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NOSTR Gives NCDMB Boss Two Weeks to Resign Over N7.7 Billion Scandal or Face Mass Protest

Published

10 months ago

May 18, 2025

The Network for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform (NOSTR) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, to resign over the alleged misappropriation of N7.7 billion or face mass protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Charles Abakpa, the group described the revelations around the unauthorized payments to a private consulting firm, S.B. Capital Partners & Advisory Limited, as a “shameful betrayal of public trust” and an indictment on the leadership at the highest level of the Board.

According to reports, Ogbe approved payments totalling over $4.7 million to the consultancy firm without the necessary approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), in violation of procurement laws.

The payments, initiated by the acting Director of Finance, Fatima Bashir Mohammed, were made to recover funds deducted by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) from the Nigerian Content Development Fund.

“This is a scandal of monumental proportions. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well while the very institutions meant to protect our national interests are looting the public treasury,” Abakpa said.

“Felix Ogbe must step aside immediately to allow for an independent investigation. We are giving him 14 days. If he fails to resign, we will mobilise Nigerians and occupy the streets of Abuja in protest.”

NOSTR condemned what it described as a pattern of abuse of office under Ogbe’s leadership, including alleged contract-splitting, the appointment of key officials without proper clearance, and extravagant foreign training programmes that lack measurable impact.

“The attempt to justify this looting under the pretext of consultancy is not only laughable but insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians,” Abakpa said.

“This was a government-to-government issue that required high-level inter-agency engagement, not private intermediaries with questionable motives. We will not fold our arms and watch this continue.”

The group also raised concerns over a document it obtained, showing NCDMB’s approval of over N580 million for a five-day training in London, including estacodes, logistics, and allowances for board members and 15 “critical stakeholders” in the financial sector.

“At a time when ordinary Nigerians can’t afford a meal, the NCDMB leadership is jetting off to London to hold training sessions for which over N580 million was budgeted,” Abakpa said.

“This is wickedness in high places, and we demand accountability. We are not fools. Public service is not a gateway to unchecked luxury.”

Abakpa said the brazen disregard for financial rules, including contract-splitting to bypass the thresholds requiring FEC approval, showed deliberate intent to divert public funds.

“Contract splitting is illegal. The total amount paid exceeds any Ministerial Tenders Board limit, yet three separate approvals were sneaked through. It was carefully planned, and the evidence is clear. These are not just administrative breaches, they are criminal acts and must be treated as such,” he added.

He also criticised the appointments of key finance officers allegedly involved in the scandal, claiming they were made solely at Ogbe’s discretion, without necessary government clearance.

“It is deeply disturbing that the acting Director of Finance, the acting General Manager of Finance and Accounts, and others implicated were all appointed by Ogbe himself, without due process. This raises red flags about internal accountability within the Board and suggests an inner circle built for exploitation, not transparency,” Abakpa added.

The group reiterated its call for President Bola Tinubu to intervene, describing the situation as a litmus test for his administration’s anti-corruption stance.

“We are watching to see if this government will protect Nigerians or protect corruption. If no action is taken within two weeks, we will hit the streets of Abuja in peaceful protest, and we will not leave until Ogbe is gone and a full investigation is underway,” he added.

“Nigerians are tired of being robbed in daylight. This is not just a demand for resignation. It is a demand for justice and we are ready to fight for it.”

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Army Supply and Transport Corps Reviews Operations, Targets Improved Service Delivery

Published

58 minutes ago

March 24, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST), Maj.-Gen. Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, has commenced a two-day conference aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and service delivery in support of Nigerian Army missions.

The conference, with the theme “Optimising ST Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to Nigerian Army Operations in All Missions,” began on Tuesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin City, Edo State.

Shagaya said the conference was designed to review the Corps’ performance in ongoing military operations and provide a platform for strategic reflection, institutional learning, and collective problem-solving.

He noted that the forum would enable commanders to exchange ideas, assess operational realities, evaluate emerging challenges, and develop strategies to strengthen logistics support in a dynamic security environment.

“The contemporary operational landscape in which the Nigerian Army operates is increasingly complex and multidimensional,” he said.

“Modern military operations are characterised by fluid threat dynamics, technological evolution, and heightened demands on operational sustainability. In such an environment, the role of logistics has become even more critical.”

The CCST added that the conference would facilitate frank and professional engagement among senior officers to review operational commitments, examine institutional challenges, and explore innovative approaches to improve efficiency.

He urged participants to approach discussions with professionalism and a shared commitment to strengthening the Corps’ effectiveness.

Earlier, the Commandant of NASST, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, said the conference would provide an avenue for interaction between the Corps Commander, field commanders, and senior officers on achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission.

Adegbite said the engagement aligns with the Corps’ command philosophy of developing a highly proficient Supply and Transport Corps capable of efficiently supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.

He added that the conference would promote knowledge sharing, address operational challenges, and enhance service delivery.

Highlights of the event include the commissioning of a Soldiers’ Dining Hall, a remodeled NASST Driving Simulation Centre, the unveiling of Col. I. Taiwo Crescent, and a group photograph.

The conference will also feature a Pulling-Out Ceremony and Gala Night in honour of retired generals of the Corps on March 26.

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NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, Hailed as Transformative Leader on Birthday

Published

8 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been described as a transformative leader in the media profession as she marks her birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, a former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended Ike for breaking barriers and redefining leadership within the union.

Onyilo noted that Ike made history as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in over four decades, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in journalism.

She said Ike’s tenure had been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructural development and the welfare of members, adding that her leadership had also strengthened participation and unity within the union.

“Her tenure has witnessed unprecedented development and effective mobilisation of members to actively participate in the affairs of the union, making her a foremost transformative leader of our era,” Onyilo said.

The publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine further described Ike as a media icon of immense value, praying for greater accomplishments, good health, and continued success in her leadership journey.

Onyilo congratulated Ike on her birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.

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COAS Salutes Troops’ Sacrifice, Hosts Special Sallah Luncheon in Edo

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2026

Daily Mirror

he Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted a special Sallah luncheon for troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Speaking at the event, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale through strategic initiatives. He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in their duty to defend the nation’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

Represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Army Chief commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism despite operating under challenging conditions. He noted that their sacrifices and dedication embody the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier.

“They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism.

Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” he said, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.

The COAS also lauded the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security and intelligence agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, noting that the President’s leadership remains a strong source of motivation for the Armed Forces.

In his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a significant annual tradition held during major festive periods, including Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas.

He said the initiative is aimed at boosting troop morale, recognising their sacrifices, honouring fallen heroes, and strengthening camaraderie within the ranks.

Agboro appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting the base to celebrate with the troops. He also acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr Dele Aleburu, who represented the council chairperson, Madam Joy Ohonyon, as well as the traditional ruler of Sobe, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, and heads of other security agencies in the area.

The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops.