Connect with us

Business

Uju Kennedy Ohanenye: conscientious public servant deserves commendation, not trial By Victory Oghene

Published

on

Uju Kennedy Ohanenye: conscientious public servant deserves commendation, not trial By Victory Oghene

Uju Kennedy Ohanenye: conscientious public servant deserves commendation, not trial

By Victory Oghene

The shark- infested and mine-lined Nigerian politics has often proved to be graveyards of men and women of conscience.
The examples are legion from professor Tam David West to Tai Solarin to Dr.Olu Onagoruwa. The trial and tribulation of the former Minister of Women Affairs , Uju Kennedy Ohanenye is the latest in the long line of public figures who have given an unblemished account of themselves but finding themselves being on trial, a classic case of irony.

Highlighting Ohaneye’s unprecedented pedigree is no longer news much of it is in public domain.

Sources at the ministry of women affairs told NATIONAL WAVES that “the sum of N350 million was approved for her for travels. She travelled with only two aides which is rare among ministers or high ranking public servants. In spite of that she only spent N21 million, returning the balance to Wale Edun, the minister of finance and sought for approval to enable her use it to empower women.”

It was gathered that the sum of
IN70million was earmarked for her by the office of the Vice President to travel to Bahamas, but in a manner so unlike some other high ranking government officials, she wrote to the Deputy Chief of Staff that her presence was not needed in that trip. Thirdly, she was said to have raised the sum of N550million through private donation for the empowerment of women shortly before she was relieved of her job. ‘She refunded the money to the donors when she was relieved of her job”, a ministry source familiar with the matter disclosed to this medium.

She was said to have also specifically returned N100million to Authur Eze. She also refunded donations from Tony Elumelu’s UBA and others.

Professor Adeagbo Moritiwon a political scientist told this medium that “her removal was not due to lack of performance or competence but more to do with politics prevailing over every other consideration. Her case is just like Ade Ojo.”

So why did the EFCC go after such a minister who has displayed exemplary conduct in office.
The mere fact that the former minister did not run away but honorably honoured the EFCC invitation testifies to no hidden agenda.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were said to have quizzed her over alleged links to the misappropriation, violation of procurement processes, and diversion of public funds amounting to ₦138million.

Another source at the ministry said ” invitation does not mean guilt. If the EFCC had cause to raise an issue, then there is no crime in that. Inviting her to clarify matters is a routine thing. At the end of the day those who know her can bet on it that she will come out unscathed.”

The funds in question were allegedly misappropriated during the disbursement of the 2023 budgeted allocation for the ministry.

While clarifying her visit to the anti-graft agency via her x handle,
Ohanenye said that she was invited and as a law abiding citizen, honoured the invite of the anti graft agency.

“As a former public servant, I acknowledge that inquiries regarding past official activities are a standard part of ensuring accountability. In this spirit, I willingly honored the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 6, 2025, concerning allegations of a 138 million Naira diversion.

“I arrived at the EFCC headquarters at 2:15 PM, and the substantive discussions commenced at 2:50 PM. During this time, I provided comprehensive clarifications regarding my actions and expenditures throughout my tenure as the Minister of Women Affairs.I rounded up by 6:50pm and left thereafter

“I commend the EFCC for their professionalism and hospitality, and I appreciate the opportunity to address the matters that have recently been circulating in the media.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege of serving my country and positively impacting the lives of many. I also express my appreciation to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her steadfast support of myself and Nigerian women.

“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the EFCC and will be available for any further inquiries. It is the duty of every government official to be transparent and accountable for their time in office.

“During my tenure, my team and I executed our duties diligently, utilizing available resources effectively, and even supplementing with personal funds, demonstrating our dedication to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerian women and children.

“I assure that the facts and information will ultimately demonstrate the integrity of my actions”

While she held forte as Woman Affairs Minister, Ohanenye recorded a rare feat as regards her performance s

She explicitly understood that public service is for adding value to society.

