News
N11.45bn Enugu Smart Schools Project: Civil Society Group Indicts Sujimoto, Demands EFCC Probe
A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development (GGSMD) has accused Mr Sijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd, of allegedly misappropriating the over ₦11.45 billion meant for the construction of 22 Smart Schools in Enugu State.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of GGSMD, Comrade Godwin Erheriene, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
According to him, it was suspicious and fraudulent for the contractor to present a bond from Jaiz Bank for the project, only to later receive payments through a Zenith Bank account.
The statement reads, “This conference has become necessary given recent developments in Enugu State. If left unchecked, they will not only affect hardworking indigenous contractors but also tarnish Nigeria’s image before the international community.
“The persistent fraudulent activities carried out by Sijibomi Ogundele, owner of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd, have become alarming. If the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies fail to act, more Nigerians will continue to fall victim to his sharp practices.
“For clarity, on 2 July 2024, the Enugu State Government awarded Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd a contract worth ₦11,457,930,950.52 for the construction of 22 Smart Schools (buildings only), with a six-month completion timeline. The government also paid ₦5,762,565,475.25, representing 50 per cent of the total contract sum, to fast-track the projects.
“However, rather than adhere to the terms of the contract, Sujimoto delivered substandard work using unqualified engineers. None of the sites met structural specifications, and he eventually abandoned them. All government attempts to engage him failed, leaving the Enugu State Government with no option but to petition the EFCC.
“When a joint team from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the EFCC inspected the 22 project sites in May 2025, they confirmed that minimal or no significant work had been done, one year after the contract award.
“It is troubling that, while Sujimoto presented a Jaiz Bank bond, he used Zenith Bank account 1312731196 to collect and divert funds meant for the projects. This act demonstrates a clear intent to defraud the state from the outset.
“What could be more fraudulent than presenting Jaiz Bank as a bond while secretly using Zenith Bank to collect funds from the same transaction—without the knowledge of the Enugu State Government?
“We therefore call on the EFCC to ensure that every penny collected by Sijibomi Ogundele through Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd is recovered in the interest of the good people of Enugu State.”
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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