by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | crime, judiciaries, news, politics and government, politics and law
ABUJA – The Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI) has requested that both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) look into allegations regarding an attempted bribery involving 500 million naira from the Benue State government aimed at influencing members of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
A leading civil society group called the CJI, which focuses on enhancing transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s judiciary, has expressed significant reservations regarding the reported payments and their possible impact on the nation’s judicial integrity.
Earlier this week, when addressing journalists, the Chief Justice of Nigeria insisted that both anti-corruption bodies conduct comprehensive investigations into the allegation. He cautioned that should these claims be substantiated, they could pose a severe risk to the integrity of the Nigerian judicial system. Additionally, the organization has urged for an urgent examination of the conditions related to the suspected transaction to guarantee fairness and maintain the independence of the judiciary against outside pressures.
On Monday, Mr. Solomon Adodo, who leads the Campaign for Judicial Integrity (CJI), spoke to journalists in Abuja and made severe accusations. He alleged that some officials appointed by the Benue State government had misappropriated more than ₦500 million with the intention of influencing the National Judicial Council (NJC) decision concerning the ousting of the state’s Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
Mr. Adodo claims that a substantial part of the supposed funds were channeled through three officials from Benue State. These individuals have allegedly taken multiple journeys to Abuja, seemingly aiming to sway the NJC’s decisions by interacting with prominent judicial personalities.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has condemned the behavior of government officials, cautioning that their conduct highlights a troubling lack of understanding regarding fundamental governance principles, notably the necessity to safeguard entities such as the judicial system from being influenced by politics.
The Chief Justice of India additionally asserted having insider information indicating that some members of the National Judicial Council (NJC) had firmly rejected any monetary inducements offered by government officials. He highlighted that this unwavering commitment to resisting corruption strengthens the NJC’s credibility and reinforces public trust in the judiciary.
The Chief Justice of India further voiced worry that rather than encouraging productive discussions and efficient management, the government headed by Governor Hyacinth Alia apparently permitted the state’s legal framework to languish in inertia.
The Center emphasized that the inability to grasp the crucial function of an impartial judicial system within a democratic framework underscores the leadership’s lack of experience in managing government affairs and serving the public.
The organization urged anti-corruption bodies and pertinent officials to launch a comprehensive and open inquiry into the suspected misuse of ₦500 million, funds allegedly meant to sway matters under consideration at the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Given these circumstances, the Center encouraged the NJC to stay firm in protecting the judiciary from outside influence, guaranteeing that every issue concerning judicial officials is addressed without bias and strictly following constitutional guidelines.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | construction, government, highways, infrastructure, roads
The federal government has started building a 17.5-kilometer dual carriageway to improve access to the Second Niger Bridge.
The ceremonial ground-breaking occurred on Monday, marking considerable advancement in tackling the area’s transport issues.
At the event, President Bola Tinubu was represented by Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who underscored their commitment to enhancing road infrastructure, ensuring public safety, and boosting trade and economic activities across Nigeria.
The inauguration of the Second Niger Bridge for public use in December 2022 was a crucial milestone in improving connectivity between the Southeast region and other parts of Nigeria.
President Tinubu stated that this bridge is a significant infrastructural development essential for connecting the Asaba-Benin and Onitsha-Enugu dual carriageways, which are vital highways in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the access road initiative highlights the government’s dedication to promoting infrastructure advancement and boosting economic progress.
“A strong and adaptable economy depends on up-to-date infrastructure, improved public facilities, and enhanced social services,” he noted.
The President additionally pointed out that advanced transportation systems improve mobility, generate employment prospects, boost tourism, ease the circulation of products and services, and raise general quality of life.
Highlighting the significance of investing in infrastructure, Tinubu pointed out that governments across the globe acknowledge the necessity of strong infrastructures to foster economic and industrial growth.
He admitted that Nigeria’s present infrastructure falls short of its development goals and restated the administration’s commitment to upgrade highways, rail systems, and water routes under the New Hope Initiative.
Upon launching the initiative formally, President Tinubu praised the Delta and Anambra state administrations for working together effectively.
