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RMAFC Earns Praise from FG for Resourcefulness

Published

6 months ago

April 29, 2025

…As Commission poised to review Revenue Allocation Formula and remuneration packages of political and public office holders

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has commended the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, for his proactive leadership and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 retreat for newly inaugurated Members of the Commission held in Uyo Awka Ibom State on Monday 28th April 2025 , the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by Ibrahim Natagwandu, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Public Debt and Revenue Mobilisation, lauded the Chairman for his efforts in engaging relevant authorities to enhance the capacity of the Commission to implement it’s mandate.

The vice President who also praised the Commission for organising the retreat said,”I commend the leadership of the Commission for initiating this engagement, which is timely, strategic, and in alignment with our administration’s vision for fiscal prudence, equity, and sustainable development. Let me also acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Chairman of the RMAFC, who has been actively pursuing improved funding to strengthen operational capacity, enhance data-driven decision-making, and ensure the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.”

In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno Bassey, warmly welcomed participants to the State and praised Dr. Shehu for his visionary leadership. Governor Bassey highlighted the importance of the Commission’s work in promoting inter-governmental collaboration and described the decision to host the retreat in Akwa Ibom as a testament to the State’s commitment to national development and fiscal innovation. He assured the Commission of Akwa Ibom’s continued support in all efforts to deepen fiscal federalism and strengthen economic management across the country.

While delivering his goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by Razaq Fatai, Head of Data and Analytics, underscored the critical role of RMAFC in repositioning Nigeria’s fiscal framework amidst global economic uncertainties. He emphasized the urgent need for a new revenue allocation formula that aligns with current economic realities, stressing that “A balanced and just formula is imperative for the effective delivery of public services and the deepening of democratic dividends.”

In his address, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Barr. Imarha Ogehnenyerowo Ruben commended the Commission’s commitment to promoting fiscal discipline, equity, and transparency.

He acknowledged the legal and operational challenges faced by the RMAFC . He, therefore, gave the assurance of the Federal Ministry of Justice’s readiness to provide necessary legal guidance and support to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness.

“Where there are constitutional ambiguities or statutory constraints, we stand ready to work with the Commission and the National Assembly to provide the necessary legal reforms,” he stated. Justice Fagbemi urged all participants to deliberate with openness and a strong commitment to national interest.

Speaking at the occasion , the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, praised the Commission for its far-reaching impact across federal, state, and local governments.

He noted that RMAFC’s work goes beyond federal boundaries, directly affecting grassroots development, and called for stronger legislative collaboration to support its initiatives
In his welcome address, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. M. B. Shehu, OFR, expressed his profound appreciation to all dignitaries and participants for honoring the Commission’s invitation to the retreat. He emphasized that the retreat was designed not only to familiarize the new Members with the Commission’s operations but also to prepare them to deliver efficiently on its constitutional mandates.

“We are custodians of the fiscal soul of the Federation,” he noted, “and history beckons on us to leave a legacy of transparency, diligence, and innovation.” Dr. Shehu reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fast-tracking the review of the revenue allocation formula and the remuneration packages for political and public office holders.

He further stated that the Commission was steadfast in promoting revenue diversification initiatives among the three tiers of government.

“We urge governments at all levels to invest in agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals development to expand their revenue base,” he said. Dr. Shehu assured that the Commission, under his leadership, would continue to support efforts geared towards enhancing non-oil revenue mobilization and fiscal wellbeing in line with the aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaze, who gave the vote of thanks at the end of the opening ceremony, expressed profound appreciation to all dignitaries, resource persons, and participants for gracing the occasion. He especially thanked the Vice President, the Executive Governors, Members of the National Assembly, and other stakeholders for their support.

“Your presence and contributions have greatly enriched our deliberations and reaffirmed the collective commitment to strengthen fiscal governance and intergovernmental collaboration in Nigeria,” Engr. Nwaze said.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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