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Tag: Senator George Akume

  • Akume hails Everight at 20, Okpara canvasses health bank

    Akume hails Everight at 20, Okpara canvasses health bank

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commended Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services for its 20 years of contribution to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    He described the organisation as a model of private-sector-driven nation-building.

    Akume gave the commendation in Abuja at the 20th anniversary celebration of Everight Diagnostics in Abuja.

    He noted that his remarks would also be conveyed to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said the milestone went beyond longevity, stressing that sustained operations in the healthcare sector reflected vision, resilience and commitment to national development.

    “Twenty years in the life of a nation and an organisation is significant, particularly when that organisation serves humanity by saving lives,” Akume said, adding that nation-building remains a shared responsibility between government and the private sector.

    The SGF highlighted Everight Diagnostics’ role in strengthening Nigeria’s diagnostic capacity, recalling its contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was among the first private laboratories approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for testing.

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    He noted that innovation, technology and skilled manpower would shape the future of healthcare delivery, urging institutions to invest in human capital and strong organisational systems, especially at a time when Nigeria faces growing global competition for healthcare professionals.

    Akume also commended the launch of a book by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostics, Dr. Everight Okpara, titled Managing Employee Retention and Turnover in Nigeria, describing it as timely amid the challenges of talent retention and brain drain.

    He further praised the Everight Healthcare Foundation and its Diagnostics for All initiative, which he said aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda of inclusive development by providing free and subsidised diagnostic services to underserved communities.

    Akume reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to policies that promote local capacity, job creation and access to quality healthcare, urging private sector players to continue investing in institutions that deliver long-term national value.

    While the SGF focused on the role of private institutions in strengthening healthcare delivery, Okpara used the occasion to call for the establishment of a Bank of Health to address financing challenges confronting the sector.

    Akume acknowledged the proposal, disclosing that it would be formally communicated to President Tinubu for consideration as part of broader efforts to strengthen the health sector.

    Okpara said the absence of affordable, long-term funding has forced healthcare providers to outsource specialised diagnostic services abroad, worsening medical tourism and capital flight.

    According to him, Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually through offshore medical care and diagnostics, disclosing that Everight Diagnostics alone spent over $1 million in the past year outsourcing advanced genetic tests that could be conducted locally with adequate infrastructure.

    “If Nigeria can have a Bank of Industry and a Bank of Agriculture, then it can also have a Bank of Health,” Okpara said, adding that such an institution would provide single-digit interest financing for hospitals and diagnostic facilities, reduce dependence on foreign healthcare systems and help retain skilled professionals.

    On human capacity development, Okpara said Everight Diagnostics, which began operations in 2005 from a three-bedroom apartment in Lagos, now operates branches in Lagos, Abuja and Imo State, employing about 650 staff.

    He disclosed that over 18,000 young medical professionals, including laboratory scientists, radiographers and postgraduate researchers, have undergone training through the organisation over the years.

  • Akume urges indigenous firms to leverage Nigeria’s First Policy as Sole want Group hosts Africa Energy Summit

    Akume urges indigenous firms to leverage Nigeria’s First Policy as Sole want Group hosts Africa Energy Summit

    By Dotun Akintunde

    The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy has received a significant boost, as preparations for the 9th Africa Energy Summit, scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from November 27–28, 2025, hit top gear. This is coming against the backdrop of call by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who  urged indigenous oil firms to take advantage of the initiative

    The development emerged on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Senator Akume by the Managing Director and Founder of Solewant Group, Solomon Ewanehi, whose company is hosting the continental summit, according to a statement by by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the SGF.

    Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy also aims to foster industrialisation through strict local content rules in government procurement. The policy requires agencies to buy ‘Nigerian first,’ while waivers are allowed only for genuinely unavailable items.

    Speaking when Mr. Ewanehi paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, Akume called on indigenous companies across all sectors of the economy to leverage the full potential of the policy. He described it as a strategic initiative designed to promote local content, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Nigerian industries for development.

    Akume reaffirmed the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for Nigerian businesses to flourish through the policy, which he said is yielding positive results. He charged Solewant Group and other indigenous companies to take advantage of the policy to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported products and services.

    He said the policy was already yielding positive results across key sectors and urged Nigerian companies to take full advantage of the opportunities it provides.

    “The Tinubu-led administration remains committed to creating a conducive environment for local industries to flourish. Indigenous companies must leverage the Nigeria First Policy to reduce our reliance on imports and build a stronger domestic economy,” Akume said.

    Akume also commended Ewanehi for taking bold steps to harness divestment opportunities created by foreign International Oil Companies (IOCs) by investing in the oil and gas sector with steel pipes, metal fabrication, and specialised coating solutions. The former governor of Benue State and erstwhile Minister  also rallied support for the Africa Energy Summit.

    On his part, Ewanehi said his company is expanding its operations across steel pipe production, coating materials, coating products, and supply of coated pipes to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and across Africa. He added that Solewant Group aligns with the federal government’s directives to the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and other industry stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at significantly increasing the nation’s crude oil production.

    He informed the SGF of the company’s plan to host the 9th Africa Energy Summit in Port Harcourt.

    Recall that Ewanehi was among global oil and gas industry players, including Managing Director of TotalEnergies Nigeria, Mattieu Bouyer; Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Jagir Baxi; Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe; and CEO of Seplat, Mr. Roger Brown, who attended the recent NUPRC Roadshow in Dorchester, London.

    Other industry leaders in attendance included Chairman of AA Holdings, Austin Avuru; Chairman of the Governing Board, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero; and federal lawmakers.

    Tagged “Project 1MMBOPD Additional Production Investment Forum”, the two-day event aimed to accelerate Nigeria’s goal of producing an additional 1 million barrels of crude oil per day (bpd) through innovation and collaboration. Ewanehi highlighted transparency, innovation, collaboration, and emerging technologies as key drivers for the growth of Africa’s energy sector.

    According to an interview of his aired on ARISE News Channel, Ewanehi disclosed that international investors were given assurances by federal lawmakers and regulators on robust legal frameworks to protect investments inh Nigeria.

    Earlier at the roadshow, NUPRC’s CCE, Komolafe, announced the commencement of the 2025 licensing round from December 1, 2025. Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Alhassan Doguwa, assured investors that his committee would not push legislation undermining investments and reaffirmed that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 would not be tampered with arbitrarily. His counterpart in the Senate, Senator Eteng Williams, also restated the legislature’s commitment to business-friendly laws.

    Similarly, Ewanehi was among leading professionals who attended the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2025 in Houston, Texas, USA, from May 5–8. As a key player in the global oil and gas industry, Solewant Group unveiled advanced technologies, demonstrating leadership in technological, humanitarian, environmental, and industrial solutions.

    The company also showcased innovations at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, Algeria, convened by Afreximbank.

    Importantly, Solewant Group participated in the recently concluded high-level roundtable on the Gulf of Guinea’s energy, Oil & Gas,  Aviation, Minerals and  maritime opportunities during the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, USA with the theme: “Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea.”

    The roundtable, convened by The New Diplomat, an Abuja-based policy think tank and International Communications firm, in collaboration with the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), Angola, drew global thought leaders, including H.E. Prof Ibrahim Gambari, former Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister and erstwhile UN Under-Secretary General; H.E. Ghada Fathy Waly, former Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity and currently Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC )/D-G UN office in Austria; H.E. Amb Emmanuella Blatmann, former France Ambassador to Nigeria and current Head of Africa Division, France’s MFA, Paris; Mr Lateef Fagbemi,  SAN,  Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice;  Ambassador Oma Djebah,  former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Thailand and Convener of the High-level Roundtable, H.E. Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State; H.E. Governor Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State;  Dr Dele Alake, Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, minister of Industry,  Trade and Investment;  Ambassador Rita Laranjinha,  Portugal’s Special Envoy to Africa and former Portuguese Ambassador to Denmark;  Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Ambassador Kio Solomon Amieyeofor,  former Deputy Director General at the Nigerian Presidency; Mr Johnson Babalola,  A Canadian Corporate and Immigration Lawyer based in Toronto; Amb. Obinna Agbugba of GCC; the 21st Indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy,   Vice Admiral A.Z. Gambo (rtd), Ambassador Samson Itegboje,  Charge d’ Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington DC and the Permanent Mission of Nigeria in New York, amongst others.

