded with public money and later surrounded by opacity, denials and silence.
When Anti-Corruption Becomes Selective. One of Nigeria’s gravest challenges is not merely corruption, but selective accountability. Anti-corruption agencies often act swiftly against political opponents while cases involving powerful insiders stagnate.
Renowned Nigerian historian Professor Toyin Falola has argued that “A state that punishes theft among the poor but negotiates theft among the elite is not fighting corruption; it is managing it.” This perception (whether fully accurate or not) has damaged public trust and weakened civic morale.
Cases involving former governors, ministers, heads of agencies and senior civil servants often drag on for years, creating the impression that justice is negotiable. Meanwhile, Nigerians are told to endure austerity, subsidy removals and tax increases in the name of fiscal discipline.
Poverty as Policy Outcome.
The human cost of looting is not abstract. It is visible in:
Collapsing public hospitals
Underfunded universities and prolonged strikes
Youth unemployment and mass migration
Insecurity fueled by poverty and state weakness
As Nobel laureate Amartya Sen explains, “Poverty is not just lack of income; it is the deprivation of basic capabilities.” In Nigeria, corruption directly strips citizens of these capabilities; health, education, safety and dignity.
When trillions vanish from oil revenues, power budgets or development agencies, Nigerians pay twice: first through stolen resources, and second through deteriorating public services.
The Myth of Scarcity and the Lie of Austerity. Nigerians are constantly told there is “NO MONEY.” Yet history shows that money appears whenever political elites are involvedwith lots of luxury convoys, private jets, overseas medical trips and inflated contracts.
Political economist Claude Ake once warned that “Those who control the state in Africa often see it as an instrument for primitive accumulation rather than public service.” Nigeria’s experience fits this diagnosis precisely.
Austerity imposed on the masses alongside extravagance for the elite is not economic necessity; it is moral failure.
Votes, Accountability, and the Last Line of Defense. Elections in Nigeria have too often been reduced to moments of transactional politics; like rice, cash, T-shirts and slogans. Yet history is clear: no reform survives without political accountability.
As American jurist Louis Brandeis famously said, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” In Nigeria, the ballot remains the strongest form of sunlight available to ordinary citizens.
Voting wisely is not about party worship; it is about demanding:
Transparent budgeting
Independent institutions
Swift and equal justice
Asset recovery with public reporting
Until looting carries real political consequences, it will continue.
A Final Reflection: From Plunder to Possibility.
Nigeria’s tragedy is not destiny. It is choice. Nations poorer in natural resources have built prosperity because they chose accountability over impunity. Nigeria can do the same.
The question before Nigerians is no longer whether corruption exists, though it does, abundantly and demonstrably. The real question is whether citizens will continue to legitimize it through silence, cynicism or compromised votes.
Nigeria is not poor.
Nigeria has been robbed repeatedly.
And only an awakened, principled electorate can end the robbery.
As political philosopher Hannah Arendt warned, “The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution.” Democracy requires constant vigilance, not episodic outrage.
If Nigerians use their votes wisely, corruption will no longer be a lifetime appointment, but it will become a career-ending risk.
That is how nations are reclaimed.
society
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE EXTENDS WARM BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO PRESIDENT TINUBU ON 74TH BIRTHDAY
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.
society
Dominion City to Host Global Camp Meeting, “2 Nights of Glory” 2026 in Lagos, Enugu …Calls for Moral Renewal
*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.
society
Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu, Felicitates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 74
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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