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Why Ex-CJN, Onnoghen was Suspended – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja met with the leadership of the Afenifere, where he explained why the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen was suspended before his voluntary retirement on May 28.
The president, who spoke extensively on the war against corruption, right from the time he was military head of state, said he reluctantly `dealt’ with Mr Onnoghen following the discovery of huge amount of monies (both in foreign and local currencies) that were traced to him.
He said: “I will tell you as Afenifere, that was why I had to deal though reluctantly with the former Chief Justice, because there were millions of dollars, euros, not to talk of naira, which were not declared.
“I wonder what sort of conscience some of us have, how can you seat and preside and lock people up for years and even sentence some to death and yet you are not doing what the constitution says you should do by occupying that vital institution.
“On fighting corruption, you know it – again I don’t mind repeating myself even though I sound like a broken record, as a military head of state, I took everyone to prison and pronounced them guilty until they can prove themselves innocent.
“We put tribunals in all geo-political zones and they investigated those who were in charge of government money and took all of them in prison until they explained what happened to government’s money. Even I was detained, this is Nigeria.
“That was why I decided to put on agbada and see. I attempted three times up to Supreme Court and winning the fourth time thanking God and technology, I am now qualified to be a solider and a politician.
“… now what I do is when a person cannot justify what he has or fails to declare as the constitution specifies, some of them dear to almighty God that their property doesn’t belong to them until we show them their bank accounts and their companies then we have some peace.’’
The president revealed his administration was determined to recover all stolen funds and properties within and outside the country.
He said all the recovered properties would be sold and the money put in the nation’s treasury to make it impossible to return such properties to the looters in future.
“So, we are recovering as much as we can under the system and this time around I said the properties will be sold and the money put in the treasury.
“The last time they were given back their properties but this time around whoever comes after me no matter how generous he is, he cannot take money from the treasury give it to individuals, it will be impossible.
“But anybody who cannot account for what he has and for refusing to declare, we will have to do something about it,’’ he added.
Olabiyi Durojaiye, who spoke on behalf of the Afenifere, said they were in the presidential villa to rejoice with the president and the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on their re-election for a second term in office.
Mr Durojaiye, a former senator and Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), also commended Mr Buhari for his recognition of June 12 as a landmark in the political history of Nigeria as well as the renaming of Abuja Stadium after late MKO Abiola.
He said: “We are proud of our contributions to your victory through the Yoruba Summit Conference held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre on January 29.
“There, we passed a well-applauded motion urging all the people of Western Nigeria origin of voting age to vote for your re-election by virtue of your people-oriented and welfarist APC political programmes and performance. We are happy the people complied.
“We are also here to commend Your Excellency for your recognition of June 12 as a landmark in the political history of Nigeria and for naming the National Stadium in Abuja after Chief MKO Abiola, the hero of Nigeria’s pro-Democracy struggle.
“We are equally glad to note and commend Your Excellency for your efforts to empower the 36 States in Nigeria to have control of the Police as a measure of improving security.’’
He stated that Afenifere was also delighted over the giant stride of the Buhari administration in the field of agriculture, social intervention, revival and modernisation of rail transportation, continuing efforts to complete the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway among other achievements.
He, however, highlighted some major issues of paramount interest to the people of Southwest region in particular and the unity, progress and happiness of the entire country in general.
The Yoruba socio-cultural group which was led by Ayo Fasanmi, made requests bordering on security, education, youth employment, power supply and agriculture.
The National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, who was part of the Afenifere delegation to the villa, urged Nigerians to be united and avoid conflicts in order to ensure speedy development and progress of the country.
According to him, the Yorubas will continue to rally behind Mr Buhari because of his track record and good will for Nigeria.
(NAN)
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SPIN Hosts Inaugural Scientific Induction Committee, Makes Case for Reseach-Based Sustainability
The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) convened its inaugural Scientific Induction Committee on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The virtual event, themed “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities,” brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals to chart a path for Africa-centric sustainability solutions.
Moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC, the event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with globally recognized experts. These included Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute.
Professor Amaeshi stressed the importance of “decolonizing sustainability frameworks” and prioritizing local contexts. He noted, “Africa must redefine sustainability on its own terms, balancing environmental, social, and economic imperatives unique to our realities.”
Vice President Ini Abimbola, while administering the SPIN induction oath, charged the newly inducted scientific committee members to advance professionalism, drive standardization, and strengthen capacity building in sustainability, ultimately shaping the future of sustainability in Africa.
The newly inducted scientific committee of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) comprises seven distinguished scholars and practitioners. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Nottingham University Business School, emphasized the critical role of corporate governance in driving sustainable business practices.
Professor Judy Muthuri, Professor of Sustainable Business and Development at the University of West Indies, stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and community-led approaches into sustainability strategies. The committee members highlighted the complexities of sustainability in Africa.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, advocated for justice-centered policies that address historical inequities.
Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, Dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph, called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate environmental degradation.
Dr. Adaeze Okoye, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead at the University of Brighton, underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
The committee emphasized innovative approaches to sustainability, featuring expert insights from renowned thought leaders. Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Co-founder of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, shared insights on leveraging circular economy principles.
Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Chaired Professor of International Business and Strategy at Surrey Business School, analyzed geopolitical shifts impacting sustainability practices and emphasized the need for African businesses to develop resilient, context-specific strategies.
Building on these insights, Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, outlined the committee’s roadmap. “We look forward to our new scientific committee members’ insights in shaping our research agenda, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives,” he stated.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision. “Through this distinguished committee, we will transform sustainability in Africa by localizing solutions and decolonizing approaches. Our focus remains on driving inclusive, data-driven growth through strong political commitments and cross-sector collaboration.”
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Gatmash Partners Access Bank to End ‘Period’ Poverty in Nigeria with ‘PAD Me a Girl Initiative’
Access Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, is partnering the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” a project of GATMASH MEDIA, to launch a ‘Pad Bank’ aimed at providing free sanitary pads to girls and women in need.
The groundbreaking initiative is founded by Theresa Moses, a renowned journalist and Editor-in-Chief of GATMASH NEWS. The project seeks to address the pressing conundrum of ‘period’ poverty, which is affecting millions of girls and women in Nigeria.
The initiative will help address pads deficit among the less privileged members of the society as its aim is to promote menstrual health and hygiene, as well as provide educational materials, and support girls and women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative is also partnering with several organizations, including Checkers Custard, Empowered Girls for Christ Foundation, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, ProStar, Vita Baites Foods, and many more.
This is a unique and innovative concept, designed to store and distribute free sanitary pads to the needy. The ‘Pad Bank’ will be stocked with sanitary pads donated by Access Bank, other corporate organizations, and individuals. The idea is to collect and distribute over 1 million sanitary pads annually.
“We are excited to partner with Access Bank to launch the Pad Bank,” said Theresa Moses, Convener of the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative.”
“Access Bank is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians. Therefore, Access PAD Me A Girl project is a testament to its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society that every girl and woman deserves access to sanitary pads.
“The Pad Bank is a game-changer in the fight against period poverty, as it will provide a safe and accessible space for girls and women to access sanitary pads, promoting dignity and empowering them to reach their full potential.”
The Access PAD Me A Girl Project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
In addition, the initiative will provide educational materials and support (Exercise books and pen), thereby helping to promote literacy and educational attainment, in consonance with SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empowering all women and girls to reach their full potentials.
The Access PAD Me A Girl Project, which includes the launch of the Pad Bank, will kick off on April 3rd, 2025, in Gofye Community, Kuje Area Council, New Kunchingoro, Opposite Games Village, Kaura, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, and on April 5th, 2025, in Ortese IDP Camp, Guma LGA, Benue State.
Ondo State is historically a giant in agriculture which is the mainstay of the economy of Nigeria. This is despite being listed as one of the states rich in crude oil and other minerals in Nigeria.
For a long time, Ondo State has been the biggest producer of cocoa in Nigeria. Further, the state is blessed with large fields of fertile soil which supports high yield of oil palm, rubber, cassava, among others cash and food crops.
This is why the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has vowed to continue to support initiatives which will bring back the glory days of Ondo State in agriculture. His efforts are beginning to yield immense gains as one of the largest agricultural investments in the recent history of the state has just been established. This is the JB Palm Plantation and Processing Mill, Ore, Ondo State which is bankrolled by the Managing Director/CEO of JB Farms limited, Mr. Ajibola Adebutu, MON in the oil-rich State.
The remarkable investment by Mr. Ajibola Adebutu is a significant milestone in Ondo State’s progression towards taking back its pride of place as leader of the agricultural revolution in Southwest Nigeria, nay Nigeria as a whole. This huge investment in oil palm production which is needed for food products like cooking oil, margarine, soaps, cosmetics, and biofuels will undoubtedly set Ondo State as the hub for agricultural production and processing.
On the other hand, this grand investment by Ajibola Adebutu may also help to reverse the trend of kidnapping and criminality in Ondo South Senatorial district where it is located. The place was a hiding haven for criminals as it used to be a thick forest.
Paying a working visit to the JB Farms in Ore, the visibly elated Executive Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated: ‘This is a very large plantation. It is the biggest I have seen. So much has gone into this place including road infrastructure. This is about 400km of roads leading to the various clusters in this farm. They have taken it to another level. We have to support large scale mechanized farmers. We will give them all the required support, security, and enabling environment.’
While appreciating the Governor for his visit, Mr. Adebutu noted that this oil palm investment ‘is capable of producing about 800 tonnes of palm fruit everyday. With this, security wise, kidnappers will not have a place to hide. We are encouraging people. We are challenging people to invest because this is part of the future of Nigeria.’
Governor Aiyedatiwa also planted a palm tree in the Farms to affirm his unrivalled commitment to promoting food sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and profitable agribusiness in the state.
Culled from Trek Africa Newspaper
