Donors to political parties were put on notice yesterday that the law will keep an eye on them.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu said the agency would monitor donations to political parties during next year’s polls and the identities of the donors.
He warned political office holders against diverting public funds to their campaigns and for elections.
Magu said the $2.2 billion arms scandal under the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan caused a setback for the fight against insurgency.
The EFCC chief was delivering a paper at a one-day retreat for the 36 governors and key election stakeholders in Abuja.
The retreat, with the theme: “Institutionalizing Transparency, Accountability, and anti-corruption issues in the electoral process in Nigeria”, was organised by Centre for Values In Leadership (CVL).
Magu, who spoke through Olanipekun Olukoyede, his Chief of Staff, said parties should know that they will account for campaign funds after the poll.
He said: “We shall keenly monitor the financial affairs of political parties to ensure that the use of public funds to finance political parties and prosecute campaigns at all levels of government is checked. To minimize corruption and the use of public funds to fund political parties and finance elections, there is need for greater effectiveness in enforcing the provisions of the various electoral laws in Nigeria especially as it relates to penalties upon breach of their provisions.
Admitting that the enormous task before the EFCC and cannot do it alone.
On the $2.2 billion arms scandal, Magu said the cash was allegedly diverted to election funding.
He said: “When you consider the fact that the money was disbursed for the purpose of procurement of arms to fight insurgency in the North, then the negative impact of funding elections with stolen government funds becomes real at once”.
”The 13-man Committee, which I was a member of, analysed how funds were transferred to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Nigerian Armed Forces in local and foreign currencies and subsequently disbursed.
“The committee observed that about $2.2 billion was disbursed for the procurement of ammunition to tackle insurgency, yet little or nothing was actually spent for the procurement of the arms for which the funds were disbursed.
“ The committee discovered that failed contracts amounting to about $2,378,939,066.27 and¦ 13,729,342,329.87 respectively were awarded by the NSA; who also approved payments in millions of dollars without documentation.”
“Any time money is diverted by an administration to fund a political campaign, it is money already budgeted for an essential need which will never be met because of heartless and corrupt public officials.
“The money being misappropriated is either from health, security, education, road construction, personnel costs etc. The case of arms procurement by the NSA under President Goodluck Jonathan government is apposite.”
Ileya Festival: Olori Afolabi launches food bank, distributes rice to Apomu people
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, has distributed 150 bags of 50kg rice to Apomu people for the celebration of Ileya Festival, just as she launched a foot bank in the ancient city in Osun State.
Olori Afolabi said the food distribution is in response to the pressing issue of hunger in rural communities.
She said: “It is aimed at providing immediate relief to those in need and support rural families.
“Every package of rice represents a moment of relief.
“As we distribute the food we are not just meeting a basic need we are offering compassion, care and kindness.
“We are not just filling stomachs, we are filling hearts with hope because every act of kindness no matter how small can have a profound impact.”
The rice was distributed at the launch of Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation Food Bank on June 3, 2024 at the palace of the Alapomu of Apomu, the headquarters of Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State.
Olori Afolabi said: “We are honoured to launch this food bank to address hunger and promote well being in our community.
“We recognise that hunger is a reality for many in our community and we want to do something about.
“The food bank will offer a range of services, which include: food distribution to indigent families and support programmes on nutrition education and counselling.
“Our Food bank is more than a pantry.
“It is a symbol of hope.
“We are reminding those in need that they are seen, heard, and valued.
“The food bank is a testament of our dedication to serve the community.”
Minister of Information to Chair GOCOP Book Launch in Abuja
Lago
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is to chair the public presentation of the book Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing, a publication of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Idris
The event is scheduled for 110am on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.
President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, who confirmed this development said the book presentation will be graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including government officials, captains of industry, media practitioners and other professionals, representatives of international organisations, directors of non-governmental organisations.
Alhaji Idris was sworn in as Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With over three decades of experience in broadcasting, newspapering, public relations, and advertising, Idris has brought a wealth of expertise to the role.
His academic background includes degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano. As an entrepreneur, he established notable media outlets such as Blueprint, WE FM radio station, and Rapid Television in Abuja. He is a prominent figure in professional associations such as National Institute of Public Relations, African Public Relations Association, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.
As the founder of Bifocal Communications, a leading public relations and communications consultancy, Idris has served both local and transnational corporations.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Idris is committed to social responsibility through the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which has positively impacted many lives. As a reward for his contributions to the development of his immediate environment and beyond, The Etsu Nupe conferred “Kaakaki Nupe” on him.
A press statement by the GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the GOCOP president as saying that the proceeds of the book will be used to fund the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.
Nweke further noted that the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was established to promote professionalism in online publishing, ensuring its members uphold the fundamental principles of journalism.
Comprising seasoned editors and senior journalists with distinguished career in print and electronic media, GOCOP’s membership has traversed the online publishing, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism globally. With 120 corporate publishers as members, GOCOP continues to uphold the highest standards of online journalism
Lagos Island Lawmaker, Afinni Picks Patient Surgery Bill
Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim
sponsored by: H&H
“May you never experience such, May God be with you and your household, may you never fall sick, your enemies will never overcome you, These are the prayers from the heart of a resident of Lagos Island constituency ll, Mr. Abiola Shuab when favour falls on him during and aftermart of his successful surgery Operation been sponsored by Lagos Lawmaker, Hon. Lanre Afinni.
August24news.com gathered that Mr. Abiola Shuab was suffering from a premium Nasal Nose Blockage and as been placed under drugs and treatment before his doctor prescribed him for a Surgery Operation.
The surgery Operation was carried out successfully by a team of medical expert at the Ilorin General Hospital last Friday.
Upon reaching the Lawmaker for Financial support for the surgery, Hon. Lanre Afinni who represent the good people of Lagos Island Constituency ll at the Lagos State house of Assembly quickly reacted to the request and ask his Committee on Health to rally round Abiola and carry out all the necessary action claiming the bill should be credited on his account.
Commenting on the Goodwill done by Hon. Lanre Afinni is the Apex Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos Island Constituency ll, Chief Babajide Damasio commended Affini for the prompt and good act describing him as a lawmaker of the people who is always at alert for the good gesture.
On his own Part Hon. Lanre Afinni who doubles as the Chairman house committee on Environment at the Lagos State House of Assembly told Our Correspondent that “health is wealth, “we remain committed to our constituents members healthcare, their health is Paramount to us and that is why we have to come to their aid when needed.
According to Afinni, When we came into Office in 2023, we inaugurated several committees to look into the needs of our consistency members in different capacity and appoint professional to head the team in various offices such as Education, Sport, Security, Empowerment, Job Creation and Health.
“On our Health Committee desk, we have been able to organize series of medical talks, we also help with medical bills of our constituency members, We have done 3 editions of the medical outreach program, which includes dentals and distributions of free eye glasses with over 2,000 Two thousand in every edition and the 4th edition will be held in December this year. Afinni Stated.
Mr. Abiola Shuab is an Higher National Diploma holder in Banking and Finance from the prestigious Ibadan Polytechnic, Oyo State and resident of Number 17 Ajanaku Street, Lagos Island East LCDA.