General
Harnessing Potentials of Youths Towards Achieving Sustainable Peace, Development in Nigeria
Being text of a speech delivered by the Executive Director of Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative, Comrade Omaga E. Daniel on the occasion of the Diversity for Peace and Development (DPDP) Ambassadors Recognition on August 12, 2018 in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Al Protocols Duly Observed.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, invited guests, BBLLI team members and volunteers, I welcome you to today’s epoch making event!
In the last three years, the BBLLI has in line with its core mandate consistently sought partnerships with relevant organizations be they government, educational, religious, security and even international that share in our belief that mass literacy is an effective tool for fighting and conquering diverse social ills, economic imbalance and social injustice.
Within the same period, our sense of unity as Nigerians came under severe attacks by series of avoidable events which attempted to distort our sense of oneness as a people. Whereas some of these events failed; others recorded a measure of success.
It is clear that every incidence of restiveness in the world over thrives on the tripods of illiteracy, high unemployment ratio and little or no access to civil orientation – the Nigerian scenario is therefore not an exception.
There is however a social school of thought which clearly suggests that for any society to enjoy peace, such a society must build the peace it wants to enjoy. It is in recognition of this statement of fact that the BBLLI with sponsorship from the NIWANO Peace Foundation has promoted peaceful coexistence among Nigerians in Nasarawa state through the Diversity for Peace and Development Project (DPDP) which we commenced in December, 2017.
This synergy was geared towards complementing efforts of the Nigerian government and her agents towards achieving peaceful co-existence among Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic or religious beliefs. On the strength of this partnership, our organization, the Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative successfully trained fifteen (15) youth leaders and community influencers in Nasarawa State on the need for peace as a panacea for economic growth and development. The aim of the training was to equip these youth leaders with sufficient knowledge they require to retrain their subordinates at the grassroots along the same lines using the languages they best understand through the Participatory Infrastructure Development (PAID) programs which was sustained for a period of six months across communities in Nasarawa State.
Today, being the United Nation’s International Youth Day, we are here to celebrate those who have distinguished themselves in the course of executing their projects as Diversity for Peace and Development Ambassadors.
It is our belief at BBLLI that the current government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria may have invested heavily on national security via purchase of hardware, training and retraining of security personnel, intelligence gathering, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
We however believe that there is room for more to be done especially as youths. We strongly believe that if the Federal Government and its agents in the security cycle forge more alliances with organizations which enjoy goodwill and have capacity to embark on civil orientation and education of Nigerians, a stronger peace will be achieved.
Pockets of incidences of unrests have been recorded in recent times across the country. Notwithstanding the fact that there are various forms of contradicting information on the media space, there is a common denominator which suggests that the government must reach out to the people of the affected communities, local farmers and cattle breeders because they hold the ace to build and achieve sustainable peace in Nigeria.
We want to use this opportunity to call on all parties to show restraint and work towards achieving lasting peace within already laid down legal frameworks. We equally call on natives and indeed youth of the affected communities to refrain from embarking on any form of reprisal attacks. While commending security agents for their intervention so far, we urge them to be prepared and willing to do more because no price is too high to be paid for the peace and stability of Nigeria.
2018 is a significant year for Nigeria in view of the forthcoming general elections in 2019. This is therefore the best time to take the message of peace and national unity to Nigerians at their various door steps. We at the BBLLI are ready, available and will build alliances with individuals, groups, agencies, communities and organizations that share these ideals. The youth are our core assets as a people. They hold the ace for the future. All hands must therefore be on deck to ensure they are heard.
We thank our DPDP Ambassadors for agreeing to avail themselves as agents of peace and we encourage them to further imbibe the various attributes expected of them as genuine advocates of peaceful coexistence along religious and tribal lines in Nasarawa State.
We express our deepest appreciation to the NIWANO PEACE FOUNDATION for their support and the Emir of Keffi, HRH Alh. Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III for his fatherly role. To the various religious bodies, government agencies, media partners, consultants, facilitators, BBLLI team members, volunteers and community groups which have partnered with us in the course of this project, we say THANK YOU!
Long Live BBLLI!
Long Live NIWANO PEACE FOUNDATION!!
Long Live NASARAWA STATE!!!
Long Live NIGERIA!!!!
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a probe into the alleged diversion, disappearance and misapplication of more than N6.79 billion in public funds within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The grave allegations are documented in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published on September 9, 2025.
SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
In the letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
SERAP said: “The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to the group, “The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The letter, read in part: “The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
Some of the others include: N499,875,500.00 for the construction of Police College Phase II, Bashar, Plateau State; N12,931,000.00 for the rehabilitation of Block B, Department of Logistics and Supply (Works) building, Garki; N111,635,864.64 for the construction of 12 one-bedroom transit camp units and rehabilitation of the administration block at the NPF Pre-retirement Skills Acquisition Centre, Kudana, Kaduna State; N4,011,627.89 inserted as taxes to inflate a contract; N1,938,299,452.00 for 14 ongoing projects that were abandoned; N5,050,000.00 in monetary exhibits released without proper authorisation; N112,026,424.00 for outstanding allowances paid to officers to cover 2020 liabilities; and N6,000,000.00 as annual payment to the Inspector General of Police’s Senior Special Assistant on Revenue and Tax Matters.
Others include N10,080,000.00 as cash advances for the provision of office equipment and accessories for the NPF Database Management Centre; N438,066,845.73 for the supply of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and procurement of a Styr Punch Vistar troop carrier; N18,000,000.00 for the training of women in cosmetology and provision of empowerment kits in Ondo Central Senatorial District, Ondo State; N258,989,999.75 for the procurement of 10 JAC patrol vehicles for NPF outpost stations in Kano State; N30,853,250.00 as security allowances for personnel attached to the Ministry of Police Affairs; N681,406,593.18 for the settlement of insurance claims through insurance brokers; N1,628,108,434.18 for outstanding insurance policy liabilities for 2020/2021; N57,484,515.30 for the procurement of video cameras, customised umbrellas, gift bags and customised towels for the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Office; N7,760,409.56 in withholding tax and value added tax that was not deducted from contracts awarded.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Onamusi Onadeko, has been sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment with an option of a fine of N50,000.
The former lawmaker, who represented Ogun East Federal Constituency in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003, was sentenced by Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
He was found guilty on count 11 and convicted for making inconsistent statements but discharged and acquitted on counts 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Mr Onadeko’s journey to the court started in 2017, when he was charged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for his alleged involvement in the award and execution of a N68.7 million contract.
The politician, according to a statement from the ICPC, was accused of using his private companies, Stanton Engineering Limited and Haines and Baines Limited, to execute several constituency projects while working as a Senior Legislative Aide to late Senator Buruji Kashamu, who represented Ogun East Senatorial District between 2015 and 2019.
The commission, had in the course of the eight years trial told the court that several contracts like buying of ambulance vehicles, supply of hospital equipment and drugs for Primary Health Centres, as well as construction of classrooms for some selected schools in six communities of Ogun East Senatorial District, were awarded to both Stanton Engineering Limited and Haines and Baines, where the convict doubles as a Managing Director and nominal Director, respectively, an action that violates Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
ICPC also accused Mr Onadeko of making an inconsistent statement that contradicted the one previously made to the Commissioner for Oaths, where he stated that he is a Director of Haines and Baines Limited in an affidavit dated June 30, 20216, but subsequently wrote another statement while under investigation on May 5, 2017, that he is not a shareholder or Director of Haines and Baines Limited.
This action violates Section 25(1)(b) of the ICPC Act and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
However, Mr Onadeko, through his counsel, Mr Wahab Olatoyebi, argued in the course of the trial that his client was not a public officer as his appointment at that material time was on a short-term basis and non-pensionable, hence he, (Onadeko) did not fall within the category of those that could be tried under Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 which criminalize and punish abuse of office by public officers.
But this argument was rejected by Justice Oji, who stressed that based on the defendant’s letter of appointment as well as the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Federal Government of Nigeria v. Farouk Lawan, legislative aides are public officers and therefore could be prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of students and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor formally inaugurated the commission at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde said that although the successful rescue of the victims brought relief to the state, it did not provide complete closure.
He explained that the decision to set up an independent commission was not intended to undermine the efforts of security agencies but to ensure that every question surrounding the incident is thoroughly addressed and lessons are learnt to prevent a recurrence.
He charged members of the commission to conduct a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation, assuring them of the state government’s full support. He also called on individuals and relevant institutions to cooperate fully with the panel.
Speaking on behalf of the commission, its chairman, Professor Mojeed Owoade, pledged that members would carry out the assignment with integrity, professionalism, and fairness. He added that the panel would seek an extension if necessary to complete its work.
Governor Makinde gave the commission four weeks to submit its report.
Earlier this month, the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, eight of the kidnappers had been arrested, but the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 23 sentenced three suspects in the abduction to life imprisonment.
According to the court, the sentencing of Mr Abdulrazak Umar, known under the alias Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid; Mr Yunusa Musa, alias Yunusa Bin Musa; and Mr Shamsu Adamu Sani, alias Abu Itisar, will start from the date of their arrest.
Before their sentencing by Justice Salim Ibrahim, counsel for the defendants pleaded with the court to sentence them on liberal terms, adding that they were first-time offenders and had pleaded guilty.
