BY John Wesley Success

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating an allegations of money laundry, misappropriation and criminal diversion of public funds at the National Steel, Raw Material Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in Kaduna

Findings revealed that over N105 million was alleged to have been mopped through fake companies, as staff cried over unpaid arrears as approved by government while equipment running into millions of Naira vandalised & stolen.

The allegations which is being investigated by the EFCC is against the Director General Mr. Kolawe Michael Ogunbiyi.

The Federal government’s purported agreement with Russia for the revival of the nation’s steel industry and plans to increase the country’s GDP may hit the rock if the provider of the raw materials, National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency is not cleansed of allegations of large scale corruption and administrative ineptitude which beclouded the agency since the appointment of Mr. Kolawe Michael Ogunbiyi in 2022.

Allegations of corruption and diversion of public funds running into millions of Naira backed by empirical evidences were contained in a petition sent to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Findings however revealed that the EFCC upon receipt of the petition in 2023 swung into action and found the Director General, Mr. Ogunbiyi guilty of all the financial irregularities. How the matter could not be sent to court for prosecution is what is difficult to explain.

Against the above background, Counsel to the petitioners had on 4th March 2025 wrote to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice urging for discreet investigations when it appeared that the EFCC’s findings were being swept under the carpet which give the embattled DG the strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the agency with reckless abandon. The morale of the workforce has been crippled to the lowest ebb leading to collapse of ethics and discipline.

According to available evidence, the mopping of N105, 130, 504.94 (One Hundred and Five Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Four and Ninety Four kobo) was executed simultaneously on
December 21st, 2022 as follows:-
Alakrity Global Concept N59, 873, 253.80
Gatplus Dynamic Resources N13, 330, 712.00
Bitcnot Nigeria Ltd N11, 604, 612.00
Teminote Concept N20, 321, 927.14

Similarly, the sum of N1.2billion was said to have been approved by the federal government to pay accumulated arrears of hazard and medical allowances for the period 2009-2017. The Director General Mr. Ogunbiyi chaired the committee for the compilation of the list of the beneficiaries and came up with payment schedule. In the process, heavy deductions were made in each of the beneficiary’s entitlements.

The payments of these arrears were done in four instalments via IPPIS as follows: 25% on the 6th of April 2022, 25% on 11th May, 2022, 25% on 14th June 2022 and the final 25% on June 22nd 2022. There is however concern that some of the beneficiaries were either underpaid or not paid at all.

Most astonishing was the fact that not a single beneficiary was privy to his/her package after the computation, suggesting that some shoddy deals were used in the implementation process. 

Additional findings also revealed that the Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRAI) and the NSC Co-operative Society together with the committee orchestrated the plan where millions of Naira meant for the defenceless beneficiaries were diverted. The computation of the arrears was done in outright breach of government’s extant financial regulations and did not pass through the internal audit clearance.

In a related development, a section of the staff has dragged the embattled DG to court over unpaid salaries for two years or more. These are staff who were duly accepted on transfet from sister agencies- Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, National Metallurgical Development Centre, National Lottery Regulatory Commission as well as some staff of the then Ministry of Mines and Steel development.

Upon assumption of duty, Mr. Ogunbiyi redirected that the staff return to their former agencies after they had finished all the documentation for the transfers. All attempts to make the DG consent for the capture and migrate the affected staff on IPPIS payroll platform were resisted by him. The matter has been in the National Industrial Court.

With the on-going legal battle, there is also the controversy regarding his appointment as the Director General of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA).

A federal establishment circular 2011-2019 signed by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha frowns at the way some Ministers continue to process appointments of chief executives without following the clearly defined extant guidelines and the provisions of the enabling laws of such agencies.

In the circular, the President has directed that requests for such appointments should always be channelled to His Excellency through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who will process them for approval to the appropriate supervising Ministers.

Contrary to the aforementioned circular, the then Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekon Adegbite directly conveyed approval for Ogunbiyi’s appointment to him from the office of the then Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

There are also reports of some staff who absconded from their duty post for years living abroad and are still on the payroll of the agency. These staff are said to be enjoying the cover of the DG.

Allegations of mass stealing of equipment and accessories which rendered the agency incapacitated to carry out its mandates effectively have also reached an alarming proportion.

According to reports, a senior staff was caught red handed stealing electrical cable which was swiftly covered because of his closeness to the Chief Executive.  This recent theft is the high point of series of stealing of the agency’s property running into millions of Naira.

