ICPC Re-inaugurates NDDC Anti-corruption Unit After Achieving A Milestone In Ethical Governance

In a decisive move to fortify transparency and accountability within public institutions, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on recently re-inaugurated the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) headquarters in Port Harcourt.
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The ceremony, which convened NDDC management and staff, officials from the ICPC Rivers State Office, and both outgoing and incoming ACTU members, underscored the Commission’s unwavering commitment to embedding ethical governance across Nigeria’s public sector.

In his valedictory address, the outgoing ACTU Chairman and Director of Legal Services at NDDC, Mr Victor Arenyeka, expressed profound gratitude to the ICPC team, NDDC management, directors, and staff for their steadfast support throughout his tenure.

Reflecting on the Unit’s accomplishments, Arenyeka remarked: “Serving as Chairman of this Unit has been both an honour and a privilege. Throughout our tenure, we worked diligently to strengthen awareness of ethical values, encourage compliance with established procedures, promote a culture of honesty, and reinforce the principle that corruption in any form undermines institutional growth and public trust.”

He paid tribute to the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, acknowledging that his visionary leadership provided the essential foundation upon which the ACTU recorded significant milestones.

Representing the Managing Director, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Esq., DSSRS, warmly welcomed the ICPC delegation and commended the Commission for its relentless crusade against corruption in Nigeria.

Describing the newly appointed ACTU members as individuals of proven integrity, Iyaye assured the ICPC of the NDDC’s full backing to enable the Unit to discharge its responsibilities effectively. He urged the members to serve as custodians of anti-corruption values and to ensure that corrupt practices are reduced to the barest minimum within the Commission.

A defining moment of the ceremony was the swearing-in of the newly inaugurated ACTU members, administered by the Head of the Legal Unit, ICPC Rivers State Office, Barr. Evans Peters.

Before administering the oath, Peters emphasised its profound significance, noting that it symbolised the members’ solemn commitment to uphold integrity, execute their duties in alignment with the Commission’s mandate, and serve as ethical ambassadors within the NDDC.

Delivering the goodwill message of the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs Ekere Usiere, PhD, reiterated that the ACTU remains one of the Commission’s most effective preventive strategies for combating corruption at its roots.

The ICPC Chairman further stressed that the re-inauguration of the ACTU at the NDDC reflects the Commission’s continued dedication to strengthening integrity systems across public institutions. Beyond enforcement, she noted, the ICPC continues to champion preventive measures, ethical reorientation, capacity building, and institutional reforms aimed at fostering a culture of transparency and accountability nationwide.

In her acceptance remarks, the newly inaugurated ACTU Chairperson, Deinma Ebong, Esq., expressed gratitude to the ICPC for entrusting her and the other members with this critical responsibility. She affirmed the Unit’s commitment to working collaboratively to promote ethical conduct within the NDDC, strengthen internal integrity systems, and proactively identify and address practices that could undermine transparency and accountability.

To augment the Unit’s capacity for effective service delivery, the newly inaugurated ACTU members underwent comprehensive training on preliminary investigation procedures and were sensitised on the provisions of the ACTU Standing Order.

ICPC

This capacity-building session reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to equipping Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units with the knowledge and skills required to effectively promote integrity and accountability within public institutions.

The re-inauguration of the ACTU at the NDDC marks another significant milestone in the ICPC’s sustained efforts to institutionalise transparency, accountability, and ethical governance across Nigeria’s public sector.

By strengthening preventive mechanisms such as the ACTU, the Commission continues to advance a proactive approach to combating corruption, empowering public institutions to safeguard public resources, uphold ethical standards, and reinforce citizens’ confidence in governance.
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A Dynamic Communicator And Bridge Buider At The Federal Ministry Of Works: FRANCIS NWAZE

In every successful administration, effective communication is indispensable to achieving government objectives, promoting transparency, and keeping citizens accurately informed.
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Behind every vibrant public institution is a dedicated communication professional who understands that information is not merely disseminated but strategically managed to build public confidence and trust. One such outstanding personality is Mr. Francis Nwaze, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media to the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE.

Interestingly, the Igbo name Nwaze, which translates as “royal child,” fittingly reflects the dignity, composure, and sense of responsibility that Mr. Francis Nwaze brings to his office. While royalty is often associated with privilege, he demonstrates that true nobility is expressed through humility, dedication, service, and respect for others.