He requested patience and collaboration from drivers throughout the construction phase, guaranteeing that the contractors have the competence to finish the work punctually and with top-quality outcomes.
During his introductory speech, Governor Oborevwori praised President Tinubu’s commitment to developing infrastructure throughout Nigeria.
He pointed out the concurrent launch of the Benin-Asapa Expressway rehabilitation project, highlighting the key significance of these initiatives for enhancing regional connections and boosting trade.
“These infrastructure advancements are crucial for enhancing trade and economic activities. On behalf of the residents of Delta State, I express our sincere appreciation to the President for his outstanding leadership and dedication to revitalizing infrastructure,” said Oborevwori.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to sustaining tranquility and fostering development within Delta State.
He recognized the state government’s efforts as crucial additions to the federal highway upgrades, substantially lightening the load on the federal administration.
“Your commitment to the well-being of your constituents and your remarkable initiatives showcase your forward-thinking leadership. Delta State has transformed into a bustling hub of activity, and I am pleased with the continuous progress,” noted Umahi.
Engineer Olufunsho Adebiyi, who serves as the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Works, stated that the new access road will establish an essential transport connection between Delta State and Anambra State.
He characterized the pathway as a crucial link that will boost interconnectivity among various communities, easing traffic jams and fostering eco-friendly growth within the area.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | farmers, farming sector, funding, investors, rural development
The African Development Bank Group President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has unveiled plans to establish a $500 million fund aimed at unlocking up to $10 billion in financial support for small-scale farmers and small agricultural businesses throughout Africa.
At the High-Level Conference on Scaling Finance for Smallholder Farmers held in Nairobi, Adesina disclosed that the Bank’s leadership is actively engaging with its Board of Directors to set up this innovative funding mechanism.
The facility will utilize various financial tools such as trade credit guarantees, first-loss coverage, blended finance approaches, and origination incentives to lower the elevated transaction costs associated with servicing businesses. This effort will be supported by providing technical assistance.
“We are at the cusp of making history through our efforts to push the limits of innovation and form broad collaborative partnerships aimed at addressing the funding shortfall faced by small-scale farmers and agricultural businesses,” stated Adesina during his keynote speech.
Co-organized alongside the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), this conference aimed at tackling Africa’s significant $75 billion yearly funding shortfall faced by farmers and agribusinesses.
Adesina,
who has been granted Kenya’s top national distinction lately
As stated by President William Ruto–there is an urgent call for worldwide efforts: “Let us join hands to unlock the power of agriculture across Africa. Our aim should be to transform Africa into the world’s granary. Together, let’s nourish our continent with pride!”
Advancements Since the Dakar 2 Feed Africa Summit
Adesina pointed out significant advancements made since the 2023 Dakar Feed Africa Summit, during which 34 African leaders pledged their commitment to enhancing food security and sovereignty.
Development partners’ financial pledges have skyrocketed from their original commitment of $30 billion to an impressive $72 billion within just one year. In this effort, the African Development Bank alone committed $10 billion. To date, the bank has greenlit 77 initiatives totaling $3.9 billion aimed at supporting the execution of Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts in 32 nations. Furthermore, they plan to approve another $1.72 billion before the end of this year for these endeavors.
Major programs aiding small-scale farmers
The Bank has initiated numerous key programs to bolster smallholder farmers:
1.
2.
(The numbered list format was not originally present but added as per instruction since the original text did not contain any specific points.)
The TAAT program has extended advanced, climate-adaptive crop varieties to 25 million farmers across Africa, thereby increasing the continent’s agricultural output by 120 million tons.
The $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility has distributed 459,000 tons of seeds and 2.8 million tons of fertilizers to 12.3 million farmers, resulting in the production of 37.6 million metric tons of food.
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones program has committed $934.51 million, supplemented by $938.27 million in co-financing, aiding 27 initiatives across 11 nations.
The AFAWA initiative has granted $2.52 billion in financing to support 24,000 enterprises owned by women across Africa.
The African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism has introduced trade credit guarantees across nine nations, delivering 125,193 metric tons of fertilizer valued at $62.8 million to 776,971 small-scale farmers.
