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RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE

By Magnus Agu magnusagu85@gmai.com

Reading through the public letter by Collins Nweke, purportedly addressed to the new Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs I thought it would be something new, something different, something more intelligent.
But it was all still same of the same I won’t bore you with a long treatise I think Collins Nweke already did that .So let me go straight to the points that I want to focus on in the write-up

The issue of Nido ( Nigerians in diaspora organization )Collins Nweke has taken us through the history of the formation of Nido I don’t have any problem with his historical background
NIDO, an initiative of President Olusegun Obasanjo many years ago was set up to have all Diaspora groups under one umbrella. Unfortunately, the purpose was not achieved due to in-fighting, and quarrels, that subsequently saw even original, serious-minded members of the group exiting Nido , thanks to the sit tight and clandestine nature of its inaugural leaders like Collins Nweke and few of his cohorts.
Stories are replete of many Nigerians abroad who were recommended to join the organization but left disappointed and wondered how they would function in an organization that had different factions, had lots of hidden and selfish agendas by its so called leaders at that time . They were confused as they had to deal with these fears so they , like many others, saw no focus and so opted out . So Collins Nweke, a founding father of Nido should be ashamed of the general state of affairs of Nido , particularly the clandestine Nido Worldwide and Nido Continental , which he and just a handful of his like , treacherously hold on to as their cash cow. It’s either his way or no way
Now . Don’t get me wrong There are various branches of NIDO doing well in some countries Take for instance NIDO Sierra Leone. NIDO Sierra Leone has taken up a project to build a hospital in Sierra Leone for Nigerians in Sierra Leone. Nido Europe ( representing the whole of Europe led by Bashir Obasekola ) Nido Qatar, Nido South Korea , Nido Sweden, and some other Nido chapters in some countries are doing well in their various chapters and must be commended , along with other diaspora groups and associations and individuals making Nigeria proud
It must be noted that some countries don’t have any organization called NIDO. For instance, South Africa has NICASA, and Nusa , Australia has an Association of Nigerians in Australia, and Ethiopia has an organization called NISE. I could go on and on, In America there is NAPAC , an association that has supported Nigerians contesting various elections in America, and today about 14 Nigerians in America have won their elections In America with the support of NAPAC . In Canada alone there are about 51 diaspora organizations and none of which is called Nido. Canada is peculiar because one of Collins Nweke´s Colleagues registered Nido in his own name In other words he owns Nido. Story for another day . We all know that there are professional associations like ANPA, NAPPSA, MANSAG, NNCA, NCBN, NNC,and several other professional and socio cultural groups . Canuk in the UK represents almost over 100 associations while existing along Nido UK South Zumunta is also a very strong and purposeful diaspora group . So would it not be easier if all these associations are under one umbrella as former President Olusegun Obasanjo envisaged ?Noble intention But these genuine objectives failed over the years because people like Collins Nweke remained selfish and self-centered. They could not keep Nido as one I mean how can an association that is fragmented bring others on board, for instance, NidoAfrica shamelessly has at least 2 factions, fighting over what ? Nido America has more than a faction, There are some Nido groups in some countries in Asia and the Middle East , existing along side other very active and purposeful groups .
Nido does not exist anywhere in Australia and many other countries around the world

As noble as the objective of having all Nigerian diaspora groups under one umbrella is , it has not worked.

So what NIDO needs to do is put its own house in order and rebrand, talk to all these associations, and see if they can bring them together under one room, But my fears are it is too late now because of people like Colin’s Nweke and and his cohorts , who after 25 years , feel that they must hold on to Nido and hold 17million Nigerians in the diaspora to ransom through what Nweke calls Nido Worldwide and Nido Continental. These are bodies created by him and his gang made up of former Chairmen of Nido whom they constituted with the aim of remaining in charge of these associations for life. Mr Chairman put yourself in this situation Imagine former chairmen and members of the house committee of diaspora constituting themselves into associations of former committee members and taking decisions for you as a serving parliamentarian and chairman of committee ?What Collins Nweke is thus asking you to do is to take these guys , who have been former chairmen of Nido , as the alpha and omega of all 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora ? Chairman, does that make sense to you ?
Nweke is talking about rule of law . What moral right does a man who was an executive of Nido since the days of President Obasanjo , but refuses to let go , through what he calls Nido worldwide ?
I think Collins Nweke , beyond giving empty foreign policy analysis on tv sometimes, needs a job . Mr Chairman, you can help him get a job , please

Collins Nweke and his Nido worldwide and Nido Continental ( whatever it means ) has remained a nuisance and a distraction from genuine diaspora issues affecting Nigerians all over the world
Mr. Chairman sir I challenge you to ask Collins Nweke to give you just 500 genuine names of his members world wide !

Colllins Nweke`s piece titled “ Ending the Affront to the Rule of Law “ is ironic because , as expressly stated above ,if there is any affront to the rule of law that should be ended ,it should be that of Colllins Nweke and his inconsequential microscopic minority gang who want to be perpetual rulers, We in the Diaspora will continue to resist and reject them
Now , we have our own Commission , Nidcom , to relate with .And in this age of technology, getting data of registered groups and associations and bringing them together to work for the progress of our country is easier . And we can see that Nidcom is doing just that

As for the issue of the NiDCOM Board, it is an Administrative structure to be set up by Mr President, so it is an administrative matter. NiDCOM Board is not the only Board that has not been constituted and it will be constituted., hopefully soon However, we must commend the Diaspora Commission for bringing the Diaspora phenomenon to the front burner and you can see it’s been doing well despite all the challenges as well as little or no funding. They have taken the issue of diaspora seriously and put Nigerian issues on the front burner and we do appreciate this. Is the Commission perfect? No, but we have to help in building and strengthening this organization. Diaspora is a part of our foreign policy in Nigeria and if you look at the diaspora policy, it is well crafted if it is properly implemented we would even do better than other countries have done all over the world.
Nweke’s obsession, as in other issues with him , is self serving . He desperately had hoped to be chairman or worse case , member of the board , especially if another party had won elections , not the APC
Well, dreams do come true . I wish him well

And on the issue of Diaspora voting, Collins Nweke and his gang are not even sincere about this. A few years back they said, oh, they will mobilize 1,000,000 people on Diaspora voting and they could not even mobilize one person

So therefore he is not in a position to talk about diaspora voting, Diaspora voting has been an issue that has been championed by people at home and in the diaspora. There is already a bill in the Senate to amend the constitution to make diaspora voting a reality and what we want from you Mr Chairman is to join in our voices to make this a reality.
In his write-up, Collins Nweke asked you a pertinent question , which he termed “ the elephant in the room”He asked “ what do you want to be remembered for.” I pose the same question right back to you
What do you want to be remembered for ?
A selfless , patriotic parliamentarian or
a religious, tribal bigot that will give in to selfish manipulations? ( By the way Mr Chairman I know you are a member of the Labour Party to which people like Collins Nweke belong to ) So do you want to be remembered as a selfless parliamentarian who put the issues of diaspora selflessly Irrespective of tribe , political affiliations ?Or one who will join the clarion call for all Nigerians at home and abroad to join hands to build Nigeria together
The ball is in your court !.

RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE

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Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre

Published

2 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre

By: Michael Mike

Lagos State has taken a major step toward repositioning Nigeria as a global investment destination with the unveiling of a comprehensive roadmap to establish a Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), envisioned as the leading financial hub in West Africa.

The roadmap is contained in a new report titled “Establishing an International Financial Centre in Lagos (LIFC), Nigeria”, produced by TheCityUK in collaboration with the UK Government, Lagos State Government, the Lagos International Financial Centre Council (LIFCC), and EnterpriseNGR. The report was formally launched at the State House, Marina, Lagos.

The high-level event attracted senior government officials, diplomats, and private sector leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria Jonny Baxter, EnterpriseNGR Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and EnterpriseNGR Chief Executive Officer Obi Ibekwe.

The initiative is aligned with Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, positioning the LIFC as a long-term catalyst for economic transformation. According to the report, the proposed financial centre will deepen capital markets, mobilise international investment, drive innovation, and support sustainable economic growth across Lagos, Nigeria, and the wider West African region.

The report underscores the importance of strong public-private collaboration, noting that Lagos’ demographic advantage, expanding financial ecosystem, and strategic location make it well-suited to host an international financial centre that meets global standards.

One of the report’s core recommendations is the creation of an independent IFC framework for Lagos. This model would provide regulatory certainty, simplified tax and policy regimes, and a transparent governance structure aimed at improving investor confidence and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global finance.

To differentiate Lagos from other emerging financial centres, the report identifies three priority sectors for initial focus: green and sustainable finance, fintech and financial innovation, and commodities trading and capital markets. These sectors are considered critical to Nigeria’s future economic diversification and resilience.

The report also highlights the need for robust legal and regulatory reforms, calling for close coordination between Lagos State, the Federal Government, regulators, and the private sector to ensure smooth implementation of the LIFC vision.

Human capital development is another key pillar of the strategy. Recommendations include strengthening local talent pipelines, easing visa requirements for international professionals, and creating an enabling environment that supports skills transfer and high-value job creation for Nigeria’s growing youth population.

In addition, the report proposes competitive and targeted tax incentives, streamlined business processes, and investment-friendly policies designed to attract long-term capital aligned with national development priorities.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to the project, describing the International Financial Centre as essential to boosting market competitiveness and facilitating seamless trading.

“Lagos is Nigeria’s largest economic and financial centre, and we must create an ecosystem that attracts investment, improves liquidity, and strengthens market infrastructure,” the governor said, adding that the LIFC would unlock new opportunities for public-private partnerships in technology and capital market development.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter said the report reflects the deepening UK-Nigeria partnership, combining Lagos’ strengths with UK expertise to support financial sector development.

He noted that, if effectively implemented, the LIFC could unlock significant domestic and international investment, expand capital markets, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth beyond Lagos State.

Also speaking, TheCityUK’s Managing Director for International, Nicola Watkinson, described Nigeria as a high-growth market with strong long-term potential. She said the LIFC could play a vital role in attracting global capital, supporting fintech and green finance innovation, and creating high-value employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

With the launch of the report, stakeholders say the focus now shifts to implementation, as Lagos seeks to translate vision into action and establish itself as a globally competitive financial centre for West Africa.

Lagos Moves to Build West Africa’s Leading International Financial Centre

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Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

Published

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February 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

By: Michael Mike

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.

This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.

According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.

For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.

The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.

Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.

For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.

Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.

To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.

“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”

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Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

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APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

Published

3 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) E-Registration and Reconciliation Committee in Borno State, Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda has led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas as part of efforts to deepen grassroots participation in the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise.

The tour, aimed at monitoring progress and galvanising party members, brought the committee into direct engagement with local government officials, lawmakers, traditional institutions, and party executives across the two councils.

Members of the committee on the visit included Hon. Tijjani Umara Kumalia, Mohammed Makinta, Hon. Busami Ardoram, Hon. Babakura Shettima, Hon. Mohd Maina Tar, Hajiya Mairo Bunu Lawan, Alh. Zanna Mahdi, Alh. Yusuf Adamu, Barrister Ba’ande Imam, and the committee’s Secretary, Dr. Babakura Mamman Gadai.

In Bama, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Shehu Umar Ibn Kyari, where Ambassador Jidda expressed appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support and the warm reception accorded the team. He described Bama as a community with which he shares deep personal and political ties.

Addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the Bama Government Lodge, Ambassador Jidda recalled the overwhelming support he received from the people of Bama during the 1999 governorship election, describing it as a testament to the area’s enduring commitment to progressive politics.

He reaffirmed that Borno remains a stronghold of the APC, noting that the party’s decisive victories in the 2023 general elections reflected unity, discipline, and effective leadership within the party. According to him, the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, has been instrumental in sustaining the party’s dominance and credibility in the state.

Ambassador Jidda emphasised that the ongoing e-registration exercise is a strategic political process that goes beyond record-keeping, explaining that it determines legitimate membership, internal participation, and eligibility for leadership and elective positions within the party.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Bama, Hon. Aji Kolo Ali Gujja, the Matawali of Bama, urged party members to take full advantage of the exercise and ensure total participation. The Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Hon. Babagana Bagados, also assured the committee of the council’s full support to guarantee a smooth and inclusive registration process.

In Konduga Local Government Area, the committee was received by the council chairman, Dr. Abba Saje Mohd Nur, the area’s representative in the Borno State House of Assembly, and the Executive Secretary of the Borno ICT Development Agency, Hon. Engr. Kabir Wanori, alongside other party stakeholders.

The delegation inspected the APC e-registration centre in the area and expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and turnout recorded. Local party leaders pledged continued mobilisation to ensure that all eligible members are captured before the close of the exercise.

Ambassador Jidda described the extension of the e-registration exercise as a critical opportunity for APC members in Borno State to reaffirm their loyalty, unity, and numerical strength. He called on ward, local government, and zonal leaders, as well as youth and women groups, to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 8 deadline.

He assured party members of a transparent, inclusive, and credible process, urging all APC supporters to participate fully and contribute to strengthening the party’s structure from the grassroots level.

APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base