The Chairman of Dangote Group, Dr. Aliko Dangote has formally submitted his petition against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk, to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) accusing him of corruption and financial impropriety.
In the petition submitted on December 16, through his lawyer, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), Dangote demanded arrest, investigation and prosecution of Ahmed for allegedly living above his means as a public servant.
In the petition received by the office of the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), the Dangote Group Chairman specifically accused the NMDPRA boss of spending without evidence of lawful means of income amounting to over 7million USD for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront.
Dangote in the petition named the four children and their schools in Switzerland including the amount paid for each of them to establish his allegations and verification by the anti-graft Agency.
He alleged that Farouk Ahmed was using the instrumentality of the NMDPRA to embezzle and divert public funds for self gains and pursuit of private interest to the detriment of the Nigerian people which orchestrated uproar and protest by different groups recently.
The Oil magnate claimed that Farouk Ahmed throughout his lifetime as an adult worked in the public sector in Nigeria and that the totality of his earnings over the years was nothing close to 7 million USD, allegedly diverted from the public coffers to pay for the education of his teenage children abroad.
“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of Code of Conduct for public officers, Corrupt enrichment, embezzlement are gross Act of corrupt practices for which your Commission (ICPC) is statutorily empowered under section 19, of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute.
“Upon a successful prosecution of such a person, under section 19, of the ICPC Act, the person is liable to imprisonment for five years without an option of fine,” Dangote said.
“We make bold to state that the ICPC is strategically positioned along the sister agencies to, prosecute financial crimes and other corruption related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the Courts do not hesitate to punish offenders.
“In view of the above, we call on the Commission under your leadership to investigate the complain of abuse of office and corruption against Engr Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly, prosecute him if found wanting.
“We have no reservation that being a matter that is in the public domain, the Commission will not close its eyes to it but act decisively to ensure that justice is done and the good image of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is protected”.
Dangote vowed to be on ground to proffer evidence in proof of his allegations of corrupt enrichment, abuse of office, and impunity against Engr Farouk Ahmed.
Dangote Petitions ICPC Over Alleged Corruption By NMDPRA Boss, Ahmed
Nigeria: Committee to Eliminate Misinformation, Noncompliance With Immunization Vaccines Setup In Kubau – Kaduna
JAP, WHO Organise Road Show Performance
A committee to eliminate non-compliance with immunization vaccines set up in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has expressed commitment to ensuring that no more zero dose is ever recorded in the Area .
The Social Mobilization Officer (SMO) of Kubau LGA, Mallam Mustapha Lawal Anchau gave the assurance during a Road Show Performance organized by Journalists Initiative on Immunization Against Polio JAP in collaboration with World Health Organization held in the Area.
He explained that the committee together with the Local Government Health Department has mapped out all non-compliant cases and set out appropriate steps to achieve the desired results regarding the polio immunization regulations in the country.
Also speaking the Sarkin Anchau, Alhaji Idris Yusufu noted that intensive scrutiny has been carried out after several debates and it was discovered that all misinformation about the vaccines were wrong thereby proving their efficacy.
He emphasized that the polio vaccines have no side effects and were carefully manufactured for Children’s well-being urging parents to always avail their children for the exercise.
Meanwhile the Association of Polio Survivors of Nigeria in Kaduna State through its Chairman, Mallam Rilwan Mohammed maintained that immunization remains the safest and most effective way to safeguard children’s health and secure a polio-free future for Kaduna State.
Mallam Rilwan Mohammed also commended the efforts and commitment of key stakeholders involved in the immunization campaign, such as the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, the World Health Organization, and the Journalists Initiative on Immunization Against Polio JAP among others.
He appealed to community and religious leaders to continue mobilizing residents and dispelling misinformation about vaccines, stressing that collective responsibility is needed to achieve total eradication of the polio virus in the state.
