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Stolen N2.1bn Found In Heritage Bank’s Vault Plus + multibillion Naira Lootings

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The Special Presidential Investigation Panel (SPIP) for the Recovery of Public Property has recovered seven million Dollars ($7 million) Or (₦2.1 billion at official rate) illegally kept in Heritage Bank.

Chairman of the panel, Mr Okoi Obono-Obla, disclosed this while briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on activities of the panel.

The panel has also recovered ₦533 million and land worth N1.5 billion, from the “Previous Management” of NEXIM Bank.

The recovered funds and property had since been returned to the bank.

The panel has also recovered and returned to the National Theatre, ₦24 million which was diverted by some directors of the agency.

Also recovered, were 2 hectares of land in Abuja valued at over N2 billion, belonging to the National Council of Arts and Culture.

The panel went on and recovered and returned a part of Agura Hotel belonging to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The recovered part of the hotel had been illegally “annexed by some so-called powerful persons with untouchable connections for over 20 years”.

Other recoveries by the SPIP, according to Obono-Obla, are 19 official Sports Utility Vehicles allegedly made away with by former Commissioners of the National Population Commission after their tenures in office.

He said the panel had charged a former Director in the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to court for failure to declare his assets. The assets include houses in upscale areas of Abuja, a quarry and a farm within the Federal Capital Territory, for which a court has granted an interim forfeiture order.

The SPIP is also investigating some members of the National Assembly and former governors for a range of alleged offences. These include illegal purchase of designated official residences for principal officers of the National Assembly excluded from the monetisation policy at giveaway prices.

Others are purchase of several properties worth hundreds of millions in various currencies, and flagrant abuse of office thus causing financial adversity to the nation.

Mr. Obono-Obla said the SPIP was partnering with the United Kingdom’s Home Secretary to ensure that some public officers “perceived to have looted public funds and illegally acquired assets both in Nigeria and the UK”, were prevented from entering that country.

The SPIP chairman equally told the President that the panel was beaming its searchlight on several companies for a wide range of alleged offences. Some of the companies, he said, are

Celtel, for alleged tax evasion since 2005;

Western Oil and Gas, for illegally drilling crude oil in Delta, and seven others for alleged failure to pay royalties to the Federal Government in about 10 years.

He said some multinational oil companies based in Egi Kingdom, Rivers, were also being investigated for allegedly conniving with unscrupulous individuals to dodge their obligations to the community to the tune of ₦38 billion and $30 million

Also under investigation by the panel is another company, which has failed to fulfil its contractual agreement to dredge the Calabar Channel, years after receiving $12 million.

The panel has also compiled a list of over 200 past and serving public officers perceived to have illegally enriched themselves at the expense of the nation and the Nigerian people, among others,” Obono-Obla said in the briefing.

Pres. Buhari, assured the panel of his continued support and non-interference in line with his administration’s stance on the anti-corruption fight.

Obono-Obla said the panel would remain committed to its mandate, in addition to complementing the Federal Government’s fight against corruption.

He solicited the continued support of Nigerians to the panel with useful information that would lead to the recovery of looted public assets.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the panel was inaugurated by the then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in August 2017.

 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Obijackson Foundation drives sustainable waste management, donates waste evacuation tools to Okija community

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The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, has donated 140 pieces of waste bins, 2 compactor disposable trucks, 2 operational Hilux, 1 staff bus, bundles of brooms, and other waste evacuating tools to Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The donation took place at the St. Mary’s School Field Okija, on Saturday, during the official launching of “Keep Okija Clean” Initiative to drive environmental and sustainable waste management for Okija community and environs.

The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative aims to address waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents of Okija.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. “I am honoured to stand before you as we reintroduce, in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, the ‘Keep Okija Clean’ initiative—a project that embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.

He said over 100 people have been employed for the project, adding that the gesture is another way to create jobs for the teaming unemployed in the area.

According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, ‘’This effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the initiative includes cleaning streets, roads, and public spaces while introducing a sustainable waste management system.

“The highlight of this programme is the future development of a properly engineered landfill for Okija and its environs, which will provide a long-term solution to waste disposal challenges. This project is expected to create employment opportunities for local youths while fostering a healthier environment when completed.

He stated that over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded several transformative projects in Okija, including: Education: establishing Gonzaga Jesuit College and Gonzaga Jesuit Academy with 100% scholarship programs for Okija children.

Others are Healthcare: Improving access to medical services through the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital (OWCH); and Tourism Development: Developing Acropolis Gardens and Residence—a world-class resort with a 10,000 seater international convention center designed to position Okija as a hub for business and leisure.

Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged community members to take ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation: “These bins are vital resources for keeping our environment clean. By safeguarding them, we are ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.”

“The Foundation remains committed to creating lasting changes through innovative initiatives that empower communities while preserving their environment.

Sharing his vision for a cleaner and more sustainable community,, Obiejesi said, as we continue our environmental initiative, we are not just cleaning our streets; we are building a legacy for generations to come. This initiative demonstrates that collective action can lead to meaningful change.”

“The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative reflects the Obijackson Foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving lives while preserving natural resources for future generations.

The philanthropist urged the community members to take collective ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation to keep Okija clean and green.

In his remark on behalf of the Anambra Government, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said the donation of the waste tools was timely as it will help with the ongoing policy of sorting waste in the state.

The event also witnessed the presence of the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Emeka Okezie among other top dignitaries within the state.

It was gathered that the Foundation was established in 2010 to tackle the challenges of poor literacy, empowerement, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas of Anambra state

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

 

Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the National Assembly, has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the prestigious Independent Newspaper. In a release personally signed by him, he described Chief Akande as a leader of leaders who has not only moved forward the progressive family in the southwest but in the entire country, Nigeria. He described the award as well deserved because of his uncommon display of integrity, dedication, and forthrightness.

 

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

Hon. Makinde who was the Director General of the Campaign for the successful election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, asked Chief Bisi Akande, not to relent on his efforts to continue to elevate the progressive family and to make Nigeria better.

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Turtle Taido Cartoon Animation In Hausa To Air On Ten TV Channels

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Nigeria’s popular and multiple award-winning children’s animation series, Turtle Taido, produced in Hausa is now set to air on television channels across the Northern States. This groundbreaking Hausa production of Turtle Taido is a collaboration between Tayekeni Productions and Arewa24 Network, bringing world class animation and the compelling power of African storytelling to millions of families across the country.

Turtle Taido is the story of a lively magical turtle who travels across the country in search of knowledge. On his journeys, he makes friends, visits places of interest, encounters magical stories and learns about other animals. Above all, he learns that understanding other people’s cultures makes us treat them with respect while promoting a peaceful and happier world.

Muyiwa Kayode, Creator and Executive Producer of Turtle Taido.

The Turtle Taido series has won multiple international awards including Best Children’s Short at Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles, and Best TV Series at the Buddha International Film Festival, India.

Broadcast Sponsorship of Turtle Taido series in Hausa is powered by Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard brand.

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