“Only a forensic audit of the agency can determine the level at which things have deteriorated”, an aggrieved staff who spoke on condition of anonymity said

Against the forgoing, the need for the Federal government to beam its search light on the activities of the NSRMEA under the leadership of the incumbent director general with the view to right the wrongs and bring the guilty to book is imperative.

ENDS

It was a moving scene filled with joy, laughter, and healing as the Nurture Special Education Needs Foundation (NSENF) hosted a unique Children’s Day Play Therapy Event at JPEC Chimel Academy in Zaria on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This heartwarming event brought together children with neurological and psychosocial disabilities and their neurotypical peers in a vibrant celebration of inclusion, resilience, and shared humanity.

Organised with the goal of creating a safe, expressive space for children with special needs, the event featured a series of engaging play therapy activities tailored to enhance emotional well-being and social connection. Among the highlights were the Sensory Play Corner, the Creative Arts Zone, music and movement sessions, and puppet-led storytelling—each designed to stimulate creativity, promote self-expression, and foster inclusion.

The day’s most emotional moment came during the “I Am a Star” recognition ceremony, where every child was celebrated for their uniqueness and courage. Each participant was called forward to receive a certificate and words of affirmation, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. Children’s faces lit up with pride and joy, reminding everyone present of the transformative power of affirmation and belonging.

Another standout feature was a parent-and-caregiver forum led by experts in child development. The interactive session provided practical advice on managing children with developmental challenges and offered caregivers a space to share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with others. Many described the session as deeply affirming and valuable in their parenting journeys.

Despite several logistical hurdles—including limited resources, overstimulation among some children, and a last-minute venue change—the event recorded strong participation. NSENF confirmed the attendance of 17 children with special needs, 5 neurotypical children, 13 parents and caregivers, and several professionals from the media, education, and humanitarian sectors.

The success of the event was powered by a passionate team of volunteers and committed partners. The Centre for Girls Education (CGE), FAM Initiative, and Quatech Photography were among those who provided crucial support. Notably, Hajiya Habiba Mohammed of CGE and Jecinta Egbim of FAM Initiative were recognised for their generous donations and behind-the-scenes coordination.

“This is more than a one-day celebration,” said Aisha Ibrahim Ahmad, Executive Director of NSENF, in her closing remarks. “It is a call to action—a movement for empathy, awareness, and sustained inclusion. Every child deserves to be seen, valued, and supported, regardless of ability.”

Though

Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians to show empathy and compassion toward the orphans, widows, and widowers affected by the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State.

Senator Sani, who personally donated food items to the victims and their families, described the Mokwa flood as not just a disaster, but a national tragedy.

In a statement he personally signed, Senator Sani said, “The Mokwa tragedy is a dark cloud of responsibility hanging over the sky of our country.” He emphasized the need for the nation to learn from the incident by channeling its resources toward improving the lives of its people.

The former senator also urged the Federal Government to create a special budget aimed at rebuilding Mokwa into a modern town, as a tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in the flood.

Kaduna,

The Coalition of Gbagyi Nationality in Kaduna State has issued a scathing rebuke of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of launching “unwarranted verbal attacks” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu out of bitterness over his failed ministerial nomination.

At a press conference held in Kaduna on Monday, the coalition condemned El-Rufai’s recent public criticisms of the Tinubu administration, labeling them as “self-serving” and “a serious threat to national unity and democratic stability.”

“Since Mallam El-Rufai lost the opportunity to be appointed a Minister in President Tinubu’s administration, he has remained inconsolable and has resorted to making divisive and antagonistic statements,” the group declared. “His actions are not only self-serving but pose a serious threat to national unity.”

The Gbagyi coalition also used the platform to recount what they described as the harsh and discriminatory policies suffered under El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. According to the group, Southern Kaduna communities, including Gbagyi people, endured demolition of homes, exclusion from governance, and neglect of infrastructure.

“El-Rufai’s time in office was marked by destruction of properties, marginalization, and the exclusion of Southern Kaduna communities and Christians from governance,” the coalition said. “Markets were demolished without alternatives, roads were abandoned, and banditry was poorly addressed.”

The group questioned the moral authority of El-Rufai to criticize President Tinubu, arguing that his motives were rooted not in principle, but in political vendetta.

“Let us ask ourselves: If he had been appointed a Minister, would he be attacking President Tinubu today? The answer is a resounding NO,” the statement emphasized.