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    Solewant Group also displayed its technological capabilities at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF 2025) at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where Ewanehi unveiled the Solewant Group Roadmap Plus to further boost technological innovation and industrial development.

    Experts say Solewant remains a pioneer in pipeline coating, fabrication, and asset integrity management in Nigeria. Its industrial park at Alode-Onne includes one of Africa’s most advanced multi-layer pipe coating plants, a dedicated pipe bends multi-layer coating plant (commissioned mid-2025 with Euro-American OEM partners), and full steel pipe milling capabilities.

    Solewant Group’s annual summit typically attracts policymakers, energy executives, development partners, and researchers from across Africa and beyond. The 9th edition, scheduled for November 27–28, 2025, at the Solewant Industrial Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is themed “Emerging Technologies and the Future of Sustainable Energy Development in Africa.”

    The summit is expected to highlight transformative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, data analytics, and other digital innovations reshaping Africa’s energy transition. Key features include: Paper presentations from industry leaders and government representatives; Strategic panel discussions on technology and energy integration; Technical presentations and keynote messages from NNPC, IOCs, and EPC companies; Exhibitions of intelligent energy solutions and case studies from Africa and beyond; Capacity-building workshops and networking opportunities and Launch of the Africa Energy Innovation Network (AEIN)

    The summit is expected to facilitate partnerships and funding cooperation and architecture for energy infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable projects, and technology-driven ventures, while strengthening local content and capacity development frameworks. Outstanding organisations and individuals contributing to Africa’s industrial and energy advancement will be recognised, while promoting excellence, innovation, and leadership across the sector.

    •Akintunde, a Communications Strategist, wrote from Lagos.

  • Akume visits Yelewata, calls for calm

    Akume visits Yelewata, calls for calm

    By Terrence Kuanum

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has condoled the people of Yelewata and the entire Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State over the June 13 killings in Yelewata.

    Senator Akume also called on them to remain calm and steadfast as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making concerted efforts to put a permanent end to the killings in Guma and all other parts of the state.

    The SGF made the call while interacting with the people during an on-the-spot visit to Yelewata to witness first hand the extent of the carnage that led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

    Senator Akume assured the people that President Tinubu shares in their sorrow and pain, and would stop at nothing to ensure that they were protected from further attacks.

    He regretted his inability to visit the scene of the incident earlier, and stated that arrangements were being made by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to provide relief materials to the people to cushion the effects of the attack in the short term.

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    The SGF urged them not to take laws into their own hands, as the security agencies are taking steps to enhance surveillance and prevent recurrence of such senseless killings.

    The Member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir who also hails from Guma, and the Senator representing Benue North-West, Senator Titus Zam condoled the families that lost loved ones, and told the people that the SGF who facilitated the deployment of security operatives to the area would continue to stand by them at all times.

    Hon. Tarkighir and Senator Zam expressed sadness over the incident, and asked the people to trust President Tinubu’s promise to end the killings.

    A political leader in Nyiev Council Ward, Hon. Mattew Mnyam said they were happy with the visit of the SGF as it inspired some hope in them, and prayed that such a heinous act does not repeat itself in the area.

    The District Head of Nyiev, Zaki Bernard Shawa informed the SGF that they had lost over 100 people in the few days before the incident on the 13th of June.

    Zaki Shawa appealed to Senator Akume to facilitate the establishment of a mobile police force unit in Yelewata, and requested for donation of relief materials for the victims.

    • Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Office of The Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

  • FG inaugurates inter-ministerial committee for 2025 Democracy Day celebration

    FG inaugurates inter-ministerial committee for 2025 Democracy Day celebration

    The federal government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee tasked with planning and executing the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, with a charge to deliver a memorable and reflective anniversary of Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

    The inauguration, which took place in Abuja on Thursday, was presided over by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen.

    In his remarks at the inaugural meeting, Senator Bagudu emphasised the significance of Democracy Day as a moment to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and democratic heroes who fought for freedom, justice, and the return of civil governance.

    “This year’s Democracy Day Celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our founding fathers to attain independence for our dear nation and to retrospect on the daunting challenges and trauma that other democratic champions faced in their collective efforts to wrest power from the grip of military dictatorship. 

    “To celebrate this day in their remembrance is to honour and recognise their place in history”, he said.

    He also noted that the annual celebration offers a platform for the government to present its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He urged committee members to collaborate closely and diligently to ensure the success of the upcoming celebration.

    The 2025 Democracy Day activities, scheduled to hold over a week in early June, include a World Press Briefing and Special Juma’at Service on Friday, June 6; a Church Service on Sunday, June 8; a Youth Engagement Programme on Tuesday, June 9; a Public Lecture on Wednesday, June 11; and the highlight of the celebration—a Presidential Broadcast and Parade on Thursday, June 12.

    The committee, chaired by SGF George Akume, comprises top federal officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    Other members include the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

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    Also on the committee are Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya; Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office in the OSGF, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju; and Permanent Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Office in the OSGF, Engineer Nadungu Gagare, who also serves as the committee’s secretary.

    The terms of reference for the committee include planning, organising, and executing all approved activities for the 2025 Democracy Day; co-opting relevant organisations or individuals for the success of the programme; documenting all proceedings and events for posterity; and handling other assignments essential to the celebration’s success.

    The federal government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that this year’s Democracy Day celebration not only honours Nigeria’s democratic journey but also reinforces its vision of national renewal and unity.

    The celebration on June 12 marks Nigeria’s democracy transition and honours the memory of June 12, 1993—widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in the country’s history, and a pivotal moment in its democratic evolution.

  • FG moves to strengthen policy framework for effective governance

    FG moves to strengthen policy framework for effective governance

    The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s policy architecture to ensure more effective governance, with a focus on coordination, accountability and impact.

    Speaking at the validation session of the Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework in Abuja on Tuesday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the event as a crucial step in institutionalizing structured and efficient policymaking.

    “This gathering is not merely another meeting in the annals of policy discourse, but a defining moment in our collective pursuit of a more structured, efficient, and responsive governance architecture,” Akume said.

    The validation session, a collaborative effort between the Office of the SGF, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), aims to refine a framework that will guide the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of policies across government institutions.

    Akume noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring policies serve as catalysts for national development, emphasizing that “a well-articulated, structured, and inclusive approach to policy management is fundamental to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    One of the major challenges Nigeria has faced in policy management, he said, is the lack of coherence and consistency across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), leading to inefficiencies and delays in implementation. 

    The new framework seeks to address these gaps by providing clear guidelines on policy formulation, assigning institutional responsibilities, and establishing mechanisms for tracking impact.

    “This Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework is a bold step toward addressing these challenges. It offers a systematic approach to policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation—one that is informed by international best practices, yet deeply rooted in the Nigerian context,” the SGF stated.

    He stressed that policymaking should not be a theoretical exercise but a practical tool for governance, adding that “a well-defined policy framework ensures that government interventions are streamlined, resources are optimally deployed, and national priorities remain at the core of decision-making.”

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, emphasized the importance of structured policymaking in national development.

    “The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains unwavering in its commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks and positioning public policy as a driving force for national development,” she stated.

    She highlighted the key gaps that the new framework seeks to address, including policy inconsistency, inadequate clarity around formulation and implementation, and the absence of unified standards across government institutions.

    “The Draft National Policy Development and Management Framework provides much-needed clarity, structure, and coherence, enabling policies to be developed with intent, implemented with discipline, and evaluated for real impact,” Bala Usman said.

    She described the validation session as a milestone in institutionalizing a governance culture that is adaptive, coordinated, and transformative, adding that “achieving sustainable national development requires not only bold ideas but also the frameworks to translate those ideas into action.”

    The Special Adviser further stressed the importance of broad stakeholder engagement in the policy development process, noting that “effective policies cannot be designed or implemented in isolation.”

    “They must be rooted in the collective experience, insight, and wisdom of all relevant actors—government institutions at all levels, civil society organizations, development partners, the private sector, community leaders, and technical experts,” she added.

    According to her, a review of Nigeria’s existing policy landscape revealed significant gaps, including inconsistencies in policy structure, overlaps, limited coordination, and challenges in implementation and monitoring. 

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    The new framework, she said, is a direct response to these challenges, providing a tool to enhance policy coherence and effectiveness.

    “As we gather to validate this document, I encourage us all to view it not as a mere compilation of procedures or technical standards, but as a bold step toward transforming the way we govern,” she urged.

    She also emphasized the need for synergy across institutions to reduce duplication of efforts and foster accountability in government programs and services.

    Bala Usman, however, called for full participation in the validation process, stating that “the true measure of a policy lies not only in how well it is written but in how effectively it is implemented and the impact it has on the lives of citizens.”

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, while delivering his remarks, emphasised the importance of standardizing policy-making in Nigeria, pointing out the need for a central coordinating unit to avoid policy overlaps and ensure coherence. 

    He highlighted the efforts of the NIPSS in pushing for a scientific and professionalized policy-making process, revealing that the institute plans to introduce a certification process for policy makers to ensure expertise across sectors.

    The goal, according to him, is to align policies with national interests and prevent contradictions, as directed by President Bola Tinubu. 

    The event had senior government officials and development partners in attendance.

  • FG, southeast stakeholders unveil proof of address system to tackle insecurity

    FG, southeast stakeholders unveil proof of address system to tackle insecurity

    The federal government has pledged to collaborate with state and local governments, along with other stakeholders, to tackle insecurity through the implementation of the Proof of Address System.

    Speaking at a Southeast stakeholders’ sensitization meeting in Enugu on Monday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is rolling out the system across all 774 local governments. 

    The initiative aims to provide every resident with a verifiable and secure address, serving as a crucial tool for governance and administrative processes.

    Represented by the Director of Political and Constitutional Matters, Mrs. Helen Garpiya, Akume emphasieed that the initiative would strengthen governance, enhance security, and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

    He noted that accurate data from the system would aid national planning and budgeting, addressing the long-standing challenge of ineffective resource allocation due to the lack of reliable data.

    “But with the introduction of Proof of Address, accurate data could be procured for proper planning and growth of the nation. The nation can now have accurate data for planning and development.

    “When we are planning, we should know how many people are in Enugu, for instance, so that we’ll budget and know the amenities that will go down to the grassroots. 

    “We need to get it right. For a long time, we have been budgeting but it doesn’t really get there but with this POA, we’ll be able to get there because we have a data. With the POA, the exact number of people in Nigeria would be known as well as that of foreigners coming into Nigeria. This is a step to having data for Nigeria,” he said.

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of rural development, local government and chieftaincy affairs, Ifeanyi Agujobi, said that that the people of the Southeast were ready to support any programme that would help curb insecurity and bring dividends if democracy to the grassroots as he is already doing in Enugu State.

    He said if the activation of local government proof of address is well carried out, the level of insecurity will be minimized as the process would go a long way in helping to plan developmental projects in Southeast. 

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    The governor said his administration has partially keyed into the plan by the establishment of a community based rural demarcation system.

    In his remark, the National Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Bello Lawal, said the initiative was designed to boost national security, facilitate financial inclusion and support economic growth, adding that the POA would help the nation get accurate statistics for economic growth. 

    Bello, represented by the Enugu State ALGON chairman, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said that the exercise would not be a mere bureaucratic one but a serious exercise meant at getting it right.

