Opinions
OKOWA AND EFCC: THE FACTS, THE FICTION, AND THE FAIRY TALE, By Olisa Ifeajika

▪︎Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa (2019-2023).
We have observed the desperate attempt by some dubious elements and a section of the media to malign His Excellency, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, over his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
With few exceptions, the media reports and commentaries have been mostly sensational, mischievous, and gross misrepresentations and distortions of the facts of the matter.
They fall far short of the journalistic standards of factual reporting, fairness, balance, and simple logic.
Most of these reports are riddled with outright lies, wild conjectures, and unverifiable claims, with the unmistakable diabolical intent to beguile and incite the unsuspecting public against Dr Okowa.
But you cannot pull down him whom God has lifted. Like previous failed attempts to drag Dr Okowa’s name in the mud, this renewed offensive against him by his traducers is an exercise in futility.
The Facts of the Matter
The first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa.
As is customary with the anti-graft agency, the former Governor was invited to answer questions relating to some petitions that were filed against him by some disgruntled elements.
Upon his return from vacation, and as a man with a clear conscience, Dr Okowa proceeded to the EFCC office in Portharcourt as requested.
The substance of the petitions was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80% stake in Premium Trust Bank.
He was also alleged to have diverted state resources to build housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels in Asaba, for himself.
Governor Okowa cleared himself of those allegations as the estate in Abuja is owned by a public figure.
The ex-Governor lives in his own private house in an estate in Asaba that is occupied by other residents who are home owners.
Similarly, the owners of the hotels in Asaba are persons known to the public and the EFCC, while Okowa has zero financial interest in Premium Trust Bank.
These are facts that are easily verifiable from the Corporate Affairs Commission and by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act.
The allegation that the former Governor allegedly diverted N1.3 trillion oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish.
This is just a rehash of the same spurious allegations that some malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced persons concocted while Governor Okowa was still in office.
These haters simply latched on to the EFCC invitation to launch a well-orchestrated propaganda, using their hirelings and hack writers in a section of the media.
It is obvious that these people, including their puppets in the media, are bereft of commonsense. Otherwise, how can anybody in his right mind allege that N1.3 trillion was diverted for personal use?
Are we to believe that Okowa’s administration did not pay salaries or execute a single project in eight years?
It will take an individual to appropriate an average of N16b every month for eight years to amass a whooping sum of N1.3 trillion as alleged.
The implication of such a scenario happening is that there will be no money to run the government or pay the salaries of the state’s almost 50,000 workforce.
Prejudice is a terrible thing, and those caught in its web, often develop a warped sense of reasoning.
For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of the public, we wish to bring to the fore some salient information from the audited accounts of the Delta State Government for the eight years that Okowa presided over the affairs of the state.
Total Revenue (FAAC, IGR, Other receipts) = N2.65 trillion Salaries = N628.5bn Pensions/Contributory Pensions/Social Benefits = N141.22bn
Overhead/Consolidated Revenue Charges = N489.83bn
Grants/Contributions = 107.88bn
DESOPADEC = N221.2bn
Internal Loans Repayment/Public Debt Charges = N200.38bn
FAAC Deductions for Loan Repayment = N150.63bn
Total Capital Expenditure = N729.2bn
Dr Okowa is a man of unassailable integrity and we welcome any honest attempt to investigate his eight-year tenure as we believe it will vindicate his exemplary stewardship of the state.
Among the flagship projects executed by the Okowa administration include the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, which recently won the Nigerian Institute of Architects award for Most Iconic Corporate Building in Nigeria, the Ogheye Floating Market in Warri North LGA, the 19.7km Obotobo 1 –Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou – Yokri coastal road in Burutu LGA, Maryam Babangida Film Village and Leisure Park Asaba, Koka Flyover in Asaba, and Asaba Storm Water Drainage.
The Warri Storm Water Drainage project, designed to tackle the perennial flooding in Warri and environs, was at advanced stage by the time
Okowa left office on May 29, 2023.
In road infrastructure, the Okowa administration constructed over 2,000 kilometres of roads (including bridges) and 1,400 kilometres of drains.