They also dismissed what they described as El-Rufai’s emerging political coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu’s leadership in 2027, warning Nigerians not to be deceived by his “crusade of bitterness.”

“It is laughable that he now seeks to rally those he previously scorned, in a bid to unseat President Tinubu… Let it be known: El-Rufai has no moral standing to criticize the President.”

The Gbagyi coalition ended the briefing with a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, urging Nigerians to support his administration in navigating the economic and security challenges facing the country.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for tackling the deep-rooted challenges inherited from past administrations. The Gbagyi people say: NEVER AGAIN,” the group concluded.

By Ogah Odey
Kaduna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of Dr. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) has been welcomed with high praise by the Northern Awareness Network (NAN), a socio-political group advocating for progressive governance and youth empowerment in Northern Nigeria.

In a statement released in Kaduna and signed by NAN Chairman, Salifu Suleiman, the group described the President’s decision as “strategic and progressive,” commending the administration for prioritizing both agricultural development and youth inclusion in governance.

According to Suleiman, Dr. Danfulani’s appointment is a clear signal of President Tinubu’s vision for a rejuvenated agricultural sector, driven by dynamic and capable leadership. “This appointment underscores the President’s resolve to entrust critical national responsibilities to competent young leaders who possess the drive and knowledge needed to solve today’s challenges,” the statement said.

NAN described Dr. Danfulani as a “rising political figure” deeply rooted in the politics and development efforts of modern Zamfara State. The group lauded his dedication to agricultural transformation and hailed his selection as timely, especially given the multiple threats facing Nigeria’s food production systems — including climate change, pest infestations, and frequent natural disasters.

“In a nation where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and the primary source of livelihood for millions, the importance of effective agricultural insurance cannot be overstated,” NAN stated. “Dr. Danfulani’s appointment is a bold move that reflects the federal government’s renewed commitment to protecting farmers and their investments.”

The group emphasized that the incoming NAIC boss brings a unique blend of youth, expertise, and innovation, which it believes will energize the agency’s operations. They expressed hope that he will expand NAIC’s reach and improve service delivery, especially in underserved rural communities where farmers are most vulnerable.

“Dr. Danfulani is well-positioned to introduce reforms that will modernize agricultural insurance in Nigeria,” the group said. “His vision and intellect will be key assets in developing policies that make agricultural insurance more accessible, reliable, and beneficial to farmers across the country.”

NAN also pointed out that the appointment serves as a morale booster for young Nigerians aspiring to serve their nation. “This is not just a victory for agriculture but also a milestone for youth inclusion in governance,” Suleiman noted. “It affirms that merit, vision, and hard work are still being recognized and rewarded in today’s Nigeria.”

The group concluded by congratulating Dr. Danfulani and encouraging him to approach his new responsibilities with the passion and integrity he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.

“We urge Dr. Danfulani to seize this opportunity to strengthen NAIC’s mandate and deliver lasting support to Nigeria’s farmers. The challenges are immense, but so is the potential. We are confident in his ability to lead effectively,” the statement concluded.

ENDS

… Insists He’s a Complete Failure,Vows to mobilise against his re-election

Kaduna Central Movement for Development (KCMD) has described the lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu popularly known as Mr.LA as a “Complete failure “for his inability to use the alleged increased funds allocated for visible constituency projects.

According to the group ,it is almost two years that Senator Adamu was elected to represent the people of Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Giwa, Birnin-Gwari and Igabi local government areas that make up Kaduna Central senatorial district.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Ayodele Asalu, had publicly alleged a substantial increase in constituency project allocations for federal lawmakers following the removal of the fuel subsidy last year.

In a statement in response to the revelations that each Senator receives a minimum of ₦2 billion annually for constituency projects and each member of the House of Representatives now receives at least ₦1 billion, the group expressed shock over inability of the People’s Democratic Party lawmaker, Senator Adamu to improve lives of constituency members.

In the statement signed by the Chairman of the Kaduna Central Movement,Comrade Yahaya Babangida the group said ,” A good lawmaker and member of the main opposition party would have would have capilsed on this opportunity o is supposed to use the opportunity to make a difference.”

Information gathered revealed that these funds, officially designated as constituency allowances, are federal allocations intended to support lawmakers in addressing local socio-economic needs and fostering rural development within their constituencies.

While condemning Senator LA for lack of visible projects despite huge funds released for constituency projects,it dared him to provide records funds received and what they were used for .