Nigeria: Tangale People Stand Firm Behind Dr. Musa Maiyamba As Legitimate Mai Tangle – Group
By Sunday Elijah,
The Tangale people of southern Gombe in Nigeria’s Middle Belt have insisted that Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba remains their rightful traditional ruler. The statement comes days after the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri issued a judgment favoring Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s position in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute.
In a statement, the Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) said the court ruling attempts to override centuries of Tangale customs and history. “The Tangale people do not and will not recognize any impostor. His presence in Poshiya is unwanted, unaccepted, and illegitimate,” said Dr. Eli Ibrahim Kerek, TCO’s Public Relations Officer. The community has pledged to appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court.
The Tangale insist that Dr. Maiyamba, a respected medical doctor, was duly selected in 2021 by the community’s kingmakers according to traditional customs. His appointment, they argue, reflects merit and consensus within the Tangale nation. Governor Yahaya’s refusal to install him, they claim, undermines Tangale traditions and violates constitutional protections, including freedom of religion and the right to self-determination in traditional leadership matters.
The TCO statement also highlights broader concerns of political and ethnic interference in local governance. It cites past incidents, including discrimination against Tangale individuals in public office and neglect of critical infrastructure such as the General Hospital Billiri. The community describes these actions as part of a recurring pattern aimed at marginalizing the Tangale people in the region.
Despite these provocations, the Tangale community maintains a commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and unity. Dr. Kerek emphasized: “Our restraint is not weakness—it is proof of maturity, discipline, and commitment to the rule of law. We are one people—guided by our customs, protected by our history, and destined to remain free, dignified, and sovereign.”
The TCO also reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), which recently elected Comrade Danladi Bako as National President. The community intends to continue its advocacy for Tangale interests both domestically and among the diaspora, including efforts to protect cultural heritage and advance development initiatives in Tangale land.
The ongoing dispute has drawn attention to the challenges faced by minority ethnic groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, highlighting the intersection of politics, tradition, and religious identity. Analysts say the Tangale response reflects a broader push by communities across Africa to assert their rights to self-determination and preserve cultural heritage against external interference.
As the Supreme Court appeal looms, the Tangale people call on both local authorities and international observers to respect their customs and support a resolution that honors tradition, justice, and peace.
From Abroad To Home: Tangale Diaspora’s Development Vision
By our Reporter
Across Africa and its global diaspora, communities are increasingly looking inward for solutions to long-standing challenges of underdevelopment, insecurity, and cultural erosion. One such example is emerging from the Tangale people of northeastern Nigeria, whose overseas community has unveiled a far-reaching development and advocacy agenda aimed at reshaping both diaspora engagement and local progress.
At the center of this effort is the Tangale Community Overseas (TCO), a global association of Tangale sons and daughters living outside Nigeria. During his inaugural address, newly elected TCO president Andele Tadi outlined a vision that reflects a growing continental trend: African diaspora groups positioning themselves not just as remittance senders, but as strategic actors in economic development, social protection, cultural preservation, and political advocacy.
From Migration to Mobilisation
For decades, African migration has been driven by education, employment, and survival. But diaspora organisations like TCO are now redefining what it means to live abroad. Tadi’s message was clear: migration should translate into organised power, not fragmented success stories.
The Tangale diaspora plans to strengthen unity through annual physical gatherings, regional coordination across continents, and comprehensive data collection that allows members to support one another through mentorship, employment access, and business opportunities. This approach mirrors similar efforts by African communities in Europe, North America, and Asia seeking to turn social networks into development infrastructure.
Diaspora as a Social Safety Net
Beyond unity, TCO’s agenda reflects a recognition of the vulnerabilities many migrants face. The proposed health and education intervention fund aims to support members during crises, reinforcing the traditional African ethic of communal care in a foreign environment.
This model resonates across Africa’s diaspora, where informal community support often fills gaps left by host-country systems or limited access to services, especially for new migrants.
Youth, Wealth, and Economic Power
A key theme of the Tangale vision is youth empowerment through wealth creation. While education remains important, Tadi emphasized entrepreneurship, skills development, and strategic career choices as tools for long-term influence.