The Input Suppliers Risk Sharing Initiative, a $600 million program, aims to mitigate risks within the input supply chain across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Zambia.
The MADE Alliance Africa, working alongside Mastercard, has secured a commitment of $300 million from the Bank to incorporate 3 million farmers across Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria into the digital economy.
Addressing persistent challenges
At present, merely 6% of African smallholder farmers can obtain credit, and fewer than 20% utilize enhanced seeds. Lenders frequently view these farmers as risky clients because of unpredictable weather patterns and insufficient security assets. The agricultural sector receives minimal bank loans, constituting under 5% of overall loan portfolios across numerous African nations, even though farming significantly impacts their economies.
“Some of you might recognize these figures; however, the rest of us ought to find them disheartening. It’s crucial that we take action immediately to alter this situation,” emphasized Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development at the Bank, during her address at the inaugural session on Monday.
PAFO President Ibrahima Coulibaly called upon all parties involved to act decisively, stating: “Should we wish to rescue our continent from hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, it is imperative that we generate employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. No other industry has the potential to accomplish this.”
The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, urged immediate action saying, “By focusing on innovative and feasible strategies, we can revamp agriculture as a profitable venture. We must ensure that not a single farmer is excluded from this progress because they lack financial resources.”
On Tuesday, a group of prominent international and African financial specialists likewise made a strong appeal to synchronize financial systems with the requirements of small-scale farmers. They emphasized the vital function of governments in fostering an atmosphere where financial institutions can increase their loans for agriculture.
Click
here
To view additional photographs from the Scaling Finance for Smallholder Farmers Conference.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, children and families, education, government, politics
An educational food program in Kenya called Food4Education was so impressive that it moved KingLetsieIIIoftheKingdomofLesotho andDr.AkinwumiiAdesanioftheAfricanDevelopmentBankGroupto appeal passionately to governments and business leaders to take greater action against hungerin classrooms.
KingLetsie III and Adesina toured RuiruPrimarySchool, located on the periphery of Nairobi, to see firsthand how what started asa provisional setup in 2012 for just 25 pupils has grown into adaily operation providing healthy meals to 500,000children. Up untilnow, Food4Educationhas served over 100 millionmealsacross 10countiesinKenya.
At present, merely 30 percent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to school feeding programs, underscoring the critical necessity for immediate action and financial support.
Food4Education: A Framework for School Feeding Programs
The concept behind Food4Education was conceived by Wawira Njiru when she was just 21 years old. She established this nonprofit organization with the aim of making a positive impact within her local community.
Following an inspection of the institution’s culinary facilities, King Letsie III and the World Bank Group President put on aprons and headcovers just in time to distribute fresh servings of cooked rice, beans, and fruit to the students. Both leaders partook in enjoying this meal as well.
KingLetsie III and Adesina learned about the significance of theprogram for boosting school enrollment, enhancing educational achievements,promoting job creation, and invigoratinglocal economies.
At Ruiru Primary School alone, Njiru mentioned that enrollment had surged over twofold from 600 to 1,500 students, with attendance also seeing significant improvement as “children are genuinely enthusiastic about coming to school and eagerly anticipate lunchtime.”
Across schools supported by Food4Education in Kiambu County, enrollment has risen by 36.5 percent, whereas in Nairobi City County, which includes the capital city, it has gone up by 22.3 percent.
“Eliminating hunger among school-aged children is not an unattainable aspiration; it’s something we can achieve,” stated His Majesty KingLetsie. “The moment has come for us to take decisive actions and increase investments. We should proceed with haste and steadfast dedication to transform our goals into tangible outcomes.”
Bank Group President Adesina firmly stated that no parent should suffer through the agony of seeing their child cry out of hunger due to insufficient resources. He strongly emphasized the duty of African governments and business leaders to increase investments in both nutrition and education.
The problem concerning malnutrition and stunted growth isn’t merely a societal concern; rather, it’s a matter of leadership and accountability. We must question why, with 65 percent of arable land still available for cultivation in Africa, children continue to suffer from hunger at night. This query came from Dr. Adesina, alongside his spouse, Mrs. Grace Yemisi Adesina.
