Oba Of Lagos Lends Support To EFCC In Fight Against Corruption

The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, has assured the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of the full support and commitment of the state’s traditional institution in the fight against corruption and other economic and financial crimes.

He gave the assurance on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Lagos while receiving the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC , Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, who led a delegation of top officers of the Commission on a courtesy visit to his palace.

Oba Akiolu described the visit as a mark of respect not only to the traditional institution of Lagos, but also to the enduring values of integrity, justice, and collaboration.

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“The Palace of Lagos regards the mission of the EFCC not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a moral crusade. In a global economic hub such as Lagos, the integrity of the financial system is the very foundation of prosperity”, he said.

The monarch further described corruption as a shadow that must be dispelled by the light of transparency and the firm hand of justice.

While commending the EFCC’s relentless efforts to root out corruption and financial crimes, he noted that the anti-graft war requires strong institutions and collective resolve.

“Your request for fatherly support is hereby granted with the full weight of the Throne. The wisdom of this Palace is rooted in the eternal truth that righteousness exalts a nation. Together with the Council of Chiefs, we pledge our cooperation in fostering a culture of accountability that will resonate across Lagos and beyond”.

Earlier, Kaltungo thanked the monarch for the warm reception and conveyed the greetings of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Recalling his first encounter with Oba Akiolu at the outset of his career in 2004, he said: “I am here to formally introduce myself as the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“Today, I feel like I am coming home to see my father, now that I am back at the Lagos Directorate.”

Oba Of Lagos

He added that the visit was also aimed at strengthening the relationship between the traditional institution and the Commission’s efforts to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability.

“Today, my team and I consider it both necessary and respectful to seek an audience with you, acknowledging your fatherly role in the state and fulfilling our mandate to engage critical stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crimes,” he said.

Kaltungo further noted that traditional leaders play a pivotal role in shaping societal values and promoting honesty and fairness, adding that “We pray for your continued wisdom and guidance, and we are confident that, together, we can strengthen the foundation of integrity for the benefit of all.”

NNPC Commissions, Hands Over Rehabilitated Wards To National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi

In keeping with its commitment to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, NNPC Limited has commissioned and handed over three units of 100-bed capacity wards it rehabilitated as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

The intervention carried out by the NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte., the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited, involved the rehabilitation and upgrade of Wards G, H, and J, complete with the installation of new beds and the introduction of a central medical gas system designed to enhance the standard of care provided by the hospital.

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The rehabilitation also included the replacement of roofing and ceiling of the Wards, upgrade of electrical and mechanical systems, and installation of new vinyl floors in all three wards.

Prior to the intervention, the wards were in a state that limited their use, which in turn constrained the hospital’s in-patient care capacity.

Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, explained that the concept of profitability in NNPC Limited is not restricted to increase in production and revenue alone, as it embraces the level of social impact the company makes.

The GCEO, who was represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun, said the Company is proud of the rehabilitation and upgrade work done in the hospital’s wards, because of its immense social impact.

On her part, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said through the intervention, NNPC Foundation has helped to strengthen a facility that has served Nigerians for many decades.

“Beyond the immediate benefits, this effort reflects the role NNPC Foundation plays as the social impact arm of NNPC Limited. Our focus remains on practical interventions that improve lives and align with national priorities in healthcare”, she stated.

Providing further view into the project, the Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, said the Management was constrained by the dire situation of the facilities to write to NNPC Foundation for intervention.

He expressed gratitude to the Management of NNPC Limited for granting the request and delivering an outstanding transformation in bringing the wards to international standards, stressing that what NNPC Limited has done goes beyond rehabilitation. It represents a renewal of hope. The commissioning and handover was witnessed by NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President – Business Services, Mrs Sophia Mbakwe.

NNPC

Highlight of the event was the commissioning and unveiling of a commemoration plaque by the representative of the GCEO in company of the Chief Medical Director of the hospital and H.R.H. Alhaji Rodiyallahu Alabi Yunusa, Baale of Bajulaiye Community in Somolu, who represented the Oba of Somolu, HRM Oba Kazeem Bashua as the Royal Father of the day.

ICPC Niger Hosts Lecture On Asset Disclosure To Fortify Transparency, Accountability

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Niger State Office, recently hosted a capacity-building lecture centred on asset disclosure, designed to deepen officers’ understanding of compliance and ethical standards within the public service.

Held at the Commission’s conference hall in Minna, the session featured Mr. Gabriel Dairo, a representative of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), who delivered an insightful presentation on the legal and procedural framework of asset declaration.

In his opening remarks, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) welcomed the guest lecturer and participants, underscoring the critical role of transparency and accountability in reinforcing public trust.

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He emphasised that rigorous adherence to asset disclosure requirements remains a cornerstone in the fight against corruption, describing it as both a legal obligation and a moral compass for public officers.

Mr. Dairo’s presentation offered a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s statutory and institutional architecture governing asset declaration. He meticulously outlined step-by-step procedures for accurately completing declaration forms, clarified persistent misconceptions, and highlighted the legal ramifications of non-compliance—warning that failure to properly declare assets could result in sanctions under extant laws.

An interactive segment followed, enabling participants to engage directly with the resource person on practical challenges, grey areas, and technical nuances of the declaration process.

ICPC

A total of 17 officers attended the lecture, which was widely hailed as timely and impactful. Participants remarked that the session not only sharpened their procedural knowledge but also reinforced the values of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct in discharging their duties. Many described the training as a vital reminder that transparency begins with individual responsibility.

The ICPC Niger State Office reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continuous capacity building and institutional collaboration, particularly with bodies like the Code of Conduct Bureau, as part of a broader strategy to promote transparency and strengthen anti-corruption efforts across Nigeria’s public sector.