This shift reflects a broader African conversation: that economic power, not just political participation, determines who gets heard. By encouraging business ownership and investment, diaspora communities are positioning the next generation to influence both host countries and home societies.
Investing Back Home: Beyond Remittances
Perhaps most significant is TCO’s focus on structured investment in Tangale land. Plans for agribusiness ventures, skills-to-wealth programmes, and a community-driven healthcare system represent a move away from ad hoc charity toward sustainable development.
Across Africa, diaspora groups are increasingly asking difficult questions: why should communities remain trapped in poverty while their people thrive abroad? The Tangale initiative seeks to process local farm produce, create jobs, and retain value within the community—an approach that echoes pan-African calls for economic self-determination.
Culture as Power
Cultural preservation is often overlooked in development discussions, yet TCO has placed it at the heart of its agenda. Plans to digitise language, history, storytelling, and traditions reflect an understanding that identity is a form of power.
For many African diaspora communities, cultural erosion is a real threat—both at home and abroad. By integrating technology, education, and creativity, Tangale leaders aim to ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots.
Advocacy, Security, and Representation
The Tangale experience also highlights the political dimension of diaspora engagement. TCO has previously engaged international partners over security challenges and attacks on Tangale communities in Nigeria. The new leadership reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, legal support, and collaboration with traditional institutions and neighbouring ethnic groups.
This reflects a growing pattern across Africa, where diaspora voices are amplifying local struggles on global platforms, particularly around insecurity, marginalisation, and human rights.
A Model for African Diaspora Action
While the Tangale story is specific, its lessons are universal. Across the continent, diaspora communities are recognising that development cannot be outsourced indefinitely to governments or external donors. Collective organisation, financial discipline, cultural confidence, and strategic advocacy are becoming essential tools.
The Tangale Community Overseas’ renewed vision underscores a powerful idea gaining traction across Africa’s global population: that the future of local communities can be shaped by those who left, provided they remain organised, accountable, and rooted in shared purpose.
As African migration continues to reshape societies worldwide, initiatives like TCO suggest that the diaspora may yet become one of the continent’s most effective development engines—not in theory, but in practice.
Nigeria: Accolades For Journalist cum Poet, Noah Ebije at Kaduna NUJ Press Week Over Books
Proficiently using imagination and expressive language to create verses and conveying deep ideas , Noah Ebije, the Sun Newspaper Correspondent on Saturday 13 Dec, 2025 in Kaduna, North West Nigeria, received accolades from not only his professional colleagues, but from the strata of the society who converged on Bafra Hotel to mark the 2025 Press Week of Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
The creativity which earned him the acknowledgement and admiration was his two books , Poetry, Like Plantain Plantation and Mosquitoes Sucked Their Blood For Five Years which were launched .
Across section of the audience
Reviewing the book, the Chairman, Association of Nigeria Authors Kaduna State Chapter, Stephen Adinoyi said the book goes beyond a school narrative to showcase a scenario akin to a political situation, where citizens endure prolonged socio-economic hardship.
He said the writer dramatised that among mosquitoes, there are elitist ones and common ones with conflicts between anopheles Mosquitoes and Culex Mosquitoes which have supremacy and selfishness likening to human beings with rivalries such as Political groups and professional bodies struggling to out-do each other during political campaigns where they made a lot of promises.
According to the book reviewer, the book demonstrates a clear dipiction of the country’s political parties that tried to attain political power not necessarily for the interest of the masses, but simply for the interest of politicians.
“They will tell you that when they come to power and form government, the people will be eating fried rice with chicken every day, promised various goodies during campaigns, but most times not even 3% of the promises fulfilled.
The drama by Noah Ebije, the book reviewer said also have human character about Nigerian education system where government treats public schools with kid gloves
Adinoyi described the book as a must-read for all Nigerians to enjoy the fine work of creativity, noting its strong allegorical relevance and social commentary. He added that characters in the book reminded one of the George Orwell’s novel, “Animal Farm”, where both animals and humans are played the major characters.