The administration established three new universities and six model technical colleges that have remained functional.
Of course, there were the novel youth entrepreneurship development programmes of the Okowa administration that saw thousands of youths become small business owners and employers of labour.
As a result, Delta was ranked the Best State in Human Capital Development in the 2017 states peer review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria. Furthermore, Delta State under his watch enjoyed peace and security.
UTM INVESTMENT
The insinuation that the state government’s investment in the first Floating Liquified Natural Gas project promoted by UTM, a private indigenous company in the oil and gas sector, is a phantom project is at best laughable and at worst disingenuous.
As a state rich in oil and gas, the administration of Okowa saw a viable opportunity in the project and, upon approval by the Delta State Executive Council and the House of Assembly, purchased equity in the company with N42.05b in two tranches of five percent and three percent.
The authenticity of this project is evidenced by the signing of the Shareholders’ Agreement between UTM, NNPC limited, and the Delta State Government on December 19, 2023.
Today, the state government’s investment has appreciated to at least N190.85 billion underscoring the wisdom and foresight of the Okowa administration.
CONCLUSION
It bears restating that Dr Okowa has nothing to hide. His governance of Delta State was marked by fiscal discipline, prudent management of resources, and excellent service delivery.
As a matter of fact, the state won World Bank awards in Overall State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (All DLIs), Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Efficiency of Public Expenditure, and Debt Sustainability.
Dr Okowa is a man of unassailable integrity and we welcome any honest attempt to investigate his eight-year tenure as we believe it will vindicate his exemplary stewardship of the state.
We know that the current campaign of calumny against Okowa is at the behest of unscrupulous politicians who see him as the biggest threat to their 2027 political aspirations.
Instead of engaging in lies and propaganda, we urge these persons to work at winning the hearts and confidence of the people.
Power resides in the electorate and they are the ones who determine who is to govern or represent them. Finally, we urge our media practitioners to always abide by the ethics of the profession.
They should not allow themselves to continue to be used by desperate power mongers whose stock-in-trade is to engage in political subterfuge, stoke the fires of hatred, and foment crisis in the polity.
Opinions
Buhari’s Death Abroad Reflects a Nation That Starves Its Healers by Dr. Adunmoye Ayoade

Former President Muhammadu Buhari died abroad, far from home, in a foreign hospital. His death, while solemn, is also symbolic.
It reflects a painful irony: the same country whose leaders refuse to invest in its healthcare system continues to starve its own healers.
Nigerian doctors and health professionals, the true lifeblood of the nation, are underpaid, overworked, and systemically ignored.
While political elites escape abroad for care, those who remain behind to hold the fragile system together are left to struggle in silence with little support and even less dignity.
The Nigerian health system is in a state of emergency, crippled by gross underfunding and a mass exodus of medical professionals.
While public hospitals deteriorate, political elites indulge in medical tourism, flying abroad for treatments that could be managed locally.
This is an insult to every Nigerian who has no choice but to rely on poorly funded public hospitals.
The masses bear the brunt of this collapse, facing endless queues, dilapidated infrastructure, and overworked doctors who themselves are victims of a broken system.
The “Japa” syndrome has led to the departure of thousands of our best healthcare providers due to inadequate pay, poor welfare, and lack of adequate security.
Those who remain are stretched thin and overwhelmed, expected to perform miracles under frustrating conditions.
Moreover, beyond exhaustion, many doctors feel frustrated, undervalued, and financially insecure.
A frustrated doctor can inadvertently become a dangerous one, not out of intent, but because the environment fosters mistakes, burnout, and emotional detachment.
Medicine may be a humanitarian profession, but using that to justify poor pay and welfare neglect is moral injustice at its worst.
The poor pay has forced many medical professionals to work at multiple hospitals, often to the detriment of their health and family.
Health workers in Nigeria deserve much more: better pay, housing, and car loans, opportunities for professional development, and mental health support.
These are not luxuries, they are critical investments in the nation’s survival and well-being. The masses, civil society organizations, and religious bodies should join the advocacy for this.
