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AUXANO Foundation, Others Donor Identifies With Neglected Communities In FCT

Published

5 years ago

July 20, 2020

Despite huge investment and claim of judicious distribution of palliatives to the poorest of the poor in the FCT to cushion the effects of hunger, as the World experiences coronavirus pandemic, hope eventually came to two near-forgotten villages at the center of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Saturday as nongovernmental organization NGO under the aegis of AUXANO foundation, Fetes the inhabitants of the two villages with food items and clothing to put a smile on their faces.

Speaking to our Reporters the Convener stated that the Outreach with the themed “Charity Without Boundaries” was sponsored by a good-spirited Nigerian who preferred to be identified as Anonymous donor.

According to her, the Pandemic Communicate Project-3 was a progression from the previous outreaches done in Niger State in May and Kuchingoro IDP camp early this month. She thanks the volunteers and team who come from different professional backgrounds and sacrifice their time in active volunteering. She thanked them for their unswerving commitment in taking food and relief materials to where it’s most needed during these difficult and challenging times of COVID 19.

Dakwo village and Durumi 111/ Dubeina, are among the immediate villages which form the constituency of Honourable Micha Jiba of who is currently serving in the Ninth Assembly.

It was a pitiable atmosphere as indigent people scramble over bags of rice while lamenting of government total neglect in everything despite producing a member of parliament in the ninth

According to one of the senior village Chief at Durumi 111 Chief Philip Babawa, who represented the village paramount Chief of the village Chief Bawa Iya, during the visit, stated that over a decade now the villages have continued to experience horrible land grabbing from government officials and politicians at their ancestral home amidst developmental neglect. Mr. Babawa, however, indicated that the villages have since requested from government public health centers, primary and secondary schools, pipe born water but of no avail.

His words, what the village (Durumi 111/Dubeina) is battling now are this unnecessary encroachment on the village lands by land grabbers in connivance with the government officials. The impossible is about to happen because the primary school built by the village to educate her children has had its land allocated to a private buyer for the use of another business entirely instead of educating the children from the village”

Further speaking, when asked, Mr. Philip, made the visitors know that the village has explored all avenues to stop such invasion but all effort was of no avail as the allottee has already fenced the school to begin possible demolition and development.

This is our ancestral home and we will do everything to protect our land. You see, we are doing everything to engage the services of those to help us do the fight. And for what we are sure of, there has never been previously government resettlement policy within our community, so this kind of invasion is quite unusual and contrary to the way government resettle the inhabitants”

Further lamenting, the villagers, maintained its leadership has sorted for help from various agencies including the LEA primary education authority, headquarters to save the only school within the villages as well as FCDA but of no true substance to save the school. this is the school we built by ourselves before handing it to the LEA to ensure government funding. So the school built in 2002, has since over a decade funded by the government. Neither do we hear of the school to another location nor channeling our children to another”

Chief Philip, while stressing the plight of the people, largely emphasized on non-presence of primary health care, as the villagers depend on patent medicine dealers for health care, a practice he had condemned is shot of modern health care system, he also indicated could sometimes result to an improper medical procedure or self-medication. He said there has not been good portable water for the people, as the people rely on the manually dogged boreholes which are harmful to human health.

At Dakwo village, the associate Parish Priest of Dakwo Catholic Church, Rev, fr. Keneth Agwu, whose poor members of his church benefited on the same day, showered commendations on the AUXANO Foundation, on its effort to tilting their efforts toward giving to the poorest of the poor.

The act is highly commendable, for them to come here to alleviate people from hunger, and for what you can see people from the major religious setting are here collecting food items without discrimination. And it does not matter how small. A gift means what comes from one’s heart. But I believe that those who are not reached today should be patient as they are to be remembered next time”

While addressing the media officially during the long day exercise, the founder of NGO and the Chief financier, Dr. Grace Babajide, said that the primary aim of the voluntary organization is to extend love and care for the less privileged in the society.

According to her, the association drives its fund from donor agencies and individual donors who make contacts with the organization through the web.

The World is remembering the life and personality of Dr. Nelson Mandela of South Africa today, which lived an exemplary life. The donor saw the work we have done before across the states and the FCT through the net and decided to contact us to make donations. I can tell you that we are just a group of like minds who pull our individual resources together to fund the organization. For 8 years we have been carrying the boarding ourselves without a sponsor”

On the life span of the organization, the medical practitioner said that the vision is to ensure that the NGO becomes an international agency that can work with others in like manner.

According to her, the projection is to build the voluntary organization as a globally recognized charity organization, with its branches all over the world more especially the less privileged countries of the world. She said that for the target to be achieved that the NGO will sooner than later engage staffs whose wages are within the capacity of the organization.

Commenting on the infidelity challenges bedeviling the operation of non-organization NGOs, presently in Nigeria, Dr. Grace Babajide, insisted that the group is not oblivion of the scenario as such has brought the operation of some NGOs to a stop and extinction. She said, “That is why we are taking our time to put a formidable structure in setting up the voluntary organization to an international level. It is also with the fear that we do not want to be associated with or identifies with this dubious intention”

Also commenting, Rev. fr. Johnson Igor, a member of the NGO and immediate elder brother to the founder, remarked that identifying with the organization has remained a relief since the month of July remains memorable in the life of the family owing to the death of their father, who spent his little wealth with the less privileged while living.

The 4th of February each year has remained memorable in our life. It is the Month our father left this World. “My younger sister has wanted to live behind a legacy. My father was a man who brought people together through his meager wealth while living. As you can see I am a priest, we don’t even have basic salary though we have allowances since COVID 19, it has been on hold. What we are doing here is out of passion and again giving out food which is a fundamental element in life.

While admonishing well-meaning Nigerians to embrace giving as a spiritual exercise and thanking the anonymous donor of the items giving said that there are blessings from God whenever gifts are extended to the poor, which does not take much out of the rich ones in the society.

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Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

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