Launching the books, Kaduna State governor Sen. Uba Sani represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki poured encomium on the writer and challenged journalists in the State to emulate the Sun Correspondent by also engaging in productive ventures.
Ahmed Maiyaki
In his reaction, the Author and playwright, Mr Ebije attributed the inspiration for his two literature books to his rural upbringing and lived experiences in communities grappling with hardship in present-day Kogi State.
Ebije recounted growing up in a remote rural settlement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where basic amenities such as health centres, motorable roads, electricity and clean drinking water were nonexistent.
Raised on traditional herbs and cereal-based foods, he said farming, hunting and crafts defined daily life, while evenings were spent listening to folktales by moonlight.
According to the author, his poetry collection draws heavily from these formative years, particularly his childhood experiences working on palm and plantain plantations close to the village, in contrast to the more strenuous farming in distant hinterlands.
He explained that this experience mirrored his academic journey, where he excelled in Literature in English but struggled with conventional English language studies.
“Poetry, like plantain plantations, came naturally to me. The book reflects the simplicity, rhythm and imagery of rural life that shaped my worldview,” he said.
His second book, a play titled Mosquitoes Sucked Their Blood for Five Years, was inspired by the ordeal of secondary school students who studied in a mosquito-infested environment between the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Ebije recalled that the school was located near a forested area, exposing students to persistent mosquito bites and recurrent malaria infections, often forcing them to seek treatment at distant primary health centres.
The book launch was done in collaboration with the 2025 NUJ Press Week, Kaduna State Council.
Nigeria: Accolades For Journalist cum Poet, Noah Ebije at Kaduna NUJ Press Week Over Books
Proficiently using imagination and expressive language to create verses and conveying deep ideas , Noah Ebije, the Sun Newspaper Correspondent on Saturday 13 Dec, 2025 in Kaduna, North West Nigeria, received accolades from not only his professional colleagues, but from the strata of the society who converged on Bafra Hotel to mark the 2025 Press Week of Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
A cross section of the audience
The creativity which earned him the acknowledgement and admiration was his two books , Poetry, Like Plantain Plantation and Mosquitoes Sucked Their Blood For Five Years which were launched .
Reviewing the book, the Chairman, Association of Nigeria Authors Kaduna State Chapter, Stephen Adinoyi said the book goes beyond a school narrative to showcase a scenario akin to a political situation, where citizens endure prolonged socio-economic hardship.
He said the writer dramatised that among mosquitoes, there are elitist ones and common ones with conflicts between anopheles Mosquitoes and Culex Mosquitoes which have supremacy and selfishness likening to human beings with rivalries such as Political groups and professional bodies struggling to out-do each other during political campaigns where they made a lot of promises.
According to the book reviewer, the book demonstrates a clear dipiction of the country’s political parties that tried to attain political power not necessarily for the interest of the masses, but simply for the interest of politicians.
“They will tell you that when they come to power and form government, the people will be eating fried rice with chicken every day, promised various goodies during campaigns, but most times not even 3% of the promises fulfilled.
The drama by Noah Ebije, the book reviewer said also have human character about Nigerian education system where government treats public schools with kid gloves
Adinoyi described the book as a must-read for all Nigerians to enjoy the fine work of creativity, noting its strong allegorical relevance and social commentary. He added that characters in the book reminded one of the George Orwell’s novel, “Animal Farm”, where both animals and humans are played the major characters.
Launching the books, Kaduna State governor Sen. Uba Sani represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki poured encomium on the writer and challenged journalists in the State to emulate the Sun Correspondent by also engaging in productive ventures.
In his reaction, the Author and playwright, Mr Ebije attributed the inspiration for his two literature books to his rural upbringing and lived experiences in communities grappling with hardship in present-day Kogi State.
Ebije recounted growing up in a remote rural settlement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where basic amenities such as health centres, motorable roads, electricity and clean drinking water were nonexistent.