As group of concerned members of the Kaduna Central senatorial district, with members across the 7 local government areas of the district, we are prepared to mobilise the electorate to ensure that he doesn’t return to floor of the Senate come 2025 .

The group however credited the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upward review, suggesting the move was intended to improve citizens’ lives by empowering elected representatives to deliver more tangible developmental projects at the grassroots level.

…Appeal to affected candidates to accept idea of resit

Coalition of Civil Society Group under aegis of Quality and Improved Education Development in Nigeria has suspended its planned protest action against the Registrar of Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board (JAMB) , Professor Ishaq Oloyede

According to the CSOs ,the earlier decision to embark on a protest was informed by the public outcry and initial wrong information gathered.

The JAMB boss,Prof. Oloyede had been under fire following the mass failure of students from the recent examination conducted by the body as a result of what the he described as “technical glitches”, in the five states of the South East and Lagos State who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Speaking on the issue during a press briefing in Abuja, Professor Ishaq Oloyede who overtly admitted that the errors were caused by a systemic failure,broke down in tears .

The group in a statement made available to Journalists today said it has investigated the issue and discovered the errors were not intentional,thus the decision to suspend the protest.

In the statement jointly signed by the Coordinator,Dr. Yusuf Bala Gerei and Secretary,Dr. Pius Ishaku the group said,
“It is our resolve that since he has owned up responsibility for the glitches and rescheduled May 16 for candidates in Lagos and the Southeast to retake the examinations, the threat for legal action against the examination body should be shelved

The CSOs however , warned against politicising the issue surrounding the errors encountered and called on affected candidates, parents and other Nigerians to accept the idea of resit and conducting fresh exams.

The statement further reads: $We understand he feelings of disappointment expressed the shadow government, established by Political Economist Prof. Pat Utomi who called for the sack and subsequent probe Oloyede over the technical glitches that led to mass failure of students in the 2025 examination,and we appeal for calm since he has promised to make necessary amends

“We are there calling on registrar of JAMB and stakeholders to address the issues of poor performance including technical glitches and inadequate preparation.There is a need for systemic reforms to ensure fair and reliable assessment processes in future”.

By Ibrahim hussaini tinja

Weeklong Leadership Fellowship at the CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), Washington D.C.

“If we don’t build your capacity—if we don’t bring young people closer to the heart of public service—then we cannot hope to bridge the growing manpower gap caused by retirement and exit in the civil service.”— His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON.

I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, for once again investing in the next generation of leaders by nominating me to participate in the AILA International Fellowship—a weeklong leadership immersion at the globally renowned Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C.

CSIS stands as a beacon of thought leadership, a bipartisan, nonprofit institution committed to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. It is among the most respected voices on foreign policy and national security, providing a platform where emerging leaders are trained to think boldly and act ethically.

This fellowship represents more than just training—it is a transformational journey. Together with an inspiring cohort of fellows from across the U.S. and around the world, we engaged in critical conversations that addressed the intellectual, ethical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of leadership in the 21st century.

Each moment spent at CSIS reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: Leadership is not about titles—it is about service, resilience, and purpose. The experience fostered collaboration across cultures, sectors, and disciplines—equipping us with the tools and mindset to navigate complexity with clarity and to lead with both competence and compassion.

From mastering Emotional Intelligence in Leadership at Qatar Skills Training Centre – Qatar, to understanding Risk and Organizational Leadership at the The London School of Economics and Political Science – LSE and now exploring The Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA) international fellowship at Csis Us Washington DC, His Excellency Governor Buni continues to provide us with exceptional platforms to evolve into the leaders our communities and country need.

This is how nations are built—by investing in people.

This is how we secure the future—by mentoring, empowering, and believing in the next generation.

By Olikita Gbagir

The North-East Youth Revival Movement (NEYM) has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over a recent deadly attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in Marte, Borno State, which claimed the lives of five Nigerian soldiers.

In a strongly worded statement issued by its Chairman, Abbarious Lawal, the group said the assault underscores the persistent failures of Nigeria’s defense leadership and called for the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar.

“In light of this devastating event, we hereby call for the immediate resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar,” Lawal said. “This demand reflects a growing frustration among the citizens of Nigeria regarding the government’s failure to provide adequate security and effectively combat the escalating threat posed by insurgents.”

The Marte attack, which occurred on Monday, involved a coordinated assault by insurgents on a forward operating base. The terrorists reportedly overpowered the stationed troops, looted weapons, and made away with military vehicles. According to NEYM, the aftermath was catastrophic, with many soldiers demoralized and fleeing their posts in fear, retreating to nearby villages.