Though relatively young, Mr. Nwaze has distinguished himself through exceptional professionalism, creativity, and impressive communication skills. He carries out his responsibilities with remarkable maturity, confidence, and sound judgment. Whether anchoring official programmes, coordinating media engagements, or communicating government policies, he does so with clarity, eloquence, and precision—qualities that continue to earn him admiration within and beyond the ministry.

Working closely with the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, Mr. Nwaze has become a dependable voice in projecting the activities, achievements, and vision of the Federal Ministry of Works. He understands that effective communication extends beyond issuing press statements; it is about building public trust, promoting accountability, and ensuring that Nigerians remain well informed about the ministry’s policies, projects, and ongoing infrastructure transformation across the country.

One of his most commendable attributes is his ability to foster harmonious working relationships with the Department of Information and Public Relations. Rather than creating divisions, the “royal child” has built bridges founded on mutual respect, teamwork, and professionalism. He relates warmly with officers of the department, values their expertise, and promotes collaboration in fulfilling the ministry’s communication mandate.

Mr. Francis Nwaze also believes in empowering those around him. He provides communication professionals with the operational latitude to discharge their responsibilities effectively while encouraging initiative, creativity, innovation, and teamwork. This inclusive leadership approach has fostered a positive working environment where ideas are welcomed, contributions are appreciated, and every member is motivated to give their best.

His calm disposition, humility, accessibility, and genuine respect for colleagues have earned him widespread admiration. He listens attentively, responds thoughtfully, and ensures that everyone feels carried along in the execution of assigned responsibilities. These qualities have further strengthened coordination between the Minister’s Media Office and the Department of Information and Public Relations, resulting in more effective public engagement and improved dissemination of information.

Under the visionary leadership of Engr. David Umahi, whose commitment to infrastructure development continues to transform the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Francis Nwaze has remained a hardworking, resourceful, and dependable media aide. His loyalty, diligence, and professionalism complement the Honourable Minister’s vision and have contributed significantly to ensuring that the ministry’s achievements receive the visibility and public appreciation they deserve.

Works Ministry

Indeed, Mr. Francis Nwaze truly lives up to the noble symbolism of his name. Like a “royal child,” he leads not with arrogance but with humility; not by seeking attention but through service; not by creating barriers but by building bridges. He represents a new generation of media professionals—competent, innovative, disciplined, collaborative, and unwaveringly committed to excellence.

It is my sincere prayer that Almighty God will continue to bless Mr. Francis Nwaze with wisdom, strength, sound health, and even greater opportunities to serve. May his dedication to duty, spirit of teamwork, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire colleagues and future generations of public servants in our beloved nation, Nigeria.

BY: KABIRU HARUNA
AD, Information and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Works.
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Alleged N7.8b Fraud: I Deposited Billions For Emefiele In Zenith Bank, Says Witness

The Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, Richard Agulu, in the trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday, July 7,2026, told Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that while he worked in Zenith Bank, he banked billions of naira in cash for Emefiele brought by his personal assistant, Eric Ocheme.
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The witness, a former staffer of Zenith Bank disclosed under cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN that he would usually lodge the sums in the accounts of Ifeabigo Integrated Services and Kelvito Integrated Services or deposit them in Zenith Bank’s vault, all on Emefiele’s instruction.

He further told the court that while he was with Zenith Bank, he was under Emefiele’s instructions, to receive cash from Ocheme and disburse them according to his instruction. Emefiele, he said, would usually convey the instructions to him through Ocheme’s phone.

The witness, who stated that he worked in the banking sector for 17 years, disclosed that the withdrawals made from the deposits he made for Emefiele into Ifeabigo Integrated Services and Kelvito Integrated Services accounts were authenticated by the real account owners and signatories, adding that he had verbal waivers from his superiors to attend to the transactions of the defendant.

“My lord, for every transaction, I followed normal banking transaction procedures. I followed the steps for cash deposition but there are different scenarios for different transactions. There are waivers for some certain customers who can bring cash into the bank. I was not given a written approval but I was given a waiver to attend to the transaction of the defendant which was verbal from my superiors. I cannot mention names. I don’t want to put somebody in trouble,” he said.

The witness further revealed that he supervised the transfer of N1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited on Emefiele’s instruction through his personal assistant, Ocheme.

Emefiele

Justice Halilu adjourned the matter till November 3,4,5, 2026 for continuation of trial.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on an eight-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery and unlawful possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime to the tune of ₦7,831,002,396 (Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-one Million, Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-six Naira).
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