No country mistreats its health workers and thrives. A nation that cannot protect its healers is ultimately unfit to protect its people.
The fact that political elites chose foreign hospitals over local ones is a damning confession: they do not believe in Nigeria.
They do not trust the system they have created, nor do they care for the lives of the ordinary citizens they swore to protect. This is a profound betrayal that cannot be ignored.
In light of this disgraceful reality, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) must take urgent action. A bill should be sponsored to prohibit public office holders from seeking medical care abroad for any condition that can be managed in Nigeria.
Our leaders should be compelled to use the same system they oversee. If they can subject themselves to our justice system, they should do the same with our health sector.
Nigerians have internalized years of pain and disillusionment, and their reaction to the death of their leaders reflects the raw emotion of a people long abused and neglected.
If the time ever comes when Nigerians decide to channel their pain into action, history will not be kind to those who failed to act when they had the chance.
The ruling class cannot afford this, and hence the need for them to demonstrate patriotism and a genuine care for the masses.
Now that former President Buhari has been buried, we must also bury the years of neglect, poor remuneration, and systemic disregard for the welfare of our medical personnel.
Let his passing signal a new era where those who hold up our healthcare system are valued, respected, and adequately rewarded.
A reformed health system with good remuneration for its personnel is not a luxury; it is the foundation of a nation that values life, justice, and its people.
Contact email: princeayoade@gmail.com
Opinions
One Million Teachers (1MT) Sparks National Policy Conversation with Transformative Education Model
Let There Be Teachers” Conference is expected to gather over 60,000 teachers—the largest congregation of educators ever on African soil.

At a time when Nigeria’s education system faces unprecedented challenges, 1 Million Teachers (1MT) is offering not just hope—but a proven, homegrown solution.
With an ambitious vision to train and empower one million teachers across underserved communities, 1MT is redefining how education can transform society by placing teachers at the heart of national development.
Rooted in the belief that empowered teachers are the foundation of any thriving society, 1MT’s model has already reached over 100,000 educators across Africa. Its bold target?
One million teachers within five years—creating a ripple effect that will impact millions of learners and entire communities.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy Anchored in Innovation 1MT’s growth is built on five core pillars:
• Blended Learning: A hybrid training model combining online courses with offline community hubs for maximum reach.
• Gamified Teacher Development: The 1MT Blackbelt Program motivates teachers to grow through a merit-based, badge-earning system.
• Community Mentorship: Graduates become mentors, creating self-reinforcing networks of leadership and support.
• Strategic Global Partnerships: Collaborations with institutions like Queen’s University, HP, and Girl Rising extend 1MT’s footprint and credibility.
• Anchor Schools: Designated excellence hubs that serve as real-world laboratories for pedagogy and innovation.
The 1MT Village: Turning Vision into Tangible ChangeMore than just a campus, the 312-acre 1MT Village is a living, breathing demonstration of what happens when visionary thinking meets localised, Afrocentric action.
The Village serves as the “flywheel” of the 1MT mission—its engine room and proving ground.
• A Talent Pipeline: It houses the Centre for Teaching Excellence, Blackbelt educator residencies, the Green School, and a vocational institute—all designed to nurture future education leaders.
• A Regenerative Revenue Model: With businesses in agriculture, tourism, and cultural enterprise, the Village funds its growth sustainably.
• A Magnet for Global Collaboration: Donors, researchers, government officials, and major brands like HP and Mastercard Foundation are drawn to its tangible impact.
• A Policy Laboratory: The Village tests and demonstrates education reforms—from curriculum co-creation to budget simulations—grounded in local realities and teacher leadership.
As Nigeria seeks answers to its educational crisis, 1 Million Teachers are not waiting for change.
‘Let There Be Teachers’ Conference:
National Advocacy on a Global Stage Slated for September 20, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference is expected to gather over 60,000 teachers—the largest congregation of educators ever on African soil.
Aiming for a Guinness World Record, the event is more than symbolic; it’s strategic.
