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Nigeria Joins Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe on LEAPS Programme for Effective Public Sector Leadership

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Nigeria Joins Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe on LEAPS Programme for Effective Public Sector Leadership

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched the Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Service (LEAPS) Programme, aimed at redefining public sector leadership.

With the launch, Nigeria thus joined Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Zimbabwe on the LEAPS programme.

The programme which is anchored by African Capacity Building Foundation is a response to the demand for visionary, innovative, and ethical leadership in the public service on the continent.

Lauching the programme, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Lydia Jafiya stressed the importance of the programme, saying it is to encourage transformative leaders in the public service.

Jafiya, who was represented by the Deputy Director, International Development Fund, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Ibrahim Matazu, stressed that the public service remains the backbone of governance, tasked with delivering policies and services that uplift millions.

She said: “The LEAPS Programme, pioneered by the African Capacity Building Foundation, is more than a training initiative; it is a clarion call to redefine public sector leadership across our continent.

“In Nigeria, a nation central to Africa’s economic and demographic landscape, the demand for visionary, innovative, and ethical leaders has never been greater. Our public service is the backbone of governance, tasked with delivering policies and services that uplift millions.

“The LEAPS Programme is designed to empower directorate-level officers like you with the skills, mindset, and strategic acumen to navigate complex challenges and catalyze sustainable development.

“What sets LEAPS apart is its focus on fostering transformative leadership that goes beyond technical expertise.”

She noted that the programme draws from the success of its inaugural cohort, launched in Zimbabwe in November 2024, where LEAPS emphasizes competencies in leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation—qualities essential for addressing Nigeria’s unique priorities, from economic diversification to inclusive governance.

She added that: “This programme aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, equipping leaders to champion a prosperous and resilient Africa.”

She therefore urged selected participants from Nigeria to engage in dynamic learning, share best practices, and build networks that transcend borders, joining a pan-African movement of public servants committed to excellence.

She noted that: “The ACBF’s vision, as echoed by leaders like Hon. Adama Coulibaly of Côte d’Ivoire, is to create a public sector that is not only effective but also a catalyst for transformative change. Today, we take a bold step toward realizing that vision in Nigeria.

“I urge you to seize this opportunity to hone your leadership, challenge conventional approaches, and drive policies that deliver tangible results for our people.

“Together, we can build a public service that is responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking, ensuring Nigeria’s rightful place as a leader in Africa’s development.”

In his opening remarks, Senior Advisor to the Executive Secretary, for Strategy and Partnerships said LEAPS, Mr. Bakary Kone, is about investing in people, in potential, and in purpose-driven leadership.

Kone quoted a popular saying: “Nations do not rise because of their resources. They rise because of their leaders,” stating that the initiative is not just about launching a programme, but to invest in something far more powerful than policy or infrastructure—we are here to invest in people, in potential, and in purpose-driven leadership.”

He noted that “Our public finance managers already possess technical excellence. What they now need is the transformational power of leadership.

“LEAPS is about leadership that inspires, influences, and delivers.

“It is about equipping our most capable professionals with the soft skills—vision ownership, integrity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, ethical decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving—that turn good managers into great leaders.

“This programme is not a classroom. It is a launchpad. A catalyst. A movement.”

He stressed that the initiative is under the Enhancing Leadership and Governance in Public Financial Management in Africa, stating that: “When we launched ELG-PFM on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Nairobi last May, one powerful question emerged: “How will this program foster the kind of leadership Africa urgently needs—one that is resilient, ethical, and ready for the complexity of our times?

“Well, today—Nigeria delivers part of the answer.

“Since November 2024, LEAPS has taken root across five countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Zimbabwe—where 89 senior public officials completed a six-month transformation journey that concluded in June 2025.

“The feedback has been unanimous and inspiring: Leadership mindsets are shifting. Institutions are evolving. Impact is happening.

“And now, with great pride, we mark the official arrival of LEAPS in Nigeria—home to every one African out of 6, Africa’s economic engine, and a critical player in shaping the continent’s public sector future.”

He said that “Africa today stands at a crossroads. Our continent faces: Complex fiscal landscapes, unrelenting global economic pressures, and growing citizen demands for transparency, equity, and results.”

On his part, Senior Programme Officer, Gates Foundation, Mr. Adil Ababou, in his remarks, said “it is about ensuring that the public financial system can work better for the people, more efficiently, and avoid wastages. So this is really what this contributes to.

“That’s not the only programme we are doing in that space, but this is one that we think can put the ownership on the financial insurers and the government. We are hoping this really contributes.”

Nigeria Joins Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe on LEAPS Programme for Effective Public Sector Leadership

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NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

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NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted Nigerians to a fraudulent scheme in which scammers are impersonating senior officials of the agency to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with fake offers of forfeited vehicles purportedly being sold at discounted auction prices.

In a disclaimer issued on Friday, the agency said the fraudsters have been circulating forged private letters and messages, particularly in the name of the NDLEA’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, claiming that seized vehicles are available for purchase through private arrangements.

The agency described the offers as entirely fraudulent, warning that they are designed solely to swindle victims out of their money.

According to the NDLEA, no official of the agency has the authority to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals under any circumstance.

It explained that assets forfeited as proceeds of drug-related offences are disposed of only through publicly advertised auctions conducted by government-appointed and registered auctioneers, in accordance with extant legal provisions and public procurement regulations.

The agency stressed that whenever such auctions are approved, they are widely publicised through national newspapers and the NDLEA’s official communication platforms to ensure transparency and equal access for interested members of the public.

The anti-narcotics agency therefore urged Nigerians to disregard any private letters, text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles for sale on behalf of Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

It also advised anyone approached with such offers to report the matter immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through the agency’s official communication channels.

The statement, signed by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in the disposal of forfeited assets, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to the activities of fraudsters exploiting the agency’s name.

NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

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Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

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Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled multiple terrorist attacks, rescued an abducted district head and recovered arms and other combat equipment during coordinated operations across Katsina and Zamfara states.

The military disclosed that the operations, conducted on July 2, demonstrated the sustained offensive against terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction in Danmusa Local Government Area after the fleeing criminals opened fire on the advancing troops.

The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.

In another operation on the outskirts of Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, responded to a terrorist attack and engaged the assailants in a firefight.

One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while the remaining attackers fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, according to military sources.

Also in Katsina, troops of Sector 2, working with other security agencies, responded to intelligence that terrorists had invaded Farin Hawa Village in Malumfashi Local Government Area and abducted the District Head, Mr. Mubarak Sharin.

The troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists, made contact with them and engaged them in a gun battle, killing one of the kidnappers and forcing the others to abandon the abducted traditional ruler.

The district head was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 successfully repelled a terrorist attack on their position at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

Military sources said reinforcement troops joined the battle, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.

A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 35 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier and a hydration pack (CamelBak).

The military commended the courage, professionalism and resilience displayed by the troops as well as the support of other security agencies and local vigilantes during the operations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups while working closely with local communities to improve security and protect lives and property across the North-West.

Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

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MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

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MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, on behalf of the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, has recorded what community leaders have described as a significant legal victory in the long-running land dispute involving the Esemese Community of Ibusa.

In a ruling delivered on 15 June 2026 in Suit No. A/M/62/2015, the Delta State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge, declined the principal application by the Esemese Community of Ibusa seeking an order for the execution of the judgment arising from the earlier litigation between the parties.

The applicants, through their counsel, Barrister P. U. Lotobi, had sought, among other reliefs, an order permitting the execution of the judgment and the substitution of several deceased parties to the proceedings. While the Court granted the applications relating to the substitution of deceased parties in the Esemese community, it declined the principal relief seeking an order of execution.

The Court also approved the substitution of the late HRM Obi Professor Chukwuka Okonjo with the present Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, who is represented in the proceedings by Chief Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN.

The ruling marks an important development in a dispute that has its origins in earlier litigation in Suit No. A/28/66.
According to the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, concerns had previously arisen over the interpretation of the litigation survey plan associated with the Supreme Court judgment. The Kingdom maintained that attempts had been made to rely on a survey plan that differed from the original litigation survey relied upon by the Court.

Following applications by the Ogwashi-Uku community before the Supreme Court, the Kingdom states that the Court restored the original litigation survey plan forming part of the earlier proceedings. In the present proceedings, the High Court further directed that a registered surveyor interpret the litigation survey plan.

Leaders of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom have welcomed the ruling, describing it as an important safeguard against what they contend were attempts to extend the earlier judgment beyond the land actually litigated.

Speaking after the ruling, the Chief of Aboh Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Barrister Jude Obidi, described the decision as a landmark development and that the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa remains at the Oboshi River.
According to him, the ruling reinforces the principle that court judgments must be enforced strictly within the boundaries of the land actually determined by the courts and not beyond them.

He further noted that the broader boundary dispute between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa remains pending before the Delta State High Court in a separate action instituted by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to determine the precise boundary between the two neighbouring communities.

Chief Obidi commended the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku for what he described as his steadfast commitment to protecting the territorial interests of the Kingdom through lawful means and the judicial process.

The latest ruling is expected to have significant implications for future attempts to enforce the earlier judgment pending the final determination of the boundary dispute between both communities. With this ruling, the claims by Ibusa for the areas around Admiralty University have been thrown into serious doubt.

The Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku through the Chief of Staff to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prince Onyema Okonjo when contacted welcomed the rejection of the request by the Ibusa community by the Delta State High Court in Ogwashi-Uku but also maintained that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku reserves the right to seek appellate review of any portion of the ruling it wasn’t happy with. He also cautioned members of the Ibusa community from resorting to self help in using thugs and attempting to enter Ogwashi-Uku land any further to make illegal claims outside any court approved enforcement.

MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

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