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Lets come together to fight money laundering – ECOWAS urges Nigerian youths

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Lets come together to fight money laundering – ECOWAS urges Nigerian youths

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has called on Nigerian youths to get involved in combating money laundering and terrorism financing in the country.

GIABA, an agency of the ECOWAS, was established in 2000 to prevent and fight against international money laundering and terrorist financing in member states.

The Director-General of GIABA, Mr Edwin Harris, made the call on Monday at the 15th edition of the Open House Forum, organised for selected university students across the country in Port Harcourt.

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The one-day forum had the theme: “The role of the youths in the fight against transnational organised crime.”

Harris was represented by Timothy Melaye, GIABA’s Country Head in Nigeria.

He said the group was concerned over the growing threat of money laundering and terrorism financing, and was working closely with law enforcement agencies to tackle the menace.

“In view of this, we organised this open house forum to sensitise the youths to their responsibilities and obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism.

“The aim is to foster and strengthen partnership between GIABA and the youths in the fight against transnational organised crimes in West Africa.

“So, we are here to raise awareness on the need to protect the economies and financial systems of ECOWAS member states against the laundering of proceeds of crime,” he said.

Harris said that money laundering and terrorism financing posed serious threats to the peace, security and sustainable development of the region.

“Organised crime knows no border, and so, all nations must cooperate completely to deal with this threat.

“As future leaders, empowering the youths towards leadership positions requires concerted efforts at enhancing their understanding of the deleterious effects of crimes both at national and individual levels.

“We want participants to understand the harmful effects of these evils on the rule of law, political stability, democracy, economic development, prosperity and health of citizens,” he added.

The director-general said the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) adopted by 187 countries including Nigeria, followed 40 recommendations in the fight against the transnational organised crimes.

The Director, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mr Modibbo Tukur, said that youths were major and critical actors in money laundering and financing of terrorism in the region.

According to him, youths must understand that organised crime does not pay in the long run.

“Going by the global, regional, sub-regional and national efforts at combating such crimes, the criminal does not have anywhere to run or hide for long before he/she is caught.

“So, it is in the best interest of the youth to avoid associations that may lead them to crime,” he advised.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Owunari Georgewill, called on participants to become change agents, to enable the country to progress.

Lets come together to fight money laundering – ECOWAS urges Nigerian youths

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FG Intervention Programs Aim to Benefit All Nigerians, Says Minister

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FG Intervention Programs Aim to Benefit All Nigerians, Says Minister

Alhaji Muhammad Idris, Minister of Information, has affirmed that the Federal Government’s intervention programs are designed to benefit all Nigerians.

Speaking during a sensitization event on the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policy framework, in Yola on Thursday, Idris emphasized the wide-reaching nature of these programs. Represented by Rhoda Maina, Head of the Federal Information Resource Center in Yola, the minister outlined various initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ lives.

These initiatives include the disbursement of over N2.9 billion for a student loan scheme, empowerment programs, and the Digital and Creative Enterprise Program. Additional efforts focus on consumer credit, a natural gas initiative, housing, Nano business support, and the National Youth Talents Export Program.

Mr. Jonah Agye, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Adamawa, expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with federal and state agencies to promote these initiatives at the grassroots level. He urged participants to spread the word in their communities and encouraged public support for government policies.

In his remarks, Mr. James Iliya, Adamawa State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, expressed gratitude to the federal government and President Tinubu for the interventions. He urged beneficiaries to make the most of these opportunities to improve their lives. Iliya also noted that Adamawa State aligns with the Federal Government’s policies to ensure its residents benefit from these initiatives.

Alhaji Idris Shuaibu, chairman of the event, commended the Federal Government’s efforts and advised those implementing the programs to ensure that they reach the most vulnerable citizens.

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National

Peter Obi Dismisses Claims of Accepting 2027 Vice Presidential Role

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Peter Obi Dismisses Claims of Accepting 2027 Vice Presidential Role

Peter Obi Dismisses Claims of Accepting 2027 Vice Presidential Role

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has refuted claims that he agreed to become a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. The former Anambra State Governor addressed the issue via a series of posts on his official X account on Saturday, accusing certain groups of misinterpreting his recent interview.

Obi emphasized that his remarks during the News Central TV interview had been deliberately distorted by propagandists, and he reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party and Nigeria’s progress.

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Clarifying his stance, Obi stated, “I am not focused on 2027 when Nigerians are grappling with hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other urgent challenges.” He noted that he is open to partnerships, but only with individuals whose intentions align with advancing the country, not capturing state power.

Obi further stressed that his priority is to address pressing national issues, including bringing millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms and combating poverty. He categorically denied any agreement to serve as a vice president, saying, “For the avoidance of doubt, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone.”

Despite the rumors, Obi reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s development, insisting that true progress can be achieved without necessarily holding political office.

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Entertainment

Tjay Emerges as Week 7 Head of House in BBNaija, Gains Immunity

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Tjay Emerges as Week 7 Head of House in BBNaija, Gains Immunity

Tjay Emerges as Week 7 Head of House in BBNaija, Gains Immunity

Tjay has been crowned the Head of House (HoH) for week seven in the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ‘No Loose Guard’ season, becoming the second solo HoH of the competition.

The announcement followed the unpairing of housemates, marking the start of individual gameplay after weeks of competing in duos.

In the week’s challenge, housemates navigated through a maze of laser beams in the arena before transferring mini cubes from one bottle to another.

Tjay, formerly part of Team Beta with his close friend Ben, completed the task in record time, securing his position as the new HoH.

With this win, Tjay gains immunity from eviction for the week, ensuring his safety in the game as the competition heats up.

This victory comes after Onyeka became the first solo HoH in the previous week, following a string of duo HoHs, including Mbadiwe Twins and Team Ndi Nne.

As the show progresses, housemates are vying for the ultimate grand prize of N100 million, with the stakes growing higher each week.

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