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Empowerment projects now conduit for embezzlement – ICPC

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has raised concerns over what it described as politicisation of empowerment projects in Nigeria.

ICPC also revealed that empowerment programmes had become significant conduits for embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds.

This was revealed in the Phase VI report of the constituency and executive projects tracking exercise, which was released by the commission on Thursday.

A total of 1721 government-funded projects with a total value of N284, 602,881,868.57 were tracked during the exercise which spanned from November 2023 to May 2024.

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In the report, the ICPC identified numerous instances where empowerment items, which are intended for poverty alleviation and to support the most vulnerable, were procured but hoarded by project facilitators for potential use in political campaigns.

The report added that of the total tracked projects, 26.1 per cent—or 449 projects—were categorised as empowerment initiatives, amounting to over N35.5 billion in contract awards.

The report partly read, “Empowerment items are meant to be distributed to intended beneficiaries to empower them or to serve as poverty alleviation items. These items were procured but hoarded by the project facilitators possibly for electoral campaign activities.

“Large-scale soft/fluid projects and empowerment projects as major conduits for siphoning public resources: Empowerment/soft projects deserve special attention in this report in view of their increasing propensity within the budget as more project sponsors now prefer to embed such projects for execution in the budget.

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“In the course of Phase VI project tracking, it was discovered that the aggregate number of empowerment projects tracked amounts to 449 empowerment projects (26.1% of the total tracked projects), while the aggregate sum/value of contract award on empowerment projects is N35,585,340,728.91.

“In all the shenanigans found in the course of tracking empowerment projects, contractors, project facilitators as well as the executing agencies staff cannot be excused of gross connivance.

The ICPC further revealed that in agencies such as the North East Development Commission and the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, empowerment items were handed over to stakeholders instead of directly reaching the intended recipients.

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Eid El Maulud: Akpabio Felicitates Muslims, Seeks Prayers For Peace, Unity

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The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of Eid el Maulud, the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet as a timeless example of compassion, tolerance, humility, and service to humanity.

“As we commemorate this sacred day, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect on the virtues of the Prophet and to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and progress in our dear country, Nigeria,” the President of the Senate said.

He noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and called on all citizens to embrace love, forgiveness, and mutual respect regardless of faith or ethnicity.

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“In these times, our nation needs the prayers of all religious leaders and faithful. Let us use this period to pray for our leaders, for security, economic prosperity, and for the unity that binds us together as one people under God,” he added.

Senator Akpabio reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Senate under his leadership to promote legislation and policies that protect religious freedom, foster national cohesion, and improve the welfare of all Nigerians.

He felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and Vice President Kashim Shettima, and wished the Muslim community a peaceful and joyous Eid el Maulud celebration.

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SAD! Nigerian popular General Overseer is dead

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Pastor Adamson Aromaegbe, the founder and General Overseer of Rock Word Church and Dominion International, has died.

Aromaegbe, who was based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reportedly died on Friday, August 21, 2026.

His death was confirmed by the leadership of the church in a statement released on Sunday.

The statement was signed by Rev. Nnamdy Echezona and shared through the ministry’s official Facebook page.

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The church described the late pastor as a respected Christian leader who dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and building the ministry.

His work as a preacher, teacher, mentor and church leader reportedly influenced many people within and outside his ministry.

Following the announcement, the church called on members, friends and other supporters to pray for Aromaegbe’s family as they come to terms with his death.

Prayers were also requested for the church and members of the wider Dominion International family.

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The church said arrangements for the late pastor’s funeral and other activities to mark his death would be announced later.

Aromaegbe’s death has left members of Rock Word Church and Dominion International mourning the loss of a leader who had spent years working in Christian ministry.

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Security operatives rescue kidnap victims in Imo waste two suspects

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Security operatives comprising DSS officers, other agencies and local vigilantes have rescued a kidnap victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Imo.

The Department of State Services (DSS) disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri on Sunday.

According to the statement, the operatives rescued 29-year-old Ibeabuchi Adibenma, who was abducted in Orlu Local Government Area.

Adibenma was kidnapped at about 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, around Afor-Ogidi Market in Isiala Amaifeke community.

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The victim was reportedly returning from Umuna, Orlu market, when the armed assailants intercepted his vehicle near the market.

The attackers operated on two motorcycles and double-crossed the victim before forcing him to an undisclosed location.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted Adibenma’s family and demanded N15 million ransom for his release.

However, on Aug. 20, security operatives launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victim from his abductors.

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According to the DSS, the operation led to Adibenma’s rescue at Ihioma Community in Orlu.

“Two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were neutralised during the operation, while two high-calibre weapons and ammunition were recovered.”

The rescued victim was subsequently taken into protective custody before being reunited with his family.

The DSS commended the coordinated efforts of the participating security agencies and local vigilantes in securing the victim’s safe release.

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The successful operation also highlights ongoing security efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities in communities across Imo.

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