Raised on traditional herbs and cereal-based foods, he said farming, hunting and crafts defined daily life, while evenings were spent listening to folktales by moonlight.
According to the author, his poetry collection draws heavily from these formative years, particularly his childhood experiences working on palm and plantain plantations close to the village, in contrast to the more strenuous farming in distant hinterlands.
He explained that this experience mirrored his academic journey, where he excelled in Literature in English but struggled with conventional English language studies.
“Poetry, like plantain plantations, came naturally to me. The book reflects the simplicity, rhythm and imagery of rural life that shaped my worldview,” he said.
His second book, a play titled Mosquitoes Sucked Their Blood for Five Years, was inspired by the ordeal of secondary school students who studied in a mosquito-infested environment between the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Ebije recalled that the school was located near a forested area, exposing students to persistent mosquito bites and recurrent malaria infections, often forcing them to seek treatment at distant primary health centres.
The book launch was done in collaboration with the 2025 NUJ Press Week, Kaduna State Council.
Nigeria: Be Good Ambassadors of NIPPS, Tourism Expert Tasks SEC 47 Graduands With Felicitation
Kaduna based tourism expert, Tobi Bernard Thomas, has congratulated the graduands of the Senior Executive Course 47 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), kuru, Jos Plateau State, North Central Nigeria.
He urged the newly graduates of SEC 47 to be good ambassadors of the Institute within and outside the country.
In his congratulatory message on Saturday, Thomas who is a renowned tourism expert, strategist, and business consultant wishes the graduands well in their future endeavours.
He noted that the institution; NIPSS has contributed to the Nigeria’s academic growth by training top-tier leaders through its Senior Executive Course, serving as a crucial policy think-tank with extensive research.
According to him, the institution through its courses has continually bridged academia and governance to drive national development and policy implementation.
” I am honoured to acknowledge your dedication to excellence in leadership, policy formulation, and national development. I am particularly impressed by the intersection of your expertise with Nigeria’s tourism sector. Your graduation marks a significant milestone in your professional journey, and I have no doubt that your expertise will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification, sustainable tourism development, and job creation.
“I am confident that your leadership, expertise, and passion will catalyze transformative change in the tourism sector, leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and human capital, Thomas said.
Thomas who currently serves as the Kaduna State Coordinator of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) thanks the graduates who have just been confered with the honour of Member of the National Institute (mni), also urged them to take national unity and oneness of the nation as their priority.
Thomas also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his move to remodel the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) into a digitally driven, financially stable and globally recognised centre of excellence by the year 2030.
This initiative, he observed, will undoubtedly enhance the institute’s research capabilities, policy outputs, and sustainable national development impact.
The graduates are: ABDULHAMEED, Aliyu Abbati, ABDULSALAM, Bukar Alkali (Amb), ABIOLA, Oluwatobi Ayodele, ABUBAKAR, Isa Abdullahi, ABUBAKAR, Tahir (Col), ADEDOYIN, Adeola Musibau (DCP), ADENIYI, Adedoyin Adesupo ADEOSUN, Oluwole Ololade (Mr), ADIBO, Elochukwu Chibuzo (Dr), AHMADU, Abubakar Sadiq (Col), AKANDE, Kazeem Babatunde (Dr), AKINGBADE, Olurotimi Isola, AKINLOYE, Olufunmilayo Ajoke, AKINRINSOLA, Wale Ambrose (Comptr), ALIKOTE, Isa Ibrahim (Col), ALIYU, Manu Adamu (Col), ALKALI, Musa Ibrahim.
