Economy
FG Deepens Social Protection Drive as Minister Bernard M. Doro Engages Beneficiaries In Kwara, Reinforces Poverty Exit Strategy
FG Deepens Social Protection Drive as Minister Bernard M. Doro Engages Beneficiaries In Kwara, Reinforces Poverty Exit Strategy
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s social protection architecture and advancing a structured pathway for poverty exit, as he led a high-level Beneficiary and Stakeholder Engagement under the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) Programme in Kwara State.
The engagement forms part of an ongoing nationwide interface across the six geopolitical zones, designed to assess programme performance, gather direct feedback from beneficiaries, and ensure that policy decisions are informed by real-time experiences at the grassroots. It also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to delivering inclusive, people-centered interventions that promote dignity, resilience, and long-term economic stability.
Addressing a diverse audience comprising beneficiaries, government officials, development partners, Civil Society
Organisations and community leaders. The Honourable Minister underscored the importance of direct engagement in shaping effective policy outcomes. He noted that, governance must be responsive and grounded in the lived realities of citizens, particularly those at the receiving end of social protection interventions.
“I needed to come down myself—to see, to hear, and to understand what is working and what must change,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that firsthand engagement provides invaluable insights that cannot be captured through reports alone. He further noted that, such engagements are critical to ensuring that programmes remain responsive, accountable, and impactful.
The Minister stressed that the HoPE-CT Programme is not merely a disbursement mechanism but a strategic intervention designed to support vulnerable households while laying the foundation for long-term economic empowerment. According to him, “government support must not end at disbursement; it must translate into measurable progress, improved livelihoods, and ultimately, self-reliance.”
He further articulated the Ministry’s evolving direction under the One Humanitarian – One Poverty Response System, explaining that, the approach is aimed at eliminating fragmentation in service delivery and ensuring that all interventions are coordinated, data-driven, and outcome-focused. He noted that this system is being designed to create a seamless pathway through which beneficiaries can transition from vulnerability to resilience and ultimately exit poverty in a structured and sustainable manner.
Dr. Doro also used the opportunity to address recurring misconceptions surrounding the programme, particularly the aggregation of beneficiary figures across different tranches. He clarified that beneficiary transitions across phases are largely influenced by validation mechanisms, including the National Identification Number (NIN) process, and should not be interpreted as entirely separate populations.
Responding to testimonies, the Honourable Minister assured beneficiaries that their feedback would be carefully documented and integrated into ongoing programe refinements. He reiterated that, the ministry is committed to ensuring that, interventions are not only delivered but monitored to guarantee real and lasting impact
He further emphasized that, the next phase of implementation will focus on strengthening linkages between cash support and complementary interventions such as livelihood development, skills acquisition and cooperative structures all aimed at enabling beneficiaries to transition towards economic independence.
He said, the ministry remains committed to working closely with state governments, development partners and community stakeholders to ensure that social protection interventions are effectively delivered, transparently managed and aligned with the broader goal of lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
Adding that, as the nation wide engagement continues, the ministry will sustain it’s focus on building a unified, responsive and results- driven system that not only supports vulnerable populations but empowers them to achieve sustainable livelihoods and long- term economic stability.
In her welcome remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Kwara State, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, commended the Federal Government for its sustained commitment to social protection and the continued implementation of the HoPE-CT Programme across the State. She described the initiative as a critical intervention that has significantly improved the welfare of vulnerable households and strengthened social inclusion.
Dr. Imam further reaffirmed the Kwara State Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry, noting that such partnerships are essential to expanding programme reach, enhancing delivery efficiency, and ensuring that the benefits of social protection interventions are felt across communities.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Acting General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr. Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini, and the Honourable Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, both of whom applauded the Federal Government’s efforts in strengthening social protection systems.
All the speakers noted that, the HoPE-CT Programme has not only provided immediate financial relief to vulnerable households but has also contributed to restoring dignity, improving livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience. They further emphasized the importance of sustaining and expanding such interventions to ensure broader reach and long-term impact.
A major highlight of the engagement was the interactive session between the Honourable Minister and beneficiaries, which provided a platform for participants to share firsthand accounts of how the programme has impacted their lives.
Bernard M. Doro
Amongst the numerous testimonies,
Abubakar Olayinka of Balogun Fulani Ward in Ilorin South Local Government Area, one of the beneficiaries, narrated how he utilized the support received to establish a small-scale pure water business, which has since become a steady source of income for his household. He expressed appreciation for the intervention and appealed to the Government to sustain and expand the programme to reach more vulnerable Nigerians.
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Another testimony, a female beneficiary shared how the support received enabled her to purchase essential medication for her ailing father, describing the intervention as timely and life-saving.
She noted that without the assistance, accessing the required treatment would have been extremely difficult, and commended the Government for prioritizing the needs of vulnerable families.
The event recorded the presence of several dignitaries and key stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the Chairman, House Committee on Social Development, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Olushola Odetundun, representatives of development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other senior government officials.
Janet McDickson Noah
Director, Information and Public Relations.
EFCC Arraigns Former SKye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni For N15.6b Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).
Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.
“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.
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Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.
Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”
Fraud
Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.
Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.
Economy
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
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He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026
NNPC, Chinese Firms Sign MoU Towards Restart, Expansion Of Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries
The NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, for collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.
The MoU was signed by the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari; Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi, in Jiaxing City, China, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
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The potential framework would cover completion of outstanding work at the two refineries, together with operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve best-in-class, sustainable performance. Planned expansion and upgrades would elevate both facilities to cleaner, more profitable product standards.
The potential collaboration also contemplates expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and harnessing gas and downstream opportunities through the development of co-located, gas-based industrial hubs.
Speaking shortly after signing the dotted lines, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the MoU execution as a significant milestone, following more than six months of concerted engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC and the two Chinese partners.
“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria, and the collective weight required for success,” Ojulari noted.
NNPC
The GCEO further stated that the MoU is a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries, and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemicals and gas-based industries.
The MoU reflects the parties’ shared intent to progress discussions in good faith, with any definitive arrangements to follow in due course and subject to customary approvals.
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