    “The Proof of Address is not just another bureaucratic exercise; it is an integral part of civil registration and vital statistics ecosystem. It serves vas a crucial pillar in a national and global data in infrastructure, contribution meaningful, contributing meaningfully to our development goals.

    “By providing verifiable proof of residence, the POA will support effective planning, financial inclusion and overall economic growth,” Bello said.

    The event was attended by traditional rulers, town union leaderships, local government chairmen among others from the five states of the Southeast.

  • OSGF distances self from corruption allegations against aide

    OSGF distances self from corruption allegations against aide

    The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has disassociated itself from allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering involving Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi.

    Uchi, a Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The EFCC initiated an investigation into the activities of Hon Uchi over allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering involving sums potentially exceeding N10 billion.

    Sources within the EFCC had disclosed that Uchi has been in custody since Monday, March 10, 2025, following a petition detailing properties he allegedly acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko, and Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, collectively valued at over ₦6 billion. 

    However, in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, the office emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity, stressing that the alleged misconduct does not involve its leadership.

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    “It is imperative to state categorically that the Office leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity,” the statement read.

    The OSGF also acknowledged the EFCC’s role in ensuring that individuals found culpable face the full weight of the law. However, it urged the public to refrain from speculation as investigations are still ongoing.

    “We recognize the efforts of the EFCC on this matter to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable. However, we urge the public not to speculate or draw conclusions as investigations are still ongoing,” the statement added.

    The Office further expressed its appreciation for the understanding and support of the public as the case unfolds.

  • Accommodate North-central in appointments, APC group begs SGF Akume

    Accommodate North-central in appointments, APC group begs SGF Akume

    Members of the North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum have appealed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume to ensure the accommodation of the entire North-central zone in appointments made by his office.

    In a statement, the group’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, urged the SGF to stand as the leader of the party in the North-Central zone by ensuring that the people of the zone feel the impact of his exalted office.

    The APC Forum threatened to mobilize against the SGF and demand his removal from office, should he fail to take urgent steps to correct the imbalance in the appointments so far made.

    The group, while urging the SGF to address perceived lapses in his approach to leadership, claimed that the development has negatively impacted the fortunes of the APC in the North-Central.

    It noted that the position of SGF was zoned to the North-Central in line with the party’s zoning arrangement after the election of President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

    The group claimed that Akume has been appointing mostly his Tiv brothers from Benue State since he assumed the position of SGF.

    It was alleged that Akume’s conduct was contrary to what was expected by APC leaders when the position of the SGF was given to the North-Central, as he had not carried the zone along.

    The statement reads in part, “The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum notes with concern, the failure of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to carry the entire North-Central zone along since his appointment as SGF by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

    “This is unacceptable and we, the North-Central APC Forum, condemn this attitude and ask the SGF to correct the imbalance in appointments or face protests by the people of the North-Central.

    “It is on the record that the position of SGF was given to the North-Central in line with the zoning arrangement within the APC and as such, the current occupant of the office, Senator George Akume, is the one representing the North-Central in the top echelon of the Federal Government.

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    “However, and unfortunately, Senator Akume is only appointing people of the Tiv extraction of Benue State to positions within the office of the SGF.

    “We, the North-Central APC Forum, are calling the SGF’s attention to these lopsided appointments, and we are also asking him to balance the appointments and carry the entire people of the North-Central along.

    “We are also calling on Senator Akume to take his duties seriously and concentrate on the responsibilities of the office of the SGF, instead of engaging in endless fights with the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, which is taking much of his attention. 

    “We are equally urging Senator Akume to immediately make necessary appointments to fill up vacant positions in the Office of the SGF.

    “We are aware that there are vacant SA positions in the Office of the SGF that have yet to be filled.

    “We are issuing a timely reminder to Senator Akume to use those outstanding positions to balance the appointments in the Office of the SGF.

    “This will not only correct the imbalance in the spread of appointments in the establishment but also boost the efficiency of the office of the SGF by bringing in competent individuals from diverse backgrounds to man key vacant positions within the OSGF.”