The next destination for the King and Adesana was the Food4Education facility, which includes both a warehouse and a laboratory. Here, they witnessed firsthand how food samples are tested for quality assurance. During their visit, they saw an automated system organizing products like beans, rice, and various staple grains, as well as employing environmentally friendly methods to store these items safely.
Food is strictly inspected.
The staff organized the packaged grains and cereals.
Njiru stated, “Our journey has been transformative—we had no guidebook or established route; we learned as we went along.” Through a practical methodology, they didn’t merely develop an end-to-end solution; instead, they crafted a model promoting comprehensive reform by enhancing education and nutrition, all while generating employment and chances for the communities they support.
The tour ended at the Giga Kitchen, which is Africa’s biggest eco-friendly kitchen. This facility produces around 60,000 nutritious meals each day through the use of fuel derived from recycled materials as well as environmentally friendly steam-cooking methods.
The aspiration of Food4Education is to provide daily meals for 1 million children in Kenya by 2027, with plans to extend its reach to an additional 2 million children across two extra African nations by 2030.
Food4Education functions efficiently on a large scale through advanced technologies like Tap2Eat wristbands. These enable digital payments from parents while offering precise operational insights that minimize food wastage and keep expenses manageable for families. Each element of this system has been meticulously crafted to serve as a replicable and scalable model throughout the region.
Addressing child malnutrition is a challenge we can tackle with innovative solutions,” Njiru stated. “The cost of hunger for Africa and the global community exceeds what most people understand. It robs our children of their dignity, consumes their potential, and leads to an economic loss equivalent to up to 16.5 percent of Africa’s yearly GDP.
As the African Union’s Advocate for Nutrition and the Bank’s Champion for African Leaders on Nutrition, KingLetsie III and Adesina reinforced their dedication to fostering political support and attracting fundingforthe development ofschoolfeeding programs acrossAfrica.
As we gather here with a shared objective, let’s acknowledge that sustainable school feeding initiatives are more than just interventions—they represent a pledge to foster human capital growth, bolster economic stability, and ensure food safety,” remarked KingLetsie at a press conference following his tour.
The Bank Group President, Adesina, emphasized, “We must start viewing investments in nutrition not merely as an expense, but as a crucial investment in grey matter infrastructure – the growth of human capital, specifically via improvements in nutrition and education, which will propel our economies far into the future.”
Those accompanying Adesina included Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President of the Bank Group for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development; Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General for the East African Region; and Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | isis, islam, islamic state of iraq and syria, military, politics
The Islamic State in Somalia is part of the global extremist organization known as ISIS, which operates internationally.
Located in the semiautonomous region of Puntland within northern Somalia, this terrorist organization became the focus of the inaugural international military action undertaken by the Trump administration in February 2017.
Earlier, the organization had connections to intended terrorist acts against the Vatican and the Israeli embassy in Stockholm.
Stig Jarle Hansen, who has written multiple books on African extremism, explores its roots, growth, and most recent military setbacks in the Puntland mountain region.
Read: Puntland offensive delivers setback to Islamic State in Somalia. Prior to the emergence of the Islamic State in Somalia in 2015, the Somali extremist organization Al-Shabaab was dominant in the northern region.
The limited team maintained far-reaching ties to smuggling rings.
Later, it divided into two factions, with Sheikh Abdulqader Muumin, who would go on to lead the Islamic State in Somalia, arising from one of these offshoots.
In Somalia, clans dictate the relationships among individuals and various entities within the society. The affiliations of this new group with the Ali Suleiman sub-clan allowed it to benefit from the clan’s ties to illicit trafficking networks and pirate organizations operating at sea.
Puntland serves as the central point for communication and maritime commerce connecting Somalia with Yemen and the broader Middle East. Illicit activities have been prevalent in this area for many years. Its rough landscape provides an advantageous setting for acts of piracy, unauthorized smuggling, and insurgent operations.
For over thirty years, Puntland has maintained a largely independent status within Somalia, with minimal interference from the central Somali government in recent times. As for the leader of Al-Shabaab’s affiliate in Somalia, Muumin resided in Sweden during the 1990s and early 2000s before relocating to the United Kingdom.