Others are ALOH, Ifeanyi David, AMLOGU, Mainaji Abraham (Dr), ANGBAZO, Dorcas (Dr), ANUKPOSI, Chuks, AWANEN, Janet Sira BANKOLE, Olakunle Funsho (Gp Capt), BELLO, Halima Dange (Dr), CAINO, Cafra Boaz, DA’U, Aliyu Magaji (Hon), DANIYA, Nasir Abubakar (Dr), DARODA, Mukhtar Sani (Col), DAWODU, Yosola Abayomi, DUNG, Keziah Ishaya, EIGHEMHENRIO, Paul Ikhuemosa (Dr), FANEYE, Olumide Omololu (Capt-NN), FARANPOJO, Alexander Omoleye (Dr), FOWOKAN, Titilayo Eni-Itan (Dr), GARBA, Abdulhamid Sabuwa, GARBA, Rabi.
Also included are UMAR, Mohammed Sani, UNAZI, Raphael Ogaba (ACG), UYANTO, Anto Benjamin, YAMBIU, Idris Buba (Alh), YUSHAU, Ibrahim Isah, UDEDI, Stanley Chidi (Prof), UKAONU, Chibueze Udokanma (Gp Capt), UKEJE, Charles Ugochukwu (Prof), UKEL, Geraldine Umo, SHOWUNMI, Solomon Olusheyi (Brig Gen), SOSINA, Paul Oluwaseun (Commandant), UBAH, Obinna Kenechi (Capt-NN), NGUHER, George Barclay, NWANGELE, Sunday Zijl (Dr), NWOKPOKU, Omeh, ODUBONA, Oludotun Olayinka (DCP), OGBUOZOBE-CHUKWUDI, Fidelis Okechukwu, OGUNO, Paschal Epiphanus Onyinyechukwu (Prof), OKONKWO, Doris (Comptr), OKONKWO-EKWENIBE, Uchenna Ogbeyeanu (Dr), OKORO, Mercy Eberechi (DCP), OLUTOMIWA, Patience Ladidi, OMAR, Abubakar Sadiq, ONOKPASA, Emmanuel Edare
ONUCHUKWU, Ndidi Stephen (Brig Gen),
OTAKWU, Adah Adams (Dr), PLACID, Anthony Okon (DCP), SAEED, Hadiza Santali, SALIHU, Amina Ajibola (Dr), SAMUEL, Osime (Dr), SATA-OWUGHA, Nathaniel Nengimonyo (Capt-NN), SHEM, Evans Elam (DCP), SHITTU, Saheed Olawale (Col) among others.
African Development Bank Maps Out AI-Driven Growth Potential For Africa
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has released a report outlining a strategic roadmap for unlocking the economic and social potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across Africa. Titled Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation, the report was developed under the G20 Digital Transformation Working Group and highlights the potential of AI to drive development on the continent.
The study, carried out by consulting firm Bazara Tech, finds that inclusive AI deployment could generate up to $1 trillion in additional GDP by 2035, equivalent to nearly one-third of Africa’s current economic output. This potential is supported by the continent’s growing digital capacity, favorable demographics, and ongoing sectoral reforms.
The report identifies five priority sectors expected to capture the majority of AI-driven gains. Agriculture is projected to contribute 20% of the total, followed by wholesale and retail at 14%, manufacturing and Industry 4.0 at 9%, finance and inclusion at 8%, and health and life sciences at 7%. Together, these sectors could account for approximately $580 billion, or 58% of total AI gains by 2035.
According to AfDB, realizing AI’s potential will depend on five interlinked enablers: data, compute, skills, trust, and capital. Reliable and interoperable data forms the foundation for AI insights, while scalable computing infrastructure supports efficient deployment across the continent. A skilled workforce is essential to develop, implement, and maintain AI systems, and trust—built through governance and regulatory frameworks—underpins adoption. Adequate capital investment is also needed to de-risk innovation and accelerate deployment, fostering a cycle of AI-driven growth.
The report further outlines a three-phase roadmap for Africa’s AI readiness, beginning with the ignition phase from 2025 to 2027, followed by consolidation between 2028 and 2031, and culminating in a scale phase from 2032 to 2035. AfDB officials note that achieving early milestones by 2026 will be critical to establishing Africa’s AI growth trajectory.