Connect with us

NEWS

Obi Asks World Bank, Banks to Verify Anambra Debt Claims

Published

on

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has called on the World Bank and Nigerian banks to verify records relating to the debt claims made against his administration, insisting that the figures being presented by the state government should be subjected to documentary scrutiny.

Obi made the call during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while responding to the Anambra State Government’s claims over loans allegedly incurred during his eight-year tenure.

ALSO READ: 2027: Peter Obi Disowns OK Movement Campaign Council, Says ‘It Is Wrong’

The former governor specifically urged the World Bank to provide records showing the actual drawdowns from the facilities linked to Anambra, rather than relying on the total amount originally approved or contracted.

“Please publish these documents. I’m urging you, please. The World Bank is in Abuja; they can give you the history of the drawdowns,” Obi said.

He also challenged the relevant Nigerian banks to verify the financial records he said were contained in his 2014 handover documents.

“The banks mentioned here are Nigerian banks; you have access to their headquarters. Ask them whether this money was there,” he added.

Obi’s comments came amid a dispute over the Anambra Government’s earlier claim that eight external loan facilities associated with his administration had an outstanding balance of about N127.4bn as of June 30, 2026.

The state had linked the loans to projects in areas including education, healthcare, erosion control and malaria prevention.

The former governor disputed the presentation, arguing that approved loan facilities should not automatically be treated as money borrowed or spent if the funds were not actually drawn down.

He maintained that some of the funding arrangements involved Federal Government-backed concessionary financing and said the World Bank records could establish when the money was accessed.

The controversy has since shifted towards the actual amount drawn from some of the facilities.

Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, reportedly acknowledged during an Arise TV appearance that the government had not properly verified the amount actually drawn from a $123m facility before citing the larger figure. He said the government would seek clarification from the relevant authorities.

The development has added another layer to the disagreement between Obi and the Anambra Government over the state’s financial position at the end of his administration.

Obi has consistently maintained that he left office in March 2014 without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or certified contractor obligations, while the state government has continued to dispute aspects of his account of the state’s inherited liabilities.

NEWS

2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

Published

on

Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award

Published

on

Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.

She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.

Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”

In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”

Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.

READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC

In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy

Published

on

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.

“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.

He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.

“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.

 

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x