“This alarming behavior illustrates a critical crisis of confidence within our military ranks,” the group stated. “The harrowing sight of a commanding officer’s vehicle, along with essential military resources, falling into the hands of insurgents further compromises our operational capacity and undermines morale.”

NEYM also highlighted the broader impact of the attack, noting the widespread fear among civilians. Thousands have reportedly fled their homes in Marte and surrounding communities, seeking refuge in safer towns like Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa. The group stressed that the attack has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis, with displaced persons crowding into under-resourced IDP camps.

Citing recent data from SBM Intelligence, NEYM pointed out that more than 2,000 people have been killed in violent incidents across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Borno State tops the casualty list, with the victims including 892 civilians, 462 bandits, and 234 Boko Haram insurgents.

“Our call for the resignation or retirement of Minister Badaru Abubakar by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is emblematic of a broader demand for accountability within our government,” Lawal emphasized. “The perception of incompetence in handling the escalating insecurity in the region is not unfounded.”

NEYM criticized the federal government’s handling of the Boko Haram insurgency, accusing it of lacking strategic foresight, failing to allocate adequate resources, and ignoring community-based solutions.

The group argued that the abandonment of military posts is not merely a sign of weakness but a reflection of systemic failure within the armed forces and defense administration.

“Our soldiers are often thrust into perilous situations without adequate training, equipment, or support,” the group said. “It is essential to address the root causes of this crisis—such as inadequate funding, lack of morale, and poor strategic planning.”

NEYM concluded by reaffirming its call for Defence Minister Badaru’s removal, insisting that meaningful reform, accountability, and a renewed commitment to national security are necessary to break the cycle of violence.

“Only through concerted efforts to address these pressing issues can we hope to overcome the challenges posed by insurgency and restore peace and stability to the North-East and beyond,” the statement stressed.

Hambina Suleiman

A security-focused civil society group, the North-West Alliance for Security (NWAS), has demanded the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, over what it described as his inability to contain the deepening insecurity plaguing the North-West region of the country.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the group’s chairman, Musa Zakaria, NWAS expressed alarm over the “unrelenting activities of bandits and violent extremists,” asserting that the region has sunk into a state of lawlessness and fear under the current security leadership.

“The North-West has tragically become synonymous with lawlessness, as criminal gangs known as ‘bandits’ wreak havoc on our communities,” Zakaria stated. “The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that, as highlighted by military officials, these bandits have formed dangerous alliances with violent extremist organizations, thereby blurring the lines between banditry and terrorism.”

NWAS raised concerns that insurgents linked to jihadist ideologies have infiltrated various bandit groups, thereby transforming localized criminality into a broader national security threat. “The statistics are staggering,” the group said. “Thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and our economy is in ruins due to the rampant activities of these criminal gangs.”

The statement spotlighted Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara as states most affected by the violence, where it estimates about 30,000 armed bandits are spread across nearly 100 organized gangs. “Radicalization driven by decades-old disputes over land and water, compounded by environmental degradation and a constant flow of illegal arms, has intensified the conflict,” Zakaria added.

NWAS further lamented the erosion of traditional mediation systems that once played a critical role in resolving community disputes, saying their collapse has left a power vacuum now occupied by armed militias.

Criticizing the federal government’s response, the group described Minister Badaru Abubakar’s performance as “woefully inadequate” and accused him of making empty promises about increasing military deployments and strategic interventions that have failed to produce results.

“Instead of progress, the situation continues to worsen, leaving our people in constant fear and uncertainty. This is not merely a political failure; it is a grave dereliction of duty,” the group said.

The NWAS emphasized the need for accountability in public office, asserting that Minister Badaru has had sufficient time to address the crisis but has failed to produce tangible outcomes. “His continued presence in office undermines public trust and signals indifference to the plight of our people,” the statement declared.

Consequently, NWAS is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act without delay by removing Badaru from his position and appointing a more capable and proactive individual with the vision and urgency required to tackle insecurity in the region.

“The time for excuses has passed. The lives and livelihoods of millions are at stake,” Zakaria said. “This is not just a political demand—it is a moral obligation. Our people deserve peace, stability, and leadership that takes responsibility.”

The group concluded its statement by rallying stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the general public, to support the call for decisive action and accountability.

“We will not rest until every community in the North-West is free from the shackles of terror and fear. The time for decisive leadership is now,” the statement affirmed.

ENDS