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Olukoyede Tasks TETFund on Project Monitoring

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The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund to be more devoted to the assessment and monitoring of infrastructural projects it finances in Universities and Polytechnics across the country.


He gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday, October 3, 2024 when the top management team of TETFund, led by its Executive Secretary, Architect Sonny Echono paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters.

“I want to encourage you to take greater interest in the execution of some of your projects because we have had some petitions on the non-execution your projects. I am sure you have a project assessment and monitoring department or committee, let them put more energy into whatever they do so that you don’t just advance money for projects and contractors will take it and walk away.

 

The EFCC’s boss expressed delight with the collaboration of TETFund with the Commission, stressing that, “the visit is a step in the process of creating awareness for people to know that we are working together. When people become aware that we are working together, it will send a signal across to those who want to cut corners or play smart,” he said.
Olukoyede further urged the TETFund’s boss to thread the path of probity and accountability, knowing that much trust has been placed on him with public funds.


“So much trust has been placed on your shoulders vis-a-viz the source of your revenue, which is taxpayers’ money. Trust is a burden, a big one indeed, particularly when you are ready to be focused and do the right thing. There will be distractions here and there particularly in the environment where we found ourselves, where people are used to cutting corners. But the onus is on us to do the right thing. So I want to encourage you to always do the right thing, because eyes are on you.”


While pledging the Commission’s enhanced collaboration with TETFund, he disclosed that a larger degree of the public corruption plaguing the country is rooted on contract and procurement fraud. “More than 90 per cent of public corruption that we are facing or we are investigating happens to be in the areas of contract and procurement activities. So we will be willing to collaborate much more with you and take the relationship to a greater height”, he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Ochono disclosed that the visit was to demonstrate TETFund’s respect for the Commission and the appreciation of the paradigm shift towards preventive modalities in the anti-corruption fight under Olukoyede’s leadership.

“The visit underscores the tremendous respect that TETFund has for the Commission and what it is doing in ensuring that taxpayers’ money which is entrusted to us as an organization to improve the education landscape of this country is judiciously and prudently utilized for the good of all and the future of our leaders that are being produced from our schools.

“We are primarily here to lend our voice and to show that we fully support the transformation, professionalism and diligence that you have brought to this assignment. We strongly believe that we need people like you in character and determination because you are fighting against principalities in this country; people who believe that they have resources, contacts and power; who think that Nigeria can continue business as usual,” he said.

Speaking further, Ochono assured the Commission of TETFund’s support and requested for collaboration, especially in guiding the path of managers of resources in Nigerian tertiary institutions against financial wrongdoings. “We want to give you the support that you should get. We all know that you are doing the right thing and we encourage you to continue to do so. As an institution which is in the course of ensuring the judicious use of our resources, we want to renew our request for a greater collaboration. Because of procurement infractions, we partnered with the BPP, so we are appealing, knowing that you have a training school where we can bring leaders of our institutions, their bursars and even their procurement people so that they can listen to your experts and learn how to prevent financial infractions,” he said.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

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Obi Cubana Receives Opulent 50th Birthday Prelude with Gift of 50 Rams

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Renowned entrepreneur and socialite Obi Cubana has been treated to an extraordinary early birthday surprise as he counts down to his 50th birthday on April 12. His associate, Dr. Frank, presented him with a stunning gift of 50 rams, setting the tone for what promises to be a spectacular celebration.

Obi Cubana shared a video of the generous gesture on Instagram, expressing his heartfelt gratitude. In a playful post, he hinted at a grandiose celebration, jokingly suggesting that the livestock would be used to feed the nation.

The unexpected gift has sparked excitement online, with fans eagerly awaiting how the nightlife mogul will commemorate this milestone occasion. Many speculate that the upcoming celebration will be a dazzling extravaganza, given Obi Cubana’s reputation for hosting extravagant parties.

Photo source: X

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Suspected kidnapper of priest church member, not mass server – Bishop clarifies

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The Bishop of Yola Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, has debunked claims that Taledo Damian, the recently arrested kidnapper of two Catholic priests, was a mass server or cleric within the diocese.

Speaking at a press conference in Yola, Bishop Mamza clarified that while the suspect was a church member, he held no official role.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that the kidnapper is not a mass server, nor is he a cleric. There has been a lot of misinformation about his identity, and it is important to correct this,” the bishop stated.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding the reputation of the church’s clergy and mass servers, emphasizing that false information could damage their image.

The bishop commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante operatives for their roles in rescuing the kidnapped priests.

“I sincerely appreciate the security agents who secured the release of the priests, particularly the DSS and the vigilante group in Numan. Their professionalism and swift action were commendable,” he said.

The priests—Rev. Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese—were abducted on February 22, 2025. Bishop Mamza revealed that the DSS and vigilante operatives worked tirelessly to track and rescue them.

According to him, security forces stormed the location where the priests were held and successfully freed them.

The suspect initially escaped arrest but later had an accident while fleeing on a motorcycle.

“He tried to surrender to the DSS, but somehow ended up in police custody instead,” Bishop Mamza explained.

Following their rescue, the two priests underwent medical examinations and were confirmed to be in stable condition. All evidence recovered from the suspect is now in DSS custody.

The bishop reaffirmed the church’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure the safety of clergy members and worshippers.

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Imo: Police, other security agencies intensify actions against criminals

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The Imo State Police Command, alongside other sister agencies, in collaboration with local vigilantes and forest guards, has stormed forests within Avu, Irete, Ihiagwa, and Obinze, all in Owerri West LGA, in search of suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements ravaging the areas.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the operation became imperative following recent criminal activities witnessed in those areas, ranging from kidnapping to armed robbery attacks.

He further stated that the operation has also been extended to Ngor-Okpala LGA, where reports indicate that suspected kidnappers have taken over the area.

Some villagers, who preferred to remain anonymous, told our correspondent that suspected criminals engaging in attacks on travelers along the busy Aba-Owerri Expressway—shooting and killing passengers—are on the rise.

A driver of one of the attacked buses revealed that he was forced to stop by masked men wielding guns and speaking with a foreign accent.

The villagers added that the most affected area is the bushy and lonely spot between Ihitte Ngor and Umuechem Umuhu, immediately after the Navy checkpoint at Airport Road Junction.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command has urged members of the public to support security agencies by reporting any criminal activities in their respective areas.

He also stated that the ongoing combined operation is aimed at flushing out criminal syndicates threatening the peace and security of the state.

 

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