Ohanenye profoundly had an in-depth perception of the purpose of government particularly Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which outlines the ‘Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy’ despite the fact the chapter as presently provided is not justiciable. Section 14 (2) supra provides thus; “It is hereby, accordingly, declared that; (b) the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

It would be recalled that Ohanenye was among five ministers relieved of their duties following the 19th Federal Executive Council meeting held at the State House in October 2024.

In her place, President Bola Tinubu reappointed the former Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, as the new Minister of Women Affairs.

Oghene a renowned Journalist writes from Lagos

Uju Kennedy Ohanenye: conscientious public servant deserves commendation, not trial
By Victory Oghene

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

Published

on

BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

BUA Group Donates Headquarters to NWDC, Boosts Tinubu’s Regional Development Agenda

 

In a bold gesture of private-sector support for regional growth, BUA Group has officially handed over a fully equipped multipurpose building to the newly created North-West Development Commission (NWDC) to serve as its temporary headquarters in Kano State.

The handover ceremony, held at the facility on Court Road, Kano, drew prominent figures from the public and private sectors, including Commission officials, community leaders, and BUA representatives.

Speaking on behalf of the Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, his son Khalifa Abdul Samad Rabiu described the gesture as a practical show of BUA’s commitment to inclusive national development.

“At BUA, we believe inclusive development starts with providing institutions the tools to succeed,” Khalifa said. “This donation by my father is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about laying a foundation for people-centred growth in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Chairman of the North-West Development Commission, Alhaji Lawal Sama’ila Abdullahi, hailed the donation as “strategic and timely,” adding that it would help the Commission hit the ground running in its mandate to accelerate infrastructure and economic growth across the North-West.

“This support from BUA is not just generous—it is strategic. It gives us the necessary momentum as we commence the Commission’s work to transform lives and unlock the immense potential of the North-West,” he said.

The donation complements an earlier ₦3 billion land parcel provided by the Kano State Government for the Commission’s permanent headquarters, underscoring a growing coalition of support for the NWDC.

With this move, BUA Group continues to champion public-private collaboration as a critical driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Business

Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

Published

on

Elite 18 global golfers honours Aare Adetola Emmanuelking with Nigeria’s first ever Noble Golfer award

In a landmark celebration of sportsmanship, leadership, and vision, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, the esteemed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties, has been honored with Nigeria’s inaugural Noble Golfer Award. This prestigious accolade was conferred upon him by the renowned Elite 18 Global Golfers during a high-profile event that brought together key figures from the sports, real estate, and business sectors.

The Noble Golfer Award recognizes individuals who have shown steadfast dedication to advancing the game of golf and promoting sports culture in their communities. Aare Emmanuelking’s nomination exemplifies his exceptional commitment to enriching the golfing landscape in Nigeria, alongside his broader initiatives aimed at fostering sports development across the nation.

Aare Emmanuelking is not merely a business leader; he is a pioneer in integrating golf into modern lifestyle experiences. Currently, he is leading the ambitious development of a state-of-the-art golf course in Nigeria a monumental project that aspires to redefine leisure, tourism, and sporting excellence within the country. This golf course aims to provide a premier playing experience while also serving as a social hub for golfing enthusiasts and the community at large.

In a bid to make golf more inclusive and accessible, Aare Emmanuelking has also initiated the construction of advanced golf driving ranges in all Adron Homes Estates across Nigeria. This visionary project is designed to encourage participation in the sport among Nigerians of all ages and backgrounds, fostering wellness, recreation, and community engagement as integral parts of Adron’s residential developments.

At the award presentation, Aare Emmanuelking conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his belief in the transformative power of sports as a vehicle for national development and youth empowerment. He remarked, “Golf is not just a game; it exemplifies discipline, a distinct lifestyle, and a pursuit of excellence. Through Adron Homes, we are not merely constructing houses—we are nurturing communities built on the foundations of wellness, unity, and opportunity.”