In Somalia, he became affiliated with Al-Shabaab and emerged as a notable presence in the organization’s radical video content. These videos serve to uphold certain values, draw in fresh members, and generate support for the group.
In 2015, Muumin deserted to head the Islamic State in Somalia. His deputy was an additional member from the Ali Suleiman clan named Mahad Moalim. The following year, in 2016, the group’s initial video began circulating via Islamic State propaganda channels.
A significant event occurred after the group’s suicide attack at the Juba Hotel in Bosaso, which serves as Puntland’s main commercial hub and port, in 2017.
This allowed the Islamic State in Somalia to coerce businesses based in Bossasso into paying them protection fees, which became their primary source of revenue. It is estimated that between 2017 and 2018, the organization was likely responsible for up to 50 targeted killings in central Somalia.
Murders served as a coercive means to extort protection money.
Read: Al-Shabaab Turns 18: Why Has It Refused to Disband?
On July 27, 2018, the Somali group became an official provincial branch of the Islamic State, commonly referred to as ISIS. This designation occurred when the Maktab al-Karrar regional office, located within the smaller Puntland chapter, assumed international duties.
The Somali faction was assigned responsibility for the Central African and Mozambique regions under the Islamic State’s purview. Funds were transferred to this group by the Islamic State, along with proceeds from extortions in Bossaso and various other towns across northern Puntland; however, such inflows from Mogadishu occurred less frequently.
During the initial six months of 2022, the US Treasury asserted that the organization garnered $2.3 million through ransom demands, associated imports, farming, and animal husbandry activities.
The regional office along with Muumin became prominent financial entities across East Africa and beyond, operating primarily from Buur Dexhtaal in Bari Puntland. In fact, according to claims by unidentified U.S. officials in 2023, Muumim was appointed as the international head of the Islamic State.3 Overstating Influence: The influence of the Islamic State within Somalia tends to be exaggerated. They have not managed to seize or maintain extensive regions. By 2024, estimates suggested their membership ranged between 600 and 1,600 individuals. This figure is significantly smaller when compared to Al-Shabaab’s presence in southern Somalia.
The connections to an alleged assault on the Israeli embassy in Stockholm scheduled for 2024 were likely tenuous and did not withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings. Additionally, the individual associated with plans for an attack in the Vatican during 2018 appears to have departed from the Islamic State before the plot was developed.
It is equally uncertain that Muumin leads the global Islamic State, as asserted by certain individuals. This skepticism stems primarily from two factors. Firstly, a leader of the Islamic State must come from a clan associated with the Prophet (the Quraysh tribe).
Muumin does not qualify. Additionally, the Islamic State in Somalia is the least extensive among the Islamic State’s African provinces. It is probable that a leader from a more powerful region would be positioned higher.
Despite the revenue-generation capabilities of the group based in Puntland enhancing its profile in Islamic State propaganda, the Islamic State in Somalia doesn’t outrank the Islamic State in the Sahara or Mozambique.
For Somali media outlets, fear often masquerades as legislation. Despite setbacks, they remain resilient. In January 2025, the Puntland administration spearheaded an effective counter-assault against the Islamic State, supported by aerial assistance from both the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.
In January and February, Puntland emerged victorious in significant skirmishes, one of which resulted in the death of 70 Islamic State militants.
By the end of February, the spirits of the Islamic State combatants appeared to wane. When their primary stronghold at Buur Dexhtaal was seized in March, most of the significant recognized outposts had been overrun. Numerous escaping foreign fighters ended up being apprehended.
However, the Islamic State has not been vanquished. The landscape allowed certain combatants to remain concealed. Both Muumin, who is in his 70s, and his deputy, Abdirahman Fahiye, have reportedly survived unharmed. At minimum, a few hundred fighters still remain active.
Should the Islamic State continue to extract funds from the business sector in the north, it might enlist members among the substantial population of Oromo Ethiopian refugees residing in and around Bosasso, along with local individuals seeking employment.
Written by Stig Jarle Hansen – Professor of International Relations at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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