The conference will spotlight the 1MT Blackbelt Graduation—a celebration of master educators trained through the 1MT model—and push for policy reforms including:
• Teacher-led education ministries.• Increased education funding
• Higher entry standards for teacher colleges
• Curriculum design co-owned by teachers.
• Official recognition of October 5 (World Teachers’ Day) as a national holiday.
One Movement, Many Voices
The synergy of 1MT, the Village, and the Conference is no accident. Together, they form a powerful ecosystem:
• 1MT is the heart—training teachers with world-class tools.
• The Village is the body—housing the mission in a living curriculum.
•
The Conference is the voice—speaking truth to power and the world.
As Nigeria seeks answers to its educational crisis, 1 Million Teachers are not waiting for change.
It is building it—acre by acre, teacher by teacher, voice by voice.Let there be teachers. Let them breathe. Let them lead.
Opinions
Who Will Bell The Cat? By Emeka Monye
Whether we belong to one religious group, political party or ethnicity is inconsequential because the harsh economy is hitting hard on everyone.

The phrase “Who will bell the cat?” originates from a medieval fable about mice who decided to put a bell on a cat to warn them of its approach.
However, they realize that the difficult part is finding a volunteer to actually bell the cat.
The story is a classic fable that teaches a valuable lesson about courage, responsibility, and the challenges of implementing a good idea.
In modern usage, the phrase is often used metaphorically to ask who will take bold action or assume responsibility for a difficult or risky task.
In the story, a group of mice gather to discuss ways to protect themselves from a sly cat that has been terrorizing them.
One clever mouse suggests attaching a bell to the cat’s neck, so the mice can hear it coming and scurry to safety.
The plan seems brilliant, but when the mice are asked who will actually bell the cat, no one volunteers.
Here lies the challenge, everyone was scared of being the victim. The mice realize that it’s easy to propose a plan, but much harder to put it into action, especially when it involves risk.
This fable highlights the importance of considering the practicalities and potential consequences of a plan, as well as the need for courage and willingness to take action.
This is the reality we have found ourselves in modern day Nigeria.
Everyone is complaining, complaining and lamenting about the harsh economic and political disequilibrium, yet no one is bold enough or has summoned the gut to take charge and offer a real solution to the present socio-economic quagmire.
Every day on various social media, the ranting is hitting the high heavens, ceilings are being shattered and walls are being broken by people, mostly the common man, about the state of affairs in the country.
Unfortunately, and like the proverbial mice, no one seems to have summoned the courage to face the Intimidators of the large chunk of the people.
Many of those caught in this web of animal oppression have been divided along fault lines, including politics, tribe, ethnicity and worst of all, religion.
Whether we belong to one religious group, political party or ethnicity is inconsequential because the harsh economy is hitting hard on everyone.
Everyone is complaining, complaining and lamenting about the harsh economic and political disequilibrium, yet no one is bold enough or has summoned the gut to take charge and offer a real solution to the present socio-economic quagmire.
People are on a daily basis dropping dead, either by committing suicide or accidental, because they cannot afford the basic needs of life such as food.
While the political leaders have been fingered as the architect of this present economic circumstance, the reality existing among the followers who in this context can be likened to the mice, is that most of them have not been able to summon the courage to take action.
At best what we hear is false courage on social media, people hiding under pseudonyms to call on unsuspecting and naive Nigerians to go out and cause mayhem, yet these same faceless groups of people oftentimes turn around to betray the people’s trust.
And When groups or individuals in positions of power prioritize their own interests over the trust placed on them, it can lead to feelings of betrayal and disillusionment.
This phenomenon can be seen in various contexts, including politics, business, and social movements.
When leaders or representatives fail to uphold their responsibilities or act with integrity, it can erode trust and undermine the relationships between those in power and the people they serve.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to establish robust systems of accountability, transparency, and checks and balances.
This can help ensure that those in power act in the best interests of the people they serve and not make them live like the proverbial MICE seeking for a VOLUNTEER to bell the CAT
•Emeka Monye Is A Journalist And Works With ARISE NEWS
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