The Elite 18 Global Golfers commended Aare Emmanuelking’s innovative approach, highlighting how he effectively merges real estate advancements with world-class sports infrastructure. They acknowledged that his efforts have the potential to inspire a new generation of golfers and to position Nigeria as a premier destination for international golfing events.

As Aare Adetola Emmanuelking continues to break new ground in both the real estate and sports development arenas, receiving this award serves as a testament to his lasting influence—not only in the realms of business but also in cultivating a legacy of excellence, one fairway at a time. His contributions are poised to create lasting change, inspiring future generations and fostering a vibrant culture of sport and community in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Bank

WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

Published

on

WHO IS AFRAID OF FIDELITY BANK -By Udeme Etukeyen

Leading up to the recent superlative annual reports showcasing one of the most significant growth experienced by a Nigeria Financial Institution in recent years I was forced to ask “what is Fidelity Bank” doing right?

My banking and financial sector experience got me digging deeper into the statistics of the report-Fidelity Bank recorded a substantial 210.0% growth in PBT, reaching N385.2 billion in FY 2024. Deposits increased by 47.9%, from N4.0 trillion in 2023FY to N5.9 trillion in 2024FY, Gross earnings shooting by 87.7% to N1,043.4 billion which was primarily caused by a 106.9% increase in interest and similar income. Was I impressed? Absolutely

Now to the scary part, they opened the year with a bang implying that 2025 year end results was going to be nothing but spectacular; check this out-Fidelity reported a whooping 167.8% increase in PBT (Profit Before Tax)to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025, compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024. Gross earnings from January to April had reached some N315.421 billion signaling a 64.21% increase year-on-year.

These results were nothing short of astonishing and with great hope I sat my team to review our Investment Strategy to accommodate taking up equities in Fidelity and advising our portfolio investors to do same.

We quickly appraised the fundamentals and Key Success Factors to include their focus on the strategic youth economy that the Creative and Digital Transformation sector promises, the banks bullish inroads in MSME promotion and financing, their glowing penchant for Gender inclusion without abandoning the core sectors of Mining, Renewables and other key industries

Then came the dissecting of Leadership, my team of analysts mostly female went on about Fidelity MD being one of the most experienced and affable Amazons in the industry; done this, achieved that and all the entreaties you’d expect from smart ladies who feel mentored from a distance. I didn’t hesitate to draw their attention to the experience of the menfolk within the organization like I had any measurable data to establish that mix…truth remains you can’t but admire the Banks Leadership and strides

A deeper look at the banks expansion globally could reveal a strategic and noiseless acquisition of Union Bank,London and their planned incursion into African and other European financial markets, you just can see that such daring strides and impact would give competition and detractors sleepless nights. Not in an era where sleeping pills are sold strictly by prescription and no thanks to the high cost of medication for peddlers of cheap propaganda

Within barely 30days of announcing such magnificent results little wonder how pundits would cook or spin a narrative to suggest a bank that has announced herself as First Tier with shoulders leveled up with other Banking giants would shudder over a judgement against her customer G.Cappa or even the contribution they would be required to cough out over that said Sagecom saga. With that judgement not going the way of pundits a contemptuous attempt at calculating interest at unclassified rates from an initial N14b to cause an unnecessary scare or negative press on the bank speaks volumes of how we unrepentantly strive to destroy value in our economy.

One would think that interpretation of the judgment and computation of due figures which will understandably come with a payment plan be awaited instead of the usual bad blood generated and envisaged by toddler media characters.

It is not in doubt that the discerning public sees through the cruise and flat falling attempt of dramatic clout chasers ever ready to stain Fidelity’s white apparel which savvy Investors and analysts are filled with bridal admiration

Like Joseph Campbell hinted in his famous quote “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” We cast our treasures and bets on Fidelity Bank as the Nigerian treasure house to beat in the years ahead!

*Udeme Etukeyen is an Abuja based Pan African Investment Advisory Expert*

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending