Author: Dodo Elias Denen

  • WE ARE OPEN TO COLLABORATION: GOC 81 Division Emphasised As He Hosted Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard

    WE ARE OPEN TO COLLABORATION: GOC 81 Division Emphasised As He Hosted Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard


    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies in Lagos and Ogun states. He made this known during a courtesy visit to the Division’s Headquarters by the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral IE Shehu on 6 May 25 at Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The GOC reiterated the Division’s commitment to joint operations with the Sister Services and other security agencies within the Division’s Area of Operations.

    He emphasized that such collaboration is imperative for effective security of lives and properties within the Area of Responsibility (AOR) as well as flourishing of economic activities.

    Major General Mijinyawa noted that the continuous crackdown on criminal activities that could hinder peace and security in the AOR are yielding positive results.

    Stating the purpose of the visit, the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral IE Shehu stressed that the initiative was aimed at enhancing existing collaboration and ensuring seamless operational activities. He pledged the full support of the Naval Dockyard through essential engineering services and technical maintenance of platforms to support the Division’s operations.

    “We are committed to building on established relationships and opening new channels for collaboration,” Rear Admiral Shehu stated, underscoring the Dockyard’s readiness to fully support the Division’s efforts.

    The visit which is a decisive move to further fortify security in Lagos and Ogun states and boost inter-agency cooperation marked a significant milestone in reinforcing the strategic partnership between the NN and the NA, with a clear focus on further safeguarding Lagos and neighbouring states.

    The highlights of the visit include the exchange of souvenirs, interactive sessions, the admiral’s endorsement of the Visitors’ Book, and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.

    The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Nigerian Army.

  • NAFRC Partners EMPRETEC To Graduate Military Officers From Entrepreneurship & Management Training Programme

    NAFRC Partners EMPRETEC To Graduate Military Officers From Entrepreneurship & Management Training Programme


    The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), in collaboration with the EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation, has graduated 30 military officers from its quarterly Senior and Mid-Level Entrepreneurship and Management Training Course (14/2025), held at the Centre’s Resource Complex in Oshodi.

    The graduation ceremony, Chaired by the Chairman Empretec Nigeria Foundation, H.E. Donald Duke—marked the culmination of a six-week intensive training aimed at equipping participants with entrepreneurial, vocational, and leadership skills needed for life during and after military service.

    In his keynote address, Duke lauded the efforts of the Commandant and the training team, emphasizing that the course has empowered the officers with essential tools for innovation, business development, and community impact.

    “As ‘Empretecos,’ I urge you to embrace innovation, effective management, and social responsibility. The entrepreneurial mindset you’ve developed here will drive positive change in our society,” he said.

    Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman, praised the graduating officers for their dedication and described the training as a strategic initiative to boost productivity, self-reliance, and post-service reintegration. He stated that the curriculum had been reviewed to meet the high standards expected of senior officers, with a focus on agriculture as demonstrated by the participants’ visit to Songhai Farms in Benin Republic.

    “You have been empowered to shape the future, turn visions into realities, and contribute to national development. Leadership is not just about authority—it is about empowering others,” AVM Mamman charged the officers.

    He also announced that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) will visit the Centre in June to facilitate business registration for the new graduates, encouraging them to formalize their ventures.

    Donald Duke commended the initiative, calling it a transformational platform for military personnel. He noted the importance of preparing officers—many of whom joined the military at a young age—for successful transitions into civilian life.

    Director of Training, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, revealed that 30 participants—comprising 13 mid-level officers, 13 senior officers, and four NAFRC personnel—successfully completed the course out of the 85 expected. He acknowledged their exceptional discipline and coordination throughout the training.

    The event featured the formal conferment of graduation by AVM Mamman, along with certificate presentations and awards for outstanding performance.

    The programme reinforces NAFRC’s commitment to preparing Nigerian military officers for entrepreneurial success and sustainable livelihoods beyond active service.

  • Unity Bank Launches GenFi, Targets Children, Teens with Gamified Banking Platform

    Unity Bank Launches GenFi, Targets Children, Teens with Gamified Banking Platform

    In a bold move to redefine promotion of financial literacy, Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, has unveiled GenFi, a new digital banking platform tailored to empower kids and teenagers between the ages of 8 and 18 with essential financial skills.

    The launch follows a report by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which found that only 38% of Nigerian adults are financially literate. This alarming statistic underlines the urgent need for early financial education.

    GenFi, therefore, aims to reverse this trend by offering young users the platform to manage money effectively, aggregate and track allowances or income, set and achieve savings goals, and develop smart spending habits with parental guidance.

    Speaking at the official launch event in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (Ag) of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, said the launch of the Genfi App represents a significant milestone since Unity Bank’s foray into retail Banking started several years ago, adding that “as the Bank continues to evolve, the institution is constantly innovating with technology to enable us drive more financial inclusiveness in different segments of the market”.

    Mr. Kolawole explained that Genfi was inspired by the desire to nurture a financially savvy generation, and empower them to make smarter financial choices.

    He said, “GenFi is short for Generation Finance, and with this app, the Bank is pioneering solution designed to empower Children, Teenagers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, with essential financial literacy skills and a Personal Finance Management Solution.

    “GenFi is a market proposition that helps us address a critical knowledge gap among our kids and Teens as it also connects with the strong passion of parents desirous to empower their wards with financial literacy.”

    Similarly, the Divisional Head of Retail and SME Banking at Unity Bank, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, described GenFi as a financial product that goes beyond Banking: hence a financial literacy ecosystem designed to inculcate financial literacy skills amongst Nigerian Children through an engaging and gamified platform.

    “Financial literacy is not a luxury. It’s a life skill. And like most life skills, the best time to learn is from childhood. That’s why we created GenFi, not just as a banking app, but as an interactive experience that nurtures discipline, planning, and financial independence from an early age,” Abimbola explained.

    The Genfi platform leverages behavioural science and gamification to make financial learning fun and practical. Parents can monitor transactions, guide financial behaviours, and initiate real-life conversations around money management, thereby promoting not just financial skills, but also stronger family bonds.

    “Imagine a 12-year-old setting a goal to save for a bicycle, not only are they learning to save, but they are also learning patience, discipline, and the value of delayed gratification. That’s the GenFi advantage,” said Abimbola.

    Speaking after the launch, one of the students who attended the launch event, Master Ajayi Favour of Victoria Island Junior Secondary School, described Genfi as an “innovative banking solution that will equip children and teenagers with financial intelligence, management, and independence.” He expressed confidence that the app will gain global reach and become popular among the target demographics.

    Also, a guest at the launch and school proprietor, Sylvia Ezeora, described the Genfi app as “user-friendly, educational, and motivational for children”. She noted that beyond teaching financial literacy, “the app empowers parents to reinforce positive behaviour through rewards for completed tasks and promotes responsibility”.

    Another guest and parent, Genevieve Adindu, commended Unity Bank for the innovative solution, tailored for children aged 8 to 18, and noted that Genfi “provides a modern, engaging approach to instilling saving habits early in life, replacing traditional methods like the kolo with a more effective digital tool, thereby becoming a powerful companion for children’s financial education”.

    GenFi is positioned as a national benchmark for youth-focused digital banking, with the potential to drive economic inclusion and sustainability across generations. The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from the education and finance sectors, technology partners, media, and young students who will be among the early adopters.

  • CSOs Call On Senate President Akpabio To Step Aside Following Electoral Fraud Judgment

    CSOs Call On Senate President Akpabio To Step Aside Following Electoral Fraud Judgment

    Prominent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside from office following the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban, the returning officer in the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial election, for electoral fraud.

    The appellate court sitting in Calabar on Wednesday upheld the three-year prison sentence earlier handed down to Professor Ogban, who was found guilty of falsifying election results to favor Senator Akpabio, then the All-Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

    “This ruling raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of Senator Akpabio’s mandate,” the CSOs said in a joint statement. “It is deeply troubling that the election which brought him to the Senate has now been judicially confirmed to have been manipulated. In any democratic society, such a development demands immediate accountability and responsible leadership.”

    The CSOs emphasized that while Senator Akpabio has denied personal involvement in the fraud, the conviction of the very official who declared him the winner casts a dark shadow over the credibility of that election. They insist that for the sake of public confidence, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, Senator Akpabio must temporarily vacate his position until the matter is conclusively addressed.

    The CSOs raised a fundamental question: having been a confirmed beneficiary of electoral fraud in the 2019 election to the 9th Senate—which he did not even complete due to his later appointment as Minister of Niger Delta—did Senator Akpabio have the legal or moral standing to contest for a seat in the 10th National Assembly, let alone serve as its President?

    “This is not just about one individual. It is about restoring public trust in our electoral process. Allowing the Senate President to remain in office under such serious ethical questions undermines democratic values and sends a dangerous signal ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the CSOs stated.

    The organizations commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly former Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mike Igini, for spearheading the investigation and prosecution of the case. They urged the National Assembly, INEC, and the judiciary to take this judgment as a clarion call to strengthen mechanisms that prevent electoral manipulation at all levels.

    They further called on the APC leadership to demonstrate its commitment to electoral reform and democratic accountability by initiating a rerun or revalidation process for the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial seat.

    “The judiciary has done its part. It is now up to the political leadership to rise to the occasion and show Nigerians and the world that no one is above the law—not even the Senate President,” the CSOs concluded.

    Signed:

    1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative

    2. Accountability Lab, Nigeria

    3. Abuja School of Social and Political Thought

    4. Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)

    5. African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)

    6. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)

    7. Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond (AACAB)

    8. Amnesty International Nigeria

    9. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)

    10. BudgIT Foundation

    11. Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity

    12. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)

    13. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)

    14. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)

    15. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)

    16. Centre for Social Justice

    17. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

    18. CLEEN Foundation

    19. Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)

    20. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)

    21. Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability

    22. Environmental Defenders Network

    23. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA)

    24. Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond(AACAB)

    25. #FixPolitics

    26. Global Rights

    27. Good Governance Team

    28. Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)

    29. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)

    30. Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre

    31. Lawyers Alert

    32. Media Rights Agenda

    33. Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)

    34. Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)

    35. Partners West Africa

    36. Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa PAACA

    37. Praxis

    38. Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)

    39. Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative

    40. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)

    41. RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre

    42. Say NO Campaign – Nigeria

    43. Sesor Empowerment Foundation

    44. Social Action

    45. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)

    46. SPACES FOR CHANGE

    47. State of the Union (SOTU)

    48. Tax Justice and Governance Platform

    49. Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)

    50. West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF)

    51. West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

    52. Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)

    53. Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)

    54. Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA)

    55. Yiaga Africa

    56. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)

  • Minister of Finance Heads 62nd NCS Board Meeting, Pushes for More Success Stories Amid Q1 Achievements

    Minister of Finance Heads 62nd NCS Board Meeting, Pushes for More Success Stories Amid Q1 Achievements

    The 62nd regular meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board was held on Tuesday, April 29 2025, at the Service’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The session was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who led a high-powered delegation to assess the Service’s first-quarter performance and chart the path forward.

    The board meeting served as a statutory forum to evaluate the Service’s operational strategies, fiscal contributions, and reform-driven activities, particularly in light of its Q1 2025 performance. During the quarter, the NCS recorded a historic ₦1.75 trillion in revenue, exceeding its target by ₦106.5 billion and marking a nearly 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

    Following the meeting, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the Service’s progress but emphasised the need to scale up efforts to meet the country’s economic demands.

    “As is expected and required, there is an improvement in the revenue of the Service, which is slightly above what was budgeted for the first quarter. However, much more is required, and more is expected of an institution that is pivotal in revenue,” he states.

    Minister Edun described the board meeting as productive and reaffirmed the importance of open governance and accountability within public institutions.

    “It was a good meeting. It’s important that we maintain corporate governance oversight and consultation through these regular statutory meetings. At the end of the day, we will always ask that we do more to improve the revenue and the services operations to aid the Nigerian economy and serve the good people of Nigeria”, he remarked.

    The meeting also touched on modernisation initiatives such as expanding the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System), implementing the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme, and enhancing anti-smuggling efforts—all aimed at boosting trade facilitation and national security.

  • Fidelity Bank’s FY 2024 Performance Praised by Shareholders

    Fidelity Bank’s FY 2024 Performance Praised by Shareholders

    Shareholders of tier one lender, Fidelity Bank, have applauded the board and management of the bank for delivering an outstanding performance in FY 2024.

    Speaking at the bank’s 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the National Chairman of The Progressive Shareholders Association, Chief Boniface Okezie, praised the bank, saying, “This is a superlative performance and we the shareholders are grateful to management and staff for giving us a bank to be proud of. It is also important to note that the bank has earned its spot as one of the top 3 dividend-paying financial institutions in Nigeria.”

    On his own part, the Chairman, Zonal Shareholders Committee, Sir Tunji Okelana, recognized the bank’s exceptional leadership, which has seen the bank grow to unprecedented heights.

    “The achievements of the current MD have surpassed that of everyone who held that office before her. In addition, staff working with her are assets. They are truly ‘Fidelity, they keep their word’. Without any doubt, I am very happy with the bank”, he declared.

    In his remarks at the meeting, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, said, “Despite the global economic headwinds, we demonstrated exceptional resilience, achieving record breaking growth across all performance indicators, most notably our Profit Before Tax (PBT)”.

    He further added that the bank’s stakeholders were all pleased with the success of the first stage of the capital-raise exercise. “The oversubscription of 237.9% in the Public Offer and 137.7% in the Rights Issue is a testament to the strength of our brand and the confidence the investing public has in us. Equipped with this vote of trust, we will proceed swiftly and conclude the second tier of our capital-raise exercise”.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe in her statement to shareholders, shared the strategic outlook to build on the bank’s FY 2024 success stating that, “Our priorities in 2025 financial year are to complete the next phase of our capital raise and further strengthen our asset base, enhance operational efficiency and digital innovation and explore strategic regional expansion into select African markets.”

    According to the bank’s 2024 annual report available on its website and distributed to shareholders, the bank recorded an impressive 210% growth in Profit Before Tax to N385.2 billion. Gross Earnings increased by 87.7% to N1,043.4bn, driven by 106.9% growth in interest and similar income to N950.6bn. The bank also witnessed an impressive 47.9% growth in deposits from N4.0trn in 2023FY to N5.9trn while Advances grew from N3.1tn in 2023FY to N4.4tn in 2024FY.

    Several resolutions were considered and passed at the AGM, including the declaration of a final dividend of N1.25 kobo, the election of non-executive directors -Alhaji Abdullahi Sarki Mohammed and Ms. Obiaku Augusta Okam; the election of Mr Sufiyanu Ibrahim Garba as executive director; and the re-election of non-executive directors -Mr Mustapha Chike-Obi and Engr Henry Obih, among others.

    Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

    The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

  • TI Nigeria, CISLAC Boss Rafsanjani Backs Probe of NNPCL, Calls for Comprehensive Oil Sector Audit

    TI Nigeria, CISLAC Boss Rafsanjani Backs Probe of NNPCL, Calls for Comprehensive Oil Sector Audit

    The Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has thrown his support behind calls for a full-scale investigation into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Speaking to Channels Television on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., Rafsanjani said a thorough probe of the NNPCL’s operations is critical to promoting transparency, enhancing accountability, and ensuring that revenues from the oil sector are properly managed for the benefit of Nigerians.

    “It is a welcome development to have an audit of NNPCL,” Rafsanjani stated. “However, we are advocating not just for a financial audit, but also for physical and process audits. Only a comprehensive, multi-layered review can uncover systemic weaknesses and chart a course for genuine reform and revitalization of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

    Rafsanjani emphasized that the audit must go beyond finances to cover all key aspects of NNPCL’s operations. He explained that while financial audits assess records and transactions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and verify the accuracy of reports submitted to bodies like the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), physical audits verify the existence and state of assets such as pipelines and oil wells. Process audits, on the other hand, examine internal controls and operational procedures to ensure efficiency, transparency, and adherence to global standards.

    Despite the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act and Nigeria’s ongoing membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Rafsanjani warned that the oil and gas sector continues to be plagued by inefficiency, mismanagement, and lack of professionalism.

    “There is no way we can continue like this. If we are serious about liberating the Nigerian economy, the oil and gas sector must be reformed and made truly productive for the people,” said Rafsanjani, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria.

    He further recommended that the President should no longer double as Minister of Petroleum Resources to ensure independence and effective oversight of the NNPCL.

    “For NNPCL to function as a genuine commercial entity, free from political interference, the President must relinquish the role of Petroleum Minister. This will enable the company to operate independently and be subject to proper oversight from both the Presidency and the National Assembly. Otherwise, it risks continuing as a political spending tool rather than a strategic economic asset,” he said.

    Rafsanjani also acknowledged the efforts of former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, who, in June 2019, oversaw the publication of the company’s first audited financial statements in 43 years. The 2018 report revealed a loss of N803.9 billion (approximately $2.2 billion). While stakeholders had hoped the transparency initiative would continue, Rafsanjani noted that it was nonetheless a significant milestone that should be built upon.

    He recalled a previous audit initiated during the tenure of former Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, which uncovered major financial discrepancies within the then-NNPC. Unfortunately, he lamented, the report was dismissed by the National Assembly, despite its critical findings.

    Rafsanjani expressed hope that the current push for a comprehensive audit of NNPCL would not be similarly ignored. Signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Executive Director Civí Society Legislative Advocacy Centre(CISLAC) & Head of Transparency International Nigeria 🇳🇬

  • Smile Nigeria: Connecting Nigerians to What Truly Matters

    Smile Nigeria: Connecting Nigerians to What Truly Matters

    At a time when staying connected has never been more important, Smile Nigeria is on a mission to do more than just provide superfast internet. We’re here to connect Nigerians to what truly matters — loved ones, opportunities, and the joy of everyday life.

