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Crime Ambassadors Of Nigeria (CAN)

Published

6 years ago

August 26, 2019

In a country where many citizens are obsessed with titles to enhance their social standing, a new tag – the Crime Ambassador of Nigeria (CAN) is fast recommending itself for conferment on Nigerians who have drawn international attention and opprobrium to the country, with respect to their involvement in trans-border crimes. And it would seem that the time has come for the formal conferment of such a title starting with deserving Nigerians like those 79 recent suspects of cybercrime in the US currently facing charges in that country’s courts over charges of swindling individuals, companies, charities as well as even churches of millions of dollars, with which they come back to Nigeria to live big without as much as a whimper from their communities over how they suddenly became super rich. According to some posts currently trending on the social media, many of these profiled individuals are seemingly ordinary Nigerian good time folks and regular toasts of their kith and kin as well as social circles.
Interestingly, such miscreants have been with us for a long time since the days when electronic processes in banking commenced around the world in the early nineties. Until then, banking fraud was restricted to local institutions as operations were manual and hardly would any untoward development spread beyond the gates of the bank. With the growth of electronic banking in the nineties, banking operations between individual banks and branches were progressively being synchronized as exchange of banking information, which traditionally were locally subjected to strict confidentiality, became increasingly facilitated with greater ease. But this transition came with a dark side as the bad eggs in the banks found it easier to falsify the now machine readable information, and exploit the system in collaboration with outside scammers. Hence, as the ease of transactions grew, so the liberty to swindle the system also expanded.
Older Nigerians will easily recall the days of ‘419’ in the early nineties when the swindling of foreigners by Nigerian ‘smart alecs’ was rampant with not a few of the culprits, making huge fortunes from the illicit activity and built financial empires that survive till today. They were named ‘419ers’ after Section 419 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code which deals with the crime of obtaining favours through deceit. However, if compared with the earlier day ‘419ers’, the present day fraudsters are light years ahead. The similarities between the two generations of fraudsters if any, go beyond the ways and means of operation. While the older generation depended on the now archaic fax machines that transmitted only data across telephone networks, the new age operators use the much faster and more efficient computer and internet.
Although the focus may be on Nigerians today, participation in internet fraud activities is not confined to Nigerians. The scourge of internet fraud is already a pandemic in the advanced countries where the exercise accounts for global losses estimated at $3 billion annually. Some may therefore be even inclined to see the participation of Nigerians as a mere scratch on the surface.
However, for this country, the increasing involvement of Nigerians in cybercrime especially on the international scale is more than the diplomatic scenario of poor representation of the country abroad by the culprits. In a more profound context, it imposes a negative value system on the growing and impressionable youth as it reinforces the mindset that easy money from crime is the way to go. When the fraudsters succeed in coming home with stashes of cash and spread same in a poverty ridden environment, it becomes difficult to preach any other sermon that runs on the dignity of hard work. The impact of such a syndrome is already incalculable in the Nigerian society as it accounts for the current apocalyptic escalation in crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and the ‘yahoo yahoo’ range of rituals-based, nefarious activities.
Today, the Nigerian society lies prostrate before the scourge of kidnapping for ransom, which has turned into a most lucrative business enterprise across the country. All categories of nationals are kidnapped daily for ransom with victims securing their release on the payment of various sums of money and occasionally with items in kind including food stuff and for ladies, sexual favours. The explosion in the crime of kidnapping in Nigeria has proved to outmatch the capacity of the security forces as even their personnel are not spared as victims.
Meanwhile, as the recent case of one Hamisu Wadume, the alleged kidnapper from Taraba State is revealing, the seemingly intractable nature of kidnapping and other heinous crimes in the country, enjoy in many cases the active collaboration of the very security operatives on whom the task of caging the culprits, rests. Wadume was reportedly earlier arrested in Ibi town in Taraba State, in the course of investigations into serial kidnapping cases by some crack police detectives. He was being conveyed to the Police base when soldiers – apparently acting in league with the suspect attacked the police officers, and killed some of them as well as injuring others.
Revelations from the ongoing investigations in the Wadume case clearly point to a wider malady of insider conspiracies between the wave of crimes and the criminals as well components of the security apparatus. It would therefore seem that the country’s fight against violent crimes needs to be targeted at discouraging the lure of easy money among the youths. And the earlier this is done, the better, as the lure to join the ranks of the CANs, is not growing.

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Fubara Restates Commitment To Peace, Development …Commissions 10.7km Egbeda–Omerelu Road

Published

2 weeks ago

December 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.

The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.

Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.

He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.

Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.

“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.

He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.

“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.

Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.

Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.

He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.

He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.

He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.

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Oil & Gas: Rivers Remains The Best Investment Destination – Fubara

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.

Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.

The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.

“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.

“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.

“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.

“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?

Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.

Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”

The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.

“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.

“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.

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Lady Fubara Lauds Rivers Women On Peace, Development

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.

Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.

She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.

“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.

“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.

“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.

The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.

She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.

“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”

“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.

“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.

The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.

In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.

Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.