    From students attending virtual classes to entrepreneurs running online businesses from their living rooms, Smile has quietly powered the dreams and daily lives of many. But now, we want everyone to know: with Smile, you’re not just getting reliable 4G LTE internet — you’re becoming part of a community that believes in progress, positivity, and people.

    “Smile is more than a network. It’s a promise to deliver seamless connectivity with heart,” said ‘Goke Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications. “We know Nigerians are resilient, ambitious, and family-oriented — and we’ve designed our services to support that spirit.”

    With flexible data plans, affordable voice options, and top-notch customer care, Smile is breaking down digital barriers, helping small businesses grow, keeping families connected across distances, and supporting the hustle that makes Nigeria shine.

    Some of the reasons why Nigerians choose Smile are, Fast, stable 4G LTE network coverage in major cities and growing, several bundles options, including options for students and SMEs, as well as a dedicated customer support team, that is trained to listen, solve, and smile — just like our name says.

    As part of our commitment to giving back, Smile is also investing in digital literacy programs and supporting local communities through partnerships that uplift and empower.

    So whether you’re chasing a dream, running a side hustle, or just FaceTiming your family or Bae, Smile is here to make it smoother, faster, and more joyful.
    So, Let’s connect — and grow — together. Let’s Smile.

  • Chief of Naval Engineering pays courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command

    Chief of Naval Engineering pays courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command

    In a significant move to bolster the Nigerian Navy’s prowess, The Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, paid a courtesy visit to The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Adeshina Akinwande, today Friday 25 April 2025. The visit updates the Naval engineering branch’s requirements to reflect current realities. Maximizing available funds, explore alternative funding sources, and do more with less. Also to improve efficiency and resource utilization by refining processes, procedures, systems, and standards. Prioritize training and welfare initiatives for officers and men.

    This high-level meeting served as a catalyst for exploring innovative opportunities to augment the Navy’s financial and operational capacities. The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command underscored pivotal areas ripe for development, while the Chief of Naval E Engineering emphasized the need for diversifying funding sources, including commercial initiatives, to drive impactful projects.

    The gathering brought together distinguished officers, including the Fleet Commander Eastern Fleet and Commander Fleet Support Group.

  • The Success Of Our Palliative, Skill Acquisition Initiatives Continues To Inspire Us — Dr Chris Okafor

    The Success Of Our Palliative, Skill Acquisition Initiatives Continues To Inspire Us — Dr Chris Okafor


    Founder and Senior Pastor of the Grace Nation Church International, Lagos, Dr Chris Okafor says the success of his modest contributions to alleviating the hardship of the poor and the less privileged in the society is an elixir that will keep firing him up to do more.

    The preacher who is highly acclaimed for his uncanny prophetic insights while reviewing the impact the last palliative programme had on the masses, said his ministry will not relent in it’s current efforts to ensure that more Nigerians — the poor, widows, and the underprivileged in society — are given succour through the initiative that has run for many years now.

    This year’s programme tagged, “7 Sundays Of Supernatural Help/Charity,” which ran from Sunday, March 9 through Sunday, April 20, 2025 witnessed an unprecedented gesture of philanthropy as thousands of ordinary folks, including members of the church and first-timers, took home food items and clothing.

    This, according to the church’s leader, was in fulfilling his promises about touching more lives through the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation (COHF), a separate outfit which works in tandem with the Grace Nation Church International.

    “Our decision to always set aside a period each year to distribute food items, and clothing, as well as train willing congregants on skill acquisition is borne out of the need to offer them succour from some of the difficulties they face, especially in this period of high cost of living,” Dr Okafor said.

    The 7-Sundays programme was coming on the heels of a sustained skill-acquisition exercise that saw many participants trained and certified in soap making, sewing, hair making and styling, tye and dye, head-gear tying, etc.

    The man often lovingly addressed as the “Generational Prophet” has been steadfast in his commitment to see that his members and new-comers alike, are not only fed spiritual food but physical ones as well because, according to him, “no hungry man can fully hear and imbibe the word of God. Jesus, our Lord, showed us the way by regularly taking time off to feed the thousands of people who usually thronged venues of his teachings in Biblical times.

    “So, we are simply following in His footsteps and doing what little we can to ensure that we also complement our teachings with offering help to those who so desperately need it in the present age,